Hey Mommy

Carson yells from the hallway... "I went to a pepper rally at school this day."
me: "Oh that's great!" "was it fun?"
Carson: "Yep, the boys had on blue shorts and white shirts."
me: "what boys?"
Carson: "The awesome basketball players at my school." "They are in the play off."
me; "wow that is great." "Did you have fun at pep rally?"
Carson: "Mommy, its a pepper rally not a pep rally."

question

How do you teach a very strong-willed boy to listen the first time?
How do you teach a very strong-willed boy No means NO?

Tonight

Most nights when I lay with Carson before he falls asleep my mind is non stop. I am thinking of all the things I have to get done and I am really not in the moment with him. However, tonight was different; I forced myself to just focus on him. Instead of reading a book tonight he wanted us to draw together. We talked about drawing a house. We both took turns with different parts of the house which was a lot of fun however we did not stop there. We drew trees, clouds, sun, a net for the bad guys to fall into (what a boy), and a swing set. As Carson was drawing the swing set he said "I am going to draw two swings. One swing is for Best and one swing is for me." I replied "Ok, that's really nice." A few minutes later, Carson said, "we drew the prettiest house on the street." I quickly replied "Yes we did." So I asked him to tell me a story about our drawing ...are you ready?
Story from Carson
My Mommy built a pretty house and if you step on the crack you will break her back. The three bad guys came into the house to get food as they were hungry. But the sun was shining too bright and burnt their eyes so they ran and fell into the net. Best was out back playing on the playground when she saw the cops and fire trucks pull up to the house. Best ran out front screaming Carson, Carson great job for hanging the net. The end.

As Carson grows up...

I am trying very hard to teach Carson not to be:
Self- Centered
only helping when he wants something
when given a task to complete it 100 percent the first time
not using others to get what he wants
rude to others

Butters

Carson was playing in one of the fields at the horse stable when he yelled:
"Mommy, do you think Pop-Pop will let me get the milk out of the cows butters?"

funny little boy

Conversation between Best and Carson
Best- Hey Carson do you want to go to the Rain Forest Cafe' on Saturday night?
Carson- Yes.
Best- OK it's a date.
Carson-Best, I will bring the umbrella so we do not get wet.

mini vacation

So we took a long weekend vacation (rushcation) to Lake Harmony Pa. for some family fun. The weekend was action packed with skiing, swimming, tubing and visiting family and friends. This was Carson's first time skiing. He did great! The kids were completely off their schedules however adapted very well. Fun times!

Friendship

This isn't Greta Jo, this is Becca (Ella's mom, Becca Bluegrass). I want to tell you about friendship.

But let's start from the beginning.

2007I want to share a little about all of the blessings that come from adoption. I knew that adoption would make me a mother, but I never thought it would make me a friend and a sister.

**Added Note - These pictures are not in order and it is driving me absolutely INSANE, but I can't fix it. Do you see what Gret has to put up with??**

2012

In 2006 I traveled to Guatemala to bring my daughter home. I had previously experienced a failed adoption and I didn't handle it well. I didn't participate in any of the forums, groups, etc. that other people did. It made me sad to see all of the Pink announcements people were receiving and hear about the milestones for other families come and go. I know that's ugly, but it is the truth. To the ones who are still waiting, to the mothers without children in their arms, you're in my prayers.

2011

BUT all of that changed when Ella came home. I started my own blog and started reading other blogs about adoption and Guatemala. I stumbled across Gret's and felt an immediate kinship. At that time she was a single mother to Carson. I was amazed at her faith and strength. We began talking on the phone...and we began talking about what we could do to give back to the country that had delivered our prayers.

2008 We decided to meet and plan our trip back. Gret had been following Dick Rutgers/Chris & Donna Mooney/Bethel Ministries and we wanted to participate in their ministry. So, she, Jonathan and Carson traveled to Kentucky. At that time I was still married. The three of them get out of their car and they are all dressed in plaid - very different than than my family - we were all dressed in tye-dye. This continues to crack me up.

2009 We went to Guatemala in 2008. It was the first time I had ever been to Antigua and the first time I had ever been to Hermano Pedro. We all cried as we toured the facility. Bed after bed, metal crib after metal crib. After we walked out of the malnutrition ward we couldn't contain the sadness that we felt - we couldn't contain the thankfulness that we felt - our babies were home and safe with full tummies. My sister Angela prayed as we all cried. Gret and I hugged and held one another during the prayer. I loved sharing this time with her - she KNEW what it is like - she felt the SAME feelings that I felt..

