Party at our House

Things have been very trying lately so we've decided to have a party.
It's for a special reason but I can't post about it.
What else is new!?
So anyone who wants to join in the celebration is welcome at our house tomorrow at 3pm.
Expect cake, ice cream, friends and laughter.   :)
.

Taylor Says

As Steve was ushering Taylor into her bedroom for screaming at the table and talking back to him, she was arguing about why she was able to do whatever she wanted. He firmly put her in her room anyway and she began singing at the top of her lungs, "I'm proud to be an American where AT LEAST I KNOW I'M FREE!!!!"
.

Interview with our Family

Here is the link I promised earlier of the interview:
 KELOLAND.com Foster Children Needing Adoptive Homes

You can click on the video on the right of the article to play the actual story.
.

Life

Tonight I am emotionally drained. Life took an another unexpected turn again today.  Sometimes when life doesn't go my way, that is exactly when God seems to develop my character the most. How do I react when situations are not what I want them to be? Do I become bitter or can I claim the prayer of Jesus when he cried out, "Not my will, but Yours be done."  As much as I'd like things to work out the way I want and to happen in my timeframe, life is not all about me. God has a much bigger picture. My prayer for tonight is for peace and patience for myself and my family, for wisdom and peace for others involved and ultimately for protection for our little one. Please join me in bringing these petitions before God.
.

God is in Control

"My soul, wait in silence for God only,
For my hope is from Him."
Psalm 62:5
.............................................................
"O LORD, God of our fathers, are you not the God who is in heaven?
You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations.
Power and might are in your hand,
and no one can withstand you."
2 Chronicles 20:6
.............................................................
"I sought the LORD,
and he answered me:
he delivered me from all my fears."
Psalm 34:4
.............................................................
Today our family faces a difficult day. Regardless of the outcome, we choose to hold tightly to a mighty God. No matter what twists and turns come our way in life, we trust that God will hold us securely in his grasp. Sometimes life doesn't go the way we hoped but God is still in control. We have peace because we know that God's plan will ultimately be fulfilled and that holds the real meaning in life We choose to cling to God and his plan even if it isn't what we think we want.
.
Today we ask specifically for wisdom for those making important decisions and peace for everyone involved.
.

Home For the Holidays

Looks like our family will be on KELO tonight. They came by our house this morning to talk about foster care and adoption for their Home for the Holidays special. Might be on at 5, 6 or 10pm. I'll link to it after it airs.
.

In Computer Class With Miranda.
Brittney Marie

I forgot to mention that mom got released from the hospital on Friday afternoon! 

Yay!!!

.

Christmas Baking with the Wilkins

.

Better!

Mom is feeling much better. I stopped at the hospital yesterday before work and again after work. She's been up walking around and things are looking good! We haven't gotten a release date from the doctor yet so she'll be there at least a few more days and even when she's allowed to go home, she won't be able to be back at work for a while.
.

Mom was feeling good enough late last night to post on FB!
.
.

Update on Mom

During the testing last night, the doctors discovered that her apendix was swelled to the size of a baseball. At that point, they weren't sure if she had a perforated bowel that was causing the apendix issues or if the apendix itself was the issue. They scheduled a scope for 11am this morning, anticipating that they would then go in and take out/fix whatever they found to be the issue.

My sister Heather and I went to the hospital this morning and stayed with my parents until they wheeled mom to surgery at 11:20am. One of the doctors let us know that if everything went well, the surgery should last about an hour. I went to work for an hour because our two head teacher needed to be gone today so I went in to help with transitions between classes. Dad and Heather waited in the waiting room.After the first hour, we were begining to wonder what was going on when one of the nurses called. They let dad know that it was, in fact, mom's appendix. It was so swelled and attached that it was challenging to remove but they were going to try to use the scope to get it out. About an hour later, dad received another phone call to let us know that the appendix was out and mom was in recovery.

While mom was still in recovery, the surgeon visited with us. I figured he might use some medical jargon but was a bit taken aback when his first and almost only words were, "It was bad."

They removed the appendix and think the infection was contained but are watching her very closely for signs of the infection spreading. She was in a lot of pain initially after surgery but by this evening, the pain medicine seemed to help cover most of the pain. She's really not in any shape for visitors yet but I'll head back up in the morning before work and check on her again. She'll be in the hospital at least three days, possibly longer.

