Picking out a new little brother!

I am thinking that as we have talked to the boys about adoption that maybe we left out a few details.  They have been told that children who are adopted typically do not have parents or their parents cannot take care of them. This is a common topic in our house since we know so many people in the adoption process.  Of course, the boy’s Aunt Leslie and Uncle Brandon are adopting from Korea right now, making the topic even more talked about.  (you can follow their story here www.1lessorphan.com) 

As we are leaving church today, Carter runs over to the infant room and is checking out all of the babies.  Followed by Maddox, they began discussing which little boys they like.  This is followed by them saying “Mom, can we have this little baby?”.  Of course I proceeded to tell them that little boy already has a mom and dad that love him and we cannot just take him.  I don’t really think they liked that answer.  But Mom, he is waving to us and smiling at us. 

I love their sweet spirits and innocence, even if they wanted to kidnap a little brother

Goals, April Update

I am not a big fan of resolutions, they always seem to be forgotten about and usually not accomplished.  However, I do have a few goals I would like to post, mostly so that I can remember them and have a little accountability.  I also intent to do monthly progress updates.

Financial–We need to pay off medical bills and a debt for Josh’s motor (whatever went out on his truck before the transmission)!  So, these debt totals are a little over $3,000.00.  That is going to mean paying about $260.00 a month on these debts to have them paid off by the end of the year.  This is going to be a huge struggle for us with our tight budget.  I am excited to see how God is going to allow us to accomplish this through him, since financially, we cannot do this alone! 

UPDATE: From a medical/truck debt of $3,100.00 on the 1/1/11, a goal debt of $2,840.00 to an actual debt of $2,500.00!!!  Yay for month one, thank you Lord for you faithfulness to provide. 

Feb. UPDATE:  New debt amount is $2,400.00.  Not a good month   Although, we are still lower than our goal debt of paying $260 a month thanks to January.  Praise the Lord, Josh is actually getting overtime, so I am hoping March is a good month!!

March UPDATE:  New Debt Amount is $2,100.00 We paid a little over our goal of $260 a month, so I am not going to complain.  I do wish this was a quicker process though.  Oh well, staying strong. 

April UPDATE:   I like this one!  OK, from March we had $2,100.00, now our new total is $1,600.00!  So, we are another $500 down.  We had a tiny amount of help from a very small tax return.  So, Josh’s truck debt is officially paid off!  Now to finish these 2 medical bills! 

House-We are possibly going to need to purchase a dryer this year.  I am praying ours holds out, but it is not looking good.  Possibly we can repair it, but who knows!  I would also somehow like to get a new deck or at least have ours repaired so that we don’t have nails everywhere, rails falling out, and the thing is barely attached to the house at this point.  It’s a bit scary.  We have always dreamed to have a bigger deck with stairs that go to the back yard for the kids, but it has never been a financial priority.  Now, it is a bit of a hazard.  However, this too is a God goal, because it’s not in our budget!

Update:  Well, the back deck is still about to fall off, the dryer still works terribly, and now our dishwasher is not looking good either.  Oh well, we will make do with what we have for now!

Feb. Update–nothing new

March Update-nothing new except after the storm Monday our deck looks a bit more like it’s about to fall off, lol. 

April-Nothing new…

Reading-I intend to read 24 books this year.  I have never been much of a reader.  Actually, I have never really enjoyed it that much.  I guess school does that to you?  So 2 books a month, here we go!  Oh, and I am also GOING to read through the Bible!  The Chronological Bible, I am keeping up so far and thrilled about actually accomplishing this goal I have started too many times and not finished!  Oh yeah–I plan to get the 24 books I am reading for FREE!!!

Reading Goal Update:  I have read “Lady in Waiting”, “Sun Stand Still”, “The Dragon and the Turtle” (yes I am counting new children’s books too!), and the first 31 days of my chronological Bible (which I LOVE!)  So, 3 books down, at least 21 more to go in 2011, I cannot wait for my next book to arrive!!

Feb. Update-Still reading Secure Daughters, Confident Sons!  Up to date on my Chronological Bible, and Bible Study Book, Boundaries with Kids. 

March Update-AYE-I finally finished Secure Daughters, Confident Sons-review coming soon.  I really need to read more books!  I also enjoyed reading Corduroy with Carter tonight.  I love the Books from Birth Program!

April Update- It’s embarrassing how much I am slacking here!  I am keeping up with my chronological Bible Study, but I have not even had time to think about reading lately.  I really want to at least write my review for SDCS from March, and then maybe getting a new book will motivate me…who knows!

