Success!

Had a GREAT time at the Heart Walk today!

15,000 walkers...over $1 million dollars raised--over $1 thousand by Team George!

Thanks to our team this year: Jennifer and Kate, Bob and Nola, Virginia, Mum, Pam, and the 6 Montagues!

Some pics:

Heart Walk here we come!

Today is the day! We're walking in our sixth Atlanta Heart Walk to raise money for the American Heart Association. You can still donate--go to the link on the right for our team page!

We have about sixteen dedicated walkers this year, and we are EXCITED!

We will walk the Survivors One Mile Walk since none of the kid will do the stroller thing anymore!

Go Team George!

Donate! And watch Fox 5 Atlanta for coverage of the walk!

Kid thoughts...

George: "When I'm 40 years old, will I be a father? If I am, I am going to Ethiopia to get a baby. I'm going to get two and name them Fred and Daphne."

****

Mimi--as Jason was on his way to a Visitation for a friend whose father passed away: "Is Daddy going to talk to Celeste's Daddy?"

When I explained that no, when someone dies they can't talk to you, she was concerned, which led to the next statement:

"Am I going to die soon? I don't think I want to die yet. I would miss talking to you."

M and G are both very sad for their friend Celeste. So are we.

****

George, after touching the cookie dough AGAIN after being told repeatedly not to:

"What the heck is wrong with me today?"

****

Vinny: "I think I gonna need hot sauce!"

****

Natan: "I like you, Mommy. You're cute. You're doing a good job."

Thanks, Tan...I needed that!

Questions...

Do baby ants bite?

Where do ants go? Do they go shopping for ant stuff?

Why does that dog have big boobies? (referring to yet another stray in our yard that has clearly JUST had babies).

Do puppies get born out of a tootie? (To which Mimi says to George, the questioner: "George, it's not called a tootie. It's a bagina"

*****

nothing much...

Getting ready for our day trip to B'Ham for some much needed BFF'ing with the Ingrams! Of all the people to move, why them????? See? I am still not over it!!!!!

******

Mimi and George are doing great in school--both reading and starting spelling. May not sound like much, but it's HUGE!!! Natan is also coming along very well--starting to write his name, and getting all his letters down. Some weeks are better than others behavior-wise, but that's true for anyone!

******

The Heart Walk is around the corner--so glad Mum and Pam will be here for it this year! It's so much fun now that M and G understand why we walk and feel more a part of it.

******

Our first Daisy Scout meeting was great!! Eight girls and we had a blast! So glad I signed on as leader--Mimi is so happy! Great group of Moms as well which is a plus!

******

My blogging has been rather slow lately, but I suppose it's a good thing. Nothing to vent about is always good! Wish there was some adoption news, but alas, nothing. Some more babies have come into the agency's care, but we are still just waiting...and waiting...and waiting...

At least we'll be good and ready for her when the time comes! Still don't know who gets to go--Jason or my sister. Depends on the government of ET.

Monday, Monday

Had a nice weekend...

I was asked to be a preliminary judge for the upcoming"Henry Has Talent" on Saturday and saw some pretty great talent! Can't wait until the final show on the 23rd!

****

We all had a great time on Friday night at Natan's school's Fall Festival--so much fun to see him with his friends! Picked up a couple of neat Christmas gifts as well!

****

We are gearing up for Nana coming for the winter and Pam's visit--VERY excited! Lots of stuff planned while they're here!

****

Saw a bumper sticker the other day that I haven't seen in a while: "Mean people suck." I agree.

****

Getting out of dodge this weekend with a much needed trip to Birmingham to get our Ingram fix!

Randoms

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Anonymous.

Thank you for asking about all the kids' school yesterday at dinner. You have no idea how many people never ask M and G how school is going, simply because they are anti-home school. They only ask about Natan because he is in "real" school. But really, he is in a dream situation just like they are. 5 kid and two teachers. It sure makes a difference!

Anyway, your inquiry meant a lot. Thanks!

*****

We are all excited about going to Natan's school's Fall Festival tomorrow night. Cakes made for the Cake Walk, 4 pound bag of candy to be delivered, and four very excited kiddos!

*****

Big news: George walked Reg alone today! As in, he held the leash without any support. He's totally pumped about it and ready to conquer the world! Since Reggie is such a dopey dog (Sara & Dwayne...you know what I'm talking about!), it was pretty easy! Mimi takes Stanely, and I get Daisy who needs the most "help." But, she is improving very day!

*****

Break time is over. off to do some more reading and social studies!

Bring on the cool weather...

We pulled out our crates of "winter" clothes this morning. Mimi exclaimed, "Yay! My cozy track pants!" It's genetic....she gets it from me!

Purging 101

It's Purging 101 and Jason flunks miserably!! We are cleaning out a section of our basement...full of stuff we have had since before we were married.

Top 5 items that I cannot believe we found:

5. Box of stuffed animals (mine)--I can still remember each of their names and who gave them to me. Found my pink elephant, Elliot, which my Dad got me at the CNE (Canadian National Exhibition) one year.

