Happy 2013!

Here we are......"New Year's Eve" or when you read this.....we're into 2013 already! Reflecting back....I question what I remember. (Ha ha) So here it is.....

January - I turned 39. I had full intentions to become this fit, hard core hot mama before I turned 40! For months I worked out, ran, lifted weights, lost weight and was on the right track!

February - One of our sons turned 9. We celebrated Valentines Day and our transmission broke on our main van! Some of us attended the "All shook up" production at the Chemainus Theatre, and my husband officially opened his G's Auto Service.

March - One son turned 12, one son turned 18 and one daughter turned 12. During Spring break our highlight was attending the Whale Festival in Tofino witnessing hundreds of whales blowing while traveling North.

April - One daughter turned 12 and one daughter turned 22. We had our Easter adoption event, attended "Noises Off" at the Chemainus Theatre and I surprised some of our children to the Johnny Reid concert!

May - One son turned 12, our new son turned 10. I went with my best friend to Alaska and the car racing season started!

June - The end of June we had a new son join us!

July - My husband turned 44, our one daughter turned 5, one son turned 4 and another son turned 12. We started camping with friends, some of our children went to camp and we spent a few days in Vancouver attending the Vancouver Aquarium.

August - One of our sons turned 14 and we continued to camp with friends! I was able to attend a week long hiking first aid trip! Wilbur met his girlfriend and became a successful stud-muffin.

September - We celebrated our sons 19th! Then my oldest daughter and I went shopping in the States....soon after some of us left on a cruise to San Diego then ventured off to Disney Land! Then we jumped into homeschooling with the best EA! (Educational Assistant) a 100% teacher for 5 of our children!

October - We enjoyed Thanksgiving and Halloween while squeezing in First Aid training.

November - One of our sons turned 8 and 1!

December - Our new son joined us December 14th. I befriended two beautiful people and we had a wonderful Christmas. Like I predicted, we did not all perish December 21.

The top 12 continuation on our bucket list for 2013:

1. My husband wants to finish his car and start racing this May.
2. I would like to take some of our children to another concert or two.
3. Definitely camping, boating, day trips and our usual.
4. Meeting my husband's brother's family this summer in the Okanagan!
5. Continue to dream "Nepal" within the next five years. (Because it's happening for this Mama)
6. Plan our usual Easter and Christmas Adoption events and attend more.....
7. Move forward........without looking back.
8. Keep my fitness somehow.....within that hour a day I promise myself.
9. Remember important dates
10. Keep strong physically and mentally.....knowing we're doing the best we can.
11. Love my husband more.....after all....we are the ones left together in the end.
12. Cherish people who are dear to our hearts - friends and family.

"Happy New Year from our family to yours!"

"We aren't average"

