Here We Go!

So, I'm sitting at the airport in Houston, Texas waiting on our plane. I brought my daughter's laptop so I could play on the internet during our wait. I thought that airports had free Wi-Fi, but I was wrong-well, not technically! There is free internet access if you are an elite member of one of the airlines, but I'm just a peon... Thank goodness for my smooth husband because I just found something good about him-no matter what other people say! (I'm just joking!) He did sweet talk a lady in the airport lounge into giving us a password for the British Airways access. So, this is why I'm posting right now. I should be napping, instead of playing on the computer, since I was up packing until 1am! But I only had to rearrange stuff a couple of times, and I only have two regrets:

1. That I had to leave some donations home
2. I didn't get a package I was expecting, so I won't have the Ergo. (I should have just bought one.)

Anyway, I'll manage.... I can't wait to see my children! I also can't wait to travel to one of the newer orphanages. Kenneth said I'll be confined to the car if I dare start having thoughts of another child! lol! Not really! At least he hasn't said that anyway.

Another "must" is finding Sarsina for a fellow Hope family. This family has been through a lot, and I hope I can give them a much-needed lift... I'll post more later...

I Didn't Fall Into A Black Hole!

I really am alive! You just wouldn't believe how crazy it's been for the last two weeks! So leave me alone Miranda! lol! First, I get this email from our coordinator (Miranda's mother) that our court date has been moved up because of all the Ethiopian and American holidays, but she did say that we could put it off a couple of weeks if we neeeded too. Yeah right! Like I'm not going to hop on the next plane! So, I was then frantically searching for airline tickets where I didn't feel like I needed to rob a bank to pay for them. That's not easy to do! I had gotten a reservation with Tsegaye at Adam Travel, but our return flight was wait-listed. I have heard numerous good things about Tsegaye, but I just didn't want to take the chance of getting stuck in Ethiopia. We do have a business to run! So, we went with a KLM flight through Amsterdam with Golden Rule Travel. Tsegaye was more than willing to help me, but all of this was so last minute. I hated not using him, but if anyone needs his contact info, then email me!

I guess this doesn't sound so crazy, but then I needed to get our travel documents together:

1. I-600 for each child

2. I-864 for each child-notarized

3. DS-230 for each child

4. 3 years of taxes

5. Notarized home study


Then there is Christmas shopping to do! The only one that I hadn't shopped for was my 13 year-old. She said, "Momma, I have everything I need." True, but I had no time to be creative. I didn't want to use my brain! Did I mention I had a birthday too? I really do try to forget those, especially after turning 30!

Then, I had a death in my family... It's not that I was close to the person, but that it brought back memories of my grandparents that I dearly miss! It is still hard to go to my grandparents grave site and it's been 12 years. Lucky for me, I am blessed with a wonderful mother that routinely places flowers on their grave for me for special occasions. However, amidst all this sadness, I received the most wonderful update about Maritu and Mamush from Tammie, a fellow Hope parent:

Holly and Ken Wilgers - Mamush-shoe size between 4-5. Clothing - 12 months. Mamush is very calm and easy-going. He seems very easily entertained with himself....didn't require much, if any, soothing from others. He's got a charming smile and a soft spirit about him. Maritu wears size 6 shoes and size 12-18 months clothing. Maritu is an extremely outgoing child. She's not afraid to let you know with her facial expressions exactly what she's feeling. Her facial expressions are absolutely hilarious at times, while at others it's very, very clear that she's not a happy camper. You'll have no problems at all in telling what she's feeling....it'll be written all over her face. Neither Mamush nor Maritu are walking. Mamush seems quite content to let things and/or people come to him, while Maritu is all about going to get what she wants when she wants it....and letting you know all about it. She's quite the character! :)

Merry Christmas!

There is one Christmas Carol that has always baffled me. What in the world do leaping lords, French hens, swimming swans, and especially the partridge who won't come outof the pear tree have to do with Christmas?

This week, I found out. From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England werenot permitted to practice their faith openly. Someoneduring that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Eachelement in the carol has a code word for a religious realitywhich the children could remember.

-The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.
-Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.
-Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.
-The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.
-The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.
-The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.
-Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit--Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.
-The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.
-Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit--Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.
-The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments. -The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.
-The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.

So there is your history for today. This knowledge was shared with me and I found it interesting and enlightening and now I know how that strange song became a Christmas Carol...so pass it on if you wish.'

