adoption part 1

Well, it's been a while but I thought that I'd write a little about the adoption and some of my thoughts in the short and yet long month we have had our sweety girl. Kind of a cheesy name but it has stuck with me.

If you read this blog then you know that we have been in the process of adoption for almost 4 years now. January of '06 we started our paperwork for a Peruvian adoption. Part of the process was to get a local agency to do a homestudy. I'll talk more about this later. So, we knew that the process would take a while. That is why we started before Caleb turned two! We had no idea that we would go 18 months to be approved. Just for them to move our dossier from one pile to another! Then it has been about that long since we were approved until now. Again, we knew it would be a while!! I think the most unexpected think in waiting for Peru was that we would hear next to nothing from our agency, and Peru itself on our behalf.

So this summer I began to wonder if it would ever happen and then even question whether we really wanted it now that the kids were older. We were pretty mixed as we would talk about it. I was shocked at how normal it was to think about our family being just the 5 of us. Then this fall came and Caleb went to Kindergarten I really began questioning so it seemed natural to clean out most of the kids clothes and gear when our church had a garage sale. Literally the week after the sale we got the call for Kareena.

Because I like a good cliffhanger I am going to write part 2 tomorrow. Stay tuned.

It's ironic how I sit here in a hole - literally - with stuff piled around me, clothes, books, toys, mugs etc, and I am here on the computer! I find I can always find time to be on the computer but not to pick up toys and clothes. I think I want the kids to do it but then when they get home I hate to interrupt their playing b/c they don't get much time to do that. Then when I do ask they throw a fit so I ask less and less. I fear they've figured me out and now use it against me.

What are some of your ideas for "helping" kids to help around the house?

Hello again!

Hey friends! I am a bit under the gun here but thought I'd do a quick update...

The kids are healthy and spring has finally arrived here in Minnesota. We are anxiously awaiting summer when we get to play and travel. We have a number of trips planned to really fun places! Whoo hoo!! We still have not heard anything new on the adoption front and will likely switch to a domestic adoption after June.

More to come!

Hello Again

Well, I've had lots of thoughts to write about but now I forget...ahh the life of a random abstract. The kids have been sick a bit lately. Just when I thought we were in the clear. Caleb had a triple whammy; strep throat, ear infection, and a chest cold. Abby puked today and thankfully is on the mend. I am glad that we are past the days of all of us on the floor puking together. I remember putting towels on the floor and praying for morning. Let's hope we're done for this season!

Deep Thoughts with Tasha

I'm calling back some old SNL memories with that title but what I have to say here is sort of serious. Sort of. I have been thinking a lot about money lately. Having it, not having it, loving it, needing it, wanting it etc. A close friend pointed out recently that I may have a bit of an obsession...well, it got me to thinking. Do I love money? I have to say that it makes life easier at times.

The reason that this issue has come up for me is complicated..."your mother's a complicated woman..." sorry, I digress...anyway, in my home growing up I didn't hear the word no too often when it came to wanting things. If we could prove to mom that we "needed" it, then in time it usually was ours. This gave me an interesting understanding of money and need. Lest you think I blame my mother for my problems...let me explain my current issue. I have a hard time keeping money...ok I said it!! Whew, does that feel better! These things added create for a financially frustrated momma. So, last fall when I was working a bit I had a nice paycheck to work with. I usually had about $5 left over when the next paycheck rolled around - let's just say it is a good thing that my wonderful hubby works!! So, fast forward to today, where I am not working as much (for pay) so frustration, and struggle set in.

In come the love, need, want issues. I have no clear conclusions on the matter, only good questions that make me think and examine my motives and heart. Now I can see why God included so many verses on money in the Bible! It's dangerous!

Merry Merry Christmas!

To all my fabulous friends...Merry Christmas! Enjoy your family and friends! Rejoice in our Saviour!

Good things

I find that I am enjoying Christmas this year. I am excited about what we got - or are getting for the kids: an American Girl Doll for Abby, a digital camera for Hannah and cool drum sticks for Caleb that play where ever he wants. Shhh, don't tell them! Also, I am excited to bake with the kids and play outside. We are finally in a place where we all can go out and be active together.

We are planning on a few trips up to the Shabin, too. I am excited to get there for everything except using the outhouse when it is below zero. The shabin gets really warm inside so we are going to have to get really creative about indoor activities...any ideas? I finally bought a few decorations to hang and even found some fabric to hang as curtains. It is really looking cute!