We Carry BIG GUNS Around Here

Why do kids say things to people that they shouldn't, that gets you in trouble, or that is so over the top you wonder where it came from. This week was no different, except the child was not Kensli..........shocking I know, but this time Nic stepped up to the plate!

Ricky has been sick with a sinus infection so we took a little trip to see Dr. M. Dr. M. is a wonderful man that has seen us through all our kids adoptions and Kensli's heart surgery. In fact he is the one that found her PDA that had to be corrected. Anyway, while we were visiting Dr. M., Kensli asked him if she could tell him "somepin"? He said yes and she told him all about her doctor kit she got for Christmas and how she doctored people, too. About that time, my usually very quite child Nic, piped up and said, "Yeah, and I got a big gun with big bullets for Christmas!!!!" Dr. M's face paled instantly, he looked at me with raised eyebrows, and, yes, he asked, "A real gun?" "No, Dr. M., not a real gun, a Nerf gun,"I quickly reply. He let out a big sigh of relief and then gave me a little reminder on gun safety. The entire time, Nic is adding his running commentary on what all he has shot with his gun. I assured Dr. M. that any "real" guns owned were secure out of reach of little hands. Now, I am not against guns and I strongly feel we should have the right as Americans to bear arms, yet, I guess the thought of a 6 yr old getting a "BIG" gun for Christmas was not a good image for our poor Dr. M. Thankfully we got out of there before Nic and Kensli could add anymore to the conversation.

Anyone coming around our house had better watch out because we have a really big gun around here, and Nic has shot some pretty impressive stuff! Let's see, what all did he tell Dr. M..........his door, his sister, pap-pa, not mam-ma or granny, the cat, the clock, a plant, the dogs, the stove, the TV, his other sister, his brother, a book, his dinosaur..........and the list went on and on.

Hey, Y'all, duck if you come around here, 'cause we have a BIG GUN!!!!! :)

On a Schedule, Made Up My Mind, &............

Ok, after much talk (drove my husband crazy) and prayer concerning going private (most of this week), I finally decided last night not to go private right now! I do promise that if I eventually do go private I will give enough notice that you can be added to the friends list! With that said, on to more important stuff!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Someone asked me if I prepare my meals ahead of time. Not really, unless you are talking about last week when I was cooking for so many! I did prepare some of those ahead of time. I mostly cook each meal at a time, but have a weekly menu so I know where I am going. I have a dear friend that has a 6 weeks of menus planned and every six weeks they start over. I wish I were that organized, but...:sigh:.......I am not!!!!! I can only manage one week at a time! I try to cook enough at each meal that we can have leftovers the next meal, but with an 11 yr old sometimes that is not possible. He has hit a growth spurt and food is VERY important right now! I shutter to think what he will be when he is 16. Also, I usually do my main cooking at dinner, because preparing a meal during school hours is HARD!!!! That is when leftovers come in!


I am a sale paper shopper and my kids know that if it isn't on sale it will not be on the grocery list. My kids all poor over the sale paper each week to see what they could ask for in the way of junk. It is so funny to see them pen in hand initialing their chosen items. Granted some requests make it to the list and some do not!


I have resisted to a strict schedule for several years. Oh, before you think that I am some disorganized homeschooling mom that hasn't a clue where she is in life, quite the contrary. I have always had a loose schedule, but after BOTT I decided that if we were going to get anything accomplished I had to have a little stricter schedule. I realized that if Nic was going to learn to read, if I was going to get Kensli under control, if we are going to adopt another child and home school, and if Ricky is going to be really ahead when he enters high school, I had to be on a schedule. We have only been at this schedule for 1 week and it seems to be working. Here is what I have put down on paper.................

