Saturday, October 15, 2011
First Father/Son Retreat
Last weekend Tim and Brandon went to their very first Men and Boys Retreat at Camp Anchorage. They had an absolute blast together. Brandon had been counting down the days since July to "Camp with Papa." They played sports, skated, went boating and tubing, shot some guns and bows & arrow and so much more. I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall to watch them interact together in their male bonding time. Brandon came home all smiles and said "Camp was a lot fun." He can't wait for next year. Anyway, I've posted pictures below.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Dental Blessings
I have been putting off getting some work done on my teeth for a while now. This is mostly because of the cost of the work that I needed and also because my teeth weren’t bothering me that bad so I hated to fix what didn’t seem broken. With the tremendous cost of the adoption and the loans we ended up having to take out for the adoption, it just was not an option over the past year.
I finally had no choice but to get the work done because the pain began and it was really getting worse very quickly. The first part of the surgery was on September 30th. The day before Tim had taken all 4 children to their routine cleanings because I was out of town at a work related conference. The doctor was commenting that he had received comments from other patients that day about our 4 children being both beautiful and well behaved. The doctor said he thought it was important to tell parents when their children are behaving well because there are so many parents whose children are out of control. When he told me that, it made me proud of the children especially because they were wearing their Academy uniforms which meant they were being great witnesses for Christ and “advertisements” for our school.
He then asked about Brandon. He knew we were adopting because I told him at my last cleaning 6 months ago. But he was so impressed by Brandon’s English and the way he conducted himself--he said that he is a sharp young man (I have to agree with him there because I'm his Mama). He said Brandon has no idea how much his life has changed and the limitless opportunities he will have now that he’s in the States. Then he asked how we ended up with Brandon and not the original two boys we had set out to adopt.
It was a perfect opportunity to brag on God for a while and I took it. I personally believe God had Brandon in mind for us before any of us were even created. I still cannot believe how well he fits our family and cannot imagine how different our lives would be if we had not adopted him. We set out to obey God and be a blessing to a lost child and he has in turn been even more of a blessing to us. He brings such joy into our lives and into our home.
I hadn’t noticed but somewhere in the middle of my 5 minute recap of the adoption story, the doctor had begun tearing up. He actually had been utilizing a box of tissues nearby. He said that our family and Brandon really touched his heart. He said he wishes families like ours were made up of a dozen kids. What a compliment that was! (Our kids must’ve been REALLY charming that day or something…haha).
Anyway, advancing to today, I went in to have Phase 2 of the surgery done and to pay my several hundred dollar bill that was left after insurance had paid their part. When I was getting ready to leave and set up my follow-up appointment the lady at the front desk handed me back the check. I was thinking that she had run it through one of those check machines like they do at Wal-mart and Sam’s, but she said, “No. The doctor says you can void the check.” He was so touched by Brandon, our family and the whole adoption story that he wanted to help us out financially so he voided our very large bill! I could not believe my ears! What a tremendous answer to prayer that was!
I wanted to share this story with you for a few reasons. First, this whole incident is an answer to a very specific prayer I had. It is my heart’s desire and very much a priority in my mind to get out of debt as quickly as possible. These financial setbacks (such as this oral surgery) get in the way of the budget and long-term goals I have for our family. Why am I always so surprised when I pray and God answers my prayer? I guess I am just so humbled by His greatness. I cannot believe that such a big and awesome God listens to me and answers me and blesses me! Second, it was a reminder to me how close orphans are to His heart. God’s Word is true!! Though throughout the entire adoption process and since Brandon’s been home we have had many struggles and hard times, God has revealed himself to us every step of the way. I am so thankful for this reassurance and provision. Third, today made me realize that at least as long as Brandon has his thick, (adorable) Russian accent it is very noticeable that he is adopted. Each and every time people notice him and fall in love with him it is a podium to proclaim God’s goodness and grace in our lives. I couldn't hold a story like this inside. I truly think I would burst!
Thanks to all of you that took the time out to read this blog today. And thank you for your continuous prayer and support for our family. Yet again my faith is strengthened because I know God truly hears and answers prayer.
I finally had no choice but to get the work done because the pain began and it was really getting worse very quickly. The first part of the surgery was on September 30th. The day before Tim had taken all 4 children to their routine cleanings because I was out of town at a work related conference. The doctor was commenting that he had received comments from other patients that day about our 4 children being both beautiful and well behaved. The doctor said he thought it was important to tell parents when their children are behaving well because there are so many parents whose children are out of control. When he told me that, it made me proud of the children especially because they were wearing their Academy uniforms which meant they were being great witnesses for Christ and “advertisements” for our school.
