I was tagged by Kayla. Here are the questions and my answers:
8 favorite tv shows:
Dancing with the Stars
The Amazing Race
Law and Order: SVU
ER
Real Simple. Real Life.
Deserving Design
Divine Design
House Hunters
8 things I did yesterday:
Watched about 15 minutes of the Macy's parade
Picked up Grandma at Aunt Dalene's
Ate WAY too much
Visited with family
Played Apples to Apples & Pit
Checked my email
Checked out the Walmart flyer
Help Karen with some wedding plans
8 things I look foward to:
Sleep
Playing games again tonight
Christmas
Getting our dossier out of Parquet
Getting our dossier through 2nd legal
Getting our dossier through MOI
Bringing Elijah & Josephine home
Spring (stolen shamelessly from Kayla)
8 of my favorite restaurants:
Texas Roadhouse
Old Chicago
Red Lobster
Olive Garden
Biaggi's
El Azteca
The Shanti
Tsing Tsao
8 things on my wish list:
Elijah & Josephine to come home
Being a better wife
Being a better mom
Growing in my faith and trust in the Lord
(and lots of other more things)
I tag Erin, Jodie, Jaime, and Julie, if you haven't already been tagged. I don't mean to leave anyone out, so if you want to do it, and you're not specifically listed, you're tagged too. Have fun!
Friday, November 28, 2008
Thanksgiving Fun
We hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. We're reminded this time of year how much we have to be thankful for - family, friends, things we take for granted (jobs, food, home, etc.), and much, much more. I pray for those who don't have what we have. I also pray that our two other children that can't be with us yet, that they'll someday enjoy what we enjoy, and that they'll be able to join us soon.
After work on Wednesday night, we traveled to NE Iowa to spend Thanksgiving day with my family. Thursday we had a great time with my dad & step-mom, grandma, step-grandma, younger sister & soon-to-be-brother-in-law, and my older sister & her family. We played games, visited, and ate way too much food!
This morning, Karen & I got up between 3:45 and 4, threw on some clothes, brushed our teeth, and were out the door by 4:15. We met our other sister and two of her friends half-way to Prarie du Chien, WI, and rode the rest of the way to Walmart with them. We got there right about 5 when their sales started. The parking lot was nearly full. The store was busy, but not what I'd call insane. Maybe I was just not awake enough to notice how crazy it was. There were areas (around the TVs) where you could not get through with a cart, but it wasn't too bad. We assumed the really die-hard shoppers went to a city that had more than just a Walmart and a Cabela's, and we heard from some of Amy's sisters-in-law that Waterloo was crazier than they've seen it in many years. Economy? I'm not sure that's really hit Iowa yet...
We shopped at Walmart for almost three hours. We were all starving by the time we finished, so we stopped by the bakery section for cinnamon rolls/donuts before we checked out. I will say that one of the check-out ladies was trying to figure out what kind of vehicle we drove that would fit all the stuff once she realized that all 5 of us were together! :) We nearly filled the truck topper. Karen and I were the light-weights of the group, but contributed some.
Then we went over to Cabela's. I'd never been in there before, and I have to say I'm not a fan. Things are supposedly good quality out-doorsy stuff, but I can find similar things of decent quality for WAY less than that. I probably would have gotten some of those under-armor-type pants for when I walk - they were on sale for $10, but they didn't have my size. I walked out with some lemon drops and gummy worms for the ride home.
We also stopped by a carpet store. One of the gals' basements was completely flooded this summer, and they're nearly done with re-sheetrocking it. We walked in, and started looking at remnants. In the course of looking at sizes/prices, the lady running the store today said she wasn't supposed to, but she'd give her half-off the remant prices! We quickly realized how much of a deal that was, and she put money down on four remnants and vinyl for her bathrooms. Quite the deal - probably the best one of the day! The carpet store lady must have been in the mood for sales today - she was bummed when we told her we'd been to Walmart at 5:00.
I got back to Dad's around 11:00, then talked for a few minues before I took a nap. The morning was so much fun, but exhausting. It felt like it was 2 or 3 in the afternoon already! I went back to bed and kind of dozed for about an hour or so, then came down and had lunch with Dad, Terry, Jock & Kaylen around 1:00. Then it was time for Kaylen's nap (really needed after a couple busy days and late nights), and Jock and I to have some relaxing computer time. I think Dad and Terry are napping too. I think we're going to play games at Amy & Bill's tonight - and that's usually a fairly late night.
Sometime tomorrow we'll head home. Sunday we're both helping with Sunday school classes at church, then heading over to Jock's dad's - probably for more turkey and some Wii. Then it'll be back to our routines: my Sunday night walk (which will be VERY MUCH needed), and back to work for us and school for Kaylen on Monday.
Happy Day-After-Thanksgiving, everyone!
