Thursday, March 29, 2012

An Understanding of True Friendship

So I have several things to talk about tonight.  The teacher in me is fighting the desire to post a Title 'Page' & outline right now.  Geek.  I'll resist.


So, first up, super sad news.  If you read a couple of posts ago, I asked for prayer for our 'eldest' doggy, Sky.  Cuban Daddy was contacted by the doctor this week, after she spoke to a specialist. Turns out, that our 7 year old Lab mix has a very rare tumor in his Thyroid.  Already, we knew it wasn't good.  He hasn't been himself for weeks now.  He is barely eating at all.  He's lost weight.  He barely wags his tail.  He struggles to get up sometimes.  Stairs are really difficult.  He almost never wants to go outside.  I'm so so sad to see him this way.  He was my first 'baby.' We rescued him- beautiful him- from a shelter adoption day outside a Petsmart soon after he was born. We were initially rejected b/c we didn't have a fenced in backyard at the time. I wanted him so bad as we walked back to our car, that I cried.  Big boo-hoos.  And I'm NOT a crier.  Without a word, Cuban Daddy got out of the car, leaving me there, was gone about 10 minutes, and then brought me the pup.  What?!  Yeah, he fought for him.  He fought for me.  He wanted to see me happy. That's just the kind of guy he is.  I'll never forget that.  I was SO excited!  He has been such a great dog.  So smart!  So, back to today.  The doctor said that he will soon have liver failure.  She doesn't know exactly how long...a couple months?  She said we just have to watch and see how bad he gets, and that we'll just know.  I just can't imagine that right now. :(  What to tell the babies?  How to comfort his 5 year old 'sister,' Roxy, who has only known life with him?  What will it be like with him gone?  And, gosh, I just don't want him to suffer!  There's a lot to process right now.  Thanks for the continued prayers about this.


Next up, on a different note- exciting news!  My Uncle & his sweet new wife (my new aunt!), has offered their home/"yard" to host our big Yard Sale!!!  You won't believe how perfect this is.  Remember how I mentioned that the Yard Sale was the overwhelming 'thing' for me right now?  I felt like maybe I had bit off more than I could chew.  And I still think that's possible.  But, I feel SO much better now b/c we have a great location!  And to top it all off, guess who doesn't have to advertise the Yard Sale?!  Me!!!!!!  That's right, what's so perfect is that my Aunt & Uncle's neighborhood is having a huge neighborhood-wide Yard Sale on the exact dates that we had planned to do ours!  There should be lots of traffic...yay!!!  *Sidenote, please let me know if you have something you would like to get off your hands that we could sell in the yard sale!  I'll be happy to come pick it up or meet you early.  Just let me know when!  (*Can we add a second sidenote? Same awesome aunt and uncle are also racing in a big road race this summer....and what did they decide to raise money for?  Yep, you guessed it...4xfaithful!  Talk about being overwhelmed.  I was!  So, so sweet.)  Okay, so address for 
4xFaithful's Adoption Yard Sale:
5409 Amity Drive, Powder Springs 30127




Reminder note. (1) Please spread the word about our upcoming (first fundraiser opp of this DOUBLING funds month!!!) Fundraiser Night at Otter's Chicken on Dallas Hwy (in Avenues).  www.otterschicken.com Delicious, affordable food, fun hang out times-we'll be there much of the night(!), and you are giving 15% of profits to our Adoption funds!  But, let me remind you: You are really giving 30% because in April, our funds are being DOUBLED!  (2) Also we should have our custom made Adoption T-shirts by next weekend...yes, in time for Otter's night!  We are selling the T-shirts for $20 each.  All profits (~$13/shirt) will, of course, go towards our Adoption fees.  I will post pics as soon as I see them!  If you want to order one (or two, or ten? haha!), just contact me some way & I'll get them to you!  You can pay cash, check, or PayPal  link on the blog.  I've come up with the design...I can't wait for you to see them!  :)  **Yes, teacher again.  Remember, if you buy an Adoption shirt during April, you are not donating $20...you are really giving us $40!!! (Doubled, right?!)


