Anne OfAlamo Scraps - LIKE me!

A few months ago, I took my Anne Ofalamo facebook page to a very small and private group.  This is to keep my private life, well, more private.  As most of you reading this know I am not a private person, I am quite extroverted, love a crowd and meeting new people is like one of my favorite past-times.  My personal page remains private for my kids. 

But.................I miss my scrappin' buddies something fierce too, even the ones that I just LIKED here and there, and I want to network for the designers that I create pages.  These are fabulous designers, and I think people will want to see their sales, their products and hopefully my pages done for them. 
If you would be so kind as to LIKE Anne OfAlamo Scraps Page , I would be so grateful.  I hope to find some time to make a template or something like that to give away, once I get say 50 people? Thank you, and again, happy scrappin on this DSD weekend!

Fellowshipping People

I grew up in a home that was filled with people other than our family.  My parents love to feed people.  This is a love they have passed down to me abundantly!  When I gave my life to Jesus Christ in 1988, I was a single lady in the US Air Force, not a whole lot of money, but to feed people was something I loved to do.  I would have a house load of people and serve popcorn and koolaide!
Fast forward to 2013, fellowship and "breaking of bread" is still a major part of our lives.  Especially in a church smack dab in the middle of revival.  Weddings, baptisms, guest evangelists, babies being born and any other excuse for eating means making a whole lotta casseroles and things for potlucks!  This week, there is one bachelor party that the married men are asked to bring a dish (lol, their wives make) and then the same man is marrying a delight of lady this Sunday and their reception will have so many people, that help was called on to feed them all!  That, and the fact I have 7 children, doing a day of preparing was in order.

 Spaghetti is one of the easiest to get done for the reception.  I do recommend cutting the noodles in 3rds or fourths for easier eating pleasure (less splatter for consumer) hahah I really try and pick up the marked down meat whenever I can at the local Walmart.  That along with Great Value generic brands helps the budget too!

 Two pans in the middle of getting it done.  I fry meat and then pour the sauce equally and then can add the noodles to get a full pan!

 Here are the ingredients for the enchiladas, but I am not doing those til after lunch!

 Next up, Creamy Basil chicken casserole.  I got these at our super duper Community Connection Thrift Store.  It has "expired" food or damaged cans/boxes for great prices.  I picked up 4 of these boxes in thoughts of upcoming potlucks!  That along with a marked down boneless chicken thigh package I was in bidness!  Make friends with the yellow sticker man at your store!  He gives me heads up for sales to come along the week, and I pop in the store at 8:30am with hopes of sales!

 I chopped the thighs into bite size chunks.

 Boil the enclosed noodles, they were different texture, but I liked them, and they were already short too. 

 Chicken all cut up.

 While I am doing the Basil Chicken, I have the other package of chicken par boiling for the enchiladas. 

 Here is the chicken with the seasoning, the cream and roasted tomatoes (all included too)

 Two pans! One for tonight, and one for the wedding reception Sunday!

 Another good buy from the thrift store.  I tried these last week with company on Friday! Big hit.  So the bachelors on Friday night will have some homestyle mac and cheese to devour!

 Remember the chicken boiling?  Pulled out before lunch and now is cool to shred for enchiladas.

 Save that stock!!

 The construction of the enchiladas, hey I am getting ahead of myself.  As some of you know I am into a bit more healthy now, and frying things is a big NO-NO!  I use the chicken stock to soak my corn tortillas in for flavor!

 See the tortilla under the water??? It is so yummy!

 Shredded chicken, onion and green chile' all ready for the enchiladas

 There we have it, two speghettis (one for the wedding on Sunday, one for tonight), Chicken Basil (one for tonight and one for the wedding) Both enchiladas to the wedding and the mac and cheese for Friday's boys bachelor party!

Dishes are done, dinner is done, and I am satisfied! All but tonights are in the freezer and will be heated up for their expected munching!

BUSY busy BUSY

Whew! Last night's sermon was one I had received personally from my Pastor a few months back.  You see, I have lived a very rigid and scheduled life for a very long time.  I set times and lengths of scheduled activities and never left room for just enjoying life and imagination.
On a white board by the computer was a time schedule for chores, school, meals and "free" time.  I was making my kids neurotic and I was already there! Now I didn't just do this for me, but oh the anger I would have when someone didn't do what was on the board in the right order.  I blame the book Cheaper by the Dozen.  Here is a small synopsis of the book:
No growing pains have ever been more hilarious than those suffered loudly by the riotous Gilbreth clan. First, there are a dozen redhaired, freckle-faced kids to contend with. Then there's Dad, a famous efficiency expert, who believes a family can be run just like a factory. And there's Mother, his partner in everything except discipline. You can be sure that they're not only cheaper, they're funnier by the dozen.

The bold is me, I was running my family like a factory.  That is not a good thing. I talked with my Pastor about my freaky nature.  He laughed and said, you have a big family, I understand the need to be organized,
BUT...........................................
you have to relax a bit more, and enjoy the time you have with them.

