We have done the laundry, taken down the Christmas tree, cleaned up and donated old toys, packed up our warmest clothes, gloves, and hats, and are headed north! Even though Dan and I were both born in Indiana and lived there until we were both 23, we have quickly become used to (spoiled by?) the warmer climate of the Carolina region.
Luke has been saying prayers (something along the lines of, "Dear God. Please give us snow when we are in Indiana. I really, really, want to play in the snow. Amen.") for snow, and it sounds like we are in for a treat. All reports from the area are that there is currently at least a few inches of snow on the ground with cold temps in store for the week. If we're lucky, we might even get to watch it snow while we are there!
Our normal mode of transportation to Indiana usually includes a minivan packed full of snacks, DVD player, movies, Leapster, books, and toy cars. This time, we were fortunate enough to have frequent flyer miles (thanks for traveling so much, Daddy!) and we are going to fly to Indiana. Luke and I flew when Luke was about 2 1/2 years old and haven't been in the air since. Evan, obviously, have never flown. Both boys are super excited about going on an airplane. Evan keeps saying, "Airplane? Sky? Up? Noise? Airplane?" So, between the airplane and the snow, we might not even need to see family and friends while we are there! The ride there and the snow play might be the highlight of the trip!
Monday, December 28, 2009
Evan on Christmas Morning
We were looking at the blog this morning, and I played the videos for the boys. When we finished watching, Evan looked confused and said, "Where Evan?" So, here is a video dedicated to him.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Christmas Day - Extended Family
The second round of Christmas for the day was when Grammy and Grandad came over. Luke and Evan are happy, spoiled, lucky little boys. Thanks, everyone!
Luke showing off his new Taekwondo uniform. Taekwondo lessons were a gift from Grammy and Grandad.
We were lucky enough to have my Grandmother with us on Christmas day. Evan had a fond attachment to her and played with her quite a bit.
Luke showing off his new Taekwondo uniform. Taekwondo lessons were a gift from Grammy and Grandad.
We were lucky enough to have my Grandmother with us on Christmas day. Evan had a fond attachment to her and played with her quite a bit.
Christmas Day - Our Family
The tree showing what Santa had brought the boys. A tricycle for Evan and kid sized golf clubs for Luke.
Luke checking out the golf clubs. (The first one is his "YES! I got them!" look.)
Evan sitting on his new bike.
Ripping into the presents.
Thank you hugs for everyone!
Luke checking out the golf clubs. (The first one is his "YES! I got them!" look.)
Evan sitting on his new bike.
Ripping into the presents.
Thank you hugs for everyone!
Christmas Eve 2009
After a busy evening of going to the children's Christmas Eve service at church, and then dinner and picture taking at Grammy and Grandad's house,
the boys were exhausted. Both of them fell asleep on the way back to our house around 7:30 pm.
We woke them up long enough to put the key on the door for Santa...
put out Santa's cookies...
read the Christmas story...
and, take one more (very posed) picture for the Wagner Christmas record books.
Then, it was time to head upstairs to bed and wait for Santa to come visit!
the boys were exhausted. Both of them fell asleep on the way back to our house around 7:30 pm.
We woke them up long enough to put the key on the door for Santa...
put out Santa's cookies...
read the Christmas story...
and, take one more (very posed) picture for the Wagner Christmas record books.
Then, it was time to head upstairs to bed and wait for Santa to come visit!
Friday, December 25, 2009
Thinking about Maiya
On this Christmas day, we spent the day playing with our boys and our extended family. We had fun and made some great new memories. We took a lot of pictures and videos, and opened and played with lots of new toys.
We also thought about Maiya and wondered where she was today. Is her birth mother still pregnant? If so, we hope she is surrounded by family and friends who are supporting her. Has Maiya been born? If so, we hope that she is with a foster family that loves her and spoils her with love this Christmas day. Most of all, we hope that next Christmas, Maiya will be here, with her forever family, and making new memories with us.
We also thought about Maiya and wondered where she was today. Is her birth mother still pregnant? If so, we hope she is surrounded by family and friends who are supporting her. Has Maiya been born? If so, we hope that she is with a foster family that loves her and spoils her with love this Christmas day. Most of all, we hope that next Christmas, Maiya will be here, with her forever family, and making new memories with us.
