Our Noelles

I took this last night in an impromptu moment. :) They were having a last snack before bedtime.
I just love how they came together when I said, "Photo time!" LOL

I cannot say enough about how wonderful each and every one of them are doing. :)
I am so proud of each of them.
Life changes are not easy for anybody, yet they have ALL stepped up to the plate and hit home runs.

Someday, these little ladies, just like our sweet sons will be grown and have families of their own.
The time is so short.   It seems like yesterday that our oldest son Chuck, was playing with his huggies box and eating 2 jars of food for each meal.... Our second son Tim, was finally sucking on a bottle at 6 months,
our 3rd son Joseph,was finally potty trained, our 4th son Marc, layed a log on the carpet and covered it up with a paper towel so I wouldn't notice.... LOL
That Anna announced that "She had no idea what she was going to wear" on her first morning home, that Sarah, gave Anna  a bloody nose for "taking the covers" on her second day home, that Erika said, "bye bye Ukraine" and made me cry tears of joy, and now, that Alli said, "I love you Mom and Dad!"

We cherish each moment..... so many wonderful memories.  So much to look forward to.
Nite Nite Big Men, Nite Nite Little Ladies..... Nite Nite all my children. :)

SUCCESS!!!

 Stetson: A Cataloua Leopard Cattle Dog- He is very calm and had a tender disposition. He is 1 year old

 

Guess:

 He is a Border Collie Mix.  He was a little more active, but he is just 9 months old.

He was VERY SWEET nature and seemed eager to please for a treat.

Any Name Ideas are welcome:  The first name the girlies came up with is Spot.

We went to the dog shelter today after returned Mr. Duke back from his doggie field trip. :)
Last night I went online and located 5 potential dogs not far away at a different shelter.  So off we went. 
In my previous post, I mentioned about the near nuclear meltdown yesterday over  getting a dog, so today, BEFORE we went into the shelter.... I explained very clearly:

When we go into the shelter, I expect young ladies to behave like ladies. I expect that you will be kind and respectful and THEN we will look at a few dogs. We are going to be patient and see each dog separately and then we will look if there are any more we should look at.  I want you to remember that there is a CHANCE we will NOT get a dog today if we don't find the right one.
I CAN PROMISE YOU however, if there is any acting out, or unpleasant behavior, we will have to leave and come back another day, so you can be in control.... Do you understand what I am telling you?
"Yes"..... Can you repeat back to mommy what I am expecting from you?  YES..... "You want me to be kind and respectful.  You want me to not get mad if we don't find a dog."
That is right! READY!!! YES!

And we all went into the shelter.   They were all perfect little ladies.  We visited several dogs and everybody agreed on which two dogs to get.

THEN...... a potential upset happened.  We can't pick the dogs up until Tuesday because they both need to be neutered.  So, I looked at Miss Alli and let her know...... She smiled and said, "That's ok, I understand."  GOOD GIRL!

And with that, we signed all the papers and we will go to visit them on Sunday Afternoon with Daddy. :)
Stetson is a Cataloua Cattle Dog and Woody is a Black and  White Border Collie Mix.
We are so excited!
So PROUD of her keeping it together! YEA!

Our First Big Conflict

Today, while Erika and I went to get her legs worked on..... fitting problems......
Daddy took Anna, Sarah and Alli to pick out a dog. 
Alli's comfort is all wrapped up in an animal right now. 
We made it VERY CLEAR, this dog would be an outside dog. It would need to be able to blend in with animals, and be friendly.....

Well, the dog daddy really wanted to pick, won't be ready until Monday. It was just turned in.  The other dog was a fence climber and roamer, and then there was a dog named DUKE.  Duke is a Jack Russell Terrier mix.  He is nice, and was given on LOAN for the night, as Alli's anxiety was way up wanting to bring something home.

We have another shelter to look at tomorrow. They were closed today. The lady was VERY UNDERSTANDING and allowed us to take the dog home for the night.