Monday-Friday at 4 pm
6 am Parents up and at them
6:30 Kids up
7 am Breakfast and morning routine
8 am Devotion and Prayer
8:30 School starts during this time they all have individual blocks of learning and activity.
11:30 Lunch
12:30 pm History, Science, and Read Aloud (me reading to them)
2 pm Free Time
4 pm Chores, Dinner prep., and free time
6 pm Dinner and clean up
7 pm Media time
7:30 Baths, 15 min house cleaning blitz
8:15 Independent Reading
8:45 Nightly routine
9 pm Lights out

Starting at 4pm on Friday until after church on Sunday Night there is no schedule that is set in stone. This is our time to breathe!!!!! Hope that I am not stifling their creativity or anything like that!!!!! I do so enjoy the wonderful days when we have the whole day stretched before us to just learn, but I have come to that proverbial bend in the road where changes had to be made! Wish me luck or just PRAY!!!!

What to do?

Due to the realization of how vulnerable we put ourselves when we have a blog, and that anyone can follow you anywhere, I pulled my blog for awhile this week! Sorry! I may be going private with this blog, but I will be sure to invite all of you that are "friends"! I am still praying about what I should do and I have blocked a few things to try to keep out people that I have nothing in common with! Hope that I do not block anyone that has been here, and if so, please email me and I will see what I can do!

Also, I managed to totally crash my old computer this week, after going on a questionable blog, and so I am now the proud new owner of a new laptop! Yeah, me! Thankfully, I have a back up hard drive that I put all important "stuff" on and I didn't lose anything! Now I have to put all my picture software on this computer!

Hope to catch up with all of you and that my blogging troubles are over!!!!!!! I have a week of posts to catch you all up on!

Over for Another Year

This morning, at 2 am, I fell into bed signifying the end of another Because of the Times! We push ourselves every year and this year was no different! We fed around 30 missionaries and ministers after church all three nights. There are so many people here that we would like to visit with that we try to host a different group each night. Even then we do not get to see everyone!

Menus for the Week:

Tuesday Night:

Gumbo

Green Salad

Potato Salad

Bread Pudding

Tea

Wednesday Night:

Veggie Beef Soup

Green Salad

Crackers

Bread Pudding

Tea

Thursday Night:

Cajun Chicken Lasagna

Poppy Seed Salad

Green Salad

Cheese Bread

Sunshine Cake

Texas Delight

Tea

During the week, I think that Kensli has reached an all new level of "WILD"!!!!! I was so busy cooking, cleaning, serving, and greeting that she basically did what she wanted. If someone else tried to help me with her, including her dad, she let them know really quick she could do what she wanted! Next week is going to be so much fun! ;)

The 3 oldest kids did really well this week! Ricky and Kaitlyn helped with the missionary kids at church and Nic helped me!

Today we are going to Natchitoches and give our house guests a tour of the area! They really wanted to see the cultural history of the area and there is no better place than Natchitoches!

I will try to post pictures of the week soon! I have had a hard time taking pictures lately!

Wonderful Wacky Wednesday

What an 11 yr. old considers fun!!!!!

A New RED Look

Yesterday, I spent most of the day washing clothes with my new RED washing machine and dryer. My old washer had seen better days and would not wash a load of clothes with out a little extra TLC! Thank the Lord for a good husband that saw me in my hour of great need, needing some clean socks and underwear helped, and went out and bought these..............

Boy, doesn't that red look good with my green walls! I love red and Toby figured why not give me something I like looking at while doing a job I really do not like! Isn't he THOUGHTFUL?!!!!!

I made gumbo for our house guests and for a few people we are inviting over tonight after the services. They had never had gumbo, so they were really excited to try something culturally Louisiana. Thankfully, it really turned out good!

Kensli is really doing great with having people staying with us and having a messed up routine for the last few days. She really needs her routine or no one sleeps! I have made a HUGE effort to keep the nap times the same during the day even though the night bedtime is a little varied. Praying that she keeps going like she is or our Swedish house guests might see that she can be as cross as she is cute! HEEHEE! Poor souls! She has been so pleased to have someone new to TALK to around here! She keeps them quite entertained!

P.S.---Tina, sorry they do not web cast the services, but they will have them available through the church's bookstore in a few days. I wish they were web casting, because it looks like I will probably miss most of the night services this year! With people coming here to eat afterward, I will need to be home getting ready. :( I looked for you email address to reply to your comment but couldn't find one!