Thanks to everyone for your prayers today! Mom and our whole family felt a sense of peace prior to surgery and we know that it came from being covered in prayer. Thank you!
.
.

Exploratory surgery scheduled for 11am this morning.
.
.
.

Mom

My mom's been really sick for a little over a week now. She thought it was the flu but couldn't seem to get over it and the pain was getting worse. She finally went into the ER last night where they ran lots of tests and discovered an apendicitis. She was admitted to the hospital and we're anticipating they will do surgery. I'll post as I know more later today.
.

Brittney's Floor Routine

from the Aberdeen Varsity Gymnastics Meet

.

Randomness

Most Friday's, Anthony has an appointment in Sioux Falls with his therapist. It's going really well and he likes her a lot. When I was researching counselors, I found two that I thought were qualified to help with Anthony's specific issues (adoption, grief, loss, anger, defiance). The one I chose actually came highly recommended by another therapist that I trust. We played tag by phone for a week or so and when we finally connected, she informed me that she knew our family from the adoption camp that we attend each summer. When I saw her in person, I remembered her immediately. I knew she would be the perfect fit for Anthony. She worked at Children's home for quite a few years with children with attachment issues and was more than qualified to work with our son. But it got even better! At the first appointment, she let me know that she was a Christian counselor and asked if we were ok with that. Am I ever!!! I knew then that God is the great orchastrator.

Because I sometimes have meetings or training on Fridays even though I'm not working with kids at headstart, Anthony gets to travel to Sioux Falls with Grandma Connie, Grandpa Larry, Grandma Sandy, Steve or me. It's worked out really well and I don't think any one of us has taken him more than once a month even though he goes every Friday.

This Friday was my turn. His appointment is at 9am so we dropped all the other kids off by 8am and hit the road. He's done by 10 so we usually get him back to school by 11am. This particular day, I decided to just keep him all day. I didn't have to rush back for anything, he obviously needed time with me and we both had some shopping to get done.

I let him pick where we would eat lunch. He decided on Red Lobster because he loves shrimp and he had never been there before. At first I told him no (because of the cost) but then decided it was early enough in the day that if he ordered from the kids menu and I ordered from the lunch menu, it probably wouldn't be much more than if we went somewhere with fast food. So we went to Red Lobster and he loved it!

.

Then we hit the mall for a little shopping.

Anthony had to take a break in one of the massage chairs. He didn't realize that you're supposed to put money in it - and I didn't tell him!

.

I told him that once we found all the gifts we needed, he could stop at the arcade.

.

We finally got the Christmas tree up this past week.

.

Two of my friends, Leila and Holly, looked so cute together yesterday that I had to take their picture!

.

And the other project for the week, the shower is now complete and working!

We still need to install the toilet, the vanity cabinet, the sink/countertop and the mirror and then we're done!

.

Gymnastics Meet, Aberdeen

The Amazing Song The Gymnast's Made Up On The Way Back.

On the 12th day of Gymnastics my coaches gave to me. 12 leotards, 11 pairs of shoes, 10 bobipins, 9 ponytales, 8 pairs of spandex, 7 pounds of chalk, 6 water bottles, and 5 hours of Insanity. 4 pairs of grips, 3 wristbands 2 bags of Ice and a knee brace that goes on my knee.

We Sung All Kinds Of Music The Whole Way Back Home From Aberdeen.

P.S. We Got 5th Out Of 12 teams with Jenna, Alexis, and Sammi Gone.And Krishna Was The Only One On Our Team To Place.
*** Insanity Is A Crazy Workout Program
*****By The Way IF You Didnt Notice This Isnt Written In Green Because Of The Song

Brittney Marie

Molly's Birthday

We finally got the Christmas tree up yesterday and Steve and my dad finished installing the shower in the downstairs bathroom! Since Steve was working at the Swiftel Center last night, I anticipated staying home with all the kids, until I got a text from my friend asking if I could go out. I really needed a break anyway and her birthday was a great excuse. So I divided up the kids and delivered them to various places (thank you Heather and Sandy). We had a reserved table at Cubby's at 6:30pm. It was great to chat with friends that I hardly ever get to see anymore and also meet some new people. Steve actually made it home before I did! I never stay up that late intentionally anymore but we had so much fun I laughed until my stomach hurt.   What a great way to spend an evening!
.

