Pain

People respond to pain in different ways. For Jay-R, the answer was to run. His dad took both him and his sister to the doctor tonight for their flu shots. Dad had his and then sis. When it was Jay-R's turn, Kory told me Jay-R decided the best thing to do, was to run. So, he ran down the hall away from the nurse with the needle. Kory went running after him and had to hold him down. Jay-R was not the least bit interested in getting a flu shot. I think the reaction has to do with a bad experience at the doctor's office shortly after he came home from the Philippines. I don't think he will ever forget the bad experience he had.

For me, my response to pain as been to sit in my recliner all night on my laptop. I have not had a good day-there has been a lot of pain. There are knife like pains that mirror labor pains and a dull, burning sort of pain that hasn't really let up all day. There are dishes that need done and a load of laundry to do but I lack motivation. So, I have been on the computer all night. I have managed to order pretty much the rest of my Christmas presents online so it was not a lost cause. I am looking forward to surgery next month. I know that sounds a little strange, but I long to be pain free. I try to keep it in perspective...I know there are others hurting so much more both physically and emotionally, but it's hard to look beyond your own pain sometimes when you are dealing with it day after day. I feel for those who live with pain and deal with it daily. At least I know there is light at the end of the tunnel for me.

"Mommy, how much did I cost?"

This was the question that was asked of me the other day while at lunch. Totally caught me off guard...no idea where that one came from. I laughed and told him a whole bunch, but he was worth every penny. I told him he didn't actually cost money but the adoption did, just like paying the hospital when a baby is born. He has been asking more here and there about his adoption. It's amazing how their little minds work.

Happy Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving, I have much to be thankful for...

* my family
* my awesome kids
* our wonderful exchange student daughter Leigh-Anne who is staying with us for the school year
* our jobs
* our wonderful small town community
* finally having answers to the reason behind my pain and knowing a solution is in the near future


Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! Enjoy the good eats, the football, family, fellowship, and shopping!!!

Bittersweet Acceptance: Finally Some Answers

Today, I finally received some answers. After being in pain for 5 months and probably longer than that (I have a high threshold of pain and tend to ignore aches and pains as much as I can), I have answers. I have had test after test with doctors trying to figure out the cause of my pain, my nausea, my discomfort, the reason for my weight loss. Over the past few months, I've completely changed the way I eat. Most nights, I have pain, I'm exhausted, and I've been on sabbatical from my Internet social world except for quick catch-up times. But, after my test today, I finally have answers and it all makes sense.

I have endometriosis and adenomyosis. I had adhesions attached to things that didn't belong attached to each other. My fallopian tube is blocked and my uterus is a mess. So, this explains the pain, the nausea, the discomfort, and the infertility we have experienced.

How do I feel about all this? 1) Relieved to finally have answers. I was beginning to think people thought I was crazy. 2) Relieved to know what it is so I know how to treat it. 3) Thankful.... thankful you may wonder? Yes, thankful. I truly believe Romans 8:28 that all things work for the good of those who love God according to His purpose. I have always had a heart toward adoption, but the infertility gave us the direction towards adoption. In 2003, when I cried myself to sleep because I couldn't get pregnant, half-way across the world, my baby boy was born. We can not imagine life without Jay-R. 4) Bittersweet acceptance. The next step is scheduling my hysterectomy. No, Kory and I do not want any more babies, but it is the acceptance that I can never have babies again. I'm okay with this especially knowing in my heart that I want to adopt older children. The irony of this all...to find out in November...National Adoption Month. God's plan is greater than I can imagine and this I can accept with my whole heart.

The Adoption Connection

Some things have the power to connect and bond people, people whom you have never met face to face. Adoption is one of those things. My bloggy friends Renne and Brian who have been waiting a looong time for a referral finally received news of their little boy. I am overjoyed and excited for them. It also brings back memories of the day I received the news of my own son. Adoption is such a miracle!

Seven!

