Masterpiece in Motion

I have attached one of Hawk's referral pictures. I'm not sure how old he is in it, my guess 9 - 10 months

Good news, I received the last of my paperwork that I needed for my home study. So now all I need to do is copy the papers and then send them in to my social worker. And wait until she is finished, and hope the tax refund comes quickly so that I can pay for the home study.

My plan; once all the papers are finished, is to ship the dossier to Steph, the facilitator in California and have her do the last steps. Then she sends them to Haiti. Hopefully the paperwork will arrive before April is out. YEAH!!

I have also started making arrangements for SMAE while I am visiting Hawk in late June. Either she will be staying with my sister and her family who live nearby OR we travel to Louisiana,we stay for a few days with my brother and his family, then she stays while I take off for 3 to 4 days to Haiti and then come back to LA for a few days and then we head back home. My brother in LA went with me on Owl's pick-up trip so they are excited to see her since it will be over 1 year since they spent time with her.

It is raining buckets this weekend, so too cool and wet for outdoor activities. I did manage to go to the YMCA this am. I had the best run. It was a hard paced run, yet I was in the zone..you know the place where you lose all track of time and place. It felt like I could run forever. Have you ever watched a really great runner, one that is not only talented but also just beautiful to watch. They make it all look effortless, yet you know they are working hard. My nephew is a beautiful runner and there was one student I coached in junior high a few years ago. He was that type of runner and I have seen a few young women from cross country that were beautiful. I think of them as Masterpieces in Motion. Sometimes, when watching them, it actually brings tears to my eyes..it is that incredible to me.... well I felt that way today, like I was a Masterpiece in Motion..mind you I wasn't actually, it just felt that way.....I managed to carry the feeling with me all day.

Last night we ate Mexican again, and this afternoon we went to a Pampered Women(?) type of party. SMAE was given tons of praises in how easy going, comfortable in public, cute, pretty smile etc., I could go on and on. It makes a Mama proud, because she really is a great kid. The latest thing she has started doing is putting toys, books, and puzzles back away to exactly the same place she found them. I'm going to encourage this!!!

Hope you have a Masterpiece Moment weekend!!!

Sweet Sixteen..months

Miss Owl turned 16 months old today!! She is quite an amazing little girl too. Yesterday, it was rather cool, I'd say about 30 degrees cooler than the day before. All last week and early this week we'd take a walk or run outside every day, but since it was so cold yesterday I had decided that we would forgo the outside excursion. Well...Tuki had other ideas..She took her brown romp-around shoes out of her bag, and attempted to put them on. I ended up putting them on her feet and then immediately she picked up her coat and brought it to me and kept hugging me..her way of saying she wants something. So we went walking around outside.

Then this morning I was putting on my shoes to get ready to leave the house. She was trying to put her coat on, because she was getting ready to leave as well. So I said "Owl, go get your milk in the living room before you put your coat on", then I repeated it and said "go get your milk". She pointed over my shoulder and said something?? and I looked and there her milk was. She understands so much and now she responds in her understanding. It is so cute!!!

I heard news today that GDRE is getting better and stronger every day...A friend whom has been praying for him said she received in prayer that he has a real drive to live.. I believe that..I can't wait to meet him. I bet he will be something.. and he and Skylar together will be a blast, that is after his adjustment period.

Speaking of adjustment; last night I ordered three books from Amazon.
1.Toddler Adoption: The Weaver's Craft
2.Does Anybody Else Look Like Me?: A Parent's Guide to Raising Multiracial Children
3.I'm Chocolate, You're Vanilla: Raising Healthy Black and Biracial Children in a Race-Conscious World

I decided I need to get going and start reading on how to teach my kids how to handle other people's racism. I think sometimes, it is not a big deal, but then I run into someone that makes a very derogatory comment about people of color and I realize I need to arm my children to handle these comments without damaging their self-esteem. Is it possible?? I sure hope so..

Two night ago, we heard the chorus frogs and wood frogs singing and then the next night the spring peepers joined them. It is a beautiful serenade. To me, it is one of the most beautiful sounds on earth. Spring is here, the earth is waking up and with it the frogs are stirring and getting ready to produce the next generation...Love in its simplest form.

On the next warm night, go outside and listen....you can't miss them and then sit back, breathe deeply, relax and enjoy!!!!

The Summer of my Phoebe

He's back, that is my Eastern Phoebe, or more correctly a descendant of my Phoebe. I think it is a male because male birds species tend to return to the breeding grounds first, to set up territories. Then a week or so later the female arrives to a male that is singing and displaying his heart out. She picks who she wants to mate with, and which territory that suits her and she spends her summers rearing young. The Phoebe is a flycather, a very unassuming little bird that is easily missed if it wasn't for its call; FEE BEE , FEE BEE. I love the call for it's simple beauty and grateful for how it touched my soul over twelve years ago.

