WOW...WHAT FUN!

I think back over the last few days and can't believe all that we were able to do! What fun it was! It was a wonderful Christmas with time spent with family, attending a wonderful candlelight service, driving in weird weather, playing games, sledding, listening to Christmas stories and eating!! (as you can see..I even got into the sledding!)

The Snuggie

I never thought I would be writing about those, "Snuggies!" Well, Link and Tucker received early Christmas presents from my mom and dad. We got them all dressed to head out into the elements. Well guess what? We sent them out and they arrived at the back door "naked." No snuggies in sight. So we had to figure out if they..
a) Were ripped off of them and robbed by the neighbor dogs.
b) It was just too warm outside for them to run around in.
c) They were embarrassed to be seen in them.
d) They weren't flattering on their bodies
e) all of the above
you be the judge......


p.s. The snuggies were found! However, I think they are a little overrated!

"December to Remember"

Morgan, Shelby and Seble had a dance on Friday night at school. I was enjoying a night out with friends (see next post) so I was thrilled to see pic's!

A night out with friends

The weekend started out great! I was able to go the the Sarah Groves concert with three friends, Barb, Renee and Mary. Mary's husband planned this night out for her/us! We left our husbands in charge and took off for the the cities at 4:00 and headed to Biaggi's Restaurant in Maple Grove, it was fabulous and relaxing! We then headed the the Church of the Open Door, it was a perfect setting for the Christmas Concert. The evening started out with Sarah's husband asking people to stand up for different reasons...ex: If you don't like egg nog stand up..If you have a real tree stand up..then he said if you have 3 or more children please stand up, 4 or more stay standing...etc...well Renee has 5, Mary 6, I have 6, Barb well she has a whopping 9, she was one of two standing in the whole place..she got a round of applause for that!! Between the four of us we have..count them up...26 kids....we did need a night out! It was fun to hear about Sarah's traditions growing up, it was also wonderful to hear what they are doing in Rwanda..that was a highlight, with recent pic's of the trip they took in March.
I just have to say "Thanks" friends, it was fun!
p.s. Allen thanks for planning the night, it was great fun!

Piano Recital

Morgan started taking piano lessons again after taking a little over a year off, I am glad she decided to continue. They had a Christmas recital on Sunday, it was so fun to see and hear the students play! Morgan played a duet with her great friend Ellie. I think they could pass for sisters!

Tis the Season

Tis the Season of many exciting and fun things, which also means busyness. Last weekend we were able to spend Saturday with my brother Troy, his wife Michelle and my niece and nephew, Madison and Mason. They drove home Friday night, we had brunch on Saturday morning, followed by our gift exchanges with them, eating, napping, games and visiting. Since my brother is a State Trooper and my sister in-law works in radiology at a hospital, they end up working many weekends. We usually end up celebrating holidays with them at different times due to the schedules....It was fun to spend time with them...I love having a 5 year old (niece) that gets super excited to see her "Minnesota Cousins!"

12 years old!

We celebrated Syfah turning 12 last week! We squeezed it in between basketball tournaments and games! He chose Chinese food,homemade chocolate cake by Grandma Jane and peppermint ice cream. Grandparents joined us for the evening!
I look at pictures of Syfah and cannot believe the young man he is turning out to be. He is maturing and growing up way too fast. The other day at school a parent mentioned to me..."wow, don't you have quite the charmer." I said, "what?" She said, "look down the hall." I looked down the hall to see several girls, one carrying his back-pack and one carrying his lunch...He was enjoying every minute of it as he smiled from ear to ear. I think he actually might be enjoying being on crutches..(not really)...hopefully only two more weeks and he will get to start be able to put weight on his foot.
Syfah has a special way of lighting up a room when he enters, He has definitely "lit" up our lives and I am thankful!

