Rainy Monday.....

Spent the afternoon with my sister and her twins.
Little G had a blast.
They will be going to Korea this summer..

Im pretty sad about it
she shared these photos from our trip to the park a week ago.
Little G and her great grandpa.

A good recipe or two, some pics too!

Breanna recently posted her hummus recipe on her blog and I thought Id share the Rachel R. recipe weve been making at our house for a month or so. Ive used both canned and dried/cooked chickpeas.(I feel more proud of my efforts when I use the dried and just cook two bags of beans at once. Make the hummus in 4 pts and freeze half) I read the comments and saw that many people commented on the low ratio of liquid so I want you to know that you need to use some of the water to keep it from becoming too thick. I havent had the coriander...... plus we doubled the garlic and cumin and used powdered red pepper to taste instead of red pepper flakes. Hope all this makes sense.( Many commenters felt it wasnt really spicy like the recipe says and recommended doubling the spices. We agreed after trying both ways.) I made the first few batches without the tahini, you can do it without it.... it is better with it I might add......

Next recipe, my girlfriend was making chocolate cinnamon rolls for Valentines and it seemed like such a great idea that I had to copy her. It had been many many years since Id made cinnamon rolls. I couldnt find Paula Ds chocolate ones but this recipe was just heavenly......

Spent the afternoon with my sister and her twins.
Grace had a blast.
They will be going to Korea this summer.
Im pretty sad about it.

she shared these photos from our trip to the park a week ago. Little G iwth her great grandpa.

My Mountian moving Jehovah Jireh

If youve been with me from the get-go you will remember how GOD DID what was needed to bring our sweet little G home...... Things just fell into place clickety clack up until we hit a HUGE road block. I kept having faith tho'. I kept reading scripture and resting (as much as I could) in His word and grace.( i must admit that some days were better than others mind you!)

We had finally hit the point
that papers expired
and it really would take
God
moving
mountains
and doing a miracle
for it to happen.

It was hard, but God had not told us to walk away. I was even to the point of re-doing all the paperwork if He said so. Because if I was to be little Gs mother, then that was what I needed to set my mind to accomplishing.

But if this wasnt about adopting her.....
then we would walk away.
I tell you,
it was a
hard
place
to be.
The mother in me wept and groaned in ways I didnt know you could grieve.
I have lost loved ones,
but this was different.

God did it.

Things were never "perfect" while we were in her country.

But no matter
how messy
and impossible it got.....
we still flew home without having to reschedule our flight dates and pay the fees......

My oldest daughter and I were together last weekend and we were talking about how well little G is doing. Remarkably well.....

and my daughter made the comment," Mom, you know she was MEANT to be yours. You are the best person for the job. God knew you would be the perfect mom for little G."

While I was grieving the loss of another precious little girl we thought God wanted us to adopt.... God was providing our sweet little girl....
something that really was difficult for someone else,
was my answer to prayer.

The biggest lesson I can say that I learned through this whole faith journey is two- fold, this path to little G......

I know Gods voice.
Many many times I felt unsure.
But I learned that he loved me more than my earthly father.
My earthly father made sure I knew what he expected of me, and he was human. My God would make sure I knew without a doubt in my mind what he wanted and expected..... the second part is that I need to rest in that knowledge. Many times we hear a gospel that preaches something other than what I read in my Bible.

If its Gods plan it will happen like this or that..... it will be easy.

I can tell you from experience.
We knew it was what we were supposed to be doing.
We knew he hadnt said to walk away....
but to others
it looked like God had shut the door.

I am rejoicing now.
I am receiving the blessings of being little G's mother.....
and that perseverance that produces character that is mentioned in the New Testament.

THIS is how you get it...... Im definitely not proud. But I have to say I have developed some serious character through this.
And it is good.....
it is very good.

This is our story, our faith journey......
If youd like to read one in the very beginnings read this bloggers post here.
I cant wait to see the "end of the story"

I remain,
Under His wings,
Anna

Have I mentioned she is constantly moving???

I was reading e-mail and such
saw the lamplight
glowing on her face
My heart ached
the sight was just too much.
Snuck the camera out of the drawer
for the life of me
no matter what setting
I always end up running out
of
patience
before
I capture on film
what my eyes see.


