2008
Where does the time go?
Friday, October 30, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Thursday Thoughts
Take a look at our updated documents list for our Ethiopian Dossier:
1)Photocopy of Jeremiah's birth certificate - Notarized
2)Photocopy of Jennifer's birth certificate - Notarized
3)Photocopy of our marriage certificate - Notarized
4)Local police clearances - Notarized
5)State police clearances - Notarized
6) Federal police clearances - Notarized
7)Medical Statement for Jeremiah - Notarized
8)Medical Statement for Jennifer - Notarized
9)Bank Letter - Notarized
10)2008 1040 Tax Form - Notarized
11)Employment letter for Jeremiah - Notarized
12)Family letter to the government of Ethiopia - Notarized
13)Two reference letters - Notarized
14)Two power of attorney forms for Ethiopian lawyers - Notarized
15)Post placement agreement - Notarized
16) 8 passport photos for Jeremiah
17) 8 passport photos for Jennifer
18)Dossier cover document - Notarized and Apostilled through WA state Secretary of State Office
19)Completed 10 hours adoption training - Jennifer
20) Completed 10 hours adoption training - Jeremiah
21) I171H Immigration approval
22) Completed home study
Progress!
Our social worker with our home study agency also contacted me this week and she is almost finished with our home study.
Our dear friends, Josh and Tasha, and their three little ones moved in on Sunday. So far so good! They have been house hunting every day and found one yesterday that they love. As long as all goes as plans...they should be able to move in around the middle of November.
I got the privileged of keeping Baby Cai today...and man, what a sweet little guy! He reminds me so much of how Ezra was as a baby...fat and happy =) Ella loved feeding him his bottle and helping me burp him. Ezra liked placing his cars on his belly and trying to climb into the exersaucer with him. Good thing he is a tough third child!
Somewhere mixed into all of this I was able to get my hair cut today. Goodness...I so needed that! Danielle brought her little girl, Emma Grace, along with her and she had some good cousin bonding time with Cai =)
They are only about 7 weeks apart...but I really feared that Cai was going to roll over onto her and squish her =)
She is such a dainty little thing!
Jeremiah took both the kids out tonight for dinner. I love him.
Happy Thursday!
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6) Federal police clearances - Notarized
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
14)
15)
16) 8 passport photos for Jeremiah
17) 8 passport photos for Jennifer
18)
19)
20) Completed 10 hours adoption training - Jeremiah
21) I171H Immigration approval
22) Completed home study
Progress!
Our social worker with our home study agency also contacted me this week and she is almost finished with our home study.
Our dear friends, Josh and Tasha, and their three little ones moved in on Sunday. So far so good! They have been house hunting every day and found one yesterday that they love. As long as all goes as plans...they should be able to move in around the middle of November.
I got the privileged of keeping Baby Cai today...and man, what a sweet little guy! He reminds me so much of how Ezra was as a baby...fat and happy =) Ella loved feeding him his bottle and helping me burp him. Ezra liked placing his cars on his belly and trying to climb into the exersaucer with him. Good thing he is a tough third child!
Somewhere mixed into all of this I was able to get my hair cut today. Goodness...I so needed that! Danielle brought her little girl, Emma Grace, along with her and she had some good cousin bonding time with Cai =)
They are only about 7 weeks apart...but I really feared that Cai was going to roll over onto her and squish her =)She is such a dainty little thing!
Jeremiah took both the kids out tonight for dinner. I love him.
Happy Thursday!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Our Little Narnian
Ella is currently infatuated with The Chronicles of Narnia right now.
Jeremiah is reading The Voyage of the Dawn Treader to her at bedtime.
I thought it would be a bit over her head and that she would lose interest in it.
Nope.
She has also watched both movies (numerous times) and has listened to the sound track over and over.
And over.
She can tell you what part of the movie matches which song.
Quite amazing.
As a result of this I've noticed her make believe play has had some slight adjustments to it.
Instead of being one of the numerous barbie princesses she is now either Queen Lucy or Queen Susan. The bad guys are now the white witch and the wolves. Her closet serves as her wardrobe. Sometimes Ezra is forced into being Edmond. Her rescuing hero is now Aslan the Lion.
What fun things are your kids into these days?
Jeremiah is reading The Voyage of the Dawn Treader to her at bedtime.
I thought it would be a bit over her head and that she would lose interest in it.
Nope.
She has also watched both movies (numerous times) and has listened to the sound track over and over.
And over.
She can tell you what part of the movie matches which song.
Quite amazing.
As a result of this I've noticed her make believe play has had some slight adjustments to it.
Instead of being one of the numerous barbie princesses she is now either Queen Lucy or Queen Susan. The bad guys are now the white witch and the wolves. Her closet serves as her wardrobe. Sometimes Ezra is forced into being Edmond. Her rescuing hero is now Aslan the Lion.
What fun things are your kids into these days?
