#29 Things that Lift Me Up

Noah's stories

Noah comes up the wildest stuff! He cracks me up. Tonight as I was putting him to bed he was asking me if God was going to make rainbows tomorrow. I told him that I wasn't sure. That started a one sided conversation that went like this:

"Jesus is a really bad guy. He was down in Mexico and had a sword. and then you know what happened? He took the sword and was fighting the bad guys. And then I found a tree and then I saw in the tree there was a cup and then you know what? The cup had coffee in it. And then I saw a taco in the tree. I drank the coffee and ate the taco and it was so yummy. So tomorrow, when I see a tree with a cup and a taco on it - I am going to give it to you."

Crazy kid!

#28 Things That Lift Me Up

YMCA

Everybody - sing it with me!!! No, seriously....I am loving our local YMCA. Floyd Medical Center recently partnered with YMCA to give their employees a discount and we decided to take advantage. The YMCA recently renovated their facility to include a really nice child care center, cardio theater (which a fancy way of saying that they have tvs on every treadmill) and a really cool room called The Vault for 7-12 year olds with interactive video games (you play video games while you excercise!) - man to be 12 years old again!

I admit - I kind of lost focus for awhile. Started eating lots o' fast food, stopped working out, stopped going to Weight Watchers, put on about 20 pounds. How come it goes on so much faster than it comes off? It doesn't help that I have been so stressed out with work and things with Micah...and instead of going to the gym....I headed straight for McDonalds. But...I am re-focused....and I have to be...because in a month and a half I am signed up for the Chickamauga 1/2 marathon!!!

The boys are loving the YMCA too! Noah said the other night, "Can we go to the MDCH?" I said, "The what?" He said, "The USPA!" I still was clueless! It took about four tries with various combinations of letters and I realized he wanted to go to the YMCA! They are going to be taking swimming lessons soon and I am going tomorrow to sign up for pre-school soccer which Micah is begging us to do.

Here's to a healthier family!

#27 Things That Lift Me Up

Field Trip with Micah

Micah had his first field trip (well, sort of) as a kindergartener. They were supposed to go to RidgeFerry Park with their 6th grade buddy. Unfortunately, we have had so much rain lately (no major flooding in Rome, thankfully) that the park was very soggy. Instead, the classes headed to a local recreational center and played games. Micah was very clingy when we first arrived, but after the first station of arts and crafts - he forgot all about his dear ol' mom. Micah's 6th grade buddy's name is Joseus (not sure if I am spelling that right). He was such a sweet kid. He played so well with Micah and when they all played duck, duck, goose - Joseus kept pointing to Micah and saying to the "ducker" - "pick him". Not sure exactly why they asked us parents to come along, but it was fun to watch Micah have a good time.

The Honeymoon is Over!!!

Micah's first week of kindergarten is over and so is the honeymoon period. He is still loving school. It is just that, well, school is not really loving him. Micah's teacher rates their behavior every day on a color scale - purple is the best (lunch in the classroom on Friday), blue (prize from the jar), green (pat on the back for doing what is expected), yellow (5 minute time out at recess) and red (10 minute time out at recess). The teacher sends home a notebook every day with their color that day and other important information. This is how it went down:

1st day of kindergarten: green
2nd day of kindergarten: yellow
3rd day of kindergarten: red
4th day of kindergarten: red
5th day of kindergarten: yellow

On the 4th day, Richard got a call from the principal. Micah had taken a bunch of scissors and wanted to cut when it was time to do a coloring activity.

Teacher: Put the scissors away.
Micah: No
Teacher: Go move your name to yellow.
Micah: No
Teacher: Put the scissors away.
Micah: No
Teacher: Go move your name to red.
Micah: NO!!! (throwing the scissors on the ground)

That is when the teacher called the principal in and they called Richard and asked him to come to the school to have a talk with Micah. I must admit - my initial reaction was that of relief when I heard that he only yelled at the teacher. At least he didn't show her any of his preschool antics of kicking, spitting, hitting....I am sure he is saving those for this next week.

Ugh....I don't want Micah to be labeled "the bad kid". He has taken up with another little boy and the teacher said they like to get into trouble together. They have been found (on two occasions) in the bathroom with their pants down after they had already gone to the bathroom. That was the reason for red one of the days.

I am hoping and praying that this past week was one of adjustment and things will settle down. Richard and I went in and spoke with the teacher on Friday. I explained to her, "I was in the principal's office all the time in kindergarten...but I promise you...I am a very productive member of society now!"

We are trying to think of creative ways to reward Micah for good behavior at school and home. Any suggestions would be very much appreciated! Also, donations of your prayer time will be accepted graciously!

Things that Lift me Up

A Quiet House

9:00 p.m. and all is well with the world. At least, all is well within my world. My house has not been this quiet at this time of night....since April 24, 2004 when Micah came into this world. Richard is at school. The boys are both asleep. Even the dog has calmed her incessant barking.

I remember when Micah was born and I asked my sister Keri, "When do they start sleeping through the night???" In her all her motherly wisdom she replied, "When you absolutely think you cannot take another night of no sleep." I thought she was crazy, but just as I came to my breaking point....Micah blessed me with zzzzzzs.

Lately I have asked, "When do they start going to bed at a decent hour?" My mom promised me, "Kindergarten. I guarantee you he will go to sleep better at night when he starts kindergarten. I know it totally wore you out".

