Our Storibook

Responsibly Pestering You All

2011-10-04T00:45:00.002-04:00

I know I have been pestering all of you to buy some goods to support a family who is adopting and a lot of you don't even know them. I am sure you are wondering why? Why am I making the effort to purchase, sell, and mail items? Why do I keep bugging you?

Well, let me try to explain....

There are 147 MILLION reasons.
There are an estimated 147 million orphans in the world today.
147 million children that need to be fed
147 million children that need to be bathed
147 million children that need proper medical care
147 million children that need shelter
but most of these children just want one thing....to be loved.
147 million children that need a Mommy or a Daddy to hold them, to protect them, to keep them safe, to tell them everyday that they are loved.

As Christians, any one who believes in a God, as human beings, we are responsible for these children. We can't stand by with the thought, "God is their Father and is always with them." He might be. But God works through us! He has no physical hands to feed, bath, care, provide shelter, or to tuck a child in at night while whispering, "I love you and always will." No, he needs us. He needs us all to step us and take responsibility for these children.

If only 7% of people who claim to be Christians would adopt or sponser a child, all 147 would be taken care of.

All of you reading this, including myself, could adopt now. We could save and raise enough money. Yes, we would have to give up this

for

or this

for

Okay, so most of us don't have the convertible, but you get my point. We could all make sacrifices. We could all adopt, but most of us are not. I'm sure not all of us are called to adopt, yet many are, and are ignoring our calling.

But we can still take responsibility for these children without becoming their Mommy or Daddy and we must. One way is to support those willing to sacrifice all the things that we are taught in this society to be important. We need to support those who are willing to step up to their calling and adopt a child in need.

Brian and Carrie Woods have done so over and over. First, there was sweet little Grace (4 yrs old), then Haven (3yrs old), and then JoJo and Manny (both 1 yr old). Several if not all of these children would most likely not be alive without them. And now they are stepping up again, and adopting 8 month old twins. Some of you might see this as irresponsible in this world. Who could possibly properly care for SIX children? (Well, I assure they can, and they will do a wonderful job.) I see them being nothing but responsible to all of God's children.

Of course, those of you who have adopted know that we are not the gift to our children, but they are the greatest gift God could have ever have given us. With accepting this responsibility, Brian and Carrie are rewarded over and over each day. As all of their beautiful children wake up happy to see their Mommy and Daddy, they are rewarded with smiles, hugs and kisses. You see, as you add more members to a family, more and more love is created.

But even knowing these rewards. We are still frightened our life will change to much to act.

So for now, we can support those adopting. Support those who have adopted. Give monetary donations to a good nonprofit organization. (I personally recommend Our Family in Africa). Go on a mission trips to a third world countries. Speak out. And Pray. Pray for all 147 million of these children. Pray that those called to adopt will finally listen to their calling. Pray that people will support them and help provide for the cost of getting these babies to their forever home.

So, the reason why I keep pestering you all...is because they are able to see beyond the fright that most of us have, they only see the love. They are taking responsibility for the rest of their lives. I think the least we could do is take the responsibilty to help get them home.

You can read more about Carrie and Brian and follow their journey by clicking on their names. If you would like to purchase an item or give a donation towards their adoption, and are not on FaceBook please just leave a message : )

Thanking God

2011-08-31T00:42:00.003-04:00

So, I've been a little busy. I hate that I haven't blogged about all the great things that have happened in my life. But the truth is...

I just haven't the time or the energy.

Well, first of course I have to introduce little

Owen Charles Sullivan.

Born June 21, 2011 at 9:08 pm,

weighing 8 pounds and 2 ounces, 20.5 inches long.

Who has become not so little in the last two months.

(Now close to 17 pounds!)

You all know that my pregnancy with Owen threw me for a loop. I was expecting a little tiny black baby girl and ended up with a big white red headed baby! But God has has given me a wonderful gift no matter the color. I am so thankful to be able to nurse a little one again. There is just nothing like it.

When I first gave birth to Owen. It was so strange. I looked at him and thought he is so precious. But....I didn't feel that immediate bond that I had felt with Liv and Parker. I'm not for sure why. It is most definitely there now and was shortly after. I actually bonded much quicker to Chad and Ian. I think this is because I had a pictures to look at every second of the day.

They were more real to me.

Owen has helped me see how calm and sweet my two wild ones can be.

Chad and Ian are wonderful big brothers.

They are so gentle.

My only complaint to them is,

"Owen has had enough kisses today."

The older two are so much help. They love him so much. They have a very special bond with him and even stronger bond with me because they were in the delivery room with me! That is a whole other post in itself.

Owen has made me realize again how blessed I am. I hear him cry and I run to him and pick him up. I simply say, "It's OK. Mama is here." But this is what I am thinking,

"Thank God I am here.

Thank God I am able to take care of you.

Thank God I have the means to keep you.

Thank God that I have the nutrition to have breast milk to feed you.

Thank God I am able to hold you and love on you."

Everyday now I think about Ian being the same age in an orphanage of over 100 kids and 1 caretaker. I can't help but cry. What happened when he cried? Nothing. I know there was no Mama there to pick him up. There was no one to lovingly tell him it was OK. There was no formula to feed him.

And poor Chad. He had a Mama to take care of him and all of a sudden he was in a "Cave", as Chad calls the orphanage, with no one to feed or love him.

How do you ever recover from that?

How do you possibly as a parent make up for that?

How do you deal with knowing your children have suffered so much?

How do you deal with knowing there are so many other children out there suffering right now?

It is all so much.

Then I see this and all I can do is Thank God that he has chosen me to a Mommy to all five of my children,

and pray that he will help me answer my questions,

that she will help me realize

her plan for me and how I will help those children.

Words That Make You Go Hmmmm....

2011-04-25T12:21:00.000-04:00

There are so many things that people have said lately to me that make me want go "Hmmmm......What the heck were you thinking!" So, I decided to share a few.

* While at a restaurant Jamey and I were asked TWICE by two different people, "If we were going to keep them?", referring to Chad and Ian. Hmmmm.....This is just rude! Chad is 3 going on who knows what and he understands what you are saying!

* As one of the above people were leaving he dropped a ten dollar bill on the table. In response to our surprised looks, he said he really wanted us to have it. Hmmmm.....Is this because he just offended us by asking if we were going to keep our children?

* I had someone approach me the other day and asked when my due date was. I responded, "June 29th." His eyes got real big and then he loudly stated, "Wow! You are already SO BIG! Seriously, how big are you going to be by then!?!" Hmmmm.......this guy is just lucky we were in a room full of witnesses.

* Last week we took Chad and Ian to an appointment with a pediatric surgeon. The doctor comes in and reviews our paperwork, clearly stating we are their parents with the same last name. Talks to us awhile, hears the boys call us mommy and daddy. As she starts taking some notes she asks, "So, are the boys adopted?" If you could have seen Jamey's face, I was trying hard not to laugh. She explained that her children look very Asian like their father and people always assume that she adopted them from China. So, I guess she didn't want to assume that we hadn't some how miraculously produced to very black babies! Hmmmm......and she is going to possibly operate on my babies!

* Then there are the comments that have been made over and over by different people. Usually, they are something like, "Wow! When are you due? You are going to have your hands so full. You poor thing. I just don't see how you can do it." Hmmmm.......baby is coming whether you are comfortable with it or not! How about some support : )

* "Where are you going to put all those kids?" Is a common question. Hmmmm.....We do not live in a mansion or anything, but we are blessed to have 5 bedrooms and 3 1/2 baths. I see nothing wrong with a two or three of the kids sharing a room.

So suprise! We are going to keep all FIVE of our children! Yes, this is my third pregnancy and I am soon to be 35, so my belly is nice and stretched out! We are just as excited about number 5 as we were with 1,2,3, and 4! I guess God just made me crazy enough to believe that we can handle 5 kids!

Yes, lucky for me that God has blessed me with humor, as I just have to laugh at the things most people say :)

Helping Others Adopt

2011-01-11T10:31:00.003-05:00

You all know how my heart is all wrapped around adoption. And even though we can not adopt again at this time as many of you can not either, we can do something!

I have some really great friends who are adopting! I am so happy for them! Dessica comes from a very large family and is a wonderful mother. Not only are they adopting, they are adopting FOUR beautiful brothers! How awesome is it that! These boys get to be adopted and stay together! They are a member of our small group at church and we are helping them raise money for their adoption. We have created a chipin account, so click below and donate any amount! Please help bring these boys home.

For those of you who haven't heard already.....

2010-12-02T21:04:00.000-05:00

For along time now, I have pictured a fifth child in our family. A cute little Congolese baby girl. To adopt again was in my heart and I thought it was what God was calling me to do. Jamey and I had both decided that we had two biological children and although we love them to death, we do not feel the need to bring anymore children into this world. We both strongly agree that we should be taking care of those already in this world.

So, you can imagine our surprise when I found out I was pregnant! Surprise really doesn't explain it. Jamey was so happy he was glowing continuously! But I was....in shock.

I just keep asking God "Why?" I don't understand, I am happy and eager to adopt. There are those trying desperately and paying lots of money to get pregnant and I am the one who gets pregnant!?!

It's not that I don't love the miracle of pregnancy. It was one of my favorite times of my lives. Jamey still doesn't understand this. All he remembers is me worshiping the toilet and all the pain of labor. But I remember the miracle of the little one moving inside of me. The amazing experience of nursing.

I cried when I signed every adoption document. I felt I was signing away my chance to ever experience these miracles again.

When I was pregnant with Livia and Parker I thought that they were the most wonderful babies in the world. That they were so much more special than any other baby. They were all I could think about.

Today, I feel guilty. As I do not feel this way anymore. I have grown and I realize all of God's children are so very wonderful and the child growing inside of me is not any more special than a child across the world that I do not know. I do not find myself joyfully thinking of the little one growing inside of me. Instead, I find myself thinking of all the children in the Lisanga orphanage. I wake up in the middle of the night with their faces in my heart.

I have now realized that adoption is such a miracle. It is just as miraculous as pregnancy. Something I selfishly yearned for a few years ago, has now been given to me. I know I should be thanking God for this wonderful gift! But all I can see are the tears running down those beautiful babies' dark faces.

Recovering Monday

2010-11-01T21:17:00.000-04:00

Today I am recovering from our very busy weekend and all the sugar! First there was trick-or-treating! We had to squeeze this in on Friday night. Saturday, Parker had basketball practice, after that we drove almost two hours to the State Marching Band Competition, then we shopped and ate. (There are three high schools in our small county. All three made it to State Finals! Being a previous band geek, I am so proud of these students! I know how much time and committment it takes to perform like they did.) Sunday we had church and the kids were surprised by a bouncy and the older ones were able to do the rope course in the woods behind the church. We left from there and went straight to Bedford for two of Parker's games. Then did an early celebration of Parker's birthday with some of Jamey's family at Mr. Gatti's. Then Parker and I shopped for some shoes, which we did not find : (

So, today I recover, not as in resting (how I wish). But picking up everything that everyone just threw on the floor as we ran from place to place and of course LAUNDRY lots of LAUNDRY! I am on my 4th load and still have a few more to go.

Here are some pics of our busy weekend:

"I have BIG hair! Looks like Cotton Candy! Yummy Candy!"- Chad Ona Sullivan

2010-10-29T10:59:00.003-04:00

If only I had a dime for every minute I spent on hair and skin care, I'd adopt another child! I never imagined how much time I would spend on hair care for my boys. I guess I should be more specific Chad's hair. Ian still has fine thin baby hair. Hopefully one day it will grow in, but for now I am enjoying the ease of Ian's hair.

Chad on the other hand....he has the kinkiest hair I have ever seen. I am still absolutely in awww of how tight it is. Just look at this. That little black circle is Chad's curl. It is almost 4 inches long if streched out staight!

I know it would be much easier on me just to shave it down. But the back of his head is really really flat and he looks so much cuter with hair. And I just love his hair! Unfortunately, I was not using the right products for his hair until recently. His hair was hard and dry. I didn't know this wasn't normal until I felt the hair of one of Chad's new friends, a fellow adopted Congolese girl. (Yeah, I am the ignorant white mom). Her hair was soooo soft. So, I began to rethink our hair care products. The products I was using seemed to work for most afican american children, but my boy has A LOT more african in him!

I asked one of the more veteran OFA parents, Cami. She gave me a list of products from Miss Jessy's. I about had a cow when I saw the price of these products! But I do not want Chad to be known as the "poor little black boy who has a white mama who does NOT know what she is doing with his hair". So, I bought shampoo, conditioner, Rapid Recovery Treatment, and Baby Buttercream.

Well, I was absolutely AMAZED by the difference in Chad's hair after one use of these products. It was so soft and it was so much easier to pick through. Which was a blessing, we spent I am guessing at least 20 minutes a day picking this boy's hair out. If it was not done twice daily, it would be IMPOSSIBLE to pick out the next day.

Here is a picture of some twists I tried a few months ago. I made the twists to big, so they only stayed in for a few days. I didn't like them well enough to have them lock.

So, Megan introduced me to the NUDRED. You have to watch the video. I really wich I had known about this product before I spent 3 days twisting Chad's hair! If you haven't noticed, Chad does not like to sit still! So, I twisted while he ate and even while he sleeped.I have done part of Chad's hair with it and it is a real time saver! If his was shorter, it would be breeze to make little twists! To most of you all's suprise Chad's hair is close to 4 inches long when it is stretched out! But I am thinking of getting it cut just so I can use the NUDRED on him with ease. I apologize the music is REALLY annoying, but it is amazing how quickly this guys hair transforms in front of your eyes!

Today, I tried something for the first time. I used Missy Jessy's products and blow dried his hair combing it out continuously. This gave him a little Afro. The pictures don't show it very well. I should have spent a little more time blow drying it out. As some parts are much longer than others. After, I finisheded, Chad looked in the mirror and said, "I have BIG hair! Looks like cotton candy, yummy candy!" And well, it did.

So, his hair is somewhat under control. Now we have skin issues : ( I thought we had his skin under control, but now he has this dry skin rash on his face. For those of you who are unfamiliar with african skin, it takes a lot of work to keep it healthy. Last winter, we would apply a lotion and then a vaseline type product on top of it THREE times a day. Yes, they were greasy little boys. I had greasy hand prints on all of our windows, but without doing this their skin would get ashy gray and dry. With two babies, I felt like this was and changing diapers was all I did!

So, all you mothers of african babies out there, what are you using on the skin?

In Our Arms for ONE YEAR

2010-10-28T16:34:00.001-04:00

Wow! It was a year ago that we arrived in Kinshasa. How time flys by! So, much has changed since then. The boys were so small! Chad weighed in at 17# and Ian at 11#. Now the are 38# and 22#! We have seen amazing physical growth this year. But even more amazing is watching them open their hearts to us, to trust us. This seems like a simple task to most people. But it was the hardest thing Chad has ever had to do. To open his wounded heart back up. I proudly say today that he has finally adopted me. I am very honored to be Chad and Ian's Mama. I thank God everyday for these boys.

I am celebrating our Family this week.

Here is a post that I wrote a few days after we arrived in Kinshasa.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

First, I apologize to all of those who have been checking my blog. I simply have had no time to write!

Well, Sunday night was the hardest day of my life. Leaving Livia and Parker was so hard. They are so excited but just did not want us to leave them. I didn't want to leave them at all. I was very mad at myself. I really wished one of us would have stayed home with them. We have called home several times and of course they are doing fine. But we all terribly miss each other and we can't wait to get home!

