Happy Birthday to my big 8 year old!

My Baby Girl went from this....

to this.....

to this....

to this....

then this....

and this....

and this....

to this.

One awesome 8 year old.

Love this girl!!!!!

Happy Birthday Jase.

We love you tons!

I've been thinking....

...that I probably shouldn't let the dishes go undone that long again. 3 days. Now let me tell you we didn't eat dinner here the last two nights so it wasn't that crazy buuuut when you don't recognize what's in one bowl you realize 3 days is 2 days to long.

...with Kelsey gone for a week I'm already not loving having to clean the bathroom again. $5 for me not to have to do it was a bargain! You get used to such luxeries in 9 months. *sigh* Good news though, Jase asked to take over Kelsey's chores. This might not be a bad thing. It's not child labor if it's your child, right?

...I am getting a little overwhelmed with paperwork. Pages of paperwork. Ugh. If anyone else is wondering my Dad is 6'2" and his hobbies include hunting, being outdoors, remodeling houses and watching the history channel. You may be wondering why anybody would want to know that, I'm wondering too.

...I'm kinda lovin our new little car! It is pretty cute. Not to mention it runs good and doesn't smell like cat urine. Bonus!

...that I'm a bit nervous about Sean starting school in a week and a half. Not about the drive or the how he'll do or the how he'll handle it part but just the him part. Working full time, going to school full time, calling in the bishopric and this crazy exercise kick are all adding up to no Seanie. I'm just hoping I can be as supportive as I want to be. And I'm super supportive now but don't ask me how it's going in a couple months, you might be opening a flood gate.

...about how proud I am of my kids. I love them! Jase is so, so smart and that's a blessing. I don't worry about that girl. I know she's gonna do awesome at whatever she wants. And Jayda is my go to girl. A smile, a hug, a laugh--you got it. She is on my back, singing and kissing the back of my head as I type. What a girl.

...and speaking of Jase. She is turning 8. WHAT? When did that happen!? It didn't...but it will in 2 days!!!! 8! Which means she's getting baptized. Ugh..I'm gonna have a kid accountable for their own sins. I guess we'll see how good I've raised her. Ha!

...I am lucky. Really, Really lucky.
:)

Kelsey

Kelsey went home last Friday.

9 months.

What an adventure.

The kids are not loving it but are doing alot better.

'Our last morning'

Excuse the awful picture.

Everyone had been crying

And it was early.

Need I remind you,

I am not a morning person!

S and X

That looks a little risque doesn't it? But it's not, it's the first letters of the names of the two little kids we were asked if we wanted to adopt. Yep....I said adopt. We were approached with two legally free children (not from our foster agency, from the state) and asked if we wanted to be an adoptive placement. After weeks of indecisiveness (and praying and praying) we finally decided no. Remember me talking about big decisions---Ya, this was one of them! She is 5 yrs old and He is 3 yrs old. We met them and they are really cute and sweet. The little girl is a spittin image of Kaylin. Seriously. Freaky! I think that may have had a little to do with our decision making. When I think back on John and Kaylin I have fond memories and think of all the fun, loving times. But when I see this little girl (who has a lot of the same issues as Kaylin) I can't help but think of how hard it was. And it was hard. Everyday. Me and Sean both decided we don't want that again. This just wasn't a fit. As much as I wanted it to be, I just couldn't say yes. My heart aches for them to find a home and I pray for them everynight. Some of you may be thinking how can you say no, believe me I'm having issues with this picking and choosing stuff (remember my post about crying while making foster decisions? And prayer is sure coming in handy) but honestly at this point in our lives we have to. I have to believe there is a plan for us. And I am listening and waiting patiently for it to smack us in the face. :)

Highs and Lows

Man alive, these last couple weeks have had some highs and lows.

I am loving the highs, not so much the lows.

But who does right?

All this bouncing around has stressed me out.

My mind has been going a million miles a minute for days.

One of the Highs---

We got our tax return!!

The only time I love, love being poor.

One of our Lows---

Sean's car broke down.

-boooo-

(but we have our tax return!)

Best High---

Cooper hasn't had any accidents in the house at night!

Poopy Low---

It's only because the neighbor dog bit his foot

 and he can't get off the bed.

Bit foot=Vet=Yay we have our tax return!

well.....had. :P

Another High---

Sean got into Central Wa University.

So proud!

A bit of a Low---

Found out his prereqs require him to be there

5 days a week,

unlike the program which is 2 days a week.

Now we have to make some decisions about what to do-

 work, money, moving etc.

Not loving this part.

Another High---

Found out when Kelsey is leaving. :)

Another Low---

Found out when Kelsey is leaving. :(

High---

Excited about some kid things going on.

(totally excited!)

Low---

Making some foster care decisions.

(made me cry.)

Health

and Bills

and Paperwork

 and Life in General

is still happening around here too!

I don't think I've prayed this much in my whole life.

Betcha that's Heavenly Fathers High!

hahaha

I really am grateful for the awesomeness going on right now though!

I was telling Sean last night.

"Ya know, if all this hard stuff were spread out I would be saying

'why does everything have to happen

one thing after another after another'

 At least this way we can just get it all over with"

I am enjoying some of the things coming our way.

And looking forward to others!

P.S.

I love Irony.

I was done with this and went to post it and Sean called.

Guess what he said?

"Well good news, bad news....."

Hahahaha.....I love my life!

P.P.S.
(remember writing that on school notes?)
I just reread this
and wanted to say
I don't want this post to sound like a pity party
I am not complaining about our adversities.
I know people have it worse.
Trust me, I know!
We're involved in the foster care system.
Enough said.
I am simply writing down 'my plate of goodies'
(and badies.)
for my blog book.
I am blessed.
I know I am.