I added a picture of the bird, it's nest and range for those interested.

I had mentioned in an earlier post that I had founded, and operated a non-profit wildlife and rehabilitation center. It had occupied my whole life. I felt it was my metaphorical baby. I conceived it in my mind, I labored it into existence, and then for the next five years I watched it go through complete dependency on me, to crawling to finally up and walking and even running at times. It was starting to feed itself well, when a overly egoistically man decided he wanted to claim all responsibility for its existence. To make a long story short, he managed to take it away from me and the volunteers. (By the way he ran it into the ground 2 years later, it doesn't exist anymore) At the time, it was very devastating to me. I felt I had lost my baby and I did. Plus then enter in the fact that I lost my dad 1-1/2 years before this and he was my last surviving parent, and I hadn't really dealt with the grief of his loss.

Needless to say, I entered a real depressed time and I wasn't sure where to go next in my life. I remember being outside that summer, I felt numb, like nothing could reach me, I was there but not really because I couldn't feel any of the natural elements. That was extremely unusual for me because I tend to key into nature and its beauty. Then....in my numb abyss, I heard it...FEE BEE, FEE BEE, over and over, and there she was. She had set up her nest right on the door frame of the side door of my garage. It was like a message from God, saying all will be OK. She managed to raise two clutches that year and I was able to watch them grow and fledge. I called that year: The Summer of my Phoebe. I still had many hard years ahead of me, some due to poor choices that I made during my pain, but that call was the start of my healing. I remember like it was yesterday. Thus the name of my blog.

I actually told a co-worker today that I am the happier now than I have been in the last twelve years, with being a Mom, waiting for my second child, and loving my life, family and friends.

I do not have any new news on Hawk, but I am going to attempt to email the orphanage director tonight for an update.

Tuki is entering into a very fun and yet frustrating phase. She is so much more aware of her surroundings, routines, understanding language and yet because of this she gets frustrated sometimes because she does not always get what she wants. This morning when we were leaving for work, she jumped right up, starting walking toward the chair I always put her on to put her coat, shoes etc., on. She leaned against it, so then I placed her onto the chair, I put her coat on and then she grabbed her bag, and was walking toward the door ready to leave. This is the first she has done that!!

She says Mama, bye, doggy, yeah, sMurph, and I'm sure she thinks she says more but I don't understand them yet. She talks non-stop now, and understands even more!!

I am trying not to think and talk about Hawk ALL the time like I did during Tuki's adoption, but it is hard, especially with him being only four months younger. I always think "What will it be like when Gabryel is here" "What would he doing right now" etc.,....and I pray that he will have his "Phoebe" experience as he is healing from his malnutrition and he will come home to us.

With all it faults America is still beautiful!!

"My Savior was, My Savior is, My Savior is always gonna be"
One of the songs we sang in church this morning. He was before I knew him, He is even when I am rebellious and sinful and he always will be no matter what people or mankind does. He just is!! Really quite powerful!!!
Forgiveness: giving up my right to hurt you,even though you hurt me first!!
My freedom to worship whom I want......

Update on Hawk: he is slowly improving, Please keep the prayers coming!! I have peace that he will be OK. His adoption is and has been led by God!!
My freedom to pray to whom I want..........

I love to grow gourds. All kinds of gourds. The problem is that I live in zone 4 for growing and they need, at least the biggies, need zone 5 and up for maximum growth. The biggies I have attempted are the small bushel and African kettle. Last year the small bushel germinated, and grew many gourds, but too late in the season and I had about 30+ softball size gourds freeze. So far I have not been able to germinate any African kettle gourds..but I will keep trying. This year I germinated my seeds on January 25th. Many sprouted, even 1 bushel. For awhile I had up to eleven plants. Now I only have five, 2 dipper gourds, 1 birdhouse and 2 apple gourd plants. I re-potted them Friday night, and almost wiped out the dippers, but they are still going strong. Everyone else looks good. Tuki helps me make sure they are doing well. sMurph helps to make sure they are doing well, but the dogs could care less.

Why do I grow gourds?? Because they can be crafted in many ways. I have attached a few examples from the Gourd Art Galleries web page, not done by me. I have also attached my gourds grown from last year. I want some day to not only be able to grow my canvas, but also create a work of art on my canvases. I'm not in a hurry, I plan to be working at this for years. There are tricks to growing them big enough, thick enough and wide enough for a decent canvas. I learn one new trick to get me a little closer each year. You could say I am obsessed about them. I don't know how it started, it just did, and now I am hooked. There are even Gourd Festivals across the USA. We are Gourdheads.

