Wordless Wednesday

Proud Girl!!!

Rainy Days and Rainbows!

With a lot of sensory issues in our home we find anyway to work through this.

Last week, we had fun learning about colors and mixing colors! 

 Using Cool Whip and food coloring.  

Some learning...

some sensory playing...

(Conner is beginning to tolerate some tactiles 

that he couldn't a few month ago! 

Yeah Conner J!)

some snacking..

(Jorja is also doing better with tactiles! 

She still thought I was nuts for making her do this -

but as you can see, she enjoyed the end results!)

...and some friendly sharing!

Jailyn and Cosmo are best friends!

Forgetful Friday!

I didn't really forget about my Thankful Thursday post - I was enjoying my day too much!
Sorry, no photos - just had too good of a day, soaking it all in!

The morning began with Conner and I meeting with principals at the local school. Conner is going back to public school, next week. I am much more nervous then he is. Though I'm still not sure if he will be able to handle all the pressures. I know, sending him back in May with only 4 weeks and 4 days left of school sounds crazy! Our idea is that this will be a good transition for him to be prepared for 5th grade. Hopefully, it will take any stress away from him. The other idea is that we should have our answer as to if we should home school him again next year. I figure, if he can't handle the pressure of casual May in school - there is NO way he will be able to handle the stress of the 5th grade year preparing for TAKS and such! So we will see what God has in store!

During this meeting I was thankful for:
Conner speaking for himself! He has grown up so much! He did a great job explaining himself and his sensory diet needs.
I am also thankful to the Principals - as they put up with me as I cried through another meeting with them! (still teary as I type!) Thanks y'all! :)

Conner then was able to spend the morning with some great home school friends! Ms. Selinda took them bowling! These guys all have a very special friendship! It is so wonderful to see Conner have friends!!

Jorja went to pre-school without any tears! She (and I) love Ms. Cori!!! I am incredibly thankful for the growth Jorja has made in such a short time! She makes me think I can adopt another older child. (Did I just say that?)

Jailyn and I had some much needed alone time! It was great running errands with just Jailyn! She is so tender hearted! She relaxes me!
I am SO thankful for her!!!

After Conner's OT - which we are SOOOOO thankful for! And Ms. Joy!!!! We were able to go the park with Ms. Selinda and Ms. Jackie! Conner got to play soccer and climb!!
and the girls were able to swing!!!!
And I got to chat with my girl friends!!!

Brady sat on the couch and cuddled with me!!! I love age 15!!!
(Of course, he wants to go to the movies tonight with his friends!)
And Bryan got home, on time (kinda) from soccer practice!

God is so good to us! He has blessed us with healthy, smart kids!
He has, and continues to carry us through the good and bad times!

Blessings,
Jodi Sue :)

In the past hour...

1,625 children were forced to live on the streets
by the death or abuse of an adult

1,667 children under the age of five died
from malnutrition and vaccine-preventable diseases

115 children became prostitutes

66 children under 15 were infected with HIV

257 children were orphaned because of HIV/AIDS

www.worldorphans.org

Playing Hooky!

Should I feel bad?
Too bad - I don't!!!

I have been promising Conner that we would go to the Science Museum one day... we finally did it!
And we invited Kenzie and Brady to come with us - and they wanted to come!!!

So, Brady and Kenzie went to school for a bit and then I checked them out and we went to pick up Jailyn from pre-school and headed to Dallas!

We brought a picnic lunch and ate with the turtles!
(As I am typing Brady and Conner are telling Dad about the turtles.)
Jorja began complaining about her tummy. I think this is a nervous re-action. New environments are still scary for her, and it's hard to explain exactly what we are doing. I usually just keep her close and let her know Mommy is there for her and will keep her safe. She soon realizes that everything is "ho-ho", ("good" in Cantonese) and runs around having a great time!

Here are some photos of our day!
The Dinosaur Dig!

Kenzie milking a cow!
Probably the closet thing to milking a cow she will ever get!

Bob the Builder
I couldn't believe when I turned the corner and this is what I saw!
They crack me up!

Poor Brady!

Our favorite exhibit was the bubbles and gravity section!
We love this hands on museum!

I love seeing my kids work together!

Lots of laughs and lots of memories!

Wordless Wednesday

Model: Jailyn Hope

Photographer: Conner J

TAG!!

The game of tag has always stressed me out! I was never quick enough or tricky enough -
I was always "it"!
Could of also been because I was the youngest of four and therefore the slowest!
I might be able to out run my big brothers today -NOT!

Now "Blogger Tag" - this is even more stressful!!
I can never think of anything to come up with! I do love reading others tag lists though!
So I've decided to be a good sport and not hide and pout.
Especially since my new blogger friend, Shonni at Nations Around Our Table asked me to play, and I think she is an incredible person and can't wait to meet her in person some day!
Be sure to check out her blog!
God is using Shonni in incredible ways - you will be encouraged!

8 things I look forward to...
- Summer!!! It is hot here in Texas but that doesn't keep up down!

- taking the kids tent camping for the first time!

- my nephew is getting married!! Congrats Jason! Can't wait to see you in that Kilt!