Zeke & Taylor ready for their concert.

Zeke stood through the whole concert and both of them sang beautifully.

Taylor had a speaking part and Zeke got to play the bells in one of the songs.

.

Brittney's gymnastics team for tonight's meet.

Brit competed in every event and placed in beam, vault and floor.

I can't remember her scores or places but I do know she placed 5th in All-Around and 2nd on Floor.

.

Ashlyn & Brittney

.

Bits & Pieces

Zeke's hospital therapy went well yesterday. I'll be taking him to the hospital two days a week for the next two months, in addition to the two days a week of therapy at the school and the exercises we do at home in the morning and at night.
.
Taylor and Zeke have their school concert tonight. Taylor still needs something to wear since she's grown out of everything dressy that she owns.

Brittney has been cleared to compete tonight at the gymnastics meet, which is great but a bit complicated. I assumed she wouldn't be cleared yet but since she is and it's her first meet, we'll have to figure out how to be in two places at once.  Nothing new with 5+ kids.
.
I was out of coffee yesterday and had to use the leftover grounds from the day before to try to get some caffine in my body. It didn't taste very good but at least I could function. Last night, my wonderful mother-in-law gave me a gigantic container of coffee!
.

I'm Reminded

It's amazing how a few small things can change my whole outlook. I was really down this week and was ready to throw in the proverbial towel. Then last night, we got a phone call offering us SDSU basketball tickets for the game. For anyone who knew us in our old life, you'd know that Steve and I used to attend every home basketball game and quite a few of the away games. Needless to say, we don't get to go to many games anymore simply because of money and children. So we were really excited to be able to go last night. Then as we were heading out the door to drop off the little one before the game, someone stopped by with two big boxes, one containing frozen lasagna and the other containing frozen chicken strips. The kids were so excited and so was I!
.
I'm reminded again how gracious God is to allow me to have my little pity party and then still provide for me through his people. So perhaps the answer to my current looming issue isn't what I can do for Anthony but rather what God is going to do for Anthony.
.

Another Interesting Day

Yesterday was another interesting day. Besides school and work, Anthony had detention, Riley had piano and basketball, Taylor had basketball, Zeke had GAP, and Brittney had gymnastics and then went to an orchastra concert. Oh, and I had my sister's two kids for a while.

The stuff with Anthony is driving me crazy! He can't keep his hands to himself and he's not responding well to authority. Great.  I'm seriously thinking I should quit my job and go to school with Anthony full time. His teacher is amazing this year but she has 22 other kids to try to teach. I'm getting really worn down by the whole situation. I'm still making sure he gets to Sioux Falls to a therapist once a week but it seems like his behavior is getting worse. It makes me want to withdraw from him emotionally more and more because I'm so frustrated with him. Which I know is the complete opposite of what he really needs, which is for me to remain attached to him regardless of the behavior. Much easier said than done.

The only thing that made me smile yesterday was when our little one climbed into the partially finished shower downstairs and pretended to wash herself. It was adorable! I wish I could post the picture! It would make you smile too!
.

Have I Mentioned?

Have I mentioned lately how much I love being a mom?......said sarcastically as I clean up puke. I was pretty sure the little one wasn't feeling good this morning but it was confirmed when Riley knelt down to give her a piggyback ride and she threw up all over his hair and down his back. I told them to stay and I ran for towels but she ended up following me all the way to the bathroom. So now we have a mess on Riley, a mess in the hallway, a mess in the kitchen and a little one who doesn't want me to leave her long enough to clean anything up. Anyone want to come over and hang out with me for a while?  :)