One more goal.  It’s interesting because we need to get out debt to accomplish our dreams in life to glorify God’s kingdom and live the life we know God has in store for us.  That being said, Josh and I both are planning to go on a mission trip this year!  We, again, cannot accomplish this alone!  Obviously, we don’t have the funds to do this.  So, let’s see where we are led in this part of our lives! 

Praying hard for this goal to become a reality!!!

Feb. Update-PRAYING!

March Update-PRAYING!  I am not one to be a jealous person.  I am not very materialistic.  I do not desire to have the latest clothes or cars or jewelry, or much of anything.  I am however finding myself feeling jealous of all of my friends going on mission trips.  I really want to go! 

April Update–Still praying for this!!

Of Course what are goals without a little eat healthier and exercise!  I am not making any specific goals in this area, just to be healthier.

I am sooooo excited to see what God has in store for our family in 2011.  I honestly cannot believe I am even putting these goals in writing, much less posting them for anyone to see!  I just read “Sun Stand Still” and it was a book that makes you remember how big God is, how faithful he is, and how we have to pray and believe and follow simple ordinary steps and watch God do the “extra”.

Appreciation for the Simple Things in Life

This morning, my sweet Maddox crawled in to my bed at 5:05.  Although I was certainly NOT ready to be up, I am so thankful that the Lord gave me the grace and energy to spend some sweet time with my son.  For a 3-year-old, Maddox is quite a conversationalist.  We had the best time laughing, talking, snuggling, giggling, and just being together.  Having 3 small kids, it isn’t always easy to give each of them their own time. However, I have to make this time a priority with each of my boys.   Because it is so precious!

2011 Goals, March Update

I am not a big fan of resolutions, they always seem to be forgotten about and usually not accomplished.  However, I do have a few goals I would like to post, mostly so that I can remember them and have a little accountability.  I also intent to do monthly progress updates.

Financial–We need to pay off medical bills and a debt for Josh’s motor (whatever went out on his truck before the transmission)!  So, these debt totals are a little over $3,000.00.  That is going to mean paying about $260.00 a month on these debts to have them paid off by the end of the year.  This is going to be a huge struggle for us with our tight budget.  I am excited to see how God is going to allow us to accomplish this through him, since financially, we cannot do this alone! 

UPDATE: From a medical/truck debt of $3,100.00 on the 1/1/11, a goal debt of $2,840.00 to an actual debt of $2,500.00!!!  Yay for month one, thank you Lord for you faithfulness to provide. 

Feb. UPDATE:  New debt amount is $2,400.00.  Not a good month   Although, we are still lower than our goal debt of paying $260 a month thanks to January.  Praise the Lord, Josh is actually getting overtime, so I am hoping March is a good month!!

March UPDATE:  New Debt Amount is $2,100.00 We paid a little over our goal of $260 a month, so I am not going to complain.  I do wish this was a quicker process though.  Oh well, staying strong. 

House-We are possibly going to need to purchase a dryer this year.  I am praying ours holds out, but it is not looking good.  Possibly we can repair it, but who knows!  I would also somehow like to get a new deck or at least have ours repaired so that we don’t have nails everywhere, rails falling out, and the thing is barely attached to the house at this point.  It’s a bit scary.  We have always dreamed to have a bigger deck with stairs that go to the back yard for the kids, but it has never been a financial priority.  Now, it is a bit of a hazard.  However, this too is a God goal, because it’s not in our budget!

Update:  Well, the back deck is still about to fall off, the dryer still works terribly, and now our dishwasher is not looking good either.  Oh well, we will make do with what we have for now!

Feb. Update–nothing new

March Update-nothing new except after the storm Monday our deck looks a bit mor like it’s about to fall off, lol. 

Reading-I intend to read 24 books this year.  I have never been much of a reader.  Actually, I have never really enjoyed it that much.  I guess school does that to you?  So 2 books a month, here we go!  Oh, and I am also GOING to read through the Bible!  The Chronological Bible, I am keeping up so far and thrilled about actually accomplishing this goal I have started too many times and not finished!  Oh yeah–I plan to get the 24 books I am reading for FREE!!!

Reading Goal Update:  I have read “Lady in Waiting”, “Sun Stand Still”, “The Dragon and the Turtle” (yes I am counting new children’s books too!), and the first 31 days of my chronological Bible (which I LOVE!)  So, 3 books down, at least 21 more to go in 2011, I cannot wait for my next book to arrive!!

