One final Christmas post

We got the kids a wooden train set and were very surprised when we put it all together. This train is too big for any type of table! It takes up ALL the floor space in our den. We have put the pieces in a rolling bin so that the kids can put it together anywhere they wish and not all the pieces need to be used.





The kids also got a big gift from Granny Mona, Pepaw Bill, Aunt Tammy, and Uncle Dana. With their combined gift cards to Wal-Mart, the kids purchased a bounce house. We took it with us to MeMe and PawPaw's house so that the cousins could also play in it. They really enjoy this gift.

TJ in the bounce house.

Both kiddos bouncing.

MA in the ball pit of the bounce house.

Christmas 2008

Here are just a few photos of what the kids received for Christmas.

MA's brand new bike from Santa.

TJ with her art desk from Santa and baby doll from daddy.

TJ's dress up chest with lots of clothes, shoes, jewelry and accessories.

MA's mega block CARS racetrack and Mack truck.

Breakfast with Santa

TJ got to have breakfast with Santa again this year. She seemed to really enjoy herself. This is a photo of her standing in front of Santa's good list. Her name is 4th from the top.

This photo is of her sitting in Santa's chair.

TJ and Santa


The next two photos are of the kids all dressed up. The 1st is for the Waldon/Garland Christmas celebration.

This photo is for the Christmas weekend service at church. MA really didn't want to have his picture taken.

Home Study

Well the home study went really well. The lady that came out gave us a good report and stated that the only concern she had was that we have no CPS contact. We still do not have a case worker that is available to answer questions or let us know what the next step would be. Rey and I are so relieved to have that part of the process complete. Thanks for the thoughts, prayers, and good wishes. We love you friends.

Busy Weekend

Our family has had a whirlwind of excitement the last 5 days.

Saturday, as we traveled to an early Christmas party with family we were rear ended by an 18 wheeler. We were in the VW beetle (with a steel frame) and the it was a low speed impact. Everyone has been checked out and found to be fine.

On Monday we started dealing with the insurance and getting the car repaired. The claims adjuster is amazing and is taking care of everything. The car was put in the shop on Tuesday and Rey had a loaner waiting for him.

Also, among the many phone calls we received was one about our adoption process. A wonderful lady called to set up our home study appointment. We are scheduled for our study today, Wednesday, about 6 pm. We are beyond excited. After tonight we will post again to let everyone know how it went. Please keep us in your prayers.

Christmas Time

Hello friends!

I am so excited that Christmas is just around the corner. I love the decorations and twinkling lights. We have two trees up this year. The small tree we bought when in the apartment, has become the kids tree. They had full control of decorating it with the help of Uncle Robert. It turned out pretty good. Our big tree is up that Rey and I decorated. I still have a few decorations to put out and Rey still needs to put up lights outside, but I think it all looks good. I hope you all have a great holiday season.

Training Complete

Rey and I completed our adoption training last night and I couldn't be happier.

Only a few more things to go before we start looking at children. We will go get fingerprinted on Monday. Then our homestudy will be contracted. I hope we can get our homestudy complete before the end of the year.

Anyway, that is about it around here. I am glad to have my Tuesday nights back.

TJ's 1st School Photo

Just had to share.

Happenings

Sorry it has been two since the last post. We have been hectic around here. With the end of adoption classes, holidays, and just special days we are keeping busy.

I am excited to say that our last adoption training class is the 18th of this month. I am THRILLED! All of our paperwork has been turned in. We are going to be fingerprinted on the 24th so the FBI can do background checks on both Rey and myself.

After all of that the next step is the home study. I am a little worried at how long it may take to be completed. Some say 6 to 7 months because of a backlog in the system. I hope we can get it completed sooner. Rey keeps saying to be patient, but patience is not one of my virtues. I keep imagining a Christmas with 4 kiddos around a tree on Christmas morning and going to Christmas Eve services all dressed up.

