Quoting Jesse is not going to be a daily blog event, but I had to share this additional story from last night.
I was waiting for the boys to finish getting their pajamas on so we could read a book. Jesse hands me the book, one of those thick board-books that's plastic coated. I get to the second page, and water starts dripping out, and I realize the entire book is a bit wet, and each page lets out a few more drips. I asked Jesse why the book was wet, and he says, "I took it to the bathroom with me." Disgusted, I said, "You mean you got pee on it?!?!" He says, quite matter of factly, "No. I dropped it in the toilet."
I guess he didn't think that was worthy of mentioning unless I asked.
Makes me wonder what other things have happened that he never told me about. . .
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Friday, April 30, 2010
Quotes from Jesse
Jesse is one to always keep us laughing. We often wonder what's going on inside that little head of his. Here are some of his latest insights:
As I come out of the bathroom having just gotten dressed in a new shirt, Jesse has this astonished look on his face and says . . . "Wo! That is cute!” I never knew he was so into fashion!
As we’re getting out of the van to go into the library, a very strong wind is blowing in our faces, and he says, “I think a fly is trying to build a nest in my eye.” “What?” I reply, somewhat confused. “Yeah,” Jesse explains, “I can feel hay in there.”
As he comes in from outside, absolutely soaked and covered in mud from head to toe, he’s trying to get his filthy wet sock off by using his opposite foot. I tell him to use his hands, and he says, “But I don’t want to get muddy.” Oh, of course not. Why didn't I think of that.
Most of the humor in these quotes doesn't come across in print. You'd have to see his face to fully comprehend it. But one thing's for sure--we never get bored with Jesse around!
As I come out of the bathroom having just gotten dressed in a new shirt, Jesse has this astonished look on his face and says . . . "Wo! That is cute!” I never knew he was so into fashion!
As we’re getting out of the van to go into the library, a very strong wind is blowing in our faces, and he says, “I think a fly is trying to build a nest in my eye.” “What?” I reply, somewhat confused. “Yeah,” Jesse explains, “I can feel hay in there.”
As he comes in from outside, absolutely soaked and covered in mud from head to toe, he’s trying to get his filthy wet sock off by using his opposite foot. I tell him to use his hands, and he says, “But I don’t want to get muddy.” Oh, of course not. Why didn't I think of that.
Most of the humor in these quotes doesn't come across in print. You'd have to see his face to fully comprehend it. But one thing's for sure--we never get bored with Jesse around!
Evaluations
Two big things that make our family different than most are adoption and homeschooling. Yesterday we were evaluated on both. It's a bit of a stressful feeling to have to "prove yourself" to strangers!
In the morning we had our 6-month-post-placement interview. We went to the homestudy agency's office in Columbia, and talked with our social worker for about an hour. She asked lots of questions about Tabitha and how she's doing, and how we're doing. I wish they'd ask us to write an essay and mail it in . . . I hate being put on the spot and having to answer coherently right at that moment! I guess Ethan and Jesse do too because they would NOT talk to her no matter what questions she asked. Jesse at least gave a few head nods, but Ethan wouldn't share anything beyond a bashful grin. Tabitha also demonstrated her charming personality by claiming all the toys in the room for herself and starting several fights with Jesse because he dared to look at something that she thought should be reserved solely for her. So we displayed our two mute kids and our little tyrant. I'm sure they think we're the best parents ever! But I guess everything else went pretty well, and it was actually not a bad time. I think they're going to let us keep her. =)
In the afternoon I had a homeschool portfolio review. That's a bit nerve wracking. I mean, I think things are going well with Ethan's schooling, but what if they disagree and make me feel like an idiot?! Fortunately, the lady I had both last fall and this time is very kind and encouraging, and definitely has nothing against homeschooling. She was very impressed with Ethan's handwriting, with the "lapbooks" he made in his co-op classes, and what we've done overall. She pronounced him "definitely ready for 1st grade." Ahhh...sigh of relief.
I do believe in accountability, so I think both of these evaluations are important. The homeschool ones will continue for many years, but they're not too bad--I guess I can handle it twice a year. But it'll sure be nice when all the adoption interviews (pre- and post-) are over, and we can just live our private little lives!