As you might of guessed, I have been busy lately to write. Right now, it's 9pm. The whole house is quiet. I should be sleeping. Sleep around here is minimal for my husband and I. Mostly and honestly self driven of course which leaves no complaints. It's not our new son. He sleeps like a baby! lol It's our five year old daughter. She awakes hourly. We're suspecting seizures and it was confirmed by birth family that what we're experiencing is indeed the typical signs. Also we're questioning aspiration and/or reflux and possible nightmares. Then there is her nutrition, which is a 24/7 chore with syringing as the last resort. It's a complete guessing game. As we wait in line for the specialists appointments, nights seem very long. Fortunately for me I'm used to looking at the clock 3-8 times a night before the 7am internal clock awakenings me. Our littlest daughter becomes ill quite often for no apparent reason except that her immune system is compromised. She is so beautiful, happy and full of spirit. When she's not herself - it's noticed. She's one daughter that I home school. I don't believe the public system would be good for her with all her needs. I receive a lot of opinions when mentioning homeschooling to some, especially different professionals. They're concerned with socialization. Although there is lots of socialism in our children's lives. I do believe our daughter would love the public system although given her broken nights, her immune system and her sensory issues, I believe it would be hazardous to her health. She's a little girl fully dependant with multiple concerns and as her Mother I'm not willing to put her at risk. We did get some negative opinions about homeschooling recently. What I don't understand is......why is anyone concerned when we know what's best for our own daughter? Everybody seems to have a voice (not a hand) inside the apple cart while raising our children but are they there through-out the night? Do they understand the impacts on a simple head cold or even getting lice with special needs children? If our daughter ever gets lice, it will be traumatic with her sensory issues. I think there needs to be more education on what homeschooling offers, what the benefits are. (I don't home school for myself) It's frustrating getting our public school children to finish their homework let alone our home school children do to their work. Our reasoning's for home schooling is health, mental capabilities and different personalities that don't necessarily do well in a public system. For instance, one of our sons is extremely shy, he had one friend that moved away and there was bullying issues. Another isn't at his grade level which leaves him confused in a overly crowded classroom of 25-30 students. Sure he might receive some help, maybe some one on one (maybe) but it's not enough to keep him on task. What happens when a teenager is bored.... is lost within his school work not knowing how to accomplish assignments? They start skipping which leads too...?....who knows what. Us as parents try and make right choices for our children in hopes for a better future for them. Some choices aren't going to be the correct ones and I find life in general including raising children is trial by error. Some things work for some children, others not so much. That's why some of our children do well within our public school system and some of them do not. I can explain why we make the choices we do until my tongue goes numb but what I've noticed within our society is, it doesn't matter. If it's not the "norm" there must be something wrong, there must be an alternative meaning. The biggest news flash for the ending of 2012 is; normal is safe. It's the easiest outlet for anyone to just follow each other and be normal. I've never been a follower. I like stepping outside the box, taking chances and making leaps that could cause questions, possible concerns and slightly raised eyebrows because I know those leaps become bounds with positive outcomes. I make choices individually concerning our children accordingly. I adopt. I home school. I'm over the top and have been known as "intense" by one of our children. With the choices my husband and I have made, (I believe it can definitely turn eyebrows) it's not the typical nor will it ever be. I'm proud to be different. I have said this over and over again that we've dedicated our lives to our children, to our family and as long as they want us.....we will guide them as best as we know how but most importantly - not normally. Uniquely and individually. Concluding........I used to take concerned questions and opinions more sensitive, now I try to educate by answering logically "semi-differently" leaving perhaps a still raised eyebrow but with knowing within our own hearts we're doing what's best for our children and yes, it's different for good reasons. So what do I know for sure.....nothing.....except we're definitely unique.

Already moving into 2013!

By 12:30am on Christmas Eve or shall I say, "Christmas morning" Santa's job was finished. Fifteen children home, fifteen stockings and an over-loaded present piled Christmas tree! Later we ventured off to where my mother prepared Christmas dinner for almost forty people! (Seventeen was us) Christmas was wonderful. Today......as we're cleaning up the after math, I've confirmed that summer is indeed my favorite time of year. Camping, boating, endless traveling and fun in the sun is my thoughts. 2013 came fast and we're already preparing for our summer plans! Camping with friends, and possible travel plans are ahead! Not only are we thinking summer, my husband and I also confirmed that next Christmas we're outta here. We will still have our Christmas party at the beginning of December 2013! Stay tuned as it won't be cancelled! I love planning, for us 2013 is full of exciting plans, new adventures and memories! I personally don't have a New Years resolution.....just an ongoing motto. Live each day of your life as if it were your last, love and respect each other because you don't know what tomorrow brings and continue to make positive memories.  Remember if you can't control something in your life, let it rest. Take more pictures, journal and don't be afraid to show compassion and understanding for others. We're all walking the same planet with different paths, one day those paths might cross, so remember to smile - Me.

Go into 2013 thinking "Adoption"

Tis the season....we're busy every evening with family and friends. It's nice to spend time with people we care about and to continue throughout the year. I've mentioned before that adoption not only built our family, it brought us a community of extended family and friends. Family means to me.....anyone who cares about each other. A network of people that continue to come together respectfully and with love. Everyone needs a family. This time of year, it's traditional to come together celebrating Christmas. In a matter of days, all of us will celebrate. Whatever the celebration, regardless if it's the birth of Jesus or that it means we're all together, it's an important date for all. Below I posted "A home for the holidays story" Just in case some missed this television program. Merry Christmas, and for the New Year, think about adoption. There is more positive success stories then the negatives and either way, it's opening your home, your heart in hopes to change a life. And for the adoption stories that didn't succeed, give yourself a great big hug because at least you tried and remember - there is so many children in need and want a family. (Don't stop if your dedication is there!) For us, we are constantly stating we're done adopting. Although siblings belong together. And, if a child needs a home, we wouldn't say, "No" if we can provide. I also know there is many teenagers and adults still looking to be adopted, to have a stable family. Called, "Extreme Adoptions" adopting young adults. I heard once from another adoptive family, a friend of ours said, "Never say never" I guess that's us......