When I get to heaven, the first thing I am going to thank God for is Kindergarten.

Now.....what to do with myself since I have the rest of this night to myself.... (yawn)

Rites of Passage

Micah's First Day of Kindergarten

For months we have been preparing for this one event - school shopping, hair cuts, reading books like "Miss Bindergarten goes to Kindergarten" and "The Kissing Hand", and even braving the "back to school" aisle at Wal-mart. Richard and I decided we would start the new school routine two weeks out in order to make sure we had it down pat. We would get up at 6am, out the door by 7:30am and to the school by 7:45am....every day we prepared to prepare....every day we failed miserably. I was very nervous that we would not be able to perform when faced with the real thing. But here it was...staring us in the face....

August 3, 2009

Richard entered the room of the sleeping dragon. He pulled the foot out from under the blanket and attempted to cover it with a sock...it recoiled in sleepiness. Richard dared to speak out against the sleeping dragon. "Micah, you need to wake up. Today is the first day of kindergarten." To Richard's surprise, the blanket came flying off and the sleeping dragon popped out of bed. He threw on his clothes and shoes, headed straight for the van, climbed into his seat and put his seatbelt on. To both of our amazement the dragon even turned down breakfast. A morning routine that normally took, near I say an hour, and involved breathing fire, harsh words and looks that could kill - had been reduced to less than five minutes in all. Wow! We should have done this kindergarten thing a long time ago!

Of course, the scrapbooking, nostalgic mother that I am...I had to take pictures. But do you think that child would get out of the car? NOOOOO. He told me I could take a picture of him in his carseat! I was finally able to snap a few once we arrived at the school but was shooed away like the papparazzi! I barely got a hug and a kiss goodbye! I guess I should be glad that my child wasn't the one screaming and wrapped around my upper thigh.

So, we survived the first day of kindergarten. Micah talked more tonight at the dinner table than he has....well, ever! He told us all about Chester the racoon and the book "The Kissing Hand", which is a book we have at home. They toured the school looking for Chester the racoon. When the found him they returned to the classroom for paw shaped cookies with a hershey kiss in the middle. When I asked him what his favorite part of the day was he replied, "EVERYTHING!!!!" I guess that means he wants to go back tomorrow.

Make a Smilebox postcard

Update

I have not posted anything recently, although I have had all of the best intentions. So I thought I would send one big update instead.

Where to start? How about with the good stuff! I drove to Pittsburgh, PA this past weekend for a girls weekend with my five best friends. Unfortunately, one of the five was not able to come because of a sick husband and children - her absence was felt deeply. We chose Pittsburgh as our destination this year because Sarah was 38 weeks pregnant with their first child. She just glowed and was so darn cute - looked like she just had a beach ball under her shirt! Made me sick! :) I guess the excitement of the weekend took it's toll on baby as she began to have labor pains the morning we left and gave birth to Samuel David on Monday night. Mom and baby are doing well - per the grapevine. We had a fabulous time of food, drink and deep discussion. As always, it was hard to leave....was so much better when I could just walk down the hall or across the room to be in relationship with all of them. We celebrate 15 years of friendship this year and I am so stinking blown away by this circle of amazing women who call me friend.

My cousin John Goodrich is living in Rome this summer for 12 weeks doing a PT internship at Floyd Medical Center. He came over for dinner last night and it was so great to get caught back up with him! He only lives in Atlanta but due to the horrendous traffic that normally separates us - he might as well live in Italy!

The boys are doing great! I could spend an hour just sharing stories about things they have done recently that just crack me up. They are such humorous beings - a true reflection of ourselves, which is sometimes very scary! As Micah was dodging me the other night at bedtime and playing keep away with his person (on my king size bed) I tried to grab him - smiling he said to me - "Let's do this the HARD way". He also educated me the other night on the fact that Michael Jackson did drugs and died, oh and that he sang a song called "Beat It". Supposedly, MJ was the topic of conversation on the preschool playground. Micah requested that his back to school haircut this year be a green mohawk - yes you read that correctly. Could he be more my child??????? We have one more week before he starts KINDERGARTEN!!! I am sure I will post on August 3rd with pictures and an account of what an absolute mess I was!

Richard is taking Sex and Gender in school right now. "My Life Is OVER" is dramatically said in our home these days. The last class he said that about was English. He will probably get an A....he always does! Have I mentioned recently how proud I am of him????

As for me, I have been doing a lot of soul searching lately. One of the reasons I drove myself to Pittsburgh last weekend. Just needed time to think and pray about where I am at in life. This year has been particularly hard for me - call it mid-life crisis (at not really the middle of my life - hopefully!)....not really sure what it is....but, I am really praying for some answers soon because I don't know how much more I can take.

My job has been the major source of my stress and anxiety. I have been doing very well at combating the stress with running and working out, but within the past week I have had two anxiety attacks. The attacks, the personal reflection and prayer, and the weekend away with my friends (they always force me to look deeper than the every day surface crap) has made me reevaluate where I am in life and what God wants for my life. My friend Terri has shared with me the website from her church and I have been listening to some amazing sermons/speakers and mulling the soul searching questions they are posing. I am conflicted with my desire to "dream big"/follow the heart of what I was truly created for and the reality of being a 33 year old mom and wife and responsible adult. Is there a common ground where these two coexist peacefully? I'll let you know if I ever figure it out.

