News, News, News, and a few Stories!

I finally received the long awaiting call from our Social Worker! Hooray! Some exciting news is she is teaching our parents in progress class that we are taking this weekend. She said we can do our interview during lunch on one of the days this weekend. Which will make it so easier and faster to complete our homestudy. It is like one stop shopping! Plus, during the classes she said she will really get to know us and she will not have to repeat some of the questions that she would normally ask during the interview. It feels so good to get this ball rolling and get the homestudy complete.

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We will be having our "Spring Cleaning Garage Sale Extravaganza" in two weekends during May. So, we are busy sorting, organizing, pricing all of our wonderful donations from our family and friends. We have even had people donate to us that we do not know. We feel so blessed and we know God is taking care of us and knows exactly what we need out of this garage sale. We also have found more ways to save money and cut back on our monthly expenses. We switched auto and home insurance companies and are saving ourselves $1000.00/year now! Also, reduced my monthly cell phone bill. I also got my yearly raise at work this week. God is at work and we feel His Hand in all of this!


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Hutter tonight wanted to be wrapped like a baby! It was so sweet. It is funny because I still consider him a baby, he is only two and almost a half! And the youngest still. But in his little mind he is not a baby. He kept whispering "ba'by" while I rocked him for bed. I sang baby songs to him and he just ate it up. He was digging all the baby action. He is just practicing for when the new baby arrives because I am pretty sure he will regress a little. I don't mind.

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Con is doing great in school. He is in kindergarten (for those of you who do not know).

Today he said "Alex was saying I had a girlfriend today at school, but I don't"

Me "Really, why would he be saying that then?"

Con "Well, I used to have a girlfriend, Audrey, but she isn't anymore. You told me I have to wait until I am at least 16. I am obeying you mommy!"

Me...Just gleaming inside, I hope he still obeys me when he is 16 and I say you need to wait until your 20. We talked about his "girlfriend" a couple weeks ago and we had the talk that he is to young for girlfriends and he needs to wait. He said well Audrey doesn't like me, but I like her! Who wouldn't love this face????



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Please be in prayer for Kayleigh, she was a extreme low birth weight premie or ELBW as we NICU nurses call it and she is 10month now. She has been through several surgeries and with her most recent surgery she had lack of oxygen to her brain at some point and is considered brain dead. Her parents are also struggling financial from all the medical bills, lack of income from the decline in business, and may lose their home. They may also be facing a funeral if they lose their precious Kayleigh. Please be in prayer for them and they need our help financial. If you feel lead to help in that way. As Christians we need to gather as a family for support.

Galatians 6:10 When we have the opportunity to help anyone, we should do it. But we should give special attention to those who are in the family of believers.

Finally a date night!

My husband and I finally got away for an evening for a little date! It has been nearly four months since we have had a date! That is just not exceptable. I guess time is just flying by, with the adoption, and trying to save money.

We got married on the 16th of July, so normally we have a date night on the 16th of every month. Gama watches the boys and we go have dinner. We take turns choosing the place and every time it has to be somewhere we have never eaten before. It is so fun and great time together. I believe it is important to have those dates, quality time talking and having adult conversation that does not involve the children.


We really need to get back to doing this every month. Here, we are at Lidia's, an Italian restaraunt. We sat outside on the patio and it was beautiful outside. It is near the Train Station, downtown, and had a great atmosphere!

Anyone else have creative, routine ways to spend with your hubby?

Friday Fitness N Health

Random...Did you knows...

To lose weight, consistently, you have to workout atleast an hour a day

30 minutes a day will help maintain

you should do atleast 30 minutes of cardio and 20 minutes of toning, strength training, or light weight lifting, 5 minutes before to warm up and 5 minutes to cool down including stretching.

building muscle helps to burn calories faster, the more muscle the faster you burn!

I don't like bulk so using only a 3lb weight or resistance band and do multiply reps will lean and tone.

Work your way up, start with 20 reps and increase until your able to do 100

Mix up your exercise routine, it is more entertaining and you lose weight faster.

I do yoga, kickboxing, dancing, running, racquetball, and around the house chores for cardio everyweek.

Use items around the house for exercise. It is amazing, a chair is not just for laziness and eating!

Spring is here, get outside, play with the kids, garden, go for walks, bike rides as a family (My personal favorite)!