Feb. Update-Still reading Secure Daughters, Confident Sons!  Up to date on my Chronological Bible, and Bible Study Book, Boundaries with Kids. 

March Update-AYE-I finally finished Secure Daughters, Confident Sons-review coming soon.  I really need to read more books!  I also enjoyed reading Courdaroy with Carter tonight.  I love the Books from Birth Program!

One more goal.  It’s interesting because we need to get out debt to accomplish our dreams in life to glorify God’s kingdom and live the life we know God has in store for us.  That being said, Josh and I both are planning to go on a mission trip this year!  We, again, cannot accomplish this alone!  Obviously, we don’t have the funds to do this.  So, let’s see where we are led in this part of our lives! 

Praying hard for this goal to become a reality!!!

Feb. Update-PRAYING!

March Update-PRAYING!  I am not one to be a jealous person.  I am not very materialistic.  I do not desire to have the latest clothes or cars or jewelry, or much of anything.  I am however finding myself feeling jealous of all of my friends going on mission trips.  I really want to go! 

Of Course what are goals without a little eat healthier and exercise!  I am not making any specific goals in this area, just to be healthier.

I am sooooo excited to see what God has in store for our family in 2011.  I honestly cannot believe I am even putting these goals in writing, much less posting them for anyone to see!  I just read “Sun Stand Still” and it was a book that makes you remember how big God is, how faithful he is, and how we have to pray and believe and follow simple ordinary steps and watch God do the “extra”.

Spring Break!

We have had the best week, and I so grateful for much-needed time with my awesome boys! 

We started Saturday by spending the day at the soccer field watching the Schell kids rock in their soccer games.  Then we went for a milkshake treat and to feed the ducks in Hendersonville.  As mentioned on facebook, Maddox fell in the water head first!  Praise the Lord Josh caught his foot so he didn’t fall completely in because one of us (um, Josh) would have had to go in after him lol. 

 Sunday we went to the zoo.  I was bummed the new train ride wasn’t working, although they began advertising it weeks ago!  However, the kids still had a blast and feeding the birds was great fun!  Kyson had his first carousel ride, he was not amused

Monday, we took the Schell kids bowling and to Taco Bell.  For 6 kids 8 and under, they all did awesome!  Baker won the bowling game! 

Tuesday we met Aunt Ramona and family at the Civic Center for some swimming.  Well, I actually went grocery shopping with Kyson and Josh took Maddox and Carter.  The kids LOVE going there and had an awesome time!

Wednesday began with drs appnts for Maddox and Kyson.  3 yr check up for Maddox went great. He is just over 90% for his height and just over 50% for his weight.  Dr. Hudson said although he is not proportionate, he isn’t concerned about him.  Kyson is just over 95% for his height and just over 85% for his weight.  During hs check up he discovered Kyson had a terrible ear infection   Glad we went because I had no idea!  After check ups, I took the kids to the Landskron’s house so I could get some things done for an evaluation at work next week.  Miss Morgan and Miss Adreanna are the boys babysitters and they also have 3 younger brothers so the boys were in heaven there.  Of course they didn’t want to go home   Then, I took the boys to ride the Music City Star to Nashville.  It was fun.  Very entertaining for $5!  Of course it was only cheap because the boys were free and Josh picked us up in Nashville so we only rode one way.  Maddox’s face was soo sweet!  He was so excited.  Wednesday was a busy day!

Thursday we picked Grandmother up at the airport and brought her home.  She forgot her house key in CO so the boys got to watch the locksmith open the door, which they thought was cool.  Then we went to lunch at O’Charleys and took mom to get her rental car.  We went to the outlet stores in Lebanon to look for outfits for the boys to wear to Aunt Anna’s wedding on May 1st.  I think we found something that is going to work!  The big boys spent the night with Grandmother, although Maddox fell asleep on the way home and slept all night  

Friday we mostly just played outside.  It was a gorgeous 80 degree day!  The boys played on the swingset with just their shorts on, and I became increasingly frustrated with the neighbors rose-bush that scrapes the kids legs when they swing. We could move the swingset, but it is bolted down and has a sand box, not fun!  Also, according to the person we purchased our home from, it’s all our property AND we asked if it was ok before we put the swing set there!  Oh well, we like our neighbors and we will work it out somehow.  I am still confused about why they planted a random rose-bush in the middle of the yard anyway, it’s an odd location!

So, a wonderful week for us!  Pictures to come!