Oh yah - I did all that on no caffiene! (But trust me, if there'd been a Starbucks or a Panera in the town we were shopping in, I'd have begged to stop before hitting Walmart!) I did just pop open a can of cream soda though. (My dad knows me too well.) Mmmmm...
After work on Wednesday night, we traveled to NE Iowa to spend Thanksgiving day with my family. Thursday we had a great time with my dad & step-mom, grandma, step-grandma, younger sister & soon-to-be-brother-in-law, and my older sister & her family. We played games, visited, and ate way too much food!
This morning, Karen & I got up between 3:45 and 4, threw on some clothes, brushed our teeth, and were out the door by 4:15. We met our other sister and two of her friends half-way to Prarie du Chien, WI, and rode the rest of the way to Walmart with them. We got there right about 5 when their sales started. The parking lot was nearly full. The store was busy, but not what I'd call insane. Maybe I was just not awake enough to notice how crazy it was. There were areas (around the TVs) where you could not get through with a cart, but it wasn't too bad. We assumed the really die-hard shoppers went to a city that had more than just a Walmart and a Cabela's, and we heard from some of Amy's sisters-in-law that Waterloo was crazier than they've seen it in many years. Economy? I'm not sure that's really hit Iowa yet...
We shopped at Walmart for almost three hours. We were all starving by the time we finished, so we stopped by the bakery section for cinnamon rolls/donuts before we checked out. I will say that one of the check-out ladies was trying to figure out what kind of vehicle we drove that would fit all the stuff once she realized that all 5 of us were together! :) We nearly filled the truck topper. Karen and I were the light-weights of the group, but contributed some.
Then we went over to Cabela's. I'd never been in there before, and I have to say I'm not a fan. Things are supposedly good quality out-doorsy stuff, but I can find similar things of decent quality for WAY less than that. I probably would have gotten some of those under-armor-type pants for when I walk - they were on sale for $10, but they didn't have my size. I walked out with some lemon drops and gummy worms for the ride home.
We also stopped by a carpet store. One of the gals' basements was completely flooded this summer, and they're nearly done with re-sheetrocking it. We walked in, and started looking at remnants. In the course of looking at sizes/prices, the lady running the store today said she wasn't supposed to, but she'd give her half-off the remant prices! We quickly realized how much of a deal that was, and she put money down on four remnants and vinyl for her bathrooms. Quite the deal - probably the best one of the day! The carpet store lady must have been in the mood for sales today - she was bummed when we told her we'd been to Walmart at 5:00.
I got back to Dad's around 11:00, then talked for a few minues before I took a nap. The morning was so much fun, but exhausting. It felt like it was 2 or 3 in the afternoon already! I went back to bed and kind of dozed for about an hour or so, then came down and had lunch with Dad, Terry, Jock & Kaylen around 1:00. Then it was time for Kaylen's nap (really needed after a couple busy days and late nights), and Jock and I to have some relaxing computer time. I think Dad and Terry are napping too. I think we're going to play games at Amy & Bill's tonight - and that's usually a fairly late night.
Sometime tomorrow we'll head home. Sunday we're both helping with Sunday school classes at church, then heading over to Jock's dad's - probably for more turkey and some Wii. Then it'll be back to our routines: my Sunday night walk (which will be VERY MUCH needed), and back to work for us and school for Kaylen on Monday.
Happy Day-After-Thanksgiving, everyone!
Oh yah - I did all that on no caffiene! (But trust me, if there'd been a Starbucks or a Panera in the town we were shopping in, I'd have begged to stop before hitting Walmart!) I did just pop open a can of cream soda though. (My dad knows me too well.) Mmmmm...
Friday, November 21, 2008
Hunger in Haiti
This article made me cry. This is so sad, when so many of us live lives of such comfort and abundance here in America. This country that is so close to us is suffering so much...
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Thursday Briefs
No, I'm not talking about underwear today. So much to do, so little time, so today you get some snippits of what we have going on...
-I'm working hard to refocus on God and not the fearsome, worrisome, doubtful funk I was in a week ago regarding our adoption. No communication or news is frustrating, but I'm working on adjusting my attitide and changing my focus. More on that later.
-Today its cold. I told Jock it's hard to get out of bed when the weather report on the radio alarm clock says it's currently 29 but feels like 15 (wind chill), and our high temp is gonna be 32 with continued winds. Ugh. BUT the sun is shining.
-We both filled up with gas yesterday for $1.69. YEAH! Hoping that translates to lower heating bills this winter.
-Our van is having trouble with the automatic lights again now that it's cold again. When it's cold the auto lights don't come on - we have to do them manually. Frustrating - we got that fixed twice before. We've got about 800 miles before the warranty runs out, so need to get it in ASAP.