In the morning we had our 6-month-post-placement interview. We went to the homestudy agency's office in Columbia, and talked with our social worker for about an hour. She asked lots of questions about Tabitha and how she's doing, and how we're doing. I wish they'd ask us to write an essay and mail it in . . . I hate being put on the spot and having to answer coherently right at that moment! I guess Ethan and Jesse do too because they would NOT talk to her no matter what questions she asked. Jesse at least gave a few head nods, but Ethan wouldn't share anything beyond a bashful grin. Tabitha also demonstrated her charming personality by claiming all the toys in the room for herself and starting several fights with Jesse because he dared to look at something that she thought should be reserved solely for her. So we displayed our two mute kids and our little tyrant. I'm sure they think we're the best parents ever! But I guess everything else went pretty well, and it was actually not a bad time. I think they're going to let us keep her. =)
In the afternoon I had a homeschool portfolio review. That's a bit nerve wracking. I mean, I think things are going well with Ethan's schooling, but what if they disagree and make me feel like an idiot?! Fortunately, the lady I had both last fall and this time is very kind and encouraging, and definitely has nothing against homeschooling. She was very impressed with Ethan's handwriting, with the "lapbooks" he made in his co-op classes, and what we've done overall. She pronounced him "definitely ready for 1st grade." Ahhh...sigh of relief.
I do believe in accountability, so I think both of these evaluations are important. The homeschool ones will continue for many years, but they're not too bad--I guess I can handle it twice a year. But it'll sure be nice when all the adoption interviews (pre- and post-) are over, and we can just live our private little lives!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
One would think . . .
Let the money-wasting begin! OK, so it's not wasting...it eventually results in a child having a home and a family. But can "they" make it any more expensive? As if adoption didn't cost enough money . . . from the government to the "training" providers it's like there's a competition to see who can make the prospective adoptive parents waste the most money.
OK, so last time I remember being frustrated that we couldn't actually start the adoption process until we completed the required training. Well, we did all the training 2 years ago, lived through the adoption experience, and have a real, live adopted child in our family. One would think that would qualify as training, if not for life at least for several years. One would THINK.
Step in USCIS. "No, that training is no good. You'll need to redo all your training. Yes, we realize the information has not changed, but we want your completion certificates to have a new date on them. Yes, we're also the ones who require you to obtain new copies of those ever-changing documents like marriage and birth certificates, and get fingerprinted 2 or 3x AGAIN (just in case your fingerprints changed and you quickly committed a felony which we didn't know about)."
So, our agency has to abide by those requirements. Yeah, I get that. Fortunately they're letting us re-use the notebook about China's adoption laws from last time, so we don't have to purchase a new one for $95. However, we still have to re-do the online portion of the training.
Step in Adoption Learning Partners. We took the required online classes through them the first time, and paid a couple hundred dollars to have permanent access to the courses so we can re-read things at any time. We successfully completed the classes and received our certificates. The courses are informative and filled with lots of tips about adoption. We know that because 2 years ago, WE TOOK THESE EXACT SAME CLASSES! Now, one would THINK we could go through the courses again (for which we paid for lifetime access) and be issued a new certificate to satisfy our agency's requirements which satisfy USCIS's requirements. But oh no. ALP says, "We do not offer updated certificates. You'll have to create a new account, enroll in the courses, and fully retake them. And of course that means, paying for them again. What--you paid for lifetime access? Oh, but only for one certificate. So fork over the money, and go through all the online courses again and we'll let you re-earn a certificate to satisfy your agency's requirements to satisfy USCIS's requirements."
Did I mention we have dial-up internet?
Yeah, just ponder that for a minute. It took me most of the evening just to register and pay for these ridiculous classes that we already paid for and completed and have to pay for and complete again.
The training involves less than $200, which is nothing in the grand scheme of adoption. But, it's the principle of it. If "they" really value finding homes for children, wouldn't they do everything they can to keep the costs as low as possible? One would think they'd eliminate fees that pay for nothing! One would think the US government could keep track of our fingerprints for more than 6 months! One would think the adoption process would be streamlined the second time through. One would think that experiencing adoption in real life would teach you more than would reading through a bunch of junk for a second time. One would think that all of the entities involved would find some way to make adoption cheaper and easier. One would THINK.
OK, so last time I remember being frustrated that we couldn't actually start the adoption process until we completed the required training. Well, we did all the training 2 years ago, lived through the adoption experience, and have a real, live adopted child in our family. One would think that would qualify as training, if not for life at least for several years. One would THINK.
Step in USCIS. "No, that training is no good. You'll need to redo all your training. Yes, we realize the information has not changed, but we want your completion certificates to have a new date on them. Yes, we're also the ones who require you to obtain new copies of those ever-changing documents like marriage and birth certificates, and get fingerprinted 2 or 3x AGAIN (just in case your fingerprints changed and you quickly committed a felony which we didn't know about)."
So, our agency has to abide by those requirements. Yeah, I get that. Fortunately they're letting us re-use the notebook about China's adoption laws from last time, so we don't have to purchase a new one for $95. However, we still have to re-do the online portion of the training.
