Big News....

It's been a while since I have taken a minute to put thoughts down in any kind of format. But the dust is starting to clear a little ... the kids are all updated ... so it's time to share.

We are relocating to North Carolina for Monte's next role with GE. Raleigh-Durham area to be exact ... so if anyone is intimately familiar with that area and can answer the MILLION questions I have, please let me know. Monte will be reporting there May 3 ... so that leaves us precious little time to prepare the house for sale, complete all the necessary paperwork, look for a home there, etc. While we are excited for the new opportunity, we are all a bit overwhelmed at the moment.

Telling the kids was difficult... but we had been very upfront and honest with them about the whole process from the beginning so the surprise element was not a factor. There were a few tears shed while they processed missing their neighbors, teachers, schools, and friends. But we were surprised at how resilient they continue to be. While it certainly shakes up their world for a bit, the kids have learned some great strategies for coping with change. I guess that's one of the upsides.

So... we are trying to focus on those "upsides" now. Weather, proximity to the Outer Banks (one of my favorite places on earth), the number of universities nearby, and a number of cool things to do. It helps to not dwell on all the things, people, and experiences we are going to miss.

Bad Mojo .... or just bent karma?

Once in college I had a "reading" in the student commons area by a questionable looking guy in dreads wearing a priest robe. Granted, it should have given me pause... but you know .. it didn't.

Anyway, the guy said I had "bent karma." What?! How long does that last? Will my karma eventually straighten out or will it always have a bend in it?

Turns out, he was a bit prophetic. I didn't do as well on the neuroanatomy exam as I would have hoped. The test was that afternoon. I think I was still a little unnerved about my karma situation but who knows? I still can't recall all my neuronal pathways.

Whatever it is called, it is happening again. Yesterday I registered Emma for camp. Online. Big mistake. Not only did I not correctly apply the $100 off coupon (really important)... but I registered her for the wrong camp entirely! Thankfully, a very patient camp representative (that God for christian camps and their workers) re-registered her. Our church (regularly) realizes what a ditz they have in their midst and is giving me the coupon anyway.

This morning I received an email from the Indiana State Police. They have rejected my fingerprints (needed to work in our local school district) citing "bad ridges." Really? I have bad thighs too but I didn't need to pay $43.oo and travel to the bowels of the city to find that out.

I have been told about the bad ridges before. In college I worked for the IRS and my prints were rejected then too. They let me work for them anyway. I was shocked. Shredding left-over forms in the back room was a highly sought-after position needing security clearance after all.

I don't know what will happen next today. But I think I must DEFINITELY stay away from all workout equipment. Who knows what could malfunction?

6 Things Every Woman Should Have....

1. An affinity for sushi. Even if you don't like the raw stuff. It just makes you feel exotic.
2. A professional bra fitting. At least once in your life. Or, at the very least, after four children.
3. Starbucks. Every few hours for a day and a half.
4. An annual get-away girl's weekend.
5. A soul sister who completes your sentences, shares your dressing room, tells you the truth, and accompanies you on numbers 1-4.
6. A husband who consistenly encourages you to go indulge in numbers 1-5 ...and doesn't flinch when he gets the bill.

Getting Gabriella Grace

When we were going through the adoption process, we met an amazing family with whom we share several connections. Actually, our lives have been enriched by several of these families. We have often wondered why God put adoption on our hearts if we were not to pursue it. Maybe... just maybe.... we were meant to meet such friends.

I ask for your prayers today for Curtis and Theresa as they leave for China today to get their daughter, Gabriella Grace. Theresa and I met when the only thing she knew for sure was her daughter's name. Country and timing were undecided. I was privileged to watch as God's plan was revealed in her life... and she cheered me on when His plan was revealed in mine.

I received an early morning email from her... and she is completely at peace and soooo ready to meet her daughter. But leaving her three sons was not an easy thing to do. Her family blog is www.ourwright6.blogspot.com if you want some background information. The blog to follow while they are in China is www.youbelong.net/gabriella with the password Gabriella.

Thank you for your prayers. God speed Theresa!

Grayson's Big Swim

Emma and Grayson both swam a "Swim Your Own Age" meet this weekend. I just love those. They are short and the kids are pretty evenly matched... so it makes for close races and a lot of excitement. And we are home in time for lunch. Bonus.