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Costume Anxiety
I think I've written about this before.
Oh yes, last year.
I admit to having tremendous costume anxiety around this time of year.
I refuse to spend the money on a store bought costume. We were given costumes again that were too small for Ella and too big for Ezra =) I wait till too late to come up with a homemade creative idea I can actually execute.
Oh yes, and then a whole new aspect to the issue this year (and the biggest kink of all) is that Ella has really strong opinions on what she will or won't dress up as.
I just can't imagine where in the world she gets that from?
So here I am. Four short days from Halloween. Still no costumes.
Stay tuned to see what I come up with...
Oh yes, last year.
I admit to having tremendous costume anxiety around this time of year.
I refuse to spend the money on a store bought costume. We were given costumes again that were too small for Ella and too big for Ezra =) I wait till too late to come up with a homemade creative idea I can actually execute.
Oh yes, and then a whole new aspect to the issue this year (and the biggest kink of all) is that Ella has really strong opinions on what she will or won't dress up as.
I just can't imagine where in the world she gets that from?
So here I am. Four short days from Halloween. Still no costumes.
Stay tuned to see what I come up with...
Commitment to Transparency
I've been reading a lot of adoption blogs lately.
I love (ok, I'm addicted) reading about other families who have adopted or are in the process of adopting like us.
I've noticed something about these blogs though.
It is extremely rare to find much written about the difficult or harder aspects of adoption.
Now, I will be the first to admit that I am guilty of only wanting to put the best pictures up and only portray my children and family (and especially myself) in the most positive light.
The reality of my life, my children, my family, and most especially myself...is that we are far from perfect. There are aspects of our lives that are hard. There are moments that I'd rather forget. There are issues we deal with.
Un-fun and non-romantical parts.
Dirty diapers.
Disciplinary issues.
Dog hair on my white pants dag-gone-it moments.
We are only a month and a half into our official adoption journey and I've already learned that there are going to be difficult moments. Not just in the process...but even (especially) after our child(ren) come home.
I don't want this blog to be a romanticized and warm and fuzzified picture of our family and our adoption journey.
I want to be honest.
I want to be transparent.
Even if it means I don't always appear to be perfect.
Even if it means I admit that I have freak-out moments.
I embrace the promise the Lord gives that when I am at my weakest, He is strong.
So. I am committing to being transparent as I blog about our adoption journey. No sugar coating.
Highs.
Lows.
and the multitude of in-between moments.
I love (ok, I'm addicted) reading about other families who have adopted or are in the process of adopting like us.
I've noticed something about these blogs though.
It is extremely rare to find much written about the difficult or harder aspects of adoption.
Now, I will be the first to admit that I am guilty of only wanting to put the best pictures up and only portray my children and family (and especially myself) in the most positive light.
The reality of my life, my children, my family, and most especially myself...is that we are far from perfect. There are aspects of our lives that are hard. There are moments that I'd rather forget. There are issues we deal with.
Un-fun and non-romantical parts.
Dirty diapers.
Disciplinary issues.
Dog hair on my white pants dag-gone-it moments.
We are only a month and a half into our official adoption journey and I've already learned that there are going to be difficult moments. Not just in the process...but even (especially) after our child(ren) come home.
I don't want this blog to be a romanticized and warm and fuzzified picture of our family and our adoption journey.
I want to be honest.
I want to be transparent.
Even if it means I don't always appear to be perfect.
Even if it means I admit that I have freak-out moments.
I embrace the promise the Lord gives that when I am at my weakest, He is strong.
So. I am committing to being transparent as I blog about our adoption journey. No sugar coating.
Highs.
Lows.
and the multitude of in-between moments.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Not Me Monday
Ezra did NOT take a bite out of all the apples I had just put in our fruit bowl.
One bite.
Out. Of. Each. One.
and I definitely did NOT run to get my camera to snag a picture of it when I discovered him (rather than instruct him on the importance of not wasting food).
No. Of course NOT.
I-know-you-caught-me-doing-something-I-shouldn't-be-doing-but-aren't-I-cute smile...
One bite.
Out. Of. Each. One.
and I definitely did NOT run to get my camera to snag a picture of it when I discovered him (rather than instruct him on the importance of not wasting food).
No. Of course NOT.
I-know-you-caught-me-doing-something-I-shouldn't-be-doing-but-aren't-I-cute smile...
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Our Little Fire Starters (and C-group party)
We had our c-group party at the farm on Friday.
We had a blast!
However, even before the party festivities started, Jeremiah and I had fun with the kids getting things all set up for the bon-fire:
Gathering up the wood...
Riding to the fire pit (and am impish grin)...
The arranging of the sticks...
The finished fire-pit...
Random pictures of our good friends Josh and Kristen (I apologize publicly for not asking your permission before posting these pictures) I promise Josh is not a redneck...he was just preparing for his role as "deep-fryer-of-turkey" master.
