Tomorrow evening, Noelle #4 and I will be on a flight HOME!!!!!!
Stay tuned..... we will have pictures up and our new sweeties name......
The Minich Family Blog: Every Family Has A Story...Welcome To Ours
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Monday, March 14, 2011
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.
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.
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.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
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!
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!
Friday, March 11, 2011
Still Here
Well, we are still in NC....waiting, waiting, just keep waiting..... and swimming, swimming, just keep swimming.... I feel like Dori. :)
BUT.... I am no longer lost around here. That is VERY UN DORI like! Yea! I can find my way around abit without having to turn around. It got to be a running joke from the back seat. :)
We are paper work finished! YEA! That is a HUGE stressor off.... and now, we just have to hear the word GO, and I am SO ON THE INTERNET looking for a flight to book!
I can't wait for Noelle #4 to meet her sisters and her daddy. They are all longing to get together.
There is much to say, much to tell, much not to tell.
Best thing anybody can do, is PRAY for a very sweet, hurt, little girlie.
Thank YOU!
BUT.... I am no longer lost around here. That is VERY UN DORI like! Yea! I can find my way around abit without having to turn around. It got to be a running joke from the back seat. :)
We are paper work finished! YEA! That is a HUGE stressor off.... and now, we just have to hear the word GO, and I am SO ON THE INTERNET looking for a flight to book!
I can't wait for Noelle #4 to meet her sisters and her daddy. They are all longing to get together.
There is much to say, much to tell, much not to tell.
Best thing anybody can do, is PRAY for a very sweet, hurt, little girlie.
Thank YOU!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
To My Girlies
While I am spending time with your newest sister, I just want to say how PROUD I am of each of you! Daddy says that you are all doing great and are being a huge help. I love you all so much, and you are just going to LOVE your newest sister. She can't wait to get home to you and neither can I!!!!
Pray that we can get back soon. But mostly, pray that when we do get back, we can all just fall into a good routine. :) I LOVE routine, and I know you do too.... unless of course it is interrupted with going to other people's houses to PLAY! LOL
Love
Mommy
Pray that we can get back soon. But mostly, pray that when we do get back, we can all just fall into a good routine. :) I LOVE routine, and I know you do too.... unless of course it is interrupted with going to other people's houses to PLAY! LOL
Love
Mommy
Monday, March 7, 2011
Reflections in the Midst of Change
Noelle #4 and I have had a wonderful, peaceful and reflective day. We actually woke up a little late, and missed breakfast that is provided by the hotel. Sooo we decided to go on a big adventure.
We normally would call it "Adventures in Getting Lost in SC", but THIS time, we didn't! YEA!
We traveled down to down town Raleigh to see the Museums, and I must say, they were FABULOUS! Way to go North Carolina! After spending the day down town, we traveled back to our hotel, as we were abit tired, and we had a chance to talk once again.
#4 Opened up alot about her past, and put up with some of my more probing questions. We have a rule, if she doesn't want to talk, we won't..... so far, she has wanted to. :)
I have been singing to her when we are alone in the pool, and today, she asked if I'd sing to her in the room.
I took her into my chair, WHICH BTW ROCKS! literally, and began to sing to her. I told her that if she had been my baby born to me, I would have sung to her every day just like this.... and then, I began to sing.
First I sang baby songs, and then graduated to praise songs. She melted into my arms, and within 30 minutes
my little Noelle was fast asleep in my arms. I kept singing praises to the Lord, and thanking Him, for this sweet, sweet little girl.
I didn't want to move her, so I prayed for her, and sang praises for about an hour and a half. She finally stirred from her slumber and said, "Nobody has ever rocked me before."
I told her, "Mommies LOVE to rock their babies and little girls!"
She said, "I love you Mommy!"
As I was checking our facebook account, I received a personal email from another mom who said, "Remember Anna's Fleece?" I had FORGOTTEN!
If any of you remember back in November when this all started, Anna had put a fleece out in the yard.... and it actually came in dry, even though the ground was wet..... she said, "That means we are going to adopt her!"
I just love how the Lord has orchestrated each step of this. I need to remain calm in my anxiety to get home, and trust......HIM for the next step.