This was like a weight lifted from my  shoulders, heart and mind!  I went home and erased the white board, and told the kids sorry I was a spaz.  They laughed.  We had field trips just because, stayed at the park for longer and laughed more. 
Now I am still very organized, for crying out loud, I have 7 children!  We have set days for laundry, chores are assigned, and I do a menu for the week (to save my sanity, and help in grocery shopping).  Home-school is pretty organized and we figure out daily the car situation.  Eric works, Tony bikes usually to work and I am chauffeur to many kids (to school, preschool and activities).  But I don't regulate life anymore.  I don't freak on my floors being sticky, dust build up(heck I live in the desert, I won't ever win).
I listened to the sermon last night, as one who has been set free from being busy for the sake of being busy, and Pastor said, find that one thing God wants you to do, and do it with all your heart. I am a wife and a mom to many.
I love God so much, Jesus touched my life 20 some years ago, and I have not lost the wonder and gratefulness to my Savior.  The time I spend in reading my bible and prayer has become sweeter and stronger as I have unregulated my life.  I am amazed at the closeness in relationships with my family and even friends.  I think I can be a bit "overwhelming and daunting" to others with my organization.  I want to relax, and be like that happy little goldfish in the bowl sometimes, and now I can!

A day of RESPITE

res·pite/ˈrespət/

Noun:

A short period of rest or relief from something difficult or unpleasant. Good Golly that sounds horrible but this is what we had Saturday.  As many of you know we are in the midst of fostering to adopt three remarkable boys.  D7, W5 and J4.  They are a handful and we also have 4 previously adopted children Mr. E16, Gman14 and the twinklies who are 13. A few weeks ago, exhaustion and just plain worn out mom and the Bigs(my name for the teens) were ready to quit, cry and raise the flag of surrender.  Thankfully, my awesome hubby reacts with less emotions than me.  Yeah, it was a bit rough, yeah the situation gets a bit intense more times than we would like and the memories of before the Littles was dancing like sugar plums in our heads. Quitting is NOT an option, but a day of rest or relief was and through organization and planning (getting people off from work), and a family that are foster licensed and would have the means to take in 3 boys for the day happened! Saturday, we brought the Littles to a meeting place where the fabulous foster family took them off for a day of football, snacks, outdoor running around, horseback rides and pure joyful time.  None of the Littles even napped! That was huge!  They went all day, I mean all day. We drove to pick them up at 8pm, and I told them they needed a bath, and D7 says, "oh can I please go first Mom, I am so tired, I just want to go to bed!"  We did speed baths and they were asleep before their little heads hit the pillow. The Bigs, along with Mom and Dad spent the day together, we went out for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and shopped in Cruces, and just spent money and time together.  It was so refreshing not to have to watch over little brothers or herd them here and there.  But they were missed. The drive home down the mountain was beyond good.  I got glow sticks for everyone, and it was good.

One in tub...must be Saturday!

As little J3 enjoys a bubble bath and the excitement of having a new toy, aka colander,  I sit and do a recap of the week
Monday was a holiday, and my dear hubby got hit with bad allergies and topped by irritation by the fires here in New Mexico. The skies have been filled for a few days with brown nastiness.  The sun is a deep and vibrant red as it sets each night.

Rather magnificent actually, if the air would be clear.  My youngest boys are really having a hard time with their noses too.  Tony got some relief Tuesday at the doctor and some antibiotics.  I was so glad!  He has a lingering cough, but is pressing in and being his awesome self.  Fixing tires, scrubbing my kitchen and encouraging us too.
This week started the FREE breakfast and lunches at the school.  With seven children, this is a HUGE HUGE help.  We go to two schools for breakfast, so the boys get full.  Then go to 3 at lunch, but the last one, we just relax and let the little ones play on the playground as it is at the park.  We bring water and just enjoy the time.
Anna cut my hair this week, and I cut 5 inches off Abby's hair too.  We are ready for the hot weather!
I am gonna have to bring her to the beauty college to make it even, but she is so sweet and just loves it short and easy to manage.  Anna needs hers relayered, so we will give that a whirl next week.
We had some friends over (Jim Larry and his beautiful bride Wilma) Friday night for some bomb diddly bagoki elk and General Tsaos chicken. 
Eric was rather excited, as he found a scooter for sale for $140, and went and withdrew cash, and got it for $120.

Yes, I was freaking and yes, I will pray, but I am so proud of my son.  He is a good driver and very responsible.  EEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeek! What am I writing, I am totally freaked and can not believe he is on this thing! lol
I close as my poor little boy's fingers become wrinkled messes.  Great week and more to come in the future!

Promised Post on my Epiphany of Sorts

After yesterday's post I received this email from my wonderful MOM:

SLOW DOWN!!!!!!!! 

I love you,
Mum

She is beyond smart, cute and darn it, I look so much like her.  Tee Hee The photo is from Mother's Day, where the kids took me to Golden Corral and on the way out they all got cotton candy.  You can kinda see D7 and J3 is in car seat, and yep that is a 15 passenger van.
My Epiphany came in church, good place right? Sunday School, the whole armor of God...yada yada, what??  I asked a question about being tired of fighting and putting on the armor, and Pastor says, Take a NAP! lol, I am thinking oh, I nap, I collapse in total exhaustion dude! He went on to talk about people that are super organize and fill every bit of time being busy, are usually depending on the flesh of themselves.
 Did Pastor just publicly humiliate me? Did he say, Anne you are beyond organize, people envy your skills and you are totally fleshed out in this.  Relax and enjoy life and serving God and your children. He didn't say my name or any of the extra words in italics, but dang, his words about organizing kept reverberated in my head, heart and spirit. I admit, I read organizing books and scoff at their silly ideas(cause mine are better), or pat myself on the back and go, oh go girl, you do that and better than this ol' author.  Wow, it was a real eye opener. I talked with him afterwards, laughing and crying.  I do not want to make my children freak-a-zoids.  I want them to be good adults, but more so I want them to know me!
Now, please don't get all freaked and think I tossed out the calendar, my bra and dish detergent and began humming and just playing all day.
I actually erased my white board of times and chores and items to complete, and told the kids, I was making them all neurotic with my scheduling and lists and organization. I laughed and played a game with my oldest boy  (kicked his butt like 6 times in a row) and we bantered and enjoyed each other.  This is so huge right now, I can't even explain this one.