-If anyone wants to come to church this Sunday, it's a special choir day. That means in addition to the usual praise team, there's a 50-member choir. Jock and I are both singing. It's gonna be awesome. (Just a warning it's also our special offering Sunday, and I heard the pastor will be speaking about $$). But really - come for the music! And don't feel obligated to give.
-Kaylen's school is having their fun night Saturday - we'll be rushing over there when our final choir rehearsal is over.
-Speaking of Kaylen, we got her first Kindergarten report card last week at parent-teacher conferences (they're on trimesters). She's doing awesome - ahead in reading, average in math & writing. More on that later too.
-We're looking forward to Thanksgiving holiday, and spending some much needed time off with our families. We have so much to be thankful for.
-I'm working hard to refocus on God and not the fearsome, worrisome, doubtful funk I was in a week ago regarding our adoption. No communication or news is frustrating, but I'm working on adjusting my attitide and changing my focus. More on that later.
-Today its cold. I told Jock it's hard to get out of bed when the weather report on the radio alarm clock says it's currently 29 but feels like 15 (wind chill), and our high temp is gonna be 32 with continued winds. Ugh. BUT the sun is shining.
-We both filled up with gas yesterday for $1.69. YEAH! Hoping that translates to lower heating bills this winter.
-Our van is having trouble with the automatic lights again now that it's cold again. When it's cold the auto lights don't come on - we have to do them manually. Frustrating - we got that fixed twice before. We've got about 800 miles before the warranty runs out, so need to get it in ASAP.
-If anyone wants to come to church this Sunday, it's a special choir day. That means in addition to the usual praise team, there's a 50-member choir. Jock and I are both singing. It's gonna be awesome. (Just a warning it's also our special offering Sunday, and I heard the pastor will be speaking about $$). But really - come for the music! And don't feel obligated to give.
-Kaylen's school is having their fun night Saturday - we'll be rushing over there when our final choir rehearsal is over.
-Speaking of Kaylen, we got her first Kindergarten report card last week at parent-teacher conferences (they're on trimesters). She's doing awesome - ahead in reading, average in math & writing. More on that later too.
-We're looking forward to Thanksgiving holiday, and spending some much needed time off with our families. We have so much to be thankful for.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Bummed
I've been feeling a little bummed the last couple days about the lack of progress and the lack of information on our adoption process. As far as I know, we're still in Parquet, and our kids' birth parent interviews have not occurred at the Embassy.
Please continue to pray with us that we receive Parquet approval. I have heard of a few families being sent back to IBESR from Parquet because they have biological children, or because they are not 35. They are apparently requesting that IBESR send for presidential dispensation. We understood that our dossier got dispensation while we were in IBESR, so that shouldn't be an issue for us, but who knows...
I'm also a little worried that maybe E & J's birth parents have not been able to be located to schedule the interviews. Our orphanage has birth-parent locators that have to go out and locate the birth parents, so they can schedule the interviews. Then they have to make sure they get make it to the appointment or reschedule the interviews and try again. Please pray that Elijah's mom and Josephine's dad are found and are safe and healthy and able to go to their interviews soon.
On the up-side, it's so exciting to hear about other families' progress! A couple families got through Parquet this week (the step we're waiting in now), and several families have gotten through MOI - which means they're now waiting on passports and visas to be able to bring their kids home! So, we are praying for these families, in addition to those that seem to be stuck in certain areas of their adoption process for much longer than ever imaginable.
I've also been enjoying the stories and pictures from some families who traveled earlier this month to the orphanage to see their children. So, I thought I'd share this picture I found in Terry's collection, of Baby Room 1. Josephine is in this photo - crawling on the floor, at right, behind the child in navy blue. (You can click on the photo to enlarge.)
And, some other random fun photos of E & J from my July trip, just for fun:
Thank you Katy for sharing this next verse. I continually need to be reminded of this: "Be joyful in hope, patient in tribulation, and continue steadfastly in prayer." Romans 12:12
Please continue to pray with us that we receive Parquet approval. I have heard of a few families being sent back to IBESR from Parquet because they have biological children, or because they are not 35. They are apparently requesting that IBESR send for presidential dispensation. We understood that our dossier got dispensation while we were in IBESR, so that shouldn't be an issue for us, but who knows...
I'm also a little worried that maybe E & J's birth parents have not been able to be located to schedule the interviews. Our orphanage has birth-parent locators that have to go out and locate the birth parents, so they can schedule the interviews. Then they have to make sure they get make it to the appointment or reschedule the interviews and try again. Please pray that Elijah's mom and Josephine's dad are found and are safe and healthy and able to go to their interviews soon.
On the up-side, it's so exciting to hear about other families' progress! A couple families got through Parquet this week (the step we're waiting in now), and several families have gotten through MOI - which means they're now waiting on passports and visas to be able to bring their kids home! So, we are praying for these families, in addition to those that seem to be stuck in certain areas of their adoption process for much longer than ever imaginable.
