Monday, December 15, 2008

Not Me Monday

It's Not NOT ME MONDAY once again!!  And MckMamma is NOT hosting an amazing contest with an amazing prize to benefit three amazing charities!  She didn't extend the contest until noon today, so this is not now the last day to get in on one amazing Mckcontest!
 
We are not heading into one of the busiest weeks of our year... the thought of how I am going to keep all these plates spinning does not overwhelm me for a moment.  Nope, Not Me.
 
I am always on top of my game.  (what game are we playing again?)  And I didn't write down the wrong date for the ONLY Christmas outing that I get to go to without children, and have uninterrupted adult conversation (and good food)... No, my friend didn't call me and say, "I thought you were coming"... and I didn't say, "I am"... and she didn't say... "it was tonight".  Nope Not Me.
 
I don't have the most amazing, sweet, funny, good sport Grandma ever!!
 
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She is Not 99 Years-Young, and this is Not her modeling a Lao Scarf, my aunt and uncle brought home from visiting my cousins who live in Laos...
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We didn't attend THREE basketball games on Saturday...
 
Lucas didn't play first at 8 am...
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That was not followed by Zach playing two games... that didn't result in them WINNING THE COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP!!  (Zach is #24)
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I am not totally proud of Zach and how hard he plays and the great player he is becoming!  I don't completely love watching him play!  Not Me.
 
I am not completely frustrated with my camera, and REALLY HOPING I win MckMamma's Contest, so I my perfectly timed pictures, stop turning out like this!
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If I don't win, I'm not seriously considering buying one.  Nope. Not Me.
 
I didn't spend the whole day in FW Christmas shopping on Friday... and I didn't get'er all done!  My mom didn't have J & K all day for me so I could go.  Nope.
 
I have not found the perfect place to hide the Christmas gifts.  They are not under the pile of dirty laundry.  And I am not absolutely certain that NO ONE in this house will find them there.  Maybe even me.  Nope.  Not Me.
 
I didn't buy more Bath and Body soap.  Because I am not stubbornly refusing to be defeated by a 4 & 5 year old!! 
 
Kiahna did not notice the new soap, and ask me if I had "got it at Walmart?"  I didn't remind her that it is not to be dumped!  And she didn't agree with me that she wouldn't ever do that again.  Uhg!!
 
Jadon and Kiahna didn't get into James and Zach's bedroom and write on their walls and alarm clock with black permanent marker...
 
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And even though I knew they wouldn't get it off... I didn't make them scrub the wall anyway...
 
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Someone didn't anonymously send a copy of Kevin Leman's book, Have a New Kid by Friday, home from school with Lucas this weekend... thanks, anonymous.  I haven't read the first chapter already.
 
Nope, Not Me.  Ever.  Really.
 
Pam

Friday, December 12, 2008

YOUR Gonna Miss This... Moment... Week 14

YGMT...moment 2

Here we are again.  So, what has you thinking this week?  What are you going to miss?  What are you choosing to treasure?  What are you sure that you won't miss, today, but you aren't so sure about tomorrow?  When it is gone.  I hope that you take the time to join me this week.  Many of us have been changed by taking these opportunities to think about how fleeting the time is... and choosing to treasure it.

I hope that you read the links of those who are joining me.  And leave them some comment love on their blogs!  Make sure if you are playing along that you leave the link to the EXACT post you want us to read for this carnival.  Not just a link to your blog.  If you have more questions read this post, or feel free to e-mail me.

So, as I sat pondering what to write about last night... I couldn't think.  There was James, teaching himself to play the electric guitar in his bedroom (which is in our basement, near our computer).  There was Leah, teaching herself to play the piano, in the basement, near my computer.  There were Jadon and Kiahna playing, loudly, behind me.  Lucas turned on a video game, again.  Near me.  Zach wasn't home.  Isn't it lovely when we can all be together as a family like that?

So, why did my head want to explode?  And my senses scream for silence!?! 

Will I one day hate how quiet my house is?  I know I will.  If only it could be bottled up and used in smaller increments, spread out over the years... 

So, I am choosing to treasure my noisy house.  I am thankful that my children are here with me.  That they are creative and exploratory.  And that they want to be near me.