Out THERE Somewhere

I logged on the computer this morning and realized that I have not post in several days! Whoa, not at all the norm for me, because we have so much happening around here all the time I could post several times a day!

Life has just been getting in my way lately!!!!!!!

Our church has been getting ready for Because of the Times, which is an annual ministers conference that draws ministers in our organization from around the world. In fact, yesterday we took care of a group from Norway, Germany, and Sweden for lunch. The couple from Sweden are staying with us, and I can honestly say, they have been some of the sweetest, most wonderful house guests we have ever had. She loves to cook and has been helping out in the kitchen some. It has been so much fun to laugh and talk with her while preparing a good meal. She said that she would like to prepare us a traditional Swedish meal before they leave at the end of the week. Hopefully we will have time!!!!

Today is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and for that I am extremely thankful! I am thankful for the changes he brought about in this country and for the opportunities afforded my children through his efforts! We will not be in the parade this year due to commitments with BOTT, but hopefully we will be back next year walking, reflecting, and making our on families memories on this day of remembering a great man.

Orange Hat Society

Tongue Twister Family

I came face to face the other day with just who we are.............

African American, Caucasian, Chinese, Latino, Vietnamese, American Family!

WOW! Now say that 3 times!!!!!!!!

In honor of all my children's birth cultures, I am adding songs to my music player that celebrates each individual culture. So far I have the Chinese culture covered, but if you have any suggestions for the others, I'll be happy to check them out. I just have to be able to understand them, because I do not want anything offensive. :)

Check out the wonderful Shanghai Chinese Traditional Orchestra, that I found on another blog the other day and added to my play list.

Oh, Kensli is playing world traveler today, so I've got to run and accept a call from New Zealand. I don't even know how she knows where that is in this world. Must be the whole supermom, homeschooling thingy. HEHEHE...........................NOT!!!!!!!!

Life with Kensli

I've have posted in times past about Kensli's self-appointed boyfriend and the way she stalks the poor guy. This Sunday was no different! I even panicked at one point, because she disappeared and I finally found her sitting talking to Boyfriend. At most churches, you could scan the sanctuary and not have trouble spotting your child or you would figure you knew the people well enough to know your child is fine. Not our church, because with so many people in attendance (which is good) and our church, as pastor describes it is a hospital, it could put any parent in a panic. When I finally found her, she was not happy to even talk to me! Her attitude was like go away mom, can't you see I am trying to impress my boyfriend. My heart hurt! She is 3, going on 13!

This morning our conversation concerning blond haired Boyfriend went like this:

Kensli: "Mommy, Boyfriend is my best white boyfriend."

Me: "Do you have a dark boyfriend, too?"

Kensli: "Yes, Chris."

Me: "Chris is not dark. He is white like Boyfriend."

Kensli: "No he is not! He has dark, spiked hair!"

Me: "Oh, ok."

Sometimes the conversations with children in multi-cultural families do not always mean what is said about race or skin color. Children when raised to love people of all skin tones, do not always see differences based on the color of skin.

Our church sets a time for the first of the year to fast and renew ourselves in the Lord. This year, the three oldest participated in someway in the fast. They gave up sweets, red meat, and media for 7 days. I was so proud because they stuck with it to the end. They talked about it and what they were fasting so much that Kensli even said that she was fasting. If it was something she didn't want she would promptly remind you of the fast. Well, Saturday was the end of the fast and the 3 oldest where so happy! Kensli didn't want to be left out so she asked me, "Is the fast over?" I told her it was and she starts jumping around shouting, "Yeah, the fast is over!"
Then she stopped and looked at with her serious puzzled look and said, "If the fast is over, what do I get to do?" I got so tickled and she got mad, because laughing at Kensli is a cardinal no-no.