The ornaments....and so much more

Well, we broke into the Christmas box of ornaments and started putting out the snow globes, mistletoe (troy‘s favorite), lights….things were going great….then came the “where are all my ornaments?” “that one is ugly, do we have to put it up?” “I only have three.” “Why isn’t my name on that ornament?” the list goes on….how do you answer that? Our tree is pretty “traditional,” I like the sentimental value that each ornament holds…the three sisters on the sleigh, with the names..Morgan, Shelby, Corbin…dated 2003. The five stockings on the fireplace ornament that reads “The Dobles.” The Soccer player ornament that says, “Araya 2008.” The little African Willow Tree ornament that says “Seble” on the bottom. The wild looking Snowman that says, “Syfah,.” One of my favorites is the Precious Moments ornament of a newlywed couple in the their convertible, it says “First Christmas.”
This year, we just sort of went through that box and started a pile of …No’s and Yes’s. The “No’s” didn’t make it on the tree this year, The “Yes’s” were the lucky ones! As I packed up the lonely ones that didn’t make the cut this year, I found myself feeling a little sad that these didn’t mean as much to the rest of the family as they did to me.
Part of it is the fact that quite simply, Seble, Araya and Syfah don’t have the memories of Christmas like we do….Christmas was not about decorating the tree, or counting the ornaments, or the gifts. I don’t want it to be the meaning for any of us. We/I, am the one who gets caught up in the “looking good” Christmas Tree…or the perfect lights on the garage and house. So while I have been a “little temped“…o.k… a lot tempted to take out the “lonely” ornaments and put a little tree in my bedroom, I won’t.
I also know that this time of year holds a lot of “memories,” for families….that is how “traditions” are made. I really am praying that this Christmas we continue to make memories together that will “unite” us as a family…a family that has been blessed, because we know Jesus and because we have great families and friends who support us!!
P.S. …next year I want a “Non Traditional Pink Christmas Tree.” ;)

The Perfect Tree

We have an artificial Christmas tree that actually looks pretty good, but, there is something fun about going and picking out "the perfect tree," and cutting it down. Another perk to a real tree is you can't beat the smell! So today we were ready to go and get it....Syfah and Araya decided that it seemed like a boring thing to do! Well, guess what? We weren't going to beg and plead (they just didn't quite think it sounded real fun.) It was fun, and now since we have been home and told them the "Tales of picking out the Perfect Tree and eating the Popcorn," they are curious as to why we didn't make them go!!! I think we won't have to do much persuading next time! It was so fun to look around and hear the girls "take" on which tree to get. Morgan went for the more "frail" looking, the ones that she thought needed a home. Shelby thought, "bigger the better." Seble liked them all! Corbin seemed to find "sticker patches everywhere she walked"...so she was a little distracted!! It really was fun, Thanks Troy and Girls!!

What in the world…..

What in the world is wrong with me? Ya know how you look at yourself, (and believe me I have been looking at myself for years.) and think “I don’t look so bad” or “is that me?”…well, I have been in denial big time!! I have come to the realization that at 40, I need to make some changes. Changes that I should of could have made at 30…probably 20…healthy, life changing changes! I have used every excuse under the sun…I won’t bore you with them, but let’s just say it has been easier to find excuses than deal with my issues…

So what am I going to do? Well, I am trying to figure that out, small steps, small changes. Praying is part of my “processing” as I cannot do this alone, and I really don’t want someone else to tell me what to do…because I am stubborn like that…hee hee!

Why do I feel the need to share this? Well, going public with my “weight/health” issues maybe will help me feel as though I am accountable, maybe not? What I do know is what I am doing has not been working for me….

So, while I don’t plan the approach of, “it’s all about me now.” I do plan to take the approach, “I want to do it this time!”

Fall Sports Review

The Fall Sports are done and the winter ones have begun! Morgan, Shelby and Corbin played Volleyball while Seble, Araya and Syfah played Soccer.
The Varsity Volleyball had a great Season, actually the best they have had in years. I think they only lost 3 games and they placed fourth in the end of the year tourney. Morgan received the Teams "Leadership," award. Shelby was the teams only setter, so she played a lot of Volleyball and loved it! Corbins Junior High Volleyball had a great season, only losing one game!
The Varsity Soccer team had a very young team, it was a tough season, with lot's of things learned. Seble is a hard worker so she made the best of the rough season and still managed to have fun! I will post more of the little boys soccer pic's when I get them..Fun seasons for all my "Ethiopian" Soccer players!!

First of several.....

On Friday, Morgan, my Mom and I went on our first, “College Visit.” It worked out perfect because we didn't have school on Friday. We headed off to Northwestern College in St. Paul. It was an “official” visiting day for NWC, so lots of things were planned. We spent time in Chapel, toured the campus, Morgan sat in on a class, had a great lunch, and visited some Alumni from Cambridge Christian School.
As I sat there I was thinking I was glad Morgan is a Junior and we are not looking at this happening for another year. We were very pleased with what we saw and heard about Northwestern… a little overwhelmed...but it was good.
Wow, and to think this is just the beginning of this..........