Monday, I asked them if they would like to just go on an adventure with me?  Everyone said yes.  We all took off on a hike in the desert behind our home and explored the places they weren't sure were okay.  We walked the mountain, to the space hall. Look at the picture, that is from our back alley, the starting point.  We walked to that cubed building, the one with the rocket next to it.   This is straight up. Gman ran the whole thing! We were gone for hours.  Just walking, talking, and enjoying being together.
We saw a cicada, and could see it vibrate and make the whole area buzz with the noise.  It was pure bliss, laughing outside and just enjoying my kids, instead of organizing them.
Can we (insert crazy question)? Sure, go ahead, try it.  They were so amazed and laughed and said, Mo-om (2 syllables) that is silly.  They boys all peed in the desert. That was beyond hilarious.
Today, after breakfast, we went again, my girls and I were together more and we talked and laughed as the boys ran ahead.  I am taking more time to be with them, not time punching, but spending moments together.

My house is no longer spotless. The laughter and love that is being shared between all 7 kids has just intensified this weekend. They play with each other and enjoy it.  They are learning (the younger ones) that it is okay and encouraged to go play a bit all by yourself, and that the older brothers and sisters are not your entertainment source.
I have to relax more, and enjoy the kids, because as I told a friend.  I don't want the kids to remember my toilet clean, but that mom laughed and went with them in their memories. 

Three Major Helps for our Transition in Adopting

The boys (D7, W5 and J3) have been with us almost 2 months.  Life has been remarkable in the true craziness of stress and change, but we are surviving.  

Last Friday, my brain shut down.  I mean seriously, dizzy, freaked and I can't do this anymore shut down.  I wept and collapsed in my room, scared  and exhausted.  I had to have E call my hubby home from work.  It was horrible.  He came right down the mountain, and just began to pray and hold me, while I cried like a baby.  I had been trying to keep everyone "happy" organized and busy.  I had run out of energy and ideas, and crumpled like a rag doll.  Taco Bell was decided for dinner, and a family meeting of the highest kind was called for after the young boys were tucked in.

The conversations that took place still today blow me away.  I admitted my weakness, and Eric had the best ideas, and brought up the BIG fact that I was sucking at communicating.  Mom, if you are feeling stressed, tell us.  DUH DUH moment.  We were all doing our own thing, and no one was communicating what we were doing, but getting upset, when someone else interrupted our plans.  We came up with some key words:

su·per·vise/ˈso͞opərˌvīz/

Verb:

Observe and direct the execution of (a task, project, or activity). Observe and direct the work of (someone).

This is not taking charge, but a casual eye when the young boys are engaged in an activity.  This took a big load off my older kids.

I was wanting them to partake in the activity on a constant basis, but it was driving me insane, and the kids too.  I had gotten out my handy dandy white board and schedules and EGADS I was pushing our whole family to the brink of pure nuts!

The other was communicate, with actual words.  For example.  I needed one hour to do bills, reconcile checkbook and write out menu for grocery shopping.  I didn't tell anyone, I said, please watch the kids.  That translated to okay, I will keep an eye on them, and then I wound up losing my mind.  But, now I say, I am going into my room, to fold clothes, but am available. 

The last part is pure genius, so you know that Eric came up with it.

Not the whole family divided, but when someone is going to play a game, or take a walk, having to take ALL 3 youngin's can just kill a person.  They are a bit, argumentative and so seeking attention, that you don't ever want to do it.  So, now, Eric will say, hey D7, wanna go get gas with me in the truck? Abby will let W5 wash the dog with her, and Gabe will just play Ants in pants with J3.  We rocked this.  Now the other 2, also know that they are gonna get to do something eventually, and that it just works out some how. This has made this weekend out to be one of the best ever.  I have one major change that happened in my life, and I hope to write it out tomorrow.  I am finding I now have time, and it can be filled with fun things, not just the boys.  I am learning and just wanted to share this with ya'll.

Wild Life and more abound in the new house!

This is one of the many lizards that have given their tails and yes even their lives for the amusement of the kids!  W5 was petrified at first, but D7 is a lover of all things creepy, crawly and that make mom cringe.  After much coaxing, W5 had that thing on his head!  I was shuddering! lol
Gman and sisters are right out there with the boys. Turning the over rocks, logs and other things in search of life.

They have found lizards, scorpions (which they know are dangerous) and even tiny little tree frogs.  I was totally surprised at the frogs.  This is the desert and water is very scarce and well I haven't seen a frog in town ever!
Right outside the back gate is pure undefiled desert! It goes for a long time.  There is an aroyo ( a ditch that will hold water if we get rain), then the hospital.  The medi-copter pad is in plain site and there is screams of helicopter and a run to get to the top of the rim to the aroyo to watch the helicopter land or take off.  There was about 5 landings on Saturday, and one take off, the people waved to the boys! They were beyond excited about that.  The blue man waved at us!! But it was said by 6 of them, over and over! 
The house is big and we all have space to play, eat, cook, learn and even be alone!  I have 3 big boxes left in my room, but am just plumb tuckered, so will give it a whirl after my 20 minute nap!