Yesterday, our baby turned seven. It's hard to believe he is seven already. Just a little over 2 years ago, we first learned of our son half way around the world. At the time, he was four, almost five, and looked little in his pictures. Now, he has grown...45 inches...only one more inch to go to be able to ride the Iron Dragon at Cedar Point this summer. He's gained a few pounds. He's learned a whole new language and is reading. But what he has gained the most is the unconditional love of a family...the same goes for us....we have gained the unconditional love of this amazing little boy.
We celebrated with a few boys too many over in the afternoon...no, they were fine. Just noisy! And then the family came over last night for a celebration. After church today, we journeyed to Chuck E Cheese with friends for the ultimate American experience. What a weekend.

"Do I look 7?"

The spider gift from the sisters...that thing is creepy! His "fighting" face in his new Lego Star Wars pjs.

His new Michigan shirt. No, Daddy, die-hard Ohio State fan did not buy this. Mommy did. Jay-R is now the only one in the family to sport the blue. Should make for a fun Ohio State Michigan party in a few weeks!

No Allergies!

Jay-R went through allergy testing a week ago. No allergies! The hardest part was that he had to sit still for 15 minutes lying on his belly. The doctor said his break-out must have been viral. When his Daddy picked him up from daycare after school, he told him with a rather cocky attitude, "It didn't hurt, and I'm not allergic to nothing!" Thank goodness!!!

I'll try to post pictures soon. Three kids in sports keeps me busy.

My Poor Itchy Little Boy

Poor Jay-R has been dealing with an allergic reaction since Monday night. He woke me up around 12:30 am Monday night/Tuesday morning crying and yelling, "My chin! My chin!" Thinking he was having a bad dream of sorts, I put him in bed with me, and we both fell back asleep. Well, he woke up Tuesday morning with an allergic reaction all over his face in the form of redness, welts, and hives. It continued to spread to his whole body. After two trips to the family doctor, one trip to a pediatric allergist, and three missed days of school, I think we are finally on the mend. He is taking a whole host of anti-histamines and steroids. Today is the first day he finally looks like my Jay-R again. The welts and redness have gone down dramatically. We are choosing to keep him home all weekend. With the steroids and anti-histamines, his immune system is bound to be taxed, and I don't want him catching a cold or anything. He needs to go back to school Monday. Besides some errand running today and grocery shopping, I have been home all day. It's been nice to have some down time, but I do feel bad I am having it because of Jay-R's misery. He and I finally had a goodnight sleep last night and that was wonderful. Hoping and praying he sleeps well tonight. All we can figure is he was bit by a bug or spider...not a pleasant thought. He goes on October 15th for allergy testing.

"The Big Question"

I was asked the "big question" again at work today-will we adopt again? The answer to this is yes, but not now. Jay-R is full of energy and honestly, I like having my children spaced 6 years apart. Ashleigh helps Jay-R. Jay-R reminds us all of the innocence of younger children and cracks us up with the things that come out of his mouth. Because my kids are spaced out, we seldom have arguments because they have such different interests and abilities. The sibling fights are usually more like "quit messing with me." On the otherhand, they do annoy each other sometimes because their interests and abilities are so different but they really do get along well. Plus, from a parenting standpoint, it spaces out expenses-prom, driving, class rings, senior pictures....will all be 6 years apart. Kory and I have a heart for older child adoption so we are thinking in a few years, we will begin thinking about adopting again. So, the answer to the big question is yes, but later, God willing.

Tired but Inspired

I am tired. Very tired. I spent the weekend on a "me" weekend at the American Christian Fiction Writers Conference in Indy. I came home with a lot of information and ideas unique to my story. And, I came home tired. I feel inspired, though, to dig into my writing and write, write, write. I feel that my writing is my ministry. It is my God-given talent. I know I need to work hard to guard my free time, make no more committments, and work on my writing. It is a great stress reliever. And I am inpsired by the great potential material that might make it into a book someday by the words that come out of my children's mouths. Like this one...

