When he arrived in our home January 30, he was 5 months old, 13 pounds and failure to thrive. I instantly fell head over heals in love with this sweet baby boy. Even Dominique, who swore if I brought any more children into this home he would run away, has fallen in love with the babe. Right along with everyone else.
Well folks, here is a testimony to what a little bit of loving and a lot of God's gentle touch in a little persons life can do to turn a situation around. Our babe is now 10 months old, I took him in today for a check up, he weighs 22 pounds now, you heard me...22!! He is still lagging a little behind others his age but the doctors are totally blown away with his progress. Those words brought such joy to my heart. When the little guy arrived he was so lethargic, and could not even hold his head up. Now, he is so full of life and even has developed a bit of an attitude. Yes, indeed he knows life is all about him. Some days it is more evident than others, that God in his infinite wisdom created me to be a mom. I may not be good at anything else but being a mom blesses my soul.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
something to think about....how many diamonds are lost??
MY HEART
Never take someone for granted
Hold every person close to your heart
Because you might wake up one day
And realize that you've lost a diamond
While you were too busy collecting stones.
Never take someone for granted
Hold every person close to your heart
Because you might wake up one day
And realize that you've lost a diamond
While you were too busy collecting stones.
medals,tournaments, and awards
While I was in NJ,the kids received their awards in church. Samuel was made an Honor rainbow and received the Noah's Ark badge for scripture memory work. Elijah and Isaiah both received medals for Royal Ranger of the Year for their classes. All three boys have moved up to the next level class. New uniforms, new badges to earn, new verses to memorize. Amaris will be in her class one more year. Madison has 2 more in her class. So neither of the girls received awards this time around.
Also, while I was in NJ, Elijah had an award ceremony for baseball. All the boys on his team received a medal. Second place for the tournament is pretty good I think. He swears he will play for the Yankees one day....we will see. Funny thing about Elijah, Baseball is his 'first favorite' sport.
here is our conversation the day before I left for NJ.
mom: Elijah mommy is going to sign you up for flag football, you will play on Christian's team.
Elijah: oh
then he leaves and I hear him crying under Isaiah's bed.
mom: hey buddy why are you crying?
Elijah: I don't want to quit baseball to play football, baseball is my first favorite thing to do.
When I finally got him to understand that every sport has its own season he was quite happy to be signed up for football. Funny boy.
Tonight was the night for Isaiah's golf tournament but because of the heavy rains and storms we have been having for the past 24 hours it was postponed until Monday night.
This was a small relief to me because I am still not feeling well after my trip and sitting in a golf cart holding the baby cheering him on *(silently of course) was definitely not on my top 10 list for the day. I am sure I will feel better by Monday.
Also, while I was in NJ, Elijah had an award ceremony for baseball. All the boys on his team received a medal. Second place for the tournament is pretty good I think. He swears he will play for the Yankees one day....we will see. Funny thing about Elijah, Baseball is his 'first favorite' sport.
here is our conversation the day before I left for NJ.
mom: Elijah mommy is going to sign you up for flag football, you will play on Christian's team.
Elijah: oh
then he leaves and I hear him crying under Isaiah's bed.
mom: hey buddy why are you crying?
Elijah: I don't want to quit baseball to play football, baseball is my first favorite thing to do.
When I finally got him to understand that every sport has its own season he was quite happy to be signed up for football. Funny boy.
Tonight was the night for Isaiah's golf tournament but because of the heavy rains and storms we have been having for the past 24 hours it was postponed until Monday night.
This was a small relief to me because I am still not feeling well after my trip and sitting in a golf cart holding the baby cheering him on *(silently of course) was definitely not on my top 10 list for the day. I am sure I will feel better by Monday.
Rear view mirrors
Rear view mirrors are meant for viewing things behind you when driving a vehicle. It is funny how some objects become metaphors for life. We all have rear view mirrors in our lives, some views are fantastic, some are beautiful, comforting loving views. Others are painful, regretful and the whole 'what if' game begins to play in your head.