4. MULTIPLE envelopesd of fake confederate money (Jason's, obviously--I would not have Confederate anything!!). I would like to take it somewhere and in my stellar fake Southern accent, try to use it to buy stuff. My counter part is not so sure.

3. At least 100 post cards (seriously) that Jason has collected over the years. And they're not good ones. He claims it's because a post card is always better than a photo. I begged to differ, until I saw his photos. How does your finger get in so many?

2. A giant key. Jason admitted it was his dorm room key. ??????

1. All the contents from the car that we collected from his parents' accident. Holding the items and smelling a smell I haven't smelled in almost 10 years...To this day, neither of us will ever forget the exact details of that day. And we realize that so much in so many ways changed for us in the day and months that followed. But we're still kickin'!

So...we are done for the night. Our stuff has taken over the playroom, but we are confident all order will be restored by tomorrow night. If I find anymore boxes of postcards, I'm moving out!!

Just stuff

Had a busy but fun weekend--Friday night pizza with friends, the annual Music Party on Saturday, and a day with wonderful old friends on Sunday up in Alpharetta. Needless to say, we were all pretty tired by Sunday night!

****

Bug hit me yesterday...'nuff said! George offered me his pirate ship pillow today and Mimi gave me back scratches to make me feel better. Nothing sweeter!

****

People keep saying, "I don't know how you can home school...my kids would drive me crazy." I feel so sorry for them. I am so happy to have all this time with the kids. They won't always be here. They'll be busy doing and going. Someone also commented, "Well, you'll have to put them in school at some point so they can learn to sit still and behave." What do you think our classroom at home is like?? We're not running around wasting time. They do math, language arts, science, social studies, french, music and art. We are set up like a classroom but without all the other kids and with a whole lot more freedom!

So, the consensus is that so far, so good. The kids are happy and we are happy. Isn't that all the really matters??

****

First Girl Scout Daisies parent meeting tomorrow night--Mimi and are both very excited!

7 Moms and 10 girls! In keeping with the motto, I am prepared!

Darn Dinosaurs!

Mimi: "I am SO glad we do not live in the Jurassic Period."

Me: "Huh?????"

Mimi repeats.

Me: "Why?"

Mimi: "Because we would be eaten by dinosaurs..."

Life Lesson Learned (one of many)

One of the kids, who shall remain unnamed, learned a valuable lesson today:

Never fart if you think you might have diarrhea...always get to a bathroom!

Pretty much sums up what's happening in our neck of the woods...

Ewwww...and things unrelated

Something has struck in the Montague household. Three out of four kids have diarrhea. Yep. The only thing to top this would be some simultaneous barfing.

On the upside...no fevers, and it seems to be "running it's course" so to speak!

Vinny now tells us he has "medicine bum" because we put butt paste on his reddening bottom. And, his favorite new trick which I really should record: Snapping his underwear band to make a cloud of baby powder poof out!

****

Excited about another guest coming to visit in October--the kids know and are super excited! My cousin Pam is coming and will walk for Team George in the Heart Walk. Remember, even if you can't walk, you can donate! The website is up and updated:www.teamgeorgeatl.blogspot.com.

****

Some more pictures from our week with the Mattinsons:

sigh...

Dropped our guests off at the airport today. Everyone was very sad, and it is a little too quiet here...

We had such a fun week, and the kids can't wait to see them again in June in Nova Scotia! We love us some Sa Sa and Unca Dane! Now we have Nana arriving in about six weeks to look forward to!

****

George announced this afternoon that if it's OK with me, he'll "just be five years old for a while longer..."

****

Mimi told me on the way home from the airport, when we were talking about our favorite part of the past week, that her's was "just being with my whole family..."

****

Received an update of sorts from our adoption agency--still waiting. That's the update.

****

Happy Birthday (almost)!

6 years ago about this time at night, we thought my water broke. Jason had read somewhere that if you microwave "it" and it solidifies, it's your water breaking. Mine didn't solidify. It was pee. Ever heated up pee in a microwave? Probably not and I do not recommend it! With a house full of an odor that seemed to take forever to go away, we had a good laugh and went to bed.

Turns out, I was in labor. The next evening at 8:00 during Hurricane Ivan and tornado warnings, George Williams came in like a whirlwind and hasn't stopped!

There are few moments in life worth remembering. Holding your newborn or having a newly adopted child placed in your arms for the first time are those moments for me. I am fortunate to have had four of them so far.

George has been counting down the number of sleeps until the day. He said today, "One more finger up and then down until my real birthday, right, mama?"

I love my kids.

Happy birthday, George!

Good times...

Our house guests arrived safely and on time. Been in the pool ever since! Well, in between eating!

Had a nice birthday party for George yesterday--he LOVED his Scooby Doo party but loved the remote control R2D2 given to him by SaSa, Dwayne, and Nana even more!

Super delish dinner at Buckner's Family Restaurant--even the kids loved it!!

Heading to the Aquarium and other fun ATL stuff tomorrow.

Having fun!!!

Eat. Swim. Doze. Repeat.

Ready or not!

Our guests are officially on their way--Jason picks them up this afternoon. Kids still have no idea! Beds made...pork butt cooking...making apple pie (thanks, Mary Liz--it's your recipe!) later today with the kids...