Thank you EACH AND EVERY ONE who is praying for us. I can feel the prayers, and they are sustaining all of us, both in TX and in NC.
We normally would call it "Adventures in Getting Lost in SC", but THIS time, we didn't! YEA!
We traveled down to down town Raleigh to see the Museums, and I must say, they were FABULOUS! Way to go North Carolina! After spending the day down town, we traveled back to our hotel, as we were abit tired, and we had a chance to talk once again.
#4 Opened up alot about her past, and put up with some of my more probing questions. We have a rule, if she doesn't want to talk, we won't..... so far, she has wanted to. :)
I have been singing to her when we are alone in the pool, and today, she asked if I'd sing to her in the room.
I took her into my chair, WHICH BTW ROCKS! literally, and began to sing to her. I told her that if she had been my baby born to me, I would have sung to her every day just like this.... and then, I began to sing.
First I sang baby songs, and then graduated to praise songs. She melted into my arms, and within 30 minutes
my little Noelle was fast asleep in my arms. I kept singing praises to the Lord, and thanking Him, for this sweet, sweet little girl.
I didn't want to move her, so I prayed for her, and sang praises for about an hour and a half. She finally stirred from her slumber and said, "Nobody has ever rocked me before."
I told her, "Mommies LOVE to rock their babies and little girls!"
She said, "I love you Mommy!"
As I was checking our facebook account, I received a personal email from another mom who said, "Remember Anna's Fleece?" I had FORGOTTEN!
If any of you remember back in November when this all started, Anna had put a fleece out in the yard.... and it actually came in dry, even though the ground was wet..... she said, "That means we are going to adopt her!"
I just love how the Lord has orchestrated each step of this. I need to remain calm in my anxiety to get home, and trust......HIM for the next step.
Thank you EACH AND EVERY ONE who is praying for us. I can feel the prayers, and they are sustaining all of us, both in TX and in NC.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Update on Noelle #4
I just found out that there is a computer room at the hotel we are staying at. I picked up Noelle number 4 at a Walmart Parking Lot, in the garden section along with the attorney on Wednesday night. It was a very smoothe transisiton and had much the same feel as when this happened with Sarah at McDonalds.
Noelle #4 was nervous, understandably so, but as we chatted all the way back to the attorney's office, about an hour and a half drive, she began to relax. We found out way to our hotel room, and sat down to chat.
I let her know that she had no reason to trust me, but I sure would like it if she would! :) (she just gave me a kiss and said, I DO trust you mama!) LOL....
We are sorta stuck in NC until the ICPC paperwork goes through. It SHOULD happen sometime during the week.... so PRAY.... we are both anxious to get home.
I must say I am amazed at how the Lord has directed and brought all of this together. We have been so blessed to be a part of the adoption community, and to be able to share our lives with some of the most fantastic people.
To back up abit. We didn't get the call until Tuesday afternoon. I was to be in NC by Wednesday afternoon, and take responsibility for Noelle #4 by Wednesday evening.
We had thought all this was over, and nothing was going to happen and had actually put it out of our minds.
And then, when the call came, it took me back to the days when we got the call to go to Ukraine!
It felt the same.
I was shaking all over. I don't know why, I just was. I couldn't stop shaking as I was searching for quick plane tickets and finally Mike said, "Just book a flight!" So I did.
I shook all the way to NC. When I rented my car, I drove off, with a million things zooming through my mind. I turned on the radio, and it was on a Christian Station.... the song playing was, "It is Well With my Soul!" Then, Peace, Peace, Wonderful Peace..... as I drove and listened, My heart was swept over with a calmness and peace that Can only come from the Lord and I ceased to shake..... Praise the Lord for His comfort and PEACE!
By the time we got to our destination, I was relaxed and calm, and ready for the task of taking on a very VERY hurt child.
I have to say, she is ADORABLE! She is SWEET! and SHE IS OURS!
We are so happy to see that she is the perfect fit for our family. She has qualities that are too many to mention, and she has specific qualities that will mesh with each one of the other Noelles!
We had a great time visiting with our Friend JJ and her boys, who are also from Russia. AND, Joe and Becca, Sam and Truman got to come and stay the entire weekend at the hotel. I am so blessed to have been able to see them, and Truman for the first time!
