Kids at Camp!

I just can't believe how fast the time is going. We have 3 kids at camp until Fri. We spent Mon. driving them to camp and back (4 hrs) and will pick them up on Fri. It is so much quieter with the oldest ones not here.

The parents of the other sibling group in our home have had their rights terminated last week. The kids are officially up for adoption, they have been with us for the last 15 months. We found out on Monday that they have relatives that have come forward and asked permission to adopt them. They will have to go through the whole process and it will take longer because thay live out of state. It was kind of a shock to everyone to have someone show up at the last minute.

Our emotions have been up and down with this group as well others we have had in our home. We thought we might like to adopt them and if there was no one else we would. I actually hope the family checks out and would be a good fit for the kids, they need to have permency soon.

We are still working on adopting the younger siblings of the two we adopted and it should be final soon. We are still "negotiating". There is a court date at the end of this month and if we could reach an agreement by then, we could finalize the adoption at that court date.

I have had a few visits with my sisters here from out of town, they have been here for a month and one of them will be leaving this week :(.
It has been really nice to have them here, even if I don't get to see them very much. I miss having alot of family around.

Having eight kids makes it hard to get out and visit people. Now I understand why growing up with alot of siblings, we never went anywhere.

My husband had a cousin and his wife visiting from Minnesota today, so his sister and him met them for lunch and then went to visit their mother in the nursing home. I wasn't able to go as I didn't want to take all the kids to their family reunion. But he said he had a good time and would like for them to come back sometime.

“Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). I felt this scripture come to me today. For me it means relationship. How great it is that I have a relationship with Him. Because of that relationship with Him, I can trust and "be still". And in that stillness I find peace. I don't have to do anything for He does it all. When I lose peace, I know that I am not being still and am back to doing things in my own strength.

Catch ya later!

Waiting for the next heat wave.

Just thought I would bring everyone up to date on court today. The parents of our second set of kids signed off their rights, so they were tpr'd. But some relatives from out of state have showed up at the last minute and wanted to be given some time to think about adopting the kids, they have till next Monday. The parents will also be given one last good bye visit, it will probably happen the last week of June. The kids told their therapist that they want to stay here and have us adopt them. So at this point it is still a waiting game.

We are making some progress on adopting the other two and it shouldn't be much longer now, probably by next month at the latest.

It has been very busy with all the kids home from school. Although Monday they started going to the parks program from 10:00-3:00, they even feed them lunch. So 4 kids go and 4 stay home. Helps keep them from being so bored. They are going swimming tomorrow and they are so excited.

I went to the Dentist today with a tooth bothering me and found out I need a root canal. As we don't have dental insurance it is going to be an expensive deal. The first dentist was going to charge $1200, my sister's dentist charges $900. So I have an appt for next tues to get it done.

On a good note, I love that summer seems to be here. We are enjoying our porch more than I could have hoped for and it is great for the little kids. Even on the wet days (and we seem to have a lot of them)they can still play outside on the porch and I don't have to worry about them getting muddy. We just had to install some hook latches up high enough that K couldn't open them. The kids like to eat out there, but it is so much easier to eat inside with so many little ones. The last time we ate out there, they made a mess of the floor and I couldn't keep them in their seats. We have a large table and a small table. The little kids sit at the small table and they are constantly getting up out of their seats, so I don't know how good it is to eat out there with them.

I have had the opportunity to take a nap on the sofa on the porch and Greg had all the kids inside. It was wonderful, I could actually hear my wind chimes in the trees without the kids outside with me. Now that is sweet! And the birds singing, so nice! It is amazing how the little things can seem like so much! I was so blessed, one day was when we had a heat advisory and the temperature was 100, that is why all the kids were inside. I turned on the paddle fans and fell asleep on the sofa. I think the heat actually made me sleep a little longer and I woke up sweating, but it was worth it. I have never enjoyed heat so much.

Well catch you next time!

Kefir and Kids

Well, here I am again.