Look How Far They've Come!

But here are two of them!

Introducing Maritu and Mamush...

Twas the Night Before...

Twas the night before our court date,

when all through the abode,

only one creature was stirring,

and she was cleaning the commode!



The children were all sleepy,

all snug in their beds,

while visions of Wii and cell phones

danced in their heads.



Kenneth was snoring,

all cozy like lead.

Those sounds he was making,

shook the whole bed.



So only I heard

when the phone call came,

which made me sigh,

"I'll never be the same!"



With the toilet brush

still clutched in my hand,

I descended the stairs

and shook my old man.



He was covered in spit,

which fell with a shrug.

"Oh great," I muttered,

now I have to clean the rug!"



"Ho-ho-ho," cried Grace.

"I'm glad you're awake."

"What," I shouted,

and "for goodness sake."



I said, "Why are you calling

and at this time of day?"

Grace said, "I have news for you

that I can't keep at bay."



I learned very quickly

what this call was all about.

Now I can do nothing

but scream and shout!



"Dear Grace,

oh what do my tired ears hear?"

"You mean they're mine?

I started to cheer!



For you see...

Ethiopia blessed us today,

with two more beautiful children.

Now what else can I say?



Thank you Rahel...

Grace, Shim and all,

for these two precious children,

and the early phone call.



Hope, you are amazing,

and just plain outta sight!

Merry Chistmas to all,

and to all a great night!

Let it Snow!

Today was the easiest day to get the kids out of bed because it snowed! The last time it snowed here was in February of 1988. All the neighborhood kids were outside enjoying themselves at 5 AM! Of course, we Southerners have no clue how to drive in this mess, so all area schools were delayed 2 hours to let the ice melt. As soon as the sun started rising, the snow started melting. My husband said, "Maybe I need to teach Skylar to write his name in the snow..." Just like a man! He got his chance to act manly not longer after that comment when we found a frozen water moccasin on our back porch. I thought, "Oh good. It's dead." But Kenneth told me that it would be revived as soon as the weather warmed up, so we smashed his head. Ewww!

Ups and Downs

Adoption has many ups and downs. Take for instance, today one of my fellow "Hopesters" found out her new referral Meklit had passed away. How absolutely heart breaking! Kristine, we will lift you and little Zoe Meklit up in prayer...

Then on the flip side, another "Hopester" recently returned from Ethiopia and brought us all pictures of our soon-to-be children. Maritu was half-sleeping in one pic while eating what looked like FirFir which is eggs and injera. Yum! No wonder she is bigger than Mamush. She even eats sleeping! In another picture she's sitting on a potty chair. My favorite was one of her holding her name board. She has huge cheeks! Mamush looked great too. I almost didn't recognize him because he has a "high and tight" cut. Him and one of my fellow Texan's referral Theo were playing in a crib beside Maritu and Agnoti. Maritu was peeking at the boys through a hole in the crib. The look on her face made me think that she is going to be Ms. Personality. Well, all of these kids are gorgeous! I'd bring them all into my home if I could, but hopefully in 3 days, I'll be planning on bringing home two!

What Does This Mean?

"There is nothing like a dream to create the future." -Victor Hugo


I had a strange dream last night. I always wonder if the ones that seem real have some reason or meaning behind them. I dreamt that my husband and I were in another country visiting two girls about 6 years of age in an orphanage. They both spoke English and another language that I don't recall. I also dreamt that I had gotten attached to them, and they to me. They were expecting me to bring them into our family, but for some reason I only brought home one. I was disdraught wondering if the other child was going to be okay when she found out her friend left with us, but she didn't. I don't remember why the second girl didn't come home with us. This has been weighing hard on my heart all day. I guess I better stay away from orphanages!

Countdown!

My court date for Maritu and Mamush is a week from today! I'm excited and nervous all rolled up inside. Not just about passing court. I feel at peace about that, but I'm nervous about the long plane flight with two children that don't have the ability to communicate their feelings and understand what will be happening. I, a stranger, will be taking these two darling children away from everything they have known for the last year. How scary is that? Am I prepared for attachment issues? I think I am. Can I properly care for their hair/skin? I've studied this issue so much. I hope I won't have other AA parents chastising me. I always welcome helpful comments. Will I recognize and be able to advert potential racial problems? I sure hope I'm able to. My faith helps me, and I hope to instill that in these children. Will I be everything to my kids, as they will be to me? I guess time will tell...