We joked that the last two family members get to meet first! :)
I can't wait to post pictures. :)
[Mike just picked one that gives you a sneak peek]
Praying for a speedy trip home!
Noelle #4 was nervous, understandably so, but as we chatted all the way back to the attorney's office, about an hour and a half drive, she began to relax. We found out way to our hotel room, and sat down to chat.
I let her know that she had no reason to trust me, but I sure would like it if she would! :) (she just gave me a kiss and said, I DO trust you mama!) LOL....
We are sorta stuck in NC until the ICPC paperwork goes through. It SHOULD happen sometime during the week.... so PRAY.... we are both anxious to get home.
I must say I am amazed at how the Lord has directed and brought all of this together. We have been so blessed to be a part of the adoption community, and to be able to share our lives with some of the most fantastic people.
To back up abit. We didn't get the call until Tuesday afternoon. I was to be in NC by Wednesday afternoon, and take responsibility for Noelle #4 by Wednesday evening.
We had thought all this was over, and nothing was going to happen and had actually put it out of our minds.
And then, when the call came, it took me back to the days when we got the call to go to Ukraine!
It felt the same.
I was shaking all over. I don't know why, I just was. I couldn't stop shaking as I was searching for quick plane tickets and finally Mike said, "Just book a flight!" So I did.
I shook all the way to NC. When I rented my car, I drove off, with a million things zooming through my mind. I turned on the radio, and it was on a Christian Station.... the song playing was, "It is Well With my Soul!" Then, Peace, Peace, Wonderful Peace..... as I drove and listened, My heart was swept over with a calmness and peace that Can only come from the Lord and I ceased to shake..... Praise the Lord for His comfort and PEACE!
By the time we got to our destination, I was relaxed and calm, and ready for the task of taking on a very VERY hurt child.
I have to say, she is ADORABLE! She is SWEET! and SHE IS OURS!
We are so happy to see that she is the perfect fit for our family. She has qualities that are too many to mention, and she has specific qualities that will mesh with each one of the other Noelles!
We had a great time visiting with our Friend JJ and her boys, who are also from Russia. AND, Joe and Becca, Sam and Truman got to come and stay the entire weekend at the hotel. I am so blessed to have been able to see them, and Truman for the first time!
We joked that the last two family members get to meet first! :)
I can't wait to post pictures. :)
[Mike just picked one that gives you a sneak peek]
Praying for a speedy trip home!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Adoption Update:
A short note to tell you things are progressing well. Noelle4 and Christie are keeping busy with visits from friends in the area, incoming family [Joe & Co.] and meetings with lawyers and social workers. She is doing great and understandably confused with all the commotion, but is happy and looking forward to meeting the Noelle's.
She loves to draw and paint, sew, swim, and is uncomfortable around lots of people. She is taking very good care of a fluffy cat Anna sent to be with her! Please pray that all responsible party's would be coordinated and efficient so that my ladies can return ASAP. =) Everyone is working very hard to make this as smooth as possible, and Lord willing, the details will be completed timely.
The Girlies are all bathed and bedded are doing well and enjoy any phone calls from Mom.
I am getting an increase in work and appreciate prayers that I would focus on completing my work.
Our Church family is taking good care of us and we praise God for love and are thankful for all their prayers and support.
Praise God for His Incredible Mercy and Grace!
IPOEL
Mike
She loves to draw and paint, sew, swim, and is uncomfortable around lots of people. She is taking very good care of a fluffy cat Anna sent to be with her! Please pray that all responsible party's would be coordinated and efficient so that my ladies can return ASAP. =) Everyone is working very hard to make this as smooth as possible, and Lord willing, the details will be completed timely.
The Girlies are all bathed and bedded are doing well and enjoy any phone calls from Mom.
I am getting an increase in work and appreciate prayers that I would focus on completing my work.
Our Church family is taking good care of us and we praise God for love and are thankful for all their prayers and support.
Praise God for His Incredible Mercy and Grace!
IPOEL
Mike
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Adoption News
Remember when I posted about news back in November and then it didn't turn out?
