Sunday, January 30, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
BELIZE
Belize. I guess I never thought I would visit this little country but here I am in my shorts and a t-shirt with the ocean and palm trees in plain view. Yep. I'm here alright! When I started my blog three years ago, Allen and I were on vacation in Mexico. That was when we received the call from the Philippines with 3 children on the line waiting to say...."Hi, Mom and Dad!" That trip marked the beginning of a remarkable chapter in our lives. In my mind, this trip brings some closure to that chapter. Allen and I have had a lot of time to talk about our journey. We've also had time to think about the next chapter. Mostly, we have had time to just be together and relax. It has been good.
Some of you have asked to see pictures of our trip. As soon as I get home, I'll post some. The name of the resort is called Hamanasi. It is a quiet resort in the southern part of Belize. There is no night life here, no shopping (to speak of), no TV's in the rooms, very spotty cell service, and internet is available only in the lobby area. The restaurant and bar close down at about 10 p.m. and in general, the people here are soft-spoken. It's not for everyone, but it has been a perfect get-away for Allen and me.
We went on a hike in the jungle one day. It was a 2 mile hike with a rather difficult climb to a secret pool and waterfall. It was a fun adventure. The pool was beautiful...something you would see in the movies! The other adventure was a snorkeling trip. As luck would have it, we were the only ones who signed up for that day. A private snorkeling excursion! The ocean was calm and the sun was shining! We saw stingrays, an eel, and many, many beautiful fish! It was also a wonderful experience. The last adventure was a bike ride into the sleepy town of Hopkins. It was so interesting to talk with some of the local people. One woman had a hemp shop in a school bus. She lived in the back of the bus. Her "shop" was in the front. A reminder that we were not in Kansas!
The worst thing here is the presence of sand fleas or "no-see-ums". We try to wear bug spray. Allen has discovered Angry Birds on my phone and has become slightly addicted. It's fun to see him wasting time... The best thing here is time. Time to sit and read, to talk, and to sleep. Tomorrow we go home. I like it here...but I look forward to being at home again too. Hope you enjoy the pictures!
Some of you have asked to see pictures of our trip. As soon as I get home, I'll post some. The name of the resort is called Hamanasi. It is a quiet resort in the southern part of Belize. There is no night life here, no shopping (to speak of), no TV's in the rooms, very spotty cell service, and internet is available only in the lobby area. The restaurant and bar close down at about 10 p.m. and in general, the people here are soft-spoken. It's not for everyone, but it has been a perfect get-away for Allen and me.
We went on a hike in the jungle one day. It was a 2 mile hike with a rather difficult climb to a secret pool and waterfall. It was a fun adventure. The pool was beautiful...something you would see in the movies! The other adventure was a snorkeling trip. As luck would have it, we were the only ones who signed up for that day. A private snorkeling excursion! The ocean was calm and the sun was shining! We saw stingrays, an eel, and many, many beautiful fish! It was also a wonderful experience. The last adventure was a bike ride into the sleepy town of Hopkins. It was so interesting to talk with some of the local people. One woman had a hemp shop in a school bus. She lived in the back of the bus. Her "shop" was in the front. A reminder that we were not in Kansas!
The worst thing here is the presence of sand fleas or "no-see-ums". We try to wear bug spray. Allen has discovered Angry Birds on my phone and has become slightly addicted. It's fun to see him wasting time... The best thing here is time. Time to sit and read, to talk, and to sleep. Tomorrow we go home. I like it here...but I look forward to being at home again too. Hope you enjoy the pictures!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
SLEDDING ON CHRISTMAS EVE
Christmas Eve was such a fun evening. After church, dinner and presents, we went outside for a time of sledding. Allen and the boys had put lights up the night before which made it very festive and fun! This was a fun highlight for me! Great to do something TOGETHER!!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
INTERESTING DISCUSSION
I have recently had a few people ask me some interesting questions about our family. For me, the "new" normal has now turned into the "regular" normal. I think less and less about adoption and more and more about our family...the way it is. I guess that there are still folks out there that have questions about our blended family. Here are two such questions that caught me off guard recently.
I called to leave a message for one of my kids at the school and the receptionist asked if she should refer to me as "Mom". "Does he call you...Mom?" My first inclination was to say..."Of course, he does!! What else would he call me? I AM his mom"...but I thought better of it realizing that it was simply an innocent question. I know that she is a very nice person and would never intentionally say anything hurtful. It made me realize how fortunate I am that I don't just have three more kids living with me...I have three more children that are nestled in my heart...and I in theirs. Our kids have called us "Mom and Dad" from the very first phone call to today. Just for the record, I love being called "Mom" by my kids. All of them.
