Completely Organized Chaos
This blog is about our amazing journey to FAMILY, our Ethiopian adoption, and the everyday chaotic blessings of raising 3 amazing children.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Tattooed
So what do you do? For me, and many others we get tattoos. Here's why: Number 1: We are willing to suffer a little pain to get what we want. Number 2: We are willing to commit to a decision that can have permanent consequences; and Number 3: We wear our permanent marks outwardly.
Think about the invisible tattoos in your life. You know….those marks I mention above. The tattoos I’m talking about are your experiences and actions that mark your life and influence your future. The question is….which tattoos do you want to remove and which ones do you want to add? In either case, you will suffer a little discomfort or pain.
Life is like that, each moment/experience/or mark cost you…..in good and bad ways.
So, judge me if you must, stare when you see my marks, question me as to why I would do such a thing....... and then sit back and think about the invisible marks you keep hidden inside yourself and then we'll see if you have the right to judge.
Friday, November 19, 2010
$ + Christmas = PRESENTS not LOVE
ding bat, germs
sticky boogers
nasty colds,
he smells like worms
eats his toes
picks his nose
and sits on "todes"
Although her poem is cute, very cute... and some of it (well most of it) is very true... that's my baby boy! He is a bit of a nit wit & a ding bat at times, he's got germs no doubt, boogers.. of course, he very seldom smells like worms, I've seen him "eat his toes." But there is one thing he would never do... he'd never sit on a "tode"
He is a very typical little boy. He's rough, he's loud, he's dirty, he likes video games, wrestling, watching football, playing sports. Did I mention that he doesn't eat meat???? Hasn't for 3 months now, you can ask him if he likes meat and he will say "yea, I like meat, it's yummy, but I LOVE animals" Isn't he sweet?!? All this from a little boy who just a few months ago would eat cheesburgers and hot dogs, tuna fish, steak... you name it. So in addition to all of those things his big sister listed, I need to add
sweet and kind
the biggest heart you'll ever find
no chicken, no beef, no fish
get this boy a vegetarian dish!!
Love ya buddy!
Saturday, November 6, 2010
D = E - R
EXPECTATION: a belief about the future. Anticipation: anticipation with confidence of fulfillment. The feeling that something is about to happen.
OR my definition... EXPECTATION = DISAPPOINTMENT
Disappointment-- this occurs when you are let down or left with unfulfilled expectations. It can be as simple as being stood up for a date, or as serious as being deserted by a friend in the darkest hour of need. I think it's safe to say that in many cases when you have a certain expectation you instantly set yourself up for disappointment. We all have expectations... 100's a day in fact. We expect our alarm will go off at the right time, we expect the car to start, we expect our kids to get up and go to school, we expect our take-out orders to be hot and made to order (except at the South Barre, McDonald's... just plan on expecting the wrong order, every time!), we expect our Friends to call and be there when we need them, we expect our paychecks on payday. Most of our time is spent expecting, expecting something. Our moods, our feelings, our lives are molded by the outcome of each and every expectation, positive or negative.
Usually, I don't sweat what I can't control. I can pretty much shake anything off... But I have also learned not to place my expectations on people, events, or occasions that I can not trust or count on. Therefore avoiding many certain disappointments from unfulfilled expectations. I have been told this method isn't ideal, but then again until you have walked in my shoes, do not judge. When we have expectations, and we hit the wall of reality, we become disappointed.
Friday, November 5, 2010
It's been a while.....
It's almost impossible to "blog" when I can't write about my thoughts.... Or when I have to monitor what I say and/or how I say it... Or when something so powerful takes over and consumes your life and I can't discuss it. So for now, I will remain vague... and I'll blog about the things I can.... and someday when everything is said and done, I can be real, and say it how it is...
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Friday, April 16, 2010
What to do???
As of right now, here's the schedule for next week:
Monday: Kids with Kellie (one of my bf's)
Tuesday: Kids with John (my sisters bf)
Wednesday: any volunteers
Thursday: Kids with Brock's mom
Friday: Kids with Brock's mom
It seems like a mess to me.... but I guess it will work.