(note:this is 10 of the best TWENTY-SOMETHING photos I took......)




Im not the type
that always needs bigger and better....
I dont really
need

things

to make me happy.
I promise.....
but this artist
really
dreams
of owning a new camera.

I remain,
Under His wings,
Anna

quick update

thank you for your prayers.
I am home
my Appointment went well.
There is something there but its not to worry about. Just something to watch to see if it causes a problem, if it tears then they will repair it. He said about 70% of these type cases it never actually causes a hole in the retina.
whew!!!
I am exhausted
since I left at 10:45
and just got home at 4pm.
(and My eyes are still very dilated!)

Little G is napping
leftovers for supper
Great dane seems to still be on the mend
so I have it easy for the rest of the day/evening.

Thanks again!

I remain,
Under His wings,
Anna

Random stuff........

Last night I fixed Tuna Tetrazzini for supper.
I had already made Emerils Essence for another recipe so I had it on hand for this recipe. Its not my Betty Crocker Tuna Casserole, but after cooking the same recipe for 24 years..... this was a nice change. Its definately a keeper.

If you dont read our blog about little G you can sneak over there and read the latest updates. Ive been trying to post pictures and keep everyone up to date.
She seems to be soaking things up like a sponge.
Keeps me on my toes.
Its a good thing.


I have an appt with the Retina specialists today......
nervous.
Putting on my big girl panties this morning.

I remain,
Under His Wings,
Anna

Surprise!!!!

Do you remember this post a few weeks ago?????

Yesterday,
Before we went out to play,
Little G and I went through her list of words
and she read 5 words!
Yes, you read it right!
F-I-V-E!!!!!

Two kinda dont count because they arent new, they are words and letters. But She is getting the hang of how to answer questions in this process which is another fun milestone. (when we started a few weeks ago she looked at me blankly when I asked her questions or she would answer by repeating what I asked. I kept asking the question and helping her nswer.......
Now, most of the time
When I ask her,
"what word is that?"
she signs and tries to say the word.
If she doesnt right away I jump in and answer with her.
Here are the five words:
1. I
2. a
3. Down
4. go
5. can

In case you might be interested,
The way we are doing this is by using techniques taught here(my favorite link) and here and there(Im going to purchase this book. They have many interesting resources)

I have not bought anything yet.
Let me say that again.
I have not purchased anything.....
I took all the information I learned at these websites, and a few others on "sight reading for children with Down Syndrome" or type in "teaching children to read with Down syndrome" and see what you find.(I was a phonics all the way person with my other three but what I learned was that sight reading is the way to go with my little angel)
Basically its all listed right here and will save you some time. ;) wink wink. If you are in a real hurry,the best information was the article on the very first link special reads for special needs. ( I also found some incredible kits on this site but I wanted to start with no money invested in case it wasnt the direction we needed to go in)Before I go any further please note: I am not in any way being paid by any of these websites/companies or being compensated in any way by anyone. This is research I have done on my own before we brought little G home in trying to figure out how to get from point A to point B, then researched even further when in the application process.
lets move on......
Then I looked up dolch sight words and found this incredible site with PowerPoint slide shows already made up. I downloaded the pre primer ones and just say the word while its on the screen and we sign it together and move on. Quickly. I started with the first ten words for about 1-2 weeks and saw that she knew the signs for many of the second ten so added those.
We go through all twenty and spend only a few seconds saying and signing each one. When she starts getting antsy (after about 3 run-throughs)
I let her down to go play.
I only use lots and lots of positive re-enforcement and watch to make sure she is looking at the screen and signing the word.
I think its very important to read her body language and quit while we are ahead.
I keep in mind,"This is a game!"
Reading is fun!!!
Learning is fun!!!!
I must admit,
I wasnt sure what to expect.
But we are playing and working so much that I felt like 5 mins a day wouldnt hurt a thing. Its no stress on me and I make sure its no stress on her.