And because I always get caught up in just having fun whenever we have company over...I totally forgot to take any more pictures of the night.
The bon-fire burned way into the night and we all ate our fill of delicious mountain pies, deep fried turkey, side dishes, pumpkin pie, and smores. Pumpkins were carved. Apples to be bobbed for were forgotten about. More smores were eaten. Most embarrassing stories were told. Ella and her girl friends learned a whole new spooky way to play hide and seek in the dark. A third round of smores was had.
As a testament to the fun that was had: Ella (or was that me?!) had pumpkin goo and seeds stuck to her clothes...melted chocolate and marshmallows smeared all over her face...her hair and clothes stunk like campfire...and she had big grass and dirt stains all over her pants!
What a great night!
We had a blast!
However, even before the party festivities started, Jeremiah and I had fun with the kids getting things all set up for the bon-fire:
Gathering up the wood...
Riding to the fire pit (and am impish grin)...
The arranging of the sticks...
The finished fire-pit...
Random pictures of our good friends Josh and Kristen (I apologize publicly for not asking your permission before posting these pictures) I promise Josh is not a redneck...he was just preparing for his role as "deep-fryer-of-turkey" master.
And because I always get caught up in just having fun whenever we have company over...I totally forgot to take any more pictures of the night.
The bon-fire burned way into the night and we all ate our fill of delicious mountain pies, deep fried turkey, side dishes, pumpkin pie, and smores. Pumpkins were carved. Apples to be bobbed for were forgotten about. More smores were eaten. Most embarrassing stories were told. Ella and her girl friends learned a whole new spooky way to play hide and seek in the dark. A third round of smores was had.
As a testament to the fun that was had: Ella (or was that me?!) had pumpkin goo and seeds stuck to her clothes...melted chocolate and marshmallows smeared all over her face...her hair and clothes stunk like campfire...and she had big grass and dirt stains all over her pants!
What a great night!
Friday, October 23, 2009
Thursday Thoughts (on Friday)
We are preparing for a big fall party tonight as the final meeting of our October friday night bible study with our C-group.
Pumpkin carving, turkey deep-frying, apple bobbing, and marshmallow roasting by the bonfire will be the events for the night. It should be fun! Look for pictures over the weekend.
Ezra has finally moved past the throwing stage. He still throws. But not everything. All the time.
However, he has moved right into the screaming stage. Not screaming because he is upset necessarily, although he is not above that at times. Mostly just screaming for screaming sake. He will climb up on his bathroom stool and look at himself in the mirror while he screams. I think he likes how he looks while screaming.
Lets hope this stage passes quick...
and doesn't move into a biting stage!
Jeremiah and I sat down this week and planned out our holiday visits for the next few months. I'm not sure why this makes me so happy...but it does. The holiday season is nearly upon us!
USCIS (US Immigration) cashed our I-600A check earlier in the week. That means they got our application and are beginning to file it. Woohoo...moving right along!
After this weekend, we should have the following update on our dossier list:
1)Photocopy of Jeremiah's birth certificate - Notarized
2)Photocopy of Jennifer's birth certificate - Notarized
3)Photocopy of our marriage certificate - Notarized
4) Local, State, and FBI police clearances - Notarized
5) Medical Statement for Jeremiah - Notarized
6) Medical Statement for Jennifer - Notarized
7)Bank Letter - Notarized
8)2008 1040 Tax Form - Notarized
9)Employment letter for Jeremiah - Notarized
10)Family letter to the government of Ethiopia - Notarized
11) Two reference letters - Notarized
12) Two power of attorney forms for Ethiopian lawyers - Notarized
13)Post placement agreement - Notarized
14) 8 passport photos for Jeremiah
15) 8 passport photos for Jennifer
16) Dossier cover document - Notarized and Apostilled through WA state Secretary of State Office (not completed...but it got mailed off this week)
Yes, we are moving right along!
HappyThursday Friday!
Pumpkin carving, turkey deep-frying, apple bobbing, and marshmallow roasting by the bonfire will be the events for the night. It should be fun! Look for pictures over the weekend.
Ezra has finally moved past the throwing stage. He still throws. But not everything. All the time.
However, he has moved right into the screaming stage. Not screaming because he is upset necessarily, although he is not above that at times. Mostly just screaming for screaming sake. He will climb up on his bathroom stool and look at himself in the mirror while he screams. I think he likes how he looks while screaming.
Lets hope this stage passes quick...
and doesn't move into a biting stage!
Jeremiah and I sat down this week and planned out our holiday visits for the next few months. I'm not sure why this makes me so happy...but it does. The holiday season is nearly upon us!
USCIS (US Immigration) cashed our I-600A check earlier in the week. That means they got our application and are beginning to file it. Woohoo...moving right along!