I was sitting at a table with R,R and R when a well-intentioned lady started asking questions about the children. They were present when she asked..."how long have you had THEM...and will you be keeping THEM forever to raise THEM as your own?" I was slightly irritated, but (again) tried to be gracious as I answered the questions. Inside of me, the protective Mother Hen was rearing my head. I know that people mean well in their curiosity about our blended family, but sometimes...
I am truly thankful that we have felt an easy bond with our Filipino children. We certainly do love them. We feel that they love and are connected to us as well. It is a blessing. It doesn't alway happen that way.
I called to leave a message for one of my kids at the school and the receptionist asked if she should refer to me as "Mom". "Does he call you...Mom?" My first inclination was to say..."Of course, he does!! What else would he call me? I AM his mom"...but I thought better of it realizing that it was simply an innocent question. I know that she is a very nice person and would never intentionally say anything hurtful. It made me realize how fortunate I am that I don't just have three more kids living with me...I have three more children that are nestled in my heart...and I in theirs. Our kids have called us "Mom and Dad" from the very first phone call to today. Just for the record, I love being called "Mom" by my kids. All of them.
I was sitting at a table with R,R and R when a well-intentioned lady started asking questions about the children. They were present when she asked..."how long have you had THEM...and will you be keeping THEM forever to raise THEM as your own?" I was slightly irritated, but (again) tried to be gracious as I answered the questions. Inside of me, the protective Mother Hen was rearing my head. I know that people mean well in their curiosity about our blended family, but sometimes...
I am truly thankful that we have felt an easy bond with our Filipino children. We certainly do love them. We feel that they love and are connected to us as well. It is a blessing. It doesn't alway happen that way.
CHRISTMAS 2010
Christmas was a whirlwind...again. I imagine most people feel that same way. Looking back at these pictures makes me happy. Lots of fun and special times with friends and family made it a very special time. Here is a snippet of what we did in December.
Monday, January 3, 2011
LAST BUT NOT LEAST 41-50
NUMBER 41 - TIME is an interesting thing. Every year seems to go faster... Three years ago seems like three months ago, and yet, three years in the future seems like a long time...and so it goes. It doesn't really make sense. I am constantly frustrated with the fact that I simply don't have enough time for...most anything. Some days I can barely keep up with my dishes, laundry, bills and or running of a household. Then, I have all these great ideas about reading a book, finding a new recipe to cook, learning something new on the computer or scrapbooking. No time for that either. The thing I hate the most is not having enough time for relationships. I wish I had more time to be with my friends, my kids and my husband. I feel guilty for not doing a better job of developing these relationships. I know that I need to focus on today and do the best that I can, but it just doesn't seem like it's enough. My goal for the next 50 years is to live in the moment and appreciate those around me...now. Yep. Time is an interesting thing.
NUMBER 42 - ROSELYN - No, I didn't forget about you, dear. :) I am amazed by you, your attitude about life and your courage to face life's challenges. You are are a beautiful girl and we have already seen you mature so much in the two years we have had you. Much like Romeo, I am sad that I missed out on your childhood. I wish I could look into a crystal ball and see what you were like in those early years. I LOVE when you tell me stories about your life with your first family. It helps me understand who you are. Thank you for loving us even when we aren't very lovable. I am blessed to call you my daughter and excited to see what God has in store for you! Love you!
NUMBER 43 - "COURAGE DOESN"T ALWAYS ROAR. SOMETIMES COURAGE IS THE QUIET VOICE AT THE END OF THE DAY, SAYING..."I WILL TRY AGAIN TOMORROW." This quote was shared with me this fall by some friends who lost their 22-year-old daughter. I think it might be one of my favorites now! I guess I would say that...I get it. I believe that I am a courageous person...or at least...I want to be!
NUMBER 44 - ADVENTURE - I often wonder if I am a risk-taker or someone who likes to play it safe? Well, I guess that maybe I am a bit of both. My inclination is usually to be warm and safe, but at the same time, I love new adventures. Parasailing, snowmobiling, water sports and traveling to remote places do not scare me at all. It seems that many women my age don't really like that stuff...but I do. I am glad that Allen puts up with my need to DO something because I know that in most cases, his choice would be to sit and read a good book. Yep, I like ADVENTURE. Bring it on!