Another note.  This one both super exciting and super stressful all at once.  You know that big fat stack of paperwork I've mentioned once or twice? ;)  Well, the one we had sent in recently has been received by our home study agency.  The lady emailed me a couple of days ago, letting me know that they got it, and that she has assigned us a social worker.  And that the social worker would be contacting us soon.  Yeah, like 4 hours later?!  Unprepared.  But okay.  So, yes(!), let's get this show on the road!  Hold up.  She wants to come to our house to do our initial meeting/interview and home study tour on....Tuesday!!!  Yes, in 5 days.  And if you have seen my house lately... Wait, you haven't.  And there's a reason.  It's crazy!  Haha. :)  I know you moms of little ones know it's hard enough just to keep one room 'de-cluttered' w/o toys, crayons, little people, cheerios, shoes, sippy cups...everywhere!  So, we've got some straightening up to do! ;)
This leads me to my final topic of the night: friendship.   In the past few months, I have witnessed something.  People shining.  Unselfish people caring about others.  People wanting to do something good.  People helping others, despite their own circumstances.  People who lead busy, full lives that still take the time to offer a hand.  I am very humbled by the outpouring of love and support we have been shown.  We have had numerous financial donations...we are seriously in awe.  We know it is a lot of money to you...and it certainly is a lot of money to us!  Without you guys, I don't know how we would be able to bring our babies home.  And they deserve a home.  Our friends (**When I say 'friends,' I am definitely including family members as well.  You don't choose to be family, but you do choose to be a friend to your family. At least that's what I think.) have reached out, asking (messaging, emailing, texting, calling) "How can I help?  What can we do?"  First of all, we hate asking for help.  Cuban Daddy and I are both pretty independent little stinkers.  But, we know that this task is way bigger than us.  And we know we cannot do it alone.  Therefore, we did ask for help by posting on this blog.  And you all have more than answered.  I have close friends that have offered to take both G & K (along with their own little ones!) for a few hours so I could work on Adoption stuff.  They will never know how huge this really is!!!  For free.  This blog- created/designed by one of my best (busy) friends.  For free.  Help around the house in prep for the home study Tuesday?  Free.  An offer to help with the yard sale prep.  Free.  Donations for the auction we had?  Free.  I mean I could go on and on.  The point of this is just to recognize those who have gone above and beyond in blessing us.  You all know who you are.  If you have given an encouraging word, spread our story to others, made a financial or material donation, offered your help in any way, this thanks is for you.  Honestly & truly, you have taught me so much these past couple of months.  Lessons I will not forget.  I only hope that opportunities arise that we can return the favor in the future.  I really, really do.  Thank you, friends. 

 Now, let's bring those babies home!  =)


Humbled by your love for us & our growing family, 

~ 6 in Love ~




Trying to beat stress by enjoying a beautiful Spring picnic in our front yard!:


Eating another one of those little oranges!  
And on second looks, Mommy needs to attempt that trim again... 
 

Somebunny had an Easter party at school today!

Slightly out of order: Our picnic fun!

 Enjoying a stroll in their grandparent's yard (P & N)




Wednesday, March 28, 2012

1st Home Study...What?!

Wow, so the ball is really rolling now.  

So, yesterday I got an email from our Home Study Agency saying they received our packet of paperwork and they assigned us a caseworker.  So,
our social worker just called & I spoke to her for the first time.   She seemed really sweet, professional, yet not too serious.  I cracked a couple of jokes.  Hey, gotta be me, right? ;)  


Turns out, she's coming to meet the family & tour our house this Tuesday!!!  Prayers would be greatly appreciated.  Not just that things would go well, we'd say all the right things (ha), & that our kids wouldn't have meltdowns, but that I can actually get this house looking amazing.  People, we need a miracle here! ;)  No, for real.


Secondly, we want to remind everyone that *our crazy fundraising month* of April is approaching!  First up is our Fundraiser Night at Otter's chicken on Dallas Hwy, Marietta.  Here's their website: www.otterschicken.com


If you're tired of cooking the day after Easter, come on out and join us.  Otter's will give 15% of all sales to US! (***IF you mention that you are with "4xFaithful"***)  Come anytime between 4pm-10pm on Monday, April 9th.  We'd love to see you there! 




 I'm really, really hoping we'll have our custom made Adoption T-shirts by then too!  