After this weekend, we should have the following update on our dossier list:
1)
2)
3)
4) Local, State, and FBI police clearances - Notarized
5) Medical Statement for Jeremiah - Notarized
6) Medical Statement for Jennifer - Notarized
7)
8)
9)
10)
11) Two reference letters - Notarized
12) Two power of attorney forms for Ethiopian lawyers - Notarized
13)
14) 8 passport photos for Jeremiah
15) 8 passport photos for Jennifer
16) Dossier cover document - Notarized and Apostilled through WA state Secretary of State Office (not completed...but it got mailed off this week)
Yes, we are moving right along!
Happy
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Next Door and Below
In the good ol' days of seminary life, we were next door neighbors to our best friends, Josh and Tasha.
We have many many many fond memories of those years...
Playing driver, shared jogs, grumpy Sunday nights, air-soft games, Chocolate Ninja's, Double Dare, Valentines day photography, after 10pm laughter sessions, spider burning, and the list goes on.
You know, the stuff friendships are made of.
Well folks. This Sunday night the fun begins again.
Due to their recent sale of their house before they could find a house craziness...we are going to be living very close again. Very close. Downstairs in the basement close.
You can read their take on this here.
While it will only be for a short time while they find a house...we are super excited!
Let thecraziness FUN begin!
We have many many many fond memories of those years...
Playing driver, shared jogs, grumpy Sunday nights, air-soft games, Chocolate Ninja's, Double Dare, Valentines day photography, after 10pm laughter sessions, spider burning, and the list goes on.
You know, the stuff friendships are made of.
Well folks. This Sunday night the fun begins again.
Due to their recent sale of their house before they could find a house craziness...we are going to be living very close again. Very close. Downstairs in the basement close.
You can read their take on this here.
While it will only be for a short time while they find a house...we are super excited!
Let the
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
You Get Whatcha Get
Pink plates. Blue plates. Yellow plates. Orange.
Green fork. Red fork. Purple fork. Brown.
Dora cup. Thomas cup. Snow White cup. Elmo.
Cinderlla cup. Cars cup. Diego cup. Butterfly.
And on and on and on...
Even though I only (currently) have two children and it would be relatively easy to allow them to make requests for the color/theme of their cups/plates/utensils...
I am not doing it.
Nope.
You get whatcha get in the Hambrick household!
Oh yes...and be grateful for whatcha get =)
Do you have any similar (peace and sanity saving) rules you enforce at your house?
Green fork. Red fork. Purple fork. Brown.
Dora cup. Thomas cup. Snow White cup. Elmo.
Cinderlla cup. Cars cup. Diego cup. Butterfly.
And on and on and on...
Even though I only (currently) have two children and it would be relatively easy to allow them to make requests for the color/theme of their cups/plates/utensils...
I am not doing it.
Nope.
You get whatcha get in the Hambrick household!
Oh yes...and be grateful for whatcha get =)
Do you have any similar (peace and sanity saving) rules you enforce at your house?
Observations of the Dental Kind
Yesterday I took Ella to the dentist for a routine cleaning.
Jeremiah had taken her last time, so this was my first time going.
I have to say it was kind of an overwhelming experience for me...and I wasn't even the patient =)
First of all, we walked into the waiting room and there are 4 televisions on at the same time. All 4 televisions have different cartoons. All 4 televisions have the volume up loud.
Imagine Tom & Jerry vs. Dora vs. The Pride Family vs. The Mickey Mouse Club.
Secondly, there are large murals painted on all of the walls portraying different scenes from The Little Mermaid and Finding Nemo. Except that in spots they just sort of combined the two and you have Flounder hanging out with Nemo and Ariel swimming around with Dory.
Thirdly, our dental technician, while very nice, could not speak english very clearly. He was also very, um, effeminate. Combine that with the plastic guard he had over his face and it was all I could do to understand him. I must have asked him to repeat himself at least a dozen times.
Lastly, after the cleaning (thankfully, everything was perfect with her teeth) they took Ella to this big treasure chest filled to overflowing (literally!) with little toys. Hundreds of them. She was told she could pick out one.
One?
Out of an entire treasure chest filled to overflowing with hundreds of toys.
Insert 3 year old thinking: What if there is something better at the next level of toys, or the next, or the next level, or the next, or the bottom?
Yeah. It took a while for Ella to make a decision.
Why do they think that because it is a pediatric dentist they have to completely overstimulate and overwhelm the senses?
Although...Ella seemed just fine with it all.
Maybe it is just me?!
Regardless, I was so relieved to get out of there!
I think I'll have Jeremiah take her next time =)
Jeremiah had taken her last time, so this was my first time going.
I have to say it was kind of an overwhelming experience for me...and I wasn't even the patient =)
First of all, we walked into the waiting room and there are 4 televisions on at the same time. All 4 televisions have different cartoons. All 4 televisions have the volume up loud.