I may buy ear plugs, or a good mp3 player to drown them out when I go into sensory overload... so I can just look at them playing their instruments, games, and wrecking havoc on my furniture... and smile.  Okay, maybe it will take more than ear plugs or good music. Perhaps I need a blind fold and a good sedative some days... but I want to treasure it... I do.

I know I am going to miss this. 

Pam

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Screen One.

I took Kiahna to get her testing done today by A/W services.  A county funded program. 

Let me back up though.  I also took her to CC preschool this morning, for the 4th time.  I realized this morning that leaving her there with the teacher is not going to happen any time soon.  The teacher won't be able to handle her on her own.  She has no helper.  And although A (our counselor) says and wants to help out, we didn't even see him there today.  He is the principal, teacher, and pastor at that school... Other things come up besides us.  Expecting him to be there to help Kiahna twice a week is not realistic.  As much as he would argue with me, and would want to be, it just isn't.  So, I realized and accepted that I would just be going with her, until further notice.  I don't mind.  I enjoy playing with the kids.  The teacher is noticeably able to be more effective in working with children as I take some and play with them while she works with others.  It will work.  Kiahna will get the much needed social interaction she needs, and I'll enjoy spending time with her.  It's fine.

I tried leaving the room for awhile today.  Kiahna seems to seek a reaction.  She looked (and saw) me out the window and walked over and put her hands on another child and pushed him.  (within 1 minute of me leaving the room) 

I'll have just to work in at least one other time each week that I can get a break.  Last week  I met for lunch and prayer.  I don't know when or how I will do Bible Study on Thursday mornings.  It will have to be another time.  I'll need to work some things out differently.  But it will be fine.

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So then we go to this testing.  I have already been told in advance, by our pediatrician Dr. F, and by the head lady at A/W, that Kiahna won't qualify because she is too smart.  So, I am doing this with no expectation.  Only to say that I did it.

Well.  Kiahna didn't pass the screening.

She passed on 5 of the 6 areas.  Failed the social area.  No surprise there.  When the lady (Lynette) added up the scores, the total said she didn't pass.  She was baffled and re added twice more.  Once aloud so I could help her.  She didn't have enough points to pass.

So this means she moves on to further evaluation. 

Before Lynette added up the scores she told me that she wanted to help Kiahna.  And that she was thinking in her mind "how can I help her".  She does not believe that the (state) guideline is a good one that keeps some kids out of getting help because they know their colors and numbers.  She told me that she "wears her heart on her sleeve for these kids, and really wants to help Kiahna".

She said that Kiahna's "education is being effected by her behavior, not her learning, but her 'education' as a whole"

Here is another thing.  The test is scored with the child either receiving a 2,1, or 0.  2 is pass, 1 is  1/2 pass, and 0 is fail.  Kiahna got all 2's or 0's except 2-1's.  So here is the thing, she knows the stuff.  She just either refuses or tunes out the teacher.  She will say, "No, I am not going to tell you".  Or she will slip into this talking to herself mode and not even realize that anyone is asking her anything (at least she appears to not realize it)

At one time today in the screening she told Lynette she was going to bite her.  (Lynette wrote that down).  Lynette also said that they would have to take into consideration the way things went at her first preschool.  And that could weigh into getting her into their head-start program.

Now, after Christmas she will go back. She will attend their head-start preschool for three days.  They will observe, evaluate, and make a decision as far as letting her stay in their program.

I felt relief.  Like maybe we would get help and it won't all fall on me (or my dad).  Maybe with this woman's help, AND A MIRACLE OF HEALING, she could learn to behave properly in school by the time she goes to kindergarten in a year and a half. 

It keeps getting brought up to me, the question of if she was drug exposed.  I don't know.  I am beginning to believe that she was.  As A was praying for her last week, he felt we should pray for healing of her brain.  He asked about the drug abuse.  Today, Lynette asked about drug abuse.