You can check my last post for more of our fundraising efforts and ideas. :)




Thanks for your prayers!

~ 6 in Love ~





Monday, March 26, 2012

April X 2


Okay, so w/ 1/2 the paperwork in the mail...and 1/2 soon to be, 
we are needing much of our finances to come together soon.

So, I have some exciting news (read a bit further).  
And...we are hoping that April will be our *best* adoption-fundraising month yet.  
How is that going to happen?

Well, first of all, we are planning to squeeze in LOTS of fundraising opportunities this month.  Some of you have already helped so much, and we thank you for that!  Others of you may be looking for a way that works for you and your family.  We're hoping to offer a variety in the  month of April, so that if you do feel as though you'd like to participate, there will be a way for you to do that.  Please know that we don't EVER expect anyone to help.  If someone does, it is such a sweet, surprise for which we are truly grateful.  I know that we are all in different places in life and that overall, times are tough for people, financially.  Trust me, we understand!  :)  So, we really hope no one ever feels obligated.  If the way you can give is through prayer or an encouraging word, we are SO thankful for that as well!!!


Secondly -& very excitedly- we want to announce that... 
there is a couple that has offered to DOUBLE whatever funds we raise during the month of April!!!!!!!!!


You heard that right.  


For example, if we raise $500 this month, that couple will write us a check for another $500!
If we raise $3000, they will write us a check for another $3000!


Wow, this is such a huge opportunity for us...at a time when we have to get a lot of money in a matter of a couple of months.  This is a huge blessing!!!


So, in order to take full advantage of this opportunity, this IS our crazy fundraising month!  


Here's what we have planned for April:


(1) Beginning April, we will have our own "Adoption" T-shirts available for purchase!  I'm finishing the design tonight, so we can get that rolling.  They should be in next week!


(2) On Monday, April 9th (anytime between 4pm-10pm), one of our favorite local restaurants (this one is in Marietta), "Otter's", has agreed to let us do a Fundraising night there!  Many of you may be familiar with your child's school or sports team doing one of these...it works the same way.  All you have to do  is eat dinner there (or carryout).  Otter's will give us 15% of every purchase made that night...
IF you say you are there for/supporting "4xFaithful" or "4xFaithful Adoption".  That's the key...you have to say you are there for us.  I'm looking at our schedule, but thinking that Cuban Daddy or I (much of the time, both of us) will be there 'hanging out' and eating most of the night!  We'd love for you to join us.  We'll make it a party...haha!  


           * And I'm not lying when we say that's one of our favorite restaurants.  It dawned on me one evening that we might go too often.  The reason:  the kids and I were eating there, and Cuban Daddy was working late (shocker on both accounts)...so I thought I'd order him his 'favorite' and take it home with us.  I went to order and couldn't remember how he liked his wings...there are tons of sauces to pick from.  No worries...the girl at the counter told me!!  Ha!!  I didn't even realize she knew who he was...AND his name!  Um... I mean I know he's charming and incredibly good looking and all...  ;) 
Love this one, taken in Florida when G was itty bitty!


           * So, if you're looking for what to order: I like the traditional 'fried' chicken tender basket (the kids and I split it...I get salad instead of the slaw...and make some of the tenders 'grilled' for the kids).  Cuban Daddy likes wings & fries...but sometimes he gets a 'buffalo' wrap instead.  My mom likes the grilled spinach wrap.  And to top it all off?  They have my favorite ice.  Strange?  No, you know what I'm talking about...  Their prices are pretty good too. 


Here's their website: http://www.otterschicken.com/
And their yummy menu: http://www.otterschicken.com/uploads/1/1/3/6/11369955/marietta_togomenu.pdf

Would you please share this information with your friends??  Remind them to say they're with "4xFaithful"!!!

(3)  "Fun Finds Friday"- Every Friday in April, I'm going to post a few pieces of 'Painted Peach' arts/crafts for sale!  I'm thinking canvases, wall hangings, stools?  I will post the items, pics, & prices.  The first person to let me know you want it (via comment section), it's yours! We can meet if local for pick up, or add a few bucks for shipping.  


Stuff like this...