Imagine Tom & Jerry vs. Dora vs. The Pride Family vs. The Mickey Mouse Club.
Secondly, there are large murals painted on all of the walls portraying different scenes from The Little Mermaid and Finding Nemo. Except that in spots they just sort of combined the two and you have Flounder hanging out with Nemo and Ariel swimming around with Dory.
Thirdly, our dental technician, while very nice, could not speak english very clearly. He was also very, um, effeminate. Combine that with the plastic guard he had over his face and it was all I could do to understand him. I must have asked him to repeat himself at least a dozen times.
Lastly, after the cleaning (thankfully, everything was perfect with her teeth) they took Ella to this big treasure chest filled to overflowing (literally!) with little toys. Hundreds of them. She was told she could pick out one.
One?
Out of an entire treasure chest filled to overflowing with hundreds of toys.
Insert 3 year old thinking: What if there is something better at the next level of toys, or the next, or the next level, or the next, or the bottom?
Yeah. It took a while for Ella to make a decision.
Why do they think that because it is a pediatric dentist they have to completely overstimulate and overwhelm the senses?
Although...Ella seemed just fine with it all.
Maybe it is just me?!
Regardless, I was so relieved to get out of there!
I think I'll have Jeremiah take her next time =)
Imposter Pony
One of these things is not like the other...
One of these things just doesn't belong...
Did you spot him?
Maybe he is the pony guardian?
One of these things just doesn't belong...
Did you spot him?
Maybe he is the pony guardian?
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Jeep For Sale
**Ooops...I just updated with price info**
We are selling our Jeep and I thought I'd post it on here in case anyone was interested...or you know of anyone interested.
Here are the details and some pictures:
1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited
Leather seats.
Power locks and windows.
Cd Player.
Running boards.
Luggage Rack.
6 Cylinder
123,000 miles
$3,800 OBO
We are the 2nd owners and it is in great condition. Jeremiah has kept the oil changed regularly and done all the maintenance on it. The only reason we are selling it is because we 1) need the money for the adoption and 2) we need a car with more seats!
We are selling our Jeep and I thought I'd post it on here in case anyone was interested...or you know of anyone interested.
Here are the details and some pictures:
1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited
Leather seats.
Power locks and windows.
Cd Player.
Running boards.
Luggage Rack.
6 Cylinder
123,000 miles
$3,800 OBO
We are the 2nd owners and it is in great condition. Jeremiah has kept the oil changed regularly and done all the maintenance on it. The only reason we are selling it is because we 1) need the money for the adoption and 2) we need a car with more seats!
Monday, October 19, 2009
Ethiopia Dossier
We got our Dossier packet in the mail today.
Yet again, about 2 weeks sooner than expected.
I'm not complaining...
but I was kind of looking forward to a week where I didn't have to do anything.
Nah...
Time to get busy (again!).
Here's what we need to compile:
1) Photocopy of Jeremiah's birth certificate - Notarized
2) Photocopy of Jennifer's birth certificate - Notarized
3) Photocopy of our marriage certificate - Notarized
4) Local, State, and FBI police clearances - Notarized
5) Medical Statement for Jeremiah - Notarized
6) Medical Statement for Jennifer - Notarized
7) Bank Letter - Notarized
8) 2008 1040 Tax Form - Notarized
9) Employment letter for Jeremiah - Notarized
10) Family letter to the government of Ethiopia - Notarized
11) Two reference letters - Notarized
12) Two power of attorney forms for Ethiopian lawyers - Notarized
13) Post placement agreement - Notarized
14) 8 passport photos for Jeremiah
15) 8 passport photos for Jennifer
16) Dossier cover document - Notarized and Apostilled through NC Secretary of State Office
Yet again, about 2 weeks sooner than expected.
I'm not complaining...
but I was kind of looking forward to a week where I didn't have to do anything.
Nah...
Time to get busy (again!).
Here's what we need to compile:
1) Photocopy of Jeremiah's birth certificate - Notarized
2) Photocopy of Jennifer's birth certificate - Notarized
3) Photocopy of our marriage certificate - Notarized
4) Local, State, and FBI police clearances - Notarized
5) Medical Statement for Jeremiah - Notarized
6) Medical Statement for Jennifer - Notarized
7) Bank Letter - Notarized
8) 2008 1040 Tax Form - Notarized
9) Employment letter for Jeremiah - Notarized
10) Family letter to the government of Ethiopia - Notarized
11) Two reference letters - Notarized
12) Two power of attorney forms for Ethiopian lawyers - Notarized
13) Post placement agreement - Notarized
14) 8 passport photos for Jeremiah
15) 8 passport photos for Jennifer
16) Dossier cover document - Notarized and Apostilled through NC Secretary of State Office
Sunday, October 18, 2009
As requested...