He then asked about Brandon. He knew we were adopting because I told him at my last cleaning 6 months ago. But he was so impressed by Brandon’s English and the way he conducted himself--he said that he is a sharp young man (I have to agree with him there because I'm his Mama). He said Brandon has no idea how much his life has changed and the limitless opportunities he will have now that he’s in the States. Then he asked how we ended up with Brandon and not the original two boys we had set out to adopt.
It was a perfect opportunity to brag on God for a while and I took it. I personally believe God had Brandon in mind for us before any of us were even created. I still cannot believe how well he fits our family and cannot imagine how different our lives would be if we had not adopted him. We set out to obey God and be a blessing to a lost child and he has in turn been even more of a blessing to us. He brings such joy into our lives and into our home.
I hadn’t noticed but somewhere in the middle of my 5 minute recap of the adoption story, the doctor had begun tearing up. He actually had been utilizing a box of tissues nearby. He said that our family and Brandon really touched his heart. He said he wishes families like ours were made up of a dozen kids. What a compliment that was! (Our kids must’ve been REALLY charming that day or something…haha).
Anyway, advancing to today, I went in to have Phase 2 of the surgery done and to pay my several hundred dollar bill that was left after insurance had paid their part. When I was getting ready to leave and set up my follow-up appointment the lady at the front desk handed me back the check. I was thinking that she had run it through one of those check machines like they do at Wal-mart and Sam’s, but she said, “No. The doctor says you can void the check.” He was so touched by Brandon, our family and the whole adoption story that he wanted to help us out financially so he voided our very large bill! I could not believe my ears! What a tremendous answer to prayer that was!
I wanted to share this story with you for a few reasons. First, this whole incident is an answer to a very specific prayer I had. It is my heart’s desire and very much a priority in my mind to get out of debt as quickly as possible. These financial setbacks (such as this oral surgery) get in the way of the budget and long-term goals I have for our family. Why am I always so surprised when I pray and God answers my prayer? I guess I am just so humbled by His greatness. I cannot believe that such a big and awesome God listens to me and answers me and blesses me! Second, it was a reminder to me how close orphans are to His heart. God’s Word is true!! Though throughout the entire adoption process and since Brandon’s been home we have had many struggles and hard times, God has revealed himself to us every step of the way. I am so thankful for this reassurance and provision. Third, today made me realize that at least as long as Brandon has his thick, (adorable) Russian accent it is very noticeable that he is adopted. Each and every time people notice him and fall in love with him it is a podium to proclaim God’s goodness and grace in our lives. I couldn't hold a story like this inside. I truly think I would burst!
Thanks to all of you that took the time out to read this blog today. And thank you for your continuous prayer and support for our family. Yet again my faith is strengthened because I know God truly hears and answers prayer.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Steve Jobs Changed The World: Adoption Changed His World
By Ryan Bomberger Lifenews.com
The news hit me in the gut. I couldn’t believe I was seeing those few numbers, communicating his passing, beneath his photo: 1955-2011. Steve Jobs has, literally, changed the world. I’m typing this on my Mac, will check my emails and Twitter status on my iPad, and will stay in touch with everyone I love through my iPhone.
As a creative professional, his visionary work has helped my own visions become reality.
But his vision, his destiny and his ability to affect people, globally, may never have happened. Jobs was adopted as a baby and loved by his parents, Clara and Paul Jobs. The baby they took into their hearts and home had a purpose in life that would be unleashed by the powerful act of adoption.
He began today’s revolutionary Apple company and has departed this world with a professional legacy that is awe-inspiring. The partially bitten apple represents the temptation that millions of us have been unable to avoid…waiting in day long lines for shiny objects that proved to us science fiction could be made reality by a creative genius. Jobs’ minimalistic approach delivered a multitude of near-perfect electronic devices. From amber screens to full-color high definition, visually we’ve been changed by the adoption of Apple’s technology.
It’s amazing to me that, in 2011, especially among Christians, how foreign a concept adoption is. Adoption is the essence of salvation. There is no Christianity without adoption, in the spiritual sense. Yet, in the physical sense, it is rarely considered as an option. For those who are so passionately prolife, it is often the challenge thrown before us in our opposition to abortion, and rightfully so.
We have an opportunity to unleash purpose in a child waiting to be loved. I was one of those children back in 1971. Steve Jobs was back in 1955. The beauty of possibility is that we all can play a role in helping to foster and encourage it. Who knows what my children, both adopted and biological, will become? All I know is that loving them, unconditionally, will allow their God-given purpose to flourish.