(4) Hoping-to-be-huge yard sale!!!  
To be held Friday, April 27th & Saturday, April 28th.  Morning & afternoon (exact hours to be announced).  We are still working on the location as well.   I'll let you know as soon as we have that nailed down.      
I'm going to be honest, I'm intimidated by this one. 
          * I know that we need DONATIONS of items!!! Anything that may sell, we can use!  If you have anything that you would typically donate to a charity, would you consider sending it our way?  We have been stockpiling some stuff, and will definitely go through the house and gather much more!  Doesn't it feel good to 'Spring Clean' and get rid of stuff?  I know we love it!  Anything really: furniture, children's toys, baby clothes, adult clothes, shoes, exercise equipment, decor, TVs, DVD players, DVDs, books, dishes/cookware... 
           * If you have something(s) that you would be willing to donate, there are a couple of options.  1) If you could hold onto it until closer to time, that would be great!  Then, if you wanted to drop it off early the morning of the sale (Friday), that would be perfect! (Especially for larger items).  If that's not possible (no problem!!), we will find a way to pick it up maybe the day before?  2) If it's something you really need to get off of your hands sooner, please let us know, and we will find a way to get it and a place to store it! 
           * I'm not good at advertising!  I can handle the blog and Facebook and email, but the rest, um, I don't know.  Does anyone know which outlets would be the best to advertise?  i.e. certain newspapers, etc?  Help! 
           * We also will probably need volunteers to help the days of the sale.  We're hoping it's so big, that it will be too much for us to handle alone!  So if anyone wants to help for a few hours one day w/ directing people, taking money, watching items, etc., that would be amazing!  We would love to have a little refreshment table (cooler of canned drinks, etc.) & a table set up w/ our Adoption T-shirts as well.  
            * This fundraiser is obviously still very much a work in process, but we are on our way!  We just wanted to get the word out so you can 1) Mark your calendars! 2) Spread the word! 3) Start collecting your junk (er, treasures)! :)  Ha.  


(5) Sippys 4 Siblings- Of course, if you have collected any Sippy change & want to turn that in this month, it will be doubled as well!!


This one is that of a sweet friend...she sent me this pic today!!


*Geez, that's a lot.  Am I forgetting something?  I know this is a lot, but again, just lots of options. We just want to take advantage of the fact that all that we raise this month will be doubled!  


Please don't de-friend us...
our lives won't always consist of yard & T-shirt sales!!!  


Thanks for being our friends & caring about our lives and the lives of our two future babies.  We know this is a lot of work right now, but we also know they are so, so worth it.  
Thank you.

~ 6 in Love ~


Taken today: Somebody(s) found their sunglasses and are ready for April!  =)

Friday, March 23, 2012

This is the Story of Them

Not even 5 minutes ago, I just walked out of my 3 year old daughter's room after having an amazing conversation with her.  Well, I say 'conversation,' but really, she did most of the talking.  Out of nowhere, she started talking about "our babies."  Sometimes she calls them "my babies" and sometimes "your babies."  But she's gets it.  I wanted her to be aware of the fact that she will be getting two new siblings and that they will be adopted (We definitely have not gone into details about what 'adoption' really means, because I don't think she's ready for that.)  She does know that they won't come from my tummy.  She knows that she'll likely be 7 or 8 years old when this happens, although I don't think she quite gets how long away that really is.  *And we have not mentioned anything at ALL about them coming from another country, enduring difficulty, experiencing loss, an orphanage, absolutely NOTHING of the sort.*


 Anyways, she was lying in bed as I was tucking her in a few minutes ago.  Out of the blue, she said this (I'm doing my best to remember wording & order, so I'll get it really close)


"You know when the babies come here, you can put one in my room.  I have 3 pillows so I can share one because they won't have one.  And I'll take care of them.  I'll read them books and they will smile.  I'll give them a baba (bottle) and baby food.  When it's light out, and the moon is gone, they won't be scared, because they'll know that I"m there.  And if they do get scared, I'll go and get them out of their bed and put them in mine.  One baby can sleep in K's room.  And when we're done sleeping, and after I took care of them, I'll bring them to you and put them in your lap."  


Me: (amongst other follow up statements), "That is so sweet that you would help like that."  


G: "Yes there are only two of you...a mommy and a daddy.  And there are two of us children.  We are a family.  And the babies will be in our family.  This is the story of them."  