Hutter Today!

you are two and half years old, almost!

you said peanut butter crackers to me, clear as day

you have naps with dry underwear

you got up to go pee from the dinner table and came back with your underwear on backwards

you love trucks, dump trucks, semi-trucks

you say truck everytime you see one

you love putting your Bam-Bam, HeeHa, and Beary down for a nap with you

you love books

you say "Onlan" for Conlan, "Addy" for daddy

you love being "ou-ide" (outside)

you eat all the time, snacks all day long

you copy your older brothers, wrestling, dancing, showing off

you love to come out wearing tighty whiteys, laughing hysterically!

you count with mommy saying every other number up to 9

your learning your colors

love is "whuv"

your busy but still love your cuddle times

you take 2-4 hour naps still, please don't stop!

you ask "addy" to go ound, ound (round, round spinning with a blanket)

we take walks together and you hold the keys to get the mail

I love holding your little fat hands

you don't take tinky anymore and graciously gave it up

you are funny, energetic, enthusiastic about life, always on the go!

love the dirt but not being dirty!

you love baseball

you love to help unload dishes and laundry. keep up the good work!

you have a fascination with water playing in it: in the sink, from a cup, pouring on the floor, drinking it

you have never climbed out of your crib, please don't!

You are Handsome!

Handful

Daring

Darling

Clever

Cute

HDC, Hutter Nutter, Honey, I love you and you are one little amazing man!

Unfamiliar Territory

My mind has been spinning today. Full of thoughts, feelings, and desires to share our Mission! The Lord's Mission! I have been praying lately about how I can use my life to glorify Him. To reach to others about the joy and love I have bursting inside of me, almost so overwhelming that it eats away at me. I want to shout it out loud and for everyone to here the beauty of having a relationship with God. To know Him personally, to talk to Him, to become like Him, and to make Him known to others. Because my life has been completely changed in the last year from building this relationship with Him. I feel a personal connection with God, that is why I refer to Him as My Jesus, My Lord!

The best way I know how at this point is to share my adoption, for people to understand WHY? we are doing this. The word adoption and the concept is so unfamiliar to people. It is a territory that many people do not encounter on a daily basis.

I have been struggling lately on why people are so questionable about it. My family and personal friends were not Ecstatic when we first told them. We got REALLY? WHY? When a couple become pregnant it is a complete uproar of excitement from family and friends. I was hurt by the lack of excitement when we began to tell others what we were doing.

However, as I began to pray about it, talking to God about it, I slowly began to understand the BIG QUESTIONS and unexcitement from others. This topic, this journey, is an Unfamiliar Territory! It is a big commitment, costs lots of money, it is the fifth child, and really? why?

As we, meaning Studly and I of course, began to tell others our story, our reasoning, family and friends began to see the love of Christ through this. Our feelings are this, why bring another child into this world when there are so many out there who need a home, need love, and need Jesus. We have four beautiful children that God gave us and He desires for us to be fruitful. Also, God desires for us to care for the orphans. We are being fruitful through adoption also.

Also, as I look back on when God first began to open my heart to adoption. My first reaction was WHAT, REALLY, WHY? Are your crazy! No way Lord, not me! But God slowly and consistently reentered the concept into my heart. Until, I couldn't get it out of my head, it was consuming me, I was bursting with joy for the idea of bringing a baby girl home that does not have a family. God was hurt by my reaction to Him as well, but he did not give up on me. He continued to talk to me about it and showing me how adoption is amazing.

So, I am not hurt one bit by their reaction because I had the same reaction to God. However, NOW my family and friends are excited and happy. They ask lots of questions and are becoming more involved in this journey with us.

My desire is that through this adoption God will use us as a light to the unfamiliar territory. That people will begin to see the need out there for more adoptions. Or the need to feed the hungry and poor. To show His love through our works. Plus, big bonus, another baby in the house. I just can't get enough of them! I am kind of scared that this adoption might not be the last! Oh, I did not just say that!

Orange for Stellan...a sheet will do?

The Curious Uncautious Twos

Don't you ponder what your two year old wonders?

Going outside without any pants!



Roaming around, free air in the bum!

No care in the world, neighbors just stare!

Wondering where is his mother?

He reminds me of Him

So, have I mentioned that I procrasinate every once in a while. It is a constant struggle to tell myself just do it. Especially when it comes to big things...like getting your wisdom teeth removed. A year ago, yes a year exactly, I had a consultation for the removal of my teeth. So finally a few weeks ago I made the appointment. I have been telling myself to do these atleast twice a month for the last year, but for out of fear and annoyance I chose not to. Well, with the adoption taking a lot of my time and knowing that I am only going to get busier. I figured it was time. Also, I have had a large bump right above my upper lip that I noticed for 6-8 months. Well, when I went to the doctor for my physical for the adoption paperwork, I had the doctor look at it. So with all that said, yesterday, I had my wisdom teeth removed and "this bump." The doctor said he most likely thinks it is an enlarged salivary gland, however, they are sending it to pathology to make sure.