The nation’s largest abortion chain, aborting 340 children for every 1 woman that is referred for adoption, is the antithesis to this purpose. Planned Parenthood celebrates their founder who believed that “we are paying for and even submitting to the dictates of an ever increasing, unceasingly spawning class of human beings who never should have been born at all.” Contrary to Margaret Sanger’s warped mentality that children are “marked when they’re born” as “diseased, delinquents, and felons”, none of us know the beautiful potential that every life possesses.
We celebrate human triumph over the seemingly insurmountable.
There are so many well-known adopted individuals that have impacted many of our lives in one way or another: Charles Dickens, George Washington Carver, Nat King Cole, Babe Ruth, Dave Thomas (Wendy’s), Bo Diddley (musician/performer), Dan O’Brien (Olympic Decathlon Gold Medalist) and Faith Hill, just to name a few. Steve Jobs is among this list of infinite possibility. No matter the perceived worldly success of an adoptee, adoption is a loving act that transforms, not only the life of the child, but the entire family. And, sometimes, the world.
The news hit me in the gut. I couldn’t believe I was seeing those few numbers, communicating his passing, beneath his photo: 1955-2011. Steve Jobs has, literally, changed the world. I’m typing this on my Mac, will check my emails and Twitter status on my iPad, and will stay in touch with everyone I love through my iPhone.
As a creative professional, his visionary work has helped my own visions become reality.
But his vision, his destiny and his ability to affect people, globally, may never have happened. Jobs was adopted as a baby and loved by his parents, Clara and Paul Jobs. The baby they took into their hearts and home had a purpose in life that would be unleashed by the powerful act of adoption.
He began today’s revolutionary Apple company and has departed this world with a professional legacy that is awe-inspiring. The partially bitten apple represents the temptation that millions of us have been unable to avoid…waiting in day long lines for shiny objects that proved to us science fiction could be made reality by a creative genius. Jobs’ minimalistic approach delivered a multitude of near-perfect electronic devices. From amber screens to full-color high definition, visually we’ve been changed by the adoption of Apple’s technology.It’s amazing to me that, in 2011, especially among Christians, how foreign a concept adoption is. Adoption is the essence of salvation. There is no Christianity without adoption, in the spiritual sense. Yet, in the physical sense, it is rarely considered as an option. For those who are so passionately prolife, it is often the challenge thrown before us in our opposition to abortion, and rightfully so.
We have an opportunity to unleash purpose in a child waiting to be loved. I was one of those children back in 1971. Steve Jobs was back in 1955. The beauty of possibility is that we all can play a role in helping to foster and encourage it. Who knows what my children, both adopted and biological, will become? All I know is that loving them, unconditionally, will allow their God-given purpose to flourish.
The nation’s largest abortion chain, aborting 340 children for every 1 woman that is referred for adoption, is the antithesis to this purpose. Planned Parenthood celebrates their founder who believed that “we are paying for and even submitting to the dictates of an ever increasing, unceasingly spawning class of human beings who never should have been born at all.” Contrary to Margaret Sanger’s warped mentality that children are “marked when they’re born” as “diseased, delinquents, and felons”, none of us know the beautiful potential that every life possesses.
We celebrate human triumph over the seemingly insurmountable.
There are so many well-known adopted individuals that have impacted many of our lives in one way or another: Charles Dickens, George Washington Carver, Nat King Cole, Babe Ruth, Dave Thomas (Wendy’s), Bo Diddley (musician/performer), Dan O’Brien (Olympic Decathlon Gold Medalist) and Faith Hill, just to name a few. Steve Jobs is among this list of infinite possibility. No matter the perceived worldly success of an adoptee, adoption is a loving act that transforms, not only the life of the child, but the entire family. And, sometimes, the world.
Monday, October 3, 2011
One More Thought on Brandon's Behavior
A few posts ago I mentioned that Brandon was really irritable and downright miserable to be around at times. He was complaining and whining about EVERYTHING, even things that he liked to do such as playing soccer and eating meals. After reading through the book Parenting Your Internationally Adopted Child by Patty Cogen, I think I may understand a bit more about the attitudes he is exhibiting. For those of you who follow my blog and are experiencing similar behavior from your adopted child, you may want to get this book.