Thoughts on Jesus' Birthday
It is not enough for us to be religious or to act religious. We must be inwardly and continually spiritually renewed. The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, or in our hearts, speaks of a quiet mystery that can change our lives forever. The key to personal spiritual renewal begins with Jesus. He is the one who makes us whole and complete in every way: mentally, physically, and spiritually. This spiritual process can begin right now, as you give as much of yourself as you can to as much of Jesus as you understand, trusting that He will reveal everything else that is necessary in His own good time. When you give your life to Jesus, he gives His life to you in deeper and more meaningful ways.
These eloquent words are not my own. They are from Robert Dodd, Advent Calendar of Devotions 2009.
These eloquent words are not my own. They are from Robert Dodd, Advent Calendar of Devotions 2009.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Christmas Prep
We have been busy preparing for Christmas the past few days. We made our traditional Christmas cookies and decorated them. This was the first year that Evan was really involved and he enjoyed it, as you can see from the mess he created with the flour.
Icing and decorating the cookies was even more fun for both of the boys. Evan discovered the joys of the sprinkles and sprinkled everything he could find.
Luke has been busy preparing his Christmas gifts for family members (if you are reading this and happen to get one of these handmade, one of a kind gifts, be sure and be surprised!).
My friend Karen gave us this idea when her son presented one as a gift to Luke a few weekends ago.
Icing and decorating the cookies was even more fun for both of the boys. Evan discovered the joys of the sprinkles and sprinkled everything he could find.
Luke has been busy preparing his Christmas gifts for family members (if you are reading this and happen to get one of these handmade, one of a kind gifts, be sure and be surprised!).
My friend Karen gave us this idea when her son presented one as a gift to Luke a few weekends ago.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
Squishes 12-21-09
We have gotten more squishes for Maiya's Good Wish Quilt! These are squishes 39-43! We are on our way to getting up to 100 wishes for our sweet baby girl! I know several of you have said you are working on getting them to us. Don't stress out about this! Take your time and just put something simple on a piece of paper and sign your name. We don't want this to be stressful for anyone!
These two are from Dan's oldest brother, Greg, and his wife Andrea. Their beautiful children are John and Anna. Seriously squeezably cute children. I can't wait to see them in a little over a week when we travel to Indiana!
Next are two from my friend Renee and her husband Jon and cute girls, Claire and Anja. I love the drawings the girls did for Maiya!
Finally, from my friend Judy and her family. This is a beautiful fabric that has wishes right on the fabric. It says, "bloom, imagine, dance, believe, play, wish, sing, create." I love this.
These two are from Dan's oldest brother, Greg, and his wife Andrea. Their beautiful children are John and Anna. Seriously squeezably cute children. I can't wait to see them in a little over a week when we travel to Indiana!
Next are two from my friend Renee and her husband Jon and cute girls, Claire and Anja. I love the drawings the girls did for Maiya!
Finally, from my friend Judy and her family. This is a beautiful fabric that has wishes right on the fabric. It says, "bloom, imagine, dance, believe, play, wish, sing, create." I love this.
Naming Maiya
Someone asked me this past week why we have already chosen a name for our little girl. They told me is seemed "weird" to have named a child that you "don't even know." I thought I'd address that issue just in case anyone else was wondering the same thing.
For me, it doesn't seem "weird" at all to have chosen a name for our daughter to be. We named Evan when I was about 34 weeks pregnant, which was before we "knew" him. And, we had named Luke before he was even conceived! Naming Maiya before we have seen her face feels similar to those situations.
Waiting for Maiya's referral picture, background history, and medical information is sort of like being pregnant. You know a baby will be coming, but you don't know exactly when. The adoption waiting is often a lot longer than pregnancy, though, and certainly a lot more unsure about when things will happen. When I was pregnant with the boys, we shopped for clothes, blankets, and diapers. We painted their rooms and mentally prepared ourselves for their arrival - including choosing a name. This is exactly what we are doing while we are waiting for Maiya. We are talking about her. Praying for her. Thinking about her. We have recently started making plans to prepare her room. When we get her referral information and know exactly how old she is and how big she is, we'll start shopping for her.