Well, we got a call today that I need to be on the East Coast tomorrow! I am leaving in the A.M.
Only one of us has to go, but I'll be gone a week.
I'll try to update if possible..... but if not.... see you in a week!
I can't leave much detail, as I don't know too much.
This is a disruption adoption, and anything could happen.
There are some great people involved, whom I greatly respect.
So the saga continues!
I'm in shock.
Well, we got a call today that I need to be on the East Coast tomorrow! I am leaving in the A.M.
Only one of us has to go, but I'll be gone a week.
I'll try to update if possible..... but if not.... see you in a week!
I can't leave much detail, as I don't know too much.
This is a disruption adoption, and anything could happen.
There are some great people involved, whom I greatly respect.
So the saga continues!
I'm in shock.
Alibris.com and History
One of my favorite books for history has been America's Own Story. It was a history book I personally used in elementary school and really loved.
As I was looking at the introduction, I realized this book was a part of a series. I had no idea. So I went to the Alibris website that viola! There were the other books! I ordered them and can't wait to get them, as we will be using them for future study.
Another fabulous book SET is called "A Picturesque Tale of Progress". It was written in the 1950's and is a 9 volume set. I purchased it from EBAY about 15 years ago, and LOVE it. The pictures inside are hand painted or tainted.... amazing detail and beautiful. The books are informative and cover so much history.
The next set of books I will be introducing in the next couple of years will be The Uncle Eric Book Series. "What ever happened to Penny Candy?" "Ancient Rome, How it Effects You Today", "Whatever Happened to Justice?" "Are you Liberal Conservative or Confused?" and a few others.
This series is really well written and you can also order workbooks to go along with them, if you like.
I LOVE teaching history and seeing the girls eyes light up when we read something they already know about and can then recall.
That happened today. Anna knew the name Tamerlane... and that he was related to Ghengis Khan. They all excitedly raised their hands when I asked what another name for Vikings was? "OOOH OOOH I KNOW I KNOW!" Yes, Northmen..... and then, one of them said, "Our friends live in Denmark now.... are their still Vikings there? :)
We are starting our study on Conquests, Exploration and Colonization..... we are going back a little bit in time to cover the Vikings for about 2 weeks, and then we will move forward to our more famous travelers of the World..... from the Various Countries in the Known World.....why they came, where they went, what they saw and more........
Did I say I LOVE history? :)
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Designed for Love
WE WERE NOT DESIGNED FOR ABUSE BUT FOR LOVE!
And that being the case, the case that everybody KNOWS is true, why is it such an issue? Why do we take precious little babies, so innocent, so sweet, and cause them harm? How is it that a baby can in such a short time be effected for the rest of his or her life, based upon the experiences of the very first few years or months of their little lives? It just makes me feel so angry..... WHY???
My heart is burdened, because I know of some folks right now who suffer from past trauma, including my children; and I know children who are at this time unable to love or even receive the least amount of love because of the trauma handed down to them by their "parents".
How is it the very hand that is designed to caress and love and serve and hold and snuggle and tickle and feed and change and comfort, can turn into a weapon of destruction upon the very soul of the little person they are supposed to care for?
The destruction and havoc that child abuse wreaks on the victim is so insidious, so destructive, so encompassing, that were they not some of the strongest people on this earth, they would not survive.
The doubts that child abuse brings into the victim's mind, which carries over into their adult lives, are devastating; the doubts of being loveable, worthy of love, likable, valuable, having something of importance to say, worth smiling at, worthy of a home, or clothes or even a cup of coffee.....
The doubts go deep into the soul.... and the person doubts if God could love them. How could HE? Nobody else has! Those doubts get buried for basic survival.
It takes a long time to process what happens in the early life of a child. For some children, it will be a lifetime of figuring and sorting things out. When the right time comes, as a parent, you can be there for them, no matter what their age. The great thing is, life isn't over or decided by the time you are 5 or 12 or 15 or even 30. :) Healing happens and continues to happen, as a person is able to let go, forgive, trust and move on. Notice I didn't say forget. To forget would be to deny what happened. It happened for sure, and we shouldn't forget, so that we can remember, REALLY remember, not to repeat it!