I've also been enjoying the stories and pictures from some families who traveled earlier this month to the orphanage to see their children. So, I thought I'd share this picture I found in Terry's collection, of Baby Room 1. Josephine is in this photo - crawling on the floor, at right, behind the child in navy blue. (You can click on the photo to enlarge.)And, some other random fun photos of E & J from my July trip, just for fun:
Thank you Katy for sharing this next verse. I continually need to be reminded of this: "Be joyful in hope, patient in tribulation, and continue steadfastly in prayer." Romans 12:12
PETA
Thought many of you would get a good eye-rolling from this article. Especially my dad who proudly wears his "PETA-People for the Eating of Tasty Animals" t-shirt to the state fair each year. Click here to read the article, about PETA apparently calling for health insurance companies to charge higher premiums to meat-eaters and lower premiums for vegetarians. Also a while back they asked Ben & Jerry's to switch from cow's milk to human's milk to make their ice cream. Can you imagine?!
First of all, the insurance premium would be a nightmare to enforce - how on earth would they track people's eating habits - ha! Not to mention the benefits of eating meat. It does say in the article that there is no proof that vegetarians are more healthy.
And the breast milk?! Yuck - and too much chance of disease, etc. Think of how hard it is to give blood - the same would be true of breast milk. We'd be paying hundreds of $$ for a bucket if the yummy stuff.
Anyway - just some unscientific opinions of mine. Thought I'd get a good laugh out of a few of you, some eye-rollings, and some disgust too.
Hope you all have a great weekend. I think I'll try to get my hubby to grill up a steak or pork chops sometime this weekend, probably with some yummy veggies and potatoes, and top it off with an awesome bowl of ice cream, and later a walk with a good friend. Who says that's not healthy?! :)
First of all, the insurance premium would be a nightmare to enforce - how on earth would they track people's eating habits - ha! Not to mention the benefits of eating meat. It does say in the article that there is no proof that vegetarians are more healthy.
And the breast milk?! Yuck - and too much chance of disease, etc. Think of how hard it is to give blood - the same would be true of breast milk. We'd be paying hundreds of $$ for a bucket if the yummy stuff.
Anyway - just some unscientific opinions of mine. Thought I'd get a good laugh out of a few of you, some eye-rollings, and some disgust too.
Hope you all have a great weekend. I think I'll try to get my hubby to grill up a steak or pork chops sometime this weekend, probably with some yummy veggies and potatoes, and top it off with an awesome bowl of ice cream, and later a walk with a good friend. Who says that's not healthy?! :)
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Fun for you Ladies
If you're reading this, you've been tagged! I got this in an email from my aunt. It was fun, and I decided to post here. My aunt turned out to be most like Grace Kelly, with 39 points. I turned out to be most like Katherine Hepburn, with 45 points. Now, don't look ahead or you will ruin the fun! Take the quiz, then calculate your score, and share your results and the quiz with others. Enjoy!
