It is a little nuts, but it is so good!

Life is good, and I am hesitant to write this post because I don't want anyone to get the picture that it isn't.   That said I had a moment tonight when all the craziness hit me at once, and I laughed so hard that I nearly cried.  I am not sure that the incident was all that hilarious, but in the context of it all it hit me as such.   (I really don't want to sound negative, so please read all the way to the end!)
When we decided that we were going to host this summer I imagined this wonderful month where I would be a perfect hostess and give this kiddo the best American experience there was to give!  We would all learn Spanish, and who ever was lucky enough to come to our house would feel like he was on the set of "Leave it to Beaver."  (In my mind I might have even worn an apron and heels.)  It was going to be awesome. 
REALITY: there have been a few things that have come up since we decided to host that could have happened at a better time.  That's life; we roll with it. My health hasn't been great these last few weeks so I don't feel very "June Cleaver."  The dryer setting that I usually use won't shut off automatically so I have to watch it.  I wake up in the middle of the night in a panic because I can't remember if I left it running when I went to sleep. The washing machine is now making funny noises, and few weeks ago the basement flooded. 
Our basement really wasn't finished, but we had our TV down there and large carpet remnants.  We made the space functional.  As a result of the flood we lost all the carpet in the basement, and with it the useable space.  Kevin's room was the Lego room, but we removed the Legos.  They were supposed to go downstairs, but now are on the main floor. Our ping pong table folded up and has remained trapped in the corner.  Our TV was moved up to the family room which isn't terrible, but something about the router and the way the internet is hooked up to the TV -if someone turns on the TV no one can be on the internet.  It is kind of annoying.
As part of being a host for Kidsave the families take turns hosting the Summer Miracles chaperone as well.  Yesterday morning I picked up the chaperone, and she will be with us until Saturday.  She is very friendly and has been helpful, but we are just running out of space!  We had already given the guest room to Kevin and the basement pull-out is not place for anyone right now.  We gave her our girls' room, and the girls are sleeping my closet.  (Don't worry, it is big.  They are fine.)  I texted Jordan last night to ask him if he remembered I was hosting a couple of ladies for Bible study at 8:00 that evening.  He replied with something along the lines of "That's fine, but you have to meet outside, because every other room in our house is full of people."  (I ended up canceling anyway, because I just needed some down time!)
The chaperone spends a lot of time at night on the internet working and Skyping which is fine, but we can't turn on the tv to watch a show, dvd or the news because we kick her off the internet.  Honestly, it's a good excuse to go to sleep early, but it just adds to the craziness right now.
Then tonight I was tucking my little girl into her "nest" on the floor of my closet, and she wrinkled her eyebrows and said, "Mom, this blanket dad gave me sure feels like a table cloth!"  Sure enough running low on blankets last night Daddy had grabbed a table cloth, and that was her blanket.  (I found a large bed sheet and folded it up for her instead.  It is softer!)
That's when I lost it.  It was just too funny. I had wanted to be the best host and wanted to give this kid the world in a month and really we have just invited him into a whole lot of our chaos!  We are sleep on the floor with table cloths for crying out loud, but I laughed because that's ok. 
God is teaching me that I don't have to wait for the perfect time to serve Him.  When he calls and we obey, He will make a way.  So, so, so  many people have stepped in to help us.  In big ways and small ways.  Faithful friends and neighbors who let me know that they are headed to the grocery store and can pick up milk right when I realize we've run out.  A text that they are going to the park and can take a few extra little people.  This morning I woke up to an email from a new friend asking if she could bring all the sides for supper tonight.  The cool part was I had the frozen hamballs; God completely took care of the whole meal for me so that I could spend the day taking the kids on a field trip.  It is a little nuts right now, but it is so good too.  Despite the inconveniences and my inadequacies God is showing me who He is.  He is good.

Week 1 Begins

Yesterday we begin our first full week with Kevin.  Since he came on a holiday weekend the days didn’t feel very normal.   I realized that I may have to fill the calendar with a few more things to do, the Science Center, zoo, etc.  I feel badly that he is 4 years older than our oldest, and so much goes on around him in a language he doesn’t fully understand.  I am trying to be sympathetic to both of these factors. 

He pulled away a lot yesterday from the activities that my kids were doing.  Not in a bad way; he just found other things to do. Still, the worrier in me wonders why.  It is not easy for me to get inside the head of a 12 year old boy.  Add to that the cultural/language differences and I am pretty clueless!  Was he physically tired?  Tired of playing games with an 8 year old?  Tired of not being able to communicate?  Was he uncomfortable with the heat and the humidity outside?  Or was he completely fine and likes to just do his own thing?  I may never know.  I just sat down with him and played a game of chess and Chinese checkers.  Then I made everyone cookies because cookies fix everything, right?  J  He is out playing hide and go seek-tag with our kids and the neighbors right now.  Yesterday just may have been "a day."  We all have those!