Well, the first thing he did was tear all the tail feathers out of the first chicken he saw. LOL
Alli knew he could not be an outside dog, and she began to negogiate with daddy to MAKE him an inside dog.
She was very upset and angry.  Daddy was gently talking with her when Erika and I arrived home... and then we both sat down with her to talk.
We reminded her of the "outside dog" rule.  She began to exclaim with hand motions and all, "HE CAN'T STAY OUTSIDE< HE'LL KILL THE CHICKENS! 
I said, that is correct... that is why he is just visiting. :)
She said, "HE CAN'T GO BACK! HE"LL BE SAD!"

So we said, "Alli, IF YOU REALLY love animals like you say you do, then do you REALLY think this is the best home for Duke?  He has a history of biting small children and he would have to be put away when relatives visit.  Do you think Duke would be happy in such a small play area? He won't be able to mix with the other animals....
We asked her to take some deep breaths and calm down and then we could all talk in normal voices.
She did, and then admitted we did not have the right home.
We let her know that there is no way for him to find the right home unless we return him.
She began to come back to her senses, and then said, "I guess we'll need to take him back tomorrow."
Yes, we will. :)
Now, we'll be looking again for another dog, but in the mean time, you best go outside and help Duke enjoy his field trip from the Pound! :)
But, before you do, is there anybody you need to say you are sorry to? 

She said, "Yes.... I'm sorry Daddy... and she gave him a big hug.... and then  she went out to spend some time with Duke to make his day happy. :)

I'm sure we will see more of the same things. Glad she responded well.

How Do You Pick Up the Pieces?

How do you pick up the pieces of a shattered life?  Where do you begin? Where do you start?
At what point, will she feel settled?  At what point will we not have to say, "I have to get you one too, or I will need to order your book or here is where you will put your things; when they arrive......

It is heart wrenching to see a child, about to embark on becoming a lady, to be back at the starting gate all over again!  So many losses, so little to show for her first 11 years..... just a few boxes that have not arrived.

Hardly any pictures of her past. No pictures from Russia, except for a coveted dvd of her interview, which is now in a language she no longer understands.

Her understanding of English, though she can speak it well, is limited. I find myself needing to explain things and I have picked up on when she nods in agreement that she has NO IDEA what I am saying. :)
So I am getting used to asking her, "Do you understand what I said?"  Most of the time it is no, with a shy grin.....
We took the time yesterday a.m. to explain Daddy's joke to her... and when she finally got it, she laughed. :)

I moved a lot as a child.... but my moves consisted of my entire family moving from one place to another.....

Alli's moves have consisted of starting over with nothing but broken dreams and a few belongings; much of what she isn't really interested in keeping.  However, we WILL keep them..maybe storing them in the attic.
I seem to remember a little girl named Anna who didn't want ANYTHING she brought and wanted to give all her toys away to poor children, only to change her mind 3 weeks later when it was too late. :)
She talked forever about the dolly that she gave away that said, "Hand". LOL

I know better this time than give things away.

Last night, she said she didn't want any goats or any animals. She didn't want them because she just wanted to forget all the animals left behind.
We talked about how this will not be a solution..... to never have an animal again because you miss your old animal won't heal your heart. But mourning the loss you have, and then opening your heart to love another animal will help a great deal!

I think the same is very true for people. Many children will have been so hurt by former experiences with parents, foster parents, care givers etc. they will close their hearts to ever loving another person.
I am REALLY glad that Alli has not gone so far..... but that does not mean we don't have much work to do. We DO.... Her response to the animals is an indication to me as to how her mind is thinking.

I pray for this dear child that she can attach to a new dog. YEP, we are getting a dog!
Daddy will have the privilege of taking the girls to pick it out.  Alli needs more time spent with Daddy for bonding.  I had 2 weeks alone, daddy hasn't been able to have that time except for Sunday.....
Of course we have her whole life, but golly I just want her to feel settled.

But truly! Only the Lord enlightening us, bringing our hearts His peace and His Understanding, and trusting His ways will bring about total healing.

Just love all our little Noelles. :)

An Opportunity

Today I had an opportunity to talk with Miss Alli about something and see how she responded or reacted.... I am THRILLED to report she responded so very well.....