I was told that Jay-R, my 6 year old first grader, came home from school on Friday with a girl's phone number in his pocket. And what's more...he had the number memorized!

Another one...J: "I know why you eat slow, Mommy."
Me: "Why is that?"
J: "Because you have acid reflux."
I didn't know he paid that close of attention to the things Kory and I talk about!

Kids that are so entertaining and inspiring even when you are exhausted!

He's Speaking Tagalog Again!

Our Filipino foreign exchange daughter Leigh Anne arrived on Wednesday. She is wonderful. So sweet...she fits into our family wonderfully. The awesome thing, too...Jay-R is speaking some Tagalog again. We discovered a few months ago that he still understands it, but he hasn't been able to speak it. He is now remembering words and using them. It is awesome to hear him and Leigh Anne converse together! We want him to remember his culture, and language is such a huge part of it. I am excited for what this school year holds!

Amazing....

It's an amazing, crazy life...

We just returned from an awesome 2 week vacation out West. We went to Yellowstone, the Badlands, and Mount Rushmore. We visited the Mall of America and the Minnesota Zoo. We spent time with some family. We met some wonderful bloggy friends in person....Julie and Rachel. And, Jay-R was reunited with a friend from White Cross Orphanage. We enjoyed spending time with his family, too. It was so fun watching the boys interact and play and sharing our experiences. It was a wonderful vacation.

Now, it's back to reality....we have our house on the market because we want a larger house so we can adopt again. We are looking forward to our exchange student arriving in August. Soccer season will be starting next week. Yep, it's an amazing, crazy life.

I'll post a few pictures of vacation tonight and promise to post more later. We saw such beautiful country. Jay-R kept saying, "Mommy, look at the beautiful world." I agree!

Identity Issues

We are still alive...just have a lot going on right now.

I wanted to share something Jay-R has been saying and wondering if anyone else out there has had to answer any questions like this....

The other night, we had an exchange student from the Philippines visit us. We have met her before, she leaves soon to return home to the Philippines, and she wanted to tell us good-bye. During her visit, she spoke to Jay-R in Tagalog to which he was able to appropriately answer her in English. He still has the ability to understand Tagalog but he has lost the ability to verbally communicate in Tagalog.
Okay, the next day, he tells me, "I don't want to be brown."
I say, "Why not?"
He says, "I don't want to be Filipino. I want to be white."
To which, I explain to him that God made people many different colors because He loves all his people and loves that people are different. And I told him that I am his Mommy because we wanted a Filipino little boy, and he is the perfect one.

In his 6 year old mind, he processes this all his own way. Later, his sister heard him tell his cousin after getting their arms stamped at Cedar Point Amusement Park, "I can see my stamp because I'm brown, but you can't see yours because you're white." And last night, we spent some time with friends who have adopted an African American little girl. We talked again about how God made us all different, and how O doesn't look like her Mommy or Daddy either, and that's okay.

Jay-R also made a statement to me that he couldn't speak Tagalog anymore. I told Kory, maybe he is in a way having a 6 year old identity crisis. Maybe he doesn't feel like he fits as a Filipino because he can't speak the language but yet he knows he is different from us because he isn't white. When these questions or statements arise, we reassure him that we love him just as he is and that God made him perfect as he is. I love my little boy and can't imagine him any different. I knew we would deal with questions/statements likes this, and I know there will be more to come. I always pray that God will guide my words.

We are excited about hosting a Filipino exchange student for the upcoming school year. She will arrive in August. We are committed to keeping Jay-R connected to his culture, and I guess with the recent conversation, now is the perfect time for us to welcome a student into our home. We are hoping he might be able to pick up the language again, and that I might learn some basic Tagalog to use when we adopt again. We want Jay-R to understand it's okay to be both Filipino and American. I think it is best to deal with these things now, everyday as they come up, so when it is time for him to spread his wings and leave the safety of his home, he is grounded in who he is.