1. Which describes your perfect date?
a) Candlelight dinner for two
b) Amusement Park
c) Roller blading in the park
d) Rock Concert
e) Have dinner & see a movie
f) Dinner at home with a loved one
2. What is your favorite type of music?
a) Rock and Roll
b) Alternative
c) Soft Rock
d) Classical
e) Christian
f) Jazz
3. What is your favorite type of movie?
a ) Comedy
b) Horror
c) Musical
d) Romance
e) Documentary
f) Mystery
4. Which of the following jobs would you choose if you were given only these choices?
a) Waiter/Waitress
b) Sports Player
c) Teacher
d) Policeman
e) Bartender
f) Business person
5. Which would you rather do if you had an hour to waste?
a) Work out
b) Make out
c) Watch TV
d) Listen to the radio
e) Sleep
f) Read
6. Of the following colors, which do you like best?
a) Yellow
b) White
c) Sky blue
d) Teal
e) Gold
f) Red
7. Which one of the following would you like to eat right now?
a) Ice cream
b) Pizza
c) Sushi
d) Pasta
e) Salad
f) Lobster Tail
8. Which is your favorite holiday?
a) Halloween
b) Christmas
c) New Year's
d) Valentine's Day
e) Thanksgiving
f) Fourth of July
9 If you could go to any of the following places, which would it be?
a) Reno
b) Spain
c) Las Vegas
d) Hawaii
e) Hollywood
f) British Columbia
10. Of the following, who would you rather spend time with?
a) Someone who is smart
b) Someone with good looks
c) Someone who is a party animal
d) Someone who has fun all the time
e) Someone who is very emotional
f) Someone who is fun to be with
Now total up your points on each question:
1. a-4 b-2 c-5 d-1 e-3 f-6
2. a-2 b-1 c- 4 d-5 e-3 f-6
3. a-2 b-1 c-3 d-4 e-5 f-6
4. a-4 b-5 c-3 d-2 e-1 f-6
5. a-5 b-4 c-2 d-1 e-3 f-6
6. a-1 b-5 c-3 d-2 e-4 f-6
7. a-3 b-2 c-1 d-4 e-5 f-6
8. a-1 b-3 c-2 d-4 e-5 f-6
9. a-4 b-5 c-1 d-4 e-3 f-6
10. a-5 b-2 c-1 d-3 e-4 f-6
NOW take your total and find out which Movie Star you are:
(10-17 points) You are MADONNA:
You are wild and crazy and you know it. You know how to have fun but you may take it to extremes. You know what you are doing though and are much in control of your own life. People don't always see things your way but that doesn't mean that you should do away with your beliefs. Try to remember that your wild spirit can lead to hurting yourself and others.
(18-26 points) You are DORIS DAY:
You are fun, friendly and popular! You are a real crowd pleaser. You have probably been out on the town your share of times, yet you come home with the values that your mother taught you. Marriage and children are very important to you but only after you have fun. Don't let the people you please influence you to stray.
(27-34 points) You are DEBBIE REYNOLDS:
You are cute and everyone loves you. You are a best friend that no one takes the chance of losing. You never hurt feelings and seldom have your own feelings hurt. Life is a breeze. You are witty and calm most of the time. Just keep clear of back stabbers, and you are worry-free..
(35-42 points) You are GRACE KELLY:
You are a lover. Romance, flowers, and wine are all you need to enjoy yourself You are serious about all commitments and are a family person. You call your Mom every Sunday and never forget a Birthday. Don't let your passion for romance get confused with the real thing.
(43-50 points) You are KATHERINE HEPBURN:
You are smart, a real thinker. Every situation is approached with a plan. You are very healthy in mind and body. You don't take crap from anyone. You have only a couple of individuals that you consider 'real friends'. You teach strong family values. Keep your feet planted in them but don't overlook a bad situation when it does happen.
(51-60 points) You are ELIZABETH TAYLOR:
Everyone is in awe of you. You know what you want and how to get it. You have more friends than you know what to do with. Your word is your bond. Everyone knows when you say something it is money in the bank.You attract the opposite sex. Your intelligence overwhelms most. Your memory is the next thing to photographic. Everyone admires you because you are so considerate and lovable. You know how to enjoy life and treat people right.
Monday, November 10, 2008
My Eyes
I had my LASIK consultation today, and I'm happy to say that I'm scheduled for IntraLASIK mid-January! I'm so excited, but kind of head-achey from dilated eyes. I'm sure glad it was cloudy today! Not sure I could've handled a sunny afternoon. I'm usually the one trying to get Jock to agree to turn the lights on at night, but tonight I was voting for eating dinner in the dark. I even had to dim my computer now that I can see it again. (I know, I'm such a complainer!)
Anyway, they checked my vision, measured my eyes a few different ways, then put the dilation drops in. Then they had me watch an informational movie and said it was a 15-minute movie. I'd have never known - I couldn't read my watch by the time it was over. Then the movie said I'd have to take a quiz to make sure I understood the movie. I'm sure glad I didn't have to do that - I wouldn't have been able to see it. They then checked my vision again to make sure it was consistent - you know, the compare 1 vs 2, many times over for each eye.
Then I saw the doctor. He's actually a friend of ours from the church we used to go to. He sped through the information about the surgery risks. I found myself having to concentrate really hard to pay attention - not sure if because my eyes were dilated, or because he really was going that fast. Then the nurse talked through the scheduling, how things go, and the pre/post-op instructions, etc. She held the papers up to show me, which didn't help - I couldn't see them. So, I re-read them a little bit ago. I think I'm ready... Well, I will be as soon as I sign up for the pre-tax medical flex account benefit at work (due this week), and then wait two months! That's gonna be hard, but I'm certain it'll be well worth the wait. To my glasses: Your days are numbered!
Anyway, they checked my vision, measured my eyes a few different ways, then put the dilation drops in. Then they had me watch an informational movie and said it was a 15-minute movie. I'd have never known - I couldn't read my watch by the time it was over. Then the movie said I'd have to take a quiz to make sure I understood the movie. I'm sure glad I didn't have to do that - I wouldn't have been able to see it. They then checked my vision again to make sure it was consistent - you know, the compare 1 vs 2, many times over for each eye.