13!

Today our Corbin turned, "13"! It is hard to believe that 13 years ago, I delivered a 2 week overdue 10# baby. After I had Corbin we spent two weeks at the University of Minnesota hospital where I held her non-stop and prayed and hoped that she would be o.k...she was and is a "delightful young lady." Some of the things that I appreciate about Corbin is her desire to put others first, she always wants to make sure that she makes a special card, or gives her last $5.00 to her brothers or sisters if they need it...she is generous. I love her smile, I love her laugh and I am thankful she is ours!! Happy 13th Birthday Corbin!! We love ya!

It happened again...........

On Thursday night at basketball practice Syfah was running and turned and felt a “pop,” in his foot. If you recall a little over a year ago, Syfah broke his right foot. Well, when he came home from basketball practice his foot was a little swollen, we iced and decided Friday morning we should , “get it checked.” Well as you may have guessed, it is broken, exact same spot opposite foot. So needless to say Syfah is very down today, as he had just had his first games this week. Syfah is in a boot up to his knee, and is not able to put any weight on his foot which means dreaded crutches.... we see the ortho. Dr. next week. I am feeling really bad as he loves basketball! There is always next season, but Syfah is not one to sit still…..again….this is a challenge. Last night we elevated, and sent Araya on the tournament. Today, he chose to go with the team, it was a tough day as the team won last night but lost two today. It's tough to watch when you want to play...lifes lessons are tough sometimes! We are praying for quick healing as last time he was on crutches for 3 months!

Ryan White Care Act...exciting news!

Something important and exciting happened in the world on Friday! President Obama announced the end of a 22 year ban on travel for HIV+ people wanting to enter the United States, today Obama signed, "The Ryan White Care Act." This was started by President Bush and signed by Obama. This ban has prohibited adoptive families from easily getting their new children's visas and bringing them home. In fact when we first tried to adopt Araya in 2004, we were told it was virtually impossible....then things changed, but the red tape involved did not.

Currently HIV+ children go through the same initial adoption process as all other children, with the ban in effect, after the child passed court, the family was issued an appointment at the US Embassy in Addis Ababa. The family then traveled to Ethiopia (unless they chose to have their child escorted), attended the appointment and was told that their child's application for a US Visa was denied, they were always denied, based on his HIV status. At that point the family would submit a waiver along with multiple supporting documents, and pay an extra $545.00, while waiting in the Country and hoping and praying that you passed court. We were fortunate, it only added one week on to the trip, but for many others it can mean another trip or staying in the country longer....much longer.

Today this ban was lifted, which benefits all families adopting HIV+ children internationally. As President Obama stated, the ban was "rooted in fear rather than fact".

In Sixty Days there will be no more HIV waivers, no more asterisks on our children's passports which mark them as "tainted," there will be no more endless additional hoops to jump through. This is exciting news!!

Date Day!

Well, I have talked before about our "Dr.Days-Date Days," we were able to have one of those days on Tuesday. Last week our Dr.'s office at the U of M called and said,
"We have an H1N1 shot here for Araya, can you come on Tuesday, we can also squeeze you in for your November appointment a little early?" So, we headed down on Tuesday morning, it was a good visit! It is always a little interesting to go down to the Dr., we always meet some interesting people, on Tuesday I met a mother who was HIV+, she was holding her one week old baby. I also met another mother who had the look of, "I want to talk." I think I always must have that look!! Anyways, she finally looked at me and said, "I didn't know we had HIV until we came to America".The were from Kenya,we chatted and I learned her and her family moved to Minnesota in 2002, her daughter started having bouts of pneumonia, after many doctor visits, they found out that she (daughter age 7) was HIV+, then Mom found out she was + too. I asked how they were doing, then a spunky, cute girl came out from the back and said, that the Dr. would talk to them both now...she smiled at me,and stood up to go with her daughter. I reached for her hand and she said, "we are doing well." It was a good day!
Of course the Date Day is not complete until we stop and eat...so guess what...KFC again! I drove in the parking lot, he said, "mom, let's eat in the car, with the radio on." So, we did, it was a little messy, but good! He finished off my chicken and said, "Thank you mama, that was so good!" Then we headed back to school!
It was a good day!