All wrapped into this is the fact that I am needing to face that my little girl is not the perfect child I ordered.   There is a grieving of sorts that goes along with that reality.  It's been going on for me for awhile, but today again it was heightened, and I had a lot of mixed feelings.  I am glad to get help, but I wish she didn't need it.  I never realized how hard it is to be a parent of a child that doesn't fit in the box.  It's giving me a new look on parenting, adoption, and special needs kids. 

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Of course I am asking you to pray.  Wisdom, Healing, Guidance, Direction, Hope.... Dear Jesus, HELP US.

As I type those words, I think... How many times have I prayed that simple prayer in the past 3 years?  Isn't it amazing that He does.  That He can.  That He will.  And He doesn't get tired of our simplicity.

I really believe He rigged Kiahna's test today to get her the help He wants for her.  That was my thought as Lynette was recounting the scores for the third time.

Lead the way... We are following YOU.

Pam

Can I just pour this out here?

Ready?  Ready to be poured on?  This may be a little messy...  sometimes I just need to get it all out...

I guess it has been a long while since I've while since I've let you get a good peek at what is really going on in my heart and mind, huh.  You are all probably just as busy as I am these days, and don't have time to read anyway!  So, I am sure you haven't missed it!

After the wedding stuff was over... Needed a nap!!  I woke up to the reality that Christmas is coming quickly and I am NOT at all, even slightly, remotely, ready to present gifts of any sort to my 6 children.  And I confess.  They need nothing.  But, this is what we do anyway.  And giving gifts with my kind of attitude isn't all that fun.  So as I run out of time for online shopping, and I have limited time to run to the big city stores (an hour away), and I don't have any desire to fight the weekend crowds... And they don't' really need anything... That whole, buy them all a candy cane and buy myself a new camera is looking better and better!!  Oh yeah, they are just getting caramel, soap, and toothpaste anyway right!?!

For the past 2 days I have stayed up till past midnight, and spent every waking moment trying to create a gift. After about pulling out my hair, ignoring my house and children, and getting only 5 hours of sleep the past two nights.  It's done.  It's beautiful.  They'll love it. 

Oh yes,  I did have some of HSSH's family over on Sunday.  It went well.  It was his sister and her daughter, Sam.  His brother and his wife, and their two boys, and Great Grandma.  My kids were thrilled.  We did turkey, and the whole 9 yards.  Leah helped much, and even the boys were a little better than their sloppy selves.  Of course J & K chose this time to dump the new bath and body Christmas soap down the drain.  And It sent me spiraling over an edge of overwhelm... For a while... Then I recovered.  And they spent some time in their rooms... For their safety.

The table set for dinner...

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James and his cousin, Sam...

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Me and Grandma...

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Wresting Cousins...

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My kids... sitting on each other... (James' girlfriend Alisen is the lucky one on the bottom!)

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Kiahna's new preschool is going well.  Her counselor is on deck to help.  And things are getting better.  This preschool is much more low key than her old one.  Much time is allowed for free play (activity, free play, activity, free play)  I think it might be just what Kiahna needs.  She needs to learn to play nice.  Get along.  Al the other stuff will come.  She is smart.

Our counselor told me last night that he sees much improvement in her.  Honestly, it's hard for me to see too much.  You know, when you are dealing with it 24/7.  But her fits are better.  And I am not calling grandpa to the rescue as much.  I have high expectations of how I want my kids to behave.  I wonder if I need to lower them sometimes?  Or if I am okay?

I heard Dr. Kevin Leman talking about his book Have a new kid by Friday,  I think is what it is called.  I should get it.  It sounds like a very helpful tool to reinforce what I have been attempting to do with natural consequences... But I admit.  I am tired.  And it sounds like a lot of work.  Can't they all just behave?

Jadon met with our counselor today.  I was reminded again of the true miracle that has taken place in this young man.  He is a different kid that I had a year ago.  And the battle has been worth it... It brought tears to the eyes of our counselor when he saw again how well Jadon is doing and acting.  That is so encouraging to me.

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Oh, yeah, Mr. Wonderful, AKA HSSH,  called today.  (it's been months)  Guess what?  He is going to try to re-enlist in the Army Reserves.  (Our counselor told me they don't take you after you turn 39, he just turned 38)  He needs original birth certificates and social security cards from me. 

Still smiling.  See me?? 

