A Funny Story

Recently I was reminded of something that probably has not happened to anyone but ME!  It is quite funny....

Back about 8 years ago our church was going through "a hard time"  It got so bad and disruptive that a few people were kindly asked to find another church home that could meet their spiritual needs.....

So a few weeks later I checked the mail and got a small envelope address to us.  When I opened it, there was a coupon for SPAM and a small sticky note that read something like "I know you'll be needing this"......

Well I absolutely thought it was the FUNNIEST thing ever.....I laughed all the way back to the house.  By the time, I got inside and showed it to my husband I was in tears, from laughter.  I'm sure the person who sent it thought they'd mess with my mind BUT instead it reminded me of the scripture "I was young and now I'm old and yet I've never seen the righteous forsaken or seen His seed begging for bread" 

God spoke to my heart, through that silly little coupon and note that He was never going to leave or forsake us.  From that point on, I had the faith to know things  would change in our church and boy has it! 

As you go through life NEVER EVER look to man to meet your needs. 

We've learned that in ministry.  If you have people in your church that tithes and give that is wonderful, but don't count on that money.  Don't be a puppet or afraid to speak the truth even if it means losing your biggest donors.

We've seen miracles of provision happen in our children's adoptions, but it NEVER came from where I thought it might come from.  The miracles were more like the "widows mite"   Almost every gift that came in for both of our kids adoptions were from people who didn't really have it to give but they sacrificed and gave, 

We've been given two vans over the years.....neither time did we expect it (LOL I actually expected to win that contest last year but it didn't happen)  


Our new house.....really just had let the idea go and then we got a call from Habitat.....
God will provide!  He will use people but He speaks to the hearts of His people to do for others....

Right now I'm battling a little worry about Steve's college tuition, moving and all the expenses that come with that, our yearly trip to NY for Sam's eyes,  and starting the orphan ministry in Cuba.  But when thoughts come over me, like "how will we afford this or that?" IKNOW that God will provide. 
When you can look back and see the faithfulness of God, you can look forward with confidence.   That's one thing I can say, is God has been faithful to meet our needs.  And we've learned to be content with what we have. 

Anyhow I was reminded of that story yesterday, I hadn't thought of it in years but it spoke to my heart. 

Btw, I do not hold anything against anyone- I even thought the note was hysterically funny and something I would have enjoyed sending to someone to be a smart butt :)    But it is amazing how God spoke to my heart through it. 

Therapy and Programs

Sitting at the library with Sam as he does a new video from GemIIni  https://www.gemiini.org/home  We did over 40 views to the first video.  This one is much easier on my nerves LOL although the same funny children and ticked off older ballerina are still with us.  Sam is in 7th heaven watching this. So we down load it at the library and then he can use it on the App.  I can't wait (just 4 weeks and a few days) till we move and have good internet service!   He seems to love this program.  We have noticed two things since he started just two weeks ago. First he is making the B sound and he is babbling more over all.  I'm very glad we are trying this and would recommend it to everyone who have nonverbal kids.

 Although I have to say I'm about over the on line discussion board.  People get so obsessive about things.  There was a discussion about parents who leave the program because they feel it doesn't seem to help their kids and I had to sarcastically laugh at some comments.  For the record my comment was I think it's a good program but it probably won't help everyone. I'm realistic yet hopeful for all my little one with any therapy or program.  I think this might be a "key" for Sam and I'm committed to do it exactly as they recommend for 6 straight months then I will reevaluate.   But some of the comments just made me roll my eyes.  One person wrote something along the lines of "every child has potential in all areas."   I'm realistic enough not to believe that.   Having three differently disabled kids, I realize some things will never be able to be accomplished by them.   I don't expect Sarah to be potty trained, that doesn't mean I'm not going to try but I'm also not going to freak out about it.   Some things help some kids.  And some children are never going to be able to do some things even if you have 24/7 therapy for them AND THAT'S OK!!!!!!

While I always want to make everything accessible for our three little ones and give them the chance to see if a particular program or therapy might help them, IF that therapy or program doesn't help them, that's ok. 

In the Special Needs world, parents are desperate to help "fix" their children.  I get that, we've spent a lot of money to pay for things that insurance won't pay for our kids.  The most expensive was HBOT (Hyperbaric  Oxygen Therapy)  I do not regret trying it for Selah.  With HBOT, I met people who were crazy wild eye believers.....when I see that, I get suspicious. 

If anyone tells me the way to "fix" the kids is to do one specific therapy, my eyes begin their roll.....
When we did dolphin therapy, the therapist was NUTS!  She felt that it would change Sam's life, we saw no change with him.  We did enjoy the experience except for the weirdo therapist.  She was so sure that Dolphin Therapy alone would make Sam normal.....it was uncomfortable. 