Kevin is easy going, and has been great at finding things to do.  The last couple of days that has meant playing piano, reading and art.  I wish I knew more about what music opportunities he has had in the past.  He is trying to learn the notes now.  I would love to find someone who speaks Spanish, plays piano and is willing to sit down with him and teach him a few things.  He is eager to learn.  Last year I bought an art curriculum that we never got around to finishing.  Kevin found it and has been putting it to good use.  I am so curious, are the supplies that we have more than he has had in the past or does he need more?  Our oldest two have been taking art lessons this summer, and I am excited for Kevin to be able to join them this week.  I think that he will love it! 

We took Kevin shoe shopping on Sunday.  He found a hat that he really liked too!  I have been told that any clothes that we send back with him will go into a community closet so to speak, but I hope he gets to keep the shoes and hat!  I think that he would sleep in them if he could! 

First Saturday Event

Kevin Daniel’s profile says that he is a “leader.”  I was really curious how that leadership would manifest itself in our family.  I am an oldest child.  Sometimes when my family would describe me as a “leader” they were politely saying I was a little bossy and maybe a little obstinate too!  So far Kevin has been neither.  He’s been very responsive to our instructions.  When we say that it is time to be done with the DS there hasn't been a fight, and he didn’t fuss when I told him he had to pick a different ceramic to paint because the first one was “mucho dinero!”  I do realize that we are still in the “honeymoon” phase of his stay here.  Questioning our authority may follow in the next week or two.  Kevin has demonstrated his leadership by helping our younger children.  When he felt that the girls were getting a little too far into the street at the 4^th of July parade he would gentle lead them back to the curb.   When my 4 year old needed help with his bike helmet and I was busy helping the 2 year old, Kevin got off his bike and helped out without being asked.  I like this kind of leadership! 



Kevin's artwork from this morning.

 It was our first Kidsave event, and we painted pottery at Glazed Expressions.  My oldest son also got a taste of reality today.    The two have been together since Kevin arrived.  My son has completely amazed me in his thoughtfulness toward Kevin's needs.  I warned my son that today Kevin would be with his Colombian friends and may want to hang out with them a lot.   It wasn't necessarily because he likes them better, but because they all speak Spanish.  Kevin didn’t shun him at all, but my son could see how much fun he was having with the other kids.  While it was a hard lesson, it was probably good for him to realize that Kevin Daniel is not his personal playmate!  

I enjoyed seeing him interact with the other Summer Miracles kids this morning.  He says so little at our house that it was fun to see him talk and joke around.  He was not the most boisterous kid in the bunch, but he came out of his shell a bit more than we have seen in the past couple of days.

I have contacted a couple of acquaintances in the local media in hopes that they will help me spread the word about the upcoming Kidsave events.  There are three more chances for families to come out and meet these great kiddos!

Kevin's 1st 4th of July

Waiting for candy at the 4th of July parade

A late happy 4th of July to everyone!  We had a good day.  We went to our local parade and spent the rest of the day hanging out around the house.  It so great that my husband had the day off for Kevin's first day here.  We were too tired to do any fireworks.  My kids didn't even complain they were so exhausted.  I hope that Kevin wasn't disappointed.
In one way yesterday felt a little like "sink or swim."  On the other hand we got two calls yesterday to make sure that all was going smoothly, one for us from the local Kidsave coordinator and one for Kevin from his chaperone. 
Kevin has been pretty quiet so far which we are told is typical.  He is polite says "Thank you" for every meal and my oldest has started to thank me at every meal too!  Bonus! 
We our kids have quickly learned that there are a few universal languages.  I have been so impressed with the way that kids can play without letting language get in the way.  Playing catch, Nerf gun wars, video games, basketball...the kids are just fine.  My six year old and 4 year old just chatter away at him like normal.  I don't think that he has a clue what they are saying, but he smiles and seems to enjoy their company! 
I had picked up a few Spanish books for him, and yesterday he started reading The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.  It was as if he went to another world.  He didn't hear anything that was going on around him.  I loved watching him devour that book!  I am not sure if he loves the book or if he loves hearing his language even if it is just in his mind, but I may have to find Prince Caspian in Spanish soon!
We had a big language break through last night.  My husband speaks no Spanish and was coaching him to use Google translate on the ipad.  Kevin was very hesitant to try it, but Jordan kept pressing.  Finally Jordan asked him what he wanted to do, and Kevin typed "Tocar el piano usted" "Play piano with you."  My husband is a very talented musician.  (I like to joke that the only two things he loved before me was his mom and his piano!)  Jordan doesn't think that Kevin reads music but just likes to play by ear.  It was a very sweet moment!

 

Tomorrow is our first Kidsave event.  We will be painting pottery with the other Summer Miracles Kids and families who are interested in opening their hearts and homes to these kids and giving them a forever family.  I can't wait!