My next step will be to go through all her signs and make the flash cards/ power point slideshows for ALL her signs.
I will also start making a few books for us to read together using some of the other sight words.
for example: one of her favorite words is jump. So I can have the sentence "I can jump."(since she has proven that She can read "I can" ) Also blue and see are in the first twenty words so I could use those too! I know she knows how to sign eat. So maybe a sentence, "I can eat." If I am making sure that I use words that she can sign it wont matter if she can say or read these out loud. She will still be reading!!!!!!!(what Im meaning is, I firmly believe that I should be finding ways for her to learn even though she cant verbalize. I believe the thought processes are there, I just need to facilitate it)

As you can see/read....
This is so exciting for me,
the avid reader.
I will continue just going through the first twenty words for now......
I will keep you posted on our progress.

Today is my appointment with the Retina specialist.
Im a little nervous......
Im just going to put on my Big girl panties and see what they find.
thanks for your prayers.

I remain,
Under His wings,
Anna

Playtime

Papa came home for lunch today
Kisses for mama.....


The weather here has just been beyond human words.
My daffodils are blooming....
and my Camellia bushes are spectacular
they always make me think of my Grandma Black.....



So happy the Great Dane is home.

Tune in tomorrow.....
I have some really exciting news to share!!!

I remain,
Under His wings,
Anna

Its" Easy E's" Birthday

2002....
2003 at IBO world championships

Graces gotcha day in Quito Ecuador....

Aug 2010 at Cracker Barrel. YAY Eric!

Aug 2010- Barely home from Ecuador


Feb 2011 at the park


Easy E, you are such a delight!
Im so thankful for Medical advances that allowed you to be part of Gods story in our family.(E was born with RH incompatibility... a huge drama 17 years ago. My mothers brother died from the same thing.)
I see so many incredible things He is doing in your life!
May God continue to keep His hand on you
as you mature into the man He desires you to be.....

A day late and a dollar short....
this is what happens when you "save" instead of "publish" your post.

I just found this website.
I hope someone reading
might find something helpful.
I cant wait for some time to sift through it.
I have an IPAD on my "want" list
she has an incredible list of Apps.
So if you have one
or have been wondering.....
it seems like the place to go .....

Little G was such a sweetie today.
I have set Barney on my DVR for her,
along with Sesame street.
You shouldve seen her dancing with Barney and Baby Bop.
Im not a fan of the green and purple dino I might add.
But it made her happy.


Little G said Grandma for the first time two days ago.
My parents dont live close by so its pretty huge.
(my mother sent her a Valentine which she carries around part of most every day)


I go to pick up Reece in a few min.
And pay the HUGE dane-sized vet bill.
I have to look at the positives.
She is feeling MUCH better
and we will have her around to enjoy awhile longer.

The biggest of todays news.....
Ive really saved the best for last.....
Its E's 17th birthday!
Where did the time go????

Little G ADORES her brother.....


I remain,
Under HIs wings,
Anna

Sick as a dog......

Im afraid Little G's friend is not well.......
Our Great Dane Reece is eleven....
old in Great dane years.

I am a glass half empty kind of girl
to tell you the truth
I was in shock that she was still here when we got home from Ecuador.
I kept having that feeling that something would happen
while we were gone and
I wouldnt have been able to say
the kind of good bye you say
when
you know
its your very last......

Husband has taken her to the Vet.
Im here with little G....
This is what she is wering today
a dress knit for her homecoming gift.
I love the peach color with her skin.....

A quick update

Just wanted to let yall know we had a great Dr appt. Our Dr. is just the cats meow.
Had an ekg and will have an EEG and a few other tests at a later date. She was concerned because of Graces heart defect. (the kind you just watch to heal on its own.) Ive never given it thought......

I went and bought little G sunglasses to wear in the truck on our adventures and I see the reasons for special glasses made just for little people with Down Syndrome. The bridge of the nose is WAY off and the length of the legs are too long.....
(distance from ear to eye is shorter) I may go hunting baby sunglasses to see if the nose part is wider and the legs are short enough. I just didnt want there to be much tint in the lens because she is wearing these at night or day, whenever she rides in the truck. Even tho these dont fit right they are pretty cute ones.(if any of yall see any like this let me know where..... these were from my local T*rget)

We have LOTS of birthdays this past and upcoming week......
throw in a bridal shower today....
looking forward to time with daughter,
and friends.
"girl time"....
Little G is having "papa time"
The 3rd Saturday in a row.....
I kinda like it.