So I see that in so many therapies.  Even when he was small we went to a therapist who wanted him to do "suit therapy" ( I think that is what it was called)  It would have involved him wearing an astronaut type suit for hours daily.  It was just too crazy for me and since I felt pressure to do it, I just left and found another therapist. 

One thing I've observed over the years is watch how my child's emotions are in therapy and how a therapist treats my child.  I've always refused to let my child cry in therapy and I've certainly never allowed a therapist to be mean to them.  So if my child is crying, I will intervene.  In my opinion, therapy should not upset a child.  That is not a good thing for a child to associate therapy with!  Now of course my kids have a lower understanding of things and I do not feel they try and manipulate, especially back when Sam was a baby or when the girls first got home.  Sometimes Selah has cried in physical therapy because she is having her muscles stretched out and it hurts!  But our therapist then stops and massages her legs. 

Right now Sam is misbehaving a little with one of his teachers, I think because she is new and younger, she just hasn't quite learned him enough.  But it's something we are working on with him.  He is misbehaving and throwing toys then laughing.  But when he was three, he did not have the ability to be "bad".  He responded more like an infant.  NOW he realizes he can disturb therapy if he is bored.  I actually love it because I think he is growing in his understanding. 

Anyhow if I'd give anyone any advice this would be it.....No ONE thing will solve your child's learning, delays, diagnosis problem.  Try things, try therapy, programs, teachers, look for the right doctors....but in the end, just love and accept your child just the way he or she was wonderfully made! 

If Sam never says anymore words, if Sarah never walks, if Selah never changes......we're are still going to love, accept and have a happy family with things JUST the way things are!!!!! 

PJ Thursday!

I'd swore off of "GoFundMe" pages because of their liberal political bent and the fact a tiny bit of the money goes to the company but I have to share what one of my blog readers shared with me. 


http://www.gofundme.com/u6g4v6eg  Read the story!

This little girl is living with EB a horrible skin disease.  A woman from the UK saw her when she visited Vietnam and wants to adopt her and take care of her.  She is in process.....If you can help please do, if you can't give can you share her on FB????

 

This little girl needs a family....

 

 

My husband laughs at me and says I have the mind of a conservative and a heart of a liberal so I'm breaking my own vow on GoFundMe after only a week or so LOL  but I hope to help this little girl!

Yeah!  Selah is continuing to do better daily.  It's still quite painful but she is up in her wheelchair some and has had PT today.  The PT was telling another teacher how involved the surgery was and I learned even more.  I knew Selah had been given donor bone to build up her hips socket, but didn't realize that her bone and been split to put the bone in!  Poor girl!  I'm so glad she had a epidural for those first 4 days!!!!

Summer has come with a vengeance here in Florida!  It's really really hot!  I feel more like it is July than May but that's ok we can take it!  I had to buy Sam and Sarah new PJs.  I've always kept Sarah in zip up PJs cause if she gets out from underneath her covers, she can't always figure out how to put them back on her.  I'm afraid she'd be cold.  Plus she has always been thin and long so for the PJs to fit her right, in length, they were usually too big at the waist and she'd literally come up out of them LOL!  I really didn't want that to happen but now it seems like her length and width is getting more in line. 

 

They also got new tennis shoes yesterday and new summer hair cuts!!!

Their PJs are both Minions I think that is so cute!

 

Great news for Steve!  He got another $3000 (for the year) scholarship for college!!!  He has more than half of his college paid for in scholarships and grants!  He was quite pleased with the news.

 

 

Shad is enjoying end of the year things at school.  Today they went and saw a new Disney movie about monkeys.  Tomorrow they have water day at school with giant slip and slides etc.  He's done such a good job this year, did some changing and got on track with everything.  He's also pleased with himself which is important.  He is working on his 7th grade work and trying to figure out how to graduate from high school early LOL  at this rate he certainly will!!!!

 

 

 Thought you'd enjoy this funny picture of two of our kittens!

 

 

 

But then sissy had to get in the middle

 

 

 

These kittens are so much fun.  I've never had kittens born in the house like these.  I believe they think they are human.  We aren't giving any of them away but we are getting their Mama spayed and all four of the kittens too as soon as they are old enough. 

 

Hope you all have a good week!

 

 

Re-Adoption and Cuban contact!

This is a RARE day for me, I got everything done that was on my to do list!!!  