Accessory Navicular Problems

Well, it looks like my children have inherited the genes I didn't want them to get. They could have inherited my brains or determination, but instead, Curran has foot issues. Throughout this soccer season she has complained about her foot hurting, so last week I took her to our podiatrist, and he said she has Accessory Navicular Syndrome. It's not the worst thing in the world, but it will definitely cause her some down time. All it is is an extra bone in the foot. Most people that have that problem never have any symptoms, but Curran does because of the sport she plays and the training involved. So, it looks like Curran's Christmas present will be surgery...

She's not happy because this week she started training with our high school soccer team. The coach wanted Curran to show her lazy girls what an 11 year-old can do, and she's been doing just that! This child has been out running over half the older girls during sprints. The Varsity girls asked that Curran practice with them, instead of the Junior Varsity. Does she feel important, or what?!!?

Okay, I did use the plural form of "child" at the beginning of the post, so now on to the other child. Cullen is having some knee issues. Again, it is just like her mother... Yikes! Sorry girls!

Charlie Schultz Philosophy

The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the 'Peanuts' comic strip.

You don't have to actually answer the questions. Just ponder on them.
Just read the e-mail straight through, and you'll get the point.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America pageant.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.



How did you do?


The point is, none of us remembers the headliners of yesterday.
These are no second-rate achievers.
They are the best in their fields.
But the applause dies..
Awards tarnish.
Achievements are forgotten.
Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special!!
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.


Easier?

The lesson:

The people who make a difference in your life, are not the ones with the most credentials...the most money...or the most awards.
They simply are the ones who care the most.

It was clear, Kenneth, right from the start...

that you and me would never part!

I guess the roles reversed now though...



Thank you for the many wonderful years together!

Cyclic Vomiting

Otherwise known as an abdominal migraine. This is the diagnosis my 2 year-old received from the pediatric gastroenterologist. We actually had that diagnosis a year ago from our pediatrician. I guess he can now say, "I told you so!" You see, Sheridan vomits around 3 AM about every two weeks for a few nights at a time. This is why her bed is in our room! Supposedly, researchers think that there is a link between mother's that have migraines during pregnancy and children that have this diagnosis. Sheridan just happens to be the only one of the children I did not have a migraine with during my 3rd trimester. Go figure!

http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/cvs/index.htm

Something Smells Fishy!

So, we thought our soccer season was over because only the first place team in our bracket advanced to district. We had three games Saturday, but it wouldn't matter if we won or lost. Then, Monday night we received a text from our coach that we had a play-off game Tuesday for 2nd place which also gets to advance. Great, right? No!!! We were in 2nd place. There should not have been a play-off game! We were tied with the 3rd place team in points, but everyone thought we were going by the tie-breaker rules for round-robin play that was listed on the web site which are:

1. Winner of the head-to-head competition
2. Goal differential
3. Goals against
4. Penalty Kicks

This last week, however, we noticed that the web site had changed and it now stated that goals allowed would be the tie-breaker. So, you are thinking we allowed more goals during our games, right? Wrong again! We were still in second place. Somehow our coach learns about a meeting of the board (and 3 of the board members happen to be from the same city as the 3rd place team)and shows up to learn that they decided that the 2nd and 3rd place teams should play a play-off game! Very fishy!!! Especially if I throw in the fact that the other team's coach had an inkling that this was going to happen, but it was kept "hush-hush". If we'd have known, we could have forfeited our first game Saturday which didn't count anyway because it was agains a U-13 team and post-poned our 2nd game, so we could be well rested when we played this team in question! That's what they did. We thought it didn't matter anyway.

It's so hard when you are playing a team with girls and parents that you know. There were two girls on this team that were on Curran's team last year. I'm very vocal at games, but never have said anything against any of these girls. But tonight, I would have stooped to the level of one of those mothers. She yelled a not-so-kind remark about my child, and if I could have thought of something to yell, I admit I would've done the wrong thing in retaliation!

"So, the outcome of the play-off game was a 0-0 tie as all the other times we had played them. We then played 2- ten minute halves to a 0-0 tie, so it came down to PKs. I would have bet my house that we'd have won. We have an awesome keeper, but she missed one...