K. had his allergy test and it was negative. We had his 6 month review on Fri. and 5 different people were here to discuss it. All agreed he has improved dramatically in the last 4 weeks but they can't predict where he will be in another year. He will continue with a developmental therapist on Fri. and we will have a phychologist, 1x a month. Then they will have a occupational therapist evalutation as soon as it can be arranged (a few months). The case worker was here from DCS so she could decide how to place K for adoption subsidy. I found the whole day, draining.

The case worker will now take that information back and we should hear something next week.

On a good note our oldest girl A.(12) took an award at school. She even got a scholarship of $3,000. They choose one girl from each school, there are 15 schools. Then there will be a banquet at a local restaurant. She will get acknowledged in a morning assembly on the day before school is out and then she has 6th grade graduation that night. Then that thurs. she has the banquet. It is a dress up affair, so we will have to shop for dresses. I was really concerned about getting a babysitter for 8 kids at night, one who is over 21 yrs. old. I think I will make the morning assembly (Greg will watch the kids) and skip graduation that evening (I will watch the kids and Greg can go). Then on the banquet night, I have a friend who will come over, I feel bad because she lives over 30 min. away. Thank God for friends! I hope I can return the favor someday. So it looks like God has worked it out. The sad thing is, that her Dad at their visit didn't even congradulate her. I have told everyone I know, and when they come in, the first thing she asks them, is if I have told them. It is a big deal! By the way, H. if you are reading this, she wants to ask you to straighten her hair for the banquet.

I am still baking bread from sprouted flour and the kids love it. Can you believe they even want their peanut butter sandwiches on homemade bread. My dh made them sandwiches for lunch with sandwich bread and when they wanted seconds they told me they didn't want that bread but the homemade one. We are using it for french toast, garlic bread, the dough for pizza's, cinnamon toast for breakfast and soon croutons. I am using Sue Greg's recipe. I have all of her books but I found the sprouted flour bread recipe on line. It has a sweet taste that is a little addictive. There is no strong wheat taste.

I bought Kefir grains (Milk and Water) and they are doing really well and multiplying. I love Kefir, both kinds. I am trying to make soda pop tonight. I put some fermented water Kefir in quart jars and added different fruit and will now ferment another 2 days, to increase the fizz.
The water Kefir works really well in green smoothies and I use alot less sweetener, the taste is so fruity. I pour the milk kefir over my homemade granola and use it in fruit smoothies(they are surprisingly not sour), I love the sour taste over the sweet granola. You can use it in any recipe calling for yogurt or buttermilk. I also got a scobi to make Kombucha tea. So I will see how that goes. It looks really strange. Kefir looks so clean. The scobi looks like a science project, but it is suppose to be very good for you.

We used our new grill for the first time on our new back porch, we grilled all beef hot dogs. A. said she didn't like hot dogs, so I told her to at least try them. I had to explain there are many different kinds of hot dogs. These had no fillers, colors or other bad things. As I get older, I really appreciate the best hot dogs, especially with sourkraut! I even got a few of the kids to try it.

We love our back porch, the baby even cries to go out there. It really makes our living space seem larger. With the window I can see the kids but don't have to hear them.

I got a great buy at Wal-Mart yesterday, a stand mixer for $80, it was $50 off. Can you believe I don't have a stand mixer. I just ordered a mixing bowl for my Magic Mill assistent, the one with the wire whips. I wouldn't have ordered it, if I had found the mixer first. But I still think the mixer will be good for the girls to use when they are helping in the kitchen. It is 450 watts, so I think it will do what I need it to do. All this because I want to make homemade marshmallows. Although I love my assistent for making bread. I make four loaves at a time. I bought cast iron bread pans and all I can say is wow! I love the bread in these pans, why did I wait so long.

I have the oldest 3 kids, enrolled in a camp in June and another for the oldest 2 in July. M can't go because he is only 7. Can you believe how quickly school will be out. I think it is June 2nd.

I just have to share a picture of R., she was so tired the other day that she fell asleep in her chair.

And my little curly top.

Well I have to go and make supper. Any ideas?

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER

I know it has been a long time since I have wrote anything. I have been very busy. Sometimes there seems to be so much going on, I don't even know where to start.