Looking ahead, summer vacation is only 7 weeks away. There is NO way I'm going to be able to juggle this schedule for the entire summer. Luckily, Onward, the after- school program is offering care from July 6th to August 6th. They have lot's of activities planned and a field trip scheduled for every Friday. The kids will have a blast and I wont have to worry about them. They will be in great hands. With the after school program running for only 4 weeks this summer, it leaves 4 weeks that I need to find care for. I could always bring them to work with me, OMG could you imagine?? Or worst case scenario.... I have to take the rest of the summer off!!!! Ahhh, sun & kids & the pool & the beach!!!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, and months pass by without notice or a care, and for every moment that passes by, I am always too busy looking forward to and anticipating the next, that I never take the time to appreciate and enjoy what's right there in front of me.
It's not the destination I'm going to be looking forward to anymore, instead, I'm going to make the best of the journey. I'm going to dance with my kids in the rain, and stare the shit days straight in the face. I'm not going to wish away the bad days, or any days for that matter. Instead I'm going to take every day as it comes and with my eyes wide open, I'll appreciate it for what it is and take away as much as I can.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
TWO years ago today.....
Biniyam and Fasika!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Lots of changes have been happening around here. The biggest is my job. For the last 11 years I have provided childcare, and loved every second of it. I often giggled to myself as I sat and played with a group of 3 year old's, almost felt guilty for collecting a paycheck at the end of every week..... being paid to play, who would have thought ?!?
Me & MeadowSo for the first time in my life- I have a JOB, I actually have to WORK for my paycheck.
I now have major responsibilities, NOT that providing childcare wasn't full of responsibilities, those types of things just came natural to me and never felt like WORK
Before this JOB my day would consist of: Dr. Seuss, play-doh, kissing boo boo's, Dora, Mr. Potato head, Lego's, finger paint, pull-ups, gold fish, and occasional time-outs. And now I sit hear and look at general ledgers, spread sheets, purchase/receive orders, sales journals, point-of-sales system, and the list goes on and on and ON.....
Luckily for me, this is our family business, and so it comes with many perks.... I come and go as I please, I now get to drop my kids off at school and pick them up, take-out for lunch, and shop at Staples for office supplies, which I often do... just because :)
I do miss playing with my daycare kids, very, very much. I miss playing outside, making grilled cheese and being rewarded with all their smiles and hugs. I miss all the kiddo's and their families-- they all have become such a huge part of me and my everyday life. Everyone one of them have a special place in my heart and I will forever cherish my time with them
On the upside of things, I still get a chance to practice my babysitting skills..... at this this new JOB and working with Brock and the guys here at the shop, I still have some degree of babysitting.... I know you might find it hard to believe, but there isn't much of a difference between my group of 3 year olds and this group of guys :)
and now, back to WORK....
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Pulling the weeds.....
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Back to fundraising......
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Rest In Peace baby Derrick
Rest in Peace little Snugglesaurous....
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Take a picture with your pet.....
For Autumn's first birthday, we got her a black lab and named her Zoey.And when Thomas was 4 he got his baby, a basset hound, he named Beef. Well then came Fasika, and here she sits without a pet, yup... poor Fasika is pet-less. Even though our household includes 2 dogs, 4 cats, 3 bunnies and about 15 mice-- she still doesn't have her "OWN" pet. My mom kindly offered to share her dog with Fasika, and that worked for a little bit, but now she continues to question "how come Autumn has a dog, and how come TJ has a dog, but I don't??" I tried to explain that we have lots of animals already, and I tried to give her ALL 4 cats and a bunny to call her own-- she shot it down "cats and bunnies aren't fun like doggies" she says... SO.... what to do?? Relax mom, we are NOT getting a new puppy-- we will delay as long as possible... just look how lonely she looks as she holds her puppy-less hands out.... So sad!
Friday, January 15, 2010
We are so Lucky to be working closely with our Adoption Agency, Wide Horizons For Children. They have been amazing from day we signed with them. I'm so glad we choose them, as there are many great agencies out there. Not only have they have always gone above and beyond for us, they are now playing a HUGE part in helping us plan our trip back to our daughter's birth country. They have offered us a room at their guest house, they have notified Fasika's family that we are coming!! They have arranged transportation and a translator. Mulat who is employed by WHFC will be picking us up at the airport late Saturday night. We feel so spoiled-- they are so amazing.
I can't even express what a relief this is for us-- I was overwhelmed with all the planning and making the proper arrangements. Our main goal is to visit Fasika's family and deliver our donations to the village of Aleta Wondo-- now, thanks to WHFC we will be able to do this with ease and enjoy our visit and take everything amazing Ethiopia has to offer.