We arrived in Kinshasa on Tuesday around 2:00. Pastor Loma picked us up and drove us to the guest house. The boys arrived a few minutes after we did. I was so overwhelmed with emotion! My boys were right before my eyes! I could actually hold them. I held myself back for a few minutes and talked to them. Ian came right to me. He is so adorable. I then passed him on to Jamey were he fell asleep. I decided to spend all of my attention on Chad. Chad would cry everytime I looked at him. I believe they had been preparing him for this day. He knew what was going on and he did not like it. My heart broke for him. Pastor Loma and his family stayed with us for probably 45 minutes. I finally decided to hold Chad. He did not cry and hasn't ever since. When I finally gave him to Jamey, he fell asleep too. Daddy seems to have the magic touch.

We all slept together in a king size bed surrounded by mosqito netting. Using a flashlight, I felt like we were camping. Couldn't help but think that Livia and Parker would really like it! Wednesday we took the boys to the clinic. It was probably only 5 miles away, but took about 2 hours to get there. The boys were wonderful. The trip was a very long one still. With no air, high tempeture, high humidity and 11 people in a mini-van it sure was hot and sweaty! The boys only got blood drawn and will have a thorough examination next Monday. They had a very hard time finding a vein on Ian. It was very hard to see him in pain. But he was over that very quickly.

Ian has bonded with me very quickly. He wants to snuggle and give me kisses all the time! Yesterday, he would fuss if I was not next to him. He would cry and stop as soon as I picked him up. He is a very happy baby! He laughs and smiles and coos a lot and sings a lot too. He is also very active and jumps on me non stop. He's sort of hard to hold. He is very strong. Jamey found a scale here at the guest house and he weighs 11# and Chad weighs 19#. We aren't for sure how accurate the scales are, they appear to be very old. But they both are very small! Ian has been wearing 3-6 month clothing and some 9 month old. The clothes I packed for Chad 18-24 months have been big on him and he has been wearing Ians 9 month old onsies. I have a feeling both of the boys will be growing very quickly. Ian takes lots of formula and Chad is eating all of mine and Jamey's meals (at the guest house we are served our meals and only a small amount is prepared)! We are so excited that he has such a good appetite. He had been eating mostly bread. So, I am so pleasantly suprised that he likes green beans, greens, chicken and meat. He just will eat anything so far.

Chad hasn't cried at all. But he is not himself yet around us. When we are with Pastor Loma he lights up and his personality comes out. He smiles and talks (French and Lingala)! With only us he still talks, unfortunately we cannot understand him. He is much more subdued. It is such a big change for him and he has been through so much already. But he does love to snuggle! Will stand and try to walk with assistance. But he tires very easily. He had Malaria and I don't think he has ever recovered his full strengh since than. Well, they just rang the bell so I've got to go feed him some lunch. I will try to right more the next chance I get.

Well, I am back. Well fed happy babbies! They are both so easy. They never cry. Ian cries only when he is hungry and has as I mentioned cries when I leave the room. But he has started being fine with Jamey today.

Oh, and did I mention how cute they are! Here are some pictures!

Chad looking at a book.

Ian giggling!

Ian kissing Stori

Ian and Stori

Chad asleep on Jamey

Three Boys on a Log

2010-10-18T22:28:00.005-04:00

WHAT ARE THEY UP TO?

Chad's face tells the story.

Guys, quiet, here she comes. Be calm. She'll never know what we are up to.

Mom, we aren't doing anything. Just three boys sitting on log.

Guys, don't make eye contact. She'll figure us out.

Oh crap.....Ian is going to let the cat out of the bag!

See Mama, we are just your three precious boys sitting on a log.

Mommy is guessing from the following pictures that you boys were up to something!

Got to Love My Boys!

Praise, Praise, Praise the Lord!

2010-10-10T01:51:00.001-04:00

I am giving much praise this month! Chad has made some really BIG steps!

First, I should probably explain, because this is a topic that I didn't share with most people. Not even the details with my husband. I felt there was something wrong with me. I didn't want to people to think that our family was a failure. Maybe I thought if I didn't say it out loud it really wasn't the case. But anyway, I know now that was all very silly of me to think. So, now I share the details.

The day I first saw Chad. He looked me straight in the eyes, screamed and cried hysterically. I felt like he had seen the devil. His foster parents had showed him pictures of me and had told him that I was his new Mama and he would be leaving them to live with me. This was something he did not want at all!!! My heart ached for this little guy. I knew how scared he was. The next few days, Chad was limp. He had no expression and didn't talk. After a few days he slowly started opening up. And one day we found out he had those gorgeous dimples : )

He bonded with Jamey pretty quickly. Actually, it seemed like he bonded with everyone very quickly, except for me. He wanted no part of me. It was hard for me, but I understood, he had lost his Mama and he didn't want to risk losing another one. So, he would rather not have one at all.

When we returned home everyone was greeted by the most loving child ever! He snuggled, kissed and hugged everyone he saw. Well, except for me. As I heard everyone say how sweet he was, my heart broke. How could I ever tell these people how Chad was when they left. You see when there was no one else around and he was stuck with me, he would start to love on me and then he would stop himself and either bite me or scratch my face, aiming for my eyes. It was so hard to take, day after day after day. I finally expressed my concern to Jamey. He thought I was a crazy or jealous of their bond. He never saw this side of Chad. Because when Jamey was home, Chad had someone to cling to and he was able to ignore me.

This went on for probably 5 months and then this summer he began to get much better. This summer he started having very few of his "attack mama" spells. Certain things triggered it, such as our Our Family Adoption reunion. My heart was so broken when I couldn't pick him up for a week without him attacking me. We had made so much progress and I felt we were back at square one. But he soon stopped the attacks again.

In September I took a much needed weekend getaway with my two besties. I was somewhat worried about how Chad would act when I returned. To my surprise he acted like I hadn't even left. But then the day after I returned, Chad came running into my arms, looked me in the eyes and said as happy as he could be, "Mama always comes back!" Yes, I do Chad! My eyes were so full of tears. Tears of joy that he realized this, tears of sorrow that he had a past that had made him doubt this.

So, here is the BIG STEPS I am giving PRAISE for:

Chad loves to look into my eyes now. This was something he always had avoided.

Chad loves to run into my arms. Unfortunately, I still find myself crinching as to protect myself when he comes to me with his mouth open, but I always get a kiss now.

Chad yells for MAMA when he gets hurt! This child would go to any stranger in Walmart for comfort before he would come to me. Yes, it is quite embarrassing when your child walks ups to a stranger with tears, clings to their leg and begs to be picked up.

Chad wants to be with me when he is scared. He used to sit alone with big terrified eyes and would push me away. Now he wants to be in my lap with his head snuggled in my neck!

Chad has actually cried or fussed when he knows I am going to leave and does not want to go with anyone else. He previously would walk out the door with anyone. People would jokingly say that they would love to take him home. And he would cry because they did not take him home!

I hope this gives some of you hope out there that have been dealing with attachment issues. And I hope this might prepare some of you that are in the process of adopting. It will be hard not to somehow blame yourself. It will be hard to always want to hang in there. Please find someone who has been through this or is going through this to talk to. I would never have made it through this year without my great friend Megan. This is one of those new friends that really gets my life now!

I am not naive, I know that we are on the top of a mountain now and we will fall back into many valleys along our path together. But I am so PRAISING the Lord that Chad finally knows he is home in his Mama's arms. He knows that he is greatly loved!

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. . .And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. - 1 Corinthians 13:4-13

Friday Faces in the Cherries

2010-06-04T23:57:00.002-04:00

We had a great time today. The kids, me and the neighbors, Jon (better known as Daddy to his kids and my two youngest) and his son Jonathan went to my mom's (Tatu's) and picked cherries. I can't imagine a day without my neighbors. It is such a blessing to have them! My kids sort of have two sets of parents and four sets of grandparents up on our hill. Add that to the 80 acres of woods and trails and you have the perfect place to grow up. It sort of makes me jealous of my kids! I would have loved to have grown up here!

Anyway, back to the cherries, there were tens of thousands of beautiful red cherries on my parents' cherry trees. I have never seen so many cherries. I love being able to pick anything straight of of a tree or vine and eat it right away. It just tastes so amazingly better than anything you could buy, even at farmer's market. So my basket was not filling up very quickly. But my belly was! Thankfully, Livia and Parker were picking away! I hope to be able to make a few pies and maybe some jam this weekend. And definately some cherry cordial! It is like drinking cherry pie! Unfortunately, it takes over a month to make.

Here are some pictures of the picking.

My beauty in the cherries

Jonathan all smiles!

Chad climbing up the ladder, trying to get to.....

Parker up in the tree

Ian hanging out with Grandma Tatu

This is how Ian finished his day...

Wednesday's Wisdoms

2010-05-27T14:47:00.001-04:00

Today I FINALLY learned how to get Ian to take a long nap! (I just pray he's not actually getting sick)

He was feeling extra snuggly today and wanted me to carry him around everywhere. So, I got out my handy K-Tan sling. I love this sling! I haven't had it out for along time because he has become much more independent. I put it on and he loved it. It felt so good to have him snuggled into me so closely. He fell right to sleep as I cleaned the kitchen and I slid him and the sling off of me together. He remained all wrapped up. He has slept for 2 1/2 hours and is still snoozing away! Usually he sleeps 20-30 minutes. This might top the list of things I have learned this year!

I apologize to all those parents that I had once thought were awful when they would say that they treasured nap time. I remember when I was pregnant with Livia, I seriously thought that I would never want her to go to sleep. That I would want to spend every second with her. Well, I soon learned everyone needs a break.

Yes, nap time is cherished in this home!

Already Six Months or Only Six Months

2010-05-26T13:11:00.001-04:00

As I was reading Chelese's blog and reading the words six months, it just hit me that our boys have been home for six months! Part of me reacts, "WOW! Six months! I can't believe they have been with us for half of a year! Time flys!"

But most of me, is like, "What? They have only been here for six months?" I just feel like they have always been here. That they have always been a part of our family. It is a different sitiuation for me to be a mother to a 14 month old and 24 month old that have only been with me for six months. I knew this was going to be the case when we adopted. But honestly, I like so many had doubts about how I would actually feel about my new boys. You know the question everyone adoptive parent has but never talks about until after they have adopted and proved themselves wrong. "Will I love the boys as much as my biological children?" I was so afraid that my answer would be No.

So, I often find myself laughing out loud at my thoughts now. I will be thinking something like.....how Ian got his long finger like toes from me and how Chad got his lively personality from Livia. I have to actually remind myself that I did not give birth to these children! (Which adds to the long list of things that really makes me feel like I am losing it!) I mean I am pretty darn pale! I think it would be quite impossible for someone with such beautiful dark skin to come out of me. But that does not matter. Chad and Ian are still my beautiful boys and I am still their mommy.

So, to me, it still seems strange that they have only been home for six months. It seems strange, that over 1/2 of Ian's life and 3/4 of Chad's life has been without me. Yes, I knew that would be the case all along. I just didn't expect that they would feel like they were mine. I didn't expect myself to forget that I adopted them.

I have to thank God for letting these two grow in my heart way before I met them........they have been with me all along.

Here are some pics taken today of the two little ones. We are loving the weather!

First, we picked some strawberries from our garden. Yummy!

Then we played in the pool.

We ate.

We shared.

We had lots of fun!

New Blogger in the Family!

2010-05-23T20:02:00.000-04:00

Livia has started her own blog! She is really into it. I am really glad, because she is taking lots of pictures that I wish I was taking and journaling about our everyday! I am anxious to see if she continues to keep up with the daily blogs posts.

Check her out at Livi's Life! I am sure she would really enjoy some comments about her blog : )

Wednesday's Wisdom

2010-05-19T06:00:00.014-04:00

I have learned this year that when you add two kids to your family of four and make it a family of six, you end up at the hospital, doctor's office or ER very frequently!

I always thought we were a really healthy family. Other than an occasional strep throat test at the clinic, we gladly stayed away from health care.

I expected all of the lab work and vaccinations with the Chad and Ian. Just not all of the other stuff that has happened in the last few months.

Livia became our first child to ever have surgery. She had her tonsils and aednoids removed. This was such a blessing. We didn't realize how much her sleep was being affected. We used to have to scream, " Livia it is time to get up NOW!" several times every morning. Now the girl is up before we are full of energy!

Ian had a visit to the ER. His upper airway was narrowing. I was scared to death he had something lodged in his throat. He still wants to put everything in his mouth. He had to be admitted. He thankfully was breathing fine the next day. We have no idea what caused this. But X-rays showed it was not due to any foriegn object in his throat.

Chad had a useless visit to the ER. His foreskin had apparantly started closing up and he had extreme pain and could barely urinate. After an hour drive to Louisville and two and a half hours in the ER the urologist refused to come in, stating "it wasn't a true emergency." So we went home without any treatment what so ever! Yes, we were very ticked off! I can't help but think it being DERBY weekend had a lot to do with this. He was relieved temporarily the next day by a wonderful urologist, who told us to bring him in right away.

Parker cut his leg on his bike chain. He is a drama child when it comes to pain. So, when he came in the house and said he cut himself without any tears. I told him to take a shower and then I would look at it. Well, a few minutes later Jamey told me to go help Parker (Jamey can't help in these situations or I would be cleaning up vomit too!). So, to my suprise he had a cut I could lay my whole finger in!!!! Yes, this kid was in shock, he was shaking and sweating. So, off to the ER we went again!

Then yesterday, our second surgery, Chad had to be circumsized to fix his previous issue. My heart just breaks for the poor little guy. He is in so much pain. I am trying to survive having to hold two babies non stop as Ian is sick too. And trying to survive Chad with a naked bottom all day. It is awfuly cute to see but, he's not quite potty trained, so ...well, you can imagine!

As I have had all of these visits, I just thank God that this is all we are dealing with. We have four healthy children! And we live in a country where health care is easily found. I remember how hard it was to have children who needed specialized medical treatment in the D.R.C. It just wasn't available. It was an awful feeling to have a child in pain and not be able to get in my car and get a diagnosis with some medicine for him.

Seeing my children in the ER and being taken away from me into surgery is so hard. I feel so helpless. I just wish it was me with the pain and not them. It made me think of all the parents who have children who are really ill. How do they do it? I just can't imagine. I have cried so many times these past few months for these families I have not met. I pray that God blankets them with her comfort and supports them with his strength.

Mama's Heart Just Melted

2010-05-13T11:34:00.001-04:00

Yep, my heart just melted again. Somehow it manageses to go back to solid stage again and again.

But right now it is melted. And it feels so nice.

The cause of it? Well, let me tell you.

It happened as I was putting Chad's shorts on him today.

I told him, "I love you. I LOVE YOU SO SO VERY MUCH!!!"

He responded, "Thank you. Thank you, Mama loving Chaddy."

Yep, I'm feeling all warm and fuzzy.

Thank you. Thank you Chad for loving Mama.

Wednesday's Wisdoms

2010-05-12T09:07:00.005-04:00

It has been a long time since I have shared our weekly wisdoms. Although, as always, wisdoms sounds way more important than our little learning adventures. But here they are anyway.

