Adoption

Looks like we won't be adopting the little girl who was identified by a friend of a friend of a friend. But, that phone call got us moving on adoption preparation. Adoption is something we've thought about since before we got married. We are now working on our home study and trying to figure out where we should adopt from and what agency we should use. So many orphans - so many possibilities.

Indy Zoo

It was a beautiful day - sunny and high 80s. I took the kids and their grandparents to the zoo. We have the family +2 membership. It comes with free parking and the option to take 2 guests.

Grandma & the little guy touched a shark

tigers and bears - oh my

I think someone was getting tired....

Today's quote...

"Mom, please turn on the trumpet music. I like it!"

The CD is AL HIRT - GREATEST HITS

Climbing

He likes to climb trees - hasn't fallen out yet.

This picture was taken yesterday when we were at the park.

Spaghetti Art

Went to "Lunch Bunch" at the park today. The librarian read a story about noodles and then the kids did noodle art. Paper and cold cooked spaghetti - who knew how fun leftovers could be. The little guy created this "smiley face"...

Happy #77

Today is my Dad's birthday. He, mom and my younger brother came to visit this past weekend. Here's dad with his decedents (only my older brother is missing from the picture - he and his wife weren't available for the weekend - they live in NY).

We love you Dad. Happy Birthday!

Love Wins

Just finished this book...

little sister

Our little guy picked this dress (size 2) out for the little sister we are hoping to bring home from another country. We are starting the home study process now and I'll be attending a seminar on Saturday "Affording Adoption". A friend of a friend of a friend has identified a little girl (1 year old?) who needs a home. We'd love to have her join our family. Please pray for us during this process.

On my shelf...

These are the books I'm trying to read this month...

Four are from the library and I bought one for a discussion at church.

Has anyone else read any of these? What did you think?

more summer fun

I guess he was tired.

Baritone Boy

1st day of band. I'm kind of glad it's low brass instead of a squeaky clarinet or sax.

Summer Fun

What a great moment. They are all just playing right there on the living room floor. In a few minutes things may blow up but for now all is calm.

The pictures we don't show mom until it's over...

Yup. I'm glad he's strong willed. (It did make me, who is rather risk-averse a bit nervous - I held the ladder while he painted.)

"The Strong-Willed Child...

-almost never accepts words like "impossible" or phrases like "it can't be done."

-shows great creativity and resourcefulness - seems to always find a way to accomplish a goal.

-is not afraid to try the unknown - to conquer the unfamiliar"

(The above is from the book You Can't Make Me But I Can Be Persuaded by Tobias)

Remodel is done.

The project is done and the boys have moved into their new room. They like having more space. I'm still trying to get all my stuff organized.

Is it a dog or a rat?

Yesterday (early afternoon) we found this dog (Kevin when he saw a picture called it a rat - I guess he doesn't like chihuahuas). It didn't have a collar and we didn't know who it belonged to.

Animal control came out and scanned the male dog for a chip - no chip. Then we put up signs "Found Dog - our phone number". Eventually the owner came and picked it up. I was glad to see it go - the kids were not.

Strong Willed?

I just finished reading

YOU CAN'T MAKE ME (BUT I CAN BE PERSUADED)

Strategies for bringing out the best in your strong-willed child

by Cynthia Ulrich Tobias.

I found it very interesting and helpful. According to the book, I'm married to a strong willed man. I think some of our off spring also are blessed with a strong will.

On the book jacket it says...

• Gain insight into how a strong-willed child's mind works
• Recognize why your strong-willed child may choose not to obey
• Learn to share control without compromising parental authority
• Discover positive ways to approach and motivate your strong-willed child

I took some notes and am going to try to use some of what I learned to make life better with/for my kids. The book also helped me understand my husband a bit better. (He and I are SO different!)

I would definitely recommend this book to parents and teachers who have/work with strong willed children.