NUMBER 45 - FAVORITE BIBLE PASSAGE - PHILIPPIANS 2:1 IF YOU'VE GOTTEN ANYTHING AT ALL OUT OF FOLLOWING CHRIST, IF HIS LOVE AS MADE ANY DIFFERENCE IN YOUR LIFE, IF BEING IN A COMMUNITY OF THE SPIRIT MEANS ANY THING TO YOU, IF YOU HAVE A HEART, IF YOU CARE---THEN DO ME A FAVOR: AGREE WITH EACH OTHER, LOVE EACH OTHER, BE DEEP-SPIRITED FRIENDS. DON'T PUSH YOUR WAY TO THE FRONT; DON'T SWEET-TALK YOUR WAY TO THE TOP. PUT YOURSELF ASIDE, AND HELP OTHERS GET AHEAD. DON'T BE OBSESSED WITH GETTING YOUR OWN ADVANTAGE. FORGET YOURSELVES LONG ENOUGH TO LEND A HELPING HAND. -The Message
NUMBER 46 - LIFE VERSE -PHILIPPIANS 1:6 - "THERE HAS NEVER BEEN THE SLIGHTEST DOUBT IN MY MIND THAT THE GOD WHO STARTED THIS GREAT WORK IN YOU WOULD KEEP AT IT AND BRING IT TO A FLOURISHING FINISH ON THE VERY DAY CHRIST JESUS APPEARS." - The Message My interpretation? I am a work in progress. I will be until the day I die. God will never give up on me as long as I am willing to keep trying.
NUMBER 47 - UNEXPECTED SURPRISES- When things happen...I mean really good things..and I wasn't expecting them...it's the best. I guess that is why I like surprises - mostly for other people. It keeps life interesting.
NUMBER 48 - USA There are a lot of problems in this country, to be sure. But I am very, very thankful to be born in the United States.
NUMBER 49 - THREE LAKES, WISCONSIN is a place that our family goes to every summer for a couple of weeks of retreat. I love it because we unplug from life for a few days, enjoy the outdoor and enjoy each other. We have made many memories there over the last few years and I know there are lots more to come! I love this place! :)
NUMBER 50 - I am a person of FAITH. My faith in God is what I keep going back to when life doesn't make sense. I do not have it figured out, I make lots of mistakes and I even have doubts on occasion...but when it is all said and done, I hope that I was known as a person who TRIED to live out her faith. It is my foundation for life and I couldn't imagine life without it.
There it is... My Top 50 Thoughts for My 50th Year! Thanks for reading and Thanks for all the birthday well-wishes!!
NUMBER 42 - ROSELYN - No, I didn't forget about you, dear. :) I am amazed by you, your attitude about life and your courage to face life's challenges. You are are a beautiful girl and we have already seen you mature so much in the two years we have had you. Much like Romeo, I am sad that I missed out on your childhood. I wish I could look into a crystal ball and see what you were like in those early years. I LOVE when you tell me stories about your life with your first family. It helps me understand who you are. Thank you for loving us even when we aren't very lovable. I am blessed to call you my daughter and excited to see what God has in store for you! Love you!
NUMBER 43 - "COURAGE DOESN"T ALWAYS ROAR. SOMETIMES COURAGE IS THE QUIET VOICE AT THE END OF THE DAY, SAYING..."I WILL TRY AGAIN TOMORROW." This quote was shared with me this fall by some friends who lost their 22-year-old daughter. I think it might be one of my favorites now! I guess I would say that...I get it. I believe that I am a courageous person...or at least...I want to be!
NUMBER 44 - ADVENTURE - I often wonder if I am a risk-taker or someone who likes to play it safe? Well, I guess that maybe I am a bit of both. My inclination is usually to be warm and safe, but at the same time, I love new adventures. Parasailing, snowmobiling, water sports and traveling to remote places do not scare me at all. It seems that many women my age don't really like that stuff...but I do. I am glad that Allen puts up with my need to DO something because I know that in most cases, his choice would be to sit and read a good book. Yep, I like ADVENTURE. Bring it on!