- no more night time diapers - there is no end in sight at this time, but I look forward to the day!

- days at the water park with the kids! Yippee for season passes!

- begin Conner on a new OT program.

- welcome Brady, Kenzie and Uncle JB home after an incredible mission trip to Guatemala!
(wish I was going!)

- Christ's return!!

8 things I did yesterday...
- took Jailyn for more blood work -
she was up the night before with horrible abdominal pains again. poor baby girl!

- made a meal for my friend and her new born baby!
Oh, so sweet! Those sweet babies should come with a warning label! So beautiful!!

- worked on making Jorja's science project for school next week!

- worked with Conner on his topographical map.
I love to see him excited about school work!

- ran into some old friends at the grocery store!
I love unexpected chats with friends!

- a relaxing pizza dinner after the little girls went to bed.
It's nice to spend time with the big kids too.

- made some yummy cookies - white chocolate and craisin's!
Yummy!
- watched Survivor - a day late!
Come on already - get rid of Coach!

8 things I wish I could do...
- have time and energy to be a better friend to my girl friends!

- be a better, more patient mom to my kiddo's

- find answers for my two Sensory Integration kids!

- encourage people to adopt an orphan.
There are so many beautiful children that are hurting!
- go to Guatemala with Brady and Kenzie -
Uncle JB, you take care of my big babies! :)
(no pressure!)
- live in a huge house - with lots of bedrooms
(or a few big ones- so we can double up),
and beautiful acreage, so the kids can run!

- adopt more kids - to fill up that big house!
maybe one more baby - but more "older' kids.

- explain to everyone I see how much Jesus loves them
and what he did for them by dying on the cross!

8 shows I watch...
- Survivor ( from the 1st episode! Love it!:)

- Amazing Race - Go Luke!

- Dancing with The Stars! -
Can you tell I like to "people watch"!

- General Hospital -
I know... bad, bad, bad!

- CSI

- Medium

- Without a Trace

- Cold Case
(what does this say about me?)

8 people I tag...
- Sue at The Morano Quartet
- Alyson at ThreeP's in a Pod
- Alyson at The Steiners
- Amy at Catching Butterflies 3
- Connie at Just one more ladybug...
- Amy at China Caboose
- Candy at Lemberg Life
- Tena at Eli-Eli- Oh
That wasn't so bad! Girls I expect y'all to play too!

Have a blessed weekend!

Thankful Thursday!

Many of the bloggers I follow do a Thursday entry called... Thankful Thursday.
I usually forget to add my post until Friday, and so I end up not doing it at all.
Not that I am not thankful!!
I'm just not good at deadlines - I'm usually really early or late - never exactly on time.
(So, here I am on Wednesday typing - so I can click "publish post" on Thursday!)

So, here are a few things that I am thankful for this week...

Leftovers!
Without leftovers my family would starve some (most) evenings.
The trick is masquerading the leftovers!
Meatloaf gets turned into Pizza Casserole,
Easter ham gets turned into a ham and cornbread casserole,
even French Toast can be turned into a breakfast casserole -
guess what we are having Saturday morning.

My vacuum cleaner!
My vacuum is nothing special -
infact, it is a pretty cheap one...
but spring time is when I especially love this little helper!
There must be some craft that can be made from dog hair!
A toilet seat cozy?
Theresa can you knit anything with all this hair?

Nap time or should I say, quiet time?
okay, so days like today it is more like - "just stay in your room" time.
I can hear the girls playing, laughing, occasionally fighting over a toy -
but they are in their room. :)
And I can have some quiet time!
I love all my kids dearly! But as they say,
" everybody needs some time way..."

Switch flops
My friend, BK, introduced me to these wonderful shoes!
I have plantar fasciitis on both my feet -
most days are very painful as I am on my feet constantly.
But these shoes (the wedge style) are wonderful for my feet!
Never thought I would be able to wear flip-flops again!
Not to mention - it is so fun that I can switch the "flop"
(or is it the "flip") to go with my outfit.
Switch flops

My squeaky, clean kitchen floor
True, it is not always squeaky clean.
Infact, it is seldom "clean".
Though today it is very clean - mopped,
then spilt milk got me on my hands and knees -
then a dropped jar of pickle relish!
It's really clean now -
but with it being spring and the dog shedding I still wouldn't eat off of it!
But, it is a kitchen floor.
I am thankful for God's provision for our family.
God continues to carry us day-by-day, moment-by-moment.
Keeping us safe and healthy!

Pickle relish doesn't smell like vinegar!
Thank you! Thank you!!
My whole house would stink right now!

Have a wonderfully thankful Thursday!
~ Jodi Sue :)

A family who throws eggs at each other... cracks up together!

How much fun are these confetti eggs?
Sooo much fun!!!
We've gone through a "few" boxes this week, at home,
at home school picnics, at soccer practice!
We may have to run by the store today and see if there are on sale!

Jailyn and Jorja have learned that it is safer to throw the eggs at a tree!
Good target practice too!
Jorja is worried about the mess they just made and
Jailyn wants more eggs!

Attack on brother!!