Then a minute later, "Are they coming from Heaven?  Because that's where Jesus and God are."  


Me: a stumbling 1/2 explanation including something like that I guess they kind of are because we all were created by God and God is in Heaven.  *Again, not ready for her to be aware of that they will have been given up by their birth families and likely endured great trauma in their little lives.  Too much for her right now, so I'm trying to avoid that until she's older.  Or as long as I can.  


After my answer, she said, "Well, will it be before or after Jesus comes back?"  Me (stunned b/c we haven't covered much on Jesus' return): "When is Jesus coming back?"  G (w/o hesitation): "When I'm 8."  Aye aye aye.  


So much here, I don't even know where to begin to process.


What I do know is that God has blessed this angel with the sweetest, most caring, compassionate spirit.  Her heart really is tender.  She has always cared about others and has such a nurturing nature.  Even at a super early age, I feel that she has had great interpersonal skills, being able to read how people are feeling, etc.  I feel that that is one of her gifts for sure.  Ever since she learned to talk (again, really early), she has talked about God & Jesus & about how she sees Them or They talk to her, etc.  A long time ago, she was maybe 2, she told me that Jesus did something (I wish I remembered), and it prompted me to ask where He was.  She said, "Right beside you in the passenger seat."  Another time, she started worshiping completely on her own and said, "I feel God hugging me."  Thank you, Lord, for the blessing on her life.  Thank you that Your hand is on her, protecting, guiding, and drawing her close to You.  We pray that she does great work for His kingdom.


I do know that her heart aches to care for babies...just like her Mama.  


I do know that these babies are going to have an amazing big sister (& brother!) who will LOVE them!


I do know that they will transition with us just fine.  


I do know that God is watching over them, protecting them, just as He is with G & K.


I do know, as G said, that this is their family.  


I do know that at a time when one might feel nervous or doubtful about this process, stressed or fearful of the future, God has given me peace.  And sometimes that peace comes from the mouth of a 3 year old. 



And I do know that "This is the story of them."

~ 6 (totally) in Love ~



Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Fingerprints & #1 Doggy

Mailed both sets of fingerprints into the FBI today!  Yay, one more thing checked off.  Hoping to put one major paperwork packet in the mail tomorrow.  Waiting only on Cuban Daddy to trace the 8-10 addresses he's lived at in the past 18 years of his life.  Oh boy.  


About 2/3 way through with major paperwork packet #2 going to Dillon/Buckner.  Need an autobio each, tons of copies of our documents (birth and marriage certificates, licenses, tax forms, etc.), financial forms, & guardianship.  Feeling an urgency to get it in, and having a hard time (mostly the hubs...not his fault...workaholic.) finding the time to get it all done.  
_________________________________________________________
Last night was baby brother, C's, Wedding!  It was beautiful...as was his bride!  We are so excited to welcome D into our family!:


Beautiful Flower Girl, G: 

Handsome Ring Bearer, K: 

Daddy & Daughter (crazy) Dance: 

G danced the night away...seriously!!:



Happy 1st Day of Spring!: 

Flower theme seems appropriate today.  Or maybe I should have dressed her in POLLEN?! Ugh. 

Finally, asking for prayer for our #1 doggy, Sky. :(  He's been barely eating for about 3 weeks now, shaking, not going outside much, and looking awful.  Here's the short, choppy version of what's going on: Took him into the vet about a week ago.  Said it was bad (super high calcium levels & muscles atrophing), but needed to do bloodwork.  Did that...paid.  Giving pain killers.  Couldn't tell from results, so said we need to do an ultrasound.  Had that done today..Paid (ouch).  Said they worked intensely to find out cause.  Found nothing.  Said it was probably a rare disease or thyroid cancer.  Oh geez.  I can't even begin to think about what it might be or what might happen until we know.  So they did more bloodwork today (you guessed it...paid) and will get results in about a week.  We have postponed looking for him a new home (obviously) & are focused on finding out what's wrong.  But, after spending a fortune to help him & find the solution (He was definitely *suffering* and so, so miserable!), we are tapped out financially on doggy-fund.  So, hoping for a miracle & for him to just get better.  But, if that's not the case, if there's something majorly wrong (I have a feeling there is...), asking for prayers for us and his little sister, Roxy. I can't begin to think about what would happen to her if she lost him.  Literally can't think about it right now.  Thanks.
(Sky is in blue vest):

Thanks, 

~ 6 in Love ~

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Climbing, Crying, Cribs & Change

So, I can admit when I'm not good at something.  