Anyone have any thoughts or similar experiences or conversations?

Brown People

We are getting ready to go to a Filipino heritage camp for families who have adopted children from the Philippines.

Here's last year's post for an explanation of Camp Mabuhay: http://ktallisonfamily.blogspot.com/2009/06/camp-mabuhay.html

Jay-R remembers our experiences from last summer. On the way to his ball game last night, Jay-R says, "Are there gonna be lots of brown people there?"

We chuckled to ourselves and then continued the conversation to explain to him that brown people like himself are called Filipinos. Silly boy!

The things they say!

Photo Update...Finally

First time tubing. He loved it even though they fell off the tube the first time!

Beach Day at school. He looks like quite the little tourist!

The kids decided to dress up the dog for beach day, too!

Rock on! Jay-R saved up his allowance money and bought this drum set. Thanks to our friend Aaron from band, Jay-R also now has a snare drum, too. He loves to play his drums...loud!

A spring pose of the kids

A Struggle of Power

The past two nights have been, um, what's the word...a bit frustrating.
They have been struggles of power. Who's in control here?

Jay-R: "I want another story."
Me: "Sorry, honey. It's already pass your bedtime. We'll read another one tomorrow."
Jay-R; "I want a story NOW!"
Okay....well, we didn't read that other story tonight either because...

Me: "Honey, it's time for bed."
Jay-R: "I don't want to go to bed, I want to stay up late!"
on and on and on....

These kind of nights are frustrating. He is defiant, finds out he is not getting his way, and then becomes teary while still being angry. We eventually end with the "I'm sorries" and good-night kisses with promises of I still love you, will always love you, but you're still not watching TV tomorrow-that's called punishment.

Life lessons and disciplining in love....leaves me hoping for better sweet dreams tomorrow!!!! I know I pushed my parents' buttons and had my own moments of defiance. Guess it all comes back to us!!!

And someday, I will add some new pics...I promise!

A Moment of Quiet Reflection

Quiet...besides the low humming of the refrigerator and the "thinking" sounds of the computer, all is quiet here. Two children are in bed asleep along with one hubby with a headache as well as both dogs. It is pure bliss-quiet...something I haven't heard much of lately.

I need these moments of quiet solitude. Our life has been soo busy lately thus resulting in the lack of my blogging time. When I'm not at work, we're at the soccer fields, baseball diamonds, church, assisting with 6th grade math homework that resembles math I did in 8th grade...life doesn't slow down. And I'm okay right now with this. I know my children will grow up too fast and then I will have lots of moments of quiet like this. And in those times, I will wish for the yelling of "Mom!", feet running down the stairs, and even the arguing between brother and sister.

I guess I'm a little reflective right now with Mother's Day approaching. I think of Lucy a lot, Jay-R's birth mommy. No, we never met her. We know very little about her. But, I believe that she loved her little boy, and I hope she wanted more than anything for someone to love him and to take care of him in a way she wasn't able to. Regardless of the circumstances that brought Jay-R to the orphanage, there is one reality that remains. Without his birth mommy, I could not be his mommy. And for that, I am forever grateful to this woman. I hope all moms and waiting moms have a wonderful Mother's Day this weekend. And for all moms that have had to make the difficult decision for someone else to love their babies, thank you for allowing us to be moms.

Adoption thoughts from Jay-R's mind...

Little glimpses into Jay-R's mind...

Kory and I talk occasionally about wanting to return to the Philippines to visit. There are things we didn't have time to do when we visited and places we want to see yet. Also, we have met friends that we miss and want to visit with again. We want to wait until Jay-R is a little older so he can understand and appreciate his roots.

