tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40843228680089015902024-02-18T18:58:10.984-08:00My 7 PassionsThis blog is our journey of making our passions come alive. God lays passions on our hearts and it's TIME to make those passions come ALIVE.Chalenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13397915957689062913noreply@blogger.comBlogger95125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084322868008901590.post-8029996255370005012011-04-02T23:34:00.000-07:002011-04-02T23:42:14.478-07:00NEW BLOG UP AND RUNNINGI am switching over to another blog that I created for our family. This current blog is mostly focused on the process of our adoptions. I feel like our family is set the way God planned it, so I have created a new one to celebrate our family's new twist on life. I am closing out this blog and hope you can come on over to the new one called:<br />
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<a href="http://www.8baxters.blogspot.com">Table for 8?</a>Chalenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13397915957689062913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084322868008901590.post-40350647153491002682011-03-14T21:23:00.000-07:002011-03-14T21:23:13.167-07:00I-600 APPROVED!!!!God really showed Himself this time! Our I-6oo was approved in Ghana. We got our approval email today. It took <b>10 days</b> for the approval. This is really unheard of now, so that's why I say God really showed Himself! They told us 60 working days, which is 3 months. The Embassy in Ghana is amazing to get it approved that fast! Thank you so much to the officer who worked on our case! You did a FANTASTIC job!<br />
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We are really excited and thrown off a little bit. We expected the 60 days it has been taking most families. So reading and rereading the email was such a surprise!<br />
I definitely have to get things in order and completely ready for her. <br />
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Yeah, Deborah is coming home sooner!!!!!!!!<br />
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Praise God!<br />
Chalene<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCr7ALKBUYc93-Kvxnk3g8YC1YvupM4qxkBzwzGL3HCNFhHBT0J3OiENB3_yERkzdqCFINgh_z4IJ19mKvQv3lI9kcHMUPX00qtff_nXhpsHSUZQhGUwkU7KktWeMC93bNo9UUbeVAVFU/s1600/IMG_3638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCr7ALKBUYc93-Kvxnk3g8YC1YvupM4qxkBzwzGL3HCNFhHBT0J3OiENB3_yERkzdqCFINgh_z4IJ19mKvQv3lI9kcHMUPX00qtff_nXhpsHSUZQhGUwkU7KktWeMC93bNo9UUbeVAVFU/s320/IMG_3638.jpg" /></a></div>Chalenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13397915957689062913noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084322868008901590.post-86658473269481735802011-03-05T10:58:00.000-08:002011-03-05T10:58:36.764-08:00Ghana Trip<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXgK7qAAe7gOtoOtOXo06EcY1lDrQFNfOHl-JJhp6C6SJ0tbi2EV578sz6spTGoi2RcyC8tHXd8liDhkvCM1TRv-Q-OY-6tc1adtcIlYMclO-DHrEfEcvEaKurDhXCmLql0NgWK_ekSDk/s1600/IMG_3587.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXgK7qAAe7gOtoOtOXo06EcY1lDrQFNfOHl-JJhp6C6SJ0tbi2EV578sz6spTGoi2RcyC8tHXd8liDhkvCM1TRv-Q-OY-6tc1adtcIlYMclO-DHrEfEcvEaKurDhXCmLql0NgWK_ekSDk/s320/IMG_3587.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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I got the chance to go to Ghana and file our I-600. This is the trip that is almost at the end of this process. We now begin to count the 60 days in hopes that we get the approval and then we do the VISA. We are really close for Deborah to come but yet it seems so far away.<br />
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This trip I went on was AMAZING! It was so great because I got to see first hand the work that God is doing in Ghana. DOH is amazing and God centered home for children. While you are there, you can feel God's presence. Everyone there loves the children. <br />
One time I was in one of the Auntie's room and some family members come over. They didn't know I was there. As they walked through the gate, the children cheered and ran over to the adults. Every single adult stopped and greeted the children with hugs. I witnessed this several times during my stay. Everyone there was so loving towards the children. All of the children there were full of smiles all the time. It was truly the best children's home I have ever seen. <br />
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I also got to witness what God is doing in Chorkor. This place is very poverty stricken. God is definitely working there. <br />
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This trip has impacted me so much. I got to really get into the middle of Ghana and be involved with everything, including taking the boys down to get their hair cut. <br />
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Going to Ghana was not only God's purpose for me to file the I-6oo but it was a way for God to show me His work. He has so many plans for our family. I am excited to see how all of this is going to come about!!!!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijeSmK3XIWiuZOfkM6Iax6_YM1TfxtSTbhMltgJTe1SD_8XiO0vupt19qLLLkymbl4wG5JdJ_77H17-BBBK1B3LDqzVdMbe15pTpf2AahaEcA0L9fI4d9q3aCoXcCwN0jDam_W3nchhDU/s1600/IMG_3686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijeSmK3XIWiuZOfkM6Iax6_YM1TfxtSTbhMltgJTe1SD_8XiO0vupt19qLLLkymbl4wG5JdJ_77H17-BBBK1B3LDqzVdMbe15pTpf2AahaEcA0L9fI4d9q3aCoXcCwN0jDam_W3nchhDU/s320/IMG_3686.jpg" /></a></div>Chalenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13397915957689062913noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084322868008901590.post-68680742698510310832011-02-13T23:09:00.000-08:002011-02-13T23:09:57.286-08:00Ghana Leave Feb. 24<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSbJ-rFZXhzWx5JbHxVWBCABkrBq-LUYtnBYW7KAd1naNnc1q2HHjH4MxP2flup-CJJedL_KAZsrCb-wrX4DJsJn3WQRdTbQRbUp4r3V_VZCo3d6UgBD5lZ7IYOf3Gl7299dcDpC3oViA/s1600/photo+album.htm" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="176" width="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSbJ-rFZXhzWx5JbHxVWBCABkrBq-LUYtnBYW7KAd1naNnc1q2HHjH4MxP2flup-CJJedL_KAZsrCb-wrX4DJsJn3WQRdTbQRbUp4r3V_VZCo3d6UgBD5lZ7IYOf3Gl7299dcDpC3oViA/s320/photo+album.htm" /></a></div><br />
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I have bought the plane tickets to leave for Ghana on Feb. 24. I am really excited to go and bond with Deborah. I am planning on filing our I600 as well. I have gone back and forth with this decision but I really felt such a strong pull to go there now. <br />
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I think with me going over to Ghana, will help Deborah feel a little better knowing we really are working on things to bring her home. She has seen children in her home come and go with their adoptive families. It's her turn to see us and know that we are working as hard and fast as we can to bring her home. She has prayed for so long to be back with her sisters. I feel so honored that God has allowed us to do this. We honestly had no plans of this but through God laying it on our hearts and providing every need, it has become real to her dream coming true. <br />
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I get real emotional when I think of her so I can't wait to go. I wish it was Feb. 23 already and knowing I was going to go to bed to wake up in the morning leaving for Ghana. I do have a lot to do so I am glad I have this week to pull all the things together. <br />
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I have to thank our church, The Grove, for helping me with the ticket to Ghana. It is because of their help, that I get to go this month. I thank God for providing once again the need to get over there. Praise God!<br />