Chad has learned he does not really like it when Pappy (this is what he calls his daddy, while he calls the neighbor "Daddy") gives Mama lots of kisses. He has started saying, "Pappy, Mama is all done, Mama IS ALL DONE!" But he sure likes it when he gets to give them to Mama! This picture was taken to amuse him when we spent all day doing pre-op visits at the doctor's office and hospital.

Ian has learned he can stand up in the middle of the room all by himself. He actually looks like a little surfer when he does it. His legs are too far apart and bend and he sort of bounces with a proud look on his face. But he has yet to take steps by himself.

Livia has learned to play the Sugarland song It Happens on the guitar! She is going to be singing and playing it for her class American Idol Contest. How fun is that! I can't wait to attend the contest. She has yet to play it for me. She is to embarrased. So, I am wondering how she is going to play it in front of a crowd. Her instructor says she is doing great with it, so I am sure she will be great.

Parker should have learned by now to stay away from vines with three leaves. But for some reason he hasn't. This poor boy has had poison ivy nonstop! The first day was the worst, we had to go and get a cortisone shot. My poor little guy couldn't open his eyes. And it was also on places he would prefer for me not to discuss on here! Now he has a new batch on his chest. The boy loves to climb trees and be in the woods. So, I think he has just learned to deal with the itching. He never complains anymore. I think this is because he is afraid I will ban him from the woods.

Our dog Toby has learned that this is the safest place for him in our house. You see, the boys used to be scared to death of him. Not any more! They LOVE him and want to pet, pull, and squeeze him! He tolerates this very well, but now prefers his little perch. He reminds me so much of cat up there. But Unfortunately, for him Ian just learned that he can climb up on the couch!

I learned yesterday that frames can do wonders for artwork! I cherished these paintings we bought when we were in Kinshasa, until recentley they had still been rolled up in a bag. Now they are framed for everyone to enjoy and I absolutely LOVE them!

Happy 2nd Birthday Chad!

2010-05-05T13:25:00.002-04:00

I just cannot believe Chad is two! Time has flown by. We have had these two little ones in our arms for over six months! And boy has Chad changed!

You can't really see how small he was in this picture.

When I was looking back at this picture.

I first thought this was Ian!

I remember thinking he was maybe 6-9 months old when I first held him. He was so skinny. He couldn't walk. He wouldn't talk. He wouldn't laugh. He wouldn't look at me. He was limp in my arms. This all quickly changed!

We soon found out he could talk! He never shuts up now! His vocabularly amazes me! He laughs all the time! Lucky us, we get to see those cute dimples all day long! He began walking about a month after we brought him home. Now he runs and climbs on everything! And I guarantee no one thinks of the word "skinny" when they see Chad!

He is a wonderful big brother. He tries to protect Ian and teach him what he should not do. I commonly hear Chad nicely saying, " No, no, Ian." If Ian cries, Chad is the first one there, to ask, "What happened?" and give Ian a kiss.

He is a wonderful little brother. Everyday when we pick Parker and Livia up from school Chad runs to them tackles them! Nothing makes someone feel better than to be greated with such enthusiasm! He also loves to play Wii with Parker. He will even stop eating (which is his favorite thing) if he hears Parker say he is going to play Wii. He has no clue that he is not controlling that car on the screen. He sits on the couch steering his car!

And of course he is a wonderful son! I believe right now my favorite thing about him is that he asks several times a day for "Mama Snuggles".

Today, we spent a few hours at the town park. Chad must have felt that he was older today. He insisted he could go down the big slide by himself.

He loved this spinning thing-a-ma-jig.

I have no idea what to call this.

And loved rocking with Ian!

In honor of his birthday, I am now giving a copy of AThousand Sisters to two lucky ladies Missy and Carrie! This privacy thing benifited you ladies! My blog is not nearly as busy! Please email me your addresses.

The Congolese Women

2010-04-29T13:21:00.033-04:00

Everytime I see Chad's dimples, I wonder if his mom had such a gorgeous face. As I snuggle Ian into me, I can't help but think of all their birth mom is missing. As I have spent a bit more time thinking of my babies birth mother, I can't help but be completely saddened by the whole situation. A mother should be able to care for her babies until they are old and able to care for themselves. Sadly, this is not the case for so many Congolese mothers. So, I have been thinking of all those women in the D.R.C. Those who simply have no means to take care of their kids due to having malaria, AIDS, etc. Those who have died in childbirth. Those who work harder than anybody I know to be able to take care of their kids.

Congolese women are very strong, determined, compassionate women. They love children. I could see this in their eyes and with their smiles at Chad and Ian when we passed them in the streets of Kinshasa. The orphanages are full of children due to illness, deaths, war, and extreme poverty. Not because it is a country of women who do not want to care for their children.

Congolese women carry water several times a day to their family. No, not little water bottles, I am talking big 5 gallon containers of water! And I am not talking about carrying them across the street, I am talking about miles to the closest stream, which could be several miles away. This makes me not so eager to complain when I have two gallons of milk to carry in from my van parked in my nice sheltered garage. They also are the ones who carry other supplies their family must use to survive. Sometimes they pack up to 150 pounds!!! All for the love of their family.

Many women must relocate because their house has been burnt to the ground or it is simply not safe enough for her and her family. They have no choice but to carry everything they have until they find safety.

But it is not the physical burdens that are the most stressful. It is the emotional burdens they must live through. Can you imagine seeing your children die of preventable disease?
One
after
another.
Seeing your sister or mother die in childbirth.
Or even worse seeing your family violated
IN EVERY WAY
and then.....
burned alive.

These women are very strong women. With our help they can do great things. I encourage you to read Lisa Shannon's book A Thousand Sisters. It will surely inspire you to sponsor a woman through Women for Women International.

If by chance you don't know who Lisa Shannon is, she is my hero! Shortly put, she was sitting on her couch watching Oprah one day. The topic was the D.R.C. the worst place in the world to be a woman. She was so moved by these women that she got her butt up and began training to run 30 miles. All to raise money and awareness for the women of the Congo. She has now been to visit her sponsored sisters and many more. You can read more about her here in a recent TIME magazine article: From Oprah to Congo: One Woman's Attempt to Save Thousands.

In the hopes that more people will be inspired to act and maybe sponsor a woman, I am giving away a copy of A Thousand Sisters! All you have to do is write me a message and I will enter you in a drawing. The name will be drawn on May 5th (Chad's 2nd Birthday!).

Now, I am going to go and write Simupate (my sponsored Congolese Sister, mother of 6 children) a letter and let her know that we care so much about her and all of the other Congolese women.

Private is the Pits!

2010-04-23T12:20:00.000-04:00

Well, as you all know already, I have decided to go private with my blog. This really does sadden me. Because the goal with my blog was to educate people about the D.R.C. and adopting children. If you know anyone who would like to read my blog that I have not invited to please let me know and I'll send an invite out.

So, I thought I better give some reasons for making my blog private.

1. Jilma requested it. This alone is enough or me! This is the amazing woman who volunteered her time and expertise to complete our adoption. She also was our escort in Kinshasa. Eventhough, we were delayed weeks, she stayed with me the whole time. I love and respect this woman!

2. I might be to lazy or maybe I just don't have enough time. You see I could remove everything about adoption on my blog and then keep it open. But I don't have the time!

3. Even if I had the time, I just don't want to remove everything that deals with adoption. The reason I started my blog was to help give someone the strength to say yes to LOVE and no the FEAR of adoption. I know it has touched several families and they are now adopting. I just can't imagine not sharing all of my thought and feelings on adoption and the D.R.C.

4. Adoptions are becoming more difficult with the DRC government and with others around the world. The government does not want us adverstising to the world how we are doing adoptions, who is adopting, and whose being adopted. So, in order to protect the integrity of the adoption process I have made my blog private.

And for those who were following regularly, I promise to try and be a better blogger! I am still adjusting to mother of four (two of which are toddlers and climbing on everthing!) and volunteering with OFA. One of these days, I will get my time organized a little better! Or at least I really hope so!

Kentuckiana Pals

2010-03-30T11:20:00.002-04:00

We had a wonderful Saturday this weekend. We spent the day with the Terry's. They have recently brought home Miles from the D.R.C. He is right in between my boys as far as age goes. They also have Livia's little girlfriend Sadie and Parker's buddy Noah. It was considered a play date for the children. The first of many to come. But really, I think it was a play date for me and Megan! I really love this girl! I am so glad that God has brought us together through adoption.

I read her blog daily and I suggest you do to! She is giving the Blind Side DVD away. One of our favorite movies! But besides the cool giveaways, she has a gift for writing. She has wonderful topics of adoption, D.R.C. , stay at home mommies, and just life. There are so many days I read her blog and I think that it came right out of my brain. Just so much more organized than what pops out of mine! Other days, she posts something I had never thought of, but agree with 100%. So, there are many days that I am tempted to just simply post on my blog:

Please see the TERRY'S blog.

And guess what, today I am doing that. Not only can you win an awesome movie, but you can see pictures of our kiddos together. (You see, I told you she was much more organized, she actually new where her camera was!)

So, Please go visit the TERRY'S blog and stay awhile!

Yes, Something is VERY WRONG!!!!!

2010-03-29T14:54:00.008-04:00

I have had many people ask me how things are going with our newly enlarged family. Some people have told me that they have heard that I didn't appear to be as happy as I used to be. Or that something appeared wrong with me. That I have a sad look in my eyes.

Well, there is something wrong, something VERY WRONG! (No, it has nothing to do with the two little joyful additions! We really couldn't be happier!) I have seen many things that I can not and will not forget. When you have to put a baby back down in a bed in an orphanage, knowing that it will die if you don't take it with you, there is something VERY WRONG! Part of my heart is in the Congo still. And it is very sad. I am glad I will never forget. As I do not want to ever stop wanting to help the beautiful Congolese people.

One of the wonderful things about Our Family Adoptions (the nonprofit organization that helped us bring Chad and Ian home) is they want you to travel to the D.R.C. to bring your child home. Other agencies recommend you use an escort to bring your child back to you in the safe USA. OFA wants you to see everything first hand. Because no matter how many pictures you see, nothing compares to seeing ~~a breathing child~~ hundreds of breathing children smile at you with helpless starving eyes. It's indescribable. OFA wants you to never forget the other millions (5 million) orphans in the Congo that you left behind. OFA wants you to help change the lives of these people.

I must address something that really gets under my skin. When people hear about all of the violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo, many wonder what makes the Congolese so violent. I actually had someone ask, "Are they wired wrong?" ( I did hold in my anger at this comment). It is NOT the Congolese people that are violent. They are innocent victims. I know many are just ignorant to the facts of what is happening there. Because let's face it the Congo rarely makes the news.

So, today I thought maybe I would share some information about where this violence is coming from. I must first say that I am in no way an expert on this subject. And I am only giving a lesson on the most recent violence. These people were being mistreated way before this time. But I am going to focus on the last decade or so.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has suffered two wars since 1996. According to the International Rescue Committee, an estimated 5.4 million people died between 1998 and 2008, most from preventable diseases, lack of food security, displacement, and destroyed health-care systems. The war supposedly ended in 2003 this did NOT bring an end to conflict in the D.R.C.

The jungles of eastern Congo remain a hiding ground to numerous rebel organizations all of which have horrific histories and agendas. Responsible for mass atrocities against civilians, including massacres, rapes, and abductions, three rebel groups the FDLR, CNDP, and LRA have caused the greatest destruction and suffering in recent years. These rebels have profited generously (major $,$$$,$$$) from the continually stealing the DRC of it's many natural resources. These monsters prey on the civilian population. Actually, I believe prey is way too nice of a word!

And yes, all of those metals that make our cell phones and computers work, are supporting these groups! I've posted on this before and asked for help, but I am doing it again. Just incase you didn't have the few minutes that day and might find the time today. I am asking you to take a minute to email major electronics producers and ask them to use conflict free minerals. A pre-written letter to these companies is available by clicking HERE. All you have to do is put in your email address and the rest is taken care of. Please also click HERE to urge your Senators to cosponsor the Congo Conflict Minerals Act. Again, all you have to do is put your email address and the rest is taken care of.
The largest UN peacekeeping force in the world (MONUC) is largely unable to halt these attacks. They have recently announced that they will be removing themselves by 2011! WHY!?! The Congolese Armed Forces are not strong enough or ethical enough to achieve peace and security in the region.

Here are what the Congolese people are up against:

Democratic Liberation Forces of Rwanda (FDLR) is a rebel group that ~~operates~~ slaughters in the eastern Congo, where it has simply ~~murdered~~ slaughtered the innocent Congolese people. They don't just execute people, they make them suffer, they kill them slowly, they make them watch rapes, and beatings of their loved ones. Although members of the FDLR are often identified with the 1994 genocide in Rwanda (where they killed 800,000 people), the majority of FDLR rebels are recruits drawn from the eastern Congo. They kidnap children and force them to do the unthinkable. They become trained children soldiers.

Many (over 1,000,000!) people have fled their homes to try and find safety. This is one reason the city of Kinshasa is so heavily populated with many homeless people and homeless orphaned children.

This is only one of the three strong rebel groups the Congolese must fear. One of the other three is the LDR. The LDR was hidden deep in the news yesterday. I found a CNN report of the attack. According to the report children were forced to circle other children and throw rocks at them until they died. Seriously, can you imagine your kids being forced to do this? A three-year-old was burned to death. Imagine having to watch your child be caught on fire. Hundreds of women and children were kidnapped. The LDR sent a statement back to the villagers that were left behind. The message was sent by some of the kidnapped villagers who had their ears, lips, and other body parts missing.

Please click HERE and read the whole story I am sure you will find something is VERY WRONG too!

The only front page type press the D.R.C. has gotten is when Hilary Clinton visited the country. After seeing the pain the Congolese people must endure, she vowed to help the people of the D.R.C.

This was eight months ago.

Nothing has been done yet.

Maybe if actions had been taken that little girl wouldn't have burned to death.

Maybe those children would happily be playing in a field.

You can simply text something like- HELP CONGO to 90822. To let Hilary know that the United States citizens believe this is VERY WRONG! Please take just a few minutes of your time. Please put yourself in their shoes. All I am asking is a few clicks of your mouse and a simple text message. Together we can stop the VERY WRONG!

Friday Faces

2010-03-19T13:54:00.000-04:00

Are you looking at me?

Three of my boys.

Livia posing with another birthday cake she made for Ian.

Ian is showing off those two new teeth!

Wednesday's Wisdoms - Eagle, Cheese and a Crazy Mama!

2010-03-17T12:56:00.001-04:00

As we were driving down the road yesterday afernoon, Livia and Parker learned that our national bird lives very close by. Yes, we saw a Bald Eagle! I would say it was a beautiful sight, but it was eating a dead deer. We got a few pictures for our neighbors, who doubted me. I may be blonde, but I do know what a bald eagle looks like!

Earlier in the day, Chad and Ian were eating lunch and I was folding laundry. Chad started yelling in a very proud voice, "Mama! Mama! Lookey!" Chad learned he could stack cheese into a tall tower! He was quite excited about it!