Love to you all.

#26 Things That Lift Me Up

SMORES!!!

Rich and I were able to get a babysitter at the last minute and go out to dinner tonight. It was so nice to get out and have an "adult" conversation. We went to a restaurant called Sassafrass Grille. It was such a good meal which I cannot say for many meals we eat out these days (probably because most of them are at Burger King)! For dessert we got Smores - see above picture. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE smores and I thought this was just the coolest idea for a restaurant dessert. Unfortunately, we couldn't finish it all. Richard suggested we get a "to go" box but I just felt weird taking graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate bars home with me from a restaurant. It was lots of fun and really lifted my spirits! So thankful for smores!

#25 Things That Lift Me Up

Father's Day

Today I told Richard that it was his day - we could do whatever he wanted to do. After a few hours of mulling his choices he decided he wanted to take the boys swimming. I told him this seemed to be an odd choice since he says he doesn't like to swim. He told me that he wanted to do something as a family because if it weren't for the kids he wouldn't be a father. Fair enough - I should have known Richard wouldn't pick something where he could relax or be by himself....it just isn't in his nature to think of himself first.

So, we went to Cave Spring, GA this afternoon. Cave Spring is a one stop light town in Floyd County, GA (same county as Rome). It is home of the Georgia School of the Deaf and Rolater Park - which has a spring fed lake and a really neat cave you can go in and explore. The spring fed lake is like a community swimming pool and we were joined by a hundred or so other people in the freezing water on this hot summer day.

Happy father's day to Richard and to my two fathers! I love all three of you!

#24 Things that Lift Me Up

Vacation

On June 6, 2009 my sister, Tammy, was married to her looonnnngg time boyfriend, Dan! Some of the family thought they would never see that day come (Tammy included sometimes), but we were all very excited to share in the joy of their marriage to each other and to welcome Dan into the family!

Their nuptials were a perfect excuse for us to make a vacation out of a trip to Michigan. We were fortunate enough to take a week and a half off from work and spend some quality time with my side of the family. We carpooled to Michigan with my mom and Gerry-dad - making a few "side trips" on the way. It was fun to travel with them.

Tammy and Dan's wedding was a wonderful celebration of love and friendship. Their wedding was outdoors at a park in Canton, MI; a very simple, intimate ceremony with family and close friends. They could not have asked for a more gorgeous day. Tammy was a radiant bride - we all commented on how much she looked like a Greek goddess.

After the newleyweds left for a romantic Carribean island to honeymoon, the rest of us headed west to Keri and Doug's house. Micah and Noah were in hog heaven, spending time with their cousins (Nate, Carsen and Daniel). They played hard from the time they woke up until their head hit the pillow that night. Outside, inside, transformers, trains, sandbox, video games, tag...you name it...they did it. One morning we found Noah and Daniel standing on the porch playing in the sandbox. It was drizzling rain. Each of them had one hand on a small umbrella that offered them shelter from the elements and the other two hands played in the sand. Talk about a kodak moment...wish I could have found my camera!

We were able to spend some time with Grandpa Brown (the kid's great-grandpa) and his sister, Aunt Helen (who lives in California). We went to Rays to have the best burger EVER. We made a visit to Grandma Brown's grave and remembered what an amazing lady she was. We went to Nate's baseball practice, played at the pool, sat on the front porch and enjoyed the beautiful weather, ate delicious food, went on a triple date with Doug, Keri, mom and dad, shared wonderful conversation and laughs by the light of a bonfire, and savored long hugs during our tearful goodbye.

After leaving Michigan, we headed to my dad and Susan-mom's house in Ohio. On Friday afternoon, we went canoeing. Little did I know (here's where communication in a marriage comes into play) that Richard had never been canoeing! My dad and mom took Micah in their canoe and Richard and I took Noah in ours. Richard didn't tell me about his inexperience until we were already in the water and he was in the back of the canoe. Noah was having his afternoon meltdown due to lack of sleep (there was a little bit of water in the bottom of the boat and Noah was having a fit - it just wasn't right that there was water in the boat), Richard was trying to catch his balance in the boat and I was trying to explain how to steer. It was quite the humorous event now that I look back on it! Maybe our next venture in a canoe will be a little more relaxing.

We enjoyed seeing Aunt Sally, Uncle Bill and our cousin Stacy (who is attending school at Ohio Wesleyan University) for dinner one night. Nights spent out on the front porch, catching fireflies, and conversation in the midwest summer breeze are what made the trip for me. The boys had so much fun spending time with grandma and grandpa - reading books and playing at the park.

After such a stressful month at work in May, our trip up north was exactly what the doctor ordered. A chance to get away from the reality of our life and spend quality time with family. My sister Emily came to Tammy's wedding and I was able to spend some time with her and hug her after not seeing each other for about two years. That meant so much to me. It was also so inspiring to see all of the cousins playing together - including Jeff and Jil's children. I think it was Jeff who said he saw all of them playing outside at his mom's house and realized - that was us only so many years ago - how awesome to know that the connection continues with the next generation.

Many people would not categorize the trip we just took as a "vacation". Well...I can't lie. I dream of the day we can vacation on the beach or travel the world. But even if those types of vacations never happen, I treasure the time I spend with my family and I am so thankful for the time spent together.