Let's start here: I'm not good at getting enough sleep.  I stay up way late working on things & then the kids wake up super early.  So, maybe- on a good night- 5 hrs a night? With enough caffeine in me, I'm good to go.  Lacking, I'm in a miserable daze.  Last night was not one of those good nights.  


I was proud of myself for getting to bed before 1:00...it was maybe 12:30.  Just as I had dozed off, around 12:45, I hear K screaming something to me & his yells were getting closer and closer. What in the world?!  I met him at my door.  He had climbed -silently- out of his crib & opened his door in the pitch dark.  At this time (I was delirious), I don't remember what he was saying.  But I do know that it had purpose.  He has escaped twice before: the first time super stealth & successful, the second time he landed on his face.  I guess it scared him as much as it did us b/c he hasn't tried it for weeks now.  Until last night.  So, I scooped him up and tried to lay him back in his crib, when he totally freaked out!  I mean, screaming & clawing at me, absolutely terrified of what you may ask?  He thought there were ladybugs in his crib.  He must have had a sad little attack of the killer ladybugs dream.  It was actually completely heartbreaking.  I couldn't bear to put him down, so I stuck him in bed with us.  Major mistake.  I don't know what I was thinking.  Our kids have never....NEVER ever...slept with us.  We wanted that.  We did that on purpose.  At first, it was because we didn't feel it was safe.  Also, we didn't want to form & later have to break that habit.  **I know there are lots of people that co-sleep...to each his own. No judgment here.**  Turns out, our kids do best in their bed.  We have tried on occasion to put them in bed with us, such as if they're sick.  NEVER has it worked.  Didn't know why I thought this would be different.  So, I work for 2 hours to get him to sleep.  By 3 am, Cuban Daddy (who had to show houses downtown in a few hours) had had it.  He put him in his crib & it seemed to work.  I couldn't fall asleep knowing he could escape so I watched him on the monitor til he fell asleep (or so I thought.)  Just in case, I lied in bed about 5 mins and checked my email.  Satisfied that all was completely silent, I glanced one more time at the monitor...only to find him teetering on the rail!  I raced in there, caught him, laid him down again.  By the time I got back to my bed to see the monitor...he was teetering again.  Once more, I tried to get him to sleep...this time putting the 2 year old on top of me in our bed.  Cuban Daddy, w/o saying a word headed out the door, flipping on lights in the other rooms.  I thought he was going to work at 3 am?  K fell asleep (miracle) & Cuban Daddy comes back to bed saying that K now has a big boy bed.  Ha! My husband, the problem solver. K slept 3 hrs with us & then woke everyone around 6:30.  So, last night, my total sleep hours were about 3 1/2.  Ugh.  


So, that was a much longer & more detailed story than I had anticipated.  Sorry! 
But it brings me to a couple of thoughts:


So, with K finally asleep on my chest, I thought of #3 & #4 and the 100s of millions like them.  Millions?!  Oh heartache.  My heart literally felt as if it was breaking as I lay there thinking of them.  How many of them had tried to climb out of their crib?  Did they have someone diligently watching to keep them safe?  What about a dad that would get up in the middle of the night to make it safe for them?  And if they fell, how long did it take for them to be picked up?  And if they had a nightmare, was there someone to hold them and rock them all night?  And if they had a tummy ache?  Were thirsty?  Needed to potty? Breaking thinking that my babies likely didn't have any of that.  Not that Cuban Daddy & I are perfect parents, but we do try & we do love & we will do anything for them.  I know many of you reading this have gone through similar things...probably many times.  This is just one little story, I know.  But it's the little things like this that I often think about and wish that I could be there for my babies right now.  And not just our babies, but for all of the children out there without parents and a family.  


