We Should Have Named Him Webster

Victor: Mom, did you know that "threaten" means you make a deal, but the other person doesn't agree...

You know your kids are homeschooled when...

...they spend hours creating an episode of their own show called 'Hypothesis.'

...they think 3 hours of schoolwork in a row is a really hard day.

...weekends aren't a whole lot different than weekdays.

...they think the 'f' word is f - a -r - t.

...they think the possible grades for an assignment are A,B,C, D, E, F, or G

...they wake up at 7:30AM and wonder if they're the first ones up in the whole world.

...they don't bat an eye when expected to do schoolwork wherever they happen to be for the day: waiting room of the hospital, Grandma's house, driving in the van...

...in a certain sense, every day is a 'snow day.'

...you just don't understand when other moms complain about having their kids at home too much.

Truly Blessed

Yesterday was a long day. I spent 4 hours in the van and several more helping my husband's parents make some arrangements for their house. We're looking forward to my Father-in-law's homecoming from the hospital, but many changes need to be made to their dwelling place. It felt great to help out.

It made me realize how blessed I am, though, to spend most every day with my children. I only saw them yesterday for brief periods in the morning and right before bed. I can't imagine doing that on a regular basis.

Today, we're having an early morning snuggle on the couch. We're easing into the day, and I'm thinking a field trip may be in order. Our local Botanical Gardens is a great place to soak in some warmth and color this time of year.

Once again, I'm realizing how blessed I am to have flexibility in my life, parents who help me with child care on short notice, and a husband who works like a dog so I can be present with our kids. And, on days when we're all a bit worn out, we are fortunate to have relaxation as an option.

Thank you God for my husband, family, and homeschooling.

Just for Fun

I was going through old pictures today, and I stumbled across this one. Isn't it hysterical? Lucy is about 2, and we were hanging out in my brother's old condo. She's smiling like it's perfectly normal that she has on not a stitch of clothing, except for her hat. My brother was pretty accustomed to her antics by this time, so he appears completely unphased.

Actually, judging by the diaper on the floor, I"m guessing she wasn't quite yet potty-trained, so maybe that's a nervous-about-my-brand-new-hardwood-floors kind of a smile on his face.

I got a good laugh out of this one today.

Happy St. Valentine's Day.

Progress

We received our i-800 approval yesterday! This is the last bit of documentation we needed from the US dept. of Immigration and Citizenship. Now it heads oversees and the foreign government with which we're dealing signs off on their final documentation, and then we get a court date. Our agency expects it to be in 3-4 weeks.

This is very exciting news, but we're taking it with a grain of salt since we've already had many delays of one kind or another.

But, we're optimistic that our son will be home sometime in April.

He has a part in an Easter play, so he'll likely be able to participate in that before he moves. It's hard for me to imagine what it will be like for a 7-year-old to leave all he knows and fly half way around the world to be with us. I'm sure it will be bittersweet.

Prayers, please.

Thanks so much,
Anne

Big Sisters are the Greatest

Hang around our house long enough and you'll be sure to hear the phrase, "sometimes the best way you can help is by not helping." We have an 8 year old, you see, who is very eager to do all sorts of grown up things, such as changing stinky diapers, cooking things over the stove, and sewing her own clothes. Many times, she is a great help. Other times, impulsivity, immaturity, or general lack of development stand in the way of accomplishing good deeds.

Today, however, I am enjoying the 6-year spread between my oldest and youngest children, because while the kids are all outside marching around in the cold and snow, I am snug and warm at my computer, peacefully making dinner plans.

Noise and mayhem will soon erupt when the frozen noses can take no more, but at the moment, I am so thankful for my 'big kid' helper keeping an eye on her little siblings. (Don't worry, I'm still watching out the window.)

On a side note, I ordered beds today for my *2* boys!! When adoption paperwork seems to be standing still, making other preparations is good for mental health.

Finally, thank you all for your prayers for my father-in-law. He is in a rehab hospital and is doing much better. Now we're praying for the inevitable lifestyle adjustments in their immediate future.

Enjoy the snow!

Fingers crossed...

...and a prayer to St. Joseph. Two more families are looking at our house today and another is coming back Tuesday for a second look.

The novelty of a perfectly clean house is wearing off. I miss my clutter!!! Actually, what I miss is a more relaxed approach to housekeeping. I like things clean, but not at the expense of sanity. Right now that's hanging by a thread!!

Just being dramatic - we're actually doing fine. We'll all be happy, though, when this house-selling phase is behind us.

Happy Saturday!