Yesterday, as I was put to sleep or "drugged" with my husband by myself, giving me a kiss goodbye after the medication "drugs" already in place. Awaking to him by my side. His soft tender personality was glowing from within him.

He drove me home, took me to our bed and cared for me the rest of the day. He took the day off from work for this and it made me wish he was home all the time. He brought me my medication, ice packs, and periodically came in to check on me and give me a kiss on the forehead. He repositioned my pillows and switched the ice packs from one side of my cheek to the other. All while talking so gently to me in my ear and giving me sweet touches from his big hands. When I finally awoke and showered, he combed my hair for me and gave me a back message.

My sweet husband reminds me of My Jesus! How he whispers oh so gently in my ear, cares for me and shows His love for me even when I am not aware of it or drugged by this world. He is constantly checking in on me giving me gently touches and reminding me of how much He cares about me. I am not fearful because I know He is there when I need Him even when my mouth is packed full of gauze and scared I am going to choke on it. God is there! He may be quiet, touching me oh so gently on my forehead and reminding me of His love.

That is the joy of having a relationship with My God. I am at peace, not fearful, always leaning on Him for everything. He is there, here, and I can feel Him right next to me. He shows up in my Studly. He has given me such an amazing man that I love oh so dearly. Thank you honey for caring for me yesterday and everyday.

Wordless Wednesday-Easter Pictures "almost"

Scarf $5
Jeans $8.80
Sweater $10.20
My family $Priceless!

Adoption Update...waiting for the SW

It has been awhile since I have update about the adoption and that is because not much as happened. That is just how this adoption process works. There will be some very slow times and times when I am running around trying to notarize and mail paperwork as quickly as possible to get my baby girl home as soon as possible. But right now everything is out of our hands. We have sent in our final paperwork for the homestudy. Now we are waiting for the social worker to contact us to set up a time to meet in person at our home.

It feels so great to have all the paperwork done for the homestudy, I feel weight lifted off our shoulders. I would rather talk in person any day than try to explain who I am, what I have been through, and where I am going on paper. It just is not easy. I also hate texting, instant messaging, or emailing when it comes to great detail. Just sit in front of me and let me talk. Because, believe me, I can talk your ear off one on one. It is much easier to explain my parenting/mothering style in person, than write it in one paragraph. Because my mothering style does not fit in a paragraph! I did enjoy reading my husband's especially the parts about me! HeHe~

We are taking our PIP training classes the first weekend of May. This is a class to help better prepare us for the parenting of an adopted child and many other topics related to it. We are hoping through this class that we will be connected to other couples going through an adoption around the same timeline as us. We definitely would love to meet others in our area for support and hopefully form some bonds with them so that our children can have playdates with other Asian children. We are very excited about the class and we know we will learn a lot that we do not know. Also, this class has to be completed before we can get a referral. So, one more step closer.

The only disappointing part about the class, is it is the weekend that we were going to go to Studly's parents and have a family weekend. His sister and her beautiful family were going to be there. We are hoping to postpone it until the weekend after. I love getting together with my "in-laws" They are amazing and I love them. We all have such a great time together. It mostly consists of me teasing and beating on my giant father in law who is 6'7''! Oh and the children playing together, all seven of them. They live in the country and the children love Nana and Papas house. They roam the woods, play in the creek, and get into whatever Nana will let them. There is occasional screaming from the girls that the boys are tormenting them but what boy doesn't enjoy that! I cannot wait until our little girl is being used as dress up doll for all the girls since all three of the girls are the oldest out of the seven grandchildren. She will have plenty of babysitters/mommies to love on her.

While we wait on the Social worker to call. Studly and I are going to complete our passports and send them in. That is next on the list.