It may sound odd, but I feel like everything is in slow motion. I want to do so many things, go so many places, and see so much with my kids. However, it's hard doing, going, or seeing with TJ and MA alone. I feel like we left someone behind. I want to do, go and see with all my children. There are vacations and toys I've put off because I want all my kids to have a say and enjoy everything. Then, I feel like a horrible parent, because it is not TJ and MA's fault. So, why shouldn't they get to have that time with Rey and I before we become a crazy family of 6? It is a hard line to walk and so, very slow going.

Adoption Training

We had our 7th training session last night and I was completely entertained and engrossed in the discussion. This is the 1st time I was not completely bored. We have 3 more sessions to go and I just can't wait to be finished. We are almost done with all the mounds of paperwork and I will be extremely happy when it's complete. I hate paperwork. That's pretty much the update for now.

Abilene Zoo

Since we were all in Abilene, we just had to stop by the zoo. A new enterance has been built and it looks so nice. We just had to share some of the photos of the animals. If you ever have the chance to go, I recommend feeding the giraffes. My kids love watching the giraffes long tongue reach for the food.

Homecoming

My college homecoming was last weekend. The whole family spent two days in Abilene and had a blast. Rey and I went to our club reunions and had a great time catching up with friends. My reunion was awesome! Ladies you all did a wonderful job. To my sisters not able to be there, I missed you all.

We had to take a few pics of the kids on campus, so here you go.


Rey and TJ at the monument in the quad.


Rey and kids at his clubs tipi. By the way, the tipi is brand new.


Me and TJ at my clubs tipi.



Rey and the kids at my clubs tipi.

Kiddo Update

TJ and MA are doing really well lately. TJ is becoming more talkative and social because of Pre-K and MA is picking up everything TJ is doing. I don't know what we are going to do with MA when school rolls around. I think he is learning so quickly and easily that he may be bored with Pre-K and Kindergarten. I guess we will cross that bridge when we get there.

Not a lot going on other than the same ole stuff. Rey and I stay busy with work, kids and church. The kids stay busy with school, friends and playdates. I think we have a pretty boring life.

Training Update

We are getting a little break from the adoption training today. Our facilitator is on vacation and has no one to fill in. So we get a week off. I am happy about this because I now get more time to rejuvinate myself. I am unhappy about this because it is prolonging training and I really just want to be done.

Rey and I upgraded our fire extinguisher and we are now ready to go. We would like to start looking at children before Christmas, but we are uncertain has to when our homestudy would be completed. I know it has only been since May that we started, but I'm impatient (it's my downfall). I am just hoping to have new members in our family by summer time.

I say it a lot and I will say it again...I'm EXCITED! I just don't know how to convey the emotions and thought processes going on everyday except as a state of constant excitement.

A litte closer

We are getting even closer to having new children in our home.

Last night we went to our fifth training class. In complete honesty, I'm bored to tears. Having a sociology degree and reading any & everything on adoption before this class has left me over prepared. Because of that, I am frustrated at not getting more out of the class.

Today, our facilitator came to the house to do a prelim. assessment to help with the home study. The only thing we didn't have right was the size of our fire extinguisher. We have a 3.5 pound extinguisher and we need a 5 pound. So, we are completely ecstatic about the prelim.

Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers. Please keep sending them our way.

MAs 3rd haircut

Just a before and after shot of MAs 3rd haircut. Three haircuts before the age of 3! TJ has only had 2 haircuts and she is over 4.

Chug Chug Chug

We are just chugging along on our adoption training. Next week our facilitator will be making a visit to our home. We're a little nervous about that, but should be no big deal. We are slowly getting paperwork together and doing all those last minute things we need to. So, no big news.

A little worried

We went to our 3rd training session last night and now I am a little worried.

Rey and I really thought that wanting to adopt older children would not be as time consuming as waiting for an infant. However, after our discussion last night, our facilitators seem to believe that we could be waiting years. Why? Mainly because the agency would like to keep the birth order in tact and they think that if we did adopt older children (6 - 10 years old) that they would still be too close in age to our bio children.

UGH!