Selah is doing much better overall, still sore but she had a huge surgery.  I'm not sure if I shared or not that she had a bit of a bone graft done in her hip.  The doctor used donor bone tissue to build her a better hip socket.  Because of all the years of being in a bed in Ukraine, her hips did not develop correctly and there is not much of a socket.   So she is one week post op and doing pretty good!

We filed paperwork to "readopt" Shad, Selah and Sarah in the US back in 2013.  Their adoptions were legal overseas and the US government accepts the adoptions as legal but it's a good idea to readopt so the child has a US birth certificate.  The girls are already US citizens but Shad is not.  That is because I alone went to pick him up.  The law requires both parents to meet the child in person before the adoption is final overseas for the child to enter the country as a citizen.  With the girls, they legally became citizens as soon as our feet hit the ground at the Dulles   Shad is legal, he is a Permanent Resident and has a Social Security card etc..... But we want him to be a citizen and this is the best way to go about it in our state. 

Originally the paperwork was done by a lawyer friend and I submitted it....late 2013!  We kept expecting to hear back but I never took the time to go back to the courthouse to check  on it as that is the only way to check on it.  Well I went today and everything was done expect for a Final Hearing.  I actually did the Motion for a Final Hearing myself with some help from the wonderful woman in the law library!!!  It reminded me of my old life and all the court paper work I submitted daily LOL.  This time I was quite nervous making sure I did it all right since it's been so long since I've done anything like that!

So now we wait and soon we'll have the hearing and do their readoption.  I'm looking forward to it and then being able to do Shad's citizenship paperwork.  He wants a US passport so bad!!!  I think he can get one as a Permanent Resident but I'll wait so I don't have to pay the fee twice! 



Do any of you use Consignment Shops?  I do for myself and the little kids.  Well today I stopped by the Ladies Consignment shop and found I had a check for $122!!!!   Then I called the main Children's Consignment shop I use and found I have a check for $368!   All together I have enough to buy the porch swing I want for our new house  (move in date 5 weeks from tomorrow)   I also have some things to take to another consignment shop the next time I go to Lakeland.  I bet over the past two years I've made $1000 or close to it with consignment!  I still give things away because the shops I go to are very picky but this is a way to get rid of things you don't use or wear anymore and make a little money!  You can also find some great buys at them too. 


The best news is I have a contact in Cuba!!!  I found them on line at  http://friendstocuba.weebly.com/  They are Canadian and have been involved in various humanitarian efforts in Cuba for almost two decades.   They have helped out an orphanage and are going back next month.  They have long term contacts in Cuba and they are going to scout our some special needs orphanages for us.   I hope to be able to make contacts and have somewhere to focus our efforts on soon!!!!!   I hope to be able to share more later with you all!!!

Well hope you all have a good night, I'm going to sit with Sam and do his GemIIni lessons now.....pray for me, it is tedious to say the least but it seems to be working for him!

Night

Whew!  Selah had an excellent night!  She slept great all night.  She had a little trouble with the pain med this morning, it made her throw up/spit up a little but she's doing good today too except for that.  Right now she is taking an afternoon nap and looks so peaceful!


Last night while doing the GemIIni program with Sam he began saying the "B" sound when the word BEAR was said!!!!!!!!!!!!!   That is new for him and he used it at the right time   We've been faithfully following the program despite the crazy week we had last week. 

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Have you ever read the book "Night " by Elie Wiesel?  If not, I'd recommend it.  The NY Times call it "a slim volume of terrifying power" and that is so true.  It's not easy reading and you won't finish it and feel good but it's a real book.  It's the story of Elie Wiesel during the Holocaust.  I have to admit I couldn't really eat supper last night  after reading it I was so troubled.  Why should someone read a book like that? 
One to honor the memories of so many who were killed 
Two to ensure it never happens again! 
I recommend you read it and have your children read it.  I'm going to have Steve and Shad read it, although I don't really want them to because I hate to see them sad or afraid and that book evokes all those feelings. While the author doubts the existence of God because of the suffering, it's still a holy book.  Holy because of the record that is in it.  The book really affected me. 

Happy Mother's Day

A bit of a crazy day around here.  Selah didn't have the best night so I called her doctor and got her a new pain relief med.  It seems to have done the trick but it made her throw up just a little at first.  It's strong stuff.  So this morning I was trying to get that ordered and kids bathed and ready for church.  Then once I got everyone ready and we are at church (minus Selah, her nurse and Steve who was sent to town for the new meds) Sarah decided to have "an accident".  LOL  Well happy Mother's Day to me! 

That's the reality of being a mom!! Puke, pee and poop!  LOL

But I wouldn't trade it for anything!!!!!!