You can see my pictures of the trip on facebook at this link:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/profile.php?id=507493417&v=photos

#23 Things that lift me up

A day with my boys and a night with my hubby!

Unfortunately, when I finally have a moment to breath from my crazy work schedule, Richard has had to work all weekend. It worked out for the best as I got some quality time with Micah and Noah. We got up at 7am this morning and took Richard to work. We then went to the farmer's market, grocery shopping, home to take a nap and then back out to the library and playground. The boys signed up for the summer reading program at the library and we checked out a bunch of books. We then went home - ate dinner, baths and read books. We had such a fun day together!

Rich got off work at 6:30pm and the babysitter came shortly after that. Rich and I then headed out to a Floyd Healthcare Foundation event at the Coosa Country Club. It was New Orleans theme (and no I did not dress up this time in New Orleans attire - for those of you who remember my horror of the Dogwood Ball!). Food was great, great jazz music and really enjoyed the people I met.

It has been such a great weekend not having to worry about work so much and not being so stressed out. Wednesday we leave for Michigan for a week and a half. I cannot wait to spend time with family and get away from life for awhile.

#22 Things that lift me up

When God Shows Up

and knocks my socks off

Last Friday I did some retail therapy and among many items of clothing, I bought a nice gray pant suit. I told Richard it was going to be my interview suit for when I am fired. Our Federal Review is coming up next week, which is the source of the majority of my stress. I have been burning the midnight oil trying to prepare and stay caught up on the rest of my work. The process has been exhausting at best and down right impossible at worst. So, I have spent many afternoons crying on my way to pick up the boys from daycare - wondering if it is all really worth it. Most days I think it would just be easier if they did fire me. Most days I feel defeated. But then God shows up....and reminds me that He sees beauty and purpose in the mess I call my life.

God has revealed Himself to me in many ways during this rough work season of my life. He showed up this morning in the form of one my workers. She walked and asked if I had a moment. She wanted to show me something. I said yes and she shut the door behind her. Immediately, my mind shifted to the negative and thought, "Oh this can't be good. She wants to give me her resignation." We have all been joking about quitting lately...but I didn't expect any of them to really do it!

We sat down at the table in my office and she pulled out a piece of paper. She said something to this affect:

You know that we are involved in a small group at our church. Well, our church is doing a series called "Where is the Love?". At small group the other night we discussed several questions. Through tears she said to me that one of the discussion items was "Share a time when someone believed in you even though you might not have believed in yourself." She looked me in the eye and said, "I thought of you and I shared with my group how you always believe the best in me and you are such a supportive supervisor."

Of course, you know my emotional self! I was right there crying with her. God is so good. He knows exactly what we need, when we need it - and He ALWAYS delivers. By sharing this with me, she believed in me even though I haven't been believing in myself. That's the beauty of loving each other.

Not only have I been struggling with work but also with other issues. By having this friend/co-worker share with me this morning - it put my whole day/week/month in perspective. I asked her if she would let me have a copy of her small group study notes. I have been looking at them tonight - I am supposed to be working, but I keep being drawn back to her notes and feel that I should share my struggles and these words of encouragement with you all.

Read I Corinthians 13:4-8

(Note: Paul says that love is "patient". Sometimes we're irritated or angered by others and we don't know why. Not all irritability stems from sinful or selfish motives, although irritable treatment of others is wrong. Much irritability comes froma love of perfection, a deep desire that programs, churches, meetings, structures, organizations, marriages and families can be run perfectly. A desire to run things perfectly can erupt into anger at people who et in the way of ruining that desire. Those who are easily irritated need to remember that perfection exists only in God. We need to love him and our fellow Christians, not the visions or expectations we have for perfection from our spouse, kids, boss, church or other people here on earth.)

*Give an example of a time when soemone was patient with you. How did it make you feel?

*Why do unmet expectations of what we want from our spouse, children, church, job, etc. cause us to want to give up on being patient in love?

*Do you need to let go of any unreasonable, unreal or unmet expectations right now?

Lasting love extends grace - Read Ephesians 4:2

Grace is often used in relation to God's care for us, but grace is also a relational term. The word means, "undeserved favor". All of us appreciate being the recipient of God's grace and grace from others, but often struggle when it comes to extending grace to those who have hurt us, disappoint us, or don't meet or expectations. To show grace to other people means we do good or show favor to those who have not earned it, deserve it, or paid for it. Grace is the foundation for our relationship to God and others.

*Discuss what it means to extend grace to another person.

*To whom do you need to show more grace? What can you do differently in your behavior to that person?

Lasting love expresses faith Read Galatians 5:6

A big part of expressing faith in others involves acceptance. Acceptance is vital to all of us. That means accepting the good, bad, strong, weak, healthy or broken parts of others. You may not agree with everything about the other person, but you need to accept the reality of who they are and believe in them.

*Share a time when someone believed in you even though you might not have believed in yourself?

*How did that trust and acceptance make you feel?

*Who needs the assurance of your acceptance, confidence and trust right now?

Lasting love expects the best - Read I Corinthians 13:7

"(love)....always hopes." Part of expecting the best in others involves truth telling. Loving people means seeking and doing the best for another. To be their best, people need to hear reality and truth and they must learn to take responsibility for what they hear. One of the most caring things anyone can do for their loved ones is make them aware of a behavior or attitude that is not good for them, for love, or for growth.

*Share a time when someone lovingly made you aware of a behavior or attitude that was not good for you and how it helped you grow.