While Chad finished his cheese master piece. I started my daily dance and song. I have no idea why, but when both of the boys are in their chairs and looking at me across the bar. I feel the need to break out in dance and song. I sing Pink, Mama Mia, Aerosmith, John Lennon, Michael Jackson, and for some odd reason Party in the USA by Miley Cyrus is on the top ten list. But the performance is just whatever happens to pop in my head. And of course I have the moves to go with my wonderful voice (yes that would be the sound of sarcasm if you could hear me now). I've even found myself doing a weird moonwalk with my feet and a hula dance all at the same time! Well, anyway, usually the boys love it and join in nodding there head and waving their hands. But on this particular day, Chad just looks at me straight faced and said, "Mama, you're CRAZY!" My original thought was "What did he just say!?!" But then I thought to myself, "Yeah, he is a pretty smart little cookie!" Sorry.... no pictures of this one!

Friday Faces

2010-03-12T02:00:00.003-05:00

Livia and Parker made and decorated Ian's first birthday cake. As you can see by Parker's chin they had to taste test the icing!

After looking at it and squeezing it, Ian finally decided to taste it!

All Smiles!

He decided he would rather paint with it!

Now, what do we do with this mess? Looks like bath time!

Chad is thinking, "It's about time someone is giving ME some attention!" He is the ham of the family!

Chocolate and Mommy's full attention makes Chad HAPPY!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY IAN!

2010-03-10T12:25:00.002-05:00

Today is Ian’s FIRST birthday! It is a very strange day for me. I know this is not the day he was born. I am guessing he is really more like 10 months old today. And even if it was the day he was born, I have no memories of his birth to share. This is a first for me.

Because we were obviously not there for his birth this is the FIRST birthday we will have with him, which makes it even more special! Somehow, I feel the pressure to make this day really magical, so I have future stories to tell of his first birthday with us. But let’s face it nothing is going to compare to a birth story. I have come to realize the only “birth story” I will have for him will be told over and over again. It is the story of his “Gotcha Day”. Every October 27th I will be able to celebrate and tell the story of how wonderful it felt to finally have them in my arms!

Despite his real age, today is a celebration of Ian! We are so blessed to have this little guy in our lives! Today we will celebrate with just the six of us. We will eat his favorite meal, chicken potpie! Lucky for me I made a double batch last time and I froze it. So, I have even more time to spend with this little man! Oh, and of course, we will have cake, chocolate cake!

This weekend we will have a bigger celebration with Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, and our wonderful neighbors. We are going to have Mwanga Stew a Congolese dish that we all love!

Today, I think even more of the boy’s birth mother. I have no idea if she is even alive. But how I wish she could be here to see how happy her babies are with their family. I wish she could know that they have food, medicine, clean water, and a nice comfy bed to sleep in. I wish she knew how much they are loved……loved by so very many people. Today we will light a candle for her and say a prayer for her and all of the other Congolese Women who are unable to see their children grow up.

So, I tried to take some pictures of him today. It was almost impossible. He was in a snuggly mood and well…it’s pretty hard to take a picture of someone who is attatched to you like a leech! But here are my attempts of Ian on the morning of his 1st Birthday! (Cake pictures will be posted tomorrow!)

Yum! Yum!

Playing on Mommy's lap.

Ian can crawl, but this is favorite way to get around, scooting on one knee.

Sucking on his thumb and loving on Mama.

Friday Faces

2010-03-05T14:08:00.000-05:00

Ian and I had some one on one time yesterday. We went for a walk and visited the playground. It was so very nice to be outside in the sun!

Swinging.........

and more swinging......

wears me out!

A GREAT BIG THANK YOU!!!!

2010-03-04T17:22:00.001-05:00

I forgot to thank my husband on my last post! I am so blessed to have a husband whom I can trust our boys with. Someone who will change diapers and cook supper. He can really do it all (well, except for.....let's just hope no one gets a stomach bug). I am so lucky to have a husband that has offered and encouraged me to go on this trip with Livia. How many men right now would be freaking out if they knew they had a whole weekend alone with three boys two being under the age of two? Or would have just said, "No, you can not go." Not my Jamey, he has told me over and over he has everything covered and I know he does. There is no one else on this earth that could take care of them the way he does. Thank you sweetie! I love you, I love you more.

Chicago Here We Come!........I think.

2010-03-04T09:34:00.005-05:00

Ok, here's the deal. For Livia's 10th birthday gift we gave her a card that said she could pick a Mommy and Liva trip (within driving distance). She picked the windy city of Chicago. This was no big suprise she has wanted to go there for years.

I was really excited when we decided this would be her gift! We needed some girl time together. And I really needed a break from the boys. As the time for departure comes closer I am starting to think a 3-4 hour breaks is all I really needed. I am a nervous wreck about leaving them! I am actually starting to feel very nauseous. And if I didn't have a little girl so excited about the trip, I would be cancelling it today!

I can easily count the hours I have been away from Ian and Chad. Two dates - 6 hours, Mommy and me dates with my biggies - 12 hours, Livia's surgery - 9 hours, two trips to Walmart - 2 hours, Doctor's appt -2 hours, hair appt - 1.5 hours = less than 40 hours in over 4 months! Yes, I know I need to get away more (and have my hair done again!). This weekend I will be away from them for 48 hours all at once! I am not for sure how me and the boys are going to handle that.

I know all the boys will be fine without me. Jamey has some girls in our youth coming over to help him out. (That cracks me up, I somehow manage to do it all by myself everyday!) I am glad he will have the help, because I know it will be less stressful for him. Of course, he will also have Paker who is a wonderful helper! He was asked to stay all night with a close friend. He had told the friend "yes." Then changed his mind when he realized Daddy would be alone with the boys that night. He wanted to be there too!

I just worry what will be going through their little minds. Will they be worrying that I will never return, like so many people have already in their short little lives?

Wednesday's Wisdoms

2010-03-03T10:26:00.003-05:00

My two besties and their children spent the night with us on Saturday. We had sooo much fun! The older kids ran up and down and up and down the steps over and over again. We talked about everything under the moon. We spent hours looking at those old yearbooks! Yes, we were making fun of big bangs! Next thing we know it is 2:30 AM!!! Time really does fly when you are having fun! Well, I learned that I am not to old to have a very fun slumber party. But, the next day I also learned I might be to old to operate well the day after a slumber party, because yes my youngest still got up at 6:00 AM!

Ian is learning to quickly go up the steps! This makes Mommy really nervous!

Chad chasing Ian up the steps!

This past week I was telling Ian that Livia had a hurt throat. A little light bulb went off in his head and his eyes got really big (yes, even bigger than they normally are!). He pointed one finger and then the other and touched them together, making the sign for hurt! I was so amazed! It was his first sign! He now signs dog, all done, more and grandad! He is getting so big!

Ian signing "more".

Chad has learned to count to 9! I just can't get him to make it to 10! He counts, "1...2...3....4...5...6...7...8...9......9!" I am still very impressed!

Chad counting his goldfish. He has a really hard time not eating them first!

Parker learned how to make a really cool fort! He so loves the outdoors! Our house is smack dab in the middle of his own paradise (mine too!).

Livia has finally recovered from her surgery! First day back she learned it was ISTEP test week : ( Poor kid!

Jamey learned the best news of the week. He took our youth group to snow camp. On the way back home they stopped and visited the twins. Yes, the twins we had when we were in Kinshasa! Those of you who had followed our journey know these twins were teeny tiny, maybe 3 pounds! I had my doubts that we could keep them alive when I first saw them in the orphanage. But now they are in the US with their new family and doing great!

Jamey holding Desmond who weighs in at 20#! Yes, he weighs more than Ian!

Friday Faces

2010-02-26T09:03:00.000-05:00

Livia had her tonsils and aednoids removed last Tuesday. She is still in a lot of pain. I feel so bad. I really am questioning our decision for her to have this surgery. But she is finally starting to eat soft food and I know will be feeling better soon. In the middle of all this pain she had her 10th Birthday! (Yes, that makes me feel really old. I can't believe I have a child in the double digits!)

We did plan ahead and she had a skating party before the surgery with her friends. She was a sweating birthday queen!

We also had some family over on her actual birthday for Icecream Cake. One of the few things she could eat.

Livia blowing out the big 10!

Liv with Great Grandma Lil and Papa

Hugs from Grandma Tatu

Liv is showing of her money from Great Aunt Debbie

Liv having lots of fun with Uncle Michael!

Looking at all these pictures reminds me how blessed we are to have such wonderful friends and family living so close to us many of whom are not in any of these pictures. Love you all!

Wednesday's Wisdoms

2010-02-24T15:46:00.000-05:00

Ian learned that his hair is the perfect texture on top to hold food really well.

We learned what the mysterious word was.....
Chad had a word he would say everytime we went to the potty or showered, pretty much anytime he was naked. We just new that this word was Lingala. We couldn't wait to ask our friend who speaks fluent Lingala about it. Parker heard me repeating this word to Chad. Parker asked me why I was saying that. I told him I was repeating Chad. Parker told me Chad was saying, "My Weiner!" I thought, no way, we don't use that word and I didn't think it sounded anything like it. But sure enough when I asked Chad to say, "my weiner," I realized Parker was right. Oh, the wonderful things big brothers teach little ones!

Our Congo Trip - Chapter 3 - Emotion Filled Friday

2010-02-15T16:00:00.022-05:00

I know I said most of the trip runs together but this is a day that I remember clearly. It was Friday, Oct 30th.

These are actually from FB notes me and Jamey wrote the day we visited:

My note:
We first went to the Lisanga orphanage. This is where Chad and Ian were for over 2 months. This was my first time seeing an orphanage first hand. No matter how many pictures you see before hand, nothing can prepare you for such a sight. I have no way of describing just how bad it was there. When we left I kept hugging the boys wondering how they ever survived. There were lots of crying babies with no one to hold them. No formula. And it smelled like urine everywhere. We picked up the babies that were crying. But then there were so many toddlers looking up with me with such sad eyes. I sat on a step and I had a lap full. All I could do was love them for that moment and say a prayer for them. It was so impossible to deal with the fact that if I left these babies they would most likely die. But seriously, what could I do? Couldn’t take them all, heck I’d be arrested if I had taken any. That wouldn’t have been good as now 4 of my own kids to take care of. We can leave lots of formula but it will only last so long. As we left all I could do was hold Chad and Ian tightly and Thank God they were alive. Chad had Malaria when he left the orphanage. He was on his death bed. Pastor Loma’s family (foster family) saved his life. Thank you is just not nearly enough.

Later in the day we were blessed to go visit the Loma’s home. I wasn’t for sure if this would be a good thing for Chad. He had just started to come out of his shell. Will he climb back in it after he goes back to his home? My question was answered when we left! But first, let me tell you about our visit. It was so wonderful. The family is so loving and were sooo excited to see the boys! I just can’t explain just how wonderful these people are! They couldn’t stop from loving on them. There are 10 kids 4 grandkids and a few foster children. So the boys had lots of hugs and kisses! Chad (the silent backward one) started cheerfully yelling everyone’s name. He was teasing them. Unfortunately, it was all done in Lingala. Some was translated for us. The rest of his conversations I just enjoyed listening to him interact and everyone laughing at him. How happy he is in this home! As we were leaving, he simply reached for Jamey and yelled BYEYOW (have no idea how to spell, but it sure sounded cute) which means Bye in Lingala to each and every family member. He happily chose to leave with us! It was the most amazing moment! One that will always be remembered!

Jamey’s note:
Today was full of emotional highs and lows. We started the day by going to an Orphanage. This is where Chad and Ian spent about 2 months. We had been warned it was bad. We had even seen some pictures. Pictures nor warning could have prepared us for what we saw. As you drive down a dirt side street there is a big green gate on the left. We stopped in front of it, stepped over the street side latrine and went thru the gate. When we went in there were several kids running around the path leading into the office area. There were no adults until we got to the office. All of the kids were curious to see what these people were doing there We visited with the 2 women who run the orphanage while teenage girls came running to see Chad & Ian. They all wanted to hold them and love on them. There were probably 35-40 kids at the orphanage, 10-12 were under the age of 2. The remaining 65-70 were in school. We walked into the “nursery”, a large room with 10 or so bunk beds. Most of the kids under 2 were either sleeping or sitting in their bed crying. Few were able to walk at this age due to malnutrition. Jilma picked up 2, and I picked up one. Stori already had 3 or 4 on her lap at the doorway. The girl I held stopped crying the minute I touched her. I held her and she snuggled in for a hug. She was probably 12 months and weighed at most 7 lbs. Stori broke away from the mob on her lap to come see some others. She noticed that the little girls I was holding was covered in feces, as was I now. For some reason it did not matter at that point. I gave her to one of the teenage girls who went to clean her up. I went and cleaned myself up and could not believe what I was seeing. How can 2 women, care for 10-12 infants, and 90+ other children? The answer is no one was getting cared for. At age 15-16 the kids are turned out to the street. So if they are lucky enough to survive no care as infants they will be homeless as teenagers. The bad part of this story is this is one of hundreds of orphanages just like this in this part of the world. The images I saw today will haunt me for a very long time. We are to visit 2 more orphanages in the coming days. They are not supposed to be in such desperate shape. In the storage room all they had was rice and a few beans, no formula, no baby food. There was no running water, no toilet, and no shower. The kids carried water from a well a few blocks away. They used the street side latrine as the toilet and I am not sure about showers. It is my opinion that if a child gets sick and stays in this place, they will not live long. We were so blessed that we were able to get Chad and Ian out of this place and into foster care when we did. I still cannot get this place out of my mind.

This afternoon we visited Pastor Loma and his family at his house. This was the highlight of the trip so far. As soon as we pulled up to their home. Kids came running from the house to greet us, or so I thought. They came running to get Chad and Ian. Pastor Loma’s children range from 8-24 years of each. They all held Chad and Ian at some point and loved on them. When we pulled up Chad started in yelling the kids names and a bunch of other stuff I did not understand. He speaks langala. He speaks it very well from what I learned. He would tease and play with the others for the next 2 hours. It was great to see how these people cared for our boys. They gave Chad a sucker and he shared it with everyone, but would also tease everyone with it. After we shared some gifts we had brought for them all, Mama Josephine removed a cloth from a table to reveal a large spread of food that she and the girls had prepared for us. This surprised us all. We fixed ourselves plates and Mama Josephine and Caroline, their oldest, fixed Chad a plate. He had more then I had. Looked like Grandma Helen had fixed the plate. They took his shirt off of him and set him on the table and he dug in! He ate most of it, that boy can sure eat! All night they would give him the photo album we had sent and then try to take it and he would yell in langala, “Give me back my new papa!” He also pointed out his new mama and new older siblings! Watch out Livia and Parker he knows who you are! When he thought it was time to leave, he crawled to me, I picked him up. He proceed to yell everyone’s name and “Bye- O”. I didn’t know it was time to leave , but he did. That was probably the best feeling I have had in a while. He came to me and wanted me to take him and go home. These were the people who had cared for him for the last 4 months. It seemed as thought they had been preparing him for his new Papa, Mama and his new older siblings. The Loma’s are truly beautiful people, inside and out. They are taking care of 5 kids right now because they believe God called them to do this! Words cannot explain how grateful I am to this family for saving my two boys lives when they brought them into their home and out of that orphanage.

It is so hard not to look at my boys and be totally amazed that they are alive. They both had Malaria when Pastor Loma took them out of the orphanage. He saved their lives. They would not have been treated in the orphanage. It makes me cry to think about it. When I hear Chad cry during his nap, I can’t help but be terrified of what he is dreaming of. When, I climb the steps to get to Ian’s crib, I wonder if he thinks he is going to be left there to scream forever.