2011 Goals, February Progress

I am not a big fan of resolutions, they always seem to be forgotten about and usually not accomplished.  However, I do have a few goals I would like to post, mostly so that I can remember them and have a little accountability.  I also intent to do monthly progress updates.

Financial–We need to pay off medical bills and a debt for Josh’s motor (whatever went out on his truck before the transmission)!  So, these debt totals are a little over $3,000.00.  That is going to mean paying about $260.00 a month on these debts to have them paid off by the end of the year.  This is going to be a huge struggle for us with our tight budget.  I am excited to see how God is going to allow us to accomplish this through him, since financially, we cannot do this alone! 

UPDATE: From a medical/truck debt of $3,100.00 on the 1/1/11, a goal debt of $2,840.00 to an actual debt of $2,500.00!!!  Yay for month one, thank you Lord for you faithfulness to provide. 

Feb. UPDATE:  New debt amount is $2,400.00.  Not a good month   Although, we are still lower than our goal debt of paying $260 a month thanks to January.  Praise the Lord, Josh is actually getting overtime, so I am hoping March is a good month!!

House-We are possibly going to need to purchase a dryer this year.  I am praying ours holds out, but it is not looking good.  Possibly we can repair it, but who knows!  I would also somehow like to get a new deck or at least have ours repaired so that we don’t have nails everywhere, rails falling out, and the thing is barely attached to the house at this point.  It’s a bit scary.  We have always dreamed to have a bigger deck with stairs that go to the back yard for the kids, but it has never been a financial priority.  Now, it is a bit of a hazard.  However, this too is a God goal, because it’s not in our budget!

Update:  Well, the back deck is still about to fall off, the dryer still works terribly, and now our dishwasher is not looking good either.  Oh well, we will make do with what we have for now!

Feb. Update–nothing new

Reading-I intend to read 24 books this year.  I have never been much of a reader.  Actually, I have never really enjoyed it that much.  I guess school does that to you?  So 2 books a month, here we go!  Oh, and I am also GOING to read through the Bible!  The Chronological Bible, I am keeping up so far and thrilled about actually accomplishing this goal I have started too many times and not finished!  Oh yeah–I plan to get the 24 books I am reading for FREE!!!

Reading Goal Update:  I have read “Lady in Waiting”, “Sun Stand Still”, “The Dragon and the Turtle” (yes I am counting new children’s books too!), and the first 31 days of my chronological Bible (which I LOVE!)  So, 3 books down, at least 21 more to go in 2011, I cannot wait for my next book to arrive!!

Feb. Update-Still reading Secure Daughters, Confident Sons!  Up to date on my Chronological Bible, and Bible Study Book, Boundaries with Kids. 

One more goal.  It’s interesting because we need to get out debt to accomplish our dreams in life to glorify God’s kingdom and live the life we know God has in store for us.  That being said, Josh and I both are planning to go on a mission trip this year!  We, again, cannot accomplish this alone!  Obviously, we don’t have the funds to do this.  So, let’s see where we are led in this part of our lives! 

Praying hard for this goal to become a reality!!!

Feb. Update-PRAYING!

Of Course what are goals without a little eat healthier and exercise!  I am not making any specific goals in this area, just to be healthier.

I am sooooo excited to see what God has in store for our family in 2011.  I honestly cannot believe I am even putting these goals in writing, much less posting them for anyone to see!  I just read “Sun Stand Still” and it was a book that makes you remember how big God is, how faithful he is, and how we have to pray and believe and follow simple ordinary steps and watch God do the “extra”.

Snuggle Time

I love my “snuggle buggle time” with the boys in the mornings.  Carter has an alarm clock in his room and he knows he is not allowed to come out before it says 6:00.  So, most mornings at 6:00 on the dot, Carter bursts into our room happily shouts “It’s 6 o’clock!”  I am often curious how long he sits and watches the clock before it turns to 6. 

Anyway, this morning after his loud entrance, he climbed up in the bed and I gave him a hug and a kiss and we snuggled.  I asked him what he wants to be when he grows up; he quickly replied “a teacher and a dad”.  I was intrigued by his answer, he said “I want to teach like Mrs. Denise (his pre-school teacher) but I don’t want to teach little kids, I want to teach big kids”  He went on to say “I want to get married and have 1 girl and 7 boys”  Um, wow, better find a wife that wants 8 kids, lol.  He went on…”I think I am going to have my kids and I will buy them one cat and three dogs, we will name the cat Ben 10, one dog Ben 10, and one kid Ben 10.”  Ben 10 is a cartoon character that Carter likes to watch on television.  I loved our time this morning because Carter was so talkative and so confident about what he wanted with his life.  Of course I am sure this will change a million times over the next several years.  However, it is always fun to listen to and document these sweet conversations.  I love my boys, and I really love this snow day with my family.