Play link in the below post.....it's beautiful.

A Home For The Holidays with Michael Franti

Hallelujah - The Voice

"Unlikely Friendships"

I wrote a previous post called, "The Christmas Tree" about a couple of older siblings living together that I met while away. Today I received a surprise parcel in the mail from them. One of the items in the parcel was this book called, "Unlikely Friendships" 47 remarkable stories of true friendships between the oddest animal species. A book consisting of several stories about animal friendships. "Animals crave company as much as people do" I love this book, I love this book not only because it shows the power of friendship between animals, it was given to me after meeting two wonderful people and instantly proving the power in friendships between strangers given the chance. I called to thank Connie and Arno for such a thoughtful surprise.....her comment that still remains clear is..... "if everyone gave strangers a chance, there would be more love in this world" She stands correct, and a very wise woman. (With stating that of course we have to be realistic and make safe choices especially involving our children) I do however feel honored we met and that we will continue to remain in contact. This book of short stories are full of beautiful pictures and it's a book worth purchasing for your family. One story called the "Macaque and the Kitten" I'm going to quote, written by Jennifer S. Holland is just one of the 47.

"There is a sacred forest in the town of Ubud, on the Indonesian Island of Bali, where monkeys roam freely over the stones of a Hindu temple built centuries ago. The primates are long-tailed macaques, and many local villagers believe the guard the religious site against evil spirits. One macaque recently brought it's protective instinct to a more secular task - safeguarding a scrappy kitten that had strayed into arm's reach. With more than 300 macaques in four separate troops (territorial groups) living in a relatively small area, it's not surprising that they occasionally meet other animals pawing across the temple grounds. But to form a bond like the one that this particular macaque formed with this particular kitten seemed extraordinary to the people who witnessed it. Anne Young, who was on vacation and visiting the sacred monkey forest during the time, was one of these witnesses. "The pair had been together a few days, and whenever the park staff tried to capture the kitten, it would just run back to the monkey" Anne says. The macaque, a young male, would groom his feline friend, hug and nuzzle it, and even lay his head on the kittens head as if it were a pillow. Although this species of monkey is quite social - and often lives without fear in close contact with people - this one wanted to keep his pet kitty to himself.

He became wary of all the primates around him, and if other macaques or people got too close, he would try to hide his prize - once even using a bit of leaf to cover it - or climb higher or move deeper into the forest with the kitten in his arms. The kitten, meanwhile, had plenty of opportunities to escape the macaque's clutches, "but it made no attempt whatsoever", Anne says. It seemed content to be carried around in the bigger animals embrace.

 Long-tailed macaques live in a strict social hierarchy in which males must prove themselves worthy of female attention, and this troop was no exception. The kitten-petting male was not an "alpha male", or leader, among his own kind, and was probably not getting a lot of affection from the other macaques. An he certainly wasn't getting much affection from humans, either, as macaques have become something of a nuisance in Ubud, where they wander into rice fields or villages outside of the forest boundaries and wreak havoc on private property. The kitten appeared to be traveling solo as well, and may also have been craving some attention and companionship. Fortunately for both unmated primate and homeless feline, they found what they needed in each other among the temple ruins in Ubud"

To conclude, this Christmas we were given the gift of "Unlikely Friendships" I'm no longer quoting this book, I'm writing about the gift of meeting Connie and Arno in a restaurant one evening and from there, it was an unlikely friendship that developed through merely giving strangers a chance. Sometimes we have to trust our hearts, follow our gut instincts and believe there is good people to love.