So, while adoption has some very obvious differences from being pregnant, the end result is the same. A new baby to welcome into our family. Naming her while we wait is just one part of the process.
For me, it doesn't seem "weird" at all to have chosen a name for our daughter to be. We named Evan when I was about 34 weeks pregnant, which was before we "knew" him. And, we had named Luke before he was even conceived! Naming Maiya before we have seen her face feels similar to those situations.
Waiting for Maiya's referral picture, background history, and medical information is sort of like being pregnant. You know a baby will be coming, but you don't know exactly when. The adoption waiting is often a lot longer than pregnancy, though, and certainly a lot more unsure about when things will happen. When I was pregnant with the boys, we shopped for clothes, blankets, and diapers. We painted their rooms and mentally prepared ourselves for their arrival - including choosing a name. This is exactly what we are doing while we are waiting for Maiya. We are talking about her. Praying for her. Thinking about her. We have recently started making plans to prepare her room. When we get her referral information and know exactly how old she is and how big she is, we'll start shopping for her.
So, while adoption has some very obvious differences from being pregnant, the end result is the same. A new baby to welcome into our family. Naming her while we wait is just one part of the process.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Birthday Pictures
Evan had a fun birthday today! We opened presents and played this afternoon and then had dinner (chicken nuggets and mashed potatoes for Evan - some of his favorites!) and cake. He loved his new toys and ate his cake like a champ. Here are some pictures from Evan's 2nd birthday!
His silly "cheese" smile.
While we sang "Happy Birthday," Evan sat perfectly still with this cute little smile on his face.
Enjoying his frosting and cake.
Enjoying some of his new gifts.
Luke enjoying the static from the balloons.
Evan also made the switch to his "big bed" today. We moved his clothes, toys, and all other personal items into Luke's room and they now officially share a room. Evan wasn't too sure about sleeping in the bottom bunk when we put him to bed tonight. He got up about 6 times and took about 50 minutes to fall asleep, but I think SuperNanny would have been proud of how we handled the transition. :) Just hoping he stays in there all night tonight! Here he is reading a book in his new bed earlier today.
Happy Birthday big 2 year old!
His silly "cheese" smile.
While we sang "Happy Birthday," Evan sat perfectly still with this cute little smile on his face.
Enjoying his frosting and cake.
Enjoying some of his new gifts.
Luke enjoying the static from the balloons.
Evan also made the switch to his "big bed" today. We moved his clothes, toys, and all other personal items into Luke's room and they now officially share a room. Evan wasn't too sure about sleeping in the bottom bunk when we put him to bed tonight. He got up about 6 times and took about 50 minutes to fall asleep, but I think SuperNanny would have been proud of how we handled the transition. :) Just hoping he stays in there all night tonight! Here he is reading a book in his new bed earlier today.
Happy Birthday big 2 year old!
A letter from Mommy to the birthday boy
Dear Evan,
You are two years old today. I still remember your birth day so clearly. It was late and cold when Daddy and I got to the hospital and you were ready to be born! What we didn't realize was just exactly HOW you were planning to be born. After a quick change of plans, you were born via c-section and had a little trouble clearing your lungs. You scared Daddy and I for a few minutes, but came around quickly and we snuggled you close until we all fell asleep from exhaustion.
You immediately won our hearts with your cute mohawk hair and giant sneezes. We endured many hours of crying during your colicky stage, and many hours of snuggles as you grew into your own personality.
The past year has been full of changes for you, Evan. You are becoming your own person and show the world what a darling charmer you really are. You will wave and talk to anyone who passes by. You still love cars, trucks, and trains. Your absolute favorite thing is your big brother. We call you copycat because you want to do everything that Luke does. You started talking this year and are following in your big brother's footsteps of chatting and singing whenever you can. We love hearing the chorus of E-I-E-I-O from your backseat concerts. You give out hugs and kisses readily and happily, and will flash your chubby cheek smile whenever you are getting into mischief.
You're a blessing, little E. Having you in our lives is a gift from God. Happy Birthday, sweet boy.
Love,
Mommy
You are two years old today. I still remember your birth day so clearly. It was late and cold when Daddy and I got to the hospital and you were ready to be born! What we didn't realize was just exactly HOW you were planning to be born. After a quick change of plans, you were born via c-section and had a little trouble clearing your lungs. You scared Daddy and I for a few minutes, but came around quickly and we snuggled you close until we all fell asleep from exhaustion.
