Halloween

This is our first Halloween with any kids and it is also our first Halloween with our forever kids.

I really wanted to dress them all as Minions, because they are often referred to as Minions by many, but I wasn't able to find yellow hoodies like I needed. So instead we have.....

Ragedy Ann, a Clown and a Frog.

I couldn't find a wig for the clown so I used a cheerleader pom pom.

Eating ducks

This weekend I got to do something that I never though I would get to do. I got to be a mom, I got to take our children and enjoy a first with them. We went to the park and fed the ducks. I watched our children squeal in delight the moment they saw the ducks. I watched our children almost fall in countless times. I captured my twins "accidentally" putting their toes into the water. I saw the wonder and amazement as they threw bread crumbs to the birds and coaxed them closer.  I laughed when they told their Grandma great with so much sincere excitement or pride that they just  got done "eatting the ducks." I am one super lucky lady to have such adorable kids.

Magical Moments

Nothing is more magical then seeing the world through your children's eyes (wait I have kids...WOW)! Last weekend we had a party to celebrate the adoption. We had snow cones, home made root beer, ice cream, hot dogs and hamburgers, potato salad and chips. I don't know that my kids got much food but they each got AT LEAST two HUGE snow cones, by the end of the party they were covered in. There were balloons that blew away before the party started and a pinata at the end. By the time everyone left our kids (I smile every time I say that) could barely keep their eyes open and they were covered in a sugary, sandy, grassy paste only mad by having fun and enjoying life. The wind tried to blow everyone away but other then that it was perfect!

The next day we went to the zoo....We heard this ALL day long and the Magic was just as magical every time I heard it!

The party was perfect, the zoo was perfect and my family is perfect. I am one lucky Mommy!

I can now breath!

They are ours forever!

Hunny, Sexi and Smelly!

RAD

So, we have recently learned that we will be living with RAD (Reactive Attachment Disorder). It makes me feel so relieved to get a diagnosis and to know why I have been SOO exhausted. I had been feeling like a failure I felt like I wasn't getting ANYTHING done but I was so exhausted and mentally drained by the end of the day. I have felt like I am herding cats and running around in circles when all anyone wanted was a triangle.

We have been doing play therapy, I have even go to be the one in the room with the child. We have seen HUGE improvements, and also we have seen a lot of set backs, and "triggers." I am learning things I never knew I needed to know and sometimes I feel like I am driving through an obstacle course at 100 miles per hour with my eyes closed.

These kids are teaching me a lot and I am lucky to have them.

Adoption Party

So, we are finalizing our adoption in 4-ish weeks, we will be having a party to celebrate this amazing moment. Here is where I need you, I am NOT a party planner, I don't have large pockets, and well I am not good at all this stuff. I need so cheap, fun, easy ideas on what to do for this party. I don't want it to over the top because I DON'T what to stress my kids out. I want it semi low key but fun too. This is a HUGE thing for us, it is even bigger then our wedding.  One thing I do have planned is shaved ice and it WILL be amazing and super tasty. Our party will be from 3-5 so I don't plan of feeding people a meal. I would love some tips, ideas and advice.

Thanks you! Oh, and thanks you too!

We have kittens!

Four little tiny kittens were born on my couch this morning in my clean laundry...

Court today.

Three more months and they are ours FOREVER! That seems like forever away and so close all at the same time! I still expect the rug to be pulled out from my feet at any time. It doesn't feel real and I am still afraid that something is going to happen.

I am needing some resources on RAD in young children. Any info would be greatly appreciated. I would love books to read, blogs to read, things to do anything. Thank you

Our weekend

Saturday morning I woke up and went over the the Hairy Hubby's Aunt's house. She is a sewing pro, I lack in crafty skills. She helped me make some over sized bean bags out of body pillows. It was so nice and refreshing to be able to talk to her, she is such a strong amazing lady and I am very grateful to have her as a part of my life. We only had enough Poly Pellets to make one. It was given to my little Smelly, it has helped him fall asleep and stay asleep. I am so grateful for the over sized bean bag and he LOVE LOVE LOVES it. Now to figure out where to get some more Poly Pellets because my girls NEED these too.

We also had some friends in town this weekend. It was so great to see them. They were busy finding a truck to by so we didn't get to spend a ton of time together but we will get to see them more next weekend when they are out again for the car show. It will be my first ever car show, I don't know if I am excited or not...but I am excited to spend time with loved ones.

Saturday we decided since the Minions were FINALLY over their colds that we needed to get out of the house and do something. After a few attempts of other places we went to Jump On It. Sexy LOVED it.. she didn't even look back she went in full force and enjoyed every second! Hunny took a little time to warm up, but once she did she really enjoyed herself, she did remain cautious however and would look to us for reassurance. Smelly HATED it, he screamed and screamed and screamed they did have a foam pit that he enjoyed after screaming for about a minute but the blow up toys and trampolines horrified him. I love that my kids are 3 and under because it means most things are free!