2008

She shares other insecurities and anxieties with me. She and I are walking a similar path. I am so thankful that adoption brought us together as sisters to be there for one another, to love one another and to have on each other to count on. Believe me - I am quite a responsibility to have - and she takes this responsibility on without hesitation and with open arms.

2011

We fell in love with the women and children at Hermano Pedro. We traveled together again in 2009 to see our new friends. We were grateful that Carson and Ella were home, but when we look into the faces of our children we see hundreds that were left behind staring back at us. The Lord told us and continues to tell us that we are called to travel there in His name to deliver His love and I'm thankful to Bethel Ministries for giving me the chance to do this.

2009

In 2011 we traveled back. This was a different kind of trip for me. I had never been part of an organized mission trip to Guatemala before. I had only gone down there before on my own schedule. This was much different - Chris and Donna Mooney worked with Jonathan and Greta Jo to set our schedule. Man, this was much different!

2011 More people to travel with - people who didn't know me. This made me extremely nervous. I have, at times, severe anxiety that can cause me to have panic attacks. They are harmless, but very scary to experience and they embarrass me. I never would have traveled with people I don't know if Greta Jo hadn't been there to literally hold my hand through the entire time. It brought us even closer together. We talked about being an adoptive mother, we talked about going from being a family of four down to a family of two (side note - divorce sucks), we talked about how it is to go from a family of two to a family of six. We talked about physically carrying a baby and we talked about physically losing a baby. We talked about the different kinds of pain that we both experience. We talked, and we talked and we talked. And we bonded.

2011

Just a few weeks ago she asked if I could come to visit her in New Jersey. The group was getting together to show a recap of our trip at their church. I told her that I doubted I would be able to afford the time or money. She and I text and email frequently. She mentioned it several times and each time I saw nothing but barriers in front of me. I listed them in my head while wishing the whole time I would be able to go and see her, to hold her hand and to feel the love of my sister by choice.

2012 One morning I was at work sitting in my office crying like a baby. I realize that my problems are tiny compared to the load that others carry, but at that moment I was feeling the full weight and burden of all of them and it overwhelmed me so much I could barely handle it. Then Jesus stepped in. I looked up and had an email from Gret asking if she could buy my ticket. She wanted to see me. She wanted to see me so much that she would actually buy my ticket. And let me tell you - right now I am not a very giving and happy friend. She knew that I would be coming with anxieties, with burdens, with tears - and that I would be a very needy friend who might not have much to give to her in return. Knowing that someone like Gret loved me that much took me from being overwhelmed in a bad way to being overwhelmed in good ways. Her love and her generosity... I don't have the words to describe...

I got back from New Jersey yesterday afternoon. Although I am still overwhelmed and anxious and sad and mad, I don't feel the same sadness as I did last week. I feel loved. I feel loved by Gret, by Jonathan, by Shauna, by Carson and by Greta Rebecca - who happens to be the most beautiful and happy baby I have ever met! I loved getting to see the Guate 2011 team again. We all have a bond that we will forever carry with us. Isn't God good? Peace and Hugs,
Becca

still here

My life has been really busy the last two weeks (more than normal). I have so much to write about however my eyes are very heavy and I still have to study.

wordless wednesday

I heard there was

Free gas tomorrow...

Think about it-

pointing at a random guy

C: Mommy that guy must of ate a ton of food.
M: Why?
C: because he has a baby in his belly
M: What?
C: That guy has a baby in his belly because he ate to much food.

Yes, the guy did look nine months pregnant. :)

Do not worry about anything
but pray about everything...

Go figure

Carson came home today with a great progress report.
Our conversation:
M: How was your day at school?
C: Good. Check my folder.
M: Omie you received all check marks! Great Job!
C: yup I told you I would have a good day.
M: I am so proud of you.

Broken Record

I am not sure where I am going with this post... Carson, Carson, Carson. Right now I feel like all I do is tell the poor boy to: stop it, NO, go to your room, your in time out, why did you do that, what could you have done differently, say it again a different way and the list goes on.

Carson's blue eyed little sister

No RedHeads

in the Miss America Pageant this year. Come on...Real RedHeads Rock!

Smart boy

with a smart mouth. What the heck?!
Is it the age?
Are we doing something wrong?
The friends he is hanging out with at school?
A stage?

Wash his mouth out with soap?
Talk with him about his smart mouth?
Oh wait, I did that... I said, Carson I do not like your smart mouth. He quickly replied but I am smart Mommy. UgH!
Time out?
Punishment?
Do nothing?
Do all of the above?

Please do not tell me I'm the only one dealing with this issue.