My sister brought 5 dresses that she had started smocking for her twin daughters for me to get done for little G. Ive never done smocking but Im pretty excited to find a simple design and whip them up.(daughter said she would sew them once I had the smocking done.) One is a deep violet and I think will look smashing on little G with her dark coloring. They are all Bishop style dresses and seem like they would fit for quite awhile.......

Im going to pick up some needles this afternoon while we are out.
(Im sure my husband is worried that I will have one more thing Im doing......
it doesnt seem like it will be my cup of tea unless my vision issues get under control.

I dont even want to talk about that.
My appointment with the Retina specialist is this Thursday.
Im a BIG baby so if God prompts you say a little prayer or two....


Under His wings,
Anna

Little Gs Dr visit

SO I just re-posted yesterdays post about our BEAUTIFUL day at the park.(from my other blog)
And little G's episode.
So you could hear the whole story.....
leading up to todays Dr visit.
The pediatrition was so sweet.
She is simply fab.
After our visit she toted little G around like a treasure announcing to her staff,
"look at who Ive got."

They all oohed and aahed over her.
(every child/ person deserves to be treated like this dont they?!)
We call it "princess G______" around here.
We were waiting for her to fill out orders for tests while another little one was crying, being weighed etc.
Little G turned her head away and teared up......
I was in the process of telling the Dr how sensitive she has become.
How I hurt her feelings the other night.
Im still sad about that.
I was upset,
even upset
with
her
and the situation.....
loosing two contacts in two nights....frustrating.
but it wasnt something to get onto her about.
So I didnt.
But she sensed it.
She tripped and fell and it was like she had broken a limb or something HORRIBLE had happened.......
I knew.....
her heart hurt.....
To watch her hear a little one cry
and
her
tear
up....

little G is woo-ing me...
God is woo-ing me......

a cardinal kept flying around a tree at the window and peering in.
Like she had a secret to share.....

If I could take all these beautiful moments
and
string
them
together
like
pearls
and
fine
Gems
to wear
around
my
neck.


Under His wings,
Anna

yesterdays trip to the park.......

My sister and her twin daughters drove over for the day.
The girls are such a delight.
We had a great time at our local park.

Litle G even got some play time in with her shadow.....


My sister has an incredible camera and took lots of photos while we were playing.
The day ended on an odd note, little G's lips lost their color and she wasnt acting herself. Part of me felt like it might be her blood sugar, I was finally able to get apple juice in her thanks to my sister .....
so Little G gets to make a visit to the Doctor tomorrow.
I'm not sure if I feel like its overreacting or not.
(she did this once last month too but I thought it was due to us having the flu- even tho she never got it and looking back it was a random incident.)

My doctor has been doing her job longer than Ive been mothering little G so I will leave the decision in her hands and see what she thinks......

Oh and BTW.... little G lost TWO contacts this week! Of course the second one HAD to be the one I just put fresh into the rotation!!!!(not the mate to the first one) My sister suggested sunglasses that Little G had to wear each time we were riding in the car/truck. Sheesh.....

A day at the park

My sister and her twin daughters drove over for the day.
The girls are such a delight.
We had a great time at our local park.

Litle G even got some play time in with her shadow.....


My sister has an incredible camera and took lots of photos while we were playing.
The day ended on an odd note, little G's lips lost their color and she wasnt acting herself. Part of me felt like it might be her blood sugar, I was finally able to get apple juice in her thanks to my sister .....
so Little G gets to make a visit to the Doctor tomorrow.
I'm not sure if I feel like its overreacting or not.
(she did this once last month too but I thought it was due to us having the flu- even tho she never got it and looking back it was a random incident.)

My doctor has been doing her job longer than Ive been mothering little G so I will leave the decision in her hands and see what she thinks......

Oh and BTW.... little G lost TWO contacts this week! Of course the second one HAD to be the one I just put fresh into the rotation!!!!(not the mate to the first one) My sister suggested sunglasses that Little G had to wear each time we were riding in the car/truck. Sheesh.....