My friend had called, and it was an important call. As we were talking about a very specific situation, 2 of the girls came running to me to tell me Alli was weeping in the closet.

I told my friend. "I'm sorry, I HAVE to go now, I'll call you back." And then, I ran to the closet.
At that, Miss Alli jumped out and started laughing.... she was just kidding. :)
She had no intent or malice, she  was just being a little girl.....

I asked her if I could hold her, and I then told her, "Mommy was talking to a friend about something very important, but YOU are WAY more important than any phone call, so I hung up to come and comfort you.... but you were kidding.
I really needed to talk to my friend, because they needed me.....so I am going to call them back.... but I need you to not pretend you are crying as a joke, because it isn't honest. Ok?

With that, she burst into tears and said, "I am sooo sorry mommy!"  "I didn't know!"

So we rocked and rocked and I comforted the real tears, and genuine repentance came from her. Poor baby.  I told her, "I am not upset at all, of course you didn't know... I'm just trying to help you TO know, that Mommy LOVES you so VERY much, and if you are sad, I will ALWAYS come to comfort you! We snuggled for a while, and then she had this big smile! :)
Love that little Noelle!

And BTW- Erika is the BEST OLDEST SISTER! She has taken little Alli under her wings and is just so good and sweet to her. :)

3 WEEKS

3 weeks ago today we got the call that changed our lives forever..... Getting a call like this, and having to leave the next morning is alot like finding out you are pregnant and the baby is coming TOMORROW!

There is no time to prepare!

We had already prepared emotionally before, and then we thought it wasn't going to happen.....
Then, it did! LOL

So much of this week since we have been home was spent moving furniture, bringing in an extra bed and basically preparing after the one we were preparing for was already home! But that is ok... she liked helping get things set up. :)

We have had  a GREAT 3 weeks.
All of our girlies have been sweet hearts and good sports through all of mama's antics of trying to move one room to another and another to another and then pare down on other things and change bathrooms.... literally it was like moving without going anywhere! At least the Spring Cleaning is done! LOL

I  am so proud of each of the girls.
One thing I noticed about Alli is that she has the cutest giggle. She and Erika were in the van with me running an errand and they were giggling together..... it really was darling.
Alli really looks up to Erika as the big sister... and Erika loves that role.

I have watched Sarah and Alli together and those two can play and play and play.....they are doing well together and have lots of fun!

I have also observed Alli and Anna together. They are getting along really well and share goat stories and horse stories.  They laugh at each others antics and like climbing the fence at the same time.

It is really fun watching all of this unfold so naturally. :)

Mike and I have both enjoyed watching each of them adjust to our new life together. :)
Tonight will be our first Family Worship Night together. 

1-2-3- GO!

Here's to a GREAT School WEEK! :)

God Answers Our Prayers According To HIS Will

I have been reflecting on the last 3 weeks..... (it will be 3 weeks on Tuesday since we got the Call for Alli) But the truth is, we got the "Call" for Alli last November. We felt then, that it was part of God's plan for her to join our family, and then things went up, down and around and around until I didn't know which end was up.  In the end, we decided that the Lord knew, and it was not for us to know, but to rest in Him.  It didn't make sense, then, but it does now. That is always how it is.

One of our first conversations together, Alli and I discussed God's plan.  This is a new concept for her.... and as I told her we had been praying for her all along, she listened intently.  She then said, "I prayed that I wouldn't have to leave my horse, but God didn't answer my prayer."
My heart broke for her. I wouldn't want to leave my horse either! "Why didn't God answer MY prayer?"

I hugged her for a few minutes and then told her about Tim, our son who has Cerebral Palsy.
I explained what happened to Tim when he was a baby, and explained what CP was, and then told her that I prayed to the Lord every single day that God would heal him, and He didn't! Instead He chose to leave our Tim with Cerebral Palsy. He chose for me to be the mama of a special needs child who would not walk for a very long time.
Back then, I didn't understand WHY God would say no.  But I understand perfectly NOW. I understand how it fit into His plan!  I understand how God knew what was best for Me and for Tim, and I am THANKFUL for the lessons learned in life, while raising our sweet son.