The best part was hearing from one of my daughters that I was getting concerned about, well she had broke her phone and didn't get my message until it was replaced. So she called and we had a very long talk and got caught up on things, hope to see her and family soon.

Today M(7) and I went to Shipshewana (25 miles from us) to get wheat berries at the E & S, and some other odds and ends. I forgot they only take cash(I think of debit card as cash). I had a bit on me, but was a little short, so had to make a decision on what I kept. Guess I will have to make another trip over soon.

I went to see one of my sisters who also works over there at a place called D'Vine. I was introduced to several people there and M. saw one of the ladies knitting. So of course he had to ask if she could teach him. Well she had another lady come over who went and got him a crochet hook and some yarn and proceeded to sit down and teach him to make a chain. They told him to bring it back and they would show him the next step. I asked if I could pay for it and they said,"no". They were super nice to him. He is very excited and now wants me to sit and work with him.

The adoption of the two little ones is still in process, were waiting on the DCS to get back to us. We now have another Dr. coming out to work with K.(2), about 4 wks ago, I took the kids off from milk and dairy because W.(3) has either a milk allergy or lactose intollerant. His Dr. asked us to take him off for a few days and then give him some dairy and report on what happened. Well he gets the runs (if you know what I mean) and the potty training goes out the window. Well anyways I just took all the kids off of milk and dairy. Within 2 days, K(2) became a different person and no more coughing at night, no runny nose and no sneezing. He was happy, less agressive and was beginning to talk. His Dr. believes it is a coincidence and said to put him back on milk. Well K(2) has had some dairy and the runny nose and coughing started back up.

The therapist and Dr. from 1st steps believes me and say they can't believe the difference they see in him. Well I got the family Dr. to refer him to an allergist, the appt. is tomorrow. I know that it is a long shot that the test will be positive. But we will still keep him off dairy. The change was unbelievable and continues to be. I have begun to read labels and to replace the food in our house. Good news is, most kids outgrow it.

The parents of the other four have a court date in June and we should know more then, what their status is. It is looking like they will be tpr'd. unless there is some change between now and then.

I have been sprouting wheat berries and using them in different recipes. I now want to learn to make sprouted flour to use in bread. I have already sprouted the berries and then dehydrated them, I have not ground them yet into flour. I have read that soaked flour gives your bread a sour dough taste, but sprouted flour is sweeter. I can handle sweeter and maybe the kids will eat more. I have dehydrated tomatoes, corn, mushrooms, lemon, oranges, pineapple, strawberries and a few others.

Still homeschooling, M has finished the 2nd grade and is now in the 3rd grade. He would have only finished the 1st grade this year, so he has made great progress. He is learning cursive and multiplication, he is very excited. He does better when we do it orally, he is such a talker and hates to sit at a desk by himself. He can do it, but I have to really stay on him to keep him focused. I can't believe school is out June 2, less than 4 wks. I would like to school year around, but I think it will be impossible with other kids at home.

Our big van is in the shop, that is why I got to go shopping with just M and G. stayed home with the other kids. We don't have enough car seats for both vans, so we can only take one or two children in our new honda.

Then we also have pipes leaking water from the sink in the small bath to the basement. So we have had to shut off the water to the sink and put a heater downstairs to dry everything out.

But I have to say, I love my kids and I love my life. A(12) has been asking what I want for mother's day, she wants to buy me something. M. thanked me for taking him with me today, did I say that we also went to the Davis Mercantile and got soft pretzels and then to the top floor where M got to ride the merry-go-round ( he picked out the biggest horse)it seemed like it lasted forever and he was the only one on it. Then we went to the toy shop and he found a sword and shield, that he wants to save his money up for. When he came home he wanted to know if I had a job for him, so he could earn money. K. gets excited to see me. I get excited to see Isa(1). I ordered some little boy bonnets (yes I said bonnets) from Korea, because Isa(1), will not leave him hearing aid in. I had to order them as I could not find them anywhere. Anyways they came in today and they work great. We put his hearing aid in and then put the bonnet on and double tied under his chin and voila, he can't take it out!