 

 

*If you would like to view pictures that include faces or see what the other Summer Miracles kids are doing be sure to go to the Kidsave website and apply to meet the kiddos!  

Welcome Kevin

I am sitting here with our kids as they eagerly wait for our new Colombian friend, Kevin, to wake up.  His American adventure began early, early yesterday morning.  His flight finally got in around 10:20 pm last night, and it was well after midnight before we got him tucked into bed.
Kevin is a 12 year old orphan who is in the US for a month long American experience with Kidsave's Summer Miracles program.  Kidsave will be hosting fun, interactive events to bring together families who are interested the international adoption of older child (ages 8-14) and the Summer Miracles kids.  Our family will be taking pictures and writing weekly reports to give these families an idea of Kevin's personality and how he interacts with our family and friends. 
If Kevin were to have stayed in Colombia his chances of adoption were 10%.  Kids in the Summer Miracles program have a 80% chance of being adopted.  Isn't that great? 
Please help me spread the word about Kevin's arrival and the events Kidsave is sponsoring.  Share this post on Facebook, and sign up on the Kidsave website to see pictures of exciting summer!  Help me spread the word about Kevin's arrival and the chance to give him a forever family!

What's in your freezer?

My Valentine's Gift!
I get to keep kickboxing
even after the challenge!

This is the final week of my 9 week fitness challenge.  I am so glad that I did it, but there is a part of me that is ready to take what I have learned and work out at home.  The early mornings are kicking me in the pants for than the workouts!  I will do another fitness challenge someday when I do not have to get out of bed before 5 a.m.! 
Many things (like blogging!) have gotten put on the back burner during my fitness challenge.  In addition to my trips to the gym we have had a busy couple of weeks as a family.  Special classes and opportunities suddenly took over our calendar.  This last week I relied heavily on a few meals that I had put in the freezer for a "busy day."  Thank goodness I had a few in there because it was a week of busy days!  I need to get my freezer stocked back up again but here are a few things that you should try!

I made these for my husband's lunches.  He thought I was amazing!  http://heavenlyhomemakers.com/easy-chicken-burritos-perfect-for-the-freezer

My family loved this.  I am to try sneaking other root vegetables, but the family loved LOVED this meal. http://heavenlyhomemakers.com/easy-chicken-pot-pie-real-food-dollar-menu

I love taking advantage chicken sales and making pop corn chicken.  Pop corn chicken is so kid friendly and my husband and I love to throw them on a salad.  I am always happy to have these in the freezer.  http://simplymadehome.blogspot.com/2012/06/pop-corn-chicken.html

I pair meatballs with either spaghetti or with mashed potatoes.  http://simplymadehome.blogspot.com/2012/07/husband-approved-meatballs.html

I was able to prepare this casserole with cheese on only have for the dairy-free in my crew.  I have one in my freezer right now for whenever I need it!  http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2010/04/14/recipe-chicken-enchiladas/

These were met with mixed reviews.  The younger two kids liked them, but the older two didn't.  I love the idea of fast freezer lunches!  http://heavenlyhomemakers.com/taco-corn-fritters

Meal Plan 2/3-2/9

Yesterday we went to Costco and Trader Joe's and stocked up on bulk groceries.  It never fails; I start unpacking bags and boxes back in my kitchen and realize I forgot something!  Why do I always do that?  All is not lost though; we still have plenty to eat!  Here is what I have planned for this week.  I linked up many of the recipes.  Try them and let me know if your family enjoyed them too!

Sunday
B-Oatmeal and Eggs
L-Shipwreck, Green beans and lettuce salad
S-Superbowl party! (I might bring this spaghetti squash recipe.  I know it is not really "Superbowl food," but I don't think that this will be well received by many in my family, and I really want to eat it!  My favorite solution to this problem...take it to a potluck!  I am also taking this Cheese Dip out of respect for traditional football food.)

Monday
B-Frozen Waffles
L-Leftover Shipwreck and spaghetti squash
S-Cashew Chicken, Brown rice, Roasted Broccoli and Sweat potatoes

Tuesday
B-Pumpkin Bread and Eggs
L-Beans and Rice (We are studying Louisiana this week!)
S-Sausage Soup

Wednesday
B-Baked Oatmeal and Eggs
L-Soup
S-Beef Sandwiches, Green Beans and Freezer Sweet Corn

Thursday
B-Eggs and No-Knead Bread
L-Sandwiches, raw veggies and dip  (Check out the updates to my favorite hamburger bun recipe!)
S-Cod, Mashed Potatoes and mixed veggies

Friday
B-Granola
L-Pop Corn Chicken, sweat potatoes and lettuce salad
S-Chili Soup

Saturday
B-French Toast Waffles
L-Chili Soup, Raw veggies and dip
S-Pizza