I went on to explain to Alli..... God DID answer your prayer. He said no, just like he said no to mama 30 years ago....and I am glad He did!  But He didn't say NO, you can't have a horse. He said, No, I have something MUCH BETTER for you.  God sees what is best for us even if it might hurt in the short term. I let her know that I believe with my WHOLE HEART that she was meant to be in our family... and she is VERY special.  Right now, you may not understand that, but you will in time! YOU WILL! Just like Mama does now....
She has embraced the idea, that she is a big part of God's plan, and she is actually excited about it.....
Who knows, someday, we may have a horse! :)

Day 4 of Being Home

The last almost 3 weeks have flown by!  Daddy and Alli stayed home from church today, as we did not want her to get overwhelmed by too many people.  I think she was a little relieved.
Last night we went to a small group get together with a meal, singing and a little study time, and she did great playing with everybody. But I think she wore herself out and was very tired.

Last night Daddy and she talked about her old animals and her new animals. She is definitely an Animal LOVER! Animals don't lie to you. They don't hurt you. (unless they are Bryan our billy goat) And they certainly don't reject you. Animals are safe.

Believe it or not, we are considering getting a dog.  We have not owned a dog in more than 10 years.
Honestly, I do not miss the mess a dog brings.... but the benefit of having a loyal companion will be very good for her. 

While the other girlies and I were at Church, Daddy took Alli to see the lake, throw some rocks, collect some shells and sit and talk awhile.  When I got home, she was beating  daddy at a game of Backgammon.  He managed to do ALL that during Sunday School and Worship service! LOL

We had a nice lunch and then started the finishing touches together on our major moves from room to room.  I had to move all our bathroom stuff to the other bathroom, and their stuff to their bathroom.
Farewell old bathroom! I shall miss you! GREATLY! :/

The girlies are VERY happy with their new room arrangement, and there is PLENTY of room to play Barbies. 

God has truly blessed us with our new daughter. We are so proud of her, and of ALL of them.
They are doing just wonderful together. :)

The Noelles

"Mom! Take our picture! "...... they are supposed to be going to sleep. :)  They all piled on Erika's new day bed for one more picture. LOL

Alli is a Dancer Too!

When Anna and I were outside cleaning the porch, the other girls were supposed to be finishing getting their things put into the new bedroom..... they managed to take a break and film this! LOL

Girl Bonding Time

 

Alli and I had to stay in NC for 2 full weeks before we could go back to Texas. We went shopping, to the museums, park, Church, out to eat and we swam EVERY day..... it was a great time to bond and get to know one another.  Here are a few things we did together. She is a great toe artist. :)

Sweetheart Truman!

Another reason to rejoice in God's blessings!

My Grandson Sam

One of the great things about going to get Alli, was that 4 of my favorite people got to visit at the hotel! Joe, Becca, Sam and Truman..... Sam is a sweetheart and a Character!

He is a good reason to rejoice in Ya-Ya-hood!

Raising Kids for TRUE Greatness

Before I left for the airport, I grabbed a book that I had been wanting to read, but hadn't had time.
I bought it over a year ago, and FINALLY got to read it.  I must say, it was a breath of fresh air in many ways.

I like to read books, but I don't always agree with EVERYTHING in each book I read, and that includes this one.  HOWEVER, It is a DEFINITE worth read!

The book is titled "Raising Kids for True Greatness" by Tim Kimmel. 
The reason I love it so much, is that he has proper perspective on what is truly important, and what TRUE greatness is! 

This book is not focused on Trauma, or adoption. It is focused on something that will be an answer to many trauma issues.  FORGIVENESS, LOVE, ACCEPTANCE, GUIDANCE, TRUST....etc.

Try it, you'll LIKE it.... and it will take a lot of pressure off of those who feel that they cannot "compete".

Presenting Alli Noelle

Too Tired for Words.....Except: She is AWESOME! Thank you Lord for a safe trip home!