Step in Adoption Learning Partners. We took the required online classes through them the first time, and paid a couple hundred dollars to have permanent access to the courses so we can re-read things at any time. We successfully completed the classes and received our certificates. The courses are informative and filled with lots of tips about adoption. We know that because 2 years ago, WE TOOK THESE EXACT SAME CLASSES! Now, one would THINK we could go through the courses again (for which we paid for lifetime access) and be issued a new certificate to satisfy our agency's requirements which satisfy USCIS's requirements. But oh no. ALP says, "We do not offer updated certificates. You'll have to create a new account, enroll in the courses, and fully retake them. And of course that means, paying for them again. What--you paid for lifetime access? Oh, but only for one certificate. So fork over the money, and go through all the online courses again and we'll let you re-earn a certificate to satisfy your agency's requirements to satisfy USCIS's requirements."
Did I mention we have dial-up internet?
Yeah, just ponder that for a minute. It took me most of the evening just to register and pay for these ridiculous classes that we already paid for and completed and have to pay for and complete again.
The training involves less than $200, which is nothing in the grand scheme of adoption. But, it's the principle of it. If "they" really value finding homes for children, wouldn't they do everything they can to keep the costs as low as possible? One would think they'd eliminate fees that pay for nothing! One would think the US government could keep track of our fingerprints for more than 6 months! One would think the adoption process would be streamlined the second time through. One would think that experiencing adoption in real life would teach you more than would reading through a bunch of junk for a second time. One would think that all of the entities involved would find some way to make adoption cheaper and easier. One would THINK.
Monday, April 12, 2010
A Story
This weekend I had the great privilege of going to Cincinnati for a homeschool convention! It was great! Heath (the greatest husband ever) stayed here and let me run off kid-free for 4 days! I spent the weekend with one of my best friends Kelly, and we stayed for free at the house of a friend of hers. It was so good to see her, and we had a really good time.
I really learned a lot there. We had 3 days of going to sessions and browsing through the booths of all the curriculums and various things. Kelly and I came out every evening absolutely exhausted and our brains about to explode! There's just so much to learn! I'm most excited about how all of what we study fits together. Every subject is interrelated to all the others, and all the subjects teach us about their Creator, and studying them well glorifies Him! It's amazing when you stop and think about education in that way. I was also inspired by several speakers in the importance of stories. One of them was a story teller himself and was AMAZING at drawing us in to his rendition of GK Chesterton's Father Brown Mysteries. But I'm excited to think about stories as not just entertainment but as the best way to learn! All of history is a story, each individual life is a story, and we experience lives beyond our own through stories. What better way to learn history and improve our character than by challenging ourselves with great stories.
I enjoyed session after session of inspiration, encouragement, and challenge. I was also able to buy some of our curriculum for next year and start looking that over. It was an awesome, though mentally exhausting, weekend.
So I spent the three days feeling challenged to keep developing my own learning, inspired to teach my kids about God's amazing world, and excited that there are so many people out there who realize what education is really about. A quote I've posted before and still love is: "Education is not the filling of a bucket but the lighting of a spark." I'm excited to be the one who gets to light the spark for my own kids!
Coming home after any inspiring trip is always interesting. I was so excited to see Heath and the kids again and so glad to be home to rest. But today it's back to my much-too-large to-do list, laundry, house cleaning, breaking up fights, changing diapers, etc. While I was in the shower this morning, Tabitha found a pair of scissors and cut her own hair. (Not dramatically but enough to need a fix-up.) It's so hard to come from a weekend of dreaming of potential and how wonderful it is to learn, back to the reality of day-to-day life. But I guess the point is that even in the mundane tasks, there is a big picture, a STORY, going on. This chapter may not be the climax of the novel, but nonetheless it's an important part of the plot. I'm just thankful for the wonderful chance this weekend to reflect on that and be refreshed on the journey of motherhood and homeschooling. Thank you, Lord, for such a blessing.
I really learned a lot there. We had 3 days of going to sessions and browsing through the booths of all the curriculums and various things. Kelly and I came out every evening absolutely exhausted and our brains about to explode! There's just so much to learn! I'm most excited about how all of what we study fits together. Every subject is interrelated to all the others, and all the subjects teach us about their Creator, and studying them well glorifies Him! It's amazing when you stop and think about education in that way. I was also inspired by several speakers in the importance of stories. One of them was a story teller himself and was AMAZING at drawing us in to his rendition of GK Chesterton's Father Brown Mysteries. But I'm excited to think about stories as not just entertainment but as the best way to learn! All of history is a story, each individual life is a story, and we experience lives beyond our own through stories. What better way to learn history and improve our character than by challenging ourselves with great stories.
I enjoyed session after session of inspiration, encouragement, and challenge. I was also able to buy some of our curriculum for next year and start looking that over. It was an awesome, though mentally exhausting, weekend.