Structure is so Important

I am very, very, very organized person.  I thrive in order and structure.  When life gets unorganized, then I go a bit bonky! I mean I melt down, my brain gets fuzzy, I get tired and want to hide until the order of life is fixed.  Adopting 3 kids, while having 4 others that are homeschooled, and moving with no dates or set times in place is the mega unorganization~major major major.
Getting up early to set my day in order.  That means coffee made and time with Jesus.  I must have that time to pray for myself, my children, hubby and friends.  This is my foundation of the day.  The storms come but with the sure footing of Jesus strengthening me, I can press on, not by my power and strength, but thru the Savior who loves me so much.
All of our children also thrive with the structure of our scheduled lives, but more so the new 3 boys.  They are so quick in seeing how the older 4 get along, and are following in their pattern.  Well, sometimes.  Mr. J3 is well, three and he is the most stubborn, and a big problem is that he is wicked cute!  I mean his eyes sparkle and he smiles like an imp!  I have to be firm, like real firm with him.  He gets no grace at this time. I feel like such a meanie.  He is wearing a path down the hallway. Tears are an automatic, talking back, doing what I just told him not to do, touching things he is not allowed to touch and multiple other infractions.  I mean it is like crazy, but he is doing really good at it.  He knows Mom says what she means, and that is helping the house to relax also as the structure is built from the ground up.
W5 loves the schedule, and really thrives with it.  He is going to do so much better when I can incorporate schooling with him.  Right now, we are trying to get all on the same page in a tiny little house.
D7, his homework time is the best to me.  It is just him and I and he loves that I sit right there with him.  I will be honest, it is 3:30pm, smack dab in the middle of prep dinner and get stuff ready, but I sit there and we smile and laugh.  He knows he gets to go on the puter when he is done, and he loves it. 
A big huge thing today, is W5 is not always kind to his big brother, but today, he sits behind him while D7 is on puter and says, Good job, I am here if you need help.  This is a big, I mean humongous step.  They seem to have been pitted against each other some way.  Our family is very much into encouraging each other, and kindness.  I am seeing kindness come out of W5.  All the papers on W5 background talk of his anger and meanness.  Now, I have seen it, and it is UG-LEEE!  Seeing the change is beyond beautiful. 
We are in revival this week, and that means church every night.  This is a bit of a strain for me, but I am seeing the difference it makes in their lives also.  The evenings are later, but it is all worth it!

Haircuts.

I love YouTube, Google and just plain researching things.  Cutting black boys hair was turning into a very daunting thought.  I had different people telling me different things, and I was having waaaaaaaaaaaay to much anxiety! Way too much.  I called around to some barbers, and more anxiety, til I called Berto at Tina's Barber.  He was so kind and said, $8.95 each, no worries, I can do it!
I pulled D7 out of school early to make the appointment, walked into the best kept secret in my little town.  A gorgeous salon with an add on old fashioned man's barber shop! I mean it is fantastic, clean and I loved it.  But I didn't see any man?
A sweet girl with a German accent asked to help me.  I explained I had an appointment for a man that cut Black boys hair at 3 for 3 boys? Panic was setting into my heart. My boys so wanted their hairs cut, their fros were beyond manageable. She asked if I was particular? NO, please, just cut them, please!!  An even smaller lady with a thicker accent took us to the barber area, and she rocked their heads! I mean it was great!  She said, black hair is the easiest ever!! I watched, and watched, and after all the videos I had watched that afternoon.  I think I can do it now!! yes!! Apparently, a good cut every 2 weeks is important to keep the look! So I will be giving it a whirl! May 2nd. 
Eric and G-man were so excited about how the boy's hair turned out, they went down today and got theirs done also! I love when they are all cut and looking spiffy!
Behavior has been so good!  There are some, but that isn't because of transition, it is because they are kids and get mad when things don't go their way.  The melt downs have turned to suck it ups.  Seriously, they go into their room, suck it up, wash face and come out with a changed attitude! Totally cool to see.
We are working on the I WANTS, and trying to change to May I have please.  So, J3 and I are going thru it outside.  I have the ice pops, I ask, "What color ice pop would you like?"
I want....
I correct, May I please have....
J3 smiles and nods, and says, May I please have...I want green!  We roll.  He is cute beyond words!
But they are sharing and saying sorry, and asking each other for things.  I love it! 
Watching my hubby with them is almost as much fun as watching Eric laugh at his Dad with them too.  The humor of Dad is caught by Eric and it is great fun.  

B-I-N-G-O!!!

Bingo for books! Plus Pizza and drinks FREE! Woot! I had cooked beans all day, made spanish rice and already cooked the taco meat.  I am so glad for cling wrap and refrigeration! hahahha
D7's class had a fun family night at the school this evening, and it was a bit tense at first. The caller was hard to hear, we were starving. 