You immediately won our hearts with your cute mohawk hair and giant sneezes. We endured many hours of crying during your colicky stage, and many hours of snuggles as you grew into your own personality.
The past year has been full of changes for you, Evan. You are becoming your own person and show the world what a darling charmer you really are. You will wave and talk to anyone who passes by. You still love cars, trucks, and trains. Your absolute favorite thing is your big brother. We call you copycat because you want to do everything that Luke does. You started talking this year and are following in your big brother's footsteps of chatting and singing whenever you can. We love hearing the chorus of E-I-E-I-O from your backseat concerts. You give out hugs and kisses readily and happily, and will flash your chubby cheek smile whenever you are getting into mischief.
You're a blessing, little E. Having you in our lives is a gift from God. Happy Birthday, sweet boy.
Love,
Mommy
Friday, December 18, 2009
So much better
Tonight was family game night and we were talking about how Evan will probably not ever remember a time when Maiya was not in our family, since they will be so close in age. We asked Luke if he remembers when our family was just him, Mommy and Daddy. He said, "Yes. I remember. But, it's so much better now."
Our agency had a referral this week, which is highly uncommon. However, most of our "waiting journey" has been highly uncommon. This puts us at number 3 on the waiting list. At this point, I'm curious how many of the top three are waiting for girls and how many are waiting for boys. Once we get near the top (as we are now), the possibility of a boy referral coming in and it going to someone behind us on the waiting list, is very possible. I'll be in touch with our agency after the holidays to see what the top three waiting list looks like so we can know exactly how many girl referrals have to come before our Maiya comes to us.
Our agency had a referral this week, which is highly uncommon. However, most of our "waiting journey" has been highly uncommon. This puts us at number 3 on the waiting list. At this point, I'm curious how many of the top three are waiting for girls and how many are waiting for boys. Once we get near the top (as we are now), the possibility of a boy referral coming in and it going to someone behind us on the waiting list, is very possible. I'll be in touch with our agency after the holidays to see what the top three waiting list looks like so we can know exactly how many girl referrals have to come before our Maiya comes to us.
Busy Week
I have no idea where this week went. I vaguely remember parts of the week. For instance, I remember turning off all of the lights, except the Christmas tree lights, and drinking hot chocolate by the fire.
And, I remember taking Luke to the women and children's shelter in our small town to drop off 30 bags of cookies and some other items for the families that live there.
I also remember something about having pajama day at school (both Luke and I), Luke being the "star student" in his class (special helper for the week), and making it through one of the l-o-n-g-e-s-t weeks in the entire school year! Yippee for a three week break from school! I need some rest!
And, I remember taking Luke to the women and children's shelter in our small town to drop off 30 bags of cookies and some other items for the families that live there.
I also remember something about having pajama day at school (both Luke and I), Luke being the "star student" in his class (special helper for the week), and making it through one of the l-o-n-g-e-s-t weeks in the entire school year! Yippee for a three week break from school! I need some rest!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Investments
Please take a moment to view the following video. It's about 4 minutes long, and is worth watching the entire thing. This video is a clear reminder that what I do everyday when I walk into my classroom is more than "just" teaching kids. I am changing them. I am changing the way they think, the way they live, and, quite possibly, the direction of their lives.
Don't like the way the world is going? Invest in a child.
Don't like the way the world is going? Invest in a child.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Busy Elves
Today has been another busy and fun day at our house! Luke and I did some baking this afternoon. We made butterscotch, peanut butter, chocolate bars (Mmmmm), chocolate covered pretzels...
... and popcorn trail mix.
While we were baking, our Elf on the Shelf - Rudy - was being sneaky and stole a candy cane from one of our newly decorated gingerbread houses.
Daddy and Luke decorated gingerbread houses yesterday afternoon. They had fun placing the candies on the houses... and, some on each other.
... and popcorn trail mix.
While we were baking, our Elf on the Shelf - Rudy - was being sneaky and stole a candy cane from one of our newly decorated gingerbread houses.
Daddy and Luke decorated gingerbread houses yesterday afternoon. They had fun placing the candies on the houses... and, some on each other.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)