First, heading up to do a couple of hours of school, then taking Natan to school today so we can choose some books from the Book Fair for his classroom.

Tomorrow is the Ethiopian New Year. We will celebrate by having George's birthday party! Instead of Injera, we'll have pizza!

****

All my trial and error regarding my vocal cords seem to be working. I am heartburn free--so here's to holistic medicine! Anyone taking Nexium or other similar medicines--read the fine print!

****

Thankful

Some thought on being thankful:

I am thankful for a few nice people.

Mean people are all around, as I have sadly discovered over the past couple of years (yes, I was living in a bubble!). Folks who choose to be unkind when they have a different choice to make.

So it was nice to receive a kind word from a genuine person. A verbal hug. From someone I respect. I am thankful you took the time to make my day!

***

I am thankful for Jason, who gives me a break to do stuff around the house or have some "me" time after he comes home from work. Not because he has to, but because he loves his kids and loves me enough to help out.

***

I am thankful for my Mum. Lots of reasons but the tangible one is the adoption. We are still paying for two plane tickets, room and board, and the country fee from Natan's adoption! Without my Mum, there would be no number five.

***

I am thankful for Jason and I sticking to our debt free budget. We are almost debt free. Yay!

***

I am thankful for my secret co-venter. Meaning, she and I can vent to one another as needed and it stays right where we leave it. She was there for me today, and I am thankful.

***

There are more, but the natives are naked, wet, and hungry. You know the ones--that I am INCREDIBLY thankful for!

Movin' Right Along...

Three weeks in and going strong!

Nailed our vowels, moving to consonants. Both kids are reading and more importantly, love to read!

The best part of school at home is that I get to be a part of their learning. I see the "click" moments and celebrate immediately.

*************

George is having fun counting the days (literally) until both his birthday party and his "real birthday day". The theme this year is Scooby Doo!!!

Spent part of this morning listening and watching Mimi practice her piano--without being told! YAY!!

*************

Preparing for our upcoming visitors (Another YAY!!!!!) who arrive on Friday! Kids don't know, so it will be quite the surprise!

*************

Having friends over for dinner--Jason cooking our weekly load of collards--mmmm!

*************

Good Times!!

Busy does not begin to describe this house now.

Loving our home school situation, mainly because we are working our tails off and seeing major results! It's a family effort for sure--I teach all four in the morning, then do "Specials" in the afternoon while Vinny naps. Jason does homework and piano practice each night.

We are finding our groove, figuring out what works and doesn't work, and basically having a great time as well!

I know there are families out there who give schooling at home a bad name--don't let them be the only impression you have. Take the time to see what others do and why we do it.

*******

Natan is still going strong and making great progress! He ran to the bus the other morning saying, "My friends! My friends!" Yes, there was a throat lump! To see him making connections outside his siblings, like the others have, blew me away and made it all worth it!

*******

I am an official Girl Scout Troop Leader! They needed someone for our district, and I needed Mimi to be a part of a troop, so I volunteered. Let the fun begin!!! She and I are both excited and also very amused by how pissed George is that he can't be a Girl Scout! He'll get his turn next year with the boys!

*******

After three years doing the dance thing, we have pulled out. We loved it and the kids seemed happy, but I have to tell you--it was killing our budget. We were also facing the two big kids wanting to try other things and trying to fit it all in. So...George starts three months of basketball this October, and Mimi is on board for Spring soccer.

*******

No vocal cord update and no adoption update. Still waiting on both...still not a patient waiter.

Phew!

Week Two is almost finished and I continued to be amazed by so many things.

1) Watching two kids the same age and how they learn SO differently. Seeing this just reinforces the great decision we've made!

2) People's continued denial that we can do this successfully and raise well-adjusted, happy kids. Umm, we can and we are!

3) How much Natan and Vinny are learning just by being around during class time.

*****

On a vocal note...saw ANOTHER medical person yesterday who is also baffled by my vocal cords. Everyone wants to attribute it to GERD, but it's not that. She, like all other doctors who seem obsessed with drugs versus getting to the root of the problem, dosed me with a steroid and gave me an antibiotic. A temporary fix for a 3 year issue. Thanks. Her parting words? "Well girl--good luck with this. I don't know what to tell you."

I have taken matters in my own hands and am not overwhelmed by those in the western medicine world right now!! But I am willing to be proven wrong by any doctor out there who thinks s/he can help!

Hump Day!

The first half of our school week has been great! I don't know how or why parents would not want to plan and execute solid academic lessons if they're homeschooling. We are loving the flexible structure that has been created. I say "flexible structure" because although we have a daily schedule that we are finding simple to follow, we still know that we can change things up at a moment's notice. We can shorten or extend any lesson depending on how things are going.

Mimi found a magnet which began to a discussion of magnets! Go figure! When not pressed for time, you can examine things even if they are not in your grade's curriculum.

Just remember that we are schooling at home--not avoiding school, not unschooling, not protecting our babies. We just think that right now, we can offer them a little more than what schools are able to because of all the crap that they have to deal with. I hear so many teachers complaining about having to teach, and so many kids complaining about school, I am more and more convinced we made the right decision!