Well today was my first Wednesday off and I am feeling pretty good about my accomplishments. The day started out with me looking in two of my daughters bedroom and saying to myself, "wow, their clean and my clean are so different," and "It's going to be a long day." So at 7:00, I showered and put my hair up and my sweats on. First of all, can I just say, "I was more than a little irritated." You see, a couple of weeks ago I noticed "fruit flies" in the house, not having fruit out in the kitchen i was a little worried....so after hours of wondering what in the world, I went to put something in the "two girls closet," I was attacked by the things...need more detail...apples and food in the garbage in the, "two girls room." So thanks to my friend Julie who told me of a "household trick," The fruit flies are slowly disappearing in the wine on the counter. I should of drank some today, now that I think about it...just kidding :)
So equipped with garbage bag, vacuum, dust rags, glass cleaner, I stripped the beds and away I went...One thing led to another. I have came to a few conclusions.
1)no more food in the bedrooms.
2)no more buying clothes for at least 5 years...lol
3)I am glad I haven't thrown out the sock with no match...I found lot's of them today.
4)We have plenty of water bottles in sports bags.
5)sunflower seeds are no longer allowed in the house, as it seems as though one of my girls thinks you just throw them between the bed and the wall. ( I AM SERIOUS)
6)My Kirby vacuum is great, but it doesn't like bobby pins or pencils!
7)My throat almost closed from all the dust.
8) Made several other sisters happy because I found a few items of clothing that they were sure the "other sister" had, but the other sister denied.
9)needed more than one garbage bag.
10) I think my girls are a lot like me...at that age of course...
Oh wow, I can hardly wait for next Wednesday's project!

TO PROTECT MY CHILDRENS PRIVACY I WILL NOT DISCLOSE THEIR NAMES!

Interesting Sunday School Class!!

Troy and I have been attending our "Baptist" Sunday school class. The reason I feel the need to do some explaining is it is definitely not your typical "Sunday School class." Actually our great-grandmothers would be totally freaked by the topics we are discussing in this class. The class has been great, it is called "laugh your way to a better marriage," by Mark Gung0r, it is a video series. I have to be honest, the first few weeks of the class were a little more than I bargained for...I was struggling with a few things that were being discussed, and you know how it is.....easier to not hear about it when you feel like you are in it! It has been good, and today the topic was "S E X," oh my, now you know why I think it may not be "typical Sunday School material." After nineteen years of marriage and six kids, I was pretty sure I had heard it all...NOPE, NOT EVEN CLOSE! It was so refreshing today to hear Mark speak, if you get a chance and want a great laugh, check him out on you tube...you won't be sorry.
After Sunday school class today our Pastor Bob's message was on "Marriage," it was a good one! I am so thankful to be married to Troy, who values our marriage, and makes it a priority.....most of the time....:)

An overnight at Grandmas!

The last overnight that Grandma Jane hosted, was in January. The girls decided with MEA break, it was time for another one. It worked out perfect as my dad is out of town, in Wyoming. So with bags in tow, the girls headed out on Thursday afternoon. I was not able to join them this time, but was priviledged to get some pictures of the "makeovers" that they did! However, I am not sure where the pics are of my mom!?

I am coming next time!! Looks like fun! Thanks Mom (Grandma) they had a great time!

Step into Africa

"Step into Africa," is an exhibit about "The AIDS crisis: Can you survive the journey of a child?"

It is sponsored by World Vision, the exhibit right now is at the Minnehaha Academy South Campus. You can also check out it out at: http://www.worldvisionexperience.org/

Today the 9-12 graders from our school attended this, and it sounds like something you don't want to miss. Troy and I were hoping to go as a family, I was very glad to hear that our 3 girls were going as we have not made it yet! I was a little worried about how my girls and others who are from Ethiopia/Africa would do!

In the exhibit you are given an opportunity to be one of four children, you meet the person through pictures and see their home and then move on through their life walking through different scenes of their life..homes, church, jungle, hospital, sit on their beds, in a hut etc. They also stepped into a hospital, they were then "tested" and then "told" of their status..+ or -, indicated by a mark on their hand. It is their story of how their lives have been changed by AIDS, orphaned and widowed. They also have an opportunity to pray for specific people and needs.