At this moment, as I finish writing this:

K just woke from his first successful nap in his new big boy bed!  Short, but still...success.  G chose not to nap for the 2nd day in a row....nooo! ;)  So, right now, the kids are eating their after-nap snack & watching "Dinosaur Train" on PBS.  I just had a conversation with 3 year old G about how this cartoon is about *Adoption* as well.  Love that they have this show out there!  I think it will be a good tool for us to use in the next couple of years.


This is not the only "change" we've had in the past couple of days.  We've also received a couple of anonymous people from our church turn in their Sippys 4 Siblings change!  I took one donated bag to the store the other day & it amounted to $43!!  This morning at church (Yes, if you are reading this and saw me this morning, maybe the above explanation will explain today's rough look...ha!), I received another bag of Sippy cup change!  Can't wait to cash it in.  People are beginning to turn in their Sippys 4 Siblings change, and we are in awe of others' generosity!  Thank you so much, every bit helps.  There is no deadline for getting the change in...just whenever you are ready.  We are so appreciative...thank you!


Sippys 4 Siblings is like our pot of gold... Happy St. Patty's Day!      






Day ONE of the "Big Boy Bed": 




Tired Daddy after Day ONE in Big Boy Bed...ha!!  G climbed on him as he was napping, & told me that he was her prince and she'd kiss him to wake him.  Cute! 


Praying for more sleep tonight!


*And my baby brother's wedding is tomorrow night...yay!


~ 6 in Love ~

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Got Fingerprints?

If you know me, you know I LOVE to be productive.  The feeling of accomplishment.  To cross off my to-do list.  And what better list to cross off from then our Adoption one?!  


As I've said many times before, it's a TON of paperwork.  I've been kind of down & hard on myself for not getting it done faster.  It's hard to work on while the little ones are awake, because I'm having to fill out packets entitled "Culture", "Transracial Adoption," one 10 page Autobiography (each), & one 4 page typed Autobiography (each)....just to name a FEW.  I can't exactly concentrate w/ K climbing & coloring everything & sweet G asking a million "why" questions (not complaining about that....glad that they are as active and curious as they are...it's just not easy to write essays while dealing with the such.)  Oh, and since barely 2 year old K is potty trained, we take lots of trips to the potty...and he must have a hollow leg b/c that little guy can EAT (we snack all day).  Phew.  


So, back to my point.  Today has been an awesomely productive "Adoption" day!  Thanks to my terrific Mom who took G to school & kept K until after lunch, I accomplished a lot!  I "tried, tried, and tried again" (ha) and found the new police building where I needed to get my fingerprints done.  I did them this morning, and later today, so did Cuban Daddy.  Not so bad.  I was able to come back home, tackle the insane pile(S) of laundry & organize paperwork, email needed information, and fill out more paperwork.  I'm so motivated & excited to work on it again tonight! Guess what?  I also cooked.  Shocker, I know.  But as for the dishes, they will just have to clean themselves.


Did I mention that my little brother is getting married in FOUR DAYS?!  We're so excited about that & having fun w/ the 'festivities.'  The kids can't wait & neither can I.  Cuban Daddy is showing houses ALL weekend (thank you, Lord, for the business!), so I'm anticipating a busy weekend to say the least.  

So, that's the update on "Adoption stuff."  Will let you know when the paperwork gets in the mail! I am sooo looking forward to that day!


You may or may not have noticed that I like to take photos.  LOTS of photos.  I just enjoy it.  So, here a few from the past few days (well, I took the Engagement ones a couple weeks ago):


Aren't they such a cute couple?!:




Getting ready for the wedding.  Yep, the little ring bearer gets to rock these! 
(Brand new at the consignment sale?  Yes, please!)

Just call me 'Mommy Scissorhands." More wedding prep.  
This time, excited G got about an inch trim.   

Trimmed K's too.  Now he can see. ;)  Silly boy. 

These window markers are awesome!! 

We've found several ladybugs in our house lately.  K has become a little obsessed with finding them.  He is always bringing me little specks, insisting they are ladybugs, and insisting they need to 'fly away' outside.  I don't have the heart to tell him otherwise.  So we visit the back porch often.  
Anyways, right after I got in my car after getting the Adoption Fingerprints made, look who I found.  I took a pic for K & posted to Facebook too.  A friend of mine- who has made her own 2 international adoptions look like a breeze- informed me that ladybugs are supposed to be 'good luck' for adoptive parents...and that they signify a 'sooner' referral of a child.  Wouldn't that be amazing?! 