And now for some photos. The first one is of M and G studying the properties of water. Once the straws came out, things got really fun!

The second is a quickie video of Mimi reading her first sentence alone! Baby steps are the best steps!

The third is just a funny Vinny video.

Fourth is Natan celebrating another great day of school with some Daisy snuggles!

Success!

Day One

Our first day of school in the home was a rousing success! The kids were enthusiastic and I thoroughly enjoyed being in teacher mode again!

At the end (well, it never really ends!), George asked for more--wow!

We are continuing after this little break with Social Studies before we meet Natan from his bus.

All four participated--Vinny and Natan just kind of wandered through and did what interested them--Mimi and George went whole hog!

Love my kids!

****

Going for my second adjustment tonight in the continuing saga of the back, throat, etc. issues.

Cannot take the Nexium or any other similar products as it turns out--very yucky side effects. So, I will see yet another doctor and see what kinds of food I should be avoiding, or what else I can do to take the swelling out of my vocal folds.

Have a horrible feeling that coffee may be a trigger--help!!!!!

Help!

OK.

Been to my regular MD--they ran tests for my thyroid and a host of other things.

Been to my ENT three times--am now on Nexium to stop my acid reflux which is not really having a tremendous effect.

Am shooting my nose with Nasonex twice a day.

Am avoiding ibuprofen and antihistamines.

Yes, I drink a ton of water in a day and have lowered my caffeine consumption.

No one knows why I have had laryngitis since 2007--started in the fall of that year and has been coming and going in different levels of severity ever since. There are times when I cannot read or sing to my kids. So, in my opinion, it is affecting my quality of life.

HELP!!!

My ENT, whom I like, just kind of held his head in his hands and sighed--he can see that my esophagus is irritated from the reflux, but he also sees that my vocal cords are swollen and on the verge of making a nodule--wonderful.

I am even seeing a Chiropractor...if you know me, you know this is a desperate situation!!

Any ideas? Suggestions?

Big Night!

Two major things last evening:

Natan spontaneously said the "Five Little Monkeys" rhyme at dinner...this is HUGE!!!!!!

Then, upon arrival home, Mimi pulled her tooth out!!!! Although excited that she received a dollar bill from the Tooth Fairy, she is a little pissed that the TF took her tooth.

Phew!

The free time we have enjoyed over the past six years has ended...

I am a mom of four, part time piano teacher, children's choir director, and now--full time Kindergarten teacher! Oh--and not to mention--house cleaner, cook, and resident bum wiper!

We are taking home schooling very seriously here.

This week we are getting used to the new schedule--morning lessons starting no late than 9:00, getting Natan on the bus mid-morning, lunch, free time, more lessons--throw in some piano teaching, piano practice for G and M, and then odds and sods!

Gone are the leisurely morning coffee and phone talks with Mum--they have to be put on hold until the evening...

Gone are the PJ days!

But we have a new kind of day--one filled with new ideas, new activities, reaching little milestones, and celebrating learning new things!

We are using a pretty popular standard curriculum which seems to be the choice for most. It was suggested by my HS guru that I combine this year and cover K and First--it looks like we may be able to do just that!

I no longer feel the trepidation I was feeling all summer--that was all school-related. We are all happy where we are right now...

Jason and I still don't understand people's anger toward our decision. No one has even asked "why" before berating us. Our pediatrician applauded our decision (yay!), which made me feel great simply because I respect her--she also knows our kids' histories better than anyone else and gets why we decided to do what we are doing...things are not always as black and white as people seem to think.

Now to teach some more piano lessons!!

Top Five Movie Picks

Top 5 movie picks in this house:

The Stoning of Soraya M.

A Single Man

The Greatest

Milk

It's Complicated

A Dollop of Daisy

Daisy had a great appointment yesterday at the vet--took Mimi & George with me. Mimi was in seventh heaven with two cats roaming free around the office. She wants to be a vet when she grows up so she can "have all the cats." Guess I won't be visiting her house! Sniffle...sniffle...achoo!

Daisy was great--needs a bit of instruction on the leash, but she is actually a sweet little girl. The only person who flinched during her fecal exam was George after I threatened to do one on him if he didn't sit still!

*******

School supplies are ordered, took a trip to the Schoolbox store (the mothership) and got a few more items. M and G are very excited about their first day of school. Jason encouraged me to start when his student return on the 16th, giving me more time to prepare which has taken a huge load off. I am not going into this lightly, as I am sure some assume. I have a plan book, as there will be weekly lesson plans to follow. The beauty is, we can spend more or less time on things as needed, and are not governed by the set time of 7:55-2:15 every day. I like the flexibility but still have to have a schedule.

Shout out to Claudette and Mert for their kind words--much appreciated!

Why?

I made a commitment to myself that I would no longer vent on my blog--that I would go back to using it as an online journal to share with my Mum, sister, and Aunt. I would put a password on it, but then my Mum and Aunt would never be able to access it--no offense, ladies!!!!

This is not a vent, but rather an expression of sadness and disappointment.

Jason and I figured that when we made the decision to educate at home, there would be flack from folks.