Now, that doesn't mean "dwell" on it either...... just don't forget.
Not all things should be discussed and talked about just because somebody else thinks you should. There is this idea that the earlier the therapy, the better. I totally disagree! I hate the idea that children have no voice in this and are forced into therapy that very well may cause further damage, because they are not given the rights even to their own thoughts. People, all people, big and small, if given the chance will talk about things at the right time, when they are ready. We just need to be there, and give the opportunity, and LISTEN.
The modern way of talking to a therapist : A simple stranger with a sign on the door, who happens to get a degree in psychology and therapy as a career choice, listens your deepest wounds and makes a living at it, just seems WRONG to me. It also seems so wrong that YOUR pain has to COST you money to share with somebody, because there is nobody to share with! Wow, what a slap in the face!
One of the things that I like about Heather Forbes is that she gives parents tools and ideas to help their children themselves. Parents are the ones with the relationships of their hurting children.... and building trust in those parents is one of the keys to unlocking a new world for that child; a world of love and acceptance. If a parent gives all of the healing over to a perfect stranger and stands on the sidelines, how can real healing happen within the context of the parent being truly involved more than a bystander? Instead of saving up things for a therapist to hear, why not sit down with your child and hear them yourselves? Why not share, and take on their pain, with them?
One of the things that we read about in Scripture, is how God took on our Sin, our Pain, our Hurts.... HE absorbed them all, and took our punishment. He waits with open arms and eternal ear, to hear our hearts, to receive our sorrow, so bear our deepest burdens, to comfort us with all comfort, to love us with unending ETERNAL PERFECT Love..... a love that none of us are capable of showing, as we are fallen creatures and imperfect in every way.
I pray that the Lord will bring TRUE HEALING and RENEWED hearts to those who have been so effected by child abuse and neglect; both parents who are picking up the pieces of shattered little lives, and for the children, who's lives are a confusing puzzle. May the Lord make all of our paths straight as we follow in His light and HIS footsteps. And then that image, of which way to go, or which way to turn will be perfectly clear. Turn to HIM!
Trust in the Lord will all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge HIM and HE will make your paths straight! Proverbs 3:5.
For your encouragementFriday, February 25, 2011
Oklahoma Couple Abused Adopted Children
Here we go again. Here is another case of Adopted Children being abused. I am shocked by the allegations.... but more shocked at the amount of bail set. 9,000 dollars for the wife, and 7,500 for the husband.
I find that offensive to the children. This judge, if I ever find out who he is, will be getting a personal letter from me.
It is also very upsetting to find out these people were using "home schooling" to hide their deeds. These people were NOT home schoolers!
There was a case a few years ago about a 4 boy sibling group who were rescued from their adoptive home. They were so underweight it was horrible. The parents said they had eating disorders. They didn't. They were being starved to death. The boys are now FLOURISHING in their new adoptive home 6 years later. I was so thrilled to see this!
This is my hope and prayer for these children.
I find that offensive to the children. This judge, if I ever find out who he is, will be getting a personal letter from me.
It is also very upsetting to find out these people were using "home schooling" to hide their deeds. These people were NOT home schoolers!
There was a case a few years ago about a 4 boy sibling group who were rescued from their adoptive home. They were so underweight it was horrible. The parents said they had eating disorders. They didn't. They were being starved to death. The boys are now FLOURISHING in their new adoptive home 6 years later. I was so thrilled to see this!
This is my hope and prayer for these children.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Sweetie Pie Giving Birth
I never get tired of new life! She had 2 boys, at the very same time, Maple was giving birth to her first baby. A girl. Altogether, 6 babies this week. 4 boys and 2 girls.
This little guy's name is Chester. :)
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
My Grandson Will
FOUND THE WORLD! :)
You can read all about his adventure here, on my daughter in law Ivy's Blog. :)
Will is such a sweet heart.... and so is Charlie. But I just love Will's curiosity and sweetness.
He is at the wonderful age of 3, soon to be 4 and just exploring his wonderful world.... and his mommy, is such a WONDERFUL mommy. She enters his world and shares his excitement.
I am such a blessed Ya-Ya!