This is the family that is on major structure, and waiting til 6:45 to eat when 5pm is the normal devouring time was a tough one to keep young bellies on task for books.  There were hundreds and hundreds of books there, and the teachers were handing out winning tickets even if the kids didn't get to say BINGO!  W5 got the first one and skipped to the book table.  Poor D7, he is just like a balloon, he deflates immediately.  His teacher was on him in a second with a winning ticket.  But, D7 did not understand, he didn't win? I can get a book?  He wanted to win!  Finally he did, and by that time, the free book tickets were flowing and the pizzas had arrived on scene.  The smell was heavenly.
There was so many pizzas that all our kids had at least 3 pieces, and Gman, egads had FIVE!!! The were pushing the pizza on us.  Eric was hoping for a box!
The day was pretty darn good actually.  D7 had a melt down, but not like a drama one, more just tears and thinking.  I went in every 5 minutes or so and just rubbed his back and told him I loved him, and asked if he wanted to keep crying.  He was so cute, he would nod yes, and then sniffle into his little face cloth.  I would kiss him and tell him again, I was waiting in the front room, and he was welcome to join us when he stopped crying.  He came out and we did home work and laughed.  This is working, and I am rather excited about it.  This is something we had never known about with the first 4 kids transition, and it would have been so helpful.
The craziness of the late dinner and all might have been the culprit, but W5 hauled off and just kicked D7 while I was watching out window, and big brother was right there also. 
D7 was gonna tell mom, but Eric said, no I will.  You stay here.  My son came in rather calm and explained. I told him I saw it, and W5 melted away into oh no, not me, I am falsely accused and all that, but using the main words, I don't wanna, no, I, I, I...etc.
He had to stop crying, and then apologize to D7 and tell him he loved him. 
Three times he came out, face stern.  I said are you ready to tell D?
He only wanted to tell his story.  Nope, back to the room...
Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah and he would run back and jump on his bed.
So Dad told him, that's it dude, bed for the evening now.
It was about 5 minutes before all were to go to bed, the rest were getting there jammies and brushing teeth.  Neither of us would leave him in the dark or alone.  The fear of these babies is real.  So I lay next to him while he thrashed and screamed.  I prayed and sang, and then said, I want to help you to stop crying.  Lets breathe together.  I started taking big deep breaths.  After a couple he joined with me.  The crying stopped.  Aaah, now healing can work.
Do you want to come out with the family and pray?  Yes was whispered.
Can you tell D7, sorry and that you do love him?  Yes again.
I am very proud of you and I will hold your hand and be right there.
He apologized and said I love you, and D7 said it back.  Then they hugged! This is beyond huge! Oh my! I could have done a jig.
We prayed, tossed them in bed, and I sat there for a bit to watch them.  I was there about 20 minutes, sleep had come.  I thought! hmmm
Back to check in 10 minutes, spit wads and glow sticks had been pulled out and were hidden in casts etc.  Geez! I picked up the slobbery tissues, smarter now, and they would be wiping on pillow cases tomorrow.  Took the glowing stick out of cast and kissed them all again and waited another 15 minutes til movement ceased!
Can you love your children more each day?
Having little ones again, makes me freak each time Eric stands up, he is like a giant.  Abby makes me giggle with her determination not to let the boys get to her, she laughs and has made it a bit of a competition I think, Anna is just the little mom, and is beyond to watch, (she has a gift with the kids). Gabriel just loves playing with them and I think is enjoying the toys and time so much! 
We had all began to grow more independent as a family, the kids stretching their wings, going places and all, and this has really brought us in closer.  I am amazed at the dynamics of it all.

Huge Steps

Last night everyone slept in their own bed.  The young boys went down at 8pm sharp, and the rest of the family had to regroup.  We were all feeling the stress and tension was high.  I was so proud of my Eric, he talked with Dad, and then Dad to me, and then us all together.  We came together with a plan and all were excited to know what to do in melt downs and when things were out of  their control.  We began today anew! 
Then Abby was sick with fever most of the night, J3 coughed from allergies thru the night, and W5 had snuffles also.  Gman felt okay, no fever til this morning and then he was just exhausted and slept til 1pm.
I can not just go to the medicine cabinet and toss cough syrup down the boys gullets.  I have to have permission and let my SW (social worker) know prior (if possible).  I also have to log their intake of any OTC meds.  I really thought it was allergies, due to our insane weed pulling on Saturday and the high winds of dirt that covered our area.  I got some very low dose med for both young boys, and D7 was tough and ready for school this morning.

I played telephone tag with receptionists at orthopedic doctors to get a follow up for W5.  He broke his arm 2 weeks ago and is supposed to be seen now.  I can't just go to a doctor and say, hey look he has a cast, can you take an xray and see if it is healed and tell me more? I have to go to a primary doctor first and he has to look at it and say, wow a cast!  Let me refer you. Argh! Well we got the referral and our family doctor, whom I love, said, that I should give it another week before I call for appointment, so that when we go, they will probably just take the cast off!  That is one of the reasons I love our Doctor.