I just did not anticipate who that judgement would come from, although Jason said he is not at all surprised.

To clear some things up:

Over one million children in the United States are home schooled.

One of the main reasons to home school that we have read is that families want to be more of a family unit.

The more educated the parent, the better off the children will be. Cha-ching!

This is a decision that we have made as a family--if you are going to ignore or attack me, you darn well better treat Jason the same way.

Educating our kids and being a strong family unit are far more important than a friend or two.

The one thing that puzzles us the most is why people are so angry about this. What are they afraid of?

Jason is right: These few people do not matter.

He insists it is their loss.

I agree.

Made it!

Natan had a great first day of PK! He was excited to go, a little bummed that his bus was running late and had to be driven!

We met him as he came home on the bus--I could see his head over the top of the window, beaming and waving!

No hesitation, no anxiety...a kid who is where he needs to be for now.

And two very contented parents who know they have made the right decision for their children.

Ahhh....

First Day!

Ready for school!

Yes, Virginia..we are crazy!!!!

Yes, we have four children plus one on the way.

Yes, we are embarking on a "home based educational program."

Yes, Natan is entering Special Education PreK tomorrow.

Yes, we adopted Daisy yesterday--very playful little girl from Fayette County Animal Control!

Yes, some people think we're crazy.

And no, I don't care what they think!

"Thank you for your opinion, but we are doing what is best for our family."

Thank you, Sara, for my new mantra. It is indeed working!

Here is our new baby--very difficult to get a still photo!

Natan

We attended the orientation at Natan's school last night. Super nice teacher and Paraprofessional...he is very excited to be going on the bus every day and being in his own classroom.

Here he is in his new classroom with his teacher, Ms. Faith and his Para-pro, Ms. Carol.

Also signing Mimi up for Girl Scouts--hadn't even thought of this until I met a friend and troop leader last night. She is excited!

Jason and I have such a calm and good feeling about this year--very different from what we've been feeling over the past few months.

New day...

Lots of changes happening around here. All good. All exhaustively discussed over and over and over...

The decisions we make in this home are in the best interest of each and every individual, and of our family as a whole. We do not think we are above any one thing, we do not feel any kind of superiority. We just know what is in our heart and more importantly, our gut!!

Being a parent is about making the best choices for your children, even if those choices do not go along with what everyone else says you should do.

So, here is to being decisive and confident in a decision...and diving into every project with passion and no fear!

Mimi's 6th Birthday Montage

Today is Mimi's 6th birthday...time flies when you're having fun!!!!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Ode to Unca Dane

Sara, this is for you--I couldn't email it!!

Need a laugh??

Not the breast day ever...

Some of you out there may know of my plight in the bra area. I spent most of my pre-teen and teen years feeling self conscious and being teased about being flat chested.

Over the years, as an adult, I have come to realize that it really doesn't matter. In fact, I have come to see that I wouldn't want it any other way.

We hear constantly, "Be happy the way you are", "Beauty comes from within".

So I ask, WHY, when I walked into the Hanes store, was I bombarded by at least 500 bust enhancing, hugely padded bras?? And not one in my size.

I am not ashamed to be flat chested. People have laughed at me all my life for it. But why is that less acceptable than being a 38 or 40 DD--that seems unimaginable to carry around! And these massive bras were PADDED!!! What??

(FYI: In the men's section, nothing was padded. Perhaps men should start wearing padded underwear strung with wire and lift support...)

So, I was actually looking for a more grownup bra. Why am I not entitled to something pretty with color or satin or leopard print...why am I stuck wearing bralettes with no style?

I am being punished for having a flat chest.

Mimi did make a good point when we walked in the store: "Good thing Georgie isn't here--he's afraid of bras." And yes, he is!!!

More flags, more fun!

Spent today at Six Flags on a little impromptu jolly holiday! Walked around for over seven hours with no whining, no complaining, and no melt downs! We all had a blast, Jason got to ride some serious coasters, and the three big kids and I ended the day at 8:45 p.m. on "Thunder River"--soaked to the core!

I asked each of them what their high for the day was...Mimi said riding the roller coaster, George said, "Thunder River" and Natan said roller coaster. I will assume Vinny's was Thomas, where he had rocked it out earlier.

My high: Being reminded once again that I have these seriously amazing kids!

Now to drag Jason out of the pool and go to bed...

Forty & Sporty

Yesterday was Jason's 40th birthday! I managed to pull off a surprise party for him with good friends, GREAT entertainment provided by our good friend, Alan Ross, and my gift to Jason--a beautiful portrait by my dear friend and professional artist, Mary Liz Ingram of the "Jason Tree" complete with four pretty adorable kids!

The whole evening was fun, and Jason deserved every bit of it!

Check out Jason's birthday montage--points given for being able to guess the song title and singer--two of Jason's favorite artists:

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Dear Tim, I love you.

This is the REAL reason we drive 28 hours to Canada!!!!

Nothing beats Tim's.

This was the first one, right after we crossed the border from Maine to New Brunswick. Mmmmm....

Memories...

Photos from our recent trip home...with stops in D.C., Portsmouth, NH, Ontario, and Cleveland!