It seems to have been very powerful for my girls. I am so glad that they were supported, specifically Seble, who found this to be difficult, not only because it deals with the loss of parents, siblings with HIV etc.., but because today she had to ponder the thought of, "how and why do some of us get to have a different life?" "Why the suffering?" I am thankful for the students and staff that were able to pray for the ones that this was difficult for, thankful for the ones who stepped out of their comfort zones and asked a question, or put an arm around a friend! I am also thankful for the chance to educate others..what a blessing that is! We have had some great conversations about this today.

The exhibit ends tomorrow but is going to be returning!

Exciting News for Me!!

I have been going back and forth in my mind...should I try it? Should I see if it is possible? Should I just ask? Can I/we afford it? .....no, I am not going to go on a trip, buying a car or going on a major shopping spree. What I am going to do is start working 4 days a week.........Yeah, Yahoo, Hallelujah, Woo hoo! I am a little excited and relishing in the fact that I am going to actually have a day at home to eat bon-bons, read in my pajamas... all day, take a bubble bath...oops, not really...got carried away. Actually, I am so looking forward to having a day to get groceries, do laundry, listen to the radio station that I choose and maybe even meet a friend for lunch! The other exciting piece to my little story is my husband is very excited and encouraging me to do this!

This is my next read; given to me by a great friend! I have had if for at least 2 months now and I can't wait to start reading it on my day off!!

hopefully soon!

We are still waiting for finalization on Araya, he is ours, but we don't have the proof of finalization in the U.S. yet. We have been waiting for finalization for him for 1 year now! Troy even called our agency that did our homestudy in Minnesota, to see what the hold up was. They just don't know, they were going to call Troy back on Tuesday, and guess what we are still waiting for the call. My husband will be calling back on Monday, hoping they have some answers. The bummer is so many things that you do or want to do require a social security number, for one we have not been able to claim him on our taxes, he cannot open a bank account (he is sure he is super rich as he has $100.00)! Anyways, hoping to get it by the new year!

Today we talked to our Social Worker Darlene, I really have enjoyed getting to know her over the years, she was our social worker when we adopted Seble and Syfah. Darlene needed to do one final report for our adoption of Araya (1 year post placement). Wow, she was reminding me of some of our concerns that we had on our last visit, those concerns are all but a memory of the past...which is a huge blessing!

Samba Class???

Scene and Setting: last night dinner table.
Seble: I was saved by the bell today and didn't have to sing in Samba class.
Jody: What?
Seble: It was my turn to sing in Samba alone and the bell rang.
(Troy, Shelby and I look at each other with confusion)
Jody: How do you sing the Samba?
Seble: Ya, you know in Samba!
Shelby: Do you mean "ensemble class."
Seble: What?
Jody: Seb, the Samba is a dance?
Seble: Oh, I meant Samba.
Shelby: no, it is ENSEMBLE..
Seble: oh...............E N S E M B L E...
We all had a great laugh picturing Seble singing the Samba in Ensemble class!

not much going on.....

I was thinking today, wow, I have just not been in the "blogging" mood....maybe that is a good thing, not a whole lot to say, life seems to have settled into a routine quickly. I think Fall sort of does that. I love this time of year, It really is my favorite, but it is way too short! Today I bought the candy corn and peanuts which is a dangerous "treat" in this house. I am sure we will be breaking into it tonight. The boys are watching "Enchanted" which makes me laugh, they love it, they are wrapped in their fleece blankets, each of them holding a dog. The girls are sharing stories of our weekend away in Rochester, we all left at 2:00 on Friday for games Friday night and Saturday, that was fun! The girls Volleyball teams record is 8-1, which is great! Sebles soccer team has not been quite so fortunate, but she is enjoying it! Troy and I, along with Morgan and a friend went to the movie, "The Surrogate," on Saturday night, wouldn't recommend it, weird, and not much of a story. I think I am going to actually try to finish a book tonight, my friend Julie borrowed it to me quite a while ago, and I just couldn't get into it, picked it up again, and now am "into it." I have not been reading much at all but I also feel as though this is the time of year when I start to enjoy getting back into it.