No matter what you may be seeing in your rear view mirror the important thing to try and remember is that it is what it is, you can't go back in time and change things for the better. You can't go back and erase the pain, you can't go back and relive the wonderful. You can use the rear view mirror of life to strengthen your character and make you into a new creation. Be a better you than you were when the rear view was the front view. Embrace the view from all directions. Use it to learn stretch and grow you into a better, more loving person than you were before you looked into the mirror. If you can't be strong enough to grow from the view then maybe you should quit looking in the mirrors of your life.
No matter what you may be seeing in your rear view mirror the important thing to try and remember is that it is what it is, you can't go back in time and change things for the better. You can't go back and erase the pain, you can't go back and relive the wonderful. You can use the rear view mirror of life to strengthen your character and make you into a new creation. Be a better you than you were when the rear view was the front view. Embrace the view from all directions. Use it to learn stretch and grow you into a better, more loving person than you were before you looked into the mirror. If you can't be strong enough to grow from the view then maybe you should quit looking in the mirrors of your life.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
An update of sorts.
The baby: we are now in the waiting phase of the appeal process. We should get the final word on adoption sometime in the next couple weeks.
Samuel: What a struggle. I have never had such a difficult time figuring out how to deal with attitude and behavior. I am beginning to wonder if there isn't something else going on with him that is interfering with his ability to obey. Maybe going to school in the fall will help. I have placed this issue in God's hands. I only hope he gives me some wisdom in this area before I lose what is left of my mind.
Amaris: The summer bug has surely bitten this sweet little one on the butt. I don't know where the bossy butt attitude came from. She has gotten a wee bit big for her britches lately. We are working on mouth issues and how to treat our brothers and sister.
Elijah: Just finished his base ball season. His team made it all the way to the tournament this year. They won their first tournament game and moved onto Saturday games. Unfortunately they lost that one. What a season they have had. His team has some good developing talent. The boys play really well together. He is struggling as the family 'informer' translation tattle tale. Ok, that drives me nuts. I am beginning to feel like Mrs. Piggle Wiggle searching for cures of these childhood ailments.
Isaiah: Had his last golf lesson of the season Monday night and will play in the tournament Thursday night. He has really enjoyed lessons this year. He also had VERY good news at the hospital in May. I know I have been awful at updating. I just have been in a deep funk lately and not felt like communicating with anyone in the last several months. I will try to get better.
NO SURGERY THIS SUMMER. YEAH! We are very excited about this. His cyst has stabilized so we will continue to monitor the situation as we have been and keep up with all his therapy, Dominique is so good at working with him. ALSO....Isaiah has actually grown 2 inches in the last year. A total miracle since the last we were told was a year ago and he was done growing. So, we get to wait. And this time folks....I am OK about the wait. All things considered, God is beginning a miracle healing in my boys body and I am believing for the completion of that miracle. Please believe with me and carry him to the throne when you pray.
Madison: Has had a rough start to her summer. However with our support and God's gentle hands upon her she will be OK. I wish I could tell all she has been through but....that would not be a good idea. Just pray for her, she has a long road of healing in front of her. But, the good news is her future is looking a bit brighter.
Dominique: Graduated....boohoo! Turned 18, got a tattoo, what else is there in life for a young man? But seriously, he is doing really well. Looking forward to college, Boo Hoo again! He and I just returned from an amazing trip back home to New Jersey. We had many good times and will cherish every moment shared with family and friends from a lifetime past. we stayed with my brother Nathan and his girlfriend Sun. It was so good to spend time with them too. The wedding was incredible. I hope to have some pictures soon.
The only bad thing I can think of from the entire trip is Sunday, my hip started bothering me again and today after flying it is really hurting alot. I do not want to go back to the doctor...shots??? I DON'T THINK SO!!! I will wait it out as long as possible before I call the old Doc!