We're Heading Home!

Tomorrow evening, Noelle #4 and I will be on a flight HOME!!!!!!

Stay tuned..... we will have pictures up and our new sweeties name......

Pool Bonding

The pool has proven to be an excellent place for bonding with little Noelle #4.... We have made up more games than I ever thought possible.  Her favorite is ships and torpedoes.  I am the ship, and she gets to torpedo me from under water. If I make it to the other side, I win.... I hardly ever make it! :)

We also have to get out of the water and say the other persons favorite color, food, movie, snack, drink, etc.... and when they swim across, we have to jump in and get them before they get to the other side!
This includes lots of fun water splashing...

We use the pool when nobody is in there to sing.... and I can hold her like a baby.  She has responded really well to this.  The acoustics are great in the pool area, so I sound pretty good! LOL

Since we have been together almost 2 weeks, she has learned to actually swim. When we started she couldn't make it across the pool above water. Now she can hold her breath all the way across UNDER water! She is a little fish, just like Noelle's 1, 2 and 3!

We had some very serious talks last night, and we were up late...... slept in this a.m. and when we woke up, she was happy.  One thing she said that stunned me today:  "I'm really gonna try to open up my heart."

Those were the words I was talking to her about last night, before bed when we were talking about trusting once again.

I realize this is going to be a long, heart wrenching process. But she is WANTING the process, and that is HUGE.
I am so proud of our brave, sweet little Noelle....and I am SOOOO PROUD of all the other little Noelle's at home who have been FABULOUS...Daddy nearly had tears telling me how great they were all doing.

We have much adjustment to come, I'm sure.... but this is what the Lord has called us to do, and we are TRULY blessed.

Angry

Yep, I'm angry.
I'm angry that our sweet little Noelle #4 was lied to.  Lied to with a smile. Lied to about what happened, and then, given specific instruction to torpedo her future.

Deception is so evil.  I have to say, while things are going well, there have been many things planted, almost like little "sleeper thoughts" that come out.  Many have been shared already and I'm sure there will be more to come. But our sweet Noelle has a good conscience, and she is a sweet kid. 

We, in spite of all this are doing VERY well.  It is AMAZING how our past experiences of our previous adoptions have played right into this one.  She is a combination of all 3 actually.... I can't say how strange that is..... God MUST have known what we would need, and what we would have had to already have experienced in order to plan things so perfectly.

Of course I cannot go into detail .....and I am really glad that she is older and can understand and think.
She is smart.... and has commonsense.

Pray for us, it is hard being away so long. Can't wait to get back home.

Great Day

Well, we have been together since March 3rd, and things are going great. We had a wonderful day today. We went to the zoo.  Noelle $4's favorite animals were the Bob Cats and the Arctic Fox.  The Bob cats were pretty cool!  Anna would have LOVED seeing them.  They actually look like a giant version of Bob the Cat with a shorter tail.

The drive to the zoo was beautiful. NC is a beautiful state.  There were several log cabins we passed that were obviously VERY old.  That is something that we miss living in Texas.  Nothing is really THAT old in Texas..... not like the East Coast.

Noelle #4 has really began to relax, and enjoy herself, showing her real personality. She is a delight in every way.  The Noelles 1,2 and 3 are just going to love her! And of course Daddy already does. :)  I can hear his anticipation on the phone when we talk each day.

We miss everybody! I hate it that we have had to be away...but we are one day closer to coming home!

On the way home from the zoo, Noelle 4 said I was her favorite mom. :)  That sounds like a strange concept outside of the adoption community, and even within it..... this little one has had 5 moms now! 

We have had such great conversation about trust.... and just telling I understand that she has no reason to trust me, has caused her to begin to trust. 

I really think today was  a huge breakthrough day..... I don't know why, I guess because everything just felt very natural. It felt natural for both of us, and  we smiled about it......

Noelle #4 was not putting effort at being happy.... she genuinely was!

Praise the Lord for HIS grace and mercy!

I can't wait to post a picture! Noelle #4 proudly said we have 120 of them now in the camera!