So far our week looks like:
Saturday: arrive Addis 7:30 pm
Sunday: spend the day at the orphanage
Monday: Tour Addis
Tuesday: Leave for Aleta Wondo at 4 a.m., arrive 7 a.m. & spend the day with Fasika's family.
Wednesday: Spend the day in Aleta Wondo, say goodbye to Fasika's family, leave late Wednesday night.
Thursday: Spend the day at the orphanage
Friday: coffee ceremony and say our goodbyes. Flight out at 10:30 p.m.
Did I mention that we are going to be in Ethiopia the same week that Group #89 is there picking up their children!? I can't believe it's been 21 months since I traveled in group #62 to pick up Fasika. 21 months... just doesn't seem possible.
29 days and counting......
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Help me and Get a FREE Treasure Africa decal!!
OK... So here's the deal!! I'm desperate and I need some ideas on wording for a fundraising party that we are having before we leave for Africa! We are planning a "donation" party, inviting all our friends and family to pitch in and help!! I have a list of items we are asking for, and of course monetary donations (to benefit the village) are always welcome!! I want to make cute little invites asking for help.
Obviously the invite will have the general info; date, time and place, but I need to add an impactual statement that will make my friends and family WANT to give, to WANT to help. Anyone who has checked out my ETSY shop knows we feature the quote "As one person I cannot change the world, but I can change the world of one person" by Paul Shane Spear. I would like to incorporate that into the invite, but just don't know how....
I've never been one to ask for help, I'd rather bust my ass and get it done myself, but this is a task that is much bigger than I can handle on my own. I know my family and friends will give generously, but I want them to feel compelled help.....
TREASURE AFRICA DECAL: Black vinyl decal, in the shape of Africa. Inspirational words cover the decal in white and the word "treasure" in red. Can be easily applied on any surface, such as car windows, walls, mirrors, wood, metal, etc.
Easy application:Remove protective covering, apply to clean surface. Measures:6 1/4" by 5 1/4"
Help me out!! Give me your suggestions and post my ETSY link on your Blog, and I will send you a TREASURE Africa decal FREE!!!! http://www.etsy.com/shop/vyz123
Thanks in advance!!
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Going BACK to ETHIOPIA!
So here are the details...
1. We, as in, me, Autumn, Fasika and my bff Michellyn are going. Brock and Thomas are staying home-- Thomas decided he didn't want to get the immunizations and he's just not into going right now. The poor little guy is afraid of crocodiles... hmmm.
2. We are leaving 13 Feb 201o.... 6 weeks from today, oh my.
3. We are staying at the Horizon House which is run by Wide Horizons for Children (our amazing agency) we will be volunteering at the orphanage. We will also be travelling down south to Fasika's village of Aleta Wondo and spending a few days there with her family and working on a couple humanitarian aid projects.
4. Passports are here.
5. Immunizations are done.
6. Prescriptions are filled.
7. Looking for any suggestions as to what we could bring for donations for the village and the children....?!?!?
Fasika is so excited and can barley stand herself right now. She started packing a month ago, she's packed something for all her brothers and sisters, her mom, her aunt and all the kiddo's she remembers from the orphanage... she's such a sweetie.
42 days...and counting....
New items!
Friday, December 25, 2009
Christmas 2009
4. The "Santa is watching" threats just aren't working anymore. I can now "ground" them from all of their new gifts-- hahaha!!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
A little bit of Crazyness......
Soo, here they are
CUTE....
Like O.M.G!!!!
VAMPIRES... (yea, vampires.... idk)
Silly (normal for kids this age...)Hott (Hott?? yes I said Hottt. At this age, you might ask?? That was deff Chesnee's idea!!)
I'm not sure what happened to the "typical" photo shoot poses, such as say cheese, silly faces, mean faces. Oh how times have changed....
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
My excuse....
Monday, December 7, 2009
WARNING: It's Contagious and I HOPE you get it!!
Sunday, November 29, 2009
"Is it dead yet, mommy??"
Finally, when the buzzer rang and the turkey came out of the oven, Fasika comes running out and says "is it dead yet mommy??" LOL, I laughed and said of course, it's all cooked! Autumn says "well, is it a he or a she turkey? I bet the boy ones are nasty." I thanked Autumn for her input and changed the subject quickly-- Fasika continues to watch as I scoop the stuffing out and says "mommy, I'll eat some of that turkey, but I am NOT eating it's guts!" At dinner it was decided that the turkey was indeed a girl, because it tasted just too good to be a boy! Thomas was too busy claiming his olives to be concerned about the turkey!