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Amen!Chalenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13397915957689062913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084322868008901590.post-82444853386925066222011-02-04T19:41:00.000-08:002011-02-04T19:41:20.742-08:00Table for 8?It's official we are much closer to being able to walk into our favorite restaurant, Chillis, and ask for a "table for 8". <br />
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WE PASSED COURT!<br />
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We are so excited that Deborah is now an official "Baxter". We went to court on January 19 and passed with flying colors. It was so exciting to wake the kids up that morning with sharing the news. Everyone was so happy. <br />
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I called Deborah that day to talk to her about court and how she feels about now being in our family. She was very quiet but I think she was emotional. She said she was very happy. This has been a long time coming for her. Her search for us has come to an end. She has worked so hard to find us and now she gets a family to love her. We completely credit everything in to God! He is the one who is walking hand in hand with us on this journey. <br />
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Please meet our sweet Deborah!<br />
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>Chalenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13397915957689062913noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084322868008901590.post-25512175328518659802010-12-02T21:14:00.000-08:002010-12-02T21:14:56.734-08:00So we wait .....So we wait to hear when we are going to court. Our dossier is over in Ghana and now it is the waiting game. I am hopeful we will go to court this month. I just have that feeling. So we wait for that email, phone call or text message!<br />
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It's different this time with waiting for things to go through with D. We are so incredibly busy with our own family life that it doesn't really feel like we are waiting. It's Thursday night and I wonder what happened to Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and today. Time is going so incredibly fast! We still have a lot to do and I know God is preparing us and he is also giving us time to get ready for her. <br />
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I did get to talk to her the other day and it was so exciting to hear her voice. I actually talk to her way more than we talked to the twins. So I feel closer to her than I did with the twins at this part of the process. I also think being a sibling of the twins, I feel closer to her. The girls talked a lot about D their first year. I know lots of stories about her so that makes me feel much closer to her. I just can't wait to get off the plane and see her. <br />
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So we continue to wait with smiles on our faces!Chalenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13397915957689062913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084322868008901590.post-83327399456783668922010-10-13T22:04:00.000-07:002010-10-13T22:04:51.731-07:00No News YetIt's been a while....actually feels like a really long while since I had exciting news. We don't really have any news yet. We have our dossier ready to mail except we need our home study to go with it. We hope in the next couple of weeks we will go to court to get our certification. This will allow us to get a copy of our home study and send our dossier over to Ghana. <br />
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It's really hard to sit and wait for this...well any part of the process. We feel like we have responded as fast as we can and now we wait. It's hard to wait, especially when you have a named child waiting for you. <br />
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We did get to talk to D on her birthday (this past Saturday). She turned thirteen. I get frustrated at the timing of everything due to her age. She is not a little child. She is preteen so it makes it more challenging for her and for us. I know God completely planned this so all of my trust and faith has to go into Him. <br />
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It's hard when she asks us "When are you coming to get me?" I don't have an answer yet for her. I just tell her we are working as hard and fast as we can. She understands what is happening and so I think it is just as hard for her as it is for us on the wait. God has His timing, but I wish I could look into the future to see what day she will be coming home. But that wouldn't build my faith, or would it??!! :)<br />
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So no news yet, but I hope some soon!Chalenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13397915957689062913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084322868008901590.post-35876649816583152682010-09-20T21:41:00.000-07:002010-09-20T21:41:48.890-07:00Update on ChildrenWe seem to get quite a few questions about how are the twins doing and what do they think about adopting D. It has happened so quickly but now we are having time to really digest everything.<br />
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The twins at first were so excited. They were thrilled to death that D was going to be a part of the family. I think they were shocked as to how the other 3 children excepted the idea as well. As I look back in the last two months, the twins have actually settled down more with the family. Now that doesn't mean they weren't attached but I kind of think, they are thinking "We are really here to stay". <br />
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The first year of the twins coming home was challenging with the fact the twins thought they were just living with us to go to school and someday they would return back to their family. Like they were our guest. They thought this because of a couple of comments their birth family said to them when we met them to say "good-bye". What their birth family said to them wasn't bad or anything but I can see what and how they misinterpreted what they said. <br />
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So now, the twins have actually "settled" down with more trust and believing they are a part of the family. The decision to adopt D has also brought out some insecurity with them. Interesting conversations have occurred like..."Mommy when D gets home - will you ever give us away?" "Will you ever give D away?" We have talked so much about why their birth mom had to give them up to another family. We have talked about how amazing she was to do this because only the strong moms can do this. Also, we have talked about just because their birth mom can't take care of them doesn't mean she doesn't love them. <br />
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I have taken them outside to show them the moon and explain to them, we all share the moon. So when they look up at the moon it's the same moon their birth mom sees. <br />
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So as I think about this new journey our family is going on, it is such a great lesson for security, trust, and more love <b>of</b> the twins and <b>for</b> the twins. <br />
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I know when D comes home, there is going to be a lot of grieving on both sides because of the change of the family. I am so amazed as to how excepting all the children have been to this new person who is going to join us. They talk a lot about ....when D gets here, can we......?" The twins have already planned out the dinner from when D comes home for the first night. <br />