Well that is my update! How is your life going? We have court next week, we should be getting our adoption date then.

adoption date

We should be getting an adoption date at court the beginning of March!

nap time?

I have three kids with horrid coughs and runny noses and on top of that the minions are also ALL teething. This makes for a grumpy momma. The minions now have different "online names" they came up with these name their self. We have Hunny she is our three year old girl we have Sexy our 2 year old girl and Smelly our 2 year old boy.

So what is new... umm Hunny had an EEG earlier this month that was NOT fun but it came back normal. She also had a dentist appointment and didn't try and punch anyone in the face this is a HUGE accomplishment.

Sexy is talking up a storm and starting to trust a little more, she is very bonded to the Hairy Hubby and I but does not trust anyone else. I am hoping we will be able to work through this. Poor kid has lived a life.

Smelly is finally starting to use his words. His little cheeks are starting to get a little chubby. He is also a charmer and can get anything he wants.

So we did a take two of swimming yesterday. There was only a little screaming! Smelly needs to get some meat on his bones he would have enjoyed it a little more if he wasn't freezing to death. Sexy didn't scream but head a death grip until about the last 10 minutes when she would "jump" off the edge to daddy (step off while keeping a death grip.) Hunny LOVED it she tried to float on her back and tummy and she would actually jump off the edge to me, she kicked, blew bubbles and was very upset when it was time to go. This swimming trip was a true testament to how far our kids have come. They are starting to trust, they are feeling safe and they are learning that mommy and daddy are sticking around and love them forever.

As for adoption. the judge still hasn't signed the order to terminate parental rights. I am not quite sure what to think about that. We have court about on March 7th I guess we will see what happens. I have had contact with bio mom and soon will be in contact with bio dad as well. This is all a very intimidating to me. I never know if I am doing things right. I want my kids to know who and where they come from but I want to keep them safe as well. I also want their family to be able to heal and know that the kids are safe and thriving. Does anyone have any tips on how to navigate all of this.

I am looking for some meals that are very much throw together meals, I would LOVE so ideas. Come dinner time I am exhausted and cooking dinner becomes very daunting. I am also getting bored of our "typical menu" I would LOVE LOVE LOVE Crock Pot ideas.

Do you guys have any questions for me? I know I am confusing and very random and jump ideas quickly and without warning. I would love to requests on what to write about.

results

Rights were terminated and my heart broke for the father. We will be adopting in May. I still don't believe it is true. I had to testify and it was was very intimidating and I was shaking like a leaf.

Ahh

TPR tomorrow, scheduled for 8 hours, it is two hours away and it is snowing something fierce tonight.. just found out we are testifying. I am freaking out and my heart is breaking. I have no clue what to expect.

HELP ME!

Okay.... I don't like to lose, so go  HERE and like my photo! Heather & Blaine. Please help me win!!! Thank you in advance.

puke stinks

No, really it stinks! The twins vomited every night for a week and a half. They were fine during the day, but come night time this momma was cleaning up puke. I was exhausted and frazzled and I felt like a failure, no matter what I tried my kids got sick every night. Finally when threatened with going to the doctor (not really) they stopped. I danced the first and second morning when my blanket search showed no evidence of vomit. I am not talking a little wiggle, I full on danced! I jumped, waved my hands all around wiggled the hips and shouted for joy. Finally the freaky, dumb bug is dead!! I hope it stays dead forever and ever and ever!

I also learned that my little dude grinds his teeth before, after, and during vomiting. This is one sound I can not stand (also the sound of Styrofoam.) both of these noises make me want to vomit. It is a pure miracle that I did not vomit while helping this sweet soul every night. Thank the lord for small miracles!

I also found my Sassy Pants rocking in her pile of vomit a few times. These poor kids are just barely starting to cry out when they need help.

The last few mornings I have awoken to this over the baby monitor 1-mini mom 2- sassy pants

1- "mom mom momma mom-e mom"
2 " dad?"
1- "dad gone, bye bye"
2 & 1 "mom come here!"

I will then go and "release the beasts" and Sassy pants will run down the hall while yelling to her brother "HOLD ON "insert name" MOMMA EAT!"

It is nice to wake up giggling at my silly monsters. I can't imagine my life without them. I REALLY hope they stay but I am so afraid to get my hopes up but I keep catching myself thinking in terms of forever.

Okay now I need advice. The Hairy Hubby and I have been having a debate... Is it okay for a mom to take her kids out in public in only their jammies? If you read this you HAVE to answer that question.. that is the law!