New Pics

There is this lady with Hope that lives in Kenya. She just got back from Ethiopia, and sent me a picture of "Chubby". So, which one's chubby? Maritu! It's amazing what a little food and some good care will do for those children. She even has a neck roll! I just can't wait to pinch those cheeks! Anyway, the picture was of both M&M, and Mamush is screaming while Maritu is looking at him like he's crazy. I sent it to my husband at work, and here is his reply: "Looks like Mommy and Daddy....he is throwing a fit and she thinks he's crazy!" Those were my sentiments exactly!

Happy Veterans' Day!

When the end came to World War I, November 11, 1919 was set aside to commemorate the sacrifices made by American soldiers to gain a lasting peace for the world. Called Armistice Day, soldiers who survived the war marched in parades through their home towns. Dignitaries and veterans made speeches and held ceremonies of thanks for the peace that had been won. Had WWI been the "war to end all wars," we would probably still observe Armistice Day today.

After WWII, Armistice Day continued to be observed, but Americans realized that there was a need to recognize those who had made sacrifices in other conflicts.

In 1954, President Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming November 11 as Veterans Day, and called upon Americans everywhere to rededicate themselves to the cause of peace. He issued a Presidential Order directing the head of the Veterans Administration, now the Department of Veterans Affairs, to form a Veterans Day National Committee to organize and oversee the national observance of Veterans Day. November 11 was designated as Veterans Day to honor veterans of all U.S. wars. In 1971 President Nixon declared it a federal holiday on the second Monday in November, but it became apparent that November 11 was too historically significant to bypass, so in 1978 Congress formally returned the observance of Veterans Day to the customary date of November 11.

So, today I give thanks for the great sacrifices of all who have served our country through military service. I pray for those who need comfort and encouragement to receive it; I pray for those needing services to receive them. I pray also that every living veteran will know the gratitude of a thankful nation.

I give thanks for the dedication of all members of our military as they serve faithfully in and out of harm’s way. I pray for protection for each one, regardless of their post or responsibilities; I pray for encouragement and strength for those who are experiencing multiple deployments—some as many as five or six—asking God to cover them with His care and reveal to them His love.


Amen


(Thank you Uncle Kar Kar!)

Forever Orange

Oh what fun we had today! Kenneth and I brought our two soccer players to see the Houston Dynamos try for an unprecedented third consecutive MLS title. Until Sunday, the Dynamo had outscored their opponents 11-2 at home during the playoffs, and until Sunday, Houston had not allowed more than one goal in any of their previous eight playoff matches.

Until Sunday, the Red Bulls had not won a road playoff match since Sept. 20, 2000, a span of eight games. New York was 0-6-3 during that time and faced quite the battle against a Dynamo team that seemingly always finds a way to overcome the impossible, but the Houston Dynamos are MLS champions no more...

Needless to say, it was still great fun to tailgate with over 30,000 people at Robertson Stadium at the University of Houston, my alma mater!

Back to my Old Ways

I feel my "Maxine" side just needed to vent today! This world has gone nuts. I see it on the television, in newspapers, in magazines, and on the adoption boards. What once seemed far-fetched is soon becoming a reality...

Top Ten Predictions

Top Ten Predictions No Matter Who Wins the Election

1. The Bible will still have all the answers.
2. Prayer will still work.
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.
6. There will still be singing of praise to God.
7. God will still pour out blessing upon His people.
8. There will still be room at The Cross.
9. Jesus will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost when they come to Him.

GOD approves this message.

Isn't it great to know who is really in charge?

*Courtesy of David Virtue at www.Virtueonline.org

Election Day!

Today is Election Day! Pray for God’s will to be done in our nation through the votes of citizens—that each one will consider the profound privilege and blessing of their vote and will cast it in a way that honors God. Pray for strength and integrity for those who work at polling places; for equipment to function flawlessly, for those needing help to get to polling places to receive it and for good weather across the country. Pray for voters as they decide on initiatives in many states where the vote will greatly impact marriages and families in our country, asking the God’s sovereign will is done in each one.

Pray for First Lady Laura Bush as she celebrates her 62nd birthday today, celebrating quietly with friends and watching election returns at the White House. Pray for God’s richest blessings on her as she prepares for the next chapter of her life, giving thanks for the profound impact she has had for the past eight years, serving the nation and the world with strength, grace and dignity.

Pray for President and Mrs. Bush as they celebrate their 31st wedding anniversary on November 5, thanking God for the excellent example of their marriage which has remained strong in spite of the tremendous pressure of living in the public eye. Pray for many years of joy and blessing for them in the days to come.