Our Canadian cousins in New Hampshire--hello!! Had a blast!!!!!!

Nana & Mimi on Papa's bench...that is Sara & Dwayne's osprey in the background.

With Auntie & Uncle

Hanging out with another cousin on the dirt pile!

"Oh yeah! Oh yeah! Oh yeah!"

And more...

"Unce Dane, Unca Dane, Unca Dane..."

We discovered we have a whole new set of cousins!!!

Me, Mum, Sara

Catching up with Auntie Selena...my other sister!!

Got to snuggle Baby Jackson!

The original cousins! Finally met Benjamin!

Happy Belated Canada Day!

Click below to read the front page story!

Happy 143rd, Canada! - Local - News - The Amherst Daily News

blah...

I miss my Mum.

Do you ever get too old for that?

I know we are a handful at the Blue House, but I also know my mother loves my kids to bits. And they love her too. We have all been moping since we drove away--not easy to mope in a car.

It just feels so wrong to live 28 hours from home.

Mum and I are already planning the trip next year! Six weeks might almost be enough!

Vinny is still singing his "Unca Dane" song...pretty much just singing in minor thirds over and over and over!

My sister made such a nice bunch of memories for my kids. These trips to the Blue House are still in the beginning stages, and they would be much better with Papa there. Someone to take them for ice cream...walk on the lane...wander at the back shore...but Sa Sa and Dwayne make it a place the kids think about and talk about all year. They even have "summer friends" just like I did--shout out to Jill!! I have known my summer friend for 30 years!

I lay in my Dad's bed with Mimi on our last night and I just kept thinking of how unfair life is. Not in a whiny, feel sorry for my family way. Just in the way that my Mum and Dad should be sitting on the front deck watching their grand kids together. Papa shouldn't be reduced to a mere memory that we can only talk about. It sucks.

I am so glad George favors my father so much--in looks and personality. I hope it helps.

***

We surprise visited my oldest friend this morning--woke her and her family up at 8:00 a.m.--was informed that people with older kids actually sleep in!!!! Had a great time catching up and Jason commented that it was like we just picked up where we left off.

Also took the kids to Albert College where I attended Grades 8-10 and loved! Nice to show it to my kiddos.

Spent a better part of the day with Great Grandma and Grandpa Stinny. He is in the hospital now waiting to move to a nursing home and the kids were very "big kid" handling it. They saw him. They yelled, "Grandpa!!!!!" They ran to him in his wheelchair. They mauled him. He loved it. One man in the hospital informed me we are doing a marvelous job raising the kids. He said he was a "disciplinarian" and had served in the Navy. He happened to catch us at a good time--all four sitting eating a Popsicle given to them by a nurse. Still, it made me feel good and I took the compliment with my usual sarcastic grace!

It's always hard to leave the Stinny's--just another part of missing home.

****

Heading to Uxbridge tomorrow morning to see Auntie Gail, Uncle Neb, more cousins, and finally meet Ben!!!!! Very excited--must dig out the scotch tape and paper I had packed for this part of the visit!!!!!

Then our last stop will hopefully be in Cleveland to see Selena and meet her baby finally!!!

We have indeed had a very lovely vacation--too short, but so great to see people!!

My USB cable is in the car and I am in bed. You see how that will play out. No pictures until we get home!

Eastward Down & Homeward Bound...

We're here, and have been for some time now!
Had a most fabulous trip up, stopping in D.C. first, then Portsmouth, NH. GREAT times with great cousins!!
Not doing much--beach...nap...read...beach...nap...just repeat several times each day!
Mimi has discovered her inner animal whisperer and is one with the cows. She greets them every morning and says g'nite every evening.
Everyone swam in the chilly ocean the other day--and had tons of fun finding hermit crabs and sea shells.
Waiting for Sally to get here this Saturday for a very quick visit--will have to cram all sorts of stuff in! LOBSTER!!!!!!
Enjoying a cup of Tim's--it's a bit of a trek, but completely worth it! Hitting the first of many provincial parks today.
Going to Birchtown next week to see the Black Loyalist settlement there--anyone who has read "The Book of Negroes" will know what this means. Also going to see the Bluenose II, time permitting. Lots to do, but main thing: RELAXING!!!!!!
Lots of photos to post when we get home.

sad hearts...

Selam may have a new heart valve and be feeling better, but there were many heavy hearts tonight at dinner. We had our last meal with him before we had to say good bye. He and I and one or more of the kids at any given time have spent the last five days together, hanging out. We have had so much fun and when I looked at him, saw tears running down his cheeks, I just kind of fell apart. Then Mimi started, and then Jason...it was pretty bleak! We will get to see him one more time at a farewell party in July, and then, when we finally get to ET for the new baby, we can visit him in Addis.

But...tonight was hard. I love meeting new people and extending our family in this way but it sure hurts to say so long...

We love and miss you, Selam...peace, man.

13!

13 years ago today, Jason I eloped at the Cobb County Courthouse!

We met in February, got engaged three weeks later, and then got married in June!

What a journey!

Dance Fever!

We love the Dance Academy!

Peace!