Of course.  He will have to pass a physical.  That would be a miracle.

He was full of all kinds of lame thoughts and plans that held no water, and had no dates attached to them for Christmas. 

Very, very sad.

I hope he gets in.  After all, it was all my fault he had to leave that dream job.  Let him go back and remember how that all was and how much HE hated it.  Maybe he will find some healing.

James said he thought he could respect Jim more if he joined the NG.  Interesting. 

James also bought an ELECTRIC GUITAR from a friend today.  :) 

Yes... This is me still smiling. 

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After Lana and Ben's wedding, I told God that I was really ready to be done with this whole HSSH thing.  I suggested to HIM that HE could bring me someone new and wonderful like HE had done for Lana... And just be done with all this crazy HSSH nonsense. 

Are you smiling?  God was.

I went to preschool with Kiahna on Tuesday after the wedding.  I was helping a little girl with a puzzle.  And she was getting frustrated and wanted to quit the puzzle.

I told her that she was doing good, and that she almost had it, and she shouldn't quit now.

WHACK!!

Tell me this happens to you?  My own words were the answer to my suggestion to God.

I can't say that I completely agree with HIM.  And I know I don't understand HIM.

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When Jadon asked they guy that I walked with in my sister's wedding, if he was going to marry his mom... We laughed.  But it was just the start.  Jadon wouldn't leave the poor guy alone.  The guy was clueless and tolerant of Jadon.  And my heart broke as I saw how desperately Jadon wants a dad.

Sigh.

God is amazingly providing for us financially through this Christmas.  My kids will be very well taken care of... If I can just work on my attitude and figure out what I am going to get them!!

Off to another day...sorry to have spilled this all over you like this... kind of looks like my house these days...  messy.  Oh well.

Love,

Pam

In His Grip of Grace I rest

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

So how did she know where you lived, Mommy?

As a trans-racial-adoptive family, I am keenly aware of the issues that my children and I face... sometimes, I would love to pretend we don't face them.  Sometimes, I think that I will never survive this with them.  Always, I end up back at the fact that the Grace of God is the ONLY thing that is going to get us through any of this... being adopted... growing up black in a white family... being abandoned by our dad/husband... being rejected repeatedly as the years go by and he chooses to ignore our existence... add to that all the "normal" things that growing up entails... yeah... pretty much only going to make it by the Grace of God.

Laurel @ I'm "Ghana" Adopt shared some very thought provoking thoughts about Trans-racial Adoption.  I appreciate her facing this tough subject. Her honesty, and her integrity.  Worth the read.

Somewhere, on someone's blog, the past weeks, I saw this video.  I found it very touching, and thought it very healing for my adoptive kids... not that they would "get it" now... but still...  It is Nate Huss... shut off the Christmas music on the sidebar and have a listen...

So, I am laying with Jadon this past week, trying to get him to take a nap... this is the conversation...

Jadon:  So, when I was a little, tiny baby.  Who was that lady who's tummy I was in?

Me:  T***a

Jadon:  Yeah, that one in that picture.

Me:  Yes.

Jadon:  Where does she live?

Me:  In South Carolina, I think.

Jadon:  So how did she know where we live?

Me:  She doesn't know where we live.

Jadon:  So how did she know?

Me:  You mean how did she find us?

Jadon:  Yeah.

Me:  There is a place called an adoption agency.  And she called the adoption agency and said, "can you help me find a mommy for my baby?  I can't take care of him and I need someone to help me."  They told her that they had a family that wanted a baby boy. And they called us, and we went to get you.

Jadon:  Oh.  Okay.  (Roll around... wiggle... roll around some more...)

Me:  (praying for healing over my son... and for healthy understanding of adoption.)

Jadon:  Would you get out of my room?

Me:  No, Jadon, I am staying here with you.

Jadon:  I don't want you here.

Me:  That's okay, I'm still staying.

(5 minutes later)

Jadon:  I love you.

Me:  I love you too.

Pam

Monday, December 8, 2008

Not Me Monday

It's Monday once again... time for some honest therapy with  MckMamma and 100's of her cyber friends! 

Kiahna didn't pour caramel syrup into her and Jadon's chili soup at lunch this week.