Stealth Kenzie... staying hidden, until the boys have no ammunition!

Jorja being adventurous!

When we first felt God calling us to adopt an older child,
we mourned the idea that we would not be with her to
experience so many of her "firsts"...
first tooth,
first time she sat up,
first step she took,
first words...

But, we are experiencing many "firsts" with Jorja...
this is the first time Jorja feed ducks at the lake.
Trying to explain to her what we were going to do
was humerous - she was a bit confused...
Sooo glad that she is trusting us and
when we told her it would be fun
she was willing to join us!
She had a great time!

The funniest moment was when she was throwing bread
to the duck and the piece of bread landed right on
the small of the ducks back!
We giggled and giggled!
(so much I didn't get a photo :)

I love experiencing these "firsts" with my little girl!

Sweet Sisters!

Jailyn and Jorja were having fun dipping sticks in the water

and I was able to get this photo!

The girls are so quick that any Kodak moment usually gets lost

as they quickly move on to something else!

So glad I was able to get this shot!

Now at Nine!

Texas Bluebonnets!

(I hope I can get another photo of the girls in the

evening so the sun is not so bright!)

3 months already?

"From the fullness of His grace we have received one blessing after another"

John 1:16

Oh, the look on Jorja's face when she experienced another first the other day!  

We went to Jailyn's favorite grocery store.  The store has mini-shopping carts!  

Jorja was amazed!!! 

and loved it!!!

I can't believe how fast 3 months has flown by!   

Three months since we united our whole family!

3 1/2 months since we first saw her adorable, shy, scared face.

  And then handed her a lollipop and received a huge smile!

Jorja's English vocabulary expands every day! 

Her trust in us grows deeper every day!

Our love for each other grows stronger every day!

Jorja went to her first dental appointment.  

She did great and received a wonderful check-up!

(Jailyn was there too but was not so happy and wouldn't allow me to take a photo. 

 Poor Jailyn had to have another cavity filled.)

My friend and I

This is the first time that I have entered in the

  I ♥ Faces photo contest.

This week is My friend and I.

For the Kids Entry

I decided on this of Conner and two of his friends

at Backyard Bible Club!
  Such silly boys!

Check out all the adorable photos!
I have gotten so many ideas from these fellow bloggers!

Now at Nine (a wee bit late!)

Okay... I am a LOT late - but boy did I have a great time!
Out on the lake with good friends! And got almost all of our trip to Jorja scrap booked!
It was wonderful!
And always good to get back home!!!

Thank you Captain!

What a silly day!

The last few days have been constant running around...  dental appointments, doctor visits, errands upon errands.  Seems like I have gotten nothing accomplished.  Ever feel that way?

Thankfully, within the hustle and bustle we were able to share some cherished moments! 

No photos but fun moments non the less!

- Jorja loves to sing, Jorja loves to sing loud, okay, Jorja loves to scream to a tune!

I have this silly song that I have song to Jailyn and Jorja from the beginning... 

"Who loves Jorja?  Mama, Mama!  "Who loves Jorja? Oh, that Mama does."

Jorja loves to sing but doesn't listen first to hear what the words are - 

she just starts singing loudly along.  Too funny!

Our rule is no singing in stores or in the car.  It's just too loud. :)

Yesterday, the girls and I were running errands and while at T*rget Jorja asked, 

"Inside?"

"Yes, Jorja, we use our inside voice."

"Outside... sing!" giggle giggle!

"Yes we can sing outside!"

She loves to shop but was so looking forward to going outside to belt out a good song!

The cart was not an inch out of the storeway door and Jorja sang loud and strong...

"Who love Mama?  Who love Jorja?  oooh-  Mama!" 

Jailyn and I were cracking up laughing! 

 Jorja was laughing as she sang and the 20 people in ear shot were laughing as hard as we were!  Hopefully it made their day too!

Inside the car -Jorja said, "Inside?" 

"yes, Jorja, inside voice."

"okay, Mama... more outside?"

and we were off to the next parking lot to entertain fellow patrons.  

The only time I had to run to the grocery store was during Kenzie's karate class.  So the girls and I had 45 minutes to pick up a few things.  No problem! 

Seeing that I had not eaten anything for 9 hours I was starving!  Everything looked good!  :)

At the cash register there is  fresh warm French bread - I'll grab me on of those for dinner.  

Oh, sale if you buy two?  Great! 

Little do the boys know - Kenzie, Jailyn, Jorja and I ate one of the loafs before we got home!

Kenzie was in charge of passing out the pieces (in the dark).  When we got home the 12 inch loaf was hollowed out.  Guess Kenzie doesn't like crust!  

I am so thankful for these silly times that I can laugh with my family!

Have a great day and don't forget to be silly!

Incredible Adoption Story!

Check this out!

Bakersweets

God is at work!!

I met Nicole over two years ago,

 as Jailyn and her Luke, spent their first year(s) in the same orphanage in China.

She one beautiful biological daughter, one incredible son from Russia, and three sweet kiddos from China - Nicole and hubby are paper pregnant with another little girl!  All of her kids have incredible stories!

and incredible parents who are faithful to God and God is continually 

faithful to them!