Both kids did well with much heart and effort poured into their events. Grayson was the "top seeded" six year old boy (for the record, it cracks me up that they even seed six year olds) and he ended up scoring the most points. So he scored his first trophy for High Points in his age group and gender. Because we are the type of parents who don't really pay attention to this stuff, we had NO idea they gave awards... let alone that Grayson was in the running. Imagine his surprise when Monte had to go into the locker room to get him....

He was pretty proud of his accomplishments. Fun stuff. Way to go Grayson!!!

18 Months!!!

Early in the week, the caboose to our train hit the 18 month mark. I tried all week to get some decent pics of him. Smiling. Looking at me. Nope. It might have been easier to nail jello to a tree.

But these are pretty true to life. He usually hits these "stations" at various times during his day. He climbs the slide.. and goes down feet first ... head first... whatever he thinks will draw the most attention from his adoring fans. He's loving the shape-sorters... and is getting more successful with them. He's starting to get interested in TV ("tee-tee") and can request a few shows ("Doda" and "ooh-ah" aka Dora and Curious George).

Cooper loves his siblings and has names for all of us now. Claire is "Sissy", Emma is "Memma", Grayson is "Bubby" and we are "Mommy" and "Daddy." The words are finally starting to come ... he has about 30 now and he typically adds a new approximation every week. I don't think I'll ever get tired of hearing that little voice call for "Mommy."

He continues to amaze me with his motor skills. He routinely pushes a chair over to a table or counter, climbs up on it... then calls out to me once on the table or other precarious destination. He has a wicked grin... and most wonderful giggle. He loves his mommy... but only until DADDY gets home.

At the doctor's office, we found out he's tall (90th percentile) and relatively lean (50th percentile). He's kept the blonde hair... and his eyes are hazel like his mama's. He's a fantastic sleeper like Grayson was... and is completely, totally, and seriously attached to his "nani" - a nubbly blue blanket made by a friend of mine. Big sister Emma had the same ferocious attachment to "blankie"....and only recently gave it up at bedtime. Claire's attachment to "blue bear" is legendary. It's so much to relive all of their early childhoods when Cooper shows strong connections to them.

Happy milestone little man. We love you.

Fast Forward.....

Every parent has moments that make us stop. in. our. tracks. This morning was one of them for me.

It was hardly a profound or unusual setting. It was over bowls of cereal - in between various morning duties. I was only on my first cup of coffee. Here's a sampling of what I overheard:

Emma - "Hey Mom, after school can you help me make a spreadsheet of the different countries' medal winnings from the Olympics?" (Oh sure... right after I learn HOW to make a spreadsheet.)

Grayson - "Look - I made Florida out of my Cheerios. Florida is a peninsula."

Claire - Mom, what time are my (kindergarten) shots?" (Same time as Cooper's 18 month checkup)

Amidst the chaos, I just stopped. Whose life am I living? When did Emma learn to make spreadsheets for fun? How long has Grayson been using four syllable words? Is Claire REALLY going to Kindergarten in mere months? 18 month checkup?????

It's all good stuff. Exciting stuff. As long as we get to hit the pause button every once in a while.

Happy Valentine's Day 2010

Emma and Grayson started the day at a swim meet... so it was an early morning for us. For the first time, Monte and I were able to sit in the stands together and watch both kids do their events. Thank goodness for teenage sitters willing to be here at 8:00 am!

Because both kids are 8 years and under, they swam in the same block of time... and both had some personal bests. Grayson even legally completed his first 100 IM! It was pretty exciting to see him do a flip turn during his 50 freestyle as well. They have both come so far... and our favorite part continues to be watching them be the part of a team and the friendships they make. Good stuff.

This evening they got to tear into the Valentines goodies that have come in the mail. Huge thank you(s) to Auntie Janet, Grandma and Grandpa, and Nana and Papa for the treats. They felt so special!!!

Before bed, we let them watch a bit of the Olympics and drink some "champagne." On the sofa. In the family room. Where they never get to eat or drink. They even know how to work staying up late... by asking great questions about where the Olympics are, what sports are included, doing the math to see who is in what place, etc. It took me a while to see what they were doing. It is amazing what they can scheme when they work together as a team.