Steve picked me up a Mother's Day present while he was out.....

 

 

He got me a Pepsi, Cheetos, 3 bags of bubble gum and the sweetest card with a gift card for Olive Garden in it!  He knows his Mama!!!!   As you can see, the Cheetos bag is open!!!!!  So is the Pepsi:)  

Some family came over and we got take out from Sonny's BBQ for lunch and just had a good time talking and laughing together. 

So we've had a good but crazy day over here celebrating being a mom! 

As I have said many times, I was never a "kid person", never felt drawn to kids....then I had Steve and everything changed.  I'm still not a "kid person" but I love my kids and like most teenagers LOL  I never ever dreamed I'd have 5 kids.  If and when I ever thought about children, it was extremely abstract and certainly no more than 2 kids.....  But they are my biggest blessing in life.  I love them, they are worth everything we had to go through to get them whether it was fertility drugs, NICU stays, adoption and all the paperwork and plane rides (which I hate more than labor!)  All five of them have a story....all five of them are the best gifts I could have ever been given on this earth. 


Hope you are having a good day whether you are a mom or not....I know Mother's Day can be hard on some women.  I never cared much for the celebration before and even now have real concerns for some women on Mother's Day.  If this is a hard day for you, I'm sorry.  Life can be hard and hearts tender at times. 

Selah's home!

Selah was brought home today by ambulance.  We didn't want to move her around too much and felt she'd be more comfortable in the ambulance.  This morning they were so quick to do her discharge that I didn't even make it up to the hospital.  I was really impressed with how quickly things got done.  The doctor and I did her discharge by phone and within a few minutes the ambulance folks were there to pick her up.  I couldn't ride with her anyhow so it made it really easy on us.  So I got a chance to get her room clean and ready for her.  She's doing ok, definitely having more pain issues but not too bad.  Our nurse was here to check her in and all of our nurses were ready to be back taking care of their girl.

Well three years ago tonight was when we made it home from Ukraine.  How ironic!  And two years ago Sam and I arrived home on May 9th from our emergency NY trip for his eye.


This is what I wrote on FB tonight
Three years ago tonight we made it home from Ukraine with our precious daughters. I can still remember how RELEIVED I was to put them in their cribs that night. So thankful I took these pictures....it was worth it all, every penny spent, every mile flown, driven or on a train to get to them, every inconvenience, every fear, every doubt and every worry. God brought these two girls home to our family and now when days are long, and there are other worries and concerns, I nev...er doubt that God will somehow see our family through. These pictures are a testimony to a faithful God who does not forget the fatherless, the ones deemed unlovable, the child hidden away in an adult mental institution. God still knew their names and cared for them. I'm so thankful that He gave us the guts to go and get them and I'd encourage anyone reading this post to never be afraid to step out and do the right thing, the thing that God puts on your heart to do. There is suffering in this world, but God can enable you to take away some of it if you will be open and listen to that nudge from the Lord. I love these girls, obviously I did not know what the future held ahead for us, but God is still good and He's still faithful.

Sarah always slept like that, for years!  Now she sleeps normally.  

 

 

 

This picture was taken in Kiev right before we left to come home

Sam, Jon and Selah.  Look at Jon and Selah, they are holding hands, even tho they are asleep.  Is that one of the sweetest things ever? And Sam has his shirt up LOL

 

 

 

 

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Pictures from yesterday at the hospital.

Doesn't Sarah look grown up how she is sitting?

 

 

 

All my kids together, no matter what:)

 

 

 

My Mother's Day lunch was yesterday (not even going to try and go out on Sunday!

 



 

we go to Olive Garden a lot when we eat out.  They will puree the soup for Sarah.  she ate THREE bowls of it yesterday.

 

 

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And my pick Mama Cat of the year.....

GLADYS!

the kittens are only 8.5 weeks old and are huge!

I feed Gladys all the time and the kittens all eat on their own but she still nurses them.  She has been the best Mama Cat.  The first day she was freaked out but she has done a great job. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please keep Selah in your prayers.  We are working hard on managing her pain.  So far so good, but you can tell it's only being kept at bay.  She looks great and is back to being very aware of us. 

 

 

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Shad asked me if I had told everyone his big news and I'm not sure I blogged about it but.......

He is in ALL 7th grade work now!

Yes he is finishing 5th grade next month but he is completely in 7th grade school work.  He is quite proud of himself and we are proud of him too!

He struggled with following the strict rules in class this year and tried to cut corners but he worked through that and now is a model student who follows the rules and is ahead.  Now he has a real pride in what he has accomplished.  So kudos to Shad!!!!