Friday Fitness N Health

Busting Plateaus

There is nothing more discouraging than stepping on the scale after a week of diligent dieting and grueling workouts and not seeing any drop in the number. The plateau is a common problem among dieters and can typically be waited out, but there are measures you can take to keep your metabolism fired up even as you reduce your caloric intake.
The best way to break a plateau is to keep your salt intake below 2,000 milligrams a day and drink lots of water. Make sure you're not eating any processed carbs, period. That's right — no chips, sugar, white flour, and so on. And hit the gym hard! The boost in exercise will make your body swell and hold fluids for a few days, but after a week you should see the benefits on the scale.
You can also try playing around with your caloric intake a bit, varying it from day to day throughout the week while keeping the same weekly total. The body can't slow its metabolism to adjust to a reduced caloric intake if the intake isn't fixed from one day to the next. For instance, to bust my plateau, I might have 1,200 calories on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and then eat 1,500 calories on Tuesday, 1,600 on Thursday, 1,400 on Saturday, and 1,700 on Sunday. Get it?
The plateau effect can sometimes simply be a matter of flagging resolve. If mixing up your caloric intake just isn't working, make sure you're not slipping up on your diet or slacking off in your workouts. I'm serious; it happens.
As with any program, there will be highs and lows, but stay with it. Your body is trying to adjust to the weight loss. Don't get scared or discouraged. Just be patient and know that you are worth it!

Okay, so I am crazy busy right now and I secretly, maybe just, stole this from Losing it with Jillian Michaels!

And if I did, well it is really good information! I know I struggled with plateaus and it is the curse to weight loss. It will make you discouraged, down, frustrated, and ultimately could make you quit if you don't know what to do about it!

So even though I may have, or may not have, stolen this wonderful information, I sure hope it helps!

My first Award is....

I have received my very first award! Hooray, go me! I mean thanks Lora for giving me this wonderful award!



For this award you are supposed to list 7 random facts about yourself and pass it on to 7 other people. Okay so here is goes!

1. I have one biological brother and 5 step siblings

2. I have a phobia of fingernail files. They scare me to death!

3. I wish I could own horses. Love them, want to ride them!

4. I do have a rocking horse for the kiddos, that I got on yesterday! (I did not admit that!) Maybe it's the Not Me! Monday in me!

5. I can drawn, I mean really draw good. But I don't!

6. I hate chocolate ice cream! Don't shoot me!

7. I kind of miss my hair already! :(

So, my wonderful blogging friends, here comes the award!

Enjoy!


Sarah @ Mama Outloud

Tina @ Children are a Gift from God, our adoption journey

Molly @ Keeping Up with the Halls

MiMi @ He and Me + 3

Jen @ In God's Time, Not Mine

Nancy @ Bye Line

Summer @ Summer and Stuart, our adventures in adoption

She's Gone...All Gone

Oh, how she will be greatly missed. She was loved for SIX wonderful years. She never left my side, always with me. We gave birth to two beautiful boys together. We got married together. Went on vacation together. She has been with me during my happiest times and while crying in bed at night. Gracie Girl loved to play with her. Con loved to be mean to her. She loved her PONY. Sometimes she got in my way but I still loved her.

She is going to a better place. To someone else who needs her more than me. Maybe a child or a woman who is 30 years older than me. But who ever it is, I pray they are just as happy with her as I was. I hope they take good care of her.

She will be greatly missed!



(Hutter's drool on my shirt!)











She is being replaced by BOB. I hope BOB makes me as happy as she has all these years!

Hanbok-Traditional Korean Dress

I have been thinking, lately, how I would like to create Korean traditions for my daughter. Cooking Korean food and celebrating her birthday "Dol" with the beautiful hanbok. I believe it is important to include her heritage, her seoul, even though she is living in an American family. I hope to create some really special moments for her that she will cherish and remember.

I wanted to share the Hanbok tradition with my family and friends so they get a little taste of some of her country's heritage.

This is a Hanbok!



Korea's traditional dress is known as 'Hanbok' and was as much part of the local culture as hangeul (Korean alphabet system) and kimchi. The beauty of hankbok lies in the harmony of its colors and its bold, simple lines. The costume consists of pants or skirt, jacket and a robe.

Hanbok can be classified according to its function: everyday dress, ceremonial clothes such as child's first birthday (Dol Hanbok), wedding (Hollyebok), or funeral, and costumes made for special purposes (such as worn by officiants at shrines, the shamans or the performers of traditional dances).

My beautiful baby girl will be wearing her Hanbok on her first birthday celebration with us and I will definitely be getting her photographed in it! I love thinking about these moments that will happen in the near future.

Cutest Korean Store!

http://littleseouls.mybisi.com/

Check this website out! It has the cutest Korean items for children. Such as dolls, Hanboks, invitations to their Dol (First birthday), baby carriers (which I think I may purchase), and many other fun items! I know my Korean adoption bloggers will enjoy!

Wordful Wednesday!

I was dancing around, being my usual crazy self, and Hutter was so mad because he wanted me to hold him and dance! Well, I just can't get my groove on while holding him,
so....this was my solution to the problem!

P.S. I am at work and I had Studly upload it! So maybe I asked him to do it at ONE in the morning! I love you Studly!