They have been through so much in their little lives. First, they lost their Mama. Then were in a field for who knows how long. Then to this very poor orphanage. Then the Loma’s saved them and provided a wonderful loving environment. One in which they became very attached. And finally, we took them from everything they have ever known. We brought them to our world. It is full of such different things, smells, sights, sounds, etc.

I sing to the boys every night a little song I made up. It has a lot of Forever and Always in it. I hope they know that we are here forever and always.

There are days that I wish I had not seen these faces that sometimes haunt my dreams.

But these faces remind me when I am sick of diapering and feeding ,that I am so very blessed to have all those diapers and food to clean up after. I am embarrassed at what I used to believe were problems and stresses in my life. Any problem I have now, I can very easily turn into a blessing that I am able to have the problem at all.

And these faces show me that these children still have Hope despite their living conditions. Please help them to continue to have Hope visit Our Family Adoptions and make a donation. Donations are used to provide housing, infrastructure, clothing, infant formula, supplies, educational materials and scholarships to orphans in DRC of all ages.

Please pray for these children. Please pray for humanity. Please pray that we will come together and do something for these 180 million orphans.

P.S. My dear friends Megan and Cami are visiting the Lisanga Orphanage today. I pray that God gives them strength to be strong. Megan has her little baby Miles in her arms! YAY!!! Please keep them all in your thoughts and prayers.

Our Congo Trip - Chapter 2 - Our First Trip Out

2010-02-10T13:49:00.020-05:00

This chapter is going to be pretty boring after reading the first. After all, the highlight of the whole trip was holding those babies for the first time!

This week we have a lot of important trips. In the van we piled in, Jilma, Jamey and I and our boys, Pastor Loma, two drivers, Mama Josephine and 3 children that would be going home soon too. If their paperwork gets completed in time, we are hoping to be able to bring back two of these children with us to the States. At first I am really uncomfortable with the fact that we don't have carseats, but then I realize traffic goes so slowly, I can't imagine a very bad accident occuring. The van ride is probably the most miserable trip I had ever been on at this point in my life. But right now I was just as happy as could be to be holding my babies. I don't seem to care that we all could have heat stroke at any minute, that it takes hours to go a few miles, and that my sinuses burn from the pollution in the city. None of that mattered at all.

I am trying to take everything in that I see. Taking pictures in public is against the law. I keep thinking this is my babies' homeland. I need to take pictures. Jilma reminds me that I do not want to be arrested and that we should not even have our cell phones out. This might risk the police stopping us and accusing us of taking pictures. Although, now I know with enough money I could have took pictures and not gone to jail.

I am amazed by all of the people everywhere! Kinshasa has a population of 12 million people and it seems most of them are in the streets. (There is an estimate of 50,000 children live on the streets.) There are four lanes of traffic and people walking in between the cars selling water in plastic bags, tissues, maps, bananas, jeans, glasses, lunch, just about everthing. It is like a continous line of drive-thrus. We quickly learn not to make eye contact or they will follow us banging on the window. Yes, traffic is that slow, they can keep up on foot.

Little plots of land through out the city are being gardened. There are beautiful large trees that have to be hundreds of years old lining the streets. These are being cut down by the Chinese. To make room for a bigger road to make it easier to transport whatever they are taking from the Congo. Garbage is everywhere. Not just a little bit of litter. There is no garbage pick up or any trash cans to be found. It just all ends up on the ground.

I loved seeing all of the people in their colorful clothing. Everyone looks so dressed up. The ladies are all in colorful dresses. Most of them have a matching wrap that carries a baby on their back. I am amazed what these lady can do with a piece of fabric. They put our fancy bought slings to shame. The men all wear slacks. Shortlys are very rarely seen, despite the hot weather. These people despite the poor conditions of the city, take great pride in their appearance.

Oh, I almost forgot to tell you of the ditches. On each side of the road their are concrete ditches about 2-3 feet deep. These ditches are the sewer system. Yep, people just walk out there and do their "business". (This woud later explain Chad's amazement by toilets everywhere in the US). This really adds to the aroma of the city. You see this city has grown way to quickly. People have ran to the capital city for safety from the on going war.

Our first stop is to the Doctor's office. The boys have a check up and blood drawn for another HIV test. The doctor will then fill out the appropriate papers that we could give to the U.S. Embassy (if we ever get another appointment!). Sitting in the waiting room I began to stress about the possibility that one of my babies might have HIV. Their tests ended up being both negative and they have had tests here in the States that have all been negative too!

Jilma came and got Ian and told me they wanted to see him without us. I then heard lots of crying and screaming. Apparently, they were trying to hit a vein and did not succeed. He was soon brought back to me. They of course had to try again and I made sure I was there! It was hard to have just gotten the boys yesterday and then today we were already putting them under such painful circumstances.

In the waiting room we soon got a smile back on Ian's little face.

Chad loves little baby Chloe.

(He still enjoys seeing her on her Blog!)

We also stopped at the U.S. Embassy to register. We found that the Consulate would not be back in the office until next Monday and that his next available appointment was November 28th! This just seems so crazy we had an appointment with him that he skipped out on, he should be getting us in as soon as possible. The lady at the desk told us that would be up to him. His schedule was already full until the 28th. We left thinking that surely he will see us Monday or Tuesday and we will be able to go home next week. So, when we returned back to M.P.H. that night we had to make a really hard phone call. We would not be returning in 10 days as planned. Our kids at home were pretty tore up and a lot of tears were shared that night, but they thought we both should stay until we could come home together.

The next morning they woke up to tell their Grandma that they had decided we were going to adopt 10 Congolese children. She asked, "Are you sure you want them to be from the Congo? That means Mommy and Daddy would be gone a long time again?" Parker said, "Yes, there are so many kids that need mommies and daddies there." When I was told about this conversation the next night, I realized just how much Chad and Ian had already changed Livia and Parker and they have not even yet met.

To be continued.....

Our Congo Trip - Chapter 1 - I am your Mama

2010-02-09T13:18:00.008-05:00

As my new friend Megan prepares to leave to bring home her new baby Miles, I am getting just so excited for her. It brings back so many memories those that I never really shared on my blog. I maybe wasn't ready to share all my mixed up emotions or maybe it is because I couldn't even grasp what was happening. So, here they are as I remember them. I am going to have to write this in several posts. But this is a start.

October 25th- All day one side of my heart was filled with excitement of finally being able to leave to go and hold my babies! The other side was being ripped up by the sharp claws of fear. That side of my heart was making me want to.....well....vomit. I did not want to leave my other babies here in Indiana. As the time grew closer to our departure, I began thinking what if something does happen to both of us! Did we make the right decision to both go?

I tuck Livia and Parker in before we leave. They are both practically hyperventalating, with tears pouring. "Why do you both have to go?" they kept asking. And I kept thinking to myself, "Because we are both to stinking selfish and stubborn to miss that first moment of being together." I began to get really angry with Jamey because he had talked me into both of us leaving. And soooo angry with myself for not sticking to my original plan of going alone. If all of our luggage didn't need to go to the Congo, I might have stayed that night.

This was taken that night. Parker wanted it so he could have it in his camera along with a video of me singing his "Mommy Loves You" goodnight song.

October 26-On the way to the airport, I realize that I left the necklaces Livia and Parker made me in my car, along with a rock Wally and Evie gave me. They gave us each a rock in which they engraved a cross on. So when times got hard we could hold it and pray for each other. What a way to start my trip! I began to cry again.

October 27- We arrive in Kinshasa. We receive an email upon landing that the US Consulate is out of the country. WHAT!?!?!! We scheduled this whole trip around this appointment we had with him! Our boys were legally ours Aug 26th! But we had to wait to see this man. He is the only person in the world who cna give Ian and Chad visas to enter the United States. He would not see us until the end of October and now he is gone! We visit the Embassy to find out that we will not be seen for at least another week. About now, the vomit is coming up, but I keep fighting it down. Livia, Parker, Livia, Parker.......that is all I can think of. How are we going to tell them that we are here longer? How am I going to survive being away from them even longer?

We arrive at MPH. We are pleasantly suprised that we have an apartment to share with Jilma. We take our bags into our room. MPH is the Methodist and Prebyterian Hostile. It was very nice for Kinshasa. We shared our room with many other creatures. There were rats, centipedes, really big spiders, lizards, and lots of other bugs, and of course mosquitos in MPH. But over all it was a great place to stay. We met lots of people there doing wonderful things for the D.R.C. We gathered with these people for all of our meals. This was the only place we could safely eat food.

Maybe fifteen minutes after arrival, Jilma tells us we have guests. All the anger dissappears. I feel like I am melting. Our babies are here! They are so very little! My eyes are so teared up I can't focus on their little faces. Ian comes right to me. I snuggle him so tightly. I remember the earthy smell of him. One he kept for a long while. He is little like maybe an American 2 month old. After lots of begging from Jamey, I hand him over to his anxious Papa. I'll never forget the smile on Jamey's face. Jamey smiles all the time. But THAT smile, the one that makes his face glow, only happens on those undescribable occasions. We've been together for over 15 years now and I've only seen it three times - when I walked down the aisle, when Livia was born, and again when Parker was born, and now here it is again. Ian fell asleep in his loving arms. In this moment, I fall in love with Jamey all over again. And I am very thankful that he insisted we both be here for this moment.

Chad screamed when he saw me. Not just a litte scream it was a really terrified scream. So, I kept my distance for a few minutes. We all sat down in our apartment and I sat across from Chad and talked to and played with him. I eventually got the nerve up to reach out and hold him. I was so afraid he would scream and reach away. He didn't. He was pretty much limp in my arms and again so small. The size of an American 9-12 month old. He never cried. He just seemed emotionless. Later we realized that this little guy was very intelligent and the Loma family had been prpearing him by showing him the picture book of his new Mama and Papa, whom would take him away to his new siblings. He understood this. So, he was really terrified when he first saw me.

Events that happened during the next week-

Chad stayed in this emotionless state for a few days. Then after a bath one evening, I decided to give him rasberries on his belly. Chad laughed! Not just a chuckle a big belly shaking laugh! I began screaming for Jamey and crying. We smiled and looked into each others eyes, and both new everything was going to be alright.

The next day I was telling him, "I love you Chad." As I had done hundreds of time in the last few days. I then told him,"Now you're suppose to say, I love you Mama!" And to mine and Jamey's suprise, Chad says, "I love you Mama!" And the tears come again. I don't think those words had ever meant so much. It was so different this time. I knew Livia and Parker had always loved me. Chad had been terrified of me and now he says this as happy as he can be to be in my arms!

Ian seemed to bond right away, especially with me. The second night we had him he grabbed my face and kissed me on the lips. It was such a precious kiss. Jamey got a picture of it. It is one of my favorite pictures.

Another moment that I will never forget happened in the van. The mini-van was unairconditioned and usually we had 6 adults and 5 children with us. The temperature was always in the high 90's and the humidy was...well it's a rainforest, so it's pretty freakin humid! And it took hours to go a few miles. So, these trips were really dreaded, not only because of the fact that we were all sticking together, but we would be with Mama Jospehine again.

I love Mama Josephine. She took Chad and Ian out of the orphanage and saved my boys' lives. She gave them her love for months. But right now she is still their Mama, and that is really hard for me to deal with. But on this one day, Ian was fussing, Mama Josephine took him (and he quieted down as he always did in her arms). But this time he looked at her and looked at me and then at her and finally he looked deep into my eyes and reached for me. He chose me! Another tear moment. At that moment I felt like he was looking into my eyes and telling me, "You are my Mama."

Yes Ian, yes Chad, I am your Mama and always will be.

To be continued......

Windows to a Winter Wonderland

2010-02-06T11:39:00.000-05:00

When we first saw our house, we both immediately fell in love with all of the full length windows. It was on an ugly gloomy winter day. But we still saw the potential in those windows and in the rest of the house that needed some tender loving care. We were still in awww of the beauty we saw the first spring and the first snow.

This morning this is what I saw from my bed.

Pictures do not do the view justice. Here is a zoomed in view.

Then I got up walked through living room to see...

Then into the kitchen to see......

Then finally to the front door.....

Yeah, I am pretty sure I am living in the middle of Winter Wonderland today.

Friday Faces

2010-02-06T00:34:00.001-05:00

This week we visited Daddy's office.

We also went to a lot of basketball games!

Livia entertained Chad during Parker's game.

Gotta love that face, drool and all!

And here are my awful attempts to take pictures of Parker playing basketball with my little camera.

Trying to get Parker shooting. I was a little late, but he scored!

Wednesday's Weekly Wisdoms

2010-02-03T13:21:00.005-05:00

This weekend we participated in our church's winter retreat. We stayed the night together at the retreat center (which is a whole story in itself! Oh, the LUGGAGE-playpens, blankets, pillows, toys, diapers, lotions- it looked like we were leaving our house for a month!). You see, when you have older kids looking forward to things, you tend to do a lot of things you would really prefer not to do with two babies. Thankfully, the boys were great as usual and actually slept all night too! So, I learned we can still leave our house overnight and still have a really good time.

Chad continued his "peeing on the potty". When I asked if he needed to go "pee on the potty?" He looked really confused and held his hands out with the expression of "where?" So this week, Chad learned that toilets are not only in our house, but other places have toilets too! Our house is the first place he has lived that has toilets. He really seemed amazed!

We also learned at this retreat that Chad can dribble (kick the ball-for all of you Hoosiers who think only of basketball) a soccer ball REALLY well! I know he has probably watched kids play soccer his whole life, but this was all before he could even walk! The Congolose are known for their soccer skills. Actually, the number one pick on the draft this year in the USA was born in the Congo too! So, we are thinking maybe we should invest in a little soccer ball.

Ian learned how to walk behind the John Deer play tractor. He pushed little Audrey all over the gym! He is growing up way to fast! But his most important accomplishment happened the next morning! I had to go potty, so I put Ian in bed with Daddy. When I came back I went to my own twin bed. Ian sat right up and yelled for the first time ever, "Mama, Mama, Mama!" So, of course, I ran right over and picked him up!

Another thing I have gladly learned is that Livia and Parker have adjusted very well to the new additions in our family. When we heard that their was a possibility that orphans from Haiti were needing homes in Indiana, both of my kids insisted we get online to apply (we did try but applications were not being taken anymore). They have given so much. Time, weeks with Mom and Dad away, precious time without mommy and daddy, doing less big kids stuff and less mommy and daddy dates. Help, these kids have helped me so much with their new brothers. Love, they have given so much love to Ian and Chad. Yet, they are still willing to give. So many of us big people could learn from these little two. I could not be any prouder! So, proud that I am going to post some of my favorite pictures of these two. (OK, maybe these are not my favorites, a mother of four does not have time to go through all of her pictures!)

They are just awesome!

If I Only Had A Dime For Each Time....

2010-02-01T11:33:00.004-05:00

I absolutely love all of the extra contacts I make with people because I have my little boys in my arms. Total strangers come up and talk to me and ask me questions. This is a great opportunity for me to educate them about the D.R.C. First, I must tell them this is in Africa and there are 5 million orphans there and a war, etc. I really do love this, please keep asking questions. I really don't want to discourage this, but......

Some days, I just want to go about my own business. Somedays, I wish I could not be noticed in my snot covered shirt and comfy sweatpants. Somedays, I'd love to make it through Walmart in less than an hour (OK, that is everyday). Yesterday was one of those days. I just really wished I had a poster that read,

No, MY children are not from Haiti.