It is late and I'm tired, G. feel asleep on the couch waiting for me. Hope this all makes sense. I will try to read it over tomorrow and correct anything.

Spring Break, A Break for Who?

It has been spring week for the kids, and the weather has been cold and rainy. They are bored and cranky. We aren't able to go anywhere because the babies are sick, (R)(3) had started vomiting last Sun. eve and I had thought it might be the soy milk I had given her. She was sick a few days and then the other little ones have been sick also. DH said his little green machine has been getting a work out this week, if you know what I mean! Life is easier without carpet, but so much noisier. (A)(11) said she was sick last night also. I think that makes 7 out of 8, that have been sick.

It has been a bad week to celebrate 2 birthdays. (K) was 2 last week and (I) was 1 yesterday. I think the cake and ice cream is what pushed a few over the edge. (A) said even thinking of frosting makes her sick.

We have filled out the paper work and are now in the process of adopting (K) and (I). I took (K) to the Dr. this week and the Dr. signed the papers I need to get (K) more services to deal with his behavior. I should get a call this week to set an appt. for a psyhologist to come out 2x a month. He will basically work with me and teach me how to help (K).

I think DH is exausted, he has been getting up with sick kids and cleaning up all the carpet, for days. He is laying on the sofa, trying to get a nap while the kids watch cartoons. The last time the kids were sick, I had a few of the older ones not make it to the bathroom. I was exausted from cleaning up after babies, the 4 under 3yr. Anyways I really lost it with them and made them clean it up, even though they were sick. Remember I was really fighting being sick too. I really felt bad afterwards, but anyways this time they made it to the bathroom, so I guess it helped. I think sometimes the older kids, just want the attention they feel the little ones get.

On a good note, maybe(?)! (I) took his first steps on Thurs., the day before turning 1yr. old. It won't take long before he is running. He jabbers all the time.

It was good to see H and J for awhile this week, when they stopped by. H took a week off work to be home with their boys during spring break. They were going to go camping but the weather isn't too great. Although they did go to Chicago and visit a few places and spent the night.

We had a great time last Sunday, we are excited when everyone is well enough to attend church, see Grandma and go out to eat. With two already sick this morning, it won't happen tomorrow! Oh, well, school starts Monday, and the older ones should be ready. I know I am!

Cayenne Pepper & Raw Vinegar

I know that adopting M. and R., that we won't have the adjustment that some people go through because they have been with us for 2 years. I find them both to be settling in really well. M. seems to have a peace about him that he didn't have before.

I find myself desiring to be in the best physical shape I can be. So I have decided to start eating healthier. Thats means more raw food and less meat.

So I found some natural things I can begin to do.

Years ago I used to use alot of cayenne pepper, I knew it was healty for you. But today I found these sites (http://www.cayennepepper.info/health-benefits-of-cayenne-pepper.html)or(http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/benefits-of-cayenne-pepper/). It's worth taking a look at if you are interested in ways to naturally heal yourself. It is great for your heart, can even stop a heart attack. Can lower blood pressure and help with fatique. So yesterday my husband and I started in drinking a tea made out of cayenne. We took our first glass of 4oz of warm water mixed with 1/8 tsp. of cayenne and 1/2 tsp. of raw honey. It seemed to burn my husband's mouth more than mine. I didn't think it was really that bad, but then 1/8 tsp. might not be that much. So far I have not noticed any extra energy. But it does seem to be a good detox. We only use it once in the morning.

I also researched raw apple cider vinegar and thought maybe we could use both. I have been using raw honey and vinegar for R's cough and it seems to be working, she is only 3, but doesn't mind taking it. She even calls it her medicine. I was told by the Dr. that the cough has been hanging on for 4 wks in people, so my kids are doing really well. We are using 1 tsp in a glass of water before every meal.

And if you have heartburn or GERD, try this site on vinegar.(http://www.thehealthword.com/articles/gerd-heartburn-oh-how-it-burns-20080406). It works for me. I was in pain and haven't had any heartburn since I started a few days ago.