I am glad that I live in America so that I have the luxury of a hobby. I am fed, housed and warm, all my basic needs met, now I work on entertaining my mind with gourds, among many other activities.

I hope that my kids develop obsessions, maybe even like gourd growing. It makes life so much more interesting. It means their basic needs have been met.

I hope you had as great a weekend as we did!!! Heard and saw sandhill cranes, killdeer, and robins. Still no chipmunks or Phoebes, but I have a hunch that this is the week!!!

My freedom to enjoy the great outdoors and thankful that we have outdoors left to enjoy.

What is your obsession??

Good thing I like roller coasters!!

To remind me and any others in the process what this whole adoption journey is all about. Sometimes, like now with Hawk so sick, I get frightened to my very core and I wonder is is worth putting myself through this emotional roller coaster again, but then I look at Tuki, and I know it is!! Enjoy!!

Need I say more!!

Look at my lovely picture subtitle...and I can't seem to edit my posts..it is that kind of day...which leads me to just laugh hysterically!!!!!!!!!!!!

Update on Hawk

I added this picture for a happy peaceful thought on this troubling day.


I heard some troubling news today. Hawk came into the creche (orphanage) in early March, when I made a commitment to him. Since December he has become severely malnourished and anemic. He is currently in the hospital and on a feeding tube but continues to slowly improve. Please pray for him. I guess if I had not decided to adopt him when I had, he would still be in the situation that caused him to become malnourished and who knows what his outcome would have been. Just please pray for a full recovery!! Thanks

DOSSIER - YOUR LIFE ON PAPER --Where I am at in the process!!
1. Approved Home Study-Had my one and only visit today march 23, 2007I just need to make some copies and wait for my insurance letter and wait for my sw worker to finish it. she thinks it will be done easily within 1 month.(notarized, state authenticated, translated, legalized by consulate) Your agency or social worker doing the home study must be licensed and certified to do an international home study. Get a photocopy of their license.

2. State Certified Birth Certificate DONE(translated/legalized)
I had my birth certificate legalized at the Haitian consulate, although I am not certain if it was required. You probably will want to have it authenticated in the state where it originated, then legalized at the consulate, to do things by the book.

3. Medical Evaluation DONE(notarized, state authenticated, translated, legalized by consulate)
Must be on physicians letterhead, signed by doctor. You need to include basic lab tests, HIV, DVRL and CBC. It must state that you are in general good health status. (Labwork does not need to be certified in any way or translated)

4. Psychological Evaluation DONE(notarized, state authenticated, translated, legalized by consulate) Must be done by a licensed psychologist, MA degree or higher. It must state your name, psychological soundness and recommendation for adoptive parenthood. You and your spouse can do this together.

5. Police Report by your Local Department DONE(notarized, state authenticated, translated, legalized by consulate) This is a letter on Police Dept. letterhead that simply states you are a citizen in good standing and will probably state how long you have lived in that city. If you do not live within city limits, you must go to the county Sheriff's office.

6. Two Letters of Reference from Acquaintances/Friends DONE(notarized, state authenticated, translated, legalized by consulate)
These must state the nature of your relationship and how long they have known you, your strengths, weaknesses (if noted), and opinion of you as a parent.

7. Letter of Employment (Or Tax Acct. Letter if Self-Employed) DONE(notarized, state authenticated, translated, legalized by consulate) On company letterhead, containing your name, position, start date, and current salary. For tax accountant letters, these must state that they have done your previous year's taxes and verify your earnings.

8. Bank Letter DONE(notarized, state authenticated, translated, legalized by consulate)
A letter from your bank stating your accounts are in good standing, how long your accounts have been opened, and the current balances.

9. Power of Attorney DONE(notarized, state authenticated, translated, legalized by consulate)
You will only need one naming Marie France Simon, the name of the Creche, and the ID#0031606250.

10. Letter of Request to Haitian IBESR (Social Services)DONE(notarized, state authenticated, translated, legalized by consulate)
This should be somewhat of a personal, heartfelt letter, telling why you wish to adopt, what you can provide, how anxious you are to adopt. It does not need to exceed a page or so.

11. ID photos- 4 passport style photos DONE

12. Certified Marriage License NOT NEEDED
(translated, legalized)
You can have this legalized at the Haitian consulate, although I am not certain if it is required. You probably will want to have it authenticated in the state where it originated, then legalized at the consulate, to do things by the book.

13. Certified Divorce Decree - if applicable NOT NEEDED
(translated, legalized)
I had my birth certificate legalized at the Haitian consulate, although I am not certain if it was required. You probably will want to have it authenticated in the state where it originated, then legalized at the consulate, to do things by the book.