The other night, we mentioned something about the Philippines when we were driving in the car.
Jay-R says, "I don't want to go back to the Philippines. I don't want to go to White Cross."
To which, we both reassured him that it would just be for a visit and that we would be with him.
He says, "They will think I am bad if I come back."
Of course we reassured him that we would only stay for the day and we would be with him the entire time. We reminded him about our friend who visited White Cross last summer and brought gifts for his friends, and how happy they were to see pictures of him with his family in America.

It makes us wonder what goes on in his little mind, what he has experienced, what he has witnessed...maybe a child did come back because of an adoption that didn't work out.

We know he is completely at home here. There just must be something in his mind that elicits insecurity when he hears mention of a return visit to the Philippines. Makes me want to hug him tight, kiss his cheek, and tell him over and over we love him.

And yet another glimpse into his mind...

Tonight at dinner, he said, "Mommy, I wish I was born in your belly."
To which I said, "Jay-R you might not have been born in my belly, but you were born in my heart. Who gave you to me?"
Jay-R: "Jesus."
Mommy: "Yes, Jay-R. Jesus gave Ate to us in my belly, and you to us in my heart. But, the important thing is that Jesus gave you both to us in His way."
Then, we looked at his school yearbook and pointed out other boys and girls at his school who had also been born in their mommies' hearts. This seemed to satisfy him.

I pray a lot that God will give us the words when he asks questions like that. We talk openly about his adoption and his birth mother. We really want him to have a strong sense of identity. And God really did give us Jay-R in my heart. 2003, the year Jay-R was born, was the year we decided we were ready for another child, the year I shed many tears because of a dream that seemed like it would never come true. Little did we know that God was fulfilling our dream half-way around the world.

We have been insanely busy with work schedules, soccer, church, and just random things. I have some cute pictures I'll try to post soon. He is growing!!!

He really is listening!

This morning when I dropped Jay-R off at school, I said, "Good-bye! Love you! Have a good day and listen to your teacher." As he gets out of the car, he replies, "Bye! Love you! Have a good day and listen to your boss!"

The things he comes up with....then it occurred to me. We had a conversation the other day about the importance of listening which he struggles with at times. I explained to him that even Mommy and Daddy have people we need to listen to. I named off policemen, the electric company (explaining why we have to pay our bill), and our bosses. Guess he was listening!!!!

A Family

Last night, Jay-R and I were driving to church alone in the car. Out of nowhere, he says...

Jay-R: "Mommy, before you came to get me, I cried."

Me: "I'm sorry, honey. We cried a lot, too. We had to wait for all the paperwork to be ready before we could come get you."

Jay-R: "But now we're a family!"

Me: "Yes, honey, we're a forever family."

Awww...the moments that melt a mommy's heart. To all my bloggy friends waiting out there....the wait is worth it...hang in there!!! God's timing is best. I can't imagine having any other little child sweeter than our Jay-R.

Celebrating one year

Last night, we celebrated one year with a kid friendly musical. Our family loves music, and Jay-R fits in perfectly as he loves music, too. We went to see Blue's Clue Live on stage. It was really cute. It was so much fun watching all the little kids get all excited. And Ashleigh wasn't alone in being the only big sibling who came along...I saw many others, too. We had a fun time and Jay-R can't wait to go to another musical.

And speaking of music, Jay-R played the drums at my band practice the other night. He may be getting a drum soon. Daddy says it's going in the basement!

It's hard to believe it's been one year. We can't imagine life without him. He brings a lot of laughter to our lives and yes, frustration, at times, too. He can be very stubborn and strong-willed. He has adjusted so well to his life here. He still misses Jaymark, his best buddy in the Philippines. We pray for him daily that he might have a family soon, too. Jay-R is very social-loves kindergarten, his church, all the family-he's a very loving little boy who loves to cuddle and loves attention. He has found a love of pizza loaded with meat, something he wouldn't touch when we first came home. He'll even eat broccoli with cheese now. So many changes in one year for all of us. Right now, I'm smiling as I watch him clean his room. He's doing a great job. He's knows tonight is allowance payday!