That is what "Selam" means...and it fits! We have had a great week getting to know Selam while he recovers. He is a trouper! Really--who else would sit and watch a dance rehearsal for two hours and keep smiling?! He has made himself at home and we couldn't be happier. Tomorrow is his last day here, so we are ending with pizza night--a favorite!

Some pics from the week, including dance rehearsal:

Learning how to drive!!

Astronomers!

Magicians/George & his Girls!

My Kids!

And I mean all five! Vinny has a new best friend, George has not stopped asking random questions, Natan is in full show off mode, and Mimi is enjoying showing off Stanely! We love Selam! He's watching a movie now and having some peace and quiet! We are all exhausted and supposed to be sleeping, but I hear footsteps overhead!

****

Off-topic shout out to my girls, S and C for this morning--you were AWESOME!!! I am so proud!!! I can say, "I knew you when..." Thanks for stepping up and being great leaders!

****

T-Minus 6 days until "The Trip". 'Nuff said!

****

Another shout out to...Moye's Pharmacy--they were VERY generous today in helping with Selam's meds...and I mean GENEROUS!!

****

Time to go to bed and not sleep...again! But, life is good.

Good times!

We love our Ingrams!!

Updates

Passed the USCIS Interview. Waiting for my Oath Swearing appointment--could have done it on the 18th, but will be in Canada!!!

****

Spent yesterday with the Ingrams in B'Ham--had a great time and feel refreshed!! Did you know it was National Donut Day? We found that out at the Krispy Kreme where we all devoured "Fresh Hot Now" donuts and milk!!

The kids had such a super time with heir buddies yesterday--George cried when we left, and Mimi said as wee were leaving the donut massacre, "I am in love with Mary KK." Ahh...

We miss our friends.

****

We have someone interested in buying on of our grand pianos--yes "one of". We are having a few epiphanies around here. One of them is that we do not need so much stuff. We have said this for such a long time, but still hold tight to the whole "must own a house...must have stuff...must reach the American dream." Maybe the American dream should be re-visualized. Well, that and we could use the money to help pay some of our medical debt. Yes, folks--medical debt.

****

Saw Salem yesterday--he looked fantastic! I had George and Mimi with me...they were loaded with brownies and a picture. Can't wait for him to be out of there!

****

Shout out to my sister Sara, and friend Stephen: my sister has completed her first book and is ready to edit and then send! Yay!! I know she is relieved...this has been a long time coming and I will actually pay full price for a hard cover copy--I NEVER do that!

Stephen has finished his "first fifty pages"--the important section that gets sent off as query to perspective publishers. Yay!

Nice to be surrounded (even if long distance) by ambitious people!

****

A bigger shout out to my Mum. I will not go into details, but sometimes I forget how cool she is. Thanks, Mum.

****

Good day...

This is it! Tomorrow is Interview Day at Immigration! I am ready! Woo Hoo!

****

Selam has come out of surgery and is doing OK in the CICU. We will stop and see him tomorrow after our appointment.

****

Mimi and I shopped just a little on the Square today for little gifties...we never get to do this, so it was quite fun!

****

All in all, I'd say today was quite productive! I'm feeling all sorts of good things...

****

Natan

Had our meeting at Natan's new school! He is eligible for the PreK program starting this fall--I even met with his teacher! I saw their list of goals and objectives and I am so excited to watch it all unfold!

****

June is busting out!

Well...it will be when most people read this!

Busy week--meet with the Special Ed team regarding Natan--like I told Sally today, I act like it's "cool" and "we're OK" with all of this, but there are moments when it hits me and I crumble.

Duane? Vangie? Kyron? Ever have those moments? Not regret, but something else I can't put my finger on...

*****

Selam has his third open heart surgery Tuesday--we will be anxiously waiting to hear good news, and then we are ready and waiting to discharge him into our care! I am a little nervous with the possibility of giving him needles (!), but you know what--I can do this!

We spent Sunday evening with him and the kids are super excited to have him here, even if it's for a shorter time than originally planned. Lots of popcorn and movies planned!

*****

Thursday is my Citizenship Test Day...not worried. I'll just be cool and not try to loosen the joint up! I'll always be a Canuck deep down, in case you were worried! Then we get to visit Selam and get everything set for him coming home. Kids very excited to get "Nana's Room" ready for their newest friend!

*****

Friday is my saving day! As in saving my life day! Off to B'Ham for a day visit with our buddies the Ingrams. By Friday, I will need this visit more than ever! Two years and we still miss them like crazy!

*****

Two more weeks and we'll be in DC!!! Lots planned, and looking forward to seeing Nikol and Olivia. Then off to Portsmouth to visit more cousins then finally to Mum's!!

Natan thinks we'll see Papa there...George informed him, "Papa's dead! He's with my other robot!" OK...

Mimi will randomly announce that she misses Papa. I know it's the idea she misses. It gets me every time, just thinking of how much he'd be enjoying them right now.

*****

Jolly Holiday!

Jason and Minna's Day of Fun! (for all you "Friends" fans out there!)