BEAUTIFUL day

The sun is out
the birds are singing.....
Its such a beautiful day in the neighborhood.....
As you can see
little G is finding something to sing about too......
Remember her using the remote as a phone?
Obviously.....
remotes can do way more than change channels,
And place phone calls.
They are also fabulous microphones for when the urge strikes....
.
Wristwarmers I knit for my mother's Birthday.
The pattern is free on Ravelry and called Porphyria.
I love how they turned out!
(look real close, those arent real cables!)
Im thinking I need a pair (or two)
Was thinking.....
what about using remnants from other socks and wristwarmers Ive knit
with a solid stripe in between...
Play time with "brother" is always high on the list of priorities....

Havent been getting many comments lately.
Hoping you are all safe and sound.

I remain,
Under His wings,
Anna

Ramblings....

Yesterday was a full day.
I had a long "to do " list but felt huge relief to get it all done.
A package is headed to Virginia, a family we know is headed to the Orphanage for a visit. There is a special little someone there that will get some extra TLC.

I had completely forgotten I had a re-check Appointment with my Opthamologist.
I dont know how I can remember one day and the very next day forget.
Im just thankful that I keep all my reminders on the fridge organized.
Little G went down for a nap and I headed out the door.

Many of my special Valentine plans for the day went out the door with me.

My appointment didnt go quite as I expected.
Please pray for me/us reguarding this.
As an artist my eyesight is something I hold dear......
I have an appointment with a specialist next week.

Today is a new day filled with Revelations Bible study this morning and I will return home to prepare yummy good-ness for my family like I had planned for yesterday.

I think Little G has a crush,
She heard Josh Groban in concert last night at my daughers house on their larger than life TV. He sang a song in Italian then one in Spanish and she was hooked. She found a dog toy to use as a microphone and sang her heart out with him......
I wonder if she will enjoy my Valentines Day gift from husband "The story of your life " by Matthew West CD...........

I pray today is filled with blessings and love....

Under His wings,
Anna

Dont place a label on me

I just want to say,
Just because I'm "a woman"
just because I am an "artist"
Just because I am a "stay at home mom"
Just because I am a "home school mom"
Don't
place
a
label
on
me.

My beautiful new daughter
has
Down Syndrome.
She was born with cataracts and is legally blind.
When we met her she had no language.
But don't put her in a box.
Don't put a label on her.
She now has over 170 signs.
She can sign Jesus loves me,
She can ask for what she wants or let you know
under no uncertain terms
what she doesn't want.....
ha ha!
"No"
is one of her most used words right now.

Ive started teaching her how to read.


How many times do we put our Savior in a box?
How many times do we allow
our
preconceived
notions
of who God is
get in the way
of
who
"I AM I am" is.......

As I heard Beth Moore say this week in our Revelation study.
"lets be women that are open to a new Revelation."
Oh I want to be......


I just saw this and it got me to thinking........

Its a HUGE cake to ice dear friend..........

During this whole "bonding" process, well the whole adoption process too.... I found myself in the midst of dealing with past and present issues.(Dear Lord hear me, they will NOT be future issues!)
In trying to earn love,
in trying to be "good enough"
to be loved by friends,
family
and this new little one.....
then add colds and viruses,
WINTER- (do you hear what Im saying when I say winter? So cold I hurt. Rainy cloudy weather.....)
and my back.....

Its a HUGE cake to ice dear friend.....
the layers keep stacking up
you keep making more icing for the next layer and before you know it.....
youre
nothing
but a
big
sticky
mess......

for those of you that have little ones,
for those of you with little ones with special needs.
Please go over and read this and this posts.
Im not saying that I was/am in this desperate of a situation.
I am just saying that its just been a hard journey.
Going through the adoption waiting,
traveling,
dealing with the reality of the unknown,
which brings up old issues....
its just hard.
I wanted to share these links in case they might help someone else......

I remain,
Under His wings,
Anna

Magic Erasers......

I just sat here and read back in my blog.
Its so neat to watch what happened in the beginning and where we are now..... the almost two years of praying and grieving to bring a little one home. I think it seemed harder because it was the second child that had touched our hearts.

It was such an emotional place to be for such a long time.....
I am working through it.....
Just wondering how other adoptive mothers "get on with things".
I came home from Ecuador with a new child and ALOT of change......
Some things have been said and gone on "behind the scenes".