We had one melt down today and it was like 3 minutes long, I won! woot! Then there was another one, but it was so short, and I was so proud of W5, he came out and and hugged me, told me he loved me and played so good aterwards! YEAH
Then after dinner, all the kids wanted to walk to the park at the school up the street.  Hands held by partner is a must, but J3 decided, not for him, and had a melt down in the front yard.  I swooped him up and said no worries, ya'll go to the park, J3 is gonna go melt down in his room.  Bye guys.  J3 hooped and hollered for 12 minutes.  Tony and I giggled on the couch.  We are horrible I know, but the racket and outrageous repetition of I wanna goooOOoOOooooOOooo bring giggles to our lives.  He came out, astounded that his cuteness did not get him a reprieve and the kids were indeed gone without him.  I told him he could play with his treasure chest or with the legos.  He sat with the most forlorn look, but no tears or whinging.  I gathered my keys and files to battle the Walgreen pharmacy for Gabe and the boys meds.  Tony was to stay with J3. 
I WANNNNNA GOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooo! Shreiked from J3.  No, sorry sweetie, I love you, but Daddy is gonna stay here, and since you are in melt down, off to your bed. Kissed him on his abundant forehead, and he ran off to his bed.  Tony said it lasted about 30 seconds after I left.  The kids came home and didn't know if bathes were gonna happen or not.  They still had an hour of play time. They went back to park, and J3 got to go.  But had to hold sisters hand.
7:30
Laughter is heard down the street, door opens, J3 runs to me and says, Mom, mom, I hold sister's hand!
W5 jumps at me and hugs me so tight and says, I am gonna squeeze some love from you!
and D7 gives me a flower. I hugged him and yep, I cried.  I love these boys, they ooze love and just thrive in the midst of it!

I could not get him to stop moving once I put it in a pot with wet cotton balls to keep alive! It will be dried and pressed and put in a frame for eternity!

My friend Jeanne left today.

She was my friend.  She was stubborn and opinionated and I loved that in her.  I will not post a picture, cause that would royally piss her off. She let me take a photo of her a few months back, with her son. I will print it and give to Orlando.
Jeanne was always trying to get me to be less loud.  She was a punk and I loved her.  The last few days, I prayed and cried out to God for her to be healed completely and nothing less.  Jeanne is a proud (in a good way) woman, and it would kill her slowly to be a burden to anyone. 
I am sitting here, all the kids in bed, and finally can let the tears flow.  Sad to not see her tomorrow, sad for her dear son, who I believe is gonna need more prayer than I did for his momma.  He is a good man, a husband and father.  He is Jeanne's only child, and she loved him and taught him right.  He is serving God and I believe will see destiny and become stronger through Jeanne passing. 
I met Jeanne when her son was young, very young, like running in the church young.  She was in Roswell, in one of our baby churches.  She gave her life to Jesus and never ever looked back.  When the church in Roswell began to sputter and grow smaller, she moved her life to Alamogordo.  She was a blessing as a single mom and worked hard her whole time.
Dang it woman, I miss you already!

The winds howled all day today, moving the desert up and into the air.  My chest aches from the dirt and from the emotion that won't release right.  I think perhaps I am waiting to see my friends tomorrow in church, the family that loved Jeanne also.
I close, and am just tired this evening.  I still hold my Joy and with that Joy, knowing how much Jeanne loved and served Jesus Christ. 

thumbp thump themp

I am sitting at the puter, enjoying cool breeze and keep hearing the thump thump in the hall? What? Tiny thumps, but lots of them and rather quick ones too? I forgot I had a 3 year old in the house that went to bed 30 minutes ago.  I go down the hall and a half naked little boy that has my heart is dancing in the hall.  Come on little man, you blew it, bed for you.  I put him in the bed he wanted. Tears! Oh the dear drama of exhaustion and being 3.  Come here little man, do you wanna be with sister? I could see the blankets nod in affirmative.  Come here hon, I will carry you, take your pillow, I have the frog blankie. 
Yeah, almost 50, and I am calling it a blankie!
I poured a very happy little boy into a mutually happy sisters bed and all is well!
On a good note also, I ate food this morning and had coffee...let all the family rejoice!  I was so mad this morning, I am in the bathroom doing dry heave retching and stomped out of the room.  I put a piece of toast in the toaster, and pulled a cup out of the cupboard.  I ate the toast and drank the coffee and got all indignant and said, "you stinking devil, you make me nauseous and I don't eat, so I get dry heaves, I am gonna fill my tummy with food, and puke in your nasty face!"
I ate, drank and was merry! 
We had our social worker visit and it was grand, the kids were so curious and just loving! She was a bit blown away after the reports on how detached they were and how hard it was for them to come around to people. J3 spent the visit, placing slobbery kisses on everyone, W5 kept sharing his ear bud from the radio Bubba Eric got him, and being amazed that his mom knew the words to Lady Gaga, and I think I hit a good note, in "I don't wanna be friends" bhhhaaaa, even D7 came in and talked about school and laughed with us.  It was such a great visit, and Eric can drive one at a time with him, until they are legally family.  Plus I can now go to appointments or run to the store and leave kids with the kids for a bit.  That is a huge help to me, and the kids (all of them) like to hang at the house.  Shopping is a bit boring most times.
We ate gruel for dinner (aka hamburger helper) and spinach. Then to the park for a run run run.  We had this great idea for Frosty's from Wendy's.  They are now exhausted totally, full of ice cream! woot!! Yep, home and pj's (well not completely) teeth brushed, prayers said, and in bed. 
Hence the beginning of the story. thumbp thump themp! A great noise to hear in the house. Sleep will come again tonight with a smile!

Just a day!