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On the updating side of what has occurred so far is we have had our home study visit and now we are waiting for it to be sent to court to get certified to adopt. In Arizona, it's one of those extra steps we have to do. The next step is to send over our dossier. We will do that the minute we pick up our home study. It's mostly ready but I have dragged my feet a bit more because I have been working on something else for Ghana. Anyway, that's about where we are!Chalenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13397915957689062913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084322868008901590.post-85981937492743915062010-09-04T08:04:00.000-07:002010-09-04T11:13:37.155-07:00God DID ITWhen we decided to begin this adoption, Jarett was concerned with how we were going to do this because we don't have the money. Meaning, we didn't plan this so we didn't have a savings started for it. We could save for it but it would take a long time to gather the funds. D is already 12 years old and soon to be 13 so we want to get her home as quickly as we can. Plus, she has been separated from her sisters for 3 years now. Well, I told Jarett that if this was really God's plan for us, He would provide the money. <br />
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HE DID IT! <br />
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With our first order of the candle sales, we made enough money to pay for the home study and have a little extra left over. We are going to put the extra money towards the lawyer fees now (that's our next challenge besides plane tickets). <br />
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You think you have faith until you really run into a challenge and then your faith is tested. Both Jarett and I have failed this test. I started off strong with faith knowing God would provide for this adoption. He always has but as I think of all the things we need to pay for, I begin to doubt.....how are we going to do this next stage? I wonder sometimes if this is Satan putting those doubts into my head. I just have to keep my eyes forward knowing God is going to get us to the next phase and that this is all in His timing. <br />
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I do have to say that involving the children in the candle sales was such an amazing experience for them. It made them feel so involved in this adoption process. When we adopted the twins, our biological children would say "When YOU adopt the twins......". Now the children, including the twins, say "When WE adopt D.....". They have ownership in this adoption. I think it will make the transition of when D comes home so much more meaningful. We also have a Chick-Fil-A night set up and they are so excited for it. I think God is really proud of them to have the compassion for this adoption. I know Jarett and I are very proud of them!Chalenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13397915957689062913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084322868008901590.post-28658461471334082522010-08-25T21:10:00.000-07:002010-08-25T21:10:00.158-07:00Get to write some CHECKSI have gotten so much done this week. On Monday, we got the email with the application, medical forms to be filled out, reference information, etc. Within 2 days, I was able to get Jarett and myself to the doctors office and they filled out the forms while being examined. I got all the information completed. We went today to get our fingerprints done for the background check. Here in Arizona, we have to go to court to get certified to adopt. So we also paid those fees and signed those papers. <br />
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I am in shock as to how fast this is all going. I know at some point we will slow down a lot and will be waiting but I definitely didn't think this fast.<br />
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Sometimes I think that I am waiting for the ball to fall and hit me. Like...what was I thinking with falling in love with a little girl and trying to adopt her. I usually don't think about the glass being half full but this is happening so fast and there has been so much support from family and friends - there has to be something wrong, right? Maybe this is Satan putting these thoughts in my head. Nothing usually goes as smooth as this part has so I am a little leery. <br />
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On a side note, I had a friend today say she wants to go to Africa with me on one of the trips. Woo Hoo! I will have a buddy!!!! I am actually excited if she ends up going because then I can show off how awesome Ghana is!! :)<br />
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So now, we are almost ready for our home visit. I think everything is turned in but who knows if I have forgotten anything. I can't wait for that visit because we really like and admire our social worker. Plus it will be great for her to see how well everyone is doing. That's the exciting part for someone to see how we started and now she gets to see how we do this again!!Chalenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13397915957689062913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084322868008901590.post-39938851890966182142010-08-24T20:06:00.000-07:002010-08-24T20:06:47.662-07:00Overwhelming SupportI can not believe the overwhelming support we have had so far. As Christians, we (Jarett and I) hate to ask for help other than to ask God. I think it has shown that God is completely in the middle of this whole thing. I have had so many people tell us they would rather give us a donation than buy a candle. I love Gold Canyon Candles and I thought at least people are getting something good for their money. Even my principal is so excited that his wife is ordering. My sister came up with an idea to do a garage sale. Wow-It is amazing! I just know that God is totally going to provide us with everything to bring Deborah home. This has been happening so fast - but I am glad since D is going to be turning 13 in October. <br />
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I am excited to be able to visit Ghana again. I am already getting my shopping list ready. I hope I can meet the social worker there to give her pictures and show them how awesome the twins are doing. I know they would be happy. I can't wait to post her picture, when she is legally ours. She is so beautiful. She has a different type of beauty than Rita and Racheal. She looks like an angel. Seriously, I am not just saying that! :)Chalenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13397915957689062913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084322868008901590.post-34879790623863083722010-08-22T22:46:00.000-07:002010-08-22T22:46:04.723-07:00Table for 8I am thinking of changing our blog's title to "Table for 8". As I have been thinking of changing the title, just because we are going to be a family of 8 someday. There is a small story that helped me to come up with this new title.<br />
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About 6 months after the girls came home, we bought a kitchen table from one of my mom's friends. It just so happens to fit 8 people. I remember one time when we were sitting at the table and there was an empty chair. I immediately said to everyone, "There's an empty chair. I wonder what that means". Of course, Jarett politely said, "It means we have an extra chair for when the children have a friend over". I laughed and then added, "We should just adopt another child so we can be an even number and then all the chairs will be filled". The boys chimed in and said "Yes, we should get another boy, so it's even". It was a funny conversation. I didn't really think we would be in this situation again, with adopting another child. I was/am so comfortable and satisfied with the family we have now. I think that's what makes this such a "God" story. We have closed this door before, but for some reason God opened our hearts to it. I am so thankful and grateful that He did. <br />