Yesterday, due to a very busy Sunday, we decided to have pizza for lunch. We go through the drive thru at Little Cesar's and order. The very polite young man at the window comes back and tells Toby that they are out of cheese bread and it would take 12 minutes before some was ready. Being in the hurry that we were in, Toby said, "Well just give me the regular bread with sauce. Wait, what size do you have?" The guy shows him the small bag and Toby says,"Give me three of the bags, and one thing of sauce." Now, Kensli must of been listening intently because she said,

Kensli: "Daddy, I know that you are the boss and everything, but I really need to tell you something."

Toby: "What, baby?"

Kensli: "If you keep ordering there won't any left for other people."

We laughed and she was mad!

A New Look at an Old Burden

At times I am hesitant to post my thoughts and feelings because I worry about criticism! I am blue (color personality analysis) which is the reason for my worry about how I appear to others. Yes, I am bearing my soul today, if for no other reason than for my own encouragement! If you read this, thanks for letting me get it out in the open where I can see it for myself!

I have been a little fussy at life in general lately! I have been walking around telling anyone that would listen that I had lost my joy, I wasn't happy, my nerves were bothering me, I'm sick, and the list could go on and on! I have been so self absorbed that I am not sure why He even bothered to speak to me last night or that I even could hear! Thankfully He did speak and I somehow heard Him!

Sometimes it is not the big things in life that get your attention, sometimes it is a new way to look at a life. Last night I was wondering around the blog world and happened upon a blog that at first glance I thought, "Oh, wow, another adoption blog!" (I do not know her so I am not sure about sharing her blog without permission.) Granted, I LOVE the whole miracle of adoption, but sometimes (my blog included) adoption blogs are just cute pictures of beautiful children! As I began to read their amazing story, tears began to fall! Her passion to "care for the orphans and widows in their time of need"(James 1:27) is so strong! Last night I saw what I have been called to do in a whole new light! The other thing that impressed me about this family is that they really live at the point of "what is God fixing to do?"

Their blog made me ask myself if caring for orphans really is a ministry? Is caring for them in their hour of greatest need really given the priority in my life that it really deserves? I have looked at adoption as a way of extending my family, yet I have always been scared to look at it as a ministry. Kids and the desire for more is sometimes looked at with crossed eyes! Therefore, I have not been a real advocate of adoption, a realization that makes me ashamed! I know that I should speak up and take an active role in promoting adoption! I have felt that the thought of more than the 2.5 children, that statistics show live in American households, scares people to death. We can only change that concept by educating people about the blessings of children. Psalms 127:3 says,"Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward."

I think through this family's blog, I have been inspired to tell my story, our story, and to share how God has blessed us by adopting. So, for the next few weeks, as time permits and the Lord leads, I will be sharing our adoption journey from start to finish! ***I know, that by doing so, I really move my family into a glass house, but I trust that God will protect us from any rocks thrown!

Also, last night I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that we are not through with adoption! I have known for sometime, but I feel that I have been pushing my will on God! I want to go back to a certain country! I want that Asian empress, when God maybe call us to an African princess! I want to be open, willing, not caring what others think, not worrying about the snide remarks that I have had in the past about MORE children, and turn my will over to a God that has a perfect plan!

This morning I woke up with a new resolve, joy, burden, and thought pattern! I WILL live from now on waking up with a burning desire to see what God will do today! Yes, I will become an over comer through the power of my testimony! Wait until you see what God has done and is wanting to do!!!!!

A Little Trip Home

This morning early we loaded up and went to see these two wonderful people! We spent the day in the country enjoying the company of Mom, Granny, and Dad! Well, kind of enjoying Dad, because he was a little busy taking a nap, eating ice cream, riding the four wheeler, making several trips to town, and just generally making it very hard to get the kids to finish a couple of their school subjects that they needed to complete for the day! Before the day was over I was wondering why I even brought the schoolwork, but I am determined to finish up these subjects at a certain time and start something new. Mean old mom! :)

The weather was beautiful and there was lots to do and see! Mother is the world's best game player and will play Go Fish for hours! Of course, she cooks and we eat! As Kensli says, "Mam-ma, you wock!"