Kiahna and Jadon didn't create a concoction of milk and play dough... and I didn't spend much time cleaning it up off the carpet, magazine rack, or end table... it was not another impromptu cleaning of my living room... which is not how I normally get my house cleaned.

Kiahna and Jadon did not empty 3 bottles of Bath and Body Christmas soap into the sink. For fun.

I didn't totally lose it when they DIDN'T do that... and have to scream at the top of my lungs... put them in their rooms to get away from them... and think about how I could get these too little sweeties to earn their keep around here... Nope. Not Me.

I have not explained to my afore mentioned 4 and 5 year olds that Santa WILL be spending her dollars on soap, caramel, more soap, toothpaste (see last week's Not Me Monday post)... and NOT on TOYS this Christmas!!

Kiahna did not explain to the old ladies at the nursing home we visited that "naughty girls do not get ponies and care bears... they get soap for Christmas" 

Nope.  None of that Happened. 

No one ever smuggles kittens into our house.  Because I am allergic to cats.  So they wouldn't bring them in.  Nope.

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Leah did not have 55 hair pins in her hair for my sister's wedding!  I didn't have 24.  Nope, Not me.

Leah did not make 2 kinds of muffins, baked pears, and an apple pie for our meal on Sunday... Nope.  She also didn't express that she didn't understand why they called the apple-peeler-corer-slicer-thingy "Pampered Chef"  because she was NOT feeling very pampered...

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Zach's friends (all girls) did not T-P our house... twice... in one night... when it was 15 degrees outside.  With snow.  Nope. 

And I don't think that it is absolutely beautiful outside these days...

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Pam

Friday, December 5, 2008

YOUR Gonna Miss This... Moment... Week 13

YGMT...moment 2

So, sorry if you had your moment all posted and I didn't write last week!  Feel free to link it up this week (to link up twice) if you posted last week, we wanna see!! 

This week I am going to write about something I am missing... my grandpa.  I posted recently about the miracles of the last two weeks he was on earth with us.  A time full of miracles... a time... like my mom said at Thanksgiving... that changed us all forever.  He passed away just this past March.. so this is our first holiday season without him.

I missed him at our Thanksgiving... I missed him at my sister's wedding... I thought about what he would have said, had he been there, and been healthy.  I didn't think of it in a wishing him back here, suffering, and enduring the pain of old age, kinda way... I thought of it in a when he was healthy and mobile and able to attend things a few years back type of way...  and I knew he would be sweet, and kind, and would have loved to see his Lana-Banana-Bulldozer-Banizer (sorry Lana!  I just had to say it!) be so happy.  I think he would have cried... he was just gentle and sweet that way... in his older years.

This was him and Kiahna last Christmas...

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We miss you Grandpa... as happy as we are that you are in Heaven with your Jesus and your Clara Mae... we still miss you here with us...  We love you.

Now that we are crying again... what about you... do you have something to share with us?  A moment that you want to capture in time and treasure?  If you've never played along, you can read the original post and the rules here.

Pam

Love to my bloggy friends...

I am feeling just a tad guilty.  I wish I had the time to visit everyone's blogs in my "followers" box... and present awards to each one.  I really wanted to... does that count?  I am sure if you are a blogger you understand how much time that would take.  To do all the links?  To read all the posts.  As much as I want to.  I can't keep up!! 

So, this post is going out to all of you in my follower's list.  I am amazed that you want to hear what little 'ole me would say about anything!  And I am blessed beyond measure by your comments!  Thankyousomuch!!

I am sure you all already know this... because I am sure you are all just as addicted to MckMamma, and her little children, Big Mac, MckNugget, Small Fry, and MckMuffin... as I am.  But she is raising funds for some incredible organizations by selling raffle tickets for a prize package that is absolutely incredible!!!  The Rebel Without for a Cause raffle is going on now!  Check it out!

I must confess. I am seriously thinking of selling my camera on e-bay and getting myself one of these!  Whoo!  Where were you last year when I was camera shopping!  I am so wanting one of these for Christmas!!!  I am sure all of my children would understand perfectly if I just explained to them that Mommy is the only one getting a Christmas present this year... here have a candy cane.  Yeah.  Sounds like a plan I could live with.