*What are some ways to approach a person you love to make them aware of something that is keeping them from being their best? How can you check your motives when doing this?

*People need clarity when hearing truth. Give the person a path, direction and steps to take. For example note the differences in the truth statements below: "I want you to connect more with me and stop hiding behind the computer." That is global and vague. Compared to the statement, "I need time with you every day if possible where I have your full attention, eye contact, and we talk about our lives, stresses, and each other. When is a good time for you?"

Lasting love endures the worst - Read I Corinthians 13:7

"(love)....always perseveres." When the people in your life become unkind, self-centered, or destructive, they still need love. Not everyone deserves love, but everyone needs love. Again love is seeking and doing the best for another. Part of loving people means we seek their best, but we don't enable bad behavior. There can be people in your life at times who have been really hurtful to you and it may be in your best interest and their best interest to set some boundaries and consequences to guard the both of you. We are not to allow or promote irresponsibility or hurtful behavior with others. Boundaries in your life with these people protect yourself from harm and can help them to learn to take responsibility for their emotions and behaviors. So, do not confuse the grace of being loving with the license of being enabling.

*Share about a time in your life when someone didn't give up on you. What difference did it make?

*How can you show love by enduring the worst in others while keeping healthy boundaries in your life?

(NOTE: Background information taken from The Relationship Principles of Jesus by Tom Holladay, Loving People by Dr. John Townsend and the NIV Study Bible and NIV Life Application Bible by Zondervan)

John 15:12 - "My command is this:

Love each other as I have loved you."

#21 Things that Lift Me Up

Jam Session with Friends

Saturday I met up with two of my friends, Susan and Lynn, and we headed out to a U-pick strawberry field to begin our adventure in jam making. We picked about 30 pounds of strawberries, which amazingly only took us about 30 minutes. My hamstrings are still killing me! The strawberries were in good supply considering the high amounts of rain we have had. The mud in between the rows of strawberries was also in attendance...slurp.

We departed the strawberry fields with our bounty, along with homemade strawberry ice cream and 2 strawberry fried pies. (good thing I weighed in at Weight Watchers earlier that morning - and thank goodness for extra weekly points!) Back at Susan's house, we spent the next six hours tempering the glass jars, washing, cutting, mashing, boiling, pouring, and sealing our jam. We made basic strawberry jam, strawberry/jalapeno, and christmas jam (strawberry/cranberry). We made about 60, 1/2 pint jars in total - which we split between the three of us. Guess what everyone is getting for birthdays, Christmas, and every holiday in between????

The husbands and children joined us that evening for pizza, wine, and good, but exhausted company. I cannot even imagine incorporating canning into my daily routine - my hat goes off to previous generations!

I am so thankful to my adventurous friends who teach me new things daily. What a great time we had! We have decided to do a project like this once a season - end of summer may be canned tomatoes, salsa or pickled okra. YUM!!!

As for strawberries....I think my love for them is done for a season...today I bought a watermelon for dinner instead!

Here are some picture of our fun day!

We caught Susan off guard and made her take a picture with the jam after we had started to highlight her hair....thus the silly looking bonnet on her head!

The boys had a great time too. Susan has chickens, dogs, and lots of land - they were thrilled!

Adoption Celebration Lunch

Today was our Adoption Celebration at work. My unit hosts an annual lunch for our Juvenile Court Judge, court staff, other case managers, contracting agencies, State Office Adoption Staff, etc. This is one of the events at work that really gets to the heart of the matter and helps us all remember why we do the work we do.

Here is what I said to our guests today:

We would like to thank you for joining us today. You were invited to this celebration because you make a huge difference in the lives of Floyd County foster children. We want to thank you for the impact you make on their lives and ask you to celebrate with us as we look back at 2008.

Over the past year and a half, DFCS has seen many changes. The most important of these changes is the charge we have been given:

"Children thriving in safe and stable, forever families, sooner."

The terms "Long term foster care" and "Emancipation" are quickly becoming extinct from our vocabulary and we are replacing these with the word "Permanency".

Permanency comes in many different forms: reunification with biological family, a permanent placement with a relative, kinship custody, or adoption.

As we focus on the permanency goal of adoption today, I would like to share some numbers with you.

2008
34 adoptions finalized in Floyd County
4 finalized within the Federal guideline of 24 months
8 teenagers placed with adoptive families
6 sibling groups of two or more children
11 adoptions finalized on children who had been in the foster care system for 5 years or longer

In 2009, the Floyd County adoption unit has been given the goal of finalizing 50 adoptions! With your help, we can continue place our children in "forever families" sooner and not allow them to linger in foster care.

After I finished speaking, each of my workers shared a personal story of one of the children on their caseload. Then we showed the following video. I hope as you watch this video, you can relate to why I am so passionate about the job that I do....even though it stresses me out most days! These kids are worth every stressful moment!

#20 Things that lift me up

My brilliant, funny children

We went to the zoo this past weekend. We also braved Chuck E. Cheese in the same day. It was all for Micah's birthday - however, we will NEVER do that much in one day again. There were some MAJOR meltdowns by 6pm! We saw lots of neat animals at the zoo...never thought "Naked Mole Rats" would be an exciting exhibit...pleasantly surprised...and disturbed at the same time. My favorite exhibit was the Meerkats. I have never watched the show, but supposedly they have a whole show (reality tv at it's peak). There are many different roles each Meerkats plays within the Meerkat family - one being "The Protector". Well, "The Protector" stood on top of a tree stump on his hind legs and stood guard, watching all of the silly human beings parade by him. Noah said, "You see the king?" as he pointed to "The Protector". Noah said, "That is the king of the Mary Cats." Yes Noah, that is the king!