So I spent the three days feeling challenged to keep developing my own learning, inspired to teach my kids about God's amazing world, and excited that there are so many people out there who realize what education is really about. A quote I've posted before and still love is: "Education is not the filling of a bucket but the lighting of a spark." I'm excited to be the one who gets to light the spark for my own kids!
Coming home after any inspiring trip is always interesting. I was so excited to see Heath and the kids again and so glad to be home to rest. But today it's back to my much-too-large to-do list, laundry, house cleaning, breaking up fights, changing diapers, etc. While I was in the shower this morning, Tabitha found a pair of scissors and cut her own hair. (Not dramatically but enough to need a fix-up.) It's so hard to come from a weekend of dreaming of potential and how wonderful it is to learn, back to the reality of day-to-day life. But I guess the point is that even in the mundane tasks, there is a big picture, a STORY, going on. This chapter may not be the climax of the novel, but nonetheless it's an important part of the plot. I'm just thankful for the wonderful chance this weekend to reflect on that and be refreshed on the journey of motherhood and homeschooling. Thank you, Lord, for such a blessing.
Monday, April 5, 2010
One Week Post Surgery
Just wanted to add a quick update on Tabitha. She hasn't had any pain medicine since Thursday morning and is feeling totally fine. She doesn't seem to have any pain at all. She's running around like crazy! Today we got to remove the bandage. It was a little grosser looking than I expected. I've never had surgery, so I kind of imagined once the bandage came off it'd just be a little thin cut. But it's pretty gross...about an inch or so long, right along the bottom of her spine, and the stitches are very obvious and scary looking! They'll dissolve on their own within a couple weeks, but I'm glad she can't see them! But, despite my dislike for all things gross, she's healing very well and you'd never know she had a major surgery last week! Praise the Lord for healing her so quickly!
Also, we are making plans to take Tabitha to Cincinnati Children's Hospital, where they have the "first and only" children's colorectal center. This center deals specifically with birth defects like Tabitha's. We've had great doctors at Hopkins, but each one is treating a different aspect of her issues. It'll be great to have a team who knows the big picture, and can handle all the different but inter-related problems she has. I found out about CCH on a chat group recently. I wish I'd found them sooner! I've learned so much that would've been nice to know before we'd even brought her home. This chat group just raves about "Cincy" and the expertise of the doctors there. So, we're working on getting her records, and then they'll talk to us about when and how long we'll need to be there. It's driveable, and we have friends in the area, so it shouldn't be too bad if we have to go there several times. I'm really excited to find a place that's so specific to Tabitha's needs!
Also, we are making plans to take Tabitha to Cincinnati Children's Hospital, where they have the "first and only" children's colorectal center. This center deals specifically with birth defects like Tabitha's. We've had great doctors at Hopkins, but each one is treating a different aspect of her issues. It'll be great to have a team who knows the big picture, and can handle all the different but inter-related problems she has. I found out about CCH on a chat group recently. I wish I'd found them sooner! I've learned so much that would've been nice to know before we'd even brought her home. This chat group just raves about "Cincy" and the expertise of the doctors there. So, we're working on getting her records, and then they'll talk to us about when and how long we'll need to be there. It's driveable, and we have friends in the area, so it shouldn't be too bad if we have to go there several times. I'm really excited to find a place that's so specific to Tabitha's needs!
Here we go again!
Well even though life is a bit hectic right now, money is tight, and parenting is sometimes overwhelming, we have taken the plunge to start another adoption! We're planning to adopt another little girl from China! We'll be using the special needs program again and looking for a girl under the age of 2. Since the adoption "gestation period" is so long we wanted to get started now. Last time it took 22 months; we'll see if anything is quicker this time. We do have to redo the entire process, but at least we know what we're doing this time.
I'm sure many people think we're a bit crazy (and I do wonder that myself at times), but we're trusting that God will provide the money and work out all the details so that we can give another child a home and a family.
We greatly appreciate and need your prayer for God's provision and guidance, and for our sanity with so much going on. (We're still trying to sell our house and hoping to build a new one, we're homeschooling, Heath's starting his own business, and we're dealing with Tabitha's medical needs. This isn't an ideal time to start another adoption, but since when are children supposed to be convenient?!) =)
So, crazy or not, we're off and running! Check back here for updates, and come run along with us!
I'm sure many people think we're a bit crazy (and I do wonder that myself at times), but we're trusting that God will provide the money and work out all the details so that we can give another child a home and a family.
We greatly appreciate and need your prayer for God's provision and guidance, and for our sanity with so much going on. (We're still trying to sell our house and hoping to build a new one, we're homeschooling, Heath's starting his own business, and we're dealing with Tabitha's medical needs. This isn't an ideal time to start another adoption, but since when are children supposed to be convenient?!) =)
So, crazy or not, we're off and running! Check back here for updates, and come run along with us!
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