Favorite First Moments

On the eve of our first anniversary with Jay-R, I thought I would post a few of our favorite first moments with him. I remember how we all felt a year ago this day waiting in our hotel for the day to pass in anticipation of meeting our little one. And, wow, a year has flown by!

The yellow book of our family photos that they said he carried everywhere, told stories about, and slept with at night.

Shoes

The other night I asked Jay-R to go upstairs and get his shoes so we could all leave for the grocery store. He came downstairs in his Spiderman tennis shoes, the ones I bought him shortly after returning last year from the Philippines. I said, "Jay-R, I thought those hurt your feet?"

He shrugged his shoulders and said, "A little."

Me, "Are you sure you want to wear those? You don't have to. You can put another pair on."

Jay-R, "Okay. They hurt my feet."

So, I hand him a pair of blue tennis shoes by the front door. He puts them on.

Me, "Do those hurt your feet?"

He shrugs again. I do the toe check and sure enough, his toe is at the end of the shoe.

Me, "Jay-R, you don't have to wear shoes that are too small and hurt your feet. We will always make sure you have shoes that fit your feet. You need to let us know when your shoes are too small."

Jay-R "Thank you, Mommy." And he gives me a great big hug.



I got his school tennis shoes where he has plenty of toe wiggle room, and we were on our way.



He's been home with us almost a year. He has more toys than he can ever play with, more clothes than he will probably wear, and plenty of shoes that fit. Yet, the simple reassurance by me that he will always have shoes that fit, brought a big thank you and hug. When he was in the orphanage, I'm sure he wore whatever they gave him, that he never questioned it. I know they do the best they have with the donations they receive. The shoes they sent Jay-R home in are still 2 sizes too big...we will always keep them as a special keepsake. I guess it just never occurred to him that he should tell us that his shoes are too small.



These moments remind me of Jay-R's past and cause me to thank God for the blessing he is in our lives. Every child deserves a home...and shoes with wiggle room!

The Wedding of Mr. Q and Miss U

Jay-R's kindergarten class had a wedding today of Mr. Q and Miss U. All the boys were Mr. Q and all the girls were Miss U. Jay-R wore his barong which all the kids thought was really cool. One little boy told him, "You look like a rock star!" Jay-R walked down the aisle so slowly and so seriously...he was too cute as was his bride. (I have pictures of the two of them, but I don't like to post pictures of other people's children without their parents' permission so you'll just have to enjoy Mr. Q). I was a hostess and assisted with serving punch. The picture below cracks me up because the hole from Jay-R's missing teeth is filled with a white piece of his candy ring!

During the ceremony...as the vows were being read. Mr. Q vowed to take Miss U up, up, up in a hot air balloon...too cute! These kids will never forget that Q goes with U!

The Cute things kids say...

Today, I am home with the kids. Ashleigh is sick with the stomach flu, and school was cancelled due to snowy and slushy roads.

Here are some cute things Jay-R has said recently...

Last week, Jay-R had to have a kidney ultrasound due to some bladder/kidney concerns (don't worry, he's okay). During the ultrasound, as he was looking at the screen, he asked the techinician....
"Where's my Poptart?"

And today, Ate Ashleigh asked Jay-R, "Do you know why you don't have school today?"
He looked at her and said, "Yeh, because I have to stay home and babysit you and take care of you."

Kids say the cutest things!!!

Now, that Jay-R seems to be all over last week's kidney/bladder issues, we just need to get Ashleigh healthy! And some sunshine sans snow would be nice!

A Fun First

We took the kids bowling on Sunday for our first bowling outing as a family of 4. Jay-R has been really into the bowling on the Wii so we thought he should experience the real thing.

Getting ready to bowl his first time...
What!!!! He got a strike his first time! The ball rolled so slow down the alley but he did it! All that Wii bowling practice paid off!!! And thank goodness for bumper bowling...improved all of our scores!

