Shopping!

After Carly and I stepped off the plane Tuesday evening... we dropped our bags at the hotel, wasting no time and headed to IKEA!  We had dinner there and closed down the store...  I love that place!  Jeremy must have been praying really hard, because I only spent $6.24!  It's a MiRaCLe!  :)  We were seriously tired, but SO happy!

Then the next morning, my dear friend Elaine and her youngest, Collin picked us up and took us to the Mall of America for the day.  It was ginormous and fun!  We were there for 9 HOURS...  and had to rent a shopping cart at the mall to tote our bags.  And again... Jeremy must have been on his knees...  because I was puzzled as to why things weren't jumping off the rack at me, shouting "pick me!" 

We had a blast!!!!!  The American Girl store was of first stop, and possibly the place I was looking forward to seeing the most!  We don't own an AG doll yet, but we own Target's version.. and Morgan and I love pouring over their catalog. 

Man, this place is spendy.. but oh, so wonderful. 

I actually always wanted my own doll, but I was too old when they came out and now???  I guess I can live vicariously through my daughter's dolls.  :) 

This is the outfit I'm excited to surprise Morgan with!

The LEGO Imagination Center was amazing, and I was

so sad my kids weren't there to share in it. 

us planning to be scared while a shark eats us...

and the real deal.. 

This was a fun, fun way to start our trip in Minneapolis!

heading out!

Tomorrow morning, my buddy Carly and I are heading out to Minnesota for the rest of the week.  We are in need of  prayer for our health, back/neck/shoulder issues for the both of us, safety, our families back home, and that God would speak through this conference directly to us.  We can't wait to be immersed in the global ministry to orphans/foster care/adoption and find out how we can help through our local churches and in our own hearts.  Ta ta for now... pictures and fun to come! 

goin' green in the basement

Jeremy is in full swing gardening mode.  He began planting downstairs in March, one month earlier than last year so maybe we'll have red tomatoes this year!  We have garlic, onions, herbs, tomatoes, broccoli, brussel sprouts, different squashes, cabbage, peppers, cucumbers, and more growing downstairs!  A few of the plants like lettuces, spinach, carrots, and potatoes he'll plant directly in the ground in about a month or so. 

parsley, brussel sprouts, and basil he just planted!

little cabbages

I'll post again when our rack is overflowing with plants ready to go outside and in the greenhouse!

more randomness

How could you not just love life, when after a visit with the neighbors their goats follow you home?

They act like little dogs and follow you everywhere!  So fun...

How often do goats come on your front porch?

Okay, so this one is pitiful. 

Can you guess what the stack on the left represents?

And the lonely one on the right?

You're women, so yep... you guessed it...   the ones on the left don't fit at all.

And the lonely one on the right is the only current pair in my closet that fits. 

Hmmm... frustration.  And three pairs in the left pile are brand new and have never been worn. 

Jeremy says I should just get rid of them all, but who wants to spend money on new jeans if any of these fit someday???  Sigh.. but today I found a great pair that FITS for $17 on mega clearance.  ya hoo!

And this, is the stack of books that sits above my night stand on shelf. 

The little scrolly book thingie on the right can't take anymore books, and truly... I'm reading all of these. 

But you have to add Successful Adoption and Master Your Metabolism to this stack... they were actually on my nightstand when I took this picture. 

I'm just not a constant book reader that finishes one book before starting another.  I have bookmarks in all of these and pick them up depending on my mood that night. 

There ya go, more Amanda randomness. 

the name game, 13 years ago!

Naming babies is one of my favorite things ever!  I knew I wanted to be a Mom, so when I was in college and unmarried about 13 years ago or so, I bought a baby name book and I highlighted all my favorite names... funny, I know!  I pulled it out recently, well actually Annika pulled it out for me and I found it lying on the floor!  And I started revisiting my old favorites, and I came to find that all 4 of my kids names were highlighted! 

Here were my faves... back in the day... 

GIRLS
Aimee
Ainsley
Alayna
Alina
Ally
Alyssa
Amaya
Amalia
ANIKA (we added an N)
Anna (Drew's name if he was a girl, Anna Sabrina!)
Annalisa
Becca
Cameron
Camille
Chelsea
Christa
Christian
Claire
Courtney
Daelynn
Danika
Delaney
Elizabeth
Emma  (Gavin's name if he was a girl, Emma Noelle!)
Emmaline
Felicity (Morgan's middle name)
Hailey
Hannah
Hilary
Isabel
Jalena
Jane
Janey
Jocelyn
Julia
Kaleigh
Kallista
Kate
Kathleen
Kayleigh
Kelsey
Kinsey
Kyla
Laura
Lauren
Lena
Lila
Lilyan
Lindsay
Lynsey
Madison
Malina
Marian
Marisa
Marley
Meagan
Meg
Megan
MORGAN
Natalie
Noelle
Paige
Quincy
Rebekah
Riley
Ryann
Samantha
Shelby
Suzanna
Sydney
Tatiana
Taylor
Teagan
Tori
Trystan
Valerie
Veronica
Winter

Our list 4 kids later is much shorter and simpler... and some of these names??.. I'm wondering what I was thinking!!!  But realize a lot of these are the names of my favorite gymnasts and kids I taught at The Little Gym.  Funny how nice kids influence you to name your kids after them!