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I had a really awesome experience last week (was that just last week?)  Listen to this... one of the guys I graduated high school with is married to one of my blogging friends!  A friend sent me their update e-mail a while back.  I e-mailed them.  They e-mailed back. They started reading my blog.  Then I encouraged his wife to start her own blog. She did!  We have become fast blogging friends!  From ENGLAND!!  Last week they came here to visit family (read all about it on Carol's Blog).  One of the things they wanted to do while they were here in Indiana visiting for a short time, was meet me in person!!  Isn't that cool!!

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We had a wonderful breakfast at Richard's, Shawn, Carol, and I!  No kids!!  Oh, and thanks again for breakfast!  Now, go over to Carol's blog and read about their amazing opportunity to live in England for a few years... and tell her and I how young and beautiful we both are!!  Grab that Honest Blogger award Carol!

The internet is just wonderful!  (sometimes!!)

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A special shout-out to to some of my new blogging friends... mommato4wife2r I've been blessed by our similarities... and the fact that she has survived what I am enduring.  Oh, and that she is just as weird and honest as I am!  So, I bestow the Weird, Honest... and yes the scribbler awards to her!  Yes, all three.  She deserves them.  Go check out her blog and see why!

My fellow sojourner (loving spell check again). Cheryl, over at "The Perch" has blessed me lately.  Her and I are walking out very similar paths.  We have been spending some time chatting online, and it is an encouragement to me to have someone in the same shoes to walk with.  Prayers and blessings on you Cheryl and your family.  Go ahead and take the Honest and... whatever that "P" word was that was really cool and I still can't spell... awards.

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Like I said, I wish there was time to link to all your blogs!  And pass out all the awards... you all deserve them!  How about this!?!  Leave me a comment telling me which award you can relate to the most, and I will give you that award!  Sound like a plan!?!  Oh, and if you can't figure out what in the world that "P" word is, maybe we should come up with an award "I flunked vocabulary in the 6th grade" and I could give myself that and you could join me!  Anyway, is is a cool award and it has a neat meaning, and a beautiful picture to go with it!  ;)

Pam

Thursday, December 4, 2008

'roun the house...

Time for another edition of 'roun the house... 

Winter and Cold has officially set in around here... we are enjoying our wood burning stove... it is so toasty! 

I am not particularly enjoying sending my 17 year-old son out the door on dark, slippery, snowy mornings... with his three siblings in tow... off to school.  I think mom's should be the ones to call school delays... don't you?

James:  Not spending near enough time on his school work.  Spending too much time with his girlfriend.  (and I don't even want to hear anything about how I was!!)  Why do you think it scares the bagebers out of me!  He has clearance from the orthopedic doctor to not use his cast, to dive, and to flip-turns in swimming... but then again... did he really need that?  He had already been doing that for a couple weeks anyway!  And then he wonders why it hurts... hum... I don't know?  Perhaps jumping off of things is not wise?  Just a guess?? 

Zach:  He is working on his grades.  Working on his basketball skills (4 and 1 now!)  And of course constantly laying out all the reasons why he needs a cell phone of his very own... he has put his name on my cell phone in the texts... so if I text you and it says "zach"... ya, know... we do look alike!

Leah:  Seems to be doing well.  Of course loved dressing up for Lana and Ben's wedding!  She did manage to get through Monday with that hair-do!  She counted 55 hair pins when she took it out!!  55!!  No wonder she was complaining about it hurting!  She slept on 55 pins twice!  She is looking forward to wearing the dress again in a couple weeks when the middle school holds is Christmas Formal Dance.  (remind me to get that dry cleaned!)

Lucas:  He's just my joy!  Never gives me grief... oh, unless he forgets his homework at home... who could complain about that... when he listens and does what I ask!  Works hard and does his best in school!!  I am treasuring that!!

Jadon:  Things are going well for Jadon these days.  SO GLAD!  Last night in counseling, I told our counselor that it is just a miracle!  He drove me crazy every waking moment less than a year ago... and now he is pretty much your above average 5 year old!   God has done a major healing work in this boy's life!!  MAJOR!