And they all fall down!!!! What luck!

Smiles...

Things to smile about...

*A friend of mine visited the Philippines this past July and spent some time at White Cross Children's Home, Jay-R's orphanage. She took some gifts and a photo album of Jay-R since he has been home with us. I was finally able to see the pictures yesterday. Seeing the smiles on the face of the social worker who matched us with Jay-R as she flipped through the pictures made me smile and made me teary eyed. It made my heart happy that they were able to see how happy he is and how well he is doing!

*Kory's work is thinking that maybe his crew would function better on third shift instead of second shift. We are waiting for their final decision, but it is looking promising. This makes me hopeful which brings a smile!

*Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University course we are taking at our church...love it, love it, love it! We strongly recommend it to everyone. It is a common sense, Biblical approach to finances. We have big financial goals which include adopting again, and we feel this course will help us reach our goals.

*Jay-R seems to be feeling a little better today than he did last night. And he takes his medicine without any protest...much different than Ashleigh ever was...she'll agree with me. She was the child in the commercial running away from the mom at the sight of the medicine bottle!

There are so many reasons to smile. Now, the snow falling outside...that's debatable!!!!

Changes (and snow) are coming....

This cute face was reduced to tears and a massive meltdown moment that lasted quite a while a few days ago. Daddy told him to do his homework, he didn't listen, and Daddy took away something he was playing with instead of doing his homework. This resulted in a major meltdown that left us wondering...what just happened here? It felt like post-Philippines just got home type of meltdown. Was the taking away of his toy related to adoption issues or was it merely a little boy trying to exert his independence in that he didn't feel like doing his homework at that moment? We find ourselves analyzing situations and wondering at times. But, the root cause does not affect the reaction from us. That kind of behavior is not acceptable. After a time-out battle and a lesson in forgiveness (his sincere "I'm sorry, Mommy" apologies, melt my heart), we were able to have an enjoyable evening. We also found ourselves wondering....could Jay-R sense that changes are coming?

Last week (this same day as above meltdown), we received news that Kory has been "bumped" to 2nd shift. He went from being top of the seniority to the bottom in less than a week due to people moving around to different jobs at his factory. Kory is extremely bummed by this. He is a very involved Daddy. He had planned on helping coach Ashleigh's soccer team with me. He loves to go to the kids' activities at school, attend all their sporting events, and simply spend time with them, and oh, with me, too! I will begin to play the role of single mom during the week. We have done this over the years but never with two children. Because Kory is also working most Saturdays, we will have only Sunday to spend as a family all day. I guess the kids and I will find lots of creative things to do. We are pretty disappointed about this change in our family life and routine. Kory is also involved in different things in our church and he knows the shift change will affect these things he enjoys, too. Ashleigh understands this, she's been through this before. We haven't really explained it to Jay-R except to tell him Daddy will be working at nights. Kory made the comment that Jay-R has gone the first 5 years of his life without any father type figure in his life, and now he feels likes Jay-R is going to be robbed of his Daddy time. I keep telling Kory this is only for a season and this too shall pass. And I quote Romans 8:28-"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose". We aren't thrilled about this, but we'll make it through it!!!

And as far as the snow in the weather forecast, not thrilled about that, either!!!!

Basketball

Jay-R is playing Upward Basketball at a local church. Upwards is a Christian based sports program. They have devotions with the coaches every practice. Each child gets equal playing time and is matched up with a child of equal playing ability. Sportsmanship and teamwork is emphasized. I know things don't always go like this in the "real world" of sports but for kindergarten, it is wonderful. We are very happy with the program so far. Jay-R is loving basketball. I think it holds a sense of familiarity to him since basketball is played in the Philippines. In fact, at Ate Ashleigh's first soccer practice he attended, he immediately began bouncing the soccer ball like a basketball. His biggest disadvantage...his height! He gets so excited when he makes a basket at practice but he has not made a basket at a game yet. But, he is loving it and having fun!

