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....