My Smashed Potato Soup Recipe:
**Technically, it isn't my recipe. I stole it from another blog site. I actually havn't even made it yet so I cannot vouch for its goodness. All I can say about it is it sounds quite yummy and warming...especially since it seems like we will bypass Fall altogether here in NC and are headed straight to Winter.**
Ingredients:
3 1/2 lbs. potatoes, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
1/2 cup chopped yellow and/or red sweet pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons bottled roasted garlic
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
4 1/2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup whipping cream, half-and-half or light cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (4 ounces)
1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
Sliced green onions (optional)
To Make:
1. In a 4-6 quart slow cooker, combine potatoes, sweet pepper, garlic and black pepper. Pour broth over all.
2. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 8-10 hours or on high-setting for 4-5 hours.
3. Mash potatoes slightly with a potato masher. Stir in whipping cream, cheddar cheese and the 1/2 cup of thinly sliced green onions. If desired, top individual servings with additional sliced green onions.
**Technically, it isn't my recipe. I stole it from another blog site. I actually havn't even made it yet so I cannot vouch for its goodness. All I can say about it is it sounds quite yummy and warming...especially since it seems like we will bypass Fall altogether here in NC and are headed straight to Winter.**
Prep: 25 minutes
Cook: 8-10 hours (on low) or 4-5 hours (on high)
1. In a 4-6 quart slow cooker, combine potatoes, sweet pepper, garlic and black pepper. Pour broth over all.
(You can also add more shredded cheese and some sour cream for extra flavor before you serve!)
I am planning on making this tomorrow...so I'll let you know if it is any good =)
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Two Week Menu
1) Lemon Pepper Chicken over angel hair pasta w/ steamed veggies
2) Smashed potato soup in the crock pot w/ french bread
3) Chili over baked potato with side salad
4) Breakfast for dinner
5) Steak and veggie kabobs over rice
6) Spaghetti with garlic bread and salad
7) Minestrone Soup
8) Chicken burrito casserole in the crock pot
9) Chicken fried rice
10) Homemade pizza and side salad
**I only plan ten meals because I never cook on Wednesdays and we usually eat out one night a week**
2) Smashed potato soup in the crock pot w/ french bread
3) Chili over baked potato with side salad
4) Breakfast for dinner
5) Steak and veggie kabobs over rice
6) Spaghetti with garlic bread and salad
7) Minestrone Soup
8) Chicken burrito casserole in the crock pot
9) Chicken fried rice
10) Homemade pizza and side salad
**I only plan ten meals because I never cook on Wednesdays and we usually eat out one night a week**
Thursday Thoughts
Wow.
An actual Thursday Thoughts on Thursday.
Imagine that.
I woke up today in quite the cleaning mode. Now, I normally do my once weekly cleaning on Thursday mornings. You know, the toilets, vacuuming, dusting, sweeping and mopping. The big things. I usually get an early start on it before the kids get up (before all the extra "help") and finish the rest after breakfast. I like to have it done early in the day so there is still more time to do fun things.
Today though it seemed that I noticed every little thing...the cobwebs in the corners of the ceilings, the dirty oven, stove, and drip pans, and the baseboards that were calling out to be dusted.
And knowing me...once these things have been noticed...there is no ignoring.
Needless to say my cleaning chores were finished a little later than normal today. But it does feel extra good to have a fully cleaned house. Ella was actually a big helper for getting the baseboards cleaned =)
We still managed to find time to make it to the library for a whole new selection of books. I love that Ezra is really paying attention for entire books now. Especially if he is the page-tuner and the book has at least one picture of a car, truck, train, or airplane somewhere in the book.
Levi (our dog) now makes our weekly trek to the library with us. He insists on sitting in between the car seats and alternately licking Ezra and Ella. The kids love it.
Expect for when Levi pooted and filled the whole car up with an unpleasant odor and we had to ride with the windows down.
Poor Ella's sensitive nose was really struggling =)
We got our state background checks in the mail today...only a week since I sent them in! Now we are only waiting on the FBI ones and we will have all of our home study documents DONE!
I also finished my 10 hours of required education for our adoption agency. Finding the time for Jeremiah to do his is going to be the difficult part.
I admit I was dreading doing the 10 hours of required education, but once I got started I really enjoyed the training. I learned a lot about the science of brain development and attachment and a lot of other issues that surround a childs development. Not just things to apply to our adopted children, but to our biological ones as well. While I don't necessarily agree with all of the practical parenting plans they suggested, it did make me think about a lot of issues that surround parenting an adopted child and open up a lot of discussion with Jeremiah for ways we plan on addressing those issues.
Despite my lack of motivation for couponing lately, I pulled my act together this week to plan for my grocery shopping trip tomorrow, including a 2 week meal plan. We have been just using up our stockpile these past couple of weeks and my pantry is actually looking bare in spots. I actually need a few staple things like ketchup and toothpaste. Gasp!
Happy Thursday!
An actual Thursday Thoughts on Thursday.