We hope your Valentine's Day was spent with those you love.... and who love you.

Snow Day .... Again

No matter how long we live in Indiana, I am still AMAZED at how frequently the local school district delays the start of school by two hours or cancels it all together. I mean... hasn't Indiana always been in the midwest? Is snow new in these parts?

While I am thankful that the district is mindful of my childrens' safety.... two days of "family togetherness" can make for very long days for this mama. Just today, Cooper attempted to climb the grandfather clock, Claire attempted to hide a contraband RED glitter pen under the couch (with the lid off ---uh huh---you see where this is going) and Emma and Grayson almost came to blows over how to best reach the blue level in Mario Bros.

So... everyone was sent OUTSIDE. To PLAY. For a LONG TIME.

That made it all better. They were too frozen and exhausted to fight.

Let's pray for school tomorrow. The carpet, the clock, and the mama can't take another day.

Fort Wayne Anniversary...

Long time .... no post. Thanks to all of you who have called to see if maybe I was dead... or fallen off the face of the earth. Sorry about that. It's not as though I've had nothing to say. Time has just had an uncanny way of getting (and staying) ahead of me.

Here's an example. It's our Ft. Wayne anniversary. Three years ago this week.... we embarked on a new and very scary adventure. Leaving everyone and everything familiar.... moving from the house we brought three babies home to... and starting over. It felt like us against the world. I went along with it... but it didn't feel like "the new place" was ever going to feel like home.

Three years later... it is home. A different home. But it's familiar. We brought a baby home to this house too. And welcomed a dog... (Well, most of the time he's welcome anyway). We are comfortable here. Which brings me to the lesson God is continually trying to teach me.

He is not at all concerned with us having a "comfortable" existance. It's not about that. It's about living for Him and through Him .... so that we might live with Him. That's the whole point of this life on earth. It's not about finding our comfort zone and living there. I tend to forget that.

Our time with GE in Fort Wayne may be ending soon. The plant is ceasing manufacturing March 31st and Monte and the team will need some time to wrap things up. The familiar and comfortable will be coming to an end around the first of spring. I will miss that. Comfortable works for me.

So... as we consider our next step with GE, I am trying hard to focus on not getting too comfortable. I am recalling the move from Morton. It all worked out. We found a new home. We learned a lot. We grew a bunch. No matter where it goes from here... we will again. God will see to that.

Cutest Little Patient at Lutheran...

Cooper had surgery yesterday to place tubes in his ears. We've been through it with Claire so we knew what to expect. Still, it is never easy to read the fine print of the consent forms... or watch the nurse walk your baby through those double doors.

I was at peace with the decision, procedure, facility, and doctor (his kids swim on the same team as ours... and he did Claire's tubes a few years ago) and it all went seamlessly. Prayers were answered. We were home about three hours after we left the house. Cooper managed to take two naps as he woke from the anesthesia pretty cranky.

We just had to take a few shots of him in his "gown." I really should have asked to buy it.. it was soooo cute. Especially with the diaper hanging out.

Recipe for Successful Four Girl Sleepover

Prior to gathering, drop off six year old brother at "boys only" sleepover. Add together two five year old girls and two third grade girls. Add two extra large pancakes and three scrambled eggs. May not substitute fried eggs. Definitely not. Feed above to five year olds. Then order $20.00 worth of chinese food. Quickly, while you pop the popcorn. Turn on movie and turn on electric blanket. Put annoying baby brother to bed early. Fluff pillows and check on status of crab rangoon. Become informed the popcorn is "not the buttery kind." Add wine (adults only).

Talk about school, best friends, and boys with third graders. Check regularly on the internet while the 8 year olds play. Then add the following:

6 braids

3 facial treatments

2 movies

1 pan of brownies

Put five year olds to bed at 8:45. One in top bunk and one in bottom. May substitute if negotiated ahead of time. Set timer for 10:30 for third grade girls to go to bed if you fall asleep. Darn wine. May repeat recipe... but doubling is NOT recommended.