Then I saw the doctor. He's actually a friend of ours from the church we used to go to. He sped through the information about the surgery risks. I found myself having to concentrate really hard to pay attention - not sure if because my eyes were dilated, or because he really was going that fast. Then the nurse talked through the scheduling, how things go, and the pre/post-op instructions, etc. She held the papers up to show me, which didn't help - I couldn't see them. So, I re-read them a little bit ago. I think I'm ready... Well, I will be as soon as I sign up for the pre-tax medical flex account benefit at work (due this week), and then wait two months! That's gonna be hard, but I'm certain it'll be well worth the wait. To my glasses: Your days are numbered!
Friday, November 7, 2008
Indian Summer Officially Over
It's gone from the 70s earlier in the week to 30s todayn and those are daily high temps folks. Today is our first day of snow for the season.- the white stuff started mid-morning. It's not really falling though - it's blowing sideways from such strong winds. It's melting though - our ground and cars are just wet as I sit here staring out my window at work.
Yup - pretty nasty, but doesn't compare to what they got in the Dakotas yesterday. I don't know if I could live there when they get blizzards that drop several feet of snow in a day. Yuck! I can't complain after hearing that!
Yup - pretty nasty, but doesn't compare to what they got in the Dakotas yesterday. I don't know if I could live there when they get blizzards that drop several feet of snow in a day. Yuck! I can't complain after hearing that!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Kaylen's writings...
I'm getting a kick out of reading some of Kaylen's writings from the last couple weeks she brought home today. A few of these Jock and I had to put our heads together to decipher. Happy reading - if you can figure out what she's saying. Just a hint: she writes her d's backwards...
"I wons went up stars. To my moms anb Dabs rowm. I wochb a brby mowe. anb thin wochb a bvb. I bib not bo it with my perins."
"Won Day I went to my Grapus anb Gramos. I habe pop. I habe cace. I hab fun. I askb my DaD wy are we going to Grapus?."
On a list worksheet that has printed at the top, "My List of Healthy Habits":
1. "Dreking wotr."
2. "Dreking mellik."
3. "eting a sanbwich"
4. "sleping."
5. "Droching my teth." (first one I've seen where she switched a B to a D!)
"I WEnt owt sibe in my bake yrb anb my cusin. Che raseb me anb I no che wun the rase. I habe lose of fum."
"Won bay I winT to a HoTel!. I Loveb it. I Hab imanims. I Hab Lotso Goob Of fun. I Hab Sum 7 up it was osum! I sol my FReNb. I aNb EvRewon plaD Hib anD Go Sek. Wen we plab The baby wocolb." (This one Jock and I had trouble deciphering, because her lines weren't straight. imanims=M&Ms, osum=awesome, wocolb=woke up)
On another list worksheet that she has to write the title:
Title "My Toes."
1. "tebebaer"
2. "bolls" (this isn't balls - the picture she drew is of a doll)
3. "Art"
4. "Books"
"Won bay I hab to wock my bog. I Likb it. I hab fun. you wob like it. I seb to my mommy anb DaDDy that I Loveb Tenm. I Like you."
"I went to a frme. I likbe it. I hade fun. I hade jose. I saw a cow. I now thar wobe Be Thar." (now=knew, jose=juice)
Another list where she had to write the title:
Title "My frafRit Presobins."
1. "Brokobmo." (all one word)
2. "Jon MocKan" (the J was backwards but I can't replicate that here)
3. "Jowrg-W-Buch" (again a backwards J)
4. "Wochingtent"
"Wons I went to pik up my ukul jak. I likb it. I hab fun. I hab pup. My ulul jak went fr to my Hous. I seb wen jak went by-by I hop to see you sun. I wus sab that jak hab to go by-by." (although all the j's were backwards) (pup=pop - it's a treat around here.)
A letter form:
" 10-30-08
Dear Dad,
Dad Do you hav a hebak stel? I Hop you bont have a habak! last nite you bib not Fell gob. aRe you bRethibratib? I hop you Rnt.
Love
Kaylen."
(Jock get's headaches when he doesn't drink enough water - that big word is "dehydrated".)
A letter form:
" 10-30-08
Dear Mom,
I Love you. Wut aRe you booing? you aRe a veRe gob Mom! DiD you go TRik-owR-tReting? Mom is yowR bos happy becas your wRk.
Love
Kaylen"
(And all except for the two letters have awesome pictures to go with. I'll try to scan a few in - she's an excellent artist.)
"I wons went up stars. To my moms anb Dabs rowm. I wochb a brby mowe. anb thin wochb a bvb. I bib not bo it with my perins."
"Won Day I went to my Grapus anb Gramos. I habe pop. I habe cace. I hab fun. I askb my DaD wy are we going to Grapus?."
On a list worksheet that has printed at the top, "My List of Healthy Habits":
1. "Dreking wotr."
2. "Dreking mellik."
3. "eting a sanbwich"
4. "sleping."
5. "Droching my teth." (first one I've seen where she switched a B to a D!)
"I WEnt owt sibe in my bake yrb anb my cusin. Che raseb me anb I no che wun the rase. I habe lose of fum."