Not even 24 hours home

and my Vegas trip with my Mom is a complete fog. Around 5:15am this morning Carson came in our bedroom and said:
C: Mommy is that really you?
M: Yes Omie its me.
C: I was waiting for you all night. Oh Mommy I missed you every minute of every day of every month
M: Omie that's so nice. I missed you too!
C: yea, but I missed you so much more.
M: I think we both missed each other the same.

Now, that's a great welcome home conversation. :)

first time

on Santa's lap together





Carson told Jonathan yesterday, "Daddy I'm really glad Shauna is taking jello (chello) lesson"

Later that same day Carson tells me, "Mommy, Best has a humpster (hamster) but I think it got lost"

Carson's top 10 for 2011

Wow, this year went by in a flash. Carson had a wonderful year. There were many firsts for him this year which were all taken in stride. Carson continues to be soft-hearted and strong-willed. Yes, there have been a few trials with Carson this year, however nothing we could not handle together. Carson adapted very well to his little sister. He is very caring and loving with her. He continues to keep us laughing throughout the day with his silly personality.
Carson,thank you for teaching me how to love you even more this year than I already do. You make me smile whenever I think of you. You have my heart and I love calling you my son. May the Lord continue to shape and mold you into a handsome young boy. Happy New Year sweet baby boy!

10.went to his first wedding (Uncle Joey's)
9.sleeps with the light off
8.went on 'big kid' roller coasters with Best
7.received his first trophy in soccer
6.went to his first girl birthday party
5.scored his first soccer goal
4.started kindergarten
3.went on Tower of Terror (twice!)
2.stayed healthy all year
1.started reading

Not fair

If you think you have it hard please read below
Justin has had an acute onset of tumor growth that led to sizable formations in his brain and bleeding there as well. The family has chosen not to intervene with medicine, as the doctors have told them there is nothing they can do to help him. He traveled back home tonight to be with his family and friends in his last days.
http://erikandkatekrull.blogspot.com/
Please pray for Justin as he is struggling during his last days on earth. Please be on your knees praying for Justin's parents as they savor the last days with their baby boy.

vegas

My Mom and I are traveling to Vegas the first week of January. I'm looking forward to our trip together.

So, Carson yells from his bedroom tonight:
"Mommy, I am watching a christmas story on my kindle. I have two kindles. Kyndel my favorite dog and kindle my new gift that Santa brought me. I am so lucky Mommy."

Merry Christmas

We had such a blessed day. The kids were wonderful all day. Santa was very good to everyone! ;)

Are you kidding me...

Please stop sending me Christmas cards that read Merry X-Mas. Seriously!
Christmas 101....Jesus Christ was born on Christmas Day. BINGO Merry CHRISTmas!

commuting

We transport Carson everyday to school via car. I totally enjoy my morning commute
with him. Some mornings Carson is very talkative and other mornings he is looking out the window not saying a word.
Todays conversation:
M: Omie what are you thinking about?
C: Do not worry about it Mommy.
M: What?
C: It will hurt your feelings.
M: Just tell me what you are thinking about. I can take it.
C: No Mommy.
M: ok, fine
a few minutes later
C: Mommy,I do not want to get married.
M: Get married?
C: yea two girls want to marry me
M: Thats ok Omie.
C: But it hurts your feelings
M: why would it hurt my feelings
C: because they would be my Mommy and I love you.

Someone

Tonight as I was sitting in my warm cozy home looking at the Christmas tree I was reminded- someone out there

lost their job today
does not have enough money to buy food
has a broken heart
lost a love one today
is addicted to drugs and/or alcohol
learned they have a terminal illness
lost their home
is sleeping outside tonight in the cold
is crying out for help

Please lift others up in prayer this holiday season. I challenge you to pray for someone you pass on the street today, pray for the patient you are caring for, pray for the student you just passed in the hallway, pray for the lady at the bank, pray for the people who have hurt you, pray for the homeless, pray for each other.... try to do this until Christmas day. This challenge is free and filled with rewards if its from your heart.

favorite time of the year

One of my favorite times during the Christmas holidays...going shopping with my Dad to the mall. We have such a great time together. We laugh, talk and people watch during our annual mall trip. I sure do enjoy the time I spend with my Dad.
I could write forever about my Dad however I will keep it simple he the BEST!

I am not

in girl love, mommy and I'm not married either. This boy...

Question:
Do you think telling your children about Santa is wrong? I would love to hear your feed back.

This boy...

Carson said...
Mommy if that lady would go to the dentist she would not have black teeth.
Daddy I am not going to bed. I am going to call 911 and tell them I am not going to bed.
Did you know the big kids in school think I am cool?
The dentist said to Carson "how old are you?" he replied, "I think I am still five."
Mommy will Kyndel (our dog) go away to college one day?
Mommy if you do not circle things in the toy r us book you will not get presents.