As I was dropping Micah at his daycare class the other day his teacher approached me..."Um, Mrs. Bryant....Micah...." This is never a good start to a conversation with his teacher and I immediately replied, "What did he do?" She said, "Oh, nothing...but he...he is BORED!" She went on to say that he is her comic relief during circle time. The other children sit around...looking lost. Micah says, exasperated, "It's an A. It's a W. Today is Tuesday. The color is purple." She said, "He looks at the other kids like - Come on people, let's get through this so we can go play already." She then went on to say, "So, I hope you don't mind....I am working on addition with him." Mind? Teaching my child addition? In Pre-K? Why would I mind?

Let's just go ahead and admit the kid to Ohio Wesleyan University in the fall! Who needs kindergarten???? :)

#19 Things that lift me up

Childlike Faith

Matthew 18:1-4

1At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"
2He called a little child and had him stand among them. 3And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

I am always in awe at the simplicity of my children's faith. We were in the car the other day listening to a song by This Beautiful Republic called "Beautifully Broken" when Micah asked, "Momma, what does it mean to be beautifully broken?" Wow, this question took my breath away. At first I thought,...what a young theologian he is at 4 years old! Then I started to explain to him how everyone is broken in some way and that Jesus came to fix us. There is a beauty to our brokeness because of what He did on the cross.... "Like when Daddy fixes my toys?" Micah replied...

It's that simple. No wonder Jesus said we should come to him like little children. I remember how untainted we were as children....

how much we trusted,

how easily we forgave,

how uncomplicated it all was as a child....

As adults, we make it so complicated, don't we?

I love to see God through my children's eyes and to see their love for Him. There is a softness, an innocence and a simplicity about it that the world, that Christians, that "the churched" take away from it with all the legalism and our own human "adult" nature.

I have been blessed recently with a favorite song called "By Your Side"...listening to this song reminds me of the simplicity of faith and the desire Jesus has for us to come to him as "his" children.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J95rAr0gOFU&NR=1

#18 Things that Lift me UP

Community Events like the Spaghetti Challenge!

Recognize anyone in this news clip????

http://rome.uber.matchbin.com/pages/videos

(the clip about Floyd County Commission on Children and Youth Partner with the Firefighters... not the clip about the Shake and Bake Meth House!)

#17 Things that Lift Me Up + an update on life

Micah and Noah are playing T-Ball!

So the thing that has lifted my spirits the most lately has been T-ball practice with Micah and Noah. Richard and I signed the boys up for the YMCA T-ball Tykes league. It really isn't a league since they do not play any games against other teams. Instead, they are learning the basics - how to throw, hit, catch, run. If you ever need a really good pick me up...I highly suggest going to watch a group of 3 and 4 year olds attempt to learn a sport. Even more amusing are the coaches trying to teach them and the gaggle of parents who are cheering loudly and making a fool of themselves! I was right there among them - watching with pride as my boys studied from one of the great Shorter College baseball players.

The "class" is 45 minutes long and begins with each of the Shorter College guys taking two kids each and showing them how to throw the ball. I waited for the college dude to be shocked by the sheer raw talent my children had. I was humbled.... Noah especially was not on his "A" game as he limp wristedly (is that a word) throwed the ball back to the coach. Micah surprised me by actually enjoying himself and not being scared away by the ball. Next, the coach took them into the batting cage and let them hit off the tee. I think they hit the tee more than they hit the ball, but hey, who cares...They were having a blast! Finally, the coach soft pitched a few balls to them - a few seconds after the ball hit the ground the bat was swung. That technique is definitely going to take practice in hand/eye coordination. The boys and girls then huddled around their coach and were told "Good practice. Your team name is the 'Night Hawks'. See you next Monday". We shuffled off to get a t-shirt that was 3 sizes too big and were on our way. We did it! We survived our first extra-curricular sporting event!

I was quite amazed at how much fun I had. Honestly, I have been secretly dreading (maybe dreading is too harsh) the days where my life becomes defined by the extra curricular activities schedule of my children. But, this first practice gave me a glimpse of my future as a band booster, soccer mom...whatever God's Will may be...and I have to admit....I liked it!

Now for the update....

I apologize that it has been so long since I blogged. I do appreciate my dear sister requesting a blog as it made me smile to know at least one person reads this! I would have posted pictures of Micah and Noah with the T-ball blog but...alas, everything in our home seems to breaking - one of these things being my camera. My friend Deanna took pictures at the practice so as soon as she emails me a copy or I get my camera fixed I will post some pictures of my all-stars.

In addition to the camera we have been reduced to one vehicle as the Rodeo has decided to retire. Just as we pay the darn thing off....such is life. Over the weekend, two of our dining room chairs have broken in two - I don't know if that is a sign from God that Richard and David need to lose weight or that we need to go shopping for a new dining room suite. We have been extremely blessed by this dining room table and chairs that were a gift from our relative Margaret. I am sure Margaret would be aghast to know the torture the boys have placed upon these poor dining room chairs. We may need to donate the survivors to a more peaceful, well-mannered family. Lastly, our computer has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and we are continuously baffled by its outbursts.