I feel the pepper will be the hardest to continue unless we see results soon. Although my husbands blood pressure was lower today, so we will see.

Rambling and Coconut Oil

Today I took our 11 mo. old to the Dr. and found out he has an ear infection, so he is now on ear drops and amoxicillian. We still can not get him to leave his hearing aid in more than a minute or so. He is doing a lot of jabbering, and we are sure he is repeating words after us. He is standing alot and will be walking soon. I already miss have a little tiny baby.

I found out today that our soon to be 2yr. old will be getting more services. The psychologist will be coming out 2 times a month to work with us and then we will go from there on his recomendations, he is suppose to call and set up a time to come back out.

The pink eye is getting better in the 3yr. olds. W. is so easy to put drops in his eyes. R. fights me with all she has in her, it takes two of us to hold her down and put the drops in. I am glad it is only for 5 days.

Well tomorrow is Sat., all kids home, the day will be busy. I hope to get laundry caught up. I need to remember to make cappuccino mix also, my husband drinks one everyday and I like to make it decaf and sugar free. I hope everyone is better tomorrow and we can make church on Sunday.

I have been researching waterless cookware (cheap ones) and food vacuum sealers, I would love to have both. I can dream, can't I? We have not yet bought the tv for the living room, we are waiting on our tax refund and can't decide if we really want to spend the money on one or not. I think I would if I could find a good deal.

On a different note, I made apple crisp yesterday and sweetened it with agave and used coconut oil in it. My 6 yr. old said, "Mom this is good, but you really need more agave and coconut oil in it." On the other hand, my 8 yr. old couldn't quit eating it. If you don't know much about coconut oil, you should do a search on the benefits of using it. (I'm talking about raw organic from the health food store) I use it as a moisturizer also on my face and I really like it. I have been using it on the boys skin too, as their skin looks quite dry, it isn't greasy and really absorbs nicely. I even saw a video clip on someone recovering from alzheimer's. It was an amazing little testimony of a man that was going to be put in a nursing home, but his wife prayed and God led her to coconut oil being a brain food. Anyways, it was touching listening to him talking about it and how fast he began to recover, literally the same day she began to give it to him. So check it out, might be the best $10 you ever spent. I know my husband and I have been using it and with all the kids being sick were still going. Our case worker and transporter have both been sick for weeks. They almost refuse to come into our house because of so many sick kids. So now I am trying to get some into the kids. :)

Here is a link to the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tpPUsh74YM
Or
http://www.anh-usa.org/coconut-oil-and-alzheimer%E2%80%99s-disease/

or do a search on coconut oil / alzheimers

Concrete countertops?

I am still dealing with sick kids. R(3yr, girl)was running fever and pink eye. W (3yr. boy) pink eye and had to miss his visit and pre school today. I think K (2) and I (1) were better today, no breathing treatments. But with 10 people in the house, it just seem to go around again. It will be so nice when the weather warms up and we can open windows and get rid of whatever it is going around.

I had a long talk with one of my 5 sisters today on the phone. She is in Florida, where it is warm. I can't believe I use to live there and now am here in the cold. I don't want to complain as I have it very nice where I am, but I am just saying, if I could go south, I would.

Although I wouldn't be able to until we finish the adoption of the two little boys. We also have alot to finish on the house. I am researching how to pour a concrete countertop. We changed alot of things in our kitchen last year and now have a larger counter and an irregular countertop. We got some estimates that started from $2,000 for laminate and over double for solid surface. If we could recoup the money when we sold it would be fine, but we still need over $8,000 to hook up to city water and sewer and last summer we added a new porch, siding, windows, new doors, sidewalk and more. We did all that to help the house sell, not to make money, although that would be nice. So to save some I think we could do a concrete countertop, so I am reading anyone's blog I can find on, diy countertops. So if you have any ideas, let me know. I read it sets up really quick, so I am hoping some of my family will come over to help. From what I read, you have 30 min. from the time you finish mixing, to get it poured and pushed down, as it is thicker than normal concrete, outside.
I actually like the pictures I have looked at, but I have never seen it in person. I have 50 sq. ft. of countertop.