Christmas Program 2009

This year Claire's preschool had their first annual Christmas program. She attends a Christian preschool - so they were "allowed" to sing as many songs about Jesus and the true reason for the season as they wanted. I must say, it was pretty refreshing to say "Merry Christmas" to everyone in the crowd and not worry about offending anyone.

Her class was dressed as shepherds and they really belted out some great songs. She was a little bummed about the costume.... as she felt it "covered her pretty dress." I, however, was amazed with what those teachers could do with some paint and a white pillow case. So we took some pictures with and without the costume.

She and her BFF, Phoebe, stole the show... and then completely rocked the dessert table afterward. We are so thankful for her preschool and the incredible foundation they are laying. We are especially thankful for Pastor Stan's lyrics to "Jesus Is A Rock and He Rolls My Blues Away..."

Wordless Wednesday (aka What You Can Do with Duct Tape)

Video: Claire Goes to Cheer Camp

Some genetics just can not be explained.

Claire wants to be a cheerleader.

Not just "wants" in a five year old sort of way. Like they "want" the latest toy they see advertised on TV. The five minute "want." Oh no.

This is deeper. This has staying power. This is, as the Wonder Pets would say, "see-wee-us."

So, while her two older siblings were spending the entire day at a swim meet with Monte, Cooper and I accompanied her to a cheer clinic run by Huntington University. She attended the clinic for three hours ( a marathon to a five year old) then got to come home for lunch and practice for.... drum roll please..... a HALF TIME SHOW WITH THE CHEERLEADERS during the men's basketball game!!!!!!

It was phenomenal. The entire staff at HU was top notch and obviously taken with all the wanna-be's attending the clinic. Because the University is private and Christian, there was a prayer before the game and an announcement that all spectators be courteous and refrain from profanity during the game. Classy.

I regret I didn't get more video. But it was pretty difficult to film and take pictures while wrangling Cooper ... who couldn't decide between chasing all those basketballs and flirting with the cheerleader moms.

Enjoy.

Striking a pose with official Huntington University Pompoms.....

After the half-time performance... with one of her "favorite cheerleaders." Can you see the resemblance?

I completely love this picture. I told her I wanted to get a picture with the cheerleaders before we went home AFTER the practice and BEFORE the game... just in case we didn't make it back for the half- time show. Apparently not coming back was NOT an option.

And I love the underwear showing. It's pretty impossible to take her seriously with that going on....

The piece de resistance... the video clip. Claire is the one wearing the red skirt.... and having ALL the moves...

It's the Simple Things You Miss...

when you don't have it. Heat. Hot water. A pediatrician's office that provides the H1N1 vaccinations without having to drive 15 miles and stand in line 2-4 hours with four kids. Ahem.

You can see why I chose to look at these pictures today. I took them a while ago and forgot about them. After a rough 24 hours, I found myself needing to laugh. The longer I looked at them, the more I realized something. The things we take for granted. Heat. Hot water. Medical care.

I've been inconvenienced. The over-abundance of blessings that make up my life are all still there. But instead of counting them, I've been dwelling on something else.

I'm glad God called me to look over these pictures of the two busiest boys on earth. They got me back on track.

It's the simple things you (almost) miss.

The Best of Days... and the Worst of Days...

Today has NOT gone the way I had hoped it would. Or planned.

We missed church... due to one snotty toddler, one crabby preschooler, and two wiped out school aged urchins. Too many nice days + too many playdates = too much attitude.

Just 14 days after a $1,000 furnace fix, both the furnace and hot water heater quit. Again. Why does it always happen after I decide to throw caution to the wind and let Cooper eat his applesauce himself? Drat. Showers at the Y. They may start to think we are homeless.

Cold shower for me. Freezing. Cold. See above.

I decided to make a cake. Our new oven does not have a locking mechanism. Cooper decided to open the oven while both of us were our of the kitchen. Thank God for "little mama" Claire who alerted us to the event and saved all of us from something very scary. Ordering oven lock today.

The homemade... from scratch .... carrot cake with the homemade cream cheese frosting ... burnt around the edges due to my "hotter than average" oven. Not to fear though... the middle decided to even things up a bit by being closer to raw. Ugh. I managed to salvage it with aluminum foil and cutting the edges out before serving. It was just about the ugliest thing ever. See picture.