BOYS
Aaron (Drew's middle name)
Adam
Ainsley
Andrew
Avery
Bailey
Baldwin
Benjamin
Bradley
Brannon
Braxtom
Brendan
Bryce
Caleb
Chandler
Clayton
Cole
Colin
Connor
Corbin
Cullen
Dalton
Damian
Damon
Daniel
Davin
Dawson
Devon
DREW
Emery
Ethan (Drew's name until 2 weeks before he was born!)
GAVIN
Graham
Hadley
Harrison
Jack
Jamison
Jaron
Jayson
Joel
Jonah
Kaelan
Kameron
Karsten
Kenzie
Landon
Lane
Lucas
Mackenzie
Mark
Matthew
McKenzie
Micah
Nate
Nathan
Nathaniel (Gavin's middle name)
Parker
Paxton
Payton
Preston
Quentin
Quinn
Reagan
Reese
Riley
Ryan
Rylan
Spencer
Tate
Teagan
Trenton
Tristan
Treston
Wade
Wesley
Zachary

I also realized while I was typing them all out,  that a lot of my friend's kid's names are here too!  Sometime soon, I'll share our current baby name list for baby #5!  I still love SO many of these names and a lot of them are still on the list 13 years later...

it really is a gift

Generally, waiting for something to happen is hard!!  Waiting for a baby to be born when you're due or past due is hard.  Waiting to find out test results when you're having health issues is hard.  Waiting to see if you got into the school you were hoping to is... you guessed it - hard!  Waiting can be difficult no matter how big or small the thing you're waiting for may seem.  Adoption is full of waiting!  And waiting, just so you know, is not my forte.  And I'm sure it isn't yours either.  When my sister and friends have adopted, it was really easy for me to look in from the outside and think, "Why are they antsy to speed up the process?  Their child will come when God's timing reveals them!"  Well, now I know how hard waiting in adoption truly is!!!  I could think of a whole list of reasons why one might say that I shouldn't have a hard time waiting....

1. I already have 4 kids, it's not like I don't have enough to do.
2. We've only been actively looking to adopt for 7 months.
3. We don't even have all of our finances to pay for it when it happens.
4. We should be trusting God with this process and not grow impatient!

Thinking of all of these reasons myself, helps me put things into perspective.  I really, truly know that once we are matched with a birthmom things could get crazy, scary, confusing, hairy, expensive, exhilirating, and thrilling!  And I know that time is a gift... we can't take back this time we have.  So I've purposed in my heart to take full advantage. 

I'm starting a journal for our child, that tells about this process.  How we hoped, dreamed, and prayed for them.  I'll write about our positive dealings with their birthmom and the feelings we're experiencing.  The funny things their siblings say about them while we wait, and how others helped bring them home. 

I'll also use this time to plan fundraisers to pay for all of this.  In May (date TBA) we are holding a fundraiser garage sale at a GREAT location here in town... (detailed info will be emailed later!)  We're hoping to make a BIG deal out of this and gather support from our community!  We're accepting donations of things to sell  large and small now if you have anything you'd like to donate to the cause...

And most of all, we're praying.  We'd been doing this from the start.  We're praying for our birthmom and child right now.  That she'll be drawn to us somehow.  That she'll be okay that we have 4 kids already and that she'll want her baby in a large family.  We're praying for smooth interactions with her.  And that all involved will see the hand of God. 

Those are my thoughts lately.  It's been hard this week.  I've had this feeling that it will NEVER happen.  No one will choose us.  I know right where those thoughts are coming from, and they've been not so politely kicked back down where they came from.  And just when I was at my lowest...

we got mail...

a cute little yellow envelope from a friend that I've known for years, but still don't know well enough.  She wrote a sweet note, and enclosed a check that FLOORED our whole family.  They wanted to help with our adoption fund.  YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY  Is all I could say, along with NO WAY!!  as tears streamed down my face.  Thank you, A for blessing us in this way...  and for following God's lead to do so.  You have touched us immeasurably!  God knows our needs and he is faithful to show us how he provides. 