They were born in the

Democratic Republic of Congo.

That is a country in Africa.

No, they are not twins.

They are brothers who are

10 months apart.

I said this over 20 times in one visit! When people start asking questions, Chad has actually started saying, "Congo! Ten months apart." If I only had a dime for each time I said this, I could fund someone else's adoption!

Friday Faces

2010-01-29T17:32:00.001-05:00

There are lots of kisses in our house!

“Happiness is like a kiss...you must share it to enjoy it.”

Chad kissing Parker and Ian kissing Livia

Ian getting kisses from Great Aunt Deborah

There is also lots of silliness!

“Silly is you in a natural state, and serious is something you have to do until you can get silly again.”

-Mike Myers

OH, I almost forgot to share that I won an awesome raffle prize! A week in Destin, Florida! With the original $1500 raised plus the $3560 fom the raffle, Megan Terry raised $5060 for Haiti and the D.R.C.! Thank you so much Megan for all your hard work! This will buy a lot of food!

I would like to also say a BIG THANK YOU to Veronica Caldwell who donated the condo. Here are the links to her properties.
http://www.vacationrentals.com/vacation-rentals/38065.html
http://www.vacationrentals.com/vacation-rentals/536.html
http://www.vacationrentals.com/vacation-rentals/2569.html

Wednesday's Weekly Wisdom

2010-01-27T21:45:00.000-05:00

First bit of wisdom today is for you! Go and check out the Terry's blog. You have only a few more hours to buy raffle tickets for a chance to win a week on the warm, sandy beach of Destin, FL. Don't we all want that about now? We also all want to help Haiti and the orphans of the D.R.C. All the proceeds go to help them both! A win, win situation!

Maybe I should change the title to Chaddy Wednesdays! I think Wednesday's are just going to be Chad's day! He is just at that age were he is learning so much! This week he learned how to open doors. He so very nicely lets our cats in the house. Unfortunately, they are OUTSIDE cats! And Sunday, I sat on my hubby's lap for a little kiss, when I realized it was really quite. I jumped up and found Chad standing outside on our deck in a diaper and a Colts t-shirt (GO COLTS!). Yeah, I think I am going to be up for the mother of the year award! So, all doors in our house now have to be locked. This is hard for us country folks to remember. We never lock our doors.

Chad also learned how to "pee-pee on the potty." I am totally following his lead on this. I wasn't planning on doing this for awhile, but he is going full force. He still goes in his diaper, but most of the time he comes running with his shirt tucked under his chin, trying to pull his pants down as he tells me "pee-pee on the potty!" So, we both run to the bathroom and he "pee-pees on the potty." We wash our hands and then......comes the best part. He puts his hands up in the air and pumps them up and down, while chanting, "GO CHADDY, GO CHADDY!" We leave the bathroom giving each other a high ten! Don't you wish you got that much energy from using the bathroom!

I know when my kids are older they would be mortified if they saw all of these pictures of them on here. But I am betting this will be old technology that just the "old folks" use by the time they are old enough to care.

We also learned today that Livia will be having her Adenoids and Tonsils removed on February 16th. I learned that apparently her throat has been hurting her a lot worse than I had thought. Her birthday is on the 22nd. Not wanting her to be sick on her birthday, I asked if we could do it the day after her birthday. On the way home she asked if I would call and make it as early as possible because her throat was really hurting. This is a big change of her attitude! Her best friend had her tonsils removed and Livia heard horror stories about it. So, she has been really upset with the thought of getting them removed.

After waiting an hour and half, the doctor walked in looked at Ian and said, "Where is he from?" Then quickly asked, "He is adopted, right?" I really wanted to say, "No, I gave birth to him," but didn't. Then asked if I was a Christian. I answered, "Yes." The whole time thinking this is none of his business! Then continued to ask if I was a practicing Christian. It was just bizarre. As if that was the only reason I would adopt a black child. It was just one of those weird conversations that would not have happened if I had adopted a white child. Today, I learned that even professionals aren't so professional (wait a minute, actually I think I learned that along time ago, but was just reminded of it again today).

Friday Faces

2010-01-22T10:00:00.000-05:00

The boys all took a bath together for the first time in a long time. Could it get any sweeter than this? I had to get the camera out! Parker agreed after he made sure all shots were going to be above the waste : )

Livia stayed all night with her sweet little friend Harli and they did a play "photo shoot". I thought I would take advantage of all of the pictures of my beautiful little girl. I still like to think little, anyway. She is growing up so quickly! Not quite grown up for all that make-up they used though!

P.S. You still have the opportunity to win a chance for a free vacation on the beach in Florida, while helping the Haiti and the orphans in the D.R.C.! Go visit The Terry's and buy a ticket or two or three or more!!!!

Wednesday's Weekly Wisdom

2010-01-20T09:23:00.000-05:00

With four kids in our house and with two being under the age of two. There is alot of learning going on in this house. Sometimes it's amilestones, like first steps. Other times it is just plain funny. So, I've decided to try and share some of this wisdom weekly.

Yesterday, I was reading a blog of a MCC representative in Kinshasa. We have became good friends with both him and his wife. While reading, I learned that apparrantly there is a World Toilet Day, which took place on the 19th of November, as it does every year. The Kinshasa newspaper gave three full pages to the theme, including more history than you need to know about toilets and photographs of some of Kinshasa’s choice installations. Toilets are a big luxury in Kinshasa, I've witnessed that most people use the ditches that run along the streets. Thankfully, I never had to resort to that.

Ironically, this is what Chad learned, I guess you can decide whether this is a milestone or not. While I was running water for the boys' bath, Chad learned that bath toys work just as well in the toilet! He sure was happy about it too! Yes, sometimes we learn those things that we just shouldn't learn. I guess no harm was actually done and I should be thankful that we were planning to take a bath anyway.

A Week At The Beach Anyone?

2010-01-19T12:00:00.000-05:00

One of the awesome ladies I've met in our adoption process is Megan. She will be going to the D.R.C. to finally bring baby Miles home soon. She has raised lots of money for the D.R.C. and is continuing to do so for the children of the D.R.C. and of Haiti with this awesome raffle! This is taken straight from ger blog:

"Who wants to spend a week at the beach? (Me! Me!) Who wants to help the earthquake victims in Haiti? (Me! Me) Who wants to help the children in orphanages in the Democratic Republic of Congo? (Me! Me!)"

Of course we all do! So go and visit her blog and buy yourself a chance to win a week in a 3 BR condo right on the beach in Destin for only $10!

Yes, We Are All Still Alive!

2010-01-17T21:57:00.000-05:00

Yikes! It has been over a month since I have updated my blog with information about my family! Can be overwhelming to try to get caught up. So, I decided to just look through my photos and pick out some of my favorites. Please excuse the large number of photos. We've been really busy!

I am embarrased to say this is our FIRST and ONLY family picture.

Poor little Ian, wanting to go join the crowd......

in the nice warm hot tub!

Wasn't enough water for us. We went and visited the indoor waterpark.

The kids were in a Christmas Play at Church.

Yes, that boy yawning through the play would be my son Parker.

We celebrated CHRISTmas with lots of family. Unfortunately, I do not have a picture of all of these wonderful people. But here's a few.

We have visited great-grandparents

Santa brought us all new rides! Chad and Ian got the new rides below. Me, Livia and Parker all got new bikes! Jamey got a pull behind cart for the boys. Sounds like I need to be getting back into shape!

Chad played a lot of dress up!

He actually found these and suprised us coming around the corner looking this way!

Chad also has learned to walk (running most of the time).

Ian has learned to crawl, pull up, and walk around objects.

Yes, I will be chasing two little runners before to long : )

And thank you great Aunt Hedy for the cute outfits!

Chad and Ian saw their first snow! Ian wasn't to impressed. Chad LOVED it!

Poor little guys. I layed them both down and put their snow suits on them. Then as I was putting on my gloves, I realized they couldn't move at all! It was such a Christmas Story moment. They both were trying so hard to roll over. It was just hilarious!

We met with some other families that have or are bringing home new little ones though Our Family Adoptions. Below was a get together at our house with the Ott and Hall families.

We met Megan at the Science Center : ) Who is anxiously waiting to bring home baby Miles! She is raising all sorts of money to take to the orphanages on her trip! Check out her site The Terry's.

We also had another trip tothe Kidzone in the Science Center!

We snuggled LOTS.

And lastly I still can't believe I am sharing this, but it is just so funny.

I was cooking dinner the boys were playing with Livia in the living which is open to the kitchen, when I heard Livia scream, "MOM!" This is what I found.....

The white cream is an Olive Oil product we use in Chad's hair before we comb it out.

Apparently, Chad thought Ian needed his hair combed too! I must say most of it was on his head!

Click Away to Help Haiti

2010-01-17T00:09:00.000-05:00

I know it has been forever since I have posted! I promise I will post later this week about the family, but today there are more important things.

As with many of you are hearts have been saddened by the earthquake in Haiti. I pray that this will bring awareness to the world of the many hardships this country has had before the earthquake and help will finally be given. So, today I only ask you to pray for Haiti. Pray for all of the those babies, those toddlers, those children, mothers, fathers, grandparents who cannot find each other, who have no homes, who have no food, please pray that they will find hope until help finds them.

In addition to all of your prayers for Haiti, PLEASE click over to this blog Watching the Waters. Cory is a mom of children adopted from Haiti. She has compiled a long list of blogs that are pledging to give money to Haitian relief for every comment left on the blogs. No expense to you, just leave a comment and money will be sent. If you can't afford to send donations yourself, then take some time and start clicking.

There are also many children there who have adoptive parents in the United States. Due to the slow paperwork process they are not yet in the United States. I cannot imagine these parents pain as they view the news. I would be going crazy now. So please write to your senators by clicking here and ask that these adoptions be expedited and that these precious children be granted emergency entrance into the US.
Thank you.

Merry Christmas! Please Take a Little Time to Give!

2009-12-23T21:21:00.000-05:00

I still need to clean my house before the family comes over tomorrow and wrap a lot of presents! I really should not be typing right now, but I had to share this with all of you!

I have met a lot of amazing people during our adoption journey. One of these families is the Woods family. They are the adoptive parents of Grace (born in China) and Haven (born in the DRC). They do a lot volunteer work for Our Family Adoptions. This is the nonprofit organization that brought our family together. I urge you to visit their blog Amazing Grace and Safe Haven! Not only do you get to see their gorgeous kids you also can raise money for Our Family Adoption at no cost to you just with a few clicks! This organization is so very close to our heart. Without it Chad in Ian would not be in our arms today. So please take some time to visit their site and raise some money! Oh, I forgot to tell you they have opened a really cool new Zazzle store called Where Hope Begins. You will find links to the store at the bottom of my blog posts. 100% of the profit from ALL product sales will be donated to Our Family Adoptions.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

With Love,

The Sullivans

Jamey, Stori, Livia, Parker, Chad, and Ian

A Sad Detour to Joy

2009-12-12T13:03:00.000-05:00

I am so madly in love with all four of my children. But still I find myself looking at pictures of Linda and Dokta. I just read old messages between me and the missionary girls who were there. It brought back so many feelings. I am so confused as to why they are not in our home right now. They are not adoptable, but yet they are still in the orphanages and are now separated into the boys and girls orphanages. It just breaks my heart. But I know the reason why. If our adoption process had not been stopped with them, Chad and Ian would have died in the orphanage in Kinshasa. At the time I could not understand this obstacle at all. Why would God take Linda and Dokta away from us? It felt like they were ripped from my womb. It is still so painful. But again he had another plan for us. Chad and Ian are ours, they are exactly where they should be due to this roadblock in the adoption process. I cannot imagine life without these two. They have brought me so much joy. I am there mommy and so very blessed to be so.

So when you are bummed by the roadblocks in life, I ask you to just try to think of the joy God has planned ahead for you.

I also ask that you please continue to pray for Linda and Dokta and all of the 5 million orphans we left behind in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Linda and Dokta, I still pray and think of you daily, you will always be in my heart.

Linda and Dokta being held by the wonderfully spirited Emanuell. These children are being taken care of by an orphanage sponsored by Our Family Adoptions. The nonprofit organization that helped us through our adoption. A wonderful organization if you are thinking about adoption. Information can be found and donations can be made at their website http://www.ourfamilyadoptions.org/

Conquering the Mommy Monster

2009-12-11T11:06:00.000-05:00

Well, Ian has the chicken pox. I am talking about thousands of bumps! I feel so bad for the little guy. Chad was vaccinated a few weeks ago. It must have helped because so far he has only had three spots.

Poor little Ian just will not sleep. Actually, I think it would be better stated to say poor mommy and daddy. Part of his problem now is obviously the chicken pox . But he has also gained a lot of new skills in the past week. He can crawl, pull up, climb, give you a high five, etc. He is so excited about all of these new skills, he simply does not want to take the time to sleep! He wakes up climbing all over us and telling really loud and wild tales (or so I believe)!

I think it’s something like this -“Look what I can do! Wow! I can do this too! And can you believe that I can clap my hands and climb over daddy! Oh, and listen how loud I can talk! I am completely happy in the middle of the night, until the mean mommy monster tries to cuddle me to sleep. What is she thinking! There are so many new things to do! I am not sleeping! I told you I am not sleeping! My mommy is really stubborn. She just doesn’t get it. Lucky for me I am even more stubborn then her!”
Not enjoying being woke up again, mommy grits her teeth. Then can’t help but smile at all of my accomplishments. I she think would really enjoy some snuggle time. I”ll give her a few seconds. Then I am off again!

Here is a picture to end with. The boys love playing "Choo Choo" in the clothes basket. They picked up a
hitchhiker today!

Christmas in the Congo!

2009-12-10T16:16:00.000-05:00

Wonderful news! The twins are in their adoptive parents arms! They have grown so much! Mama Josephine saved two more little lives. As I look at these beautiful babies, I remember my times in Kinshasa. I remember how mad and upset I was when our trip was extended. God had his own plans and they were so much better than my own! I had the wonderful opportunity to love these babies. I am overwhelmed with joy to see them looking so healthy. Congratulations to the new family!

You can follow their story at Christmas in the Congo.

Here are a few pictures of the twins when we had them.

And here they are now! You just have to smile : )

"Happy, Happy, Happy!" - Chad Ona Sullivan

2009-12-08T17:14:00.000-05:00

Today I woke up exhausted, okay that’s not necessarily a new thing, but I was MORE exhausted than usual. Last night I had changed all of our sheets after all of us were treatment for the boys having a possible scabies case. Then the dog puked on Parkers bed. Not only the comforter, but the sheets and matress cover too. Changed his sheets again. Then went to the bathroom and found someone had diarrhea and missed the toilet and there were little brown footprints all over the bathroom and bathroom rug! But as I made breakfast for my four little ones, I just about busted out of my skin in happiness! I asked Jamey, “How in the world, can I feel so bad and yet feel so good?”

The answer to that question is that little four letter word ……LOVE. There is so much love in this house you can’t help but smile! Sometimes I wonder if I am actually dreaming. Did I really go to Africa and bring these two perfect boys home? I am just amazed. I saw where they were from, the awful orphanage they almost died in. I keep wondering, how they could live through such circumstances and still be so darn perfect.