That is the quick fast and in a hurry version of the update from here. Thanks for stopping by.
Pray.......
Samuel: What a struggle. I have never had such a difficult time figuring out how to deal with attitude and behavior. I am beginning to wonder if there isn't something else going on with him that is interfering with his ability to obey. Maybe going to school in the fall will help. I have placed this issue in God's hands. I only hope he gives me some wisdom in this area before I lose what is left of my mind.
Amaris: The summer bug has surely bitten this sweet little one on the butt. I don't know where the bossy butt attitude came from. She has gotten a wee bit big for her britches lately. We are working on mouth issues and how to treat our brothers and sister.
Elijah: Just finished his base ball season. His team made it all the way to the tournament this year. They won their first tournament game and moved onto Saturday games. Unfortunately they lost that one. What a season they have had. His team has some good developing talent. The boys play really well together. He is struggling as the family 'informer' translation tattle tale. Ok, that drives me nuts. I am beginning to feel like Mrs. Piggle Wiggle searching for cures of these childhood ailments.
Isaiah: Had his last golf lesson of the season Monday night and will play in the tournament Thursday night. He has really enjoyed lessons this year. He also had VERY good news at the hospital in May. I know I have been awful at updating. I just have been in a deep funk lately and not felt like communicating with anyone in the last several months. I will try to get better.
NO SURGERY THIS SUMMER. YEAH! We are very excited about this. His cyst has stabilized so we will continue to monitor the situation as we have been and keep up with all his therapy, Dominique is so good at working with him. ALSO....Isaiah has actually grown 2 inches in the last year. A total miracle since the last we were told was a year ago and he was done growing. So, we get to wait. And this time folks....I am OK about the wait. All things considered, God is beginning a miracle healing in my boys body and I am believing for the completion of that miracle. Please believe with me and carry him to the throne when you pray.
Madison: Has had a rough start to her summer. However with our support and God's gentle hands upon her she will be OK. I wish I could tell all she has been through but....that would not be a good idea. Just pray for her, she has a long road of healing in front of her. But, the good news is her future is looking a bit brighter.
Dominique: Graduated....boohoo! Turned 18, got a tattoo, what else is there in life for a young man? But seriously, he is doing really well. Looking forward to college, Boo Hoo again! He and I just returned from an amazing trip back home to New Jersey. We had many good times and will cherish every moment shared with family and friends from a lifetime past. we stayed with my brother Nathan and his girlfriend Sun. It was so good to spend time with them too. The wedding was incredible. I hope to have some pictures soon.
The only bad thing I can think of from the entire trip is Sunday, my hip started bothering me again and today after flying it is really hurting alot. I do not want to go back to the doctor...shots??? I DON'T THINK SO!!! I will wait it out as long as possible before I call the old Doc!
That is the quick fast and in a hurry version of the update from here. Thanks for stopping by.
Pray.......
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Something to ponder....
A GOOD FRIEND OF MINE SENT THIS TO ME IN AN E-MAIL TODAY. ALTHOUGH I HAVE NOT FELT UP TO BLOGGIONG LATELY. QUITE HONESTLY I HAVE HAD LITTLE NICE TO SAY SO RATHER THAN OFFEND I HAVE CHOSEN TO TAKE A BREAK. THIS HOWEVER, IS WORTH READING!!!
I WILL BE BACK IN BLOGVILLE SOON....I HOPE, WHEN I HAVE A PEACEFUL HEART AND SOMETHING NICE TO SAY.....UNTIL THEN THANKS FOR STOPPING BY.
What a difference a sad event in someone's life makes. GEORGE CARLIN (His wife recently died...) Isn't it amazing that George Carlin - comedian of the 70's and 80's - could write something so very eloquent...and so very appropriate.
A Message by George Carlin: The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness. We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things. We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less. These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stock room. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...
