Thursday, June 17, 2010

Mid-Way Week One


It is just past the mid-way point of the first week in summer vacation... and it is definitely different than a work/school week so far!

Mehandis has been a great companion (and napper) which has been a blast.  We can do so much more together this year than last.  He hasn't even complained about all of the errands we have been on together, although the fruit bars offered as collateral are motivating.  But let's focus on the fun :)


We shared a morning date at Starbucks, thanks to a gift card from a student of mine.  I have had my eye on our local Starbucks for the past couple of months... as I pass by it on the way to work everyday.  Seemed that people were always enjoying conversation and coffee at 7:30 when I would drive by and I made a decision that Mehandis and I would be part of the morning crowd once school let out.


Had a fantastic play date and lunch with my friend Nicole and her daughter Sophie.  Nicole and I work together and could not find a mutual time available for a work lunch all school year.  We made a date for the first week that our schedules freed up... at an awesome pizza place.  $7 for all you can eat for me and free all you can eat for little kids.  I am not one to seek out "All-You-Can-Eat" specials but this was exceptional!  Plus chalkboard dividers for kids to color on while adult conversations can be completed.

What is better than starting off my stint at home with clean carpets... and not being the one who had to clean them.  Thanks Frank & Steve!!!  They followed the 2 Ryans who came the previous week to move our elliptical from upstairs to the main floor.  Mehandis is beginning to think that friendly gentleman come over all the time to complete our house projects.  I am beginning to get used to this idea as well.



Well I guess I can pat myself on the back on getting a couple projects done myself... such as putting in a new toilet seat (TMI????).  Unfortunately ours doesn't "rock" quite as much as the one shown above.



Leisure time seems abundantly available as I have now finished 3 books... one for every day (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday) that I have officially been off of school.  Don't know if I can keep up that streak.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

My Green Little Monster is Good For Me!

Just got word that a friend of ours received their family's travel date... they received their referral about a week or so after us.  That is not only awesome that they will be meeting their little girl soon (July 1st) but I am selfishly celebrating that the 2 trip/2 court process is now beginning!!!  This is the first I have heard that anyone has received a court date following the recent rule change.

So hooray for the Hammerlund's!!!  And hooray for the kids that will soon be officially adopted by their new families.

I do have to admit that I am a little green with envy... but it will definitely serve as a motivator to get moving in project completion and a reminder to appreciate all of the special moments that I have right now (like a peaceful house will my "only" sleeps!).

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

The Rest of the Story


So who was to know that I would have a day late Mother's Day gift at the time of the above photo.  Mother's Day was wonderful for me as it was!  My parents came in town, to help out with our garage sale/Mehandis watch as well as visit.  We enjoyed a great dinner of jumbalaya together as well as french toast al fresco the following morning.   Mehandis delivered my fave flowers, a bouquet of tulips to me (with a little help from Grandma & Grandpa.  The 3 M's then traveled south to join Michael's parents and sister for more Mother's Day celebrating.  I received some thoughtful cards from Michael's family... and got to kick back while Michael did much of the dinner prepping :)  Ooh, forgot to mention that my husband gave me an incredibly sweet gift card to enjoy during an outing with a friend.  A wonderful weekend with wonderful people.

But then Monday came!

My phone rang at 1:15 during a speech session with two kindergarden students.  I jumped up to check... as has been my habit the past several months.  And the caller ID said CHSFS!  I answered calmly telling me that it could be our specialist just checking in (as has been her habit once a month the past 6 months).  But then she asked if my husband was available - a big clue of big news about to be shared.  I told her my husband wasn't available since I was at work, to which she asked if she should talk to me at a later time.  Of course I answered "No!  Now works great."  The students were quickly sent back to their class with promises of stickers to come.  Then the news of Abera was shared.

I called Michael right after we hung up.  Together, over the phone were able to look at the 10 page email, all about Abera, which our specialist immediately sent.  I forgot that it would have his picture in it :)  Michael got to that first while I was reading away.  Awesome!

We had to wait a couple of days to share our news with friends and family, to which God wanted to lend me a helping hand by giving a bout of laryngitis.  Guess He didn't know that by noon on Wednesday I could have the gag order removed.  I could only croak out every fourth word when we got word that all the paperwork was in and we had officially accepted the referral of this one month old boy!  I needed to email the news to my parents since I could not speak at all clear enough to communicate over the phone.  Pretty funny.  I stayed on vocal rest for the rest of the day and night (except for a couple of pitiful phone attempts) and was pretty much recovered by Thursday.  Never had I wanted to cheer and share so much and be unable to!!!  A good joke on me.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Abera's First Book

We sent Abera our first gift... a photo book with pictures of his new family (or as Mehandis calls it... his "last family").  It was fun picking out the pictures that best represent us...

Here are the 3 M's on our front lawn, waiting for A to join in on all the outside fun we have.

His big brother, Mehandis, ready to "help him when he bumps his head and cries... or bites people".  Hmmm.  Not sure where that was described in the "My Little Brother and Me" book?

Dad can take him on adventures.  He always is eager to watch a game, go on a picnic or head out for a hike.  Abera will not get bored!

Mom jumps at the chance for a snuggle - whether it be while slowly waking up in morning, reading a book on the couch or watching "people" on t.v. during nail cutting time.

                   We are very happy to see how our family will continue to grow!