I know that each case and family is different and that we shouldn't worry. But, IT'S HARD. Rey and I have really talked about everything and what would be best for our family, not just ourselves. TJ and MA come first, we think about their well being in every decision. So, I know we can handle the children we want to adopt.

Sorry about the rant. Just a bit frustrated.

Not much new

Hello everyone!

Just wanted to say we are still here and well, just not a lot going on right now. We have been spending lots of time outside in the beautiful weather. The kids are still doing well. Talia loves school and Max is just happy all the time.

We went to our 2nd PRIDE training and all is in order and going well. We had our paperwork ready to go and all documentation for the facilitator to start background checks. Our facilitator did let us know that the state has a goal time limit of 120 days. So, we should in theory, start looking at children in the new year. All of our training and home study should be complete. I can hardly wait.

The Results

I am to start with THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!!! My wonderful friends and the power of prayer are amazing.

I just got a call from TJ's nurse at Scottish Rite. All tests and scans show all organs in perfect condition and in proper working order. We are holding off on surgery until a new X-ray is taken in 6 months (to see if there is progression and how fast the progression is going).

This is one less thing I have to stress over. After that phone call so much weight is off my shoulders. Now, I feel like I can do anything! THANKS!

1st Adoption Class

Well, we had our 1st class last night. We now have a binder of paperwork to fill out as well as a list of documentation we need that is as long as my arm.

The actual meeting was good. The facilitators were pushing foster care really hard. I think within the next couple of meetings I will need to inform them that (with what I know about myself) I will never be able to foster and give up a child that has been living in my home.

The class includes 4 other couples. Two couples are there for foster to adopt, two couples already have a specific child (kinship adoption) in mind for adoption, and then there is Rey and I.

All in all, a very informative meeting. I felt like I might have been a little over prepared. I started research and reading anything I could about adoption a while back. So, some of the general info and stats they gave I already knew. I guess that is actually a good thing.

Thanks for all the support and prayers. Please keep them coming.

TJ Tiger, Brave and Strong

TJ had all her scoliosis tests today. She did so well. I am extremely proud of her and can't believe how easy going she was about everything. She sat still for the ultrasound even when she was freezing. Then, she sat perfectly still for the CT scan which was great. She didn't even cry when the nurse inserted the IV for the sedation drugs. She just looked up from the cartoons and said "Ow". The sedation was for the hour long MRI. She did amazing and woke up happy to be able to go home. We will get the results in about a week. At that point, we will make an appointment to sit down with all the doctors, nurses and specialists to review the results, get a prognosis and decide when and how to proceed.

All in all, TJ did very well today and I am so happy she was so brave. Because she was so good she was given the opportunity to pick out a special toy. She chose a little, stuffed tiger. We named the tiger TJ, because she was so brave and strong.

In other news, we start our adoption training classes tomorrow. I am a wreck with worry. I keep wondering "what if". What if they think we are horrible people and won't let us adopt? Worse, what if they think we are so terrifically horrid that they take away our children we have now? I know....I know....it is normal, but it is still scary. I will try to post Wednesday about the class (as it will be very late Tuesday when we get back). Please continue to pray for us.

TJ's 2nd and 3rd Days of School

I just can't help it. I have to show more pics. TJ is loving school and is so excited each day to go. I hope this continues throughout her academic career.

Tuesday


Wednesday

TJ's 1st Day of Pre-K

Just had to share some pics of Miss TJ ready for school. She was so excited and can't wait to get there today. She is growing so fast.

Before


After

Just had to show off my beautiful nieces

I took these pics at my moms house.

TJ's Visit

Some of you might know, but Wednesday, Rey and I took TJ to Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. We were there to diagnos her scoliosis and begin a treatment plan. Her pediatrician, Rey and I were thinking a brace for a few years to correct the curvature of her spine. That's not going to happen. She has congenital scoliosis, which means one of her vertebrae is abnormally shaped and this occurs in utero at about 4 to 6 weeks gestation. What this means is that for about 4 to 6 months we will monitor the curve. If the curve stays at the same degree, we can wait on surgery until she is older or the curve is impeding her balance and coordination. If the curve gets worse, then we will have surgery scheduled soon. I really don't like the idea of surgery for my little girl, but it is my understanding that if we do it sooner rather than later, TJ will have minimum recovery time and will be most likely not to ever need another surgery in her life. So, for now we wait and see. We will have another appointment to get an MRI and CT scan on September 8th. To do those tests they will sedate her, so please keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

Workin' Hard

Just had to share this pic of MA hard at work on the computer.