Thankfully all these posessions are just that...earthly things. Although I am broken in many ways, I am constantly reminded by God that He has the power to restore, heal, mend, reconcile and provide growth.

I am being challenged in my work these days to stay positive and encouraging. It is discouraging many days but I am determined to trudge forth. If nothing else, I have been given a new title to go on my resume. We are now staffing cases of children who have been in custody for a long time and are stuck in a forum called "Permanency Roundtables". In these roundtables, I have been given the role as the "Subject Matter Expert". I have always wanted to be an expert in something....I guess "subject matter" works for me. I would appreciate prayers for sanity during the next few months as we prepare for our federal review. We have been given the daunting task of achieving a 95% on the review....or else....

Micah continues to provide me with opportunities to grow as a parent as we try to mold him into a productive citizen in the community. I continue to pray he will not end up in an orange jumpsuit, answering to the juvenile court judge like so many other deliquents I see on a daily basis. I pray that I do not become the clueless parent sitting next to that orange jumpsuit.

The other highlights of life at the moment are: Running the Berry 5K with Richard and Elena; reading a few good books - "The Middle Place" by Kelly Corrigan and "I Know This Much Is True" by Wally Lamb (if anyone has other good read - I would love suggestions to add to my reading list; Micah torturing the babysitter after only a few short hours; my husband entering the "Joy of Statistics" class; looking forward to celebrating with my sister Tammy on her upcoming nuptials - working like crazy to fit into my bridesmaid dress; and worrying about my dad who is preparing to have a pacemaker installed tomorrow morning (after a month or more of arguments between doctor and the stupid insurance company). I guess that is all for now....isn't that enough???? ;)

I hope all is well with everyone who reads this. I love you all.

#16 Things that Lift Me Up

Micah's love of music

It is so incredible to watch your child enjoy the same things you do. I love music and I love to sing. It just thrills my heart to see Micah loving it too! He has a great memory and can sing along to the words of a song. The other day he was singing and I looked back at him and smiled. He said, "Don't laugh at me". I told him I wasn't laughing and Richard explained to him how happy it makes me to hear him sing. He has a lot of favorite Christian songs that he likes and he will belt them out!!! At school they have a CD they sing and dance to and he has come home singing some of those songs - I think it is like a Kidz Bop CD or something. He was singing The Backstreet Boys "Bye, bye Bye", but this week it changed and he walks around our house singing, "PEANUT BUTTER JELLY TIME!" It is hilarious to hear him singing about something he can't even eat! I love that along with all of the negatives he inherited from me...he also inherited my love of song.

An Attitude Adjustment

I can't afford a psychologist anymore, so this blog has become my therapy sessions, thus the babbling that is about to come. I would apologize for this, but hey, you are the one who chooses to read it!

We had such a great vacation that coming back to work was somewhat of a shock to the system. I came back to work after the New Year invigorated and what I was met with left me in need of a serious attitude adjustment.

My job is typically stressful but I would say that I thrive on stress. However, lately it has become an awful lot to deal with.

The tension in our office has been high and the morale low for several different reasons, namely the 5% cut in pay we have taken due to furloughs and the rise in health care premiums. (I would like to pause for a moment and state that I am very thankful to have a job, despite these issues and I realize that almost everyone is facing the same types of things or worse.) Although these economic changes have caused a strain on the budget I have been able to take these changes in stride, much more so than other changes in my job.

I am a big believer that change is good. I can usually become acclimated to change quickly and feel comfortable and confident in the work that I do. Lately, there has been so much change in my job I feel like I am a dog chasing my tail or a hamster on one of those darn wheels! It has become very frustrating for me to not know what is priority (because everything is priority and everything was due yesterday), to not know what the focus is, to not know what it takes to succeed, and to not know how success is being measured. Thus, my bad attitude.

I had a revelation the other day that my bad attitude has been cropping up in more areas of my life than just my employment. It rears its ugly head when I look in the mirror, when I think about exercise, when I binge eat, when I isolate myself from others, when I find myself unable to sleep at night but as equally unable to rise in the AM.

In my insomniac state the other night I found myself Googling and self-diagnosing. When I shared with my friends at work that I wasn't just lazy - I have Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome, they laughed at me! I assured them that it was a legitimate syndrome as I had found it on the Internet and I had every symptom...well except for the fact that it is rare to be diagnosed in anyone over the age of 30.


So, what IS my problem? I am in need of an attitude adjustment!



I shared with my mom recently, that most of my life I have felt like I have been just surviving, instead of living. I want to live. In order to do this, I have to get a new attitude toward life, stop playing the victim, stop whining about why life isn't fair and on and on...



Life is what you make of it. Cliche - yes, but true.

You may ask how I plan to execute this attitude adjustment. I plan to...

...get up every morning, look in the mirror and tell myself I am beautiful
...put my makeup on, even on the days that I don't feel like it
...go to the gym and at least, walk on the treadmill (but I do have a 10k to train for - ACK!)
...shut my mouth at work about how much I hate the lack of direction and all of the changes - if you hate it, just wait, it will change. I have always been told "in the time you stood around bitching about it - you could have had it done by now." (thanks Gerry dad - see, I did listen!)