Granny fell and broke her shoulder over the holidays, but she is on the mend! The doctor said that it was a hairline fracture and to take it easy and she will be fine! We spent quite a long time today sitting, drinking coffee, and talking!

When I was young I couldn't wait to get away from home and see the big, wide world. Now that I am gone and have seen quite a lot of the big, wide world, I can truly say there is NO place like home!

Our 11th Gotcha Day and Counting

Happy 11th Gotcha Day, Ricky!

Every day, since the first day you were placed in our arms, life has been a wonderful adventure!

We have been so blessed to have you a part of our lives and

are so proud of the young man you are becoming!

We thank God daily for letting us be your parents!

You are an awesome big brother, a best buddy, and an all around GREAT KID!

Here's to celebrating many more Gotcha Days with you!

We love you,

Mom and Dad and Crew

P.S.---I'll post pictures when we celebrate next week, and I'll explain the delay in celebrating when I post pictures!

Just What AM I Saying?

****WARNING: This post may sound critical of my children, but that is not what is intended! This post, and all posts, are written with the sole purpose of giving you a small glimpse into our rather normal lives! ****

For the last two days around this house I have felt like one of the adults on a Charlie Brown cartoon. I open my mouth and all that my kids seem to hear is.....

"Whada wada whada, waaaw, wassa wadda wasasasa wada whada weewoo!!!!!"

Yesterday, I went up stairs, smelled matches or something burning, looked around, saw no fire, asked several children (3) who has been playing with matches, no one knew, found Nic, asked him about smoke smell, he says he did it (at least he was truthful), explained the danger of matches, noticed his eyes were glazed over, asked him what I said, he replies, "Matches make fire!"

I made cornbread for lunch and Kaitlyn asked if she can cut the cornbread. I replied, "No, not this time." Then Kaitlyn says, "Why? I can cut it really good. All you do is go this way, that way, and then this way! I have my knife! Are you ready for me to cut the cornbread?" I reply no again. I ask her to go tell her brothers lunch is ready, which she does by screaming up the stairs at them. During her screaming excursion, I go ahead and cut the cornbread. When she was through and came back in, she noticed the cornbread is cut and says, "Why did you cut the cornbread? I thought you said I could?"

Today, Ricky was ready for Math and he went upstairs to get his book and paper. At the same time, I go into the wash room to work on some laundry. While upstairs Ricky decided to ask me if he needed to bring an extra sheet down. I heard him hollering, but chose not to answer him, because I hate for them to holler questions at me! So, he comes down in a little while without his extra sheet and finds that he needs it after all. "Mom, you told me I didn't need this extra sheet!" Oh, really, I do not recall saying anything!

Maybe it is the weather, a phase, a sickness, or something that they have come down with! All I know is that it can't be ME!

Right?

I am not losing my mind, saying things I don't remember, going on and on about nothing,.................

wawawWAWA wada blah wha wha wha blah!!!!!!

1st Day Back and A Thought I'm Thinking

Today was the 1st day back at school after 3 weeks off! I was almost as bummed out as the kids! We had so much fun during the holidays with family and friends that it was just plain hard to return to the normal routine! On top of that the girls were sick over the weekend with fever and Ricky woke up this morning with a stomach bug of some kind! He did not even feel like going to piano, poor baby! The weather didn't help much with it raining and 40 something degrees. After piano, we snuggled up by the fire and did our reading time. Reading time is our favorite time of the day!

Here is my thought I'm thinking..............

.........add a little sand, sun, and some WARM weather!

Happy Birthday to Nicholas

January 1st is Nicholas' birthday and this year he turned the big 6. I made him a cake and we went to my parents to celebrate! Daddy and Pap-pa took him four wheeler riding before the party and they had planned to stay until dark. Well, about 2 hours later they all came back to the house because Nic couldn't enjoy himself for worrying about his presents.

I took some pictures, but something happened to the memory card and it will not upload! So, I took a picture on another card this afternoon and here is what a 6 year old Nic looks like........