Important Things in Life...

Last week, Jay-R and I were at the post office getting out of the car when out of nowhere he exclaims, "Michigan!" Let me explain one thing, well two...Number one-If you live in Ohio or Michigan, most people have a very defined opinion of who their allegiance falls to-either the Ohio State Buckeyes or the Michigan Wolverines. Number 2-Jay-R's daddy is a die-hard Ohio State Buckeye fan. Kory's wardrobe consists of red, gray, white, and black Ohio State clothing. When the game is on, his phone is going off constantly from his dad, brother, or friends who have to give their commentary on the game. That being said...I looked at Jay-R and said, "Michigan?" He then points to the car in front of us and shows me the Michigan decal. After being home with us 10 months, I find it humorous he has picked up on and learned the important things in life. But I guess living in Ohio, that ranks as something important. Now, recognizing the opposing team with that much enthusiasm? Do we have a future Michigan fan...not if daddy can help it!

Random Happenings the past few days...

One child + one child + forty hour work week = very busy! Here's random happenings from our past few days...

Jay-R's progress report from school says that he now knows all his letters and letter sounds! That's pretty good for only knowing English since late March! He'll be reading in no time!

Ashleigh had a wonderful report card, too...all As!

We've been busy with soccer and basketball. Jay-R is playing in the Upward basketball program...a wonderful Christian based sports program. Ashleigh is taking a footskills clinic for soccer.

I knew two children would definitely be busier than one, and it sure is. The laundry is impossible to keep up! But, I wouldn't trade it for anything! I did get some mommy alone time with some friends and my sis at my sister's church scrapbooking night. I worked on Ashleigh's 2nd grade stuff (she's in 6th grade now)...I'm a little behind!

The only issue right now...Jay-R loves his snowpants and the snow but would love to have the snow with say 70 or 80 degrees outside! His poor little hands were so chapped the other day his little knuckles were bleeding. His poor skin is still not adjusted to our cold. He won't let me put any lotion on that he feels is "hot" so I put petroleum jelly on his hands and then gloves on. This is the third night he has slept with gloves on. They're starting to look better!

Kory and I are currently going through the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University at our church. One thing we implemented is putting our kids on commission rather than straight allowance. They get paid for what they do and how often. It's amazing when I tell Jay-R that his sister is going to get more money than he does how fast he jumps off the couch! Tomorrow is pay day. We are trying to teach them about giving, saving, and spending. Jay-R is just learning about the value of money so it's the perfect time to teach him. Ate Ash knows all about the value of money...she's talking about saving up for a car already!

Christmas in Pictures

Finally, here are some pictures from Christmas time. This is from our overnight getaway to Great Wolf Lodge and Indoor Waterpark. He loves the water!!!!

Christmas Day at my parents...all the kids love Gizmo!

Ashleigh wearing some new jewelry and clothes she received from Christmas. She just looks so grown up! The years go by fast!

Jay-R playing the "Horton Hears a Who" game with cousins.

Family photo time....we weren't sure which camera to look at!

Christmas Eve before church

His first major snowfall....he loves snow! Tonight, he wore his snowpants until bath time!

"More cabbage please!"

This child never ceases to amaze me. Tonight for dinner we had boiled dinner which I had put in the crockpot before work this morning. It consisted of potatoes, carrots, peas, cabbage, onions, and kielbasa meat. I brought home from work tonight my co-worker's famously delicious Scotcheroos and frosted cookie cake. I told everyone after they ate, we had dessert. Instead of choosing the sweets like his father and Ate, Jay-R looks at me and says, "More cabbage please!"

This past month, he has been eating just about any and everything. He likes pizza and tacos now. And cabbage! He told me that he wanted to take cabbage in his lunch at school. Silly kid! I am thankful that he is eating a healthy variety of foods now. I just need to hide all the holiday candy! Candy continues to be his favorite treat!!!

Pics to follow soon....