Imagine that.
I woke up today in quite the cleaning mode. Now, I normally do my once weekly cleaning on Thursday mornings. You know, the toilets, vacuuming, dusting, sweeping and mopping. The big things. I usually get an early start on it before the kids get up (before all the extra "help") and finish the rest after breakfast. I like to have it done early in the day so there is still more time to do fun things.
Today though it seemed that I noticed every little thing...the cobwebs in the corners of the ceilings, the dirty oven, stove, and drip pans, and the baseboards that were calling out to be dusted.
And knowing me...once these things have been noticed...there is no ignoring.
Needless to say my cleaning chores were finished a little later than normal today. But it does feel extra good to have a fully cleaned house. Ella was actually a big helper for getting the baseboards cleaned =)
We still managed to find time to make it to the library for a whole new selection of books. I love that Ezra is really paying attention for entire books now. Especially if he is the page-tuner and the book has at least one picture of a car, truck, train, or airplane somewhere in the book.
Levi (our dog) now makes our weekly trek to the library with us. He insists on sitting in between the car seats and alternately licking Ezra and Ella. The kids love it.
Expect for when Levi pooted and filled the whole car up with an unpleasant odor and we had to ride with the windows down.
Poor Ella's sensitive nose was really struggling =)
We got our state background checks in the mail today...only a week since I sent them in! Now we are only waiting on the FBI ones and we will have all of our home study documents DONE!
I also finished my 10 hours of required education for our adoption agency. Finding the time for Jeremiah to do his is going to be the difficult part.
I admit I was dreading doing the 10 hours of required education, but once I got started I really enjoyed the training. I learned a lot about the science of brain development and attachment and a lot of other issues that surround a childs development. Not just things to apply to our adopted children, but to our biological ones as well. While I don't necessarily agree with all of the practical parenting plans they suggested, it did make me think about a lot of issues that surround parenting an adopted child and open up a lot of discussion with Jeremiah for ways we plan on addressing those issues.
Despite my lack of motivation for couponing lately, I pulled my act together this week to plan for my grocery shopping trip tomorrow, including a 2 week meal plan. We have been just using up our stockpile these past couple of weeks and my pantry is actually looking bare in spots. I actually need a few staple things like ketchup and toothpaste. Gasp!
Happy Thursday!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
One of those days
You know...
A sweat pants and hoodie - bake some homemade cookies - watch lots of movies- and grab lots of cuddles - kinda day!
wait for it...wait for it...
Hope you are making the most of this cold and rainy day!
A sweat pants and hoodie - bake some homemade cookies - watch lots of movies- and grab lots of cuddles - kinda day!
wait for it...wait for it...
Hope you are making the most of this cold and rainy day!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Adoption Update: Final Homestudy Visit
We had our 2nd and final home study visit this morning. Like the first visit, this one was laid back and without surprises. We talked about my autobiographical information, our marriage and our parenting style and philosophy.
Again, Ezra was his typical 2 year old self.
At least he is consistent =)
Here are the documents we have compiled so far for our home study:
- Certified birth certificate: Jennifer
- Certified birth certificate: Jeremiah
- Certified marriage certificate
- Medical clearance: Jennifer
- Medical clearance: Jeremiah
- Statement of good health and up to date vaccine record for Ella and Ezra
- 3 reference letters from non-family members
- Copies of last 3 years of 1040 tax returns
- Proof of insurance for adopted child
- Monthly income/expense statement
- Local police clearance: Jennifer
- Local police clearance: Jeremiah
- Child abuse background check: Jennifer
- Child abuse background check: Jeremiah
- Autobiography: Jennifer
- Autobiography: Jeremiah
All that is missing is our state and federal criminal clearances, which we were fingerprinted for and mailed off last week.
It is a relief to know that we have done all we need to at this point for the home study.
We also were able to get our I600A mailed off! Next step with that is to wait for a receipt to track the status of the USCIS processing and get our biometric (fancy fingerprinting) appointments.
Again, Ezra was his typical 2 year old self.
At least he is consistent =)
Here are the documents we have compiled so far for our home study:
- Certified birth certificate: Jennifer
- Certified birth certificate: Jeremiah
- Certified marriage certificate
- Medical clearance: Jennifer
- Medical clearance: Jeremiah
- Statement of good health and up to date vaccine record for Ella and Ezra
- 3 reference letters from non-family members
- Copies of last 3 years of 1040 tax returns
- Proof of insurance for adopted child
- Monthly income/expense statement
- Local police clearance: Jennifer
- Local police clearance: Jeremiah
- Child abuse background check: Jennifer
- Child abuse background check: Jeremiah
- Autobiography: Jennifer
- Autobiography: Jeremiah
All that is missing is our state and federal criminal clearances, which we were fingerprinted for and mailed off last week.
It is a relief to know that we have done all we need to at this point for the home study.