NUMBER 45 - FAVORITE BIBLE PASSAGE - PHILIPPIANS 2:1 IF YOU'VE GOTTEN ANYTHING AT ALL OUT OF FOLLOWING CHRIST, IF HIS LOVE AS MADE ANY DIFFERENCE IN YOUR LIFE, IF BEING IN A COMMUNITY OF THE SPIRIT MEANS ANY THING TO YOU, IF YOU HAVE A HEART, IF YOU CARE---THEN DO ME A FAVOR: AGREE WITH EACH OTHER, LOVE EACH OTHER, BE DEEP-SPIRITED FRIENDS. DON'T PUSH YOUR WAY TO THE FRONT; DON'T SWEET-TALK YOUR WAY TO THE TOP. PUT YOURSELF ASIDE, AND HELP OTHERS GET AHEAD. DON'T BE OBSESSED WITH GETTING YOUR OWN ADVANTAGE. FORGET YOURSELVES LONG ENOUGH TO LEND A HELPING HAND. -The Message
NUMBER 46 - LIFE VERSE -PHILIPPIANS 1:6 - "THERE HAS NEVER BEEN THE SLIGHTEST DOUBT IN MY MIND THAT THE GOD WHO STARTED THIS GREAT WORK IN YOU WOULD KEEP AT IT AND BRING IT TO A FLOURISHING FINISH ON THE VERY DAY CHRIST JESUS APPEARS." - The Message My interpretation? I am a work in progress. I will be until the day I die. God will never give up on me as long as I am willing to keep trying.
NUMBER 47 - UNEXPECTED SURPRISES- When things happen...I mean really good things..and I wasn't expecting them...it's the best. I guess that is why I like surprises - mostly for other people. It keeps life interesting.
NUMBER 48 - USA There are a lot of problems in this country, to be sure. But I am very, very thankful to be born in the United States.
NUMBER 49 - THREE LAKES, WISCONSIN is a place that our family goes to every summer for a couple of weeks of retreat. I love it because we unplug from life for a few days, enjoy the outdoor and enjoy each other. We have made many memories there over the last few years and I know there are lots more to come! I love this place! :)
NUMBER 50 - I am a person of FAITH. My faith in God is what I keep going back to when life doesn't make sense. I do not have it figured out, I make lots of mistakes and I even have doubts on occasion...but when it is all said and done, I hope that I was known as a person who TRIED to live out her faith. It is my foundation for life and I couldn't imagine life without it.
There it is... My Top 50 Thoughts for My 50th Year! Thanks for reading and Thanks for all the birthday well-wishes!!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME! - 31 -40
NUMBER 31 - HEALTH I know that I take my health for granted. Having said that, as I age, I appreciate it more and more. For the most part, I feel good and enjoy doing stuff. I like being active and doing stuff. I'm going to keep "doing" stuff as long as I can. I hate the idea of a spectator mom. Thanks, God for my excellent health!
NUMBER 32 - FRIENDS- I am going to go back to the subject of friends. I am so lucky to have such great friends. Life is busy and I wish I had more time to be with my friends, but they are patient with me and it seems that when we get together, we just pick up where we left off! I have a couple of friends that frequently go out of their way to check up on me. They allow me to share my heart and they accept me just the way I am. I would name names, but they know who they are. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to my friends.
NUMBER 33 - It is easy to write about LINDSAY- I know that you will read this so I will just write this directly to you! You have grown to be a beautiful young woman and I am so proud of you. You have blazed the way for your siblings and taught us what being a parent is all about. I love your excitement for life. It's contagious. Spending time with you is so much fun. I always feel better when I have been with you! I love you.
NUMBER 34 - BJORK! You are an extra-ordinary young man. I don't know how you do it, but you have a genuine way of making EVERYONE feel good about who they are. You are one of the kindest and most accepting people I have ever met. Family gatherings are always more fun when you are around! There couldn't be a better role model for my two young sons. Thanks for loving our family. You rock!! :)
NUMBER 35 - MOST FOLKS ARE ABOUT AS HAPPY AS THEY MAKE UP THEIR MINDS TO BE -Abraham Lincoln. Another quote that I love! I think that our world has become very cynical and negative. We have become selfish and self-absorbed in our fast-paced lives. Don't get me wrong. I certainly do my share of whining and complaining. But really, the positive people in my life help me to keep a healthy perspective. Living a gracious and content life is something I am working on. I hope to be a person who helps others decide to be happy.
NUMBER 36 - SNOW - Ok. Most people are not very excited about all the snow we have had this month, but I love it! It is SO beautiful and clean. I love when it snows at night. It is the best time to go out for a walk. The crunch you feel under your feet and the quiet you hear is indescribable! It's awesome. One of God's most creative gifts!
NUMBER 37 - ADOPTION has changed my life! If you would have asked me about adoption 5 years ago, I would have said..."Nope. Maybe for someone else, but not for me." It has been a difficult transition for me but it has caused me to grow in ways I could never explain. However, I have absolutely NO regrets and feel so blessed to have adopted such great kids!