You can read all about his adventure here, on my daughter in law Ivy's Blog. :)
Will is such a sweet heart.... and so is Charlie. But I just love Will's curiosity and sweetness.
He is at the wonderful age of 3, soon to be 4 and just exploring his wonderful world.... and his mommy, is such a WONDERFUL mommy. She enters his world and shares his excitement.
I am such a blessed Ya-Ya!
Abortion and The Handicapped
This little girl doesn't have an adoptive family because of her handicaps.
She is a precious child. But many will not adopt her, just like many people choose to abort.
So she gets to rot in a bed, because there are those who only want perfect children.
I'm not feeling very politically correct today. Sometimes, there is a time to throw up on your blog. Since it is my blog, I will.
Technology being what it is today, gives parents the ability to see into the womb. It gives parents information about their baby ahead of time. This information can be a blessing and a curse.
What if, you were given information that the baby you were carrying had a birth defect, or deformity or disease or condition that would lead to a "quality of life" issue?
I am so disturbed that the common line is "We can abort"..... ABORT! GET RID OF! DESTROY!!!
Why? Because our kids aren't perfect? There is actually PRESSURE to abort. Just like there was pressure for us to remove our son from Life Support. "He will never have a life. You're life will be ruined.... you can have another baby....he will be a burden." These words were spoken to me about my son who was already born!
Why do we not treasure our children? Why do we not protect those who need the most protection?
What gives US the right to decide who lives and who dies and for that matter, who has a better QUALITY OF LIFE?
I was talking to a woman one time after Erika had her feet amputated. She said, "If I had a 'mongoloid' child, I would have kept it, but anything else, I would have aborted!" I was so stunned I couldn't speak. This was while my little girl was sitting in the next room healing, with no feet, my other little girl was running around happily playing and my son who has Cerebral Palsy and is a happily married man, was in college!
This woman knew each of these children, yet said this! As if I had made a bad decision.
I will never understand this type of thinking. Our lives are not given to us to be selfish. Our lives are not our own. True JOY in life and true QUALITY OF LIFE comes from Giving, Loving, Caring.....
A handicap is NOT the end of the world! Ask Nic Vuyjic!
Ask Erika! Ask Sarah! Ask Tim! and Many Many More!
If you are reading this and you would like to link your blog sight in the comments section, so those who are considering Abortion can see that there is abundant LIFE even with handicaps or special needs, please feel free to do so!
LIFE IS PRECIOUS! Don't Waste another person's life out of fear. There are MANY willing to help.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Happy Birthday To SAM
I cannot believe it is Sam's 4th Birthday! He is growing up so fast!
This is one of my favorite pictures of 4 of my favorite people. :)
3 of them have February Birthdays!
This is one of my favorite pictures of 4 of my favorite people. :)
3 of them have February Birthdays!
Praying For New Zealand!
A very large earthquake just hit Christchurch NZ. I have a regular reader from that area. Our prayers are with you!
It's Your Kindness
"It's Your Kindness That Leads Us To Repentance"..... Romans 2:4
As I was describing working with a child who has difficult behaviors, I was asked, "But what if they aren't sorry for what they have done?" I was describing a process of bringing a child to your side, rocking them and talking about a behavior that is unacceptable.... I mentioned that the child would then be sorry, you could come up with ways together to do things differently, and then you move on.
The question was really a great question because we have had that happen before.
But first off, I'd like to say that life is a process. Discipline is a process.... bringing a hurting child to wholeness is a process that may take the rest of their lives!
So with that in mind. I think sometimes we can be really short sighted. There are books out there that demand a child be repentant, and if they aren't, you continue to punish them until they are.
To me, all that does is set a child up for being fake. They don't want to be punished again so they say they are sorry and they say what you want them to say. Inside, they may be exploding with anger. Long term this is destructive!
On the other hand, when our little girls have had unrepentant hearts, we have asked to pray for them. I am not interested in false confessions, false sorrow or fake repentance and neither is God.
So, what have done, is let our child participate in the discussion if they will, and then ask to pray for them. I have prayed prayers such as, "Lord, please help Anna see that we love her so very much. Help her to know that we will never leave her. Please soften her heart so that she too can receive forgiveness and so that she can be loved. Help her to see what the right path is for her life. Help her to know you.