"Won bay I winT to a HoTel!. I Loveb it. I Hab imanims. I Hab Lotso Goob Of fun. I Hab Sum 7 up it was osum! I sol my FReNb. I aNb EvRewon plaD Hib anD Go Sek. Wen we plab The baby wocolb." (This one Jock and I had trouble deciphering, because her lines weren't straight. imanims=M&Ms, osum=awesome, wocolb=woke up)
On another list worksheet that she has to write the title:
Title "My Toes."
1. "tebebaer"
2. "bolls" (this isn't balls - the picture she drew is of a doll)
3. "Art"
4. "Books"
"Won bay I hab to wock my bog. I Likb it. I hab fun. you wob like it. I seb to my mommy anb DaDDy that I Loveb Tenm. I Like you."
"I went to a frme. I likbe it. I hade fun. I hade jose. I saw a cow. I now thar wobe Be Thar." (now=knew, jose=juice)
Another list where she had to write the title:
Title "My frafRit Presobins."
1. "Brokobmo." (all one word)
2. "Jon MocKan" (the J was backwards but I can't replicate that here)
3. "Jowrg-W-Buch" (again a backwards J)
4. "Wochingtent"
"Wons I went to pik up my ukul jak. I likb it. I hab fun. I hab pup. My ulul jak went fr to my Hous. I seb wen jak went by-by I hop to see you sun. I wus sab that jak hab to go by-by." (although all the j's were backwards) (pup=pop - it's a treat around here.)
A letter form:
" 10-30-08
Dear Dad,
Dad Do you hav a hebak stel? I Hop you bont have a habak! last nite you bib not Fell gob. aRe you bRethibratib? I hop you Rnt.
Love
Kaylen."
(Jock get's headaches when he doesn't drink enough water - that big word is "dehydrated".)
A letter form:
" 10-30-08
Dear Mom,
I Love you. Wut aRe you booing? you aRe a veRe gob Mom! DiD you go TRik-owR-tReting? Mom is yowR bos happy becas your wRk.
Love
Kaylen"
(And all except for the two letters have awesome pictures to go with. I'll try to scan a few in - she's an excellent artist.)
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Meals from the Heartland
For you locals, I received this email this afternoon...
I also heard Eric Hanson interviewed about this on a Christian radio station's morning show on Monday. If they post a transcript of it I'll post it later. It's just awesome that he was able to experience this, and I hope that his sharing will inspire others to want to help the people of Haiti.
In September, Iowans came together to package over 4 million meals at Meals from the Heartland. That was just the beginning of the story. Follow KCCI TV8 reporter Eric Hanson to Haiti and meet the people receiving the food from Meals from the Heartland. Eric's segments will be broadcast during the 10:00 pm newscast this Wednesday and Thursday (Nov. 5 & 6). For a preview, click this link:If you're not local, check the link in a few days. The TV station will probably post it in full on their website for a while after it airs.
http://www.kcci.com/video/17873804/index.html
I also heard Eric Hanson interviewed about this on a Christian radio station's morning show on Monday. If they post a transcript of it I'll post it later. It's just awesome that he was able to experience this, and I hope that his sharing will inspire others to want to help the people of Haiti.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Blogger Catch-Up
Yes, I've been a blogging fanatic today. I think I'm caught up now, so scroll down, check out some awesome pictures, and read up! :)
New Pictures Oct 2008
Our October photos are in:
No process update yet - still praying Parquet has signed out their files so we can move on and get that adoption decree. Quarterly developmental updates are forthcoming.
Also, I did notice that our orphanage has updated all of the childrens' photos on their website, and it again includes the children's names. This is great, because the children have changed so much since we've seen them, that some we couldn't remember who they were!
No process update yet - still praying Parquet has signed out their files so we can move on and get that adoption decree. Quarterly developmental updates are forthcoming.
Also, I did notice that our orphanage has updated all of the childrens' photos on their website, and it again includes the children's names. This is great, because the children have changed so much since we've seen them, that some we couldn't remember who they were!
This Weekend
We didn't have our normal Thursday night Bible study, since it was "Beggar's night". So instead, we planned a social for our group. We hosted this time, having people over for a game night, sans kids. About half of our group was able to make it. One family had a sick child, one had just gotten back from an overseas trip to visit family, one family is preparing to move next weekend, and another had other plans already set for this weekend. So the other 4 couples (including us) got together. We had some yummy snacks. We played "Taboo" and "Fact or Crap". We got to know each other a little better. We laughed so hard! And we all enjoyed the evening with just adults.