As I’ve mentioned in the past, Brandon came from an orphanage where he rarely left the acreage, if ever, in at least 4 years. However, in the last 4 ½ months that he’s been home we’ve traveled all over the east coast to Maryland, the Blue Ridge Mountains and out to Carolina beach. He has to get up every day for school and travel 30 minutes by car, sit through 7 hours of scheduled classes and then travel home again 30 minutes. On Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays this trip happens twice a day for soccer or church. So that is 2 hours in a car 3 days a week plus a few more hours each week of sitting through church. And even though soccer is playing, he is still following a schedule of his coach.
What the book suggests is that when the internationally adopted child is being “foul” (as I call it) the child is actually stressed out and is crying out to slow down the pace of life. It is too much bombardment of activity in too short of a time span. Our expectations on Brandon for achievement and activity are too high right now. What really made this idea click for me was when the book asked the question, “Does your child have less than an hour of free time to relax or play as they choose each day?”
As soon as I realized that the poor child is way too “scheduled” each day, we rearranged his day to allow him to have free time to play or relax as he chooses. What a remarkable improvement in his attitude!! Almost immediately he was the same old happy and thankful child he has always been. I think we often forget that American children are used to being scheduled. We Americans rush our kids to all kinds of extracurricular and church activities. Although Brandon loves to travel, see new places and he loves to play sports, we need to remember from now on to make sure that he has some down time to relax and have free time to play whatever he wants. What Brandon and the girls love most is the free time we spend together as a family or the time when they can go out and play freely in the neighborhood.
As I’ve mentioned in the past, Brandon came from an orphanage where he rarely left the acreage, if ever, in at least 4 years. However, in the last 4 ½ months that he’s been home we’ve traveled all over the east coast to Maryland, the Blue Ridge Mountains and out to Carolina beach. He has to get up every day for school and travel 30 minutes by car, sit through 7 hours of scheduled classes and then travel home again 30 minutes. On Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays this trip happens twice a day for soccer or church. So that is 2 hours in a car 3 days a week plus a few more hours each week of sitting through church. And even though soccer is playing, he is still following a schedule of his coach.
What the book suggests is that when the internationally adopted child is being “foul” (as I call it) the child is actually stressed out and is crying out to slow down the pace of life. It is too much bombardment of activity in too short of a time span. Our expectations on Brandon for achievement and activity are too high right now. What really made this idea click for me was when the book asked the question, “Does your child have less than an hour of free time to relax or play as they choose each day?”
As soon as I realized that the poor child is way too “scheduled” each day, we rearranged his day to allow him to have free time to play or relax as he chooses. What a remarkable improvement in his attitude!! Almost immediately he was the same old happy and thankful child he has always been. I think we often forget that American children are used to being scheduled. We Americans rush our kids to all kinds of extracurricular and church activities. Although Brandon loves to travel, see new places and he loves to play sports, we need to remember from now on to make sure that he has some down time to relax and have free time to play whatever he wants. What Brandon and the girls love most is the free time we spend together as a family or the time when they can go out and play freely in the neighborhood.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
My 20th Birthday
Today was my 20th birthday! (Yes, I’m 20 and that’s my story and I’m sticking to it). What a special day! All 4 kids gave me precious handmade cards. Handmade cards are my absolute favorite! It makes me feel incredibly special that they take the time to make a card, draw pictures and write their own little love notes on it.
Tim made pancakes, bacon and the works for a late breakfast. Then we piled in the Pilot to head to Brandon’s soccer game. It was actually quite cold today. Fall is definitely here! Last weekend we were sweating to death and this week I could not get warm no matter how much I jumped up and down rubbing my arms. Brandon scored 6 goals for his Mama’s birthday! I can’t wait to see the boy play in a more competitive league.
My parents always come to his games and they offered to take the kids after his game so Tim and I could go on a date. We had a little shopping to get done and then we ended up at Tripp’s to eat steaks. Yummy! After an early dinner, we went to see the new movie Courageous. I really enjoyed the movie a lot. It was so nice to sit and watch a movie with my husband and know that there would not be any nude or sensual scenes or cursing or any other garbage.
I am not sure in our country how they got away with sharing the clear gospel message and talking about a relationship with Jesus Christ, but I’m sure glad they did! It seems there is a concerted effort in America to forbid anything with the One, True God in it. Plus, I am so happy there is a movie that calls men to step up and be responsible for their actions. Our country and society in general, really need more solid, godly, male leaders like the ones portrayed in this film.
