How are we doing? Well, it's constant going and going at our house. It's constant noise. It's constant . . .We have case worker visits, and therapist visits, and CASA visits, and counselor visits, and phone calls, and constant interruptions. It gets overwhelming. I have felt at my wit's end more in the last 4 months than ever in my entire life. I have questioned God over and over as to why He brought us here. The hardest part is in dealing with our 5 year old boy. He has suffered the most abuse. He has such fits of anger, they are scary sometimes. I get so angry at his birth family for all the things they did to him. I don't even pretend to understand why this happened. It's so hard when he asks me why they hurt him. I just tell him I don't know, but we are going to protect you and keep you as long as possible. There are so many what-ifs. They are overwhelming. I can't even think about them. The other Mom's in our "family" are such an amazing support system. We have all had panic days, but it's so helpful that we have each other to talk to. There is no possible way we could do this without their support. We never seem to have panic days at the same time. I know that's God's helping hand!
The kids have made amazing progress in the last 4 months. They are getting along better and not physically fighting all the time. They make their beds, pick up their toys, take showers, clean their plates, and use their manners (most of the time). This is a HUGE deal!! We have got to do some awesome things this summer, had to miss out on a few things because of behavior problems, but overall we had an awesome summer of adventure and laughter!
June was spent just getting used to being at home all together. We spent a lot of time at church delivering lunches. The kids worked so hard and had a blast helping Jackie. The loved getting to know the groups and spending time with the youth. I spent most of June trying to come up with a system for keeping our house somewhat organized and clean. I actually have very few pictures from June. The kids got to go to two summer camps. The first one was Angel Tree. They loved it. Then we took 60 kids for a week long camp in Oklahoma. It was crazy because we had to drive back in the middle of it for a very important doctor visit and for two CPS classes. It was a very fun camp. The very best part was the Friday night baptism service. Taylor and Mr. M both were baptized. Taylor has been talking with us about getting baptized for quite some time now. She has been asking and asking questions and wanting to be baptized. At camp, she said, "Mommy I'm ready. I know what I'm doing." So, Jackie and I talked with her some more. Honestly, I know she was ready. She was so brave and excited. She still talks about it and remembers it. It was the best moment of my life! I am so proud of her and the example she is already, even at such a young age.
July was AWESOME!! We started off the month with a great vacation to Oklahoma. We went camping for 5 days. We took our 5 kids, plus one other. It was crazy, but so much fun! We would get up, make breakfast and then go swimming. Then we would eat lunch, drive around to cool off, then get back into the water. We found the perfect swimming hole that was shaded and also had lots of places for the kids to jump into the water. It was a perfect getaway. I did not take pictures because we were too busy enjoying the kids! The weather was HOT, but the water was so nice.
When we got home, Jackie and the kids finally finished the porch! It's amazing! Jackie hung a swing and got a big table. It's perfect for enjoying outside. He also built me a pergola! It's in the back corner of the fence and we have some plants, a firepit, and a swing out there. It's so nice when we actually have a free moment to have a place to relax.
After the kids worked so hard roofing, we set up the water slide and they had a blast!
I know it doesn't do justice to the great time we had with the blocked out faces. Hopefully someday we will be able to share their smiles with you! Jackie and I went to a wedding for my long-time friend Tobi. It was a quick trip. We were so tired when we got home. I had a great birthday! Jackie arranged for some friends to come spend the night with our kids so we could have an all-night date! We ate dinner at Texas Roadhouse (where we had our first date). And then we went out for dessert late at Applebee's. It was so much fun. Too bad birthdays are only once a year!
Then I took off to Colorado with the youth group for youth camp. It was amazing. I'm so impressed with our youth and I LOVE getting to spend time talking and hanging out with them. Our camp was in Pagosa Springs and it was beautiful. I have decided this is our next vacation spot for sure!
This week is the last week of summer. We have decided to make the most of it! Saturday we went to Wonderland. It was crazy expensive, but it was so worth it! The kids had so much fun!
We closed the place down. We rode so many rides it was crazy. The kids were great sports and waited patiently in line. There were only two times we had to get on to them. It was an amazingly fun time and the weather was perfect!
Sunday night we went to the drive-in and watched Smurfs and Cars 2. We went with another family and we had a great time. The weather was awesome and the movies were both good. We got home about 1:15 and every single one of our kids were still awake. So much for getting used to going to bed early to get ready for school. :)
Today we went to the zoo. The kids had a good time. It was so hot that the animals weren't really doing anything but laying around trying to stay cool. The tigers were really moving around so that was the best part. Then we went and played at the playground for a little while.
Who know what the rest of the week hold for us, but we are going to soak up every last minute of summer for sure!!