14. Copy of 3 Months of Bank Statements DONE
15. Copy of Last Year's Tax Return DONE

I just need to get everything state authenticated, translated, legalized by consulate.The facilitator for Petties Angels in California will do this part for me. So hopefully I will have only about 3 more weeks at the most left in my possession, then off to CA, then off to Haiti. That is when the legal process begins.

Single Parenting - what works for me

Responses after announcing that I am adopting again.
"How do you do it??"
"I can't believe the fearlessness that you approach life with"
"How do you plan to do it with two?"
"How do you have time to blog and be a single parent?"
"It must so hard as a single parent."
"Do you have a partner to help?"
or worse yet, no response at all, just no acknowledgement of the child(ren)

It doesn't offend me, it just makes me think "what's the big deal" So I have pondered these thoughts and came to a conclusion as to why I am not afraid to become a single parent of not only one child, but rather two or more. Maybe it will help someone else decide to add to their family through adoption. Single or married.
So I have made lists categorized into several areas.

1st Category:
What in my life has prepared me for this chapter in my life.
1. I was born in America to two great, honest, hardworking parents who believed anything was possible when you set your mind to it.
2. I grew up on a 500 acre, 100 Holstein cow dairy farm.
3. I worked on this dairy farm from sun-up to sunset, even during the school year, between the hours at school.
4. I loved growing up and working hard on this dairy farm.
5. I learned to multitask and prioritize.
6. I founded and ran a 1000 patient, 60 volunteer non-profit wildlife center for 5 years for zero money.
7. I worked a second job during this time for money, so I worked 110 hours hours each week from my late 20's to my early 30's.
8. I have earned two B.S. degree and one Master's degree.
9. I have a good, stable job and I work with great people.
10. I have orchestrated and am paying for two phases of house remodeling. I have another phase to do until I feel it is completed.
11. I have 3 brothers and 1 sister.
12. Both my parents and all my grandparents have passed away. I have learned that life is short, don't run away or stay away from something because you are afraid of the unknown. You may never get the chance to relive that moment or dream.
13. I have traveled widely, worked, and lived a rich and full life before I became a mom. It will still be there while and after the kids are grown up.
14. Even when I think I am all by myself, the truth is that God is always there holding me in the palm of his hand guiding me and providing me with the means to accomplish many things.

2nd category
What have I done to afford and enjoy my child, soon to be children.
1. Placed Tuki on a schedule right away. She sleeps 12 hours each night, and has since 6 weeks after she arrived home. She eats every two to 2 1/2 hours.
2. Practiced attachment bonding from the "get go"
3. Dropped extended cable and went with basic.
4. Shop once every 2 weeks, I buy a whole lot less.
5. Buy her clothes and toys from rummage and second hand shops, or the sale racks. I plan to continue this until she is in kindergarten, then brand new clothing. That is when kids start noticing anyway.
6. I used Target brand formula, Walmart brand diapers by day and Huggies all night only at night.
7. Kept my single family membership at the YMCA so that I can get my workouts in. Very important for my mental health. I am more relaxed and more patient when I work out.
8. Keep spending to "need basis" and the 'wants' will have to wait for a few years.
9. Using some of the tax credit to pay for Gabryel's adoption.

3rd category.
Surprises since I have become a parent.
1. The love I feel for Tuki is intense.
2. She is the first person that I have ever made a commitment to. I struggled for awhile but now I like it.
3. I have lost some of my single friends.
4. I have made mom friends
5. People that I thought would be involved in my/her life really have no interest in her or spending time with me anymore.
6. One male role model fell through, but one stepped up and took on the role with a vengeance.
7. Kids need a "mom" and "dad" figure in their lives. Tuki isn't looking to bond with every male she sees since Eric has been spending time with her on a weekly basis.
8. When she is happy, I am happy.
9. Sometimes I get restless if I communicate with just her all day.
10. On my days home,if I can get out of the house at least once each day, I am content.
11. Raising kids is not the same as raising dogs.
12. I still love coaching, learning new things and being an educator.
13. I miss her when I'm not with her, another new thing for me.
14. Loving her has started healing my wounded heart. I may be open to dating again, not because I need to, but rather because I want to, but this time I will hold out for a good man.


And once GDRE comes home all I have stated may mean zip, because another thing I have learned is that kids always prove you wrong!!!!!!!!!!!! But that is all part of the ride!!!!!!!!!!!!

Two Oceans, One Family

When I pursued the adoption of Owl I never gave her birth country any thought. I just wanted to be a mother. I didn't think of living conditions, why birth mothers placed their children for adoption, was the process ethical and transparent. I just wanted to be a mother and Guatemala was the country I chose to make that dream a reality. Thankfully I chose, orchestrated by God, an ethical agency to work with, and I feel confident that the process was above board. My case manager was amazing, she held my hand through from the beginning to the end. I thought for sure she would quit working with adoptive parents after working with me, but she is still there helping the children and adoptive parents. I actually received four referrals, all boys before I received Owl's. Each fell through for various reasons, two because the birth moms changed their minds and decided they wanted to raise the boys. I can understand that, it hurt, but I understood it. This is also why I knew my agency was a good one, they allowed the birth moms to change their minds in the middle of the process.