Woke up this morning to a text of a dear, dear lady friend is in hospital with heart problems.  I hit the couch and just started praying and contending for her!  The text messages were coming fast and furious regarding her updates.  Life and Death over and over.  Pray, pray and pray some more.
The kids all up and the routines of morning are going grand.  J3 and W5 love sleeping in with their sisters.  They are so snuggled and comfy and D7 is just as happy up on the top bunk in the Boy room.  He is like a cement block to wake in the morning.  But this smile that comes is worth the trouble!
Each boy has a sibling to help them dress, eat, teeth and hook up with for chores in the morning.  They do great at it.  D7 and W5 were secretly making Abby's bed while she was helping J3 brush his teeth.  They were giggling with such delight to bless their sister.  I took a million pictures and giggled with them!
We all drove to bring D7 to school, and Eric walked him in.  Then to a park to play for about 30 minutes.  The me the task master, have to walk.  We all took off for a brisk walk around the park, and J and W ran up and then down the hill, over and over, as I smiled knowing the exhaustion I was creating! hahaha evil woman I am!
Home to go thru the many boxes of clothes, shoes and other things to begin getting the garage prepared for moving and packing. 
**side note** with our other children, Eric came with a walmart bag of dirty clothes, and Gman and the twins about 6 boxes and 3 bags of clothes, these boys came with so much we had to rent a U-haul.  They have been in the system, but loved and cared for by some amazing people! We are beyond grateful!
J3 and W5 helped and played hard in back yard.  It was 2 hours of hard work! We came in and ate, and J3 knows that after his belly is full, it is time to lay on mom's bed and "sneeze" (which is snore) in Mom's ear.  He falls asleep in under 5 minutes and goes out for 2 full hours of peace.  J3 mouth moves on a constant motion!  He talks so much I feel for my mom again and again.

The 4 older kids took off to library, and other errands, so W5 and I had computer time.  He learned the rules of computer.  He built roads, and building s with TONKA!  He totally concentrated! His right hand is in a little cast so he has to use his left to do the mouse.  He did so good.  Here is a picture of him from behind. I plan on doing some layouts, but will blur the faces until the adoption is complete.  **pray for October please**
My phone has been vibrating like mad thru this whole thing, my friend is Stable, she is in surgery, she is doing well. I know there are hundreds of people praying for her, and I am so amazed again by the power of prayer and my God.
I close this post with a plea for prayer for my friend Jeanne.  Please pray for a complete recovery! Thank you my friends!

The Power of a Shower

Evening update:
Today was D7 first day of school.  He is a bit behind and will probably redo 1st grade, but the teacher is going to have him "help" the kinder class when they do reading.  Then he will meet all the kids there that pour into her class, and take him on again.  She is totally smitten with him.  The teacher sent home some books for D7 to read and told me he was having issues with letters, sounds and blends.
Tonight, only D7 had a bath, because I wanted to give him a bit more responsibility as the oldest and teach him how to shower.  I filled up the tub and he soaked in there; with me, sitting on the floor, I scrubbed his back, and legs and then he stood up and washed. He talked non stop to me about school, the kids in the class, the life book we sent to him to learn about our family.  It was beyond awesome!
 We used a small bucket to rinse yesterday for bathes, so I said, "Would you like to try a shower?"
oh, my mind will hold that smile in my head forever.  He is such the little man, he wants to be the little kid, but yearns to be mature. I explained that Gman did not like showers at first, that he didn't like the water on his face.  D7 nodded with such a grown up face and said, "I don't like my face to get splashed, but I want to try this."
I have to say, that the adventure spirit in these boys can lift one up.  They try food and new things with such excitement and wonder! Okay, some times, food they are a bit wary, but oh if they like it, they are so happy!
Anyway, we (D7 and I) got the water temperature just right, and then I turned the shower head so it would spray the wall.  Oh my, it was cold.  D7 got laughing and fixed the handles and got the temp just perfect.  I have always been bad on which one is cold and hot.  He did it like a pro.  Then said, "Go ahead, and move it over, I can tell it is gonna be good."
I moved it onto his back and he was so happy! Our water bill will probably go sky high, but it is so worth the time spent, laughing with him. 
After the bath, I cut his toenails, and lathered him up with some cocoa butter.  Oh my goodness, but this lotion is like the best! His skin positively glows!  We also got some olive oil lotion for their hair, and it has made the hair soft and shiny.  I had a pick and got a brush from the Ethnic section, and D7 brushes his hair all the time! 
I went in to turn off the light and had to tell him to put away his brush! Hilarious! He picks it, then brushes, then picks and then walks around so we can all touch it! It is so soft! 
After the other two were snuggled in bed each with a "sister".  I had D7 sit and read with me.  I think my jaw fell open and hit the ground.  He did awesome! Way better than I expected! I mean, he is struggling with blends, but he has the sight words down, and most of the sounds.  I don't know if the meds for the AD/HD affect his reading.  He is so lethargic on the meds.  I am going to test this theory tomorrow morning before school.  To see what happens when he reads to me then.  I know that about 4:30pm, the little boy that is there is just precious and very alert and attentive.

Morning Sickness!?!?! With ADoption?