Please pray for my kids, that they get over this sickness.

I really miss you L., it was nice talking to you today, can't wait to see you. I know you will bring the warm weather, because you won't come without it!

Negotiating Subsidies

It has been a very busy week. Even though it is easier with my little 21 month old girl gone, we still have plenty to do. We were in court for the sibling group of four, they gave the Mom another chance, I think. There is some question as to the motive for giving her another chance, as they may wait until May (when the Dad rights are to be terminated) and terminate both at the same time. We have had the kids for over a year now. I actually hope that the Mom will get things together. I do not want to adopt children that could have their own parents care for them, there are just too many who have no one that cares. I really can't talk about particulars in these cases, but usually it is the same thing, it is a long wait. After a year the kids begin to change, they start losing hope that they will ever go home. They start talking about being adopted and they want to make plans for next year. It is especially hard for us to make plans, since we don't know if they will be here or not.

Their visits have been moved from the office to their Dad's new apt, it has given the kids hope that they would be going home soon since their cousin, my little 21 mo. old, went home very quickly after home visits started. I don't think it will happen that way but we will have to wait and see.

We will start the adoption process for our 2 little boys at the end of March. We will then be required to negotiate for a subsidy. I have been having some issues with the soon to be 2 yrs. old, last Nov., I had 1st steps (a program that works with children up to 3 yr. old) come out to evaluate him. After they were finished, they asked, "what I needed help with, or what my concern was". They told me he qualified for help. So I said that I need help with speech, as he was not talking at all, at that time. He does now say a few words and he will be 2 this month. We still have a very hard time communicating with him. He also doesn't seem to understand us. We had his hearing tested, as his 1 yr. old brother has a hearing loss, but he passed the hearing test. His dr. even thought we might be dealing with autism, at one time, but I also think that is out now.

So they gave me a speech therapist to work with him. He is making improvement and now knows several words. Anyway, the speech therapist recommended I get a child psychologist to look at him. So I did, we had one come out last week. I was explaining to him some of things I was seeing and dealing with and saying I needed an evaluation. So he told me that I didn't need an evaluation because 1st steps had already done one. Their evaluation was done by an Occupational and Developmental Therapist.

So he proceeded to take out a copy of the papers from them and show me what had already been done. I couldn't believe it, it took another Dr. to show me and explain what the papers I already had, meant. So he showed me that our 2yr. old has already been evaluated and is in the lower 5% across the board, in all areas. He even called to find out why he wasn't receiving more services. Their response was, "we only do what the parents ask us to do". He also showed me where the little boys doctor had also signed the papers agreeing to the evaluation and had even assigned a special code number for medicaid. He said I had everything I needed to negotiate a subsidy for him. He is to come back out again this month before the little one's birthday and has asked for me to have the case worker present, he will explain everything to her then. He would prefer not to be called in to court to give his opinion. He will finish his report before then and make a plan to help the little one.

I really feel God saved me on this one. I was feeling like the case workers were thinking I was making things up when I would say that he seemed behind in so many areas. They just kept telling me that it was because our little girl was so smart and I was just comparing them to each other.

SUNDAYS

It was great to be back in church today. I know it makes a difference in my attitude when I don't attend. Some weeks it's the only day I get out of the house. But more than that, it helps me to put my eyes back on God. I won't lie, sometimes I let the stress get to me and Sunday really helps me to unwind and get a freah start. It is nice to have a day without case workers calling or visiting, a day for just us to be a family. It is my favorite day of the week and when I don't go to church, I feel there is no down time and the stress just continues to build up. I know I should be able to spend time with God during the week, but realistically with so many kids, it just doesn't always happen. There is something really special about Sundays and I really look forward to it.

It still amazes me that one little girl being gone, makes such a difference, but today was easier all around. Today the clocks got turned back one hour and we did have to push to get everyone ready and get out of the house on time. No time to sit but we made it. I didn't get breakfast but I took a cappacinno to drink on the way to church. I had everyone take showers and baths last night, except I didn't get to the baby, I thought I would have time this morning. Well I didn't, because I had forgot about the time change. My husband got up early this morning with a flash light because he had forgot to change the one in our bedroom, he didn't want to wake the baby up. So I just gave him, the baby, what my mom used to call a lick and a promise. I gave him and quick wipe down with a wash cloth and promised I would give him a bath soon. I'm sure he will survive.