Babysitters

Since our adoption classes start soon we have been looking for a babysitter for the kiddos on Tuesday nights. We started with names of childcare workers from our church, mainly because they had background checks done. However, the possible sitters live far enough away that it would not be very efficient. So, I asked some other mommy friends and got a great response. I was given the name of a college sophomore and her mother, a nanny. How great is that?! So, we have a backup ready so we won't have to miss any sessions. What a relief to cross that off my to do list.

Gone Home

Well, I had my brother staying with me for a week and he went home yesterday. This morning the kids got up and asked about Uncle and where was he. It was a little sad. The kids love him so much and really miss him. I wish we were closer so that Uncle could come stay longer and more often. Hopefully we will see him again soon (before school starts).

Good Times

Friday evening Rey took his car to the shop to have them replace the headlight. He has a VW Beetle and there was no way he could change the bulb himself without taking out half of the engine. So, he called for an appointment and was quoted a little more than $60!! Just to change a headlight bulb?! He went to the shop, had the repair done, and went to pay at the receptionists desk. He paid $8.98, only the cost of the bulb, no labor included. Rey came home so happy with himself and said he was pretty sure the receptionist was flirting and that is why she did not charge for the labor. He was too cute!! I am just happy it didn't cost the $60+. All I can say is, "keep working it baby, let's see how much money we can save."

Not enough

Today, I had a dear friend tell me that I did not update the blog nearly enough. So, I will try to be better. At this point there isn't a lot to update everyone on.

After vacation we got back into the daily grind without much excitement. I am staying busy with my duties at church. Although, I am sad to say, that next Wednesday (the 13th) will be my last MOMS (Moms On a Mission at Springcreek) meeting for a while. With TJ starting school and our adoption classes starting soon after, I literally don't have the time in the day to run back and forth. I will definitely miss all my mommy friends, but I know we will see each other at church.

On the adoption note, we are looking for a sitter for the ten weeks of class. Through our contacts at church, we have four or five really good prospects. I just need to get on the ball and start calling these ladies. I am sort of dragging my feet because I really don't like the idea of leaving my kiddos that long, but if we want to grow our family it is a must. I know it is only 4 to 5 hours, once a week so I will soldier on.

MA has been going to a weekly class at the local rec center and seems to enjoy his time away by himself. I can't believe he is such a big boy now. He's never really been a baby, but it seems like he grows more mature overnight. I am so proud of him.

TJ has gotten into a really bad stage. Everything out of her mouth is a demand and it drives me batty! We have tried just about everything, but nothing seems to get thru to her. Other than her mouth, she is doing well and is excited about school. I just hope she stays that way when the 1st day comes around.

Well, there is my update for now. Again, I will try to be better in the coming weeks.

Fun Vacation

Well, my family and I have returned from San Antonio. We had a blast!

Tuesday we went to ride the train in Brackenridge Park by the zoo. We then went across the street to play in the Japanese sunken gardens (I love that place, it is always so beautiful). We ate lunch, went to MIL's for a nap, went shopping at a mall, back to MIL's for dinner and sleep.

Wednesday we went to the Alamo, the kids liked walking around the gardens but it was mainly a site trip for myself and Rey. I love history and no matter how many times I go I will never tire of hearing the story. From there we went to the river walk and on a river boat tour. We even ate at our favorite Mexican cafe on the River, Cafe Ole (YUMMY)! Went to MIL's for a nap, chilled and watched a movie, then went out to eat with MIL for dinner, then to bed.