"If two lie together, then they have warmth; but how can one be warm alone?" - Ecclesiastes 4:11

Life

I can't express enough, live your life, your day (today) as if it were your last. It's horrific what's happening in our world and we just never know. I've taken several moments to grieve, to wish peace within peoples hearts and I can't comprehend the losses so many people are feeling right now. All I can say is life is what we make it, it's an individual choice and while we're all living from one day to the next, we need to appreciate that, each other and what's around us before it's too late. I am so sorry for everyone that is and has felt such loss. I posted a link worth watching to remind us what's important.


https://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?feature=player_embedded&v=nj2ofrX7jAk

The Christmas Tree

Now that I've revealed our new baby....I have a special story. While away I was sitting with my new son in a nearby restaurant having dinner. An elderly gentlemen approached us stating what a beautiful son I had. Of course I agreed because I'm very bias and he's very beautiful indeed. The gentlemen returned to his table consisting of four people. I proceeded to the front door but stopped by to say, "Goodbye" to this friendly man. From there, their party of four was very engaging. Very inviting. (Something I needed) I briefly discussed who I was. One of the woman proceeded to invite me to dinner while handing me her phone number. I gratefully received it, thanking them for their thoughtfulness and I left towards my hotel. I wasn't sure if I was going to call or not but one of the gentleman's statements rang clear in my head. He said, "It's very sad that people pass each other without saying "Hello" anymore" Our world is a place of unknowns, with no trust for each other. It's really sad. The next day, I called "Connie" with the number that was given to me. She was waiting for my call. That evening I accompanied Connie and Arno to dinner. I'm not sure where the third and fourth couple was but I was privileged and felt quite honored to spend a few hours with these two wonderful people. They shared their life stories, their beliefs and some of their losses with me. You know....I've always written that I believe everything happens for a reason. I believe I met these individuals for a reason too. I felt alone during our pre-placement visits because my husband was back at home, I was the sole mother hoping to hold every ones emotions together during the adoption transition and then there was Connie and Arno. They were two individuals that told it how it was and they were straight to the point. Good and honest people. I initially thought they were together but I soon found out that they were brother and sister. They both lost their loved ones and they both now live together, supporting each other and sometimes arguing with each other. I was very touched. I don't believe they know how they touched me. A few things......they were engaging and just so openly trusting inviting a stranger out for dinner. They treated me regardless of my own argument paying my own. This is a Christmas they're spending together as brother and sister without their loved ones, living together, supporting each other....which touched base with me because I know the importance of siblings. Here is two elderly siblings that lived their own lives but were brought back together through their own circumstances now living together. What if they didn't have each other? As much as they're sad about loosing their partners, they still have one another. (The importance even 70 plus years later I witnessed) Connie wanted to show me her house. Beautiful. I noticed there was no decorations, no Christmas tree, not one inclination that Christmas was two weeks away. Earlier I purchased these little Christmas trees to present in appreciation to our child's now past guardianship worker and others that I thought deserved acknowledgement, I couldn't leave the evening until I handed Connie a little tree. She cried. We hugged as if we've known each other forever. As far as I know.....as I feel......this is a little Christmas story. I would like to say our new baby is, he's our gift......and Connie and Arno are the story. The reason why I'm sharing this is because meeting these two individuals, re-confirmed the importance of siblings. Even after our parents are passed, our families are grown (if we have children) and we are left alone without our partners, still come our siblings. I don't think they were looking forward to Christmas this year....but I hope after our dinner date, they are. Not only did I fall in love instantly with our new baby boy, I left loving two strangers that now remain in my heart forever. And that's my Christmas Story.

"Sweet 16"