I don’t always listen to God. Most of my life was spent ignoring him. Let me tell you from experience, if you listen to what God calls you to do, no matter how difficult or crazy it may seem at the time, you will be rewarded inside. I’ve never been so glad that I finally gave in to what I know I was suppose to do. I can’t imagine not being Chad and Ian’s mommy. We were all six simply meant to be together. I only pray that others will listen to their calling and not be afraid.

I am called to do more than just adopt from the DRC. There is so much devastation there. I must help somehow. I feel God sent me there not only for my boys but for something more. I just haven’t took the time to put on my good listening ears to hear what exactly it is. I am anxious to find out what it is. But for now I am taking the time to cuddle the four bundles of joy I am so very blessed to call my babies.

Oh, and yes, I am the one who is blessed. Not these two little boys. This is a new pet peeve of mine. I keep hearing how wonderful we are and how we are such a blessing for these two little boys. No people, you don’t understand at all, they are the blessing to us.

The following pictures were taken with Parker's new camera. That may be why there are no pictures of Livia ; ) I will get my camera back soon and will take some of my other beauty.

Parker loving on his little brother Chad.

On Sunday, Chad would fuss anytime Parker put him down. Parker was complaining he was getting heavy. I tried to take him and Chad said "No Mama, Parker!" Chad loves his big brother! So, Parker resorted to a sling!

"Happy, Happy, Happy!", Chad's favorite thing to say!

Chad being Chad!

I love this little face! Snot and all!

We are all home and doing great!

2009-12-05T22:20:00.000-05:00

Well, if you haven’t guessed I have been REALLY busy! But I am enjoying every minute of the craziness! I do want to share about my trip sometime but today I am giving some little updates on the family. Ian and Chad have adjusted amazingly well. They have been home for 2 ½ weeks and it seems like they have been here forever. Chad sleeps all night. He has not woke up once : ) Ian on the other hand wakes up twice and sometimes has a hard time falling back to sleep. I can’t wait for the day that he sleeps all night! I am still pretty exhausted. I feel like I haven’t quite recovered from our trip. Or maybe I am just to old to have toddlers again!

They have visited the pediatrician and both appear to be in really good health. Chad has started walking from person to person! This is a big step for him! Ian began crawling 2 minutes later! The competition between brothers begins!

Ian is the most easy going child (except at night). He just takes everything in. He enjoys bouncing on your lap and speaks a lot of baby talk and boy can he smile. Chad is quite the character! He is a big ham! He loves to be the center of attention. He gets pretty upset when people in Walmart do not notice him. He will start yelling “Yo Papa!“ or “Yo Mama!“ Which basically means “Hey you!“ in Lingala. He is speaking so much English already. He has almost stopped using all of his Lingala, even though we have encouraged him to keep using it. Our family has always said “ByeYo” (bye in Lingala), but Chad decided he now says, “See ya!” We are hoping to meet up soon with a lady from Bloomington that we met in the DRC. She speaks fluent Lingala and is excited about helping Chad keep his native language and help the rest of us learn more.

Livia is such a little mommy. Bottles, rocking, diapers, the girl does it all! She can’t stand to see them cry, whine or be unhappy. She is going to spoil them rotten! Parker loves his new brothers. Chad and him play a lot. Ian loves to kiss Parker more than anyone else. It is so sweet to see! Parker has been a little kiss shy (except with mommy and daddy) since he started school. But he loves Ian’s kisses slobber and all!

I am still trying to get into a routine and figuring out how to do everything with babies on my hips. Slings are a wonderful thing! I recommend the K-Tan sling to everyone who has little ones who need to be held. But I am soooooo happy and love having little babies again! I am not taking time to proof read this (to much laundry to do), so please ignore the mistakes!

Here are a few pictures and I promise it won’t be so long before I write next time!

Here are a few pictures of us at the airport. Finally we are all together!

Chad being a ham at Thanksgiving!

Ian finally decides he likes food!

Three of my four boys enjoying the hot tub.

Emotion Filled Friday

2009-10-31T16:23:00.000-04:00

Having technical issues. Please follow the link.
Emotion Filled Friday

Stori with a lapfull at the orphanage.

Chad laughing uncontrollably

Ian's beautiful face

They were worn out at the end of the day. One of the sweetest things I've seen is if they are sleeping and Ian cries, or even whines, Chad rolls over in his sleep and comforts him.

2009-10-29T09:45:00.000-04:00

Chad looking at a book.

Ian giggling!

Ian kissing Stori

Ian and Stori

Chad asleep on Jamey

FINALLY!!!!

2009-10-23T01:01:00.000-04:00

WOW! I can't believe the time is almost FINALLY here! I am so anxious, nervous, happy, prepared, yet unprepared.....I am just feeling so many things right now. Packing has been my biggest stress this week. How do you fit everything you need for two weeks for two babies and yourself in your carry on's? It seems to be an impossible task! I am finally almost finished with it : )

I am not nervous about our trip at all. I am very nervous about leaving Livia and Parker. I am going to miss them so much! I cry thinking about it. My outgoing little Livia is excited about all of the adventures she will have while I am gone. Parker on the other hand would rather stay home. He is very, very sad we are leaving. It just breaks my heart to see his tears. Although, yesterday, I said we would be leaving in 4 days, he actually replied, "I am so excited!" Of course, not because we were leaving, but because he knew he would soon finally have his brothers home! I am so lucky to be blessed with children with such big hearts!

Today I am asking all of my readers to pray. Pray for my babies I am leaving here. May they have fun with grandparents and cousins and be comforted in knowing I will be home as fast as I can. Pray for my new babies as they make such a big transition. May they find comfort in our arms as they are taken from anothers arms. Finally, pray that we all make it through the big transition when we come back home! I just can't wait for that first family hug!

Beautiful Boys, Beautiful People

2009-10-16T00:39:00.000-04:00

I was pleasantly suprised to get two more new pictures of my beautiful boys. They have no idea how many people here are loving them, praying for them, and waiting to hold them. I am just so overwhelmed by all the support we have gotten. I knew I'd have the support of all those close to me. But I am suprised by all the other people who are praying, donating to the orphanages, and offering their help in any way the can.

These people have kept my hopes up when I saw my boys starving. They helped hold my heart together when we lost Linda and Dokta. They helped keep my mind together when our trip was postponed over a month. These people have donated over $1500 towards supplies and have given many supplies for the children we must leave behind in the D.R.C. These people are just AWESOME! Thank you! I love you all!

Let the Sun Shine!

2009-10-11T13:51:00.000-04:00

Yesterday we had a birthday party for Parker. It is a month before his birthday, but we will be coming home with two little ones the week of his birthday. Didn't know if they would be ready for 12 kids running around. So, Parker happily agreed to an early birthday party.
After what seems of a month of clouds and rain, the sun shined for his party! We had scavenger hunts, roasted marshmellows, went on a hay ride and found pumpkins and did a lot of swinging! Then Parker enjoyed a slumber party with his wonderful cousins! I think it was a pretty good day!

The Crazy Gang!

Parker swinging with his buddy Koby.

Livia and Jonathon......cute, cute, cute!

Parker with his spider cupcake!

There is also a lot of good adoption news to share! We recieved news that the Terry's got their referral picture! I am so excited for them! The Solberg's paperwork is moving along really quickly! And we recieved new pictures!!!

Chad. Can't wait to see him smile : )

Ian is sitting up all by himself!

Mama Josephine giving my babies some love : )

By the way, we leave in 2 weeks!

I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Sour Cream!

2009-09-26T19:46:00.000-04:00

While I as cleaning our refridgerator, I realized we had some sour cream that needed to be used. Instead of it going bad and throwing it away, I decided to put a dallop on each of our bowls of rice and beans. It was amazing what excitement that brought!

We are ending our second week of beans and rice. Unfortunately, we haven't ate beans and rice everynight. We have had previous plans with others. But normally on busy weeks like we have had I would be picking up fastfood every evening (costing about $20.00 a evening). But with beans and rice already made it is very easy and simple. I am amazed by the money we are saving! I actually have only bought beans at the store. We had quite a supply of different types of rice in our pantry. We are still deciding on whether we should start our own fund for adoptive families or add it to others who have already began funds. Either way we are adding up money a day at a time.

This is really making us appreciate the food we are eating. We also pray daily for those who would love to have rice and beans to eat, but have only empty tummys. We have started saying the same prayer every night before our rice and beans. It is such a simple prayer that still deeply touches out hearts.

A cup of rice, a cup of wheat

For every hungry child to eat

And more we ask you, Lord above,

For every child, a home of love.

Finally We Meet!

2009-09-19T22:00:00.001-04:00

This evening we had the opportunity to listen to a great band Point1Zero and enjoy beautiful weather on the Ohio. But we also were able to meet another couple who are in the process of adopting from the DRC! I have formed great friendships with so many people who have or are in the process of adopting. It is so comforting to talk to people who know exactly how I feel, who has felt my frustrations, helplessness, who can speak the words that my heart feels, and understands the strong bond that amazingly has happened even before I have met my babies in person. They have all been such a support to me. Thank you all! Unfortunately, I never get to meet them in person.

One of these great friendships is with Megan Terry. We met the Terry's at a benefit for Darfur at King Fish on the River. Kamron Terry is a member of the band Point1Zero (it is a great band with awesome songs). Our kids had a blast playing. It was wonderful to meet Megan in person! Now I just wish we lived a little closer! We aren't to far away from each other though. I am hoping for some future playdates with all of our new little ones.

Earlier this week we were able to meet Suzanne. She is the MCC rep in the DRC. She is the angel who provided the boys with formula and us with priceless pictures. We have emailed back and forth for months and she has shared her own adoption experiences. It comforted me to be with someone who has held my boys, fed my boys and rocked them to sleep. It somehow made me feel a little closer to them. She shared a lot about Kinshasa and I feel much more prepared for our trip. Just wish it would get her already! We were able to bring Suzanne a suprise. Two of her friends who she hadn't seen in years joined us. Making the night even more special. Thank you Miningers for joining us! She also gave us a gift that was made in the DRC. Something for me to hold onto until I get to hold my babies (in 41 more days).

So, this week has been a week blessed with opportunities to meet wonderful people : )

A Travel Date!

2009-09-18T08:25:00.000-04:00

Bittersweet.
Sweet....we actually have a date!
Bitter......it is so far away!

Our official travel date is October 27th. The US Embassy has agreed to see us on the 29th. We will see them again for an interview on Nov 3rd (Jamey's birthday). We hope to be back home on Nov 7th.

It feels so great to actually have a date to plan for!

God Keep Me Safe

2009-09-16T11:12:00.000-04:00

I know it's been forever since I have posted about our adoption. I just am having a very difficult time right now and it is much easier to write about the good stuff. People like to read about the good stuff and the cute pictures, but lets face it, it's not all good. We had hoped to be going to get the boys on September 22nd. But the US Embassy in Kinshasa is not ready for us yet. So......we wait some more. It is most likely now going to be the end of October. It is just so heartbreaking to be here with all of our luxuries while my babies are so far away with very little. I know that Pastor Loma's family is giving them lots of love. But you know that mommy's always feel no one can take care of their babies the way they can. And it is hard to take care of them from half way around the word!

I'm not only upset because they aren't in my arms. It is much more than that. At church Sunday we sang a song called "God Keep Me Safe". I prayed Chad and Ian would be safe. That God would keep us safe on our journey to the DRC. But mostly I thought of all the orphaned children having that hope that God will keep them safe! I immediately started crying. It's just to overwhelming! What can we possibly do to help that many children.

I recently read some statistics. There are appoxiametly 145 million orphans in the world. Most of them have very little food and no one to care for them. Sounds hopeless, doesn't it? How could God allow for all these children to have no one to care for them? That is not the question to be asking though. The question is: How can we allow all of these children to have no one to take care of them? I am not trying to say that everyone should adopt a child, but these children should easilly be cared for. God has gave us enough food on this earth to feed everyone. There are over 2 BILLION Christians on earth. God has taught us to take care of these children. If only 7% of the Christians would take care of one child then all of these children would be cared for.

I have been thinking of ways I can help. Taking two home and leaving the rest behind will be the hardest thing I have ever done. I know a lot of people have been called to adopt, but are scared of the cost of adoption. So, We've decided to help fund another's adoption. We actually have recently put this in our will that we would set up an endowment fund that would help with adoption costs. But then I thought, why am I going to wait until I am dead to do something to help. So, we have began having rice and beans for supper. We plan to keep this up until we bring the boys home. Of course, we already have a few days we know we will break this due to outings we had already planned with other people, but other than those few days, we will be having rice and beans. Not only does this save us lots of grocery money that can be donated to this cause, it is a daily reminder to us all to pray for those who would love to be able to eat beans and rice.

So, if you feel God has called you to adopt. Please do not be scared. These children need you. Or if you have the funds donate to a mission to help feed these children. Or help fund someone's adoption. Or simply encourage other people to help however they can. I"ll end with a prayer I actually read on another blog and wanted to share.

An Orphans Prayer

I am waiting...somewhere far...far away on the other side of the world. I may not know who you are or what you look like, but somewhere deep in my heart I know you are out there. That one day you will come and find me. It's a long journey, and it takes a lot of time...I wish it could be easier. But I know the ones that come for me will not count the cost. They will only see the joy in finding me. For now I abide in the fields of the fatherless. Day by day wondering why I was born here and not somewhere else? Asking why my life couldn't have been different? It is so lonely. Even though I am surrounded by hundreds of other children, I know that something is missing...I know in my heart I need a place to call home. My arms long to be wrapped in a fathers embrace...I long to be saved by a mother's love...Gazing out the orphans window, I offer a prayer of hope, "Oh God please help them come quickly." Even as I lay in the darkness each night somehow I feel assured, that no matter how lost I appear, I am not alone. Holy hands guard my steps; sacred fingers wipe my tears, touching my lonely heart. The one who made me, the God that knew me before I was born, hears me every time I call. He whispers His promises in my ear. I listen with hope to His voice. But what I worry about most is that no one wants to look for me. The fields are vast and there are so many scattered all over the earth. I wonder how one little child, so lost, can be found? Yet He calms my heart and assures me He will find you. That He will make sure that you hear His voice clearly. He has promised me that he will make a way through the fields, that He will personally cut a path, and lead you right to my orphanage door. My prayer is....When He speaks...Please don't forget to listen...When He calls don't be too afraid to go. For I am waiting...somewhere, far...far away on the other side of the world to come home.

Author Unknown

Three Day Weekend!

2009-09-08T10:45:00.000-04:00

We had a very fun Labor Day Weekend! We had game night Friday. On Saturday we went geocaching for the first time. We never found the box, but we still had a blast hiking! The hike made me remember how blessed we are to live in such a beautiful place! We often get so busy that we forget to stop and just take in God's beauty. I have a feeling this will be a weekly activity from now on. Sunday we went to my cousins wedding. It was a beautiful outdoor wedding. And thank God no rain! We all danced the night a way! Monday we stayed home, had a cookout and swam.

Livia and Parker just hanging out on a vine! Vines are one of their favorite things in the woods!

Ahhhhhh...Ahhhhhh......Watch OUT for that Tree!

A box turtle, one of Parker's many finds in the woods.

Toby, our little Cavapoo, came along for the hike.

Parker and Livia hiking up to the cave.

After a big hike up the rocks, the kids enjoy a cave. But still no box! We later found out that my cousins hid this geocache box and it was down at the very bottom where we started!

The kids ended the hike with a swim in the creek. Sorry, Livia. (She thought no one was going to see her in her panties!)

My beautiful mom, better known as "Tatu" (which must have meant wonderful grandma to Livia when she was 9 month old), and Livia and Parker. Actually Jamey jokingly started calling her Grandma Cuckoo, because she has a Cuckoo Clock in her living room. Livia soon started calling mom Tatu and we had no idea why. Until one day when the little bird came out and cuckoo'd and Livia started yelling, "Tatu, Tatu!" So now everyone calls her Tatu! She looks to young to be called grandma anyway! Don't you think?

Me and my little man along with my mom and brother were the first to start the dancing!

We also found this cute little kitten under our deck. She is now living in our house, but we hope to find a good home for her soon. Isn't she precious? Any takers?

Give them Hope

2009-09-01T10:28:00.000-04:00

Here is a video that Carrie and Brian put together. They are a wonderful family who adopted Haven in May. This video shows exactly where Chad and Ian are coming from. A lot of the pictures are of the orphanage they were in. Just click to watch Congo Orphans- Give Them Hope.

There are still babies there that are in the process of making it to the Pastor Loma's family for foster care. Please keep praying that this happens quickly and please pray for all of the other children left behind.

It's Official!

2009-08-29T13:04:00.000-04:00

We finally got the call from Jilma! Thank you God! As of August 26th we are legally the parents of Chad and Ian in the DRC, adoption decree is final! It suprised me how emotional I was with the news. Jamey was all smiles from ear to ear. I was so happy, but couldn't stop crying. I hope I can control myself when I actually get to hold them!

There is a new law in the DRC that states we must wait 30 days before we can bring them home after the decree is finished. Right now our plans are to leave on September 22nd and return home with them on October 3rd. But of course, this depends on the DRC providing birth certificates and passports for Ian and Chad. We can't buy our plane tickets until that is done.

I've been really dreading the day that I take Chad and Ian from the only mama they know now, Mama Josephine. I know how devastating this will be both to Chad and Ian and the foster family. I hope I will be strong. Me crying hysterically is not going to make it any easier for them. It will be such an emotional day of both sadness and absolute joy to finally have them in my arms!

I am continueing to pray for Cassie and another baby boy that are in the orphanage. They both have wonderful families here in the states waiting for them. They need to be removed from the orphanage as soon as possible and into the loving arms of the Pastor Loma's family. You can see a cute picture of Cassie with a head full of gorgoeous hair here.

Wow! I still can't believe I am the mother of FOUR! : )

New picture!

2009-08-23T10:29:00.001-04:00

We received a new picture from Pastor Loma in Friday's email. Look at how much healthier the boys are looking already! His family are doing a wonderful job taking care of our babies. I feel so relieved and happy to see them. But I am still wishing they were here already! We are still waiting to hear that our adoption decree has been processed. Hopefully, we will get the news this week. Then it's more waiting. We have to wait 30 days before we are able to bring them home. Home.....that sounds so wonderful....then they will be home.

School Starts Already!?!

2009-08-12T00:10:00.000-04:00

Well, I just tucked Parker and Livia in. I am so sad that they are going to school tomorrow. The summer flew by. I still can't believe break is over. This summer ending was very hard for me to handle. I felt it was my last chance to give them as much attention as I could. Because as much as we are all looking forward to our two new additions, I know all of our lives are in for a big change. I am really starting to have a lot of anxiety. I am so worried I won't be able to give everyone enough attention. I often ask myself, "Who do you think you are? Why do think you can actully do this?" Yet, there is something deep inside me that tells me this is what I am suppose to be doing, no matter how crazy it may seem. Most people do think we are crazy for adopting from the DRC. I guess I can't blame them. If someone would have told me a year ago I would be flying to the Congo to pick up two babies, I probably would have thought they were crazy too! But I feel this is what God has planned for me. And no matter how much I doubt my ability, I know with all my heart that I am suppose to be Chad and Ian's mommy.
So anyway, I tried to cram in as much as possible into the last few weeks of summer. We went to Kings Island Amusement Park, a water park, the zoo twice, the childrens' science museum, many cousins slept over and of course we did a lot of swimming. I am actually pretty worn out. I am glad to take a little rest and to be able to start preparing for the new babies. But I am going to miss my my older babies terribly.

Livia with her cousin Sara are all smiles at the waterpark : )

Parker full of excitement after taking a ride down the slide!

Jonathon (one of the cutest babies ever happens to be our next door neighbor) and Parker are heading to the zoo.

Livia doing the rope course at the Louisville Zoo.

Jon, Jonathon, Livia and Parker posing with the Buffalo. We are so lucky to have such wonderful neighbors! They are the best!

Livia and Jadyn are new best friends! They met in Ohio this summer at a church convention. Then happened to be at Camp Amigo in Sturgis, Michigan on the exact same week!

FINALLY our paperwork is on its way to the DRC

2009-08-02T21:41:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Jilma making several phone calls to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services, our paperwork has been stopped before it was mailed. So it will not be going to Kenya, but it is on its way to the Democratic Republic of Congo. I am so thankful for this! This mistake would have cost us a delay in getting Chad and Ian.
I can't believe we will hopefully be getting them next month! I have so much to do! Parker's new room is almost completed. Livia's room is newly decorated and painted. As soon as Parker
moves to his room this week I can start on the babies' room. We finally have two cribs, a few outfits, and a double jogging stroller. Oh, and some super soft stuffed animals that Livia had to get for the boys! She is so excited! She just will scream out with uncontrollable excitement several times a day, "I just can't wait to hold them!" (Me either kiddo!) I really need to get busy looking for cloth diaper possibilities. Am I absolutely crazy thinking about having two in cloth diapers? I am still researching this. I have only used disposable. So, I would appreciate any advice. And of course the bottles and formula. Also new to me! My first two were only breastfed.
I often feel so clueless as to what to even start to buy for these two. Not for sure what size they wear or where they are developmentally for toys. I guess that all can be bought after they are home.
Well, I am heading to bed. Getting up early and heading to the water park with the neighbors tomorrow! Should be a blast!

Thank you

2009-08-01T01:30:00.000-04:00

Today, I thank you God for being here with me today.
As I looked up at the beautiful sky, I felt you shining down on me
As I felt the cool damp garden soil, I felt your richness here with me
As I saw the smile of neighbor, I saw your warmth here with me
As I felt the gentle hand of my husband, I felt your love here with me
As I heard a neice giggling, I heard your joy here with me
As I snuggled my children to sleep, I felt your comforting arms here with me
I know you are always here, but I don't always take the time to notice.
Tonight, I pray that I will take time and see you again
and that everyone around the world
might take a deep breath, look around
and see you too.

Loving the Mail But Hating the Small Print

2009-07-29T22:56:00.000-04:00

Today I woke up early went for my first run in a few months (due to an injury). It felt great to run! On my way home I realized I forgot to check the mailbox yesterday. So, I ran to the mailbox and there it was our approval of our I-600A! Yay! It FINALLY arrived!
But after reading the entire page, I realized that they were sending our papers to Kenya instead of the Democratic Republic of Congo! Seriously, how could that mistake have been made!?! Kenya and DRC neither look nor sound anything alike! So, we are hoping to catch our paperwork before it is sent there. This could possibly postpone the process by weeks! I am so frustrated! We are also waiting to fill out our I-600, because we believe they might send us a new approval and form with the corrected paperwork. So, I am praying to stop our paperwork and get it sent to Kinshasa soon! I really need to hold my babies.

More Pictures!

2009-07-25T19:21:00.000-04:00

We LOVE new pictures! But before I share them, I must ask for prayers for Chad. He has a fever and is very weak. He most likely has malaria or as my kids say the "mosquito thing".

Feeling very helpless here, I've decided to use this blog to share some info on malaria.

Malaria caused by a parasite (plasmodium) that is spread from person to person through the bites of infected mosquitos. If not treated promptly, malaria can be fatal.
Symptoms of malaria are high fever, chills, headache, vomiting, flu like symptoms, and can lead lead to coma or death.
About 3.3 billion people (half the world's population) is at risk for malaria. Every year about 250 million people are infected and one million people die. The poorest are most vulnerable.
One in five childhood deaths in Africa are due to malaria. It is estimated that an African child has an average of 1 to 5 episodes of malaria fever each year. EVERY 30 SECONDS A CHILD DIES FROM MALARIA IN AFRICA.
Early diagnosis and treatment can shorten the duration of the infection and prevent further complications and deaths. Although, treatment and prevention is fairly cheap compared to American standards, it cannot be afforded by many that are at most risk.
Long-lasting insecticidal nets can provide protection for high risk groups. Indoor residential spraying is most effective. But again, this all costs money.

Again, you can help by urging Congress to help end malaria deaths by clicking here. You can also donate a mosquito net to a child who is at great risk by clicking here.

Okay, now for the pictures sent to us by the wonderful Suzanne! Suzanne brought supplies to Mama Josphine today. She took these priceless pictures. She also has assured us after meeting Mama Josephine and her loving family that we can sleep well tonight because our boys are in very loving arms! Lots of them to be exact! Thanks again so much to her and Mama Josephine and her family for taking care of our precious boys! Merci Mama Josephine mai et de la famille et que Dieu vous benisse tous!

Baby Ian

Chad sleeping soundly in Mama Josephine's arms.

Mama Josephine and Pastor Loma's family.

The boys are getting lots of attention from the whole gang!Chad and Ian with Family.

What Big Eyes Beautiful Eyes Ian does Have!

Mama Josephine holding Chad and her daughter holding Ian.

I am getting so anxious to have these boys in our arms. But I am so thankful that they are in a loving home! We are still waiting for the US approval of our I-600A (approval for us to adopt internationally). Then they have to approve our I-600 (approval to adopt Chad and Ian)! Our Kinshasa paperwork is going smoothly. Possibly, in as little as 30 days the boys can be legally ours! Now if we can just get things over here moving!

Pastor Loma such a Blessing!

2009-07-18T21:41:00.000-04:00

This week we had planned a trip to Ohio to visit Kings Island Amusement park with the kids. To our suprise, we recieved information that Pastor Loma (shown in yellow shirt)was going to be in Ohio too, all the way from the Democratic Republic of Congo! He is here learning about technology through the United Methodist Church. His host family was so wonderful and welcomed us into their home. Luckily, Isaac (shown above) who came from the Ivory Coast in Africa, was also being hosted by them and was an excellent interpreter between our English and Pastor Loma's French.

We had a wonderful time talking with them. We showed him recent pictures of the children he had helped in the process of their adoption into the United States and how to access their blogs on his new computer. He shared what little he knew about our boys.

He is such a loving man living his life as God wants him to. I am so relieved to know my babies will be with him and his family! Such a Blessing! He also agreed to take a large bag full of formula and baby supplies back to his home. They have also opened their home to another 2 month old baby girl, who will hopefully be adopted by the Solberg's soon. I am so grateful that they are willing to open their homes and hearts to these children. Let's all pray for them they will have their hands full.

We received news that his wife was able to pick up Chad and Ian from the orphanage yesterday! So, glad they will be loved and cared for by this wonderful family! I cannot say THANK YOU enough to them! I almost broke down while I was shopping for the supplies. I so wanted to send something wonderful to his wife for taking care of my babies. But with a weight limit to deal with I had to choose formula that was needed. I did send a few small things. But it saddened my heart greatly that I only had one bag to fill.

Again, thank you, thank you, Pastor Loma and family!

Please help stop the violence in the DRC

2009-07-11T18:02:00.000-04:00

Well, one of my goals with this blog was to educate people about the Democratic Republic of Congo. Even though, it is much more fun to post cute pictures of all my babies, this information I feel needs to be shared! I recently came in contact with a mother in the early process of adopting from the DRC. She has started a blog The Terry’s for a lot of the same reasons I have started Our Storibook. She recently shared information on the following topic and I want to pass it a long.
The conflict in eastern Congo (the deadliest since World War II ) is fueled significantly by a multi-million dollar trade in minerals. Many American’s do not know that the DRC is one of the only places in the world that has the minerals tantalum and tungsten, both are needed to manufacture all of the gadgets that we just can't live without. This includes cell phones, computers, iPods, digital cameras, etc. A major source of fighting in the DRC is over who controls the mines of these valuable minerals.

Many rebel controlling groups stand to make about $144 million off of these minerals. Where as the average Congolese person makes only $300 a year (yes, a year not a month). These armed rebel groups are willing to do just about anything to have control. This includes innocent people being killed, women being raped, and children being macheted.

These same minerals then make their way to the US where companies use them to make our electronics. So indirectly, our technological conveniences are fueling the largest humanitarian crisis of the last 60 years.
So how can we help half way around the world? I am asking you to take a minute to email major electronics producers and ask them to use conflict free minerals. A pre-written letter to these companies is available by clicking HERE. All you have to do is put in your email address and the rest is taken care of.
You can also support new legislation. The Congo Conflict Minerals Act of 2009 calls on the United States to support efforts to help ensure that the mineral trade stops contributing to human rights violations, including killings of unarmed civilians and sexual violence, while at the same time developing mechanisms to allow the Congolese people to benefit from these resources. And it would require US companies to adhere to much stricter rules on the disclosure of the origins of any of the three key conflict minerals for this region.
So, I am also asking you to click HERE to urge your Senators to cosponsor the Congo Conflict Minerals Act of 2009. Again, all you have to is put your email address and the rest is taken care of.

I know I am asking a lot today, but it only takes a few minutes! Thank you all for you support! I do believe we can change things together!

“In this life we cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love.”--Mother Theresa

God Is SO Good!

2009-07-10T13:00:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, we received news that Pastor Loma and his wife have asked to foster both Ian and Chad! This is such wonderful news! Now we know our children will get the food and love they need. I'm not implying that the "mama" at the orphanage wasn't loving. I'm just so relieved that they are in a home in a family. This will help them bond more with each other too. This couple also was foster parents to baby Haven (who is so adorable). You can see him and his beautiful sister at Amazing Grace and Safe Haven.
Please continue your prayers for the families in WY.

God, Hear Our Many Prayers

2009-07-10T10:15:00.000-04:00

This has been a very emotional week for our community. Our long time babysitter (the best)Allison along with her boyfriend Jared and both of their families were vacationing in WY. Jared slipped on a rock and fell into a river and has not been seen since. Today is a BIG day for the families and rescue team. I am asking that everyone pray today for all of the families and rescue teams between 7:30 am and 2:00 pm. This is when they are going to try to divert the water, so the divers can go in to try to find and release Jared from the water. We love you Allison. May God continue to comfort you all.

Our Guardian Angel

2009-06-26T22:46:00.000-04:00

We have been very fortunate to have stumbled upon a missionary worker that is in the DRC. She and her husband are the MCC Representatives of the DRC. She was first recommended through Our Family Adoptions. We soon found out that she has worked with our neighbors' daughter, our preachers, and is friends with some friends of ours! What a small world!

She has bought a lot of formula for us and has delivered it to the orphange. She also sent these very treasured photographs. She has also shared that the caretakers at the orphanage speak Lingala. So, now I am researching some Lingala, instead of Swahili. Suzanne has adopted three lovely children of her own internationally. She has been a great support to us and we feel very blessed to add her as an "auntie" to our children. Please keep her and her husband in your prayers as they travel back and forth from the DRC and the USA.

Big Brother Chad

The Orphanage at Kinshasa, Ian's and Chad's temporary home.

Baby Ian