Jock had taken Kaylen to Grandma's, and she got to enjoy a second trick-or-treating - at Living History Farms. She seemed to have a lot of fun, came home with a little bit more candy, and a ghost story. Very interesting how funny the story is when told by a 5-year-old! Apparently there is a ghost in a barn that is a person who died that scares people because he or she is scared of people - or something like that. ...Followed by our explanation that ghosts aren't really real - they're fiction. And yes, she knows what fiction is - she tells us when we ask her if she's telling the truth about something, "Yes, it's non-fiction. Fiction is not true, like made-up, and non-fiction is true."
Today Grandma brought Kaylen home around 10:30, allowing us to sleep in very late, which felt awesome! Then Kaylen finished her homework for the weekend and worked some on her workbook for Wednesday night kids' church. We had sandwiches for lunch, and then Jock took Kaylen to the park while I worked on a few other things at home - catching up on blogging while making a pot of chili.
At 4:00 Jock and I had rehearsal at church for the Thanksgiving choir, with a soup/chili supper afterwards. We're really excited about singing again. Our church has a praise team & band, but not a regular choir - only for special occasions. We sang in the Easter choir, and really enjoyed it. This one will be a little less formal, but with about 50 extra singing, it's going to be awesome! It'll be the Sunday before Thanksgiving, so mark your calendars and come join us at church if you'd like - we'll be there all morning, to sing at both services!
Not much else going on this weekend for us. We'll go to church in the morning, and then probably have a lazy afternoon of naps/quiet time, watching football, messing on our computers, and maybe enjoying a bit of the beautiful outdoors. It's been around 70 again the last few days - and we want to take advantage of that while it lasts!
What are you doing this weekend?
Jock had taken Kaylen to Grandma's, and she got to enjoy a second trick-or-treating - at Living History Farms. She seemed to have a lot of fun, came home with a little bit more candy, and a ghost story. Very interesting how funny the story is when told by a 5-year-old! Apparently there is a ghost in a barn that is a person who died that scares people because he or she is scared of people - or something like that. ...Followed by our explanation that ghosts aren't really real - they're fiction. And yes, she knows what fiction is - she tells us when we ask her if she's telling the truth about something, "Yes, it's non-fiction. Fiction is not true, like made-up, and non-fiction is true."
Today Grandma brought Kaylen home around 10:30, allowing us to sleep in very late, which felt awesome! Then Kaylen finished her homework for the weekend and worked some on her workbook for Wednesday night kids' church. We had sandwiches for lunch, and then Jock took Kaylen to the park while I worked on a few other things at home - catching up on blogging while making a pot of chili.
At 4:00 Jock and I had rehearsal at church for the Thanksgiving choir, with a soup/chili supper afterwards. We're really excited about singing again. Our church has a praise team & band, but not a regular choir - only for special occasions. We sang in the Easter choir, and really enjoyed it. This one will be a little less formal, but with about 50 extra singing, it's going to be awesome! It'll be the Sunday before Thanksgiving, so mark your calendars and come join us at church if you'd like - we'll be there all morning, to sing at both services!
Not much else going on this weekend for us. We'll go to church in the morning, and then probably have a lazy afternoon of naps/quiet time, watching football, messing on our computers, and maybe enjoying a bit of the beautiful outdoors. It's been around 70 again the last few days - and we want to take advantage of that while it lasts!
What are you doing this weekend?
Trick-or-Treating
Kaylen was a ballerina again this year. I was so glad that her leotard and tutu/skirt still fit her, and she was OK with doing the same costume as last year, so we went with it. I did have to repair the torn seam on the skirt before she could wear it. My sewing machine doesn't like to go through thick pieces, so I hand-sewed the elastic ends back in place and then repaired the seam.
Some friends of ours came over to go trick-or-treating in our neighborhood with us for a little while. So, we had Alex, as a very cute Curious George, and Emma, as an adorable flower! Kaylen was also very excited that her kindergarten teacher had invited her students to come trick-or-treat at her house. Kaylen must have mentioned that 50 times, and was so nervous about missing it, that we gave up in our neighborhood, jumped in the van and headed over. First stop at the teacher's house, met one of her sons and two dogs, visited a bit with a couple other of Kaylen's classmates parents, then stopped at a few homes in the teacher's neighborhood before heading home for the night.
Here is Kaylen's post-Beggar's-Night indulging. The photos turned out perfectly - aren't those stuffed cheeks just priceless?! This is the one night each year that Kaylen can eat all the candy she wants before bedtime (Daddy's rule, not mine!). Well, we got home past her normal bedtime, but let her stay up another 15 minutes. Which turned into probably about an hour before the sugar low finally hit and she fell asleep. Friday morning she seemed OK despite getting to sleep late.And for those of you not from around here: Yes, this part of Iowa is really confused about when Halloween really is. On all our calendars, it says Halloween is October 31st. However, most cities around Des Moines schedule their "Beggar's Night" for October 30th. It's been that way since we moved here. Not sure why - yes, really wierd.
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