Petition against cutting funding for afterschool programs

Considering I work for an afterschool program, I am a slightly passionate about what I do.  It is very important that funding not be cut for after-school programs.  I have seen how vital these programs are for parents who have to work, for parents who cannot help their children with their homework, and for kids to develop social skills.  Please take a minute to go sign this petition.  After you have signed the petition, you can type a letter that will be e-mailed directly to your congressman/woman.  http://www.afterschoolalliance.org/petition/

January Progress for 2011 Goals

I am not a big fan of resolutions, they always seem to be forgotten about and usually not accomplished.  However, I do have a few goals I would like to post, mostly so that I can remember them and have a little accountability.  I also intent to do monthly progress updates.

Financial–We need to pay off medical bills and a debt for Josh’s motor (whatever went out on his truck before the transmission)!  So, these debt totals are a little over $3,000.00.  That is going to mean paying about $260.00 a month on these debts to have them paid off by the end of the year.  This is going to be a huge struggle for us with our tight budget.  I am excited to see how God is going to allow us to accomplish this through him, since financially, we cannot do this alone! 

UPDATE: From a medical/truck debt of $3,100.00 on the 1/1/11, a goal debt of $2,840.00 to an actual debt of $2,500.00!!!  Yay for month one, thank you Lord for you faithfulness to provide. 

House-We are possibly going to need to purchase a dryer this year.  I am praying ours holds out, but it is not looking good.  Possibly we can repair it, but who knows!  I would also somehow like to get a new deck or at least have ours repaired so that we don’t have nails everywhere, rails falling out, and the thing is barely attached to the house at this point.  It’s a bit scary.  We have always dreamed to have a bigger deck with stairs that go to the back yard for the kids, but it has never been a financial priority.  Now, it is a bit of a hazard.  However, this too is a God goal, because it’s not in our budget!

Update:  Well, the back deck is still about to fall off, the dryer still works terribly, and now our dishwasher is not looking good either.  Oh well, we will make due with what we have for now!

Reading-I intend to read 24 books this year.  I have never been much of a reader.  Actually, I have never really enjoyed it that much.  I guess school does that to you?  So 2 books a month, here we go!  Oh, and I am also GOING to read through the Bible!  The Chronological Bible, I am keeping up so far and thrilled about actually accomplishing this goal I have started too many times and not finished!  Oh yeah–I plan to get the 24 books I am reading for FREE!!!

Reading Goal Update:  I have read “Lady in Waiting”, “Sun Stand Still”, “The Dragon and the Turtle” (yes I am counting new children’s books too!), and the first 31 days of my chronological Bible (which I LOVE!)  So, 3 books down, at least 21 more to go in 2011, I cannot wait for my next book to arrive!!

One more goal.  It’s interesting because we need to get out debt to accomplish our dreams in life to glorify God’s kingdom and live the life we know God has in store for us.  That being said, Josh and I both are planning to go on a mission trip this year!  We, again, cannot accomplish this alone!  Obviously, we don’t have the funds to do this.  So, let’s see where we are led in this part of our lives! 

Praying hard for this goal to become a reality!!!

Of Course what are goals without a little eat healthier and exercise!  I am not making any specific goals in this area, just to be healthier.

I am sooooo excited to see what God has in store for our family in 2011.  I honestly cannot believe I am even putting these goals in writing, much less posting them for anyone to see!  I just read “Sun Stand Still” and it was a book that makes you remember how big God is, how faithful he is, and how we have to pray and believe and follow simple ordinary steps and watch God do the “extra”.

“Lady In Waiting” Book Review

Susan Meissner is now a favorite author of mine!  I didn’t want to put this book down.  Watching as the lives of 2 ladies unfold and seeing how their lives were intertwined, although they lived decades apart, was enthralling.  The mix of truth and fiction was perfect.  I loved just imagining that this story could be true.  The relationship between Lady Jane Grey and Lucy Day was exciting and intriguing.  Reading this book, I felt like I was watching them mature and grow up.  The life of Jane Lindsay was like that of so many others in our current world. You see families struggling with divorce and the possibility of divorce entirely too often.  Reading how they realized that they had the ability to control their lives, and they could make decisions and also had to live with the consequences was like watching them take control of their lives.  I would recommend this book to anyone male/female, middle school age and up.