I’m not sure if this is going to be a shock to anyone or not. I know most are questioning and have questioned onto why we cancelled the adoption Christmas party this year. I did mention that it was about family obligations. That it is. I also mentioned in a previous post that there was a upcoming surprise revealed. Can you guess what it is? For over a year there has been a sibling in foster care. Born in Nov 2011. We found out in July 2011 that he was CCO, meaning he was adoptable. From then on, we applied to adopt him. We renewed our home study and completed our pre-placement visits. December 14^th we brought him home. Our new son, thirteen months old! It seemed like forever as any process but now he resides in our arms, with his siblings for many years to come. “Surprise” We kept it a secret because of all the political unknowns and also because now that we’re a large adoptive family, the excitement, the “support” from others are limited. On behave of us as the adoptive family, we are excited. We are relieved that our new son is joining his siblings. For me as his mother, I really am besides myself with joy. Every child that joins us through adoption is like another baby born to me. Not many will understand, not many will approve but we are thriving as a large family. I’ve always written about our challenges, I will always write not only to educate but to release. Most importantly to advocate for adoption, for larger families and the importance of siblings. With writing all this semi-shocking news to some, we weren’t looking to adopt. A brother was born. When you adopt……the chances are, there is siblings or siblings will be born. It’s a choice to adopt, for us…..it’s not a choice at all - they’re a package. In our case, the birth mother kept it a secret. Once revealed, we knew he should be adopted with his brother and sister. So I do apologise for the cancellation of our annual Christmas party with no explanation. Although our pre-placement visits were this week. Our Christmas gift was our new thirteen month old son, a baby. Our youngest adopted. I’ve changed my blog title to “Sweet 16” We have sixteen children and proud of it. We’re not ones to follow our society's normal. (Whatever that is) We follow our own hearts and capabilities to provide a loving and stable home to many children. Many children that are now our own. How do we do it? This is usually the number one question besides why. My answer now is……if you want 16 children, you have to be dedicated. Selfishness is not in our families vocabulary. Financially? Start baking and doing everything yourself. To conclude, for everyone that is shocked about our new adoption placement - “Merry Christmas” Christmas is full of secrets….and for the handful of people that knew, “Thank you” from the bottom of our hearts for helping us during the whole process from day one. As easy as this post may seem, it was a process many, many, many months ago. I have one friend Bonnie….I would like to thank especially for spending her evening and her day during the pre-placement visits in our home while away. She is very special. Another friend Debbie, Diane, Kara, Linda, Anne, my sister in law and my parents for being there supporting us all the way. I thank our adoption workers, the previous guardianship worker, and the Ministry. I also thank my sister for making herself available while looking after a couple of our children and I am very grateful to our children's birth family. They're wonderful. Sitting in a restaurant while away I met this group of lovely people. Four people that invited me for dinner; I would like to thank them for a lovely evening. (My next post will be written about this experience) It's amazing who we'll meet along our own journeys. For these four strangers, they really highlighted my week and now not strangers no more. Anne, who I met through this blog also was a highlight, visiting with her was very uplifting, supportive and honestly, I needed it. Anyone I missed, we are very appreciative for you supporting us! For everyone else, I apologise I never announced but with that being said, most of us know - adoption is never certain. Surprise and Merry Christmas from “Sweet 16” We are truly blessed!

Absent until Dec 15th

Wishing you a wonderful Holiday Season!

"Some of us are more guilty then others"

SADLY: The day that Albert Einstein

feared may have finally arrived.

Having coffee with friends.

A day at the beach.

Cheering on your team.

Having dinner out with your friends.

Out on an intimate date.

Having a conversation with your best friend

A visit to the museum

Enjoying the sights

Digestion verses solution

I've come to the conclusion that all of us (including myself) enable our short falls and allow other individuals to treat us disrespectfully, or use and abuse. I remember Dr. Phil once stated that our own being; our personalities, our own behaviors, the act of kindness, over giving and or the cliche statement "keeping the peace" creates our own situations. Situations simply as being talked too disrespectfully from our own children, or from other people. The situation exists because "keeping the peace" isn't actually "keeping the peace" necessarily because it's enabling the situation to continue. I'm starting to understand that addressing the situations is a more affective way to a solution, even if it hurts another to hear it. Not that I didn't know this before.......I'm completely for prevention and when prevention fails, there needs to be a solution. For me, it's a struggle with some individuals especially with other adults. I always try and swallow comments that aren't respectful towards me or something dear to my heart. I fear that addressing what bothers me will create an escalation with more drama or more disrespect. That the results for solution back fires and the situation becomes bigger, and develops resentments. So the question is, "When do you make the decision to address a disrespectful situation?" For children, it's almost immediate of course. I'm writing about adult situations, it could be with family members or close friends. Strangers.....is also a immediate response. The struggle is when it's someone close to your heart, you don't want to hurt their feelings, you don't want to be taken the wