Caught Napping!

A visual of why I am on a blogging break! Could I look anymore tired!?!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY #35...Let's go for a ride!

For more WORDLESS WEDNESDAY pictures go to 5 MINUTES FOR MOM.

I'M REALLY GOING TO TAKE A BREAK!

I have so much going on in my life right now....don't get me wrong...I'm enjoying life...minus no sleep...but enjoying it, none the less. I have a little less then 2 weeks left of work (parent conferences and my own teacher evaluation) to finish up before a three week break. So, I think I want to take a break from my own blog for a little while.

I love blogging. I have been introduced to some amazing women. Blogging has been an outlet, as well as a way to reach out and to feel connected and understood, but lately, I've been feeling a bit stressed, unprepared and unorganized. I want some time to think, read, reevaluate, plan some meals, daydream, sleep, compose, write better posts and spend more time with Samuel, of course. So, for now, I'm taking a sabbatical! I'll be around, but just not as often.

Keep me in your prayers and I'll be back soon...refreshed and better then ever. God Bless!

IT'S MY 41ST BIRTHDAY!

GOD HEAR OUR PRAYERS #32

My mother has always had a prayer list and I've now started one of my own. So each Sunday I will publish the prayer requests of anyone who e-mails me. Please keep us updated as God answers your prayers too.

Who we are praying for this week...

* K-the birthmother of our baby
* my mother's health and well being
* my parent's hearing issues
* my husband's job stability
* my friend, Janice, who has cancer
* my friend, Jessica, who's 11 month old son has digestion problems and isn't sleeping
* Ashley needs prayers for her and her sick family
* Bri's hubby's job situation.
* Becky's friends R and J took a baby home a day ago on legal risk. Now bmom seems to be changing her mind! Please pray for their emotions and for God's will to be done!!
* Lisa - prayers for "A's" health, baby and adoption.
* Patti - for their adoption placement soon
* Peace says, "I ask for prayer that any confusion be cleared, and that the way be made straight for my 2 little relatives to come home to us. I also ask for prayer for their biological Mother, (she is addicted to drugs), and their current Foster Family's health and well being during this time of transition."
* Lisa - guidance for hubby & adoption plans to fall into place
* Uplift Michele's spirits
* Reggie Boppy - please match us with a birthmom soon
* Dawn - husband to hear God and find his way to Him
* Trace's baby efforts
* Christy prayers and praise
* Rebel may your troubles end soon and blessings for Turtle
* our economy
* quick healing for Amy, her mom (knee surgery) dad (heart surgery) and Allie
* all service men and women that they may come home soon

Prayers that have been answered:

E-mail me if you have someone for me to add to the weekly prayer request. God Bless.

Aunt Karen Visits

My Aunt Karen came directly from the airport just to hold me! She must really love me! It's weird that I haven't seen my Aunt Genie in weeks....hmmm?

Jeff Foxworthy on New Hampshire

If you consider it a sport to gather your food by drilling through 36 inches of ice and sitting there all day hoping that the food will swim by, you might live in New Hampshire.

If you're proud that your region makes the national news 96 nights a year because Mt. Washington is the coldest spot in the nation, and Plymouth gets more snow than any other major city in the US, you might live in New Hampshire.

If your local Dairy Queen is closed from October through May, you might live in New Hampshire.

If you get 131 inches of snow in a week and you comment that 'winter's finally here', you might live near Laconia in New Hampshire.

If you instinctively walk like a penguin for six months out of the year, you might live, bundled up, in New Hampshire.

If someone in a Home Depot store offers you assistance, and they don't work there, you might live in New Hampshire.

If your dad's suntan stops at a line curving around the middle of his forehead, you might live in New Hampshire.

If you have worn shorts and a parka on the same day, you might live in New Hampshire.

If you have had a lengthy phone conversation with someone who dialed a wrong number, you might live in New Hampshire.

If you know several people who have hit a deer more than once.

If you often switch from 'heat' to 'A/C' in the same day and back again, you might live in New Hampshire.

If you can drive 65 mph through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard, without flinching, you might live in New Hampshire.

If you install security lights on your house and garage and leave both unlocked, you might live in New Hampshire.

If you carry jumper cables in your car and your girlfriend/wife knows how to use them, you might live in New Hampshire.

If you design your kid's Halloween costume to fit over a snowsuit, you might live in New Hampshire.

If you think driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow, you might live in New Hampshire.

If you know all 4 seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter, and road construction, you might live in New Hampshire.

If you can identify a southern or northern accent, you might live in New Hampshire.

If your neighbor throws a party to celebrate his new shed, you might live in New Hampshire.

If your 4th of July picnic was moved indoors due to frost, you might live in New Hampshire.

If you have more miles on your snow blower than your car, you might live in New Hampshire.

If you find 10 degrees 'a little chilly' and 55 is shorts weather.

Our Week!

Tuesday, January 17: My first day back at work went very well. The kids were on their best behavior. They may have been able to take advantage of the substitute, but they know that won't happen with me. We spent time cleaning, getting organized and catching up. Overall the substitute wasn't very good. He did as little as possible, to get by and now I'm behind in many curriculum areas. I thought about Samuel a lot, but I forced myself not to call. I figured if there's a problem the babysitter would call me. The kids helped keep me distracted too.

Richard had a very eventful morning, after I left!

First, the container of formula burst open all over his shirt.....

...then the step stool's spring exploded and he had to fix that.

Next, Samuel spit up on him...missing the burp clothe....

...and he had to change a very MESSY, SMELLY diaper...and...

....Samuel had a crying fit!

Finally, Menlo decided to keep an eye on Samuel, while Richard put in a load of laundry and then....

...the babysitter, Penny, arrived and Richard left for his "real" job!

When I got home Samuel was happily lying in his swing. Richard and I have divided up the chores so that the house won't fall apart. I did some of mine while Samuel was in his sling and on his play matt. We shut off the tv at 8 p.m. and then Samuel got a bath. It really relaxes him for bedtime. Then he was fed and put to bed. He awoke at 1:30 a.m., but then slept until about 6:30 a.m.

Wednesday, January 18: Richard's first solo day went well. Samuel was fussier then normal, since it was Daddy and not Mommy, but I think that will change with time. Richard said he slept off and on, but no long naps were achieved. Overall, Richard felt very good about his first day. I got to get the grocery shopping done, on the way home and my dad had made us his famous spaghetti sauce for dinner. That night we fed Samuel around 6 p.m. I fell asleep, holding Samuel, about 8:30 p.m., in the La-Z-Boy. Richard woke us up at 9 p.m. to go to bed. Samuel was due to eat, but I didn't want to wake him, so I put him in his crib and hoped for the best. He woke around 1o p.m. and Richard fed him and then we didn't hear another peep out of him until 3:30 a.m. I got him back to bed by 4 a.m. and got another 45 minutes of sleep before I had to get up at 5 a.m. I awoke feeling very refreshed. A shower helped a lot too.

Thursday, January 19: Work went well. It's nice when there aren't any fires to put out. I planned for next week, so I wouldn't have to take any work home. My sister, Karen, is coming to town this weekend. It will be her first time meeting Samuel. I haven't seen her in almost a year. When I got home home all was well! Ahhhh!

Tomorrow is the last day of the week and then I'll be with Samuel ALL weekend! Four days down and 8 more to go! Then I'm on vacation for 3 weeks. Sunday is my 41st birthday, so I'll be spending it at my Mom and Dad's with my 2 sisters, Genie and Karen.

All in all, things have progressed nicely. God is so good! Have a great weekend! 

Even God's angels need a nap sometimes!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY #34...Maybe we can share!

For more WORDLESS WEDNESDAY pictures go to 5 MINUTES FOR MOM.

Let the juggling begin........!?!?!?!?

Today is my first day back at work. I am leaving at 6 a.m. and my husband is in charge until 9 a.m. and then the babysitter shows up. He'll then get in the shower and walk the dog. He leaves the house, for a 45 minute commute and arrives at work around 11 a.m. I'll be home around 4:00 p.m.

I don't have any posts set to publish the rest of the week, so if I'm absent you'll understand why. Wish us luck!

Busy weekend continues...

I went into work on Friday afternoon, while Grandma watched Sam, to chat with the sub I've had for the past six weeks. The kids were happy to see me and said they missed me. I got a lot of hugs. I found out their behavior was horrible, however. They got 8 discipline slips in the 6 weeks I was gone. One boy was responsible for 3 of them. My bucket of candy was entirely gone, the room was disgustingly dirty and one boy had called 911 from the classroom phone. I gave them a lecture. I told them to enjoy their 3 day weekend and come back on Tuesday with a different attitude because the "party is over." I know I need to lay some blame on the sub, but the kids do know better. I spent an hour and 1/2 cleaning and then left. The kids will do more cleaning on Tuesaday.

Saturday my mother watched Sam in the morning and my sister watched him in the afternoon, while I spent the day at work getting my room back in order and plans written. It was gloriously quiet and I got a lot accomplished. I only go back for 4 days this week, 5 the next and 3 (with kids) the next. Thursday and Friday of the last week we have parent conferences. Then I'm off for 3 weeks. I planned the next three weeks now, so I can concentrate on report cards after school each day. I don't want to have to bring anything home for these three weeks. We'll see how that works out.

Yesterday was our first day back at church with Samuel. We wanted to wait until he was a little bigger before getting him around a lot of people and germs. Everyone was very happy to see him and he even got introduced in front of the congregation. Then we went shopping and bought a La-Z-Boy rocker/recliner. Richard's going to pick it up on Tuesday. 

Today, I'm dropping Sam off at my sister's house, while I spend another day at school getting organized for my big return tomorrow. 

Wish me luck...I am very stressed and nervous!

GOD HEAR OUR PRAYERS #31

My mother has always had a prayer list and I've now started one of my own. So each Sunday I will publish the prayer requests of anyone who e-mails me. Please keep us updated as God answers your prayers too.

Who we are praying for this week...

* K-the birthmother of our baby
* a smooth transition back to work for me
* my mother's health and well being
* my friend, Janice, diagnosed with ovarian cancer
* my friend, Jessica, who is raising 2 small children on her own and getting very little sleep.
* my sister, Genie's promotion
* JGumm needs prayers for her mother's health
* Bri's hubby's job situation.
* Lisa - prayers for "A's" health, baby and adoption.
* Patti - for their adoption placement soon
* Peace says, "I ask for prayer that any confusion be cleared, and that the way be made straight for my 2 little relatives to come home to us. I also ask for prayer for their biological Mother, (she is addicted to drugs), and their current Foster Family's health and well being during this time of transition."
* Lisa - guidance for hubby & adoption plans to fall into place
* Uplift Michele's spirits
* Reggie Boppy - please match us with a birthmom soon
* Dawn - husband to hear God and find his way to Him
* Trace's baby efforts
* Christy prayers and praise
* Rebel blessings for Turtle
* our economy
* those who have lost their jobs and homes
* quick healing for Amy, her mom (knee surgery) dad (heart surgery) and Allie
* all service men and women that they may come home soon

E-mail me if you have someone for me to add to the weekly prayer request. God Bless.

ONE TOUCH

One Touch by Nicole C. Mullen

Do you ever wish for the perfect child?

Update: Taxes and 2nd Post-Placement Visit

I never thought having my taxes done could be so relaxing. I left the house ALONE! Leaving Sam home in Richard's very capable hands and went across town to get our taxes done. I drove the entire way in complete silence!

I even treated myself to a Carmel Macchiato at Starbucks! HOW GLORIOUS!

We're getting back a little money, but found out that we can't claim Sam as a dependant or get the tax credit for adoption until next year because the adoption isn't final. The good news is, over time, we should get close to, if not all, of the adoption costs back. The government gives themselves 10 years to pay this back, but our tax guy said it should only take us 2, possible 3 years.

In the afternoon we had our 2nd (AND LAST) post-placement visit by the adoption agency. It went very smoothly and we just chatted about the changes we've seen in Sam, his development and what his eating and sleeping schedule is like.

That evening Richard snapped this photo of me dozing off after feeding Sam. Could his cheeks be any chubbier!?! It was a good day!

SOMEONE PROTECT THESE CHILDREN!

Did you see Good Morning America on Monday and Tuesday. They released new information, saying that 3 of her first 6 children are disabled. The mother already receives over $2300 a month in assistance from the state. The octuplets will probably be in the hospital another 8 weeks. I'm sure mom is not picking up the tab for any of those bills either. I was appalled when I saw this! Isn't anyone going to step in and protect these children!?!

HONEST SCRAP

Reggie Boppy tagged me! I have to tell you 10 honest things about myself.

The rules of the award:
1) Choose a minimum of 7 blogs that you find brilliant in content or design.
2) Show the winners names and links on your blog, and leave a comment informing them they were prized with "Honest Scrap."
3) List at least 10 honest things about yourself.
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1. I miss sleep terrible and I feel bad that Sam is not getting the best of me because of it. This has been an amazing experience and I wouldn't change it for the world. I think God is using this to improve my patience and fortitude.

2. I never imagined that I would have such a hard time getting pregnant. I cringe at the money I spent on birth control.
3. After seeing "K" go through labor, I think I'm fine not having to go through it myself. I have my son and it makes no difference how he came to me.
4. I originally wanted 12 children. Thank God for unanswered prayers. I don't know how other women do it. They are amazing to me. I think I may be a one child mom.

5. I wish I had started listening to God sooner. He was always there trying to get my attention, but I was too self absorbed to see or hear it. I am so thankful He didn't give up on me.

6. I hate teaching Science. I like biology, but I hate chemistry and such.

7. Ants freak me out! I hate them and kill them every chance I get.
8. My husband is my best friend. I am so blessed that God found him for me. I don't tell him this enough. I don't know of a better man on the planet. Sorry ladies, he's all mine.
9. I am addicted to reality t.v. shows. I think BIG BROTHER, SURVIVOR and THE BACHELOR are my favorites.

10. I love to write and daydream. I can't remember a time I was not thinking up new people and lives for them. As a child I loved playing make believe with my SMURFS and BARBIES. I also remember having a hard time falling asleep, so in my head, I would imagine fully furnished homes, the people that lived in them and experiences for them to have. I've continued to do this, to this day, when I have a hard time falling asleep. When I was little, the small, downstairs bathroom wallpaper was a yellow checkerboard pattern. I would sit on the heat register (I hate being cold.) by the window and imagine that those boxes were little apartments with people living in all of them. I'd dream up different adventures for them to have.
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The blogs I have chosen are all new ones I've found. I don't know anything about these ladies yet.

OUR BIG CRAZY FAMILY
OUR TX ADOPTION
KATHY-MOM OF MANY
THE MISSING PIECE
TALES FROM OAKBRIAR FARM
BECAUSE I SAID SO
HOME...HANDS FULL, HEARTS FULL, QUIVER FULL!