Thursday was a little more eventful with Dolly pushing thunderstorms into SA. We left MIL's, it started to rain, but stopped just before we got to the Natural Bridge Wildlife Safari, so we waited in line to drive thru our safari. It came a downpour as we handed the lady our money. We drove thru but only saw a few animals so we decided to wait it out in the Grille and had lunch. We then went to the souvinear shop and then petting zoo. The rain finally calmed so we drove thru again. We saw every animal they had in the guide book. The ostriches tried to peck out our windows and scared the daylights out of MA. Then the zebras stuck their whole heads in the car to get to the food, again scaring MA. TJ just wanted to ride them. We didn't take any photos at the safari because we were having too much of a good time.

We left the safari and headed north, just outside of Austin, traffic stopped. People were standing around their vehicles and some were even going in their camper trailers. After listening to the radio we found out that a bus collided with an 18 wheeler, causing the truck to roll and spill oil over the interstate. So for about an hour we did nothing, then a nice older man talked to a couple of truckers and they agreed to block a path for the smaller vehicles to get on the service road. So, we finally got past that stuff and stopped in Waco for dinner. On the way home there were more than a dozen state troopers with people stopped (6 were within a quarter mile of each other). The officers were searching vehicles and we think maybe they got a tip about something or someone coming from the south? Anyway, we are home and glad to be here.

Here are a few pics.

See you next week!

My family and I will be on vacation until next week so you won't see any posts from me. However, once we are back home I will have plenty of photos to share. Have a great week everyone.

Great weekend

Had to share some photos from this weekend.

This is TJ's dance class. In the 1st photo she is warming up and in the 2nd all the kids are dancing in a circle.



***********

This photo is of MA after eating his omelet and toast with jelly. I think most of the jelly was on him instead of in his tummy.


***********

This is a shot of both kiddos at the downtown park. They love to look over the bridge at the water below.


***********

In other news, we have finally been given dates for our adoption training. Our case worker called Monday evening with the dates. We will be in training each Tuesday evening from Sept. 9th to Nov. 11th. Rey and I are excited. The dates fit perfectly for us because they fall after TJ's scoliosis appointment, and after school begins. That's it for now. I hope to have more news soon.

Dancing Dude

Just had to share. My kiddos give me so much joy. They are plain happy to just dance around the den. Enjoy!

A Little Update

Just wanted to say that I updated MA's scrapblog. You can see all the new cute pages here.

Summer Time

Just had to share some pics from our 4th of July weekend. We went to the zoo again (zoo membership is a wonderful thing)! The first pic is of me, TJ and MA in the beautiful flower garden just in front of the bird exhibits.



The second pic is of MA riding the wooden horse in the zoo's childrens area. He looks like he is having fun, huh?



The last pic is of TJ posing in her new swimsuit just before we went to the back yard to play in the pool.



***********************************

I wanted to update you all as well, that we talked to a real, live person at CPS and were told that our contact had been out sick. The lady we spoke with said she would check on everything and get back to us in a couple of days. YEAH!!

MA scrapblog pages

I just had to had these cute scrapblog pages of MA for all to see. He is too handsome, I don't know what I am going to do when he is interested in girls?!



*********************************

As for our AC it has been repaired. The kiddos and I went to stay at my parent's house for the weekend and Rey had to deal with the hot temps and the repairman.

I've said it before....

When it rains it pours!

We are without air conditioning, in 100 degree Texas heat, and per our rental agreement no air conditioning is not a true emergency. Yep...no health or safety issues, so we live without AC until the leasing agent decides to call someone to repair or replace it. Fun times. We just spent $80 on 4 different fans to place throughout the house. It is times like these that I wish we owned a home. We had even called our agent early in the week because we knew something was wrong. Our agent had an AC repairman come to the house and hose of the outside unit. Don't think it did much good.

*********

In other news, my kids had a great time playing dress up. MA especially liked putting on as many clothes as possible. He put sissy's outfit over his clothes and even wore her sparkle shoes. TJ liked MA's button down shirt over her pajamas. Crazy kids!


*********

I also wanted to say "Thank God for Crayola washable markers!"