Pray for Senator Barack Obama and his loved ones as his grandmother, Madelyn Dunham, passed away early Monday morning in Honolulu, HI following a battle with cancer.

Pray for safety, protection and smooth procedures at polling places throughout the day, that every vote will be counted and honored, giving thanks for sacred privilege each individual has of voting......

Pray for Senator John McCain and Senator Barack Obama their running mates Governor Sarah Palin and Senator Joe Biden during this final day of campaigning--for their protection, strength, and for peace...
Pray for members of the Iraqi cabinet and parliament as they consider an agreement that would authorize US troops to remain in Iraq after the end of the year, asking God to guide and lead each one with His wisdom...

Pray for Neel Kashkari of the Treasury Department and all who are now implementing the economic rescue plan, that they will act on behalf of our government in wisest and most responsible ways under God's guidance and leadership. Pray that their efforts will be implemented swiftly, bringing assistance to those who are in greatest need...

Pray that the strongholds of greed, wherever they lie in our nation, will be removed, and be replaced by repentence and a desire to serve the common good in America...

Give thanks for dedicated intercessors who gathered at courthouses and public areas across the country for solemn assemblies and prayer gatherings on Sunday and Monday, Election Eve.

Pray for the President-Elect once we know his identity that he will be awed before God with the responsibility he has to seek His face as he prepares to lead the nation. Pray for a swell of support in prayer for him as he makes plans. Pray also for the man who is not elected, that he will have God’s grace as he returns to his former responsibilities.

As the brave men and women of our military continue to serve the causes of freedom and liberty with faithfulness, pray for their strength and for support for each one, asking God to cover them with His powerful protection. Pray for each one to be helped as they carry out their duties, and pray for those working closely in difficult circumstances to have the unction of God’s grace as they serve.

Whereas, it is the duty of nations, as well as of men, to owe their dependence upon the overruling power of God, to confess their sins and transgressions, in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon, and to recognize the sublime truth announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord.
—Abraham Lincoln, declaring a National Day of Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer, April 30, 1863

Before I Was a Mom...

I don't remember where I got this, so I can't give the proper credit...sorry


Before I was a Mom,
I never tripped over toys
or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not
my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom,
I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind
and my thoughts.
I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom,
I never held down a screaming child
so doctors could do tests.
Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night
watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom,
I never held a sleeping baby just because
I didn't want to put him down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces
when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small
could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom,
I didn't know the feeling of
having my heart outside my body.
I didn't know how special it could feel
to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond
between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small
could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom,
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night
every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth,
the joy,
the love,
the heartache,
the wonderment
or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much,
before I was a Mom.

Yes!!!!

Guess what I'll be singing for Christmas? "All I Want for Christmas" is ....just to pass court! Yes, I have a date, really!!! December 12th!!!!

Meaning of "Maritu"

Most Ethiopians have names that have a special meaning. I've been trying to find out what the name "Maritu" means, and I finally found out. There is an Ethiopian lady on an Ethiopian adoption board that replied to my question, and here is what she said:

"Maritu comes from "Mar" which means "honey", as in the honey from the bees :-) and therefore sweet. So Maritu means "the girl who is honey". Does that make sense? I wish I had taken my Amharic and history lessons seriously when I was in school. :-) I would have learned to explain things better."

Little does she know how wonderfully she explained this! Thanks Memi! You are a blessing!

Relief!

I've spent the last four nights cleaning sheets, clothing, and whatever else Sheridan managed to initiate with her vomiting and diarrhea. I was so tired after the second night that I fell asleep on the couch. Big mistake! Husbands just don't have the same instinct mothers do. Sheridan started vomiting and Kenneth must have slept through the sounds of her hurling until she cried out. Then I awoke to find a huge mess. Uggh! She vomited so much that when we told her we were going to give her a suppository, she said okay and didn't move. But all is better now because she went back to school today!

Honor Society Induction

Band Beauty

Cullen got her braces off after 4 years, and look at her smile!