I'm looking forward to an easier week as the little girl that left had three visits a week. That means we had someone coming five days a week to pick someone up and return them or we had to transport. Now we will be down to just two days. Yeah! That in itself was stress, I felt like we had to pick up constantly and with two weeks of sick kids, it has been hard to keep up.

So here's looking forward to a good week ahead!

Thank You J

My husband and I were able to attend a 4 hr. foster care training today because one of our son in laws came to babysit, on short notice, I might add. We have to have 20 hrs of training a yr. and it is hard to line up a sitter for 8 kids (they have to be over 21). We found out that there is another training next Sat. for 6 hrs. and he said he would watch the kids again. So a great big thank you to J.! We couldn't do it without you! I thought the training was good though, it was on what to do if someone was suicidal and the signs to watch for. I think it could have been condensed to 1 hr. though. The nice part was getting to have some time away from the kids and just being able to enjoy sitting for awhile.

I can't believe how much easier things seemed today, with one soon to be 2yr old gone. The first thing this morning we were able to sleep in a few minutes later than usual as she was always the first to wake up and begin to scream. Then there was one less to change diapers for, one less to feed, one less to dress, one less to carry, you get the idea! Makes the 8 we have now seem like a cake walk. Even bath time seemed easier and quicker.

So we're off to church tomorrow, it has been several weeks with all the kids being sick and I am ready to get back into our routine of church, seeing Grandma at the nursing home and taking the kids out to eat. It's a nice way to spend the day and makes our Sundays really special. Even the kids are excited and trying to talk us in to eating at McD's instead of the Old Country Buffet. The young ones like to play at McD's and the older ones just want all the drinks and dessert they can eat at a buffet. I just like a place big enough for us all to sit together and high chairs for the young ones (ones where the seat belts actually work).

We need a new day.

It has been such a beautiful sunny day, we were able to get out and enjoy it some when my oldest daughter called and asked us to meet them for lunch. My dh took one of our school age kids to the Doc. today and our daughter called while he was there. I had her call her Dad to ask if he wanted to go and he called me to say be ready when he got home in 15 min. He was surprised when he came in, that I did not have 6 kids fully dressed, the diaper bag packed with bottles made, diapers changed on four of them, myself dressed and make-up on, the phone on call forwarding and coats on. "Really"? That is all I have to say. So of course we were a little late, but it all worked out.

It was kinda of a going away party for our young one who left us today. It is hard for the other 4 kids to see her go (they lived together and came into foster care together). But even more than that, I think is the question in their minds, "why aren't they going home"? So everything is a little emotional for them right now. They are sad, very sad. The 6 yr. old is saying it isn't fair, that the little one gets to go home and she is crying. The oldest is in her room, I don't think she wants us to see her tears. I'm very happy that the little one is back with her family but it is so hard to see these children suffer because they lost a little cousin, that had been with them since the day she was born. She couldn't have been more of a sister to them.

So what are we to do? Well making choc. chip cookies seems like a good idea, so I put the oldest to baking (the scoop and bake from Sam's Club) and the others are watching and drooling. I think I will send out dh to buy pizza. It's a band aid at best, but soon it will be bed time and tomorrow is a new day.

Tax Return

Another dark and dreary day. Dh went to have the oil changed in our van and took dd(3 yr.) with him. That left me with 4, since our other 3 yr. old was in speech school for a few hrs. I don't think I accomplished much, just picking up a little here and there. Folded and put away some laundry and supervised M. homeschooling. We use ACE paces. It is 4:30 and he is still working (or not). He has played around all day. You have to love homeschooling, it isn't over until he finishes. He can have everything done in two hours if he wants, so please don't feel sorry for him. He wants me to do it orally with him, instead of him writing his answers on a piece of paper.