Jason finished yesterday and we spent a day on a jolly holiday--we didn't tell the kids what we were doing or who we were seeing, but that they would have some surprises! George was driven to madness over not knowing--Mimi took it in stride and went along for the ride! Natan and Vinny could have cared less--they were just happy!

First stop: Kennesaw Mountain National Park. We used to go running there (pre-kids) on the mountain trail--kicked our butts and I sure do miss it! Yesterday, we were walking it with our four kids and had even more fun! At one point, two young guys ran by us with their shirts off. We stopped to let them pass and Natan pointed and said to them, "You're naked! Why you're naked?" Got a chuckle...

We let the kids choose something from the gift shop but it had to be under five dollars. Mimi didn't hesitate and chose replica confederate money--George and Natan are sharing Civil War figures and acted out the battle in the car--lots of "Cannonball!!!"

What I loved most was that the kids had a blast and thought it was "the best surprise ever!"

Second Stop: The church Jason worked at when we met. He is playing for a wedding this weekend and we went with him for the rehearsal. We were meeting up with Tanta, but I hadn't told the kids. They were over the moon when she showed up! With new robots! We played with Tanta while Jason and Papa Tom worked at the rehearsal.

Third Stop: The Varsity! We eat at the Varsity every year on the last day of school--they LOVE it!

On the way home, I announced that we had spent a fabulous day together. Mimi responded,"Mama...it was a red letter day!" That's my girl!

The pictures are in Picasa, but here are some of my favorites:

Happy Day!

Lots of young people graduating today--Congratulations!

A friend posted on Facebook that at his daughter's fifth grade to Middle School walk, the teacher said it was the "end of childhood." WHAT??!! Are you kidding me? Maybe that is the problem--kids are forced to grow up faster than necessary. I know many young people who are teens and yet at the same time, kids. The way it should be. I hate the thought of having to grow up!

****

Heard from our agency--there just have not been any babies lately. Good for babies. Bad for Montagues!

It'll happen...see? My patience hat is back on and securely tightened...for now.

*****

Jason is finished today at noon--heading to Roswell to see Tanta and Papa! Yay!

2 weeks until we head east! Can't wait!

I'm ba-a-a-ck!

Oh my beloved treadmill--I couldn't stay away! Three days without you was an eternity...I love you. Plain and simple.

****

G and N threw some clothes in the pool today (don't ask why--there's no rhyme or reason!). Mimi picked it all up, lay it over the fence and told me she was "unwetting" it.

****

Trying to find ways of dealing with some of Natan's "stuff." Call out to anyone who has books on PDD and/or Autism that they are willing to lend. There is so much out there, but I don't know where to begin. I hate buying books and then find out they're useless.

****

Four days and Jason is DONE! 'Nuff said!

****

Is anyone else bummed that Law and Order is ending? Hello? No more McCoy?? Not that I get to watch--it's just comforting to know he's there...

Dance recital and trip home...less than 3 weeks away!! WoOoHOo!

3 years...

Natan has been part of our family for three years as of this week.

Seems like he started out here and I can't imagine our family without him!

owie.

Self medicated. Four ibuprofen washed down with red wine on ice. No judgement, please.

Desperate times call for desperate measures!

That has numbed the pain. But it will return.

I barely managed to stay off the treadmill. I miss you, old friend. We've been together 10 years. Next to my husband, my treadmill is the only thing I will run in my undies around!

It's just not something you can do out on the road or a high school track!

Going to bed to lie in agony for a few hours. Think self medication has taken effect...

****

Embarking on something new and exciting...t.b.a.

****

Still waiting for our referral. Mimi and I are especially frustrated. Mimi says she just "wants a picture so she can start imaging how it will be like to have a new sister!"

****

ouch.

I fell off the treadmill yesterday.

I was going 6.3 mph and simply tripped--something I have never done on the treadmill before. I used my back to twist myself away from i as I was falling--probably not smart now that I can't move...

To make matters worse, I got back on kept running. I did slow it down to 6.0 (!) and only ended up doing 2 miles before my lower back muscles exploded! I thought I would help myself out by lifting weights (my normal workout), but I'm not sure that helped either. Don't judge me.

I am under order by Jason to not engage in any exercise today. Running is my booster. No matter how tired I am, it wakes me up and gives me dose of adrenaline that keeps me going.

If I could, I would kick myself for being careless. But it would just hurt too much!

Vinny's 2nd Birthday

Mixes rule.

So...I decided to make Vinny's birthday cake. Usually, I would use a mix because I think they are better. Why mess with something someone has perfected and put in a box?

I didn't have a mix.

Fine.

Make it from scratch.

I followed the recipe to the letter. I know how to bake. I learned from the best.

The damn thing didn't turn out. I now have smoke billowing from the oven, the smoke detector is beeping, and I have four freaked out kids.

The recipe was from the "America's Test Kitchen" book--everything else form there has turned out so far.

This recipe SUCKS.

I have never used a mix and not had it turn out. And I always get rave reviews for my birthday cakes.

Cake mixes rule.

Baking from a mix does not make me an inferior baker. It makes me a smart one!!!!

Lesson learned.

Now...how to get the smell of smoke out of the house before our guests arrive on Wednesday????