Anyway, I walked away from the movie with a new determination to cherish every moment with my children. I know I often take for granted my children in the midst of our hectic lives. It’s easy to do so when most of the time I am so tired I feel like I am only running on fumes. Every day that I get to spend with them is a gift and I don’t ever want to miss a moment with them. Besides, I’m hoping if I give them my time when they’re young the day will never come when they are too cool to hang out with Mom and Dad. Additionally I’m hope that whenever they get to the hard part of their lives, Tim and I will be the first ones they want to come to for help. That’s the plan anyway. I’m off…to spend time with my kids with the last few moments of my 20th birthday :).
Tim made pancakes, bacon and the works for a late breakfast. Then we piled in the Pilot to head to Brandon’s soccer game. It was actually quite cold today. Fall is definitely here! Last weekend we were sweating to death and this week I could not get warm no matter how much I jumped up and down rubbing my arms. Brandon scored 6 goals for his Mama’s birthday! I can’t wait to see the boy play in a more competitive league.
My parents always come to his games and they offered to take the kids after his game so Tim and I could go on a date. We had a little shopping to get done and then we ended up at Tripp’s to eat steaks. Yummy! After an early dinner, we went to see the new movie Courageous. I really enjoyed the movie a lot. It was so nice to sit and watch a movie with my husband and know that there would not be any nude or sensual scenes or cursing or any other garbage.
I am not sure in our country how they got away with sharing the clear gospel message and talking about a relationship with Jesus Christ, but I’m sure glad they did! It seems there is a concerted effort in America to forbid anything with the One, True God in it. Plus, I am so happy there is a movie that calls men to step up and be responsible for their actions. Our country and society in general, really need more solid, godly, male leaders like the ones portrayed in this film.
Anyway, I walked away from the movie with a new determination to cherish every moment with my children. I know I often take for granted my children in the midst of our hectic lives. It’s easy to do so when most of the time I am so tired I feel like I am only running on fumes. Every day that I get to spend with them is a gift and I don’t ever want to miss a moment with them. Besides, I’m hoping if I give them my time when they’re young the day will never come when they are too cool to hang out with Mom and Dad. Additionally I’m hope that whenever they get to the hard part of their lives, Tim and I will be the first ones they want to come to for help. That’s the plan anyway. I’m off…to spend time with my kids with the last few moments of my 20th birthday :).
Monday, September 26, 2011
Cumberland County Fair 2011
Yesterday we all got up bright and early to make the 8:30 service at church. We wanted to go to church and Sunday School and still have plenty of time to make the annual Cumberland County Fair. Sunday they have a deal where you can get into the fair and ride unlimited rides for $5 a person with the presentation of a church bulletin between 1pm and 2pm. The lady at the counter was not playing around with these specific rules either. We waited in line for 30 minutes and got to the counter at 12:55pm and she would not even consider giving us the discount early. The policeman was standing guard right there, so rather than making a scene with our church bulletins in hand, we quietly stepped aside for 5 minutes and promptly stepped back into line to get our $5 price at 1 o’clock sharp. This cheap accountant (and her even cheaper husband) is not going to the fair unless we get a deal! (You can imagine how it killed us both to spend $4 for a drink (TIMES 4!!!) once inside the fair!!)
It’s actually funny because Brandon does not like rides. He wants to be a pilot when he grows up, yet he can’t take the kiddy rides. There is one photo of Brandon on his one and only ride of the year. Brandon has a big time scowl on his face and a death grip on the handles and Tim is laughing at him. Yes, his father continuously teases him. Lest you pity the poor boy with giant dimples, I must add--it goes both ways. Brandon teases Tim as well.
My idea of fun at the fair is taking photos. So here you go! Enjoy.
It’s actually funny because Brandon does not like rides. He wants to be a pilot when he grows up, yet he can’t take the kiddy rides. There is one photo of Brandon on his one and only ride of the year. Brandon has a big time scowl on his face and a death grip on the handles and Tim is laughing at him. Yes, his father continuously teases him. Lest you pity the poor boy with giant dimples, I must add--it goes both ways. Brandon teases Tim as well.
My idea of fun at the fair is taking photos. So here you go! Enjoy.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Soccer Star!
The first day we visited Brandon’s orphanage there was a 16-year-old boy named Roma that spoke pretty good English. He was asked by the caregiver to go get our son for us to meet the first time. This Roma boy said in plain English, “That boy likes soccer big. He play all the time.” It seems this boy was correct. Brandon is quite the little athlete. In the first US soccer game he played, he scored 2 goals. His team lost, but it was exciting to see him score the only 2 goals his team made. In his second game he scored 4 goals. His team won 4-3. He was so excited to score more goals. I am definitely getting used to being a soccer mom. I really enjoy being with other parents and seeing my boy play!
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