When dh came home, we sat in our living room and talked a little about how to spend our taxes. Paying off bills will always be number one. Then we talked about taking a vacation (much overdue, I might add)we did take a week in Dec. to go down to a Be In Health conference by Henry Wright in Georgia but we didn't take the kids. But as always, vacations are so expensive. So my dh thought it would be good idea to buy a large tv for our living room. I mean large, like a 65" LED, 3d hdtv. I have to admitt it would be nice to sit in there and watch tv, our den is cold and doesn't heat well. The biggest reason though, is with so many young children the living room is more child proof than the den, as it is now I have to choose between being in the living room with the kids or in the den with him. If all it would take is a large tv to get him in there, I say lets go for it. Now the question is where to mount it, between the windows, so we can see outdoors or over the fireplace and our back to the windows? Should we mount it on the wall or sitting on a cabinet?

And that vacation I was talking about? I guess we will take it on our new back porch, and if I take a fancy to traveling, I guess I can always read my sister's blog.

Rainy Days

Today is rainy and drab. I guess some would say that is better than snow, it is in the 40's. Several of my kids have been sick with RSV, phnemonia and ear infection. I think today they seem much better, although we still have several more days on Amoxicillian.

I have 7 foster kids and 2 adopted. I have 2 different sibling groups and a cousin to one of the groups. She is only 21 months and has been with us for a year this month. She will be going home this Fri.

We will miss her though, she is a cutie and definitely a Momma's girl. She has become such a part of our family and our routines. When she leaves, we will go through a sort of limbo and find ourselves having to adjust our schedule. What will I do with all the extra time I will have? If anyone doesn't think a 21 month old is time consuming, I wonder if you have ever had one. But I also have a 11 mo. old, 2 yr. old this month and two 3 yr. olds. (One 3 yr. old is potty trained, one isn't) So maybe things won't change all that much, I will still by busy.

I spent the morning putting chairs together, for a small children's table I had started last summer, and never finished three of them. I have a small kitchen set in the bedroom and the 2yr old was climbing on it. I was afraid he would fall, so decided to get the table and chairs finished, thinking it would be safer for him to climb on. My 3 yr. olds were fighting over the one chair I had finished, so I told them I would put the others together. Well I took the second chair in and then they were fighting over who got to sit in that one. Since I couldn't convince them to share, I finally had to sit them in time out. Now that all four chairs are finished, it doesn't have the same appeal to them, go figure.

M. is doing his school work or should I say not. He did two days worth on Monday and then took yesterday off and went to "work" with his Dad. After they got their work done they went shopping at Sam's Club. He had a great day and he had worked really hard on Mon. to make it happen. Today he seems to not be able to get motivated to do school, so I have been trying to motivate him. Being rainy and dark outside doesn't help either of our moods. It would be great day to be in bed, reading.

Kidchaser, the beginning

I decided to blog after reading my sister's blog. She is traveling around in a motorhome and enjoying her retirement with her husband.

So I decided to blog on the beginning of my life with my two new children and a life long dream of being an adoptive mother. My husband and I have been in foster care for over 15 yrs. and we finally adopted two of our children in Oct. 2010.

It is the second time around for us as our children have been raised for years and we are grandparents to 7 children. When we first began foster care, we had hopes of adopting, but after years of children leaving our home, I think our hopes left with them.

We thought we had become too old and it would never happen. Then two children came into our home, siblings, a boy and girl. I had to be talked into taking them because of the little boys record, he was four at the time, and had been in a placement for 8 months that was not working. The case worker had been trying to find a home for two weeks for them. I was asked if we would just keep them for a few days and give it a try, so I did. Now the rest is history. Two years later they are ours and I wouldn't trade them for anything.

I love knowing that they are here to stay. I have a peace that I can't explain. I am homeschooling the oldest and falling in love with homeschooling all over again. I love being Mom again!

At the present time we have 9 children in our home that range in age from 10 months - 11 years. We are still foster parents.

So this will be our jouney. Since we have 5 children at the present under 4, I thought the title Kidchaser was appropriate.