Soccer Saturday

(I guess I should title every Saturday post as "Soccer Saturday" since that is what we do on most Saturdays.) Well, today we had three games. Skylar had a game at 8 AM and 2 PM, while Curran's was at noon. Skylar's first games was with his age appropriate team, and they smoked their opponents 9-0! Skylar scored 3 of those 9 points. Go Sky! Then Curran's game was next,and I thought the game might be a disaster after learning that Curran had been picked on at school by her two friends (They are also neighbors.) about how they were going to whip Curran's team. Curran was also nervous playing against several of her old teammates, but I tried to reassure her to just play her best, and "play her best" she did! Curran kicked a perfect corner kick in the game right to the center of the goal, but sadly her teammates didn't capitalize on it. Curran also had 3 shots on the goal that she missed, but she still looked and felt great eventhough one of her old teammates poked her in the eye... I guess justice was a 4-0 win! So, we pulled off a Wilgers shut out because Sky's U-10 team won also!

Big Surprise!

Cullen texts me today with some horribly spelled word that I'm trying to figure out. Well, see for yourself: "got in hourns". So, if you hadn't seen the picture, could you have guessed? I actually did, but I second-guessed myself because from the time I was in school until last year, if a child had made the honor society, the parents would have received a letter first with instructions to keep the information secret until the induction ceremony. Apparently, there is a new sponsor, and she changed the way it has been. Now after seeing what she texted me, maybe the election committee needs to re-evaluate! hahahaha! Congratulations Cullen!

Oh Crap!

Literally! You see, yesterday, I was home with my children working on homework, and Curran comes into the kitchen and exclaims, "What is all this water doing on the floor?" I replied, " That is probably where your sister was cleaning up Sheridan's mess with the popsicle." (Boy, was I wrong!) Curran says, "Mom, that's a lot of water." So I stop what I'm doing and walk around to the other side of the breakfast area, and stopped dead in my tracks! Oh crap! Literally! There was water (and crap) in the guest bathroom, the living room, and breakfast area. I didn't panic though and did know enough to turn off the water under the toilet. Oh my! All I could think of was where do I begin? Thank goodness for the wet vac and my wonderful mom that rushed right over to help me. Okay, so it's not over when the water is gone. I had to clean the tile floors with bleach water, and now we have not only a concrete floor in our master bedroom courtesy of Hurricane Ike, but now our living room carpet is a goner too! On the bright side, it rained, so we didn't have soccer which caused me to be at home and not away for several hours. Now that really would have been a mess!

Here's what my husband said when he came home...

Sheridan Update

So you think things have been quiet on the Wilgerses homefront? That's just because I haven't posted about what Sheridan has gotten into lately, but here's an update. We've had two episodes recently with Desitin. When I asked her what she was doing (in the first picture), she said, "I'm shaving like Daddy!" No, she hadn't found any razors... The second picture was the worst! Desitin was everywhere and it smells! I washed her hair 3 times, and it wouldn't come out, so I called a neighbor who is a hairdresser, and she said to try dish washing liquid. That did the trick, in case you ever find yourself in my shoes... lol!

So Fun!

Today did not start out well. Curran and Skylar both had soccer games-or so we thought-at the same time. I brought Curran to hers in Port Arthur, and just as I had parked, my cell phone rang:

Me: Hello.
Kenneth: Turn around.
Me: What?
Kenneth: The game was at 8 AM.
Me: Too late, but I guess we'll come watch Skylar now.

It seems that the schedule was changed, but we knew nothing of the sort. Our coach supposedly told the girls Thursday at practice. Curran says she wasn't told anything! Leave info like that to an 11 year-old? Are you kidding me!?! And to call at the time we were supposed to originally be at the field! When we didn't show at 8 AM, I would have thought about calling then! It's not like we have ever missed! This shouldn't happen in the days of email and cell phones... No, I wasn't happy! So, off we go again, but this time to Skylar's game in Beaumont against Spindletop which was his old team, so of course a win would change my spirits. However, when I had gotten to those fields, they were losing 3-0. Finally the boys stepped it up. Skylar even saved a goal that was just in the goal but not enough to cause a score. Our team pulled off a huge win! How's that for Spindletop's top training that you can't get anywhere around here! Congrats to our die hard coach, Katie Davis!

After a couple of hours rest, we loaded up the family and drove to Houston. We met at the Blue Nile restaurant with other families that have or will have adopted from Ethiopia. It was so much much fun, but a little wild. Ethiopians do not bring their young children out, so hopefully we didn't upset any that might have been dining at the same time. My only regret was not having enough time to really get to know everyone. All the children were absolutely beautiful! A big "thanks" goes to Debbie who coordinated this event and thanks to Blue Nile for having us! The food was the best! As you can see in the pictures, Skylar had Whataburger. He did try injera though...