...take time for myself

...develop a good sleep pattern and bedtime routine

...attend Weight Watchers and do the program - for the LAST time!

...stop beating myself up about mistakes in the past and spend less time worrying about the future



I am sure I will add to this list as I go. God has been affirming this attitude change in me as these two songs have become my anthems (if you didn't already know - God speaks to me through music).



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k84adRm9u5k

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTVGt9dNuHU

#15 Things that lift me up

My amazing husband

I am incredibly blessed to have such an intelligent, funny and loving husband. I am so very proud of him.

http://news.mywebpal.com/partners/680/public/news942978.html

#14 Things that lift me up

Vacation!

Happy New Year to all! I hope you enjoyed ushering out 2008 and welcoming 2009. We have had such a great holiday season. It started in Ohio as we spent the Thanksgiving holiday with my dad, step-mom and the rest of the family. The boys met their cousin, Eloise, for the second time. She is now toddling and they were enthralled with her. My dad and Susan had a house full on Thanksgiving day as we feasted on "roasted beast". I believe there was approximatley 30 people. The day after Thanksgiving the "girls" went to Worthington (as tradition would have it) to eat a nice lunch at La Chatalaine and browse the local shops. It was nice to have Eloise with us (as well as in spirit)! On Friday we drove to Michigan to see the other side of my family. My mom, Gerry, Ryan and Lauren came up too. Lauren had never seen snow fall so it was fun to watch her get excited about that. The boys also had a blast with their boys cousins (much more rambunctious than Eloise). On Saturday night we drove to Detroit to see Tammy and Dan's beautiful new house (new to us anyway) and were beat at poker, yet again! We came home on Monday, December 1st - our 7 year wedding anniversary!

Being at work between Thanksgiving and Christmas was hard, but we endured...looking forward to our week in Florida. The day after Christmas we packed up the car again and headed to sunny Florida. It was absolutely beautiful all week! Not a rain cloud in sight. Great Grandpa Brown is currently visiting mom and Gerry due to Aunt Lynda and Uncle Tim's trip around the world. It was so great to spend time with him, although I know he was so relieved to see us go! It is like a three ring circus when we come to town! Richard and I went out to dinner one night at Salt Rock Grill on Indian Rocks beach, which was so decadent. I had the best creme brulee!

Saturday, I went with my mom, Jill (one of her quilting buddies) and my sister-in-law, Lauren to Dade City. The quilt shop in town was having a huge sale so Lauren and I tagged along for a "girls only" lunch and we hit the antique stores.

We went to the beach two days - a blast! I didn't think to bring bathing suits for the boys but that didn't stop them from stripping down to their underwear. The last time we took Micah to the beach his ezcema was really bad and as soon as he got in the water he screamed in pain as the salt water seeped into his open wounds. What were we thinking? I ran him to the parking lot and hosed him down in the public showers. This time, however, his skin was completely clear and it was such a joy to watch him play in the surf. They even built a couple of sand castles and collected sea shells. We also saw two dolphins playing - how neat!

The second day at the beach Noah picked up the pail of sea shells I so carefully picked up from the shoreline and started to walk away with it. I asked him where he was taking them and told him I wanted to take the shells home with us. He scowled at me, stuck his finger out and said, "The sea shells stay on the beach!" The people next to us laughed and said, "Well, I guess he told you!"

Noah is finally potty trained. He had a few accidents while we were on vacation and he needs to work on his aim (sorry mom) but he hasn't worn a pull up in about a month. He did almost get us arrested on the beach (not really) when he pulled his underwear down and commenced to peeing on the sand. If Grandpa hadn't picked him up and carried him to the water we would have had one angry, bikini-clad co-ed on our hands! :) Whew!

Sunday, Grandpa Goodrich and Aline came to visit. They brought with them a Hess Gasoline truck and tractor for each of the boys. That was a HUGE hit! The boys have played and played with those trucks. I am surprised the batteries have not worn out yet. Aline brought her delicious cookies and a few pies, which we feasted on all week. (Good thing I start Weight Watchers next week!)

I was able to go to lunch with one of my best friends from high school on Tuesday. She and I drifted apart when I went to college and we haven't seen each other in 14 years. It was such a healing experience to reconnect and realize that real friendships are preserved within the span of a lifetime. You are always able to pick up right where you left off.

New Years Eve, Ryan and Lauren hosted an 80s themed party at their house and Grandma and Grandpa babysat for us. I haven't been so excited to go to a party in a really long time. I also haven't used that much hair spray in a really long time. We dressed up in 80s attire, danced, sang, played 80s trivia. It was so much fun! Keri and Doug came down from Michigan that afternoon so they were able to come to the party too.

We played lots of cards all week -Euchre, poker...I am getting better and one of these days I am going to win a big pot.

We came home today and plan to head back to work tomorrow. Our vacation this holiday season has been so relaxing and enjoyable. We are blessed with such great family and friends. I have put some pictures from our trips on facebook and will get all of them on snapfish in the coming days and send them out to everyone.

I have lofty goals for 2009. I plan to fight and beat this addiction that has been slowly killing me the last several years - as I said, headed to Weight Watchers on Saturday. I also plan to start running again - I have made a promise to Elena to run the Peachtree 10K with her in July. I also hope to regain some of my lost confidence during the coming year. Whatever your goals, hopes and dream for 2009, I pray that God will meet you where you are and bless you immensely.