NUMBER 38 - WORK - I work seven days a week. But when people ask where I work, I say..."I am an administrative assistant at the high school in the Main Office". Doesn't really matter that I am only there for one day a week. It is simply the easiest answer to a question that I don't particularly like. The important part of this answer is that I LOVE where I work. I get to see lots of people that I wouldn't normally see and for the most part, they are REALLY, REALLY nice. I like my place of work!
NUMBER 39 - ROMEO- is such a delight! I remember meeting him for the first time in the Philippines. He had a big smile and was so excited about life. He volunteered to help me with something that no one else wanted to do. I liked him from the start! One of the first stories I heard about Romeo was about his compassion. It was Christmas and he decided to give all of his money to a family that was struggling. Very impressive for a young man who didn't have much himself. Romeo embraces life with gusto. I love watching him play sports and interacting with people. He gives it 100% and he is very real. Some days I am very sad when I think that I missed most of his childhood. My time with him will be all too short. Romeo is my oldest son! He is very easy to love.
NUMBER 40 - FOOD - For good or bad, I love all kinds of food. Need I say more?
NUMBER 32 - FRIENDS- I am going to go back to the subject of friends. I am so lucky to have such great friends. Life is busy and I wish I had more time to be with my friends, but they are patient with me and it seems that when we get together, we just pick up where we left off! I have a couple of friends that frequently go out of their way to check up on me. They allow me to share my heart and they accept me just the way I am. I would name names, but they know who they are. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to my friends.
NUMBER 33 - It is easy to write about LINDSAY- I know that you will read this so I will just write this directly to you! You have grown to be a beautiful young woman and I am so proud of you. You have blazed the way for your siblings and taught us what being a parent is all about. I love your excitement for life. It's contagious. Spending time with you is so much fun. I always feel better when I have been with you! I love you.
NUMBER 34 - BJORK! You are an extra-ordinary young man. I don't know how you do it, but you have a genuine way of making EVERYONE feel good about who they are. You are one of the kindest and most accepting people I have ever met. Family gatherings are always more fun when you are around! There couldn't be a better role model for my two young sons. Thanks for loving our family. You rock!! :)
NUMBER 35 - MOST FOLKS ARE ABOUT AS HAPPY AS THEY MAKE UP THEIR MINDS TO BE -Abraham Lincoln. Another quote that I love! I think that our world has become very cynical and negative. We have become selfish and self-absorbed in our fast-paced lives. Don't get me wrong. I certainly do my share of whining and complaining. But really, the positive people in my life help me to keep a healthy perspective. Living a gracious and content life is something I am working on. I hope to be a person who helps others decide to be happy.
NUMBER 36 - SNOW - Ok. Most people are not very excited about all the snow we have had this month, but I love it! It is SO beautiful and clean. I love when it snows at night. It is the best time to go out for a walk. The crunch you feel under your feet and the quiet you hear is indescribable! It's awesome. One of God's most creative gifts!
NUMBER 37 - ADOPTION has changed my life! If you would have asked me about adoption 5 years ago, I would have said..."Nope. Maybe for someone else, but not for me." It has been a difficult transition for me but it has caused me to grow in ways I could never explain. However, I have absolutely NO regrets and feel so blessed to have adopted such great kids!
NUMBER 38 - WORK - I work seven days a week. But when people ask where I work, I say..."I am an administrative assistant at the high school in the Main Office". Doesn't really matter that I am only there for one day a week. It is simply the easiest answer to a question that I don't particularly like. The important part of this answer is that I LOVE where I work. I get to see lots of people that I wouldn't normally see and for the most part, they are REALLY, REALLY nice. I like my place of work!
NUMBER 39 - ROMEO- is such a delight! I remember meeting him for the first time in the Philippines. He had a big smile and was so excited about life. He volunteered to help me with something that no one else wanted to do. I liked him from the start! One of the first stories I heard about Romeo was about his compassion. It was Christmas and he decided to give all of his money to a family that was struggling. Very impressive for a young man who didn't have much himself. Romeo embraces life with gusto. I love watching him play sports and interacting with people. He gives it 100% and he is very real. Some days I am very sad when I think that I missed most of his childhood. My time with him will be all too short. Romeo is my oldest son! He is very easy to love.
NUMBER 40 - FOOD - For good or bad, I love all kinds of food. Need I say more?
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