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We got to talk to D Saturday morning and just hearing her voice and seeing the happiness and excitement on the childrens' face was AMAZING! R and R were so excited to talk to her. It was like they were nervous but excited at the same time. I can't wait for the day, they get to hug her. I think I will be a sobbing mess on that day. I just know that bringing these 3 back together again is what God wants us to do. When I heard D's sweet voice, it completely confirmed we are doing this and this is THE RIGHT decision for us. <br />
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On a side note, one of our special family friends moved to China about 2 months ago for a year. Well, they sold their Expedition to us right as they were leaving the country. This car is huge and seats 8 people. Who would have known that this car is exactly what we needed. I am tell you. . . . . this is a God story.Chalenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13397915957689062913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084322868008901590.post-37380346304184318052010-08-17T19:56:00.000-07:002010-08-17T19:56:28.488-07:00We are on our Way!!We started our first fund raiser today....Gold Canyon Candles. The kids are involved and helping out by asking their teachers and adults they know. It was so cute that Karson came to me tonight and said, "Mom, I sold 5 candles". I love it! I love the fact that he is so involved and the smile on his face knowing he is helping is so worth it! Kaiden is tomorrow and now it's a competition. Each child is taking a day. It's really cool to listen to them talk about this and refer to helping to being home D. We need to raise about $2000 for this very first part of the process. I think if we can get that then we can do the rest as time goes on. <br />
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I pulled out all of our adoption paperwork last night. OMW! I forgot all the things we did and all the paperwork we did to adopt the twins. It's like having a baby....you forget all the weight gain, swelling, heartburn and delivery. With the adoption....you forget all the fingerprinting, home visits, paper chasing, mailing, and delivery. I do have to say the delivery is the best part of both!!!!<br />
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I want so badly to meet D and give her a big hug! I know this is going to be a long process so God is definitely going to need to work on our patience.Chalenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13397915957689062913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084322868008901590.post-21252398656344289052010-08-14T20:44:00.000-07:002010-08-14T21:52:50.385-07:00New.... News for our FamilyWe have some exciting news to share. It feels a little weird to share, but at the same time exciting! We are beginning the process to adopt Rita and Racheal's sister. This is her biological sister. She is 12 years old and living in a foster home right now. R and R have talked about D for such a long time. We feel like we know her already. The story on how this came about is so amazing. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">This is how the story goes:</span><br /><br />Back in March we were forwarded an email from a gentlemen from Ghana. He was writing about how R and R's sisters (yes there are two of them) were placed in a foster home. The foster home they are in, is what we would call an orphanage. In the email, it stated their great grandmother had passed away. She was the caregiver for all the girls. A question was asked at the end of the email about adopting them. Jarett and I read the email a couple of times but did not feel the moved to do anything. So we closed that door. <br /><br />Five months later, I get an email from a friend (Jennine) asking me what R and R's older sister's name was. I emailed her back with the name....D. She emailed right back and said "call me". I knew something was up so I called her. After playing phone tag, she told me that she knew of a mother who was trying to find D's twin sisters. This mother went to Ghana and has a picture of her. I remember Jennine asking me "Would you ever consider adopting her". My immediate response was "No". <br /><br />Later that night, Jennine emailed the picture of D. My first thought was "OMW she is gorgeous!" She looked just like the twins but had a different beauty to her. I showed Jarett the picture of her and told him what had happened with the emails and etc. We both still felt like we couldn't adopt her. <br /><br />A couple of days passed and I got in contact with the mother who shared the picture. I asked her questions about D. She told me the story of when she was in Ghana in March and the last two days of her trip, she went to this orphanage/foster home to check on a child that was being adopted by someone else. She remembers D walking through the door and just standing in the door way. She remembers thinking how gorgeous she was. Well, this mother went back about a month ago, and D was still there. She was asking this mother about the twins and if she knew who adopted them. There was a sadness to her when she talked about missing them. <br /><br />I shared the story with Jarett. We still thought there was no way we could do this. We are just getting to where we are paying things in cash and working really hard to get our debt paid off (Thanks to Dave Ramsey). <br /><br />The more I spoke with the mother about D the more I felt the need to pray about it. So I began to pray. I prayed if this was His will then our hearts need to be changed so we could love her. Slowing both of our hearts were being changed. I remember telling my mom about this and telling her how scared I felt about it. It wasn't the type of scared feeling like I didn't want to do it but it was the "God" type of fear. The fear I felt was like ...just trust me and it will work out. <br /><br />A couple of days passed by and Jarett and I were still talking about it. We didn't know how this was going to work and how we were going to pay for it. I showed the picture of D to R and R. I gave them their own copy of the picture. It was so amazing to watch their expression and happiness to see the picture. I told them that someone had met their sister and wanted to share a picture of her. The next day, the girls asked us if we were going to adopt her. We told them we were praying about it so we didn't know yet if this is what God wants our family to do. <br /><br />Well, about a week ago, both of our hearts changed and we felt it heavy on our hearts to go forward with it. <br /><br />Now, remember I said there were 2 sisters in Ghana. They have a half sister. Her name is A and she is 6 years old. We have a picture of both D and A standing together. A doesn't look like the girls at all. She does look very sweet and beautiful but if you saw D - you could tell she was their sister. We did pray about both of them but we just don't feel the pull toward A. We feel it very strongly towards D. I talked to R and R but they didn't know about A and they don't know her at all. They do know and remember D. I do pray for some family to adopt A and then we can keep in contact with them. I don't feel like A and D are that close with a relationship. I maybe wrong but that's just what I feel. <br /><br />So this amazing God story has begun and now it's time to begin this process. We have contacted our social worker to update our home study and begin to get our dossie (not sure if I spelled that correctly) ready. This part is going to take a while because we need to redo our fingerprints and go to court here in our county.<br /><br />This is our unplanned pregnancy! We were shocked at first, but now we are excited and ready to begin to prepare. I do have to stay - I hope I don't gain weight with this pregnancy!!! <br /><br />On a side note, I probably need to change our blog title. Any suggestions...??? I was thinking....Eight is Enough. LOLChalenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13397915957689062913noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084322868008901590.post-6065149294004332692010-03-25T23:03:00.000-07:002010-03-25T23:28:11.187-07:00The Happiest Place on Earth<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnER9PNDUrARGuHBrm_lAVvI01apqCDGHaNOUl2Hy49F2cQi7O1gZO8pHg-8meoEbIZFpMnhZoYDRxkNOh4871w6vOAeXamieqjVNz_OHsalbEqjFRYAKOtscyLCbUWux3y0e3qVxfMeI/s1600/IMG_0289.