And... to top it all off (pun intended), I forgot the candles to go on the cake. So... we ravaged the junk drawer and came up with last year's models... a 5 and a 7. The kids let the birthday boy decide whether he wanted to be 75 or 57. Even though he's only 43 today. For many reasons, it was the worst of days.

But. It's November 15th. The day we celebrate my husband's birthday. And not just because he's another year older. It's because on days like these... when I'm short tempered, dripping and cold, failing basic cake-baking, narrowly avoiding a trip to the ER, and wondering if I'm developing dementia.... he's right there. Smiling. Calm. Blowing out (last year's) candles. Eating the cake. Having seconds. Acting like it's all right. Making me believe that it is. And that makes today ... the best of days. Happy Birthday Sweetheart.

Ready for Some Football?

There is a new trend on Sunday mornings at our house. Grayson (6) wakes up and immediately comes into our room and asks.... "Mom... it's Sunday. Do you know what that means?"

To which I always respond.... "Yes... two cups of coffee and church."

"AFTER that." It's FOOTBALL day."

Indeed. My deepest apologies to the Creator. It seems that despite years of Sunday School, it appears the "day of rest" shall be henceforth known as "Football Day." I guess we'll have to agree to disagree on that one. I'll learning to pick my battles. As long as kickoff starts after the sermon.

I can now tell you that the Mannings are a trifecta in terms of football boys... and I know which teams Peyton and Eli "QB" ( Grayson tells me that's slang for quarterback) for. I also know Cooper (the other Manning) played in college but didn't play pro due to a back injury.

Uh huh. We're crossing off toys from the Christmas list and adding an assortment of NFL and college jerseys. We are no longer inviting the kindergarter neighbor girl over to play dressup (Princess Leia to our Luke Skywalker). Today she wore her "Future Cheerleader" T-shirt and cheered for him politely from the sidelines. They actually held hands walking up to the house. They looked so... teenager. Ish.

My heart skipped a beat and my mind flashed ahead a few years. Gulp.

He and Monte and a neighbor have been outside most of the day... in their football attire.... catching, throwing, running ... and throwing out football terminology. No scratching, spitting or patting each other's butts. Yet. I now only have control of my TV during time-outs and halftimes.

I hope you are ready for some football. I'm warming to the idea. Slowly.

Pearls from Mom ...

We've been talking a lot around here about the value of money. While Santa and the elves may have a money tree growing in the backyard... we haven't seen one pop up yet here in Indiana.

Emma has a lot of ideas about "getting a job" when she gets older. I've been instructing (oops - I mean - "gently guiding") her to do something different. Please kids.... don't get jobs.

Here's a pearl. Get a degree. Get a career. Get a passion.

Your choices of career may not be the same as mine or your dad's. In fact, there is a good reason why they shouldn't. Your passion about your career should reflect who you are. What you are good at. What you care deeply about. What you are excited about doing. What you can do for the next fifty years without developing an ulcer.

I've been so fortunate to blend my career with my family. I didn't consider that when I chose my field. Family was NOT on my radar at the time. But I wish someone had advised me to its benefits at that time. Consider the ability to work part-time. You may not ever chose to. That's OK. But I guarantee you will appreciate having the choice.

You have to love it. Ideally, it should give back to you as much as you give to it. Rare? Maybe. Dig deep. You'll find it. Ask me for examples. If you glow telling stories about your work... you've chosen the right thing. It's all about making connections. The personal ones.

Let me be clear. Money is not the defining factor. If your passion calls you to teach, teach. If it calls you to run a business... do it. If you are a stay at home parent... make it your calling.

I hope you can witness moments that help define you. Grow you. Touch you. Make you want to be a better person. And know when you haven't been all you could have been. It's a pretty big decision. Take the time. We'll help.

Made for Her...

Emma is just not into clothes. Well, I should say she doesn't beg to go to the mall shopping for them. I guess it's just as well. Time enough for that later on.

I saw this outfit at the mall and it just seemed as though it was meant for her. And... bonus... it was on sale. Same for the sweater coat. The stars aligned. I bought it. It fit. She liked it.

Don't you just love it when an outfit comes together?