I hope everyone is able to enjoy this Fall weather and hopefully my next post will be a little more exciting.

4th grade again..

Last year when school was finished, Troy and I and Araya's teacher, Mrs. Aleckson really felt that Araya would benefit from repeating 4th grade. Araya seemed fine with it, and we really didn't talk a lot about it this summer. The reasons for the decision were many, mainly I would say that last year " was an adjustment year." We feel it is important for him to "get it," before moving on. It has been a great start he is contributing more with class discussions, displaying more confidence, and doing great in subjects that he was struggling with last year! However, Araya has discovered that he is the only 12 year old in 4th grade, he could potentially drive as an 8th grader, and possibly be 19-20 when he graduates.

We are looking on the bright side...more time with us, more time to play soccer but mainly more time to learn! So, when he said to me last night, "maybe I can move to 6th grade next year," I told him, "hmmmm.... you will have to work really hard and read more at home, and we will work with you on English and Math...etc... he looked at me and said, "nah, that's o.k....let's forget about it." So, we will see what happens this year, but for now, we will love 4th grade and Mrs. Aleckson! Age is just a number, right?

WWAW-Wow What a Week!

The first week of school is over! We celebrated Araya's 12th Birthday, and our 19th Anniversary also! I received the most beautiful roses I have ever seen the first day back to school! They brightened up the office/desk for the whole week!

Another highlight of the week was Araya and Syfah had their first soccer games, Araya pulled off a hat-trick (3 goals) with a final score of 3-0! I didn't get to see it, as I was at the girls volleyball games. it is going to prove to be a challenge to get to see these games, since Troy coaches soccer he will most likely see more soccer games than I! We realized between all of our kids this week, we had 4 volleyball games and 3 soccer games!

This week we will add Wednesday night church and Sunday school! Troy and I are both excited to start working with the 6-8th grade youth on Wednesday nights!

Another thing we did this week was take in a Cambridge High School football game! That was fun!

I realized tonight that our kids are getting older, tonight Shelby and Seble met friends at 9:00 at Applebees and Morgan is off to a 9:20 movie with friends! I am so glad that she can drive!

While they are off and running, I am ready for bed!!

unbelievable

As you recall from a few posts back, one of our daschunds had gotten a hold of Arayas hearing aid. Well a week later we went in and Araya was fitted for another mold. We went to pick up the mold on Friday, we had also scheduled a hearing test at the same time. As the Audiologist was performing the hearing tests and hooking different "gadgets" up to his ear, I was thinking, "this is taking a long time." She was repeating some things and Araya was in the sound booth so I was not always aware what was going on. When she was finished, she had Araya sit in a different chair and she sat down next to me, she pulled out his test from January and the one that she had done that day. She looked at me and said, "I am completely confident that Araya's hearing has improved, to the point that I would not have him wear his hearing aids!" "What?" I said, she looked at me and said, "If he were my child, I would not have him wear them." Well, to say that Araya was a little thrilled is and underestimation....to say I was a little shocked as we had also just purchased another hearing aid is another underestimation. I asked her how that is possible? Well, the surgery definitely worked in the one ear, and the hole in the other is healing and becoming more solid...............so we will recheck again in a few months, with the understanding that we may need them again and we may not!!
As Josie, the Audiologist sent us on our way, she looked at Araya and said, "your smile just made my week seem not so bad and made my weekend look better!" Araya said, "Thanks!"....he smiled the whole way home and couldn't wait to share the news with the rest of the family!

I like shopping but...

I like shopping, but buying school supplies with 6 kids is definitely not something I care to repeat for a while...at least another year! We shopped later this year, I usually buy things as I see them go on sale, but it seemed to creep up on me this year! After all was said and done this was the damages:

41 notebooks

72 pencils (some mechanical)

1900 pieces of loose leaf paper

16 boxes of Kleenex

48 folders

8 glue sticks

26 packs of index cards

6 packs of colored pencils

3 new calculators

12 dry erase markers

12 highlighters

12 red pens

2 watercolor paints

2 packs of constuction paper

3 Trapper keepers

36 pens

6 large erasers

2 boxes of crayons

6 new backpacks

6 bottles of germX

3 compass/protractors

18 large book covers

for a grand total of _______________! I cannot tell, I have to tell my husband first!!!

Now I have to go to buy my boys some jeans!!!