We also were able to get our I600A mailed off! Next step with that is to wait for a receipt to track the status of the USCIS processing and get our biometric (fancy fingerprinting) appointments.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Not Me Monday
I embrace my daughters independent spirit at all times. Therefore, I do not inwardly cringe at the outlandish outfits she comes out wearing in the mornings.
My memory is like a trap door at all times and I did not forget where I parked the other day. And I most certainly did not wander around all the parking aisles (carrying a bag of dog food so as to not appear obvious) looking and looking and looking and looking for my car. And I definitely did not remember 15 minutes later that I parked on the side of the store.
I am incredibly in shape and my arms are definitely not sore from carting around the above mentioned bag of dog food while wandering aimlessly through the Target parking lot.
I do not reserve serving frozen blueberries (the kids favorite food) only for bath days.
I (of course) bathe my children every day.
I do not scope out the cashiers and always choose the youngest looking ones, preferably of the male gender for the sole reason that they never give me any problems with using coupons. Never. Ever.
If you like these, check out more not me monday stories here.
My memory is like a trap door at all times and I did not forget where I parked the other day. And I most certainly did not wander around all the parking aisles (carrying a bag of dog food so as to not appear obvious) looking and looking and looking and looking for my car. And I definitely did not remember 15 minutes later that I parked on the side of the store.
I am incredibly in shape and my arms are definitely not sore from carting around the above mentioned bag of dog food while wandering aimlessly through the Target parking lot.
I do not reserve serving frozen blueberries (the kids favorite food) only for bath days.
I (of course) bathe my children every day.
I do not scope out the cashiers and always choose the youngest looking ones, preferably of the male gender for the sole reason that they never give me any problems with using coupons. Never. Ever.
If you like these, check out more not me monday stories here.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Friday, October 9, 2009
Thursday Thoughts (on Friday)
Better late than never.
Right?
This week has absolutely flown by. I can't believe we are into the meat of October already. This is one of my favorite months in North Carolina. Still hanging onto summer a little...no jackets needed for the kids yet...flip-flops are still the footwear of choice. Yet, the humidity and bugs are pretty much gone and the afternoons are just perfect for playing outside.
Love it.
We found a fig tree on the farm today. I've never eaten a fresh fig before today...and I can't say that I am planning on making it a habit now =) They aren't necessarily bad...just an interesting texture.
We also picked a bunch of pears off the pear tree. We looked up how to ripen them so we will actually be able to do something with them this year. Pear jelly...yum!
We have also all but eaten all of the muscadine grapes. Ella and Ezra both love them! Despite mouth sores and um, shall we say, tummy issues, they continue to eat them until I make them stop.
Sadly, we have no apples this year. Not a single one. We think a late frost in the spring must have killed them. So sad. We had big plans for applesauce and apple butter. Maybe next year.
We are getting ready to have our C-group over tonight for a meal and Bible study. We are meeting every Friday night in October. It has been really fun to get together and share a meal. They are a great group of friends and we have enjoyed getting to know everyone better.
I have had no mental energy for couponing lately. I blame all the adoption paperwork. I really need to get my act together =)
Happy Friday!
Right?
This week has absolutely flown by. I can't believe we are into the meat of October already. This is one of my favorite months in North Carolina. Still hanging onto summer a little...no jackets needed for the kids yet...flip-flops are still the footwear of choice. Yet, the humidity and bugs are pretty much gone and the afternoons are just perfect for playing outside.
Love it.
We found a fig tree on the farm today. I've never eaten a fresh fig before today...and I can't say that I am planning on making it a habit now =) They aren't necessarily bad...just an interesting texture.
We also picked a bunch of pears off the pear tree. We looked up how to ripen them so we will actually be able to do something with them this year. Pear jelly...yum!
We have also all but eaten all of the muscadine grapes. Ella and Ezra both love them! Despite mouth sores and um, shall we say, tummy issues, they continue to eat them until I make them stop.
Sadly, we have no apples this year. Not a single one. We think a late frost in the spring must have killed them. So sad. We had big plans for applesauce and apple butter. Maybe next year.
We are getting ready to have our C-group over tonight for a meal and Bible study. We are meeting every Friday night in October. It has been really fun to get together and share a meal. They are a great group of friends and we have enjoyed getting to know everyone better.
I have had no mental energy for couponing lately. I blame all the adoption paperwork. I really need to get my act together =)
Happy Friday!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Say hello to my little friends...
With the proliferation of acorns we have around here we decided to have some fun with them.
First we collected a nice pile.
Next we pulled out the paints and paintbrushes (and protective covering for Ezra!) and went to work...
Our acorns instantly transformed into little friends...complete with different hats to accessorize with!
First we collected a nice pile.
Next we pulled out the paints and paintbrushes (and protective covering for Ezra!) and went to work...
Our acorns instantly transformed into little friends...complete with different hats to accessorize with!