Kiahna:  Well... we are praying for one of those Major miracles of healing here too... I did take her to a new preschool this week.  I didn't leave her there though.  I stayed.  It went okay.  I think it will work.  But, I still feel like I am grappling in the darkness for ways to help her... normal things don't seem to work.  We need Miracles!  She will be getting tested next week by the county.  And we still wait on the waiting list for other testing.  Keep praying with me for miracles... answers. 

On Sunday we are having some of my ex-husband's family over.  Kinda a long, hard, hurtful story.  The family is very broken, with many painfully broken relationships.  One of HSSH's sisters called me and wanted to get together.  Another of my sister-in-laws, I have a good relationship with and we do things often, wanted to get together too... so I am going to have them here.  Kinda strange.  And I hope that it doesn't make a damaged family worse... None of us have chosen for it to be this way, just trying to make the best of a bad thing.

We haven't heard from HSSH in so long.  In so many ways it makes my life so much easier.  Yet, I know it hurts our kids.  Nothing I can do.  It will be hard for them not to hear from him over the holidays... I dunno...

Thanks for all your kinds words and prayers.  Always needing them.  Always...

Pam

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

And the award goes to... ME!!

I've been a very busy blogger lately... one of the things that I have just had to cut out of my schedule is time spent on my computer!  Visiting blogs and writing on my own blog...

But, some very sweet ladies have blessed me with some awesome awards!  And this post is to accept these awards and let you know who is out there being so kind to me!!

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I have been given the Superior Scribbler Award by Lori at My Livin' Part of Life.  Lori is a great commenter, she is also a HUGE country music fan!  She is always posting songs she likes... she has some beautiful Christmas music playing on her blog these days... worth the trip over to hear!!  Thank you Lori!  (I am going to steal it!!)

But, I believe she got me confused with my children... they are the superior scribblers...

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Oh dear me... this award is called... the Weirdness Award... gee there is not a picture to go with this award... perhaps I will use this one...

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Yes, that works... Stacy who writes over at 4evermom gave me this fabulously, weird award... and my instructions are to write seven weird things about myself... um.  Can't do it.  Nothing weird ever happens around here. And we are all perfectly normal people.  Yup.  That's right.  Normal.

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From Weirdness to words I can't even pronounce!!  (I AM NOT WEIRD!)

The Proximidade award is given to me by, Lori, of I'm No Super Mom.  I love her blog title, don't you? 

These are the qualifications of this award...

This blog invests and believes the PROXIMITY - nearness in space, time and relationships!

*These blogs are exceedingly charming.
*These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends.
*They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement.

Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers! Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly written text into the body of their award.

I am amazed by that honor!  High qualifications!  Thanks!

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The next award is the Honest Blog Award... you know me.. honest... except for that Monday post thing.. not so much...

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Katarina at Rambunctious Joy! gave me this wonderful award!  I am supposed to say 10 honest things about me...

1.  I had a horrible time spelling rambuntious, rabuntious, rambunctious. 

2.  This award came at the perfect time.  I was considering telling you all the truth about me.  This reminded me that I needed to keep some things secret.

3.  I am totally jealous of Katrina's pictures on her blog!

4.  I am having a horrible time spelling jeleous, jelaous, jealous too. 

5.  I love spell check.

6. I have spent all afternoon (after a trip to Wal-Mart, and a nap) catching up on my blog. 

7.  I am still not caught up.

8.  I'll never be caught up.

9.  I am weird.

10.  I am honest.

11.  I still don't know what Proximade, proximidade is... nor can I spell it.

12.  I just broke the rules... again.

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I know there were more awards... I know they were awhile back.  I know I am a poor award receiver/giver.  (but, hey, I'm honest and weird about it, and some other word, that I still don't know about!... and my kids... they are great scribblers...  yeah...)  So, if I missed your award, you probably quit reading my blog, because I was so rude... I'd love to make it up to you!  Leave me a comment telling me how you gave me this award long ago, and I completely ignored you... (I am good at that, just ask my kids who are being ignored as I type and they trash my house...)

Thank you everyone! 

Pam