Ive been talking with my oldest daughter lately about a few things on my mind and she brought me a book she read called "boundaries". I am going to start reading it this week. Ive also discussed this with my doctor at my visit and will follow up with her the first week of March. I want to be in a different place........

I am finding that I take case of watching out for others feelings before my own.
Some things need to be addressed
A few people need to be told how their words or actions have hurt me instead of just smiling nicely and pretending it never happened. I dont want to stay stuck in this place I am.

This is not a healthy place for me to be.
Ive always run from confrontation.
Been afraid of hurting others.
Been afraid of their anger or displeasure.
But what is the cost of continually being this person that I am......
I think the price is too high.
I am just praying that with this book
and the Lords help,
I can have some answers
ways to fix old patterns and behaviors....

Makes me thing of one of my favorite housecleaning products.
I find so many stubborn scuff and stuck on things that it will get off.....
Just looking for a magic eraser for my heart and mind.....

I remain,
Under His wings,
Anna

Dr Appointment

I was able to see my new/old Dr this week after waiting for a "new patient" appointment. She spent a good amt of time going over my records and complaints. Wasnt able to pick up the meds for my back on the way home because she had the perscription faxed. Next time I will make sure to ask for paper perscriptions so I dont have to get out again.(just let son pick them up on the way home from his class the next day, yesterday-whats one more day in pain???) I go back in a month and she will be holding me accountable.

Its a good thing.

Not much blogging when the chair is very uncomfortable.....

It hurts to sit, stand , walk, lie down.

The new meds are helping so I am hoping to be off and running/ blogging again soon!
(the dry mouth and lack of ambition have alot to be desired but at least my back isnt screaming constantly!!!)

BTW: Last week little G learned to use a stool to get in and out of the bed on her own, get on the potty by herself and I quit doing much of her dressing routine for her. She had already learned how to dress heself with slight assistance but the adoptive mommy in me felt the need to do for her. (and Ive read the adoptive children have an inner need, no matter what the age, to be babied by their new mommy as well......) I taught her how to knee- up to the couch and her booster seat to eat. The only thing I need to figure out is how to facilitate her getting up in the carseat. I may move it back to the middle again so there is room. Just dont know. I felt very strongly about her being in the bigger carseats because they offer so much more protection than the booster types. My little Jetta just doesnt allow much space though...... I saw Target has booster seats on sale and a $5 coupon would make it CHEAP-O. But you go back to the fact that there isnt any support if she falls asleep in the car and the lack of protection.....

Enough rambling.
My complaints seem so small when compared to things other families are going through right now.......

I remain,
on my heating pad,
Under His wings,

Anna

Dr Visit

I was able to see my new/old Dr this week after waiting for a "new patient" appointment. She spent a good amt of time going over my records and complaints. Wasnt able to pick up the meds for my back on the way home because she had the perscription faxed. Next time I will make sure to ask for paper perscriptions so I dont have to get out again.(just let son pick them up on the way home from his class yesterday-whats one more day in pain???) I go back in a month and she will be holding me accountable.

Its a good thing.

Not much blogging when the chair is very uncomfortable.....

It hurts to sit, stand , walk, lie down.

The new meds are helping so I am hoping to be off and running/ blogging again soon!
(the dry mouth and lack of ambition have alot to be desired but at least my back isnt screaming constantly!!!)

BTW: Last week little G learned to use a stool to get in and out of the bed on her own, get on the potty by herself and I quit doing much of her dressing routine for her. She had already learned many of these things but the adoptive mommy in me felt the need to do for her. (and Ive read the adoptive children have an inner need, no matter what the age, to be babied by their new mommy as well......) I taught her how to knee- up to the couch and her booster seat to eat. The only thing I need to figure out is how to facilitate her getting up in the carseat. I may move it back to the middle again so there is room. Just dont know. I felt very strongly about her being in the bigger carseats because they offer so much more protection than the booster types. My little Jetta just doesnt allow much space though...... I saw Target has booster seats on sale and a $5 coupon would make it CHEAP-O. But you go back to the fact that there isnt any support if she falls asleep in the car and the lack of protection.....

Enough rambling.
My complaints seem so small when compared to things other families are going through right now.......

I remain,
on my heating pad,
Under His wings,

Anna