Anthony

I actually had the day off on Friday. I thought I'd get a lot done, especially since the little one was gone from 9:30-11:30. Then I got a call from the elementary principal. At least he gave me the good news first. Zeke was chosen to be a Medary Kid of Character for the month. Then he hit me with the not so good news, Anthony was in trouble again. They had a substitute teacher and Anthony wasn't following directions, wasn't doing what he was supposed to and was mouthing off to the teacher. The principal made me talk to Anthony on the phone........like I'm supposed to control him from home over the telephone when they can't seem to do it at the school? Anyway, I talked to him. Then later that afternoon when I went to pick him up, I found out that his afternoon didn't go any better. He was still uncooperative and then he was pushing and kicking other kids. They finally sent him to the teacher next door to his classroom. Zeke had her a couple of years ago and I have a lot of respect for her control of the classroom. She had Anthony apoligizing within a few minutes. I went and thanked her after school and told Anthony right in front of her that she and I were on the same page. 

That boy makes me want to cry sometimes! He looks so "normal" on the outside and he has so much defiance and anger on the inside.
.
On a good note, I did get to go out for lunch with a friend that afternoon and the little one behaved beautifully the whole time! One of the fringe benefits of having the little one is that I've gotten to know some great people involved in her life who I plan to stay in touch with.
.

Bathroom Project

Thanks to lots of amazing and talented friends,

our downstairs bathroom project is nearing completion!

Here are some of the photos of the progress

over the past three months.

.

Initially, we tore out everything in the bathroom.

The shower was original to the house and was really disgusting.

That was the only thing we were going to replace but when we removed it,

we discovered that the insulation and studs behind it needed to be removed and replaced too.

When we measured for a new shower, we realized that the shower drain wasn't standard distance from the walls. That meant we would either have to special order a shower ($$$) or dig out the drain and move it (more $$$'s).

Then our friend Dave offered to move the drain for us.

.

He not only did that, but he moved the plumbing for the sink to the more ideal spot I wanted it in.

.

He also helped Steve dig out the cement and then found a plumber to move the toilet drain.

.

It was a very labor intensive job!

After everything was moved, Dave cemented in the floor again.

.

My dad came over and installed the new shower base.

.

Our friend Jon moved the outlet and rewired it for us

so that we now have two outlets and they are safe for a bathroom.

.

Dave came back and removed the old shower plumbing and replaced it with new pipes in position for the new shower.

.

Steve and my dad put up the sheetrock.

My dad came and sprayed on the primer and texture

 and then Steve got busy painting.

.

My dad came back to install two sides of the shower.

.

Next, Dad put up the light fixture.

.

Our friends David and Sandy came and laid tile for us.

We need to wait until the grout is fully dry on Tuesday morning

before continuing to work on anything else in the bathroom.

.

Next will be the sink and cabinet,

then the baseboards,

then the toilet,

and finally the shower doors.

I'm hoping we get it done this week.

.

Our house appraisal went through just fine and our house is worth lots more than we owe on it. All the paperwork is done for our refinancing, we just need to finish the bathroom so the underwriter will sign on the dotted line! :)

.

Daniel 11:32
The people who know their God will display strength and take action.
.
This past week I've been studying about Deborah and Jael, two women who displayed incredible faith. They were asked to step out of their comfort zone to follow God's plan, not only for their lives, but for the entire nation of Israel. (For more on their stories, see Judges 4-5)

When God places a call of action on my heart, do I listen and take action? Or do I contemplate whether or not it will benefit me. The older I get and the more I study, the more I realize that God's plan WILL BE accomplished, with or without me. So I might as well get on board with the program because it's much more fun to be included in God's plan than struggling along behind it :)
.

Pictures as promised.

.

Lunch break while traveling.

You guesssed it. Cheese Pizza!

.

1st Appointment - Casting

They removed Zeke's cast.

.

Waiting...

.

2nd Appointment - X-Rays

Zeke wanted Grandma to help.

.

3rd Appointment - Orthopedic Doctor

Here you can see the two pins holding the bones of Zeke's foot in place.

The doctors distracted him and yanked them right out of his foot!

.

We always get to talk to the nurse first, then the resident doctor and finally, the orthopedic surgeon.

.

4th Appointment - ATD

This is where they fit Zeke for his new braces.

They were already molded from the last time we were there

so they just had to make some adjustments.

.

Waiting.....

Having a juice and donut break while waiting for the completed braces.

.

Showing off the new braces.

.

5th and last Appointment - Physical Therapy

.

.