I thought I was gonna be able to slide out of it this adoption...but dry heaves all morning, clammy shaky. Darn it!  I haven't eaten in the morning, or lunch since Tuesday, cause of nausea! It is very funny to write this, but darn if I can control it!
D7 started school this morning, and he was so nervous, til he got there, then all the boys in the class were so happy to see him!  He smiled that smile that will just make you want to hang the moon for him.  I stayed for about 30 minutes with him and he waved and let me kiss him.  I drove off, and made it about one block and had to pull over...ugh...
Don't go on Aspen behind the doctor's office.  Egads!
I got home, and prayed again, had Tony pray with me, and we talked and I began all over again.  Getting mad at myself for it!  Tony says it is because I am so organized and like a schedule and we have been on, no schedule, just insanity for a bit!
We loaded everyone into the Beast (our van) and went to park.  I had paper and plans in my head.  Tony took the day off, since I was a dry heaving basket case!
These boys are beyond good, I mean, really, it is just I need to structure to help them.  That is slow going.  But it is getting better.
J3 is sleeping now, W5 is with Eric and Dad looking for boxes so we can start packing.  More insanity.  I am going to fight these nerves, I don't like them, and I am done with it! lol


**adding to let everyone know, I am a spaz and my body does this, but I fight it, and am still laughing**

Off to meet the boys.

**due to privacy the boys names will be initials D-age 7, W-age 5 and J- age3.

Friday morning. Wait back up. Wednesday afternoon, Tony calls and says I got a van.  A 15-passenger van.  The bunk beds are set up.  The drawers are empty and ready.  I am ready, I think. Boy did I think weird!
Back to Friday morning:
We had to go to a calendar meeting, this is a meeting to figure out when we can meet the boys, when we can bring them home etc.  Social services and all really believed that D7 needed to say good bye to his teacher.  This was mucho important.  I had talked with her on the phone and she loved D7 and his brothers so much. The talk was us to drive 7 hours on Friday, meet the boys, and spend Saturday with them, and then return home Sunday evening.
The foster mom, my hero, and I will be doing a whole blog on her fabulousness; Renee, came up with the idea of us staying til Monday, so we could go to school, say goodbye and get home.  My tummy almost flipped, excited and scared.
It was settled, we drove out and off to the 4 corners area to meet our boys.  The drive is long, and boring.  We were all so excited and totally unprepared for what could, would or should happen.
Arriving at the hotel, about 6pm, we called and set up to go to the Foster Families home to meet.  I was shaking with I don't even know how to explain it. Fear, crazed and oh my goodness, Anne Marie, can you do this? for reals?? We all ate subway, splitting 6 inch subs, cause our tummies were so tight.  We got some ice cream drumsticks and proceeded to their home.
Now the foster family, I will call the Hutch's live in a outrageously beautiful house.  It is huge and sprawling and just wow!! We pull up, well, after I flew by it one time.  FosterDad(Rod) was outside, and then Renee came out.  Big breath and we walked to the back yard.  Renee had talked with them, and explained everything.  But the fear on their eyes, I could cry right now thinking about D7 standing there looking at me and his arms around his little brothers.  They were petrified, but still curious and had this adventure look in their eyes.
We babbled for a bit, then all the kids, went outside, each having a partner, and went on a walk.  That was what I needed, cause I was so tired physically from the ride, and emotions were just raw. 
They are so not like their picture.  The photo had been stretched out, and they are just tiny little men.
We stayed for a few hours, then went back to the hotel, just shell shocked but so encouraged.  W5 snuggled with me, D7 hugged me and talked a bit, and little J3, is a ham, and hugged everybody, and kept saying it's gonna be okay. 
Sleep came fast and furious that night.  Our boys knew us and we met them. 
More to come when I can sneak in time!

Come on in.

Welcome to our soon to be home! The Church! bhahha...could you shut the door?

All the way please? Thank you! Tee hee, since we covered the bedrooms and bath yesterday lets move left down the hall. The door is a big one! Fourty-two inches! Love that for moving, and real wide foyer.  The light is classy and nice.

The hallway has these very low profile but gorgeous lights.  You see the thermostats? Plural? One is for the heater that is a few years old, and in great condition! YES! The other is the 1 year old MASTERCOOL!! I know a lot of peeps here in the desert clamor for A/C, but I am not a fan of it.  The air here is so dry, to have any moisture added to the air is a big plus to me.  Less static electricity in the house too, especially with carpet! The fact that it is on a thermostat makes Tony happy, because he is married to Nanook of the north and I love it cold, cold, cold, but if I get too cold, I poke him to go turn the cooler off at hmmm say 3AM?? This will turn the MasterCool off and keep us all happy!
Now turn into what is the formal living room, and will be a homeschool/office kinda thing. The room is bright and cheery and has the most gorgeous light.

You can see it look into our master bed room. The bedrooms are all to the right of this shot, and the kitchen and other living room to the left. This room has the narrow (but they open) windows also.

It is a large and very inviting room. If you look at the top there is the entry way to the dining room. I love the design in the tile.  We have a light wood square table that will go right here perfectly (for now).  It seats NINE! How convenient!

I kept thinking the room was too small for the table, so we moved some imaginary items in to show the room we would have:

 They were supposed to be pretending to be sitting at the table, but Tony is standing on the table and Abby is just smiling. That is what Abby's do!  I then asked them to move the table.  This brought Gabriel in to the room. Tony moved but is still standing on the table, Anna moved her leg forward, Eric moved his torso, and Abby, she laughed right out loud!

Looking behind Tony, you can see the breakfast bar, then a window that is French doors to the back patio. The brown door back there is the pantry.  Right across from the bar is the entry to the laundry room.
Tomorrow, the living room, kitchen and bits of here and there!