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnER9PNDUrARGuHBrm_lAVvI01apqCDGHaNOUl2Hy49F2cQi7O1gZO8pHg-8meoEbIZFpMnhZoYDRxkNOh4871w6vOAeXamieqjVNz_OHsalbEqjFRYAKOtscyLCbUWux3y0e3qVxfMeI/s320/IMG_0289.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452823611503608114" /></a><br />We actually got to go to Disneyland this year. It has been about 7 years since we have gone as a family. We were able to go because we participated in the "Give a Day, Get a Day" that Disney is doing this year. We were 7 of the one million people who got to volunteer and earn a FREE day at Disneyland. I thought it was a great program that they were holding. We volunteered to go to a homeless shelter and read with children. The minimum age was 8 years old so our entire family go to do it together. I really think the children got an appreciate out of it. I didn't tell them what they were doing this for a day pass at DL because I didn't want them to focus on that. I wanted them to get their own sense of worth and appreciation out of this. I really was trying for them to get the good feeling we all get when we volunteer. I told them about their free day when we were at the ticket booth because they were asking why we didn't have to pay. <br /><br />I was hoping the twins would be more excited about Disneyland than they were. They were extremely excited about all the rides, but I was looking for the "theme" of Disneyland to be more exciting for them. The one big question I got when we began our journey to California was ...."Mommy, is there water in California?". It still amazes me that they still have the fear of not having water or enough water. I really wonder if they will always have that fear. The stories they share about not having water and food, I can understand. <br /><br />Below are some pictures of our trip:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5lZperAcRXoAlKejP4xkEaUcQXenb7Nab3PzI8YqiRGWNcZ_dKGZfdZZTz-yB3N9SbN5208vkvBg57qA0X6LplyVgObcI6XFJzwW1U-rUEXBeiOpj55ObbprGlXZhjnAQg8Q2w4wxUQ/s1600/IMG_0334.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5lZperAcRXoAlKejP4xkEaUcQXenb7Nab3PzI8YqiRGWNcZ_dKGZfdZZTz-yB3N9SbN5208vkvBg57qA0X6LplyVgObcI6XFJzwW1U-rUEXBeiOpj55ObbprGlXZhjnAQg8Q2w4wxUQ/s320/IMG_0334.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452823637726082466" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiLihbQypWwsvdgMQ4VHh1g402Blgv97mLEV34a2QqUtUXB0fQe49X_GZaOJApBuma45uHQPQMKPDdITbi7Ncr38xNAj5-HXv9uwy4_8xcPhSsZfv2FoTtrgaic1yRTv8tt3E4e68N6mY/s1600/IMG_0330.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiLihbQypWwsvdgMQ4VHh1g402Blgv97mLEV34a2QqUtUXB0fQe49X_GZaOJApBuma45uHQPQMKPDdITbi7Ncr38xNAj5-HXv9uwy4_8xcPhSsZfv2FoTtrgaic1yRTv8tt3E4e68N6mY/s320/IMG_0330.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452823631042764546" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjshaNq_qn2RAJtlfwJGI-A7V5qPxdRw02xGCXDoMqpLWbsH5VjX0Qeu9QGU8bCxS-d-u2p-DAVFtJTZz8vS0fCihyo41bvPiKRpqHa1DT5E_zxgcNZhX5a09-t2hCF_NXuqXcjRNH4vrw/s1600/IMG_0298.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjshaNq_qn2RAJtlfwJGI-A7V5qPxdRw02xGCXDoMqpLWbsH5VjX0Qeu9QGU8bCxS-d-u2p-DAVFtJTZz8vS0fCihyo41bvPiKRpqHa1DT5E_zxgcNZhX5a09-t2hCF_NXuqXcjRNH4vrw/s320/IMG_0298.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452823623480432434" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy13DqOt8tgEofWhLdUFgJ2o5DGaqyc1C7E-_6FOgESbvJsiLkbFEmpHOS_sq6zR70o8aLbrzjswD5Z759QBQbbeZO7Osr8FvzEFYTumVtnKlxmFSLqhlAQpe6draewOP4Sc95Z3jXtos/s1600/IMG_0299.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy13DqOt8tgEofWhLdUFgJ2o5DGaqyc1C7E-_6FOgESbvJsiLkbFEmpHOS_sq6zR70o8aLbrzjswD5Z759QBQbbeZO7Osr8FvzEFYTumVtnKlxmFSLqhlAQpe6draewOP4Sc95Z3jXtos/s320/IMG_0299.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452824264137517106" /></a><br />We had such an amazing time! My best memory of this trip was laughing with the kids. I would laugh so much that my stomach would hurt. I feel so incredibly Blessed to have such an amazing family!Chalenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13397915957689062913noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084322868008901590.post-32854421091972331362010-01-02T22:46:00.001-08:002010-01-02T23:46:32.419-08:00This Year......I'm Going Cheap!My goal for last year was to simplify my life. It has definitely been a year long project, but I believe I am almost there. <br /><br />Really, can anyone ever really BE there? <br /><br />Maybe!<br /><br />This year I am making it my goal to be as cheap as I can be with everything. Now, this is going to take curious from the whole family because we are going to go against society and other family members. Now a days, society thinks it's ok to be in debt. Actually, society expects you to be in debt. Why else would you need a credit score? The only reason you need a credit score is to get more credit (debt). <br /><br />Well, I am proud and excited to take this next step and go against society. We have been paying cash for everything the last year. But, now we are going to concentrate on paying literally everything off and save money to buy a house with CASH! We are anticipating 2-3 years to pay off everything and then begin to save. So we are thinking this project will take 6-8 years. I can't not wait until the day we sign the papers on our very OWN house. <br /><br />We are so determined to do this. The first thing we did was to decide to sell our house. The mortgage payment was getting us nowhere. We barley and something didn't have enough money to just live day to day. This last year we have had more medical bills with the twins and our other children then we have had in the past. Every month got tighter and tighter. So we prayed about it . . . God delivered! He actually delivered a couple to us that was in the same boat a couple of years ago. This couple is from our church. They spoke to us about it and now are actually helping us out. We have a contract on our house, which is them. We have moved into my sister's other house to rent. We won't make a penny on our house but the way all the events took place.....We truly believe God had His hand in this situation.<br /><br />The second thing we have done is to find where we could really trim even more. So we turned off cable, home phone and down graded our internet. This will save us about $120 per month. I also shopped around for different car insurance. I found "Progressive" who gave us the best deal with the most coverage. This will save another $100. So per year, we will be able to save another $2,400. <br /><br />We have read the book by <a href="http://www.daveramsey.com/new/baby-steps/">Dave Ramsey</a>. He talks about going against society and how to live debt free. He gives you steps to accomplish it. <br /><br />I am just so excited about this new adventure and change in our family. I think at the beginning of all of this type of talk = I was scared. I was scared of what my extended family, co-workers, friends, and neighbors would think. I was really scared of being embarrassed. But I am not! I am actually proud of us for taking this challenge and knowing that God is leading it. It is hard though! Society is everywhere and we have to stand up tall and not let it knock us down. <br /><br />So as this year begins, I am on a mission to find different ways to be more frugal. One of the other adoptive moms, who I admire (especially in this area) is <a href="http:///indianaamsburys.blogspot.com">Heather Amsbury. </a> She has all kinds of ideas that I have borrowed to implement. She has also used the Dave Ramsey ideas to be debt free. Her and her husband actually just paid off their house a couple of months