Then last night, God showed me that there may be other avenues to our child.  Two friends emailed at the same time about opportunities in their area, and are spreading the word.  Wow. 

That's all for today...  I'm going to embrace this gift of time to love on my kids and start that journal.

a BUG!

Annika is obsessed with bugs now...  She thinks every speck on the carpet, in her bath, or in the sink when she's brushing her teeth is a bug!  At this moment she and Gavin are trying to catch a friendly little bug on our kitchen floor to show her they aren't scary!  She actually screams and cries and won't walk up the stairs at least once a day because she sees so many "bugs" in her path... 

"Uh, oh... Drew Drew, a bug!" 

"Mom, I see bug!"

and 99% of the time, it's a speck...  sorry little one, you're gonna
frrrreak out when the spiders start coming inside SOON!!!!

mother and daughter Easter Tea!

Last weekend, my Morgan and I had the pleasure of

attending our church's mother/daughter Easter tea. 

I love every chance I get to spend with just one of my

children, however rare it is...  We got dressed up, and enjoyed fun with

friends, an egg hunt, singing, and yummy food!

In 2 more years, Annika will be joining in the fun...

some special buddies

singing complete with hand motions...

Morgan's loot bag after the hunt!

She's a tad competitive like her mama... 

read it?

Today at the library, I happened upon this new book by Jillian Michaels.  I'm not sure why I didn't think to check the library for this book since I've been wanting to read it... but as I browsed the health books, there it sat!  I've thumbed through it enough to find out that Jillian has hypothyroidism like me... so I'll be interested to find out what she says.  I also know she covers toxins in our food, environment, etc... and eating only foods that either grew on the earth or have a mother!  Funny, but good true advise, huh?  So no... Doritos and soda don't cut it!  (I actually don't consume either.. chemicals make me squirm.)  So this is what I'll be reading this next month...  it definitely jumps to the top of my nightstand list over there on the right.   Just thought I'd throw this book out there if you are at all interested in nutrition/exercise like I am! 

ramblings

Everyday I come up with a blog post in my head, but I've been trying to stay off the laptop so my posts never make it past my mind.  The only post left in my head tonight is a jumble of random thoughts that I thought I'd throw out there.  These are the things swirling around in my head lately:

• I've been obsessed with the sitemeter on our adoption info blog.  I'm down to checking it "only" about 3 times a day.  We've had nearly 450 visitors since we launched the blog last fall, and I'm not even sure if one woman that is expecting a baby and wanting to place him/her for adoption is in that number.  We have a bunch of referrals now from Everlasting Adoptions, who we are contracted with... but no bites yet.  Time will tell.  But I feel a bit James Bond-ish being able to track what city/state visitors are coming from.  It's fun, but addicting.  And it gets the mind wandering in places it shouldn't until we get a call saying someone is interested in us. 

• Homeschooling is on the brain a bunch lately.  And it's not because we're engaged in it 4 days a week, it's because I'm not so pleased with how I'm running it.  I know myself, and I know I'm being ultra lazy with it this last semester.  We're getting the bare minimum done, but even that isn't fantastic.  It's boring for all of us.  Some of it has to do with it almost being the end of the year, and some of it has to do with the sporadic way things are being run during the week.  The kids don't know anything is amiss...  they don't know what I'd really like us to be doing.  They happily say, "That's it??  Great! Let's go play!"  I made a list the other night of each school subject we'd like to be covering and the improvements that need to happen and I'm encouraged.  I just received my copy of "Managers of their Homes" in the mail today and I can't wait to devour it.  I love schedules.  I'll let you know how it's going.  I'm just dying to make a list of all the things I'd like to get done in a day and have them help me organize it in a school day schedule.  Each kid will have a section... can't wait.  The thought of it makes my list makey heart jump for joy.

• I've started exercising again after a 6 week hiatus.  It's painful.  I promised myself I wouldn't stop after I did my 30 Day Shred month, but I did.  I was burned out and disappointed by the lack of results on the scale even though my body felt way different.  (sigh)  I'm such an instant results girl.  (sigh)  And if I would have continued... I wouldn't be feeling bummed about starting over and I would have been a firmer girl that would have certainly seen results on the scale by now.  Why am I so tied to the numbers on the scale??  Maybe I should toss it.  But it really feels good to be moving again.  I tried running outside which is my dream... but my knee is still bugging me since the triathlon last May, and I still can't run on it.  boo hoo!  So no big triathlon this year, and I'm still contemplating a smaller one in June if I can find out a way to run.  Jillian Michaels is my DVD friend and she works me hard, so we'll stay friends even though I'd love to be running outside. 