We've been having beautiful weather...Happy Spring! 

My  heart on a blue rug: 

Was taken on New Years Eve, but one of my favorites of me & my #1 baby:

Goodnight, friends!

~ 6 in Love ~


Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Try, Try, & Try Again

I think it's safe to say that "Try, Try, & Try Again" is something we will have to get used to during this adoption process.  As you probably know, we are in the beginning stages of this lengthy adoption process.  And already we are doing things over and over again.  Do this, but do it here too.  Write it here, and here again.  Ask about this, but ask this person too.  Go, and go once more.   That's okay, we can always use a little more patience, right?  


Here are a couple of examples we've come across this week:


A few people have already turned in their "Sippys 4 Siblings" sippy cups change!  The kids and I have been collecting it to make a trip to the grocery store's change counting machine.  So, finally, we were ready (they kept asking!).  So, we made a trek to a store we don't usually go to b/c they had a machine.  Two toddlers, HEAVY nearly-breaking bag of change that they both want to hold & me-excitedly strut in, find the machine, and read the sign: "Out of Order."  Doh.  Disappointment.  Attempted explanation to follow.  Here we are at machine #1:



Excited & not knowing it's out of order yet... 


Pictured above: my mini problem solvers insisting on fixing the machine.

Didn't work.  ;)  So out we go, busted bag still in hand(s).

Due to our tight schedule (which is pretty much every day), we didn't have time to make a trip to another store.  The kids were disappointed, but it wasn't too bad.

The next day, K spent time w/ Cuban Daddy while G and I had a 'date' out and ran some errands together.  Love spending time with my baby girl!  Well, we found another store w/ a machine & G got to dump all of the coins into it.  Amazing to see it add up!  
*Let's note that 3 yr old G chose this entire outfit from her closet, head to toe with no help.  Good job, baby!

                                                          

So you know that mound of paperwork of which I've been chipping away?  Well, part of it included a fingerprinting packet each for Cuban Daddy & me.  We have to go to a police department to have our prints taken.  So, I called a local one yesterday to make sure that they do adoption prints at that location, find out details, etc.  The lady assured me they did them there, gave me exact directions, etc.  So, today after the kids' naps, I rushed my 1/2 awake (slightly grumpy- totally get that from their Daddy) kids to the potty, into clothes, grabbed snacks and paperwork, and headed out into the pouring rain to make it to the station in time.  We drove nearly 30 mins, and met Cuban Daddy (who escaped work for a few mins for this task).  We got to the desk, and the lady working said, "Well, here's how you get to where you need to go."  What??  Being that they closed in 10 mins, we would not be making it today.  And the fact that I called yesterday to confirm this information?  Ugh.  Oh well, it is what it is.  Everything for a reason.  We're working on squeezing the next try in later this week.

So... I'm not one to miss an opportunity 'out'.  Daddy headed back to work.  G was begging to eat dinner out.  Yes, she gets that from me.  And, no, I'm not proud of it. ;)  So, I gave in...I got something small (Seems fitting they were OUT of the one thing I wanted from that restaurant right?  Yeah.) & the kids split a kids' meal.  They really only wanted to play on the playground anyway.  This new daylight made it feel early, so why not?  The playground was overrun by about 15 10 year olds.  Huh??  So, after 3 times down the slide in tears...we gave up.  (And the fact that I had to tell one boy to stop touching me like 5 times pushed me over the edge. I mean, seriously, where is your Mama?) I followed up w/ free ice cream to end the night on a high.  Finally, success!





While we were there (and after I may or may not have complained about the multitude of completely unsupervised wild kids crowding the little kids' playground), I thought to ask if they did fundraising nights for adoptions.  They took my number and said someone would call to talk to me about it.  So, we will see!

A pretty awesome high of the day:  an amazing friend of mine (w/ two babies of her own) took K in for a couple of hours while G was in school so I could work on my mound of paperwork!  Much needed & so helpful!  I really do have great friends...I think about how blessed I am in that regard often.  I feel very undeserving.

We will try, try, and try again tomorrow.

~ 6 in Love ~