I WILL BE BACK IN BLOGVILLE SOON....I HOPE, WHEN I HAVE A PEACEFUL HEART AND SOMETHING NICE TO SAY.....UNTIL THEN THANKS FOR STOPPING BY.
What a difference a sad event in someone's life makes. GEORGE CARLIN (His wife recently died...) Isn't it amazing that George Carlin - comedian of the 70's and 80's - could write something so very eloquent...and so very appropriate.
A Message by George Carlin: The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness. We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things. We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less. These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stock room. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...
Friday, May 16, 2008
A little late for Mother's Day
I love love love this poem, I found it several years ago. This poem speaks to my heart. I hope it speaks to yours. There have been some very important women on my journey who have helped me to become the woman I am today...although I am still a work in progress, aren't we all?
Praise to the Women on my Journey
by:Rev.Melissa M. Bowers
To the women on my journey
Who showed me the ways to go and not to go,
Whose strength and compassion
Held up a torch of light and beckoned me to follow...
To the women on my journey
Who showed me how to live and not to live,
Whose grace, success and gratitude,
Lifted me into the fullness of surrender to God...
To the women on my journey
Who showed me what I am and what I am not,
Whose love, encouragement and confidence,
Held me tenderly and nudged me gently...
To these women I say bless you and thank you
From the depths of my heart
For I have been healed and set free
Through your joy and through your sacrifice.
I am grateful for the blessing you are to me....
Praise to the Women on my Journey
by:Rev.Melissa M. Bowers
To the women on my journey
Who showed me the ways to go and not to go,
Whose strength and compassion
Held up a torch of light and beckoned me to follow...
To the women on my journey
Who showed me how to live and not to live,
Whose grace, success and gratitude,
Lifted me into the fullness of surrender to God...
To the women on my journey
Who showed me what I am and what I am not,
Whose love, encouragement and confidence,
Held me tenderly and nudged me gently...
To these women I say bless you and thank you
From the depths of my heart
For I have been healed and set free
Through your joy and through your sacrifice.
I am grateful for the blessing you are to me....
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Dominique's updates
Notice the shades on top of his head....and of course the one thing I did not argue....he has his sneakers on instead of dress shoes!Dominiques returned from Atlanta as scheduled.He learned ALOT about who his father really is.....lets just say I am so glad I let him go now instead of waiting until he could make all his own decisions. He and I have had several really good talks since he has been home. He is more focussed on life goals and more in tune to the people around him. Don't get me wrong he was never a bad kid who ignored everyone or an aimless wanderer. I thiknk he got a new perspective on his life and it was a good thing.
He is now house sitting for my mother who is on a missions trip through her church in Spain. I think he kind of likes his new found freedom and it is a good practice run for the fall.
Saturday Dominique and I spent the ENTIRE day at Grand View College. He took placement exams, toured the campus and dorms, took some seminars about life on campus and the MANY clubs and organizations one could get involved in, we accepted his award package and now have to decide how to pay for the balance of his school bill, went to an ice cream social, the book store, got his new ID made and registered his car.
What a long day. It started out a little 'iffy' he was kind of in a bad mood, but that slowly changed as the day went on. He even joined the Art Club. I was very surprised at that but also very happy.
After we had to stop at the store real quick then flew like crazy to try and make Kodi's open house. We arrived as they were about to leave, I'm so happy we made it before they were gone. He said he had a good turn out and a fun day!
I think I just about have everything lined up for Dominique's open house. Yesterday I finally felt like it was coming together. One trip to the party store, one trip to Sams or Costco, and bake a cake and a ton of cookies and we will be all set. I got all the 'carnival foods' figured out. IS there anyone out there who is good at face painting? I think that would be fun for kids to do!
OH!
The best well maybe not the best part of everything but definately ranking high up on the list.
Dominique decided on his own to buuy a nice pair of pants, a nice shirt, and are you ready?????He also bought a tie!!
Yup! I was so very proud of him. He looked so handsome at church May 4 when we had the Senior recognition and reception. You should have seen him!
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