Help her to come to you for forgiveness. Please take her heart of stone and make it a heart of flesh. And then, we would hug her, and that was it.
This was a long process. We had a very hard hearted little girl. But, eventually her heart began to change. She didn't always refuse to be sorrowful for disobedience like before, her heart began to soften and then, the day came where she came to us on her own and said, "Mama, I want my stone heart to be a heart of flesh. I want a soft heart." And the tears of repentance began to flow.
This change came about over a period of a couple of years; and it was genuine, not forced.
As Mike and I were talking tonight, we found that there was a common word to describe how children need to be treated. The word was Kindness. We need to be KIND to our children. Kindness is a word that has a certain feel to it for me. I think we can sometimes be loving, or intend to be loving without being kind. Kindness is a form of gentleness in both thought and action.
Here is the definition for Wikipedia:
Kindness is the act or the state of being kind —ie. marked by goodness and charitable behaviour, mild disposition, pleasantness, tenderness and concern for others.
Isn't that a great definition?
We can look at that and ask ourselves: Am I being good, charitable, of mild disposition, pleasant and tender towards my child? Many of our children's reactions to us, can happen when we are NOT doing the above.....
Why is it, we don't think we need to be as kind to our children as we are to a stranger? Why is the stranger more deserving of our gentle spirit than our own children?
Our own Heavenly Father is kind to us.... faithfully forgiving us, and bringing us to repentance through his tender, loving mercy and kindness.
As I was describing working with a child who has difficult behaviors, I was asked, "But what if they aren't sorry for what they have done?" I was describing a process of bringing a child to your side, rocking them and talking about a behavior that is unacceptable.... I mentioned that the child would then be sorry, you could come up with ways together to do things differently, and then you move on.
The question was really a great question because we have had that happen before.
But first off, I'd like to say that life is a process. Discipline is a process.... bringing a hurting child to wholeness is a process that may take the rest of their lives!
So with that in mind. I think sometimes we can be really short sighted. There are books out there that demand a child be repentant, and if they aren't, you continue to punish them until they are.
To me, all that does is set a child up for being fake. They don't want to be punished again so they say they are sorry and they say what you want them to say. Inside, they may be exploding with anger. Long term this is destructive!
On the other hand, when our little girls have had unrepentant hearts, we have asked to pray for them. I am not interested in false confessions, false sorrow or fake repentance and neither is God.
So, what have done, is let our child participate in the discussion if they will, and then ask to pray for them. I have prayed prayers such as, "Lord, please help Anna see that we love her so very much. Help her to know that we will never leave her. Please soften her heart so that she too can receive forgiveness and so that she can be loved. Help her to see what the right path is for her life. Help her to know you.
Help her to come to you for forgiveness. Please take her heart of stone and make it a heart of flesh. And then, we would hug her, and that was it.
This was a long process. We had a very hard hearted little girl. But, eventually her heart began to change. She didn't always refuse to be sorrowful for disobedience like before, her heart began to soften and then, the day came where she came to us on her own and said, "Mama, I want my stone heart to be a heart of flesh. I want a soft heart." And the tears of repentance began to flow.
This change came about over a period of a couple of years; and it was genuine, not forced.
As Mike and I were talking tonight, we found that there was a common word to describe how children need to be treated. The word was Kindness. We need to be KIND to our children. Kindness is a word that has a certain feel to it for me. I think we can sometimes be loving, or intend to be loving without being kind. Kindness is a form of gentleness in both thought and action.
Here is the definition for Wikipedia:
Kindness is the act or the state of being kind —ie. marked by goodness and charitable behaviour, mild disposition, pleasantness, tenderness and concern for others.
Isn't that a great definition?
We can look at that and ask ourselves: Am I being good, charitable, of mild disposition, pleasant and tender towards my child? Many of our children's reactions to us, can happen when we are NOT doing the above.....
Why is it, we don't think we need to be as kind to our children as we are to a stranger? Why is the stranger more deserving of our gentle spirit than our own children?
Our own Heavenly Father is kind to us.... faithfully forgiving us, and bringing us to repentance through his tender, loving mercy and kindness.
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