• I planted tulip bulbs outside for the first time last fall, let's hope they appear!

• I wonder if our baby is out there already, nestled in his/her mother's womb?  Drew says he thinks our baby is.  And that he thinks he/she just kicked.  I think so too.  Well, I hope so!

• I'm also realizing lately how prideful I am and have been.  It has shown itself in many different ways in my life over the years, and I'm just now owning up to it.  God has been working with me on this, and it's hard!!  I've been too prideful to see it.  My pride comes in ways that you might not see as pride and in other ways that are blatant pride.  Okay, pride is not looking like a word any more... I've typed it too many times.  pride, pride, pride.... yuck. 

• I can't stand it when my girls' hair is messy after they've been up for a while in the morning when we're here at home.  Silly, I know.  But it makes me feel so much more together when I'm dressed and my girls' hair looks decent.  Not sure what made me think of that, but there it is. 

• I have 4 credits for free books on Paper Back Swap... what books should I request?  I've run out of ideas.  help!  (I love non-fiction and the occasional fiction)

• I have an insanely wonderful husband.  the end. 

Easter

On Easter Sunday this year, we spent a wonderful morning at church being so thankful for our risen Lord!  And as the song says, "...as he stands in victory, sin's curse has lost it's grip on me... for I am His and He is mine, bought with the precious blood of Christ."

After, we had lunch and an egg hunt at Dad and Marla Kay's with family and friends, then headed

out to the Dougherty's place for dinner and another egg hunt!  It was a wonderful day spent with friends and family.  I LOVE Easter!!! 

I think every year more and more, I come to realize what Christ's death on that cross and ressurrection mean for me.  I used to just acknowledge it as God's choice for Christ and a really interesting way to save the world if people choose to believe.  It actually used to be a tad ho-hum.  But now it's different... it's personal.    Christ died for ME.  He took MY sins upon himself so that I could know God.  I know God.  I don't just know about him and his stories.  He is a real and active God, moving in me in ways I can't quite explain.  He has forgiven me.  He continues to forgive me.  I have a hope and a future.  I have no fear in death.  He hears me.  He knows me more than I know myself.  He has given me a life so abundant and free that there's nothing you could do or say to make me want to go back to the old way.  I'm not perfect, but he makes me whole.  I don't know why he has chosen me for this life he has given me, but I am eternally grateful. 

With that being said...  here are some photos from our fantastic Easter.

Grandma Marla Kay made these super duper beautiful dresses for the girls!  Thank You!!

the earth appears

How lovely are the days spent walking and biking again!!

The bikes are now riden every day again, walks are more frequent

and the earth (in these here parts) is waking up from a long sleep.

Our family has always enjoyed evening walks after Jeremy is home... and last week we

took off on our first of the spring.  (and yes, if you noticed the kids aren't wearing their helmets... they hadn't been unearthed yet... but never fear their heads are now safe!)  I'm actually a safety gal at heart and love seatbelts, helmets, and outlet covers.  After all, a seatbelt saved my tail quite literally years ago... but that's another story!  Let me know if you've never heard, it might be fun to scan some photos in and recount my car accident when I was 16 and a new driver on icy roads now that it's spring!

Here's Gavin showing off his new bike he got for Christmas... 

Morgan looking as cute as ever with her John Deere wheels... this is the first time she's actually had

her own bike that fit her and I'm sure those training wheels will be flying off in

no time.  She's begging already, but I think we'll wait for a softer landing when the

grass appears to try that out.

And now I say goodbye to the snowfort, who has melted even more since this picture a week ago...

woo hoo!!!  We won't miss ya, but we'll sure be glad to see you next winter. 

forced bulbs

This year, we decided to try our hand at forcing

tulip and hyacinth bulbs inside!  Jeremy bought me some fun bowls

that match our kitchen and living room area and we stuck a few

bulbs in the dirt to see what happens...

Well, a few weeks later (with the aid of grow lights that are starting our tomatoes and peppers) we have plants!!!  I don't remember what I put in what, so it'll be a surprise as to which ones are

tulips and which hyacinth.  But it's fun to have new growth in the house

when it's still brown and mushy outside. 

Give it a try!  And you really don't need grow lights, but it helped!

A couple days after we planted the bulbs...

and now!  hooray!

a must read...

Okay, if you need a good laugh today or have ever asked anyone when they're scheduling their vasectomy because obviously they have too many kids in your opinion.... then this post is for you!  It is written by the husband of one of my favorite bloggers:

http://www.storinguptreasures.com/2010/04/me-my-vasectomy.html

Okay, going to read it to Jeremy now!