Now, that I am a mom I can look at Guatemala and realize the level of poverty that exists there. Attached are some stats for the country.

Total population (million),
2003:
12.3
Population density (people per km2), 2003: 113.5
Number of rural poor (million) (approximate): 5.4
Poor as % of total rural population, 2003 59.4
GNI per capita (US$), 2003: 1,910.0

Population living below US$1 a day (%), 2000: 15.9
Population living below US$2 a day (%), 2000: 37.4
Rural population below the poverty line (%), 1989: 74.5
Population living below the national poverty line (%), 1998-99: 56.2
Share of poorest 20% in national income or consumption (%), 2000: 2.6

I visited Guatemala twice so far, there are parts that are extremely poor, while at the same time there is an incredible beauty and peace there. It is a country that continues to call you back. If you have never gone, you may not be able to relate, but I strongly encourage everyone to visit and see what I mean.
Skylar was born in La Gomera, the Pacific Lowlands, an area of the rural poor.

Hawk's adoption is different. I again want to mother another child, but this time I am keenly aware of what the life in Haiti is like. No, I haven't visited yet, but I am doing my research this time. I plan to go at least twice, once to visit with him and then another to pick him up and bring him home. I may even go a third time if I have a hard time waiting for his permanent presence in my life.
Gabryel was born in Jereme, Haiti, a rural area.
Haiti statistics:

Haiti is a small island (it actually shares an island with the Dominican Republic) and with a surface area of just 27,797 square kilometers (km2), Haiti is second only to Barbados as the most densely populated country (306 people per km2) in the Americas.
Here are some staggering facts about the situation in Haiti: ·
Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere· 50% of all Haitian households live in extreme poverty using the U.S. standard of a $1 per day ·
Extremely poor households have about twice as many children as do the nonpoor.
·The country’s per capita GDP, has fallen by about 50 percent to $332 in the last two decades·
Most of the approximately 3.9 million who are extremely poor live in rural areas.
About 4 in every 10 adults cannot read and write.

My kids, one born November 29, 2005 along side the Pacific Ocean in Guatemala, the other born April 5, 2006 in the Caribbean, Atlantic Ocean in Haiti. Two different oceans, fours months apart, yet both chosen by God to be in my family, brother and sister to each other, and me living in the USA, chosen to be their forever mom. Sometimes one can't help but sit back and say

"WOW".

Kitchen Play

Here she is with her kitchen and laundry set. She loves it!! She played with nonstop from the time she was home until she went to bed.
Just in case you think I am sexist, I also bought her (included in the same $70.00), a tool bench, car, desk and see-saw. They are still in the garage and I am planning on letting her play with them outside when it is warmer.

You may be asking, "Why doesn't she do something with her hair?" The answer is simple, she hates anything in her hair and I choose my battles. If I really want her to look nice I'll insist on her wearing a barrette or ponytails etc., but otherwise, I really don't have a problem with it free flowing or fluffing (with all her wavy body) in her case. To me being a kid includes living without unnecessary obligations. Rules and "you must do" come way too quickly as it is.

Keep Moving

I cleaned today, and I mean really cleaned. I had decided that I would bring Tuki to day care (she loves the other kids there) today so that I could shampoo the carpets without disturbance. Well that idea progressed into the idea of a real house cleaning for the homestudy visit this Friday. It was a good idea. I vacuumed, shampooed, swept, mopped and dusted, rearranged furniture on two levels of the house. Plus I took out of garage storage and cleaned all the kitchen and washer/dryer furniture that I had bought for Tuki from rummage sales (for $70.00) before I even knew her. It is now sitting along side my island in the kitchen. It will be a big surprise for her when I pick her up.

But one thing I noticed while cleaning is that I like my oldest bathroom in the home the best. Years ago, before the phase 1 remodeling (5 years ago) I would shower in the basement, towel dry then run upstairs and dress. It was cold, but good, because I didn't have to look at myself in the mirror for long. Then I had a brand new bathroom put in on the main level. I used it for the last 4 years. It was a little darker, I would shower, use the mirrors and think..you are looking pretty good for an old lady. The lighting was perfect for self-deception. But, now, now the (addition after phase 2 remodel) masters bathroom off of my bedroom has great lighting. It doesn't lie and I don't like the story my mirrors tell. I noticed as I was moving from bathroom to bathroom, I became older looking. No one has asked if I am Skylar's grandma yet, but as I see it, the question is on the horizon...


I just need to keep moving, and coloring the grays, but what to do about the wrinkles.........

Let's play bang the sippy

My first day off as a SAHM for 1 week. I love it. I had said to my friends last fall that if I had a choice I would have stayed home with Owl for several years and then went back to work. This was a surprise to me, since I never would have thought I'd feel that way. But no choice, since I am the only income in this family. I do try to make the most of my days with her.

Today was an awakening as to the new phase Tuki is in. I had to change her clothes three times, once when she woke up, secondly, when she spilled milk all over herself because she managed to bang the stopper out of the sippy cup. This is her new game "BANG THE SIPPY". I don't like the game but that doesn't seem to slow her down with it. Then the third clothes change came in when I thought I had set up all the gates, closed all the doors etc., to give her free reign. But, no not so smart mama forgot to pick up the dog's water bowl and Tuki isn't picky..it can be the toilet bowl or dog bowl..water is water and it feels good and wet!!!

Oh yes, did I mention that she obtained her first goose egg on the back of her head when she fell backward into the van on Saturday and then Sunday just before church she fell and hit her right side of her face on my bed frame. She currently has a cut above her eye.

I digressed, Anyway, so once I had her changed for the last time I took her to a new neighborhood play area. She loved it and we would have stayed awhile but there is a fierce north west wind that makes the temperature of 43 degrees on the bank board appear to be lying. It was cold, so we packed up and drove to a Reserve, a nice wooded area left natural for nature enthusiasts. I thought a little micro climate made by the trees would cut the wind. It was a great idea, and it was much warmer...except I took the regular stroller instead of the jogging stroller..wheels are completely different sizes. We had quite the time getting through the few areas where there was still snow. But we had fun. She of course took it all in stride.

If you aren't a dog person you probably won't appreciate or enjoy the picture of Tuki, Einstien and Heathcliff. The dogs are in a very comfortable, all is well with the world posture...bellies to the air and Tuki is focused on her favorite purple dinosaur that was playing on the TV. Typical scene at my house.

My new homestudy appointment is this Friday. I have worked with this sw before so I'm not too worried. Actually the last time she was here my house was all torn up due to a remodeling project and she ok'd me so it should go well. I also found out that there is another person in my home town that is adopting from Haiti. So cool..hopefully we can get the kids together once they are home.

Spring Update: we saw robins yesterday, heard the Coopers and Pileated again, but still no true test that spring has permanently arrived..that is my resident chipmunk comes out of hibernation, and the appearance of my Phoebe back from the south.

Singing in Joy

It has been a fun filled last two days.

Last night after work, Tuki and I went to our high school's track meet. I use to coach track, but now just coach cross country running. I love both sports, but with Tuki and then GDRE, I feel that I only have time to coach one of them. Cross country running is in the fall for only 10 weeks of the school year, so it is quite do-able. Track is a much longer season, but I do enjoy going to the meets and I want to share my enthusiasm for track and running with my kids. So far the team looks good.

Then today, my sis, her daughter, Tuki and I went to the state basketball games. We only stayed for 1 game because it was a trial year with the girls being so young. I would have to say that the girls did well, so we will plan to go next year.

Owl did well at both events. I marvel at her sometimes. She is the most easy going, mild mannered, and flexible child I have had the privilege of knowing. She has mastered the contented peace in all situations. She emits a calm, yet joyous presence at all times. I have always wanted that in myself, but have never gotten there. Did I happen to mention she is a great kid!!!!

Well my homestudy fell through because the social worker that I was counting on emailed me stating that she was moving and won't be able to complete it. I can't believe she'd do that 1 day before the meeting. So my Homestudy agency assigned to me the original social worker that lives over two hours away. I really liked her, but I was hoping to avoid the travel costs...oh well an extra cost. I need to call her tonight to reschedule a new day.

We did receive the snow storm Thursday night so the birds have been more quite the last few days, or I have been too busy. That is the thing about simple pleasures in life, such as listening to bird calls, if you are in too much of a hurry you miss out on some of the greatest pleasures that life has to offer. Remember what the scriptures says..look to the sparrows and flowers, they don't worry about what they will eat or what they will wear, they look to God to provide all things, and they go through life singing in joy!!!!

GREAT DEAL MORE!!!!!!!!!!!

Spring Update: we heard a robin this morning, no we didn't see one, but we sure heard it...clear as a bell, so once again I am going to ignore the cold temperatures and just focus on the signs of spring.


We; Owl, E and I went to El Mezcal tonight, our local Mexican restaurant. I just love the food there and the owners and waiters are all Hispanic. They always stare and fawn all over Tuki when ever we go. She isn't aware of it, but we sure notice it and love it. She was just jamming to the music and stuffing her mouth with chips. As you can see in the pictures.

I discovered why I have been so tired lately, Tuki and I are on cold number 300 since she has been home. I know it builds our immune systems, but gosh oh mighty, we will be immune to everything under the sun at the rate we are going. My family has dubbed her "typhoid suzy" because she is constantly getting sick from the other kids at daycare and then graciously spreading it around to whomever she comes in contact with.

I found out today, happy day by the way, that I will receive a great deal more money than I had originally thought with my tax credit. Did I say a great deal!!!!!!! Boy it will come in handy with bills from Tuki's adoption and then help with Gabryel's adoption. The way I figure it, in 4 years, once the kids are out of day care I will be able to breathe easy with the finances. That will be a sweet day. Until then, I chant to myself "one day at a time, one day at a time"

Due to the state basketball tournament, Grey's Anatomy and Ugly Betty isn't on this week. Normally, I'd be upset, since they are my only "must see' shows, but on Saturday my sis, her daughter, me and Tuki will be attending the BB games. It is our annual trip, but this year we are taking the girls..Should be, hopefully be fun...or maybe it will just be interesting..

Well I'm off to do more adoption paperwork.............

Look to the birds

First I must brag about my nephew who was named National athlete of the year for his distance running.

I see good things for Tuki in the future as well. She can stuff a register full of pens, paper, and any other tidbits faster than anyone I know. She can stick her hands in to the toilet bowl and then in to her mouth with lightening speed. (Note to self, bathroom doors are closed at all times), and finally she has learned to climb the stairs before she has totally conquered walking. Boy oh boy, I am in for a ride!!!!!!!!!!!!

With all her milestones I am beginning to see why people ask "do you have any help?, no, you're doing it all by yourself"!! I have to explain that beside my daycare provider and my friend E that spends time with her on a weekly basis, that yes, it is by myself. I never understood what the big deal was,I kept thinking "what am I doing wrong since motherhood isn't overwhelming me like everyone tells me it should" but now with her new antics, I think I get it. It is non-stop movement between night time and nap times...

I have sort of a dilemma. I had planned on re-naming Davidson; but then my niece told me that the name looks very feminine.


Most of my paperwork has been solicited for and/or I have it in hand for my homestudy and my dossier. My first homestudy visit is this Sunday. I am using the same social worker that had done the post placement visit for Skylar, so actually she has been here before. She thinks she should only have to come for one visit and then wait for all the paperwork to arrive. Hopefully it will take one month at the most for it to be completed.

Spring Update: I saw a crow carrying nesting material and then landed in a conifer early this morning....YAHH WHOOO, just ignore the snow that is forecasted and pay attention to the birds....

The Little Engine that Could

How can some weeks feel like they are gone in a flash and then some, like this week feel like it has been 5 days crammed in to 2 days. I think it is due to the anticipation of next week, because we are off for spring break. No, I'm not going anywhere special, just trying to pay off bills by staying home and then here is the real fun...shampooing carpets...yeah that's right, can you believe the fun I'll have, it has to be done some time, so why not over break. I know exciting!!!

Tonight I went out for a run. After picking Owl up from daycare, I gave her a quick snack, and then set out for a run. It was fantastic!! I actually over dressed with a long sleeve t and nylon sweats. But, let me share a little secret, running indoors on a treadmill is miles away from running outside on pavement pushing a 15 1/2 month old in a stroller. Yeah, she loves it, it is just poor ole' mama has to huff and puff even harder than ever. I'm sure I look like a train engine working it's way up a hill as I am trying to gain any sort of speed with Tuki aboard. I keep telling myself, "I think I can" and with this kind of resistance training I may actually be able to run that marathon before I die....or maybe I'll pass that dream on to my kids.........

This morning we heard one of our resident Coopers hawk. Ever since we have lived in this home and little woods, we have had a pair of Coopers raise young in the lot. They move their nest around every year. I listen for the calls to see where they are located. It is a little early to tell, but hopefully it will be close to the house again so we can hear them calling all summer. Two years in a row, before I had new siding put on the house, a house wren found a hole in the side of the house and raised 2 clutches in the wall. It was fantastic because when the young were active and calling, it was like having my own bird cd right in the house. Last year, I remodeled the house and replaced the old siding...no more house wren!!
Did you know that 1 day development in the life of a songbird is like 1 year development in the life of a human baby. Remarkable!!!

Last night I managed to get more paperwork done for Gabryel's adoption. Hopefully I'll get even more done tonight.

Earlier tonight, when I asked Tuki if she was ready to get her P.J.'s on, she adamantly shook her head up and down yes and ran towards me, then when I picked her up she kept giving me hugs!! Too cute...Life couldn't get any better..oh wait yes it could, Tuki x 2 !!!!!!!!!!

p.s I haven't learned how to edit my published post on this blogger yet...any suggestions?????

One Hour

One hour in the change of a clock can turn a happy go lucky girl into an overly-tired, cranky, everything is wrong person. I know because I have been fighting it all day., and then I come home to Tuki and see she has been hit with the "onehouritis" virus just like me and all my students. But the upside is it lasts for a few days and then all is back to normal again.

Tuki is walking all the time now. Where as before she chose to crawl if she had to get somewhere fast, now the mode of transportation is walking. I think that in no time she will she walking and then running like an ole' pro.

Today was another fantastic day outside. There are lakes and ponds forming everywhere and snow piles disappearing at warp speed.

The Pileated Woodpeckers have been calling daily and hopefully soon I may be blessed with a courtship dance around one of my trees. Every year or so, I see the red-heads and black and white crow sized bodies bobbing up and down a tree trunk while calling sweet ear piercing notes of love to each other.

Tonight, after this blog I plan to work on the last few items for the homestudy scheduled for this Sunday and then fill out the I-600A to get that moving as well. I have to send it to Minnesota and from previous experience it takes two months for the approval, but the fortunately is that I can send the dossier in to Haiti before the I-600A is approved.

Maybe, just maybe, I'll be finished with all the paperwork in just one hour .........................

Davidson - Hawk

Davidson (aka Hawk to me)

Two weeks ago I made a commitment to adopt Davidson.

I had originally thought my second adoption was going to be from Ethiopia. You see I've been there, over 6 years ago. I traveled to Uganda, Ghana and Ethiopia on a missions trip. We were there for over 3 1/2 weeks. Africa is a beautiful continent, yet it is very impoverished. There is such a need there for help on so many levels. I remember feeling heavy, not knowing where to begin to help. It was quite overwhelming, yet the people are so warm, kind and beautiful. They carry a joy and contentment that I will probably never fully understand. Yet, in knowing all this, I just never had peace about adopting from there, at least not at this time. I have learned never to say never.

Then a friend of mine mentioned Haiti. I started doing my research and I found my son. I felt peace. He is a handsome guy that will be 1 year old on April 5, 2007. Haiti is also only a hop, skip and jump from Guatemala. It will be quite do-able to return to both of my kids birth countries affordably several times throughout their life times. Check out a map and see what I mean.

Why not Guatemala again?? Well right now the adoption laws of Guatemala are in the process of changing, and I want to start now so that Tuki's sibling is close in age. He will be...since he is only 4 months younger than her.I am adopting from Haiti independently. This means I am not using an agency for the process. So far it has been a cake walk..I hope it continues to be. The Haiti adoptive parent community is extremely helpful..The process is different that Guatemala. It will take a year from the time that my paperwork arrives in Haiti. I hope to get it there by mid-May at the latest, so the soonest he could be home is next May. It will be a long long long wait. Please don't ask unless I bring it up..it does get painful to keep saying I don't know when he will be home. I will try to keep everyone posted through this blog as best as I can.

Today was great. It was close to 50 degrees outside. We went for a long walk and soon we'll be able to take the dogs to the dog park again. My friend has been taking them on weekends so they can get a good romp in at least once a week. Otherwise they have to be content with the enclosed yard. Not the same to them!!!

The Three Amigos & sMurph

The family:

My dogs are the best place for me to start. I have 3, 1 doberman and 2 scorgies (scottish terrier and corgi) who happen to be litter mates. All males. I have only owned male dogs, not sure why. Isaac, the dobie is 8 years old, (came to live with me at 7 1/2 weeks) weighs in over 120 lbs and is the sweetest, dog who posses a lot of intelligence but little common sense. Heathcliff is the alpha of the group, he is 4 years old (came to live with me at 12 weeks), brindle and he is smart, a lot of common sense yet as stubborn as they come. Einstein is the litter mate, he came to live with me at 11 months. He is sweet, kind, food driven yet has trust issues with anyone that does not belong to the "family"..which to him means the other dogs, me, Tuki (nickname for daughter) and the cat sMurph. Now the cat, who's real name is Murphy, but has been changed to sMurph because he is so small and actually thinks he is a dog is 1 years old, loves Tuki to death and vice versa and is the boss of us all, but we are ok with it......

Tuki, is 15 1/2 months old, came home at 5 1/2 months, and just started walking.. and yes I am glad. She is the love of my life and I can't imagine a day without her. She and I are a perfect fit..it is so cute.when we are outside, she will actually look up in the sky, look at the trees and point, and say in her babble that she wants me to tell her about the birds that are singing...So we stop our business, listen and then talk about the birds... Did you hear the calls...the birds are returning for the breeding season..I heard the geese yesterday, it was a melodic call that stirs an excitement in the soul.