ago. That is so fantastic! <br /><br />As this year continues to go, I am going to be researching ways to be more frugal. I am actually really excited for it. I think this is my new hobby! <br /><br />If you happen to have any tips, I would love to hear about them. I will be blogging the ideas I find and let you know how they work out. :)<br /><br />Blessings to you!Chalenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13397915957689062913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084322868008901590.post-27528106139714436172009-12-29T22:17:00.000-08:002009-12-29T22:44:58.442-08:00It's Been Too Long....But I am Back!Life has really gotten the best of my time lately. I am trying to juggle being a great and loving wife, mom, and teacher. My personality is to be the best that I can be with everything I do. Sometimes I let that get in the way of being the best for me. <br /><br />Last year was my most challenging year ever (home life and career). I questioned God almost every day as to why He allowed my life to be like this. I asked him many times what He wanted me to learn from this. As I look back, I can now see the blessings He gave me during this time. The twins of course were a HUGE blessing to us. They have brought grace and personality to our family. The class I had last year was so overwhelming with the challenges, but I have learned simplicity. That was a lesson that I also brought into our family. The more simple I keep things, the smoother our clan runs. :)<br /><br />About 6 months ago, I began going to the gym ALOT! It is my home away from home. It was so hard to get going because I was so out of shape. Now, I love it and find myself feeling guilty for loving it so much. I love doing double classes (back to back). It gives me the feeling of really accomplishing a lot. <br /><br />This upcoming year is a year to expand on simplifying. We are working on cutting all corners in finances. We are doing the Dave Ramsey plan. Our goal is to buy cash for a house within 6 -8 years. We have cut corners to pay things off and use every resource we can to get this goal accomplished. I am really excited for this. I know we can do it, but it is hard when your wants come out stronger than your needs. :) <br /><br />In the next day or so, I will post our Christmas day! We had a beautiful and amazing morning with the children. They were were so appreciative with everything they got. That is the best gift to give....being grateful!Chalenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13397915957689062913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084322868008901590.post-2951228796922509692009-10-18T21:12:00.000-07:002009-10-18T21:44:18.392-07:00Camping in PaysonWhat is camping? <br /><br />When I was a little girl, we used to camp all the time at Lake Conroe in TX. We had the tent, gas stove, fire, cots, etc. We did the traditional way of camping. Well, we decided to try a "camping" trip to Payson last week. We rented 2 cabins. Due to our family's size, the cabins only fit 4 people per cabin. The owners weren't kidding about only fitting 4 people....and I even think that is stretching it. :)<br /><br />Anyway, we made a bomb fire to roast marshmallows. We played and explored nature. We just had the best time being a family with nature. <br /><br />Any time something is new to the girls, we get major questions. Here are some of the examples of the questions we get:<br /><br />Are we going to eat dinner there?<br />Are we going to eat lunch there?<br />What are we going to have for breakfast?<br />Are there cups for us to drink water?<br />Is there water for us to drink?<br /><br />I just think it is so sad to still be worried about not being provided for and worrying about if they are going to eat or drink. Time is helping out with them trusting us, but it is still on their minds when they have a new experience. They did do very well and they really liked it once we got there. :)<br /><br />Below is a slide show of our trip:<br /><p style="visibility:visible;"><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://widget-4c.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" height="320" width="426" style="width:426px;height:320px"><param name="movie" value="http://widget-4c.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="scale" value="noscale" /><param name="salign" value="l" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent"/> <param name="flashvars" value="cy=ms&il=1&channel=3242591731740388940&site=widget-4c.slide.com"/></object><p style="white-space:nowrap"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=ms&at=un&id=3242591731740388940&map=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-4c.slide.com/p1/3242591731740388940/ms_t016_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide1.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=ms&at=un&id=3242591731740388940&map=2" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-4c.slide.com/p2/3242591731740388940/ms_t016_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide2.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=ms&at=un&id=3242591731740388940&map=E" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-4c.slide.com/m/3242591731740388940/ms_t016_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide9_1.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a></p></p>Chalenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13397915957689062913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084322868008901590.post-84007471572236137202009-10-09T08:15:00.000-07:002009-10-09T08:29:17.722-07:00It's a New Look!I am so excited for the new look to our blog! Our family has really settled down after the first year together as a family of 7. It has been a challenge but looking back it's been a good challenge. Every time things got a little rough, I always remember that God will never give us more than we can handle. <br /><br />Our family has adjusted very well. We are in the process of some changing again. We feel God is moving our family into another direction, so we are open and following his guidance. The change we are going to occur will somewhat be of a challenge for us but in the long run it will be really good for our family. I am excited but on the other hand just a little nervous. This is where my faith needs to be stronger and that is something that I struggle with. I know and love God but my faith is always something that I need to work on. I am A personality so I am used to running and controlling things up until I became a Christian. I have learned in the last 16 years to let God control but there are times where I step in and then I get in trouble. :) With this big change coming, I really need to focus on God taking the driver's seat and I will sit in the very back to watch. :)<br /><br />Blessings,<br />ChaleneChalenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13397915957689062913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084322868008901590.post-55335926141814736912009-10-01T21:10:00.000-07:002009-10-01T21:24:24.376-07:00Looking for a New LookIt's that time to create a new and updated look for this blog. I am having Nikki from <a href="http://www.madebynikki.blogspot.com">Blogs for a Cause</a> help design my blog. She designs blogs and the money she gets for it goes toward her mission. If you happen to get a chance go to her website and see the designs she has done. You can also see her work over seas and where her passion is. I love to support people who have a passion of helping others. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">To read about her work in the DR and Haiti www.heroholiday07.blogspot.com <br /><br />To read about her work in Ethiopia <br />www.ethiopia2009-adana.blogspot.com <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-weight:bold;"></span></span></span></span><br /> <br /><br />Anyway, hopefully in the next couple of days this blog should have a new look. :)Chalenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13397915957689062913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084322868008901590.post-58051004913056796012009-09-05T22:43:00.001-07:002009-09-05T22:55:54.127-07:00It's Finished!Rita and Racheal got their hair professionally done today. I was looking for someone to do their hair where it will last for a long time. The style they got, should last 2 months. Now, this was just a treat for them. It's not anything we can do every 2 months, but once in a while. I had told them when school started we would look into getting it done differently. <br /><br />The lady who did their hair took about 7 hours for the both of them. She was definitely faster than I am. I usually takes 6 hours per girl. We did braids and the ends are curled. This style will allow them to pull their hair back into many different styles. We will see if it last up to 2 months. I sure hope so. <br /><br />The one new tip I learned today is that Olive Oil comes in a spray can. This is something you could spray on their hair twice a week. It keeps the scalp moisturized and shiny. I saw this type of spray at Walmart in the hair department.<br /><br />Here are the pictures of their hair. The lady had it pulled up but they took it down when they got home. <br /><br /> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZOUiN2OFnmT2YaiVX7wOb8cm_ArPMX4L69kA1MXstkKJgBhxFIyTxU9x9ymJQ0DWB6oqohCSe02qzJIXUsep25mmyO7rUKbM8Wn9IqwC7YWkqmFrg9LgnUMlT3EYJKu1I27298BOXps/s1600-h/IMG_1073.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZOUiN2OFnmT2YaiVX7wOb8cm_ArPMX4L69kA1MXstkKJgBhxFIyTxU9x9ymJQ0DWB6oqohCSe02qzJIXUsep25mmyO7rUKbM8Wn9IqwC7YWkqmFrg9LgnUMlT3EYJKu1I27298BOXps/s320/IMG_1073.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378228404277130866" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFi_O99wLGiJylLwFnHoCmbeSIwiVtLitbKjXMCKJvWtcPFNQxz6XOLc0G0FdDOjvp4X6JCSHSFuSpyghAeZO6KjWgT-LW-WXVICPJbDbpVqB4js7jPkyNn_93UbErtlz5AvgnAI3c3Fs/s1600-h/IMG_1072.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFi_O99wLGiJylLwFnHoCmbeSIwiVtLitbKjXMCKJvWtcPFNQxz6XOLc0G0FdDOjvp4X6JCSHSFuSpyghAeZO6KjWgT-LW-WXVICPJbDbpVqB4js7jPkyNn_93UbErtlz5AvgnAI3c3Fs/s320/IMG_1072.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378228392845792098" /></a>Chalenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13397915957689062913noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084322868008901590.post-1743621985178196772009-09-02T21:48:00.000-07:002009-09-02T21:55:57.530-07:00So Excited!The girls are doing really well! They are beginning to really bond more with us. I feel like each week is getting better and better. I feel like they are understanding what has happened and how they are a part of our family forever! Rita is so much more affectionate with me. This has been something we have worked on, but for her to initiate it is a huge step forward. YEAH!<br /><br /> I scheduled an appointment for both girls to get their hair professionally done. This is a huge treat for them....... and ME! The girls want extensions and as much as I love to do their hair - I am ready for a little break. I found a lady who will do their hair. She is from Sudan which is cool for the girls. Their big appointment is Saturday. She is going to do corn rolls, which is something I am not able to do so that's why this would be a break for me. This is something I won't do often because it is part of our bonding. I am going to stay and watch her so hopefully I can pick up some tricks to do it. :) I will post pictures on Sunday!Chalenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13397915957689062913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084322868008901590.post-41281887086446307982009-08-23T23:45:00.000-07:002009-08-24T00:31:52.456-07:002nd Year ChallengeAs you are going through the adoption process, you read a lot about what to expect the first year. You hear about how hard the first year is and the possibilities of issues that could come up. I haven't really heard or read about things / issues / challenges of the second year. I wonder if adopting older children - there really isn't that much out there. The things I read and hear are mostly of younger children. So I thought I would write a post on what challenges / issues we are facing the beginning of our 2nd year with the girls. <br /><br />We started our 2nd year with separating the girls into their own classroom. Rita had a very difficult time with this separation. Racheal did very well and loves having her own classroom and teacher. It took Rita about 3 weeks to be comfortable with this new change in her life. She has begun to process this whole adoption thing. She has begun to recognize her feelings and she is trying deal with them. Rita has been the one (this first year) who is pleasing to everyone. She doesn't tend to go against us as much as Racheal. Racheal is very strong headed, while Rita is not. <br /><br />The last couple of weeks, Rita has had dreams of her birth mother and me together. She says her birth mom comes to America and I tell her she can't stay with us. This is her dream and she wakes up crying. This is a dream that has brought out some of her emotions to this adoption. We talk about it and how difficult and expensive it is for her birth mother to come to America, so I don't think it would happen. I talk to her about how her birth mom had to decide she couldn't be their mom any more. We talk about how God has planned for us all to be together and how He has a plan for their birth mother. The one comment Rita has said to me that I think of often is "Mommy, I wish my birth mom would die and go to Heaven." I, of course, ask why she feels that way. She replied, "Because then I won't have to worry about her and she will be with my birth dad". I honestly have to say, I wish the same thing.....only so she doesn't have to feel the responsibility of worry about her. Now I would never wish for someone to die, but to hear the pain in Rita just kills me. It does seem like it would be easier for them to deal with this if she had passed away. But, because she is still living, they think of things like this. Rita has had some very well thought out questions like: Will I know when my birth mom dies? If I go back to Africa when I am 25, will my birth mom know who I am? Why does God not help my birth mom get money for food?<br /><br />Those are such tough questions. I believe in being very honest with the girls and all of the children. I really encourage an open relationship. But, sometimes questions come up that I don't know they are really ready..emotionally...to hear the truth. <br /><br />Racheal has handled this in a completely different way. She shows her independence with us. She will argue, complain, and basically do what she wants in secret. I know her all to well, and she doesn't get far with us. I have eagle eyes on her. She will do very well for a while and then slip back into this mood of hers. It's like she is testing us more now than before. I feel like this is the way she is handling the feelings of all of it. <br /><br />Looking back at their last couple of years......They were brought to Eban House and stayed there for a year, then I came and got them, which they have been with us for a year. So I can see now how they are really beginning to understand they are here with us FOREVER and this has got to be scary. <br /><br />I wonder if any other families have dealt with this type of issue. I am sure they have but I don't hear or read much about it. I know we can expect thoughts, questions, and issues to come up here and there. It just is sad to see them have to think about this and to try to process it. It's tough being an adoptive mom emotionally - I think. I love them so much and I hate to see them have to deal with this. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">My Prayer:</span><br />Dear Heavenly Father, please wrap your arms around Rita and Racheal to let them feel your security, protection, and love for them. Lord, help them to understand this is Your plan and how You have such great Blessings to give them. Lord, I ask you to give Jarett and I the wisdom to help them understand what has occurred with them in joining our family. We ask You to help us speak to them honestly, lovingly, and biblically. Only You Lord, knows what is in this plan for them and for us. So continue to help us walk the path you have for all of us. In only Your loving name, Amen.Chalenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13397915957689062913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084322868008901590.post-54087947899060895752009-08-04T22:56:00.000-07:002009-08-04T23:15:04.594-07:00Change Is Good! Right?Last week happened to be everyone's first week of school. This was a huge change for us because this year we have quite a bit of different things going on. Karleigh is in Jr. High. She is now in 7th grade. Oh Brother - this was huge for her. It seems like in just a week, she has grown up. She loves her classes and teachers. Every day she has a different story to share. It's great!<br /><br />The biggest change for our family is that Rita and Racheal are in separate classrooms this year. They had high anxiety with the change and knowing they weren't going to be together right before school started. They kept asking why we did this to them. It's hard to explain that giving them this opportunity to learn in different classroom will help them in the long run. We talked about how they will be able to learn better being in different classrooms. This will give them the chance to learn all by themselves. Last year, they would answer for each other, do each other's work, and stick together. This year they will make their own friends, answer their own questions, and think for themselves. <br /><br />Rita has had the hardest time adjusting to this new situation. She walks by Racheal's room and peeks into the classroom. She is hugging Racheal all the time (which she really never did). She has been much more clingy to me. It very weird how many steps backward she has taken. I honestly feel like this will be really good for her to be able to grow and accomplish things all by herself. Now, on the other hand, Racheal seems to be doing really well. She absolutely loves being in the classroom she has so far. I am really proud of her. Actually, I am really proud of both of them. They have never been separated like this so overall they are doing pretty good with it. <br /><br />Karson is in 3rd grade also. This means we have 3 - 3rd graders. All in different classrooms. I hope I can stay up on it all. Kaiden is in fourth grade and really doing well so far. He is trying his best to get straight A's. <br /><br />So overall, everyone is doing fantastic and growing the way God has planned it. We believe God is working in our family to make more changes. We are still praying about them and when they become final, we will share. You may be thinking.....adopting again....No we are not, nor are we pregnant. Nice Try though!<br /><br />Blessing,<br />ChaleneChalenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13397915957689062913noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084322868008901590.post-3719434432860747232009-07-01T07:55:00.000-07:002009-07-02T00:16:09.424-07:00Happy American Birthday Rita and Racheal!Now<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4XZOivfwJ1skAVF_ElGq_qxthBF4iWtu30pFAHM98H-oSH_OmKfvBCWFyJ1L6i6mz_qiW7mNOB7sbyXWPvWofJ2JQpFPjkwN-s6OXj6z5GtBCZ0mOJGjIFh13OwRzgBJ63ykhnyOYAEw/s1600-h/Baxters+(280+of+289)-2.jpg"></a><br /><br />Then<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn0bQeuVWNouNJwG0jSSuG9H3_ZjPMuNOVNuNTG9Yj3WNvePRZQ1VEjfcORz9S-5mRmP1LywHYIU2vAs8xvUGy4mKpP-1K009jp0Y7Gfmr_JVumJdN7O1oimLpPxZxmSvHXCMYRPsDlQw/s1600-h/twins.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn0bQeuVWNouNJwG0jSSuG9H3_ZjPMuNOVNuNTG9Yj3WNvePRZQ1VEjfcORz9S-5mRmP1LywHYIU2vAs8xvUGy4mKpP-1K009jp0Y7Gfmr_JVumJdN7O1oimLpPxZxmSvHXCMYRPsDlQw/s320/twins.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353756044210118722" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />When you adopt, I feel there are several important and very specials dates that keep track of - just like a pregnancy. <br /><br /> <br />There is the day (comparing it to pregnancy):<br /><br />* <strong>you decide to adopt</strong>......you decide to get pregnant<br />* <strong>a day you have your homestudy</strong>......you get the news you are pregnant<br />* <strong>a day you get your referral</strong>......you hear the baby's heart beat for the first time<br />* <strong>you go to court</strong>......you get your first ultra sound<br />* <strong>you make your first trip</strong>......you take the birthing class<br />* <strong>you make your second trip with taking custody</strong>......delivery day<br />* <strong>a day you are home</strong>.......a day you are home<br /><br />Throughout the adoption process we went through last year, I would refer it as a pregnancy. The concept and experience was pretty much the same. The only difference is my babies came out to be 8 years old. <br /><br />Today is a very special day for our family. It's the day that...one year ago....the girls came home forever. Our other children finally got to meet them and we were united as a family of 7. <br /><br />WOW! We did it! We made it through the first year. I have been told and I have read about how the first year is the hardest. As I look back, I can't say it was the hardest but it was a challenge. I think the challenge came more from me. If there was anything I could change about this year...it would be taking the full 6 weeks off to adjust. I made the mistake of taking only 3 weeks off and then I went back to work full time. As I look back, I was exhausted for 2 of those weeks just from the trip. Then getting all the kids to adjust to this new transition and getting ready for school was just to much. I think if I would have taken the other 3weeks off, then I would have been able to get the girls adjusted to school and give myself time to adjust to this new family. I had the most challenging class this year and I should have taken the extra time. My thoughts were.....they are older so I wouldn't need to take the time off like you would with a baby. That was the mistake I made. They were like a baby emotionally and needed the extra time with me. Other than that, I feel like we had a good year. I am sure if I were to really think about it, I could find other mistakes that I did as a parent. But, that will go with every situation. Parenting is hard, but it so worth it!<br /><br />The girls have grown emotionally and physically. Both girls have grown 6 inches and gained 12-14 pounds. YUM - that American food! They have learned to read, write and swim. They have also learned how to be in social situations like birthday parties and family gatherings. These have been there accomplishments so far and I am so proud of them. I know I say it a lot, but for them to come to our family and join in their role of being sisters i truly amazing! <br /><br />The most important accomplishment they have taken on this year is finally understanding they were adopted and what that means. We have had lots of conversations about it and now they understand. One of the amazing things is that they said they want to go back to Africa and adopt a child. That completely threw me for a loop when they said that....Karleigh said the same thing. She actually told me she doesn't want to have a child of her own, she wants to adopt. My dream for them has been planted. I have secretly wanted all my children to be open to adopting and just by conversations, they are planning it. Amazing and I am so thankful to God for doing all of this for our family. <br /><br />Well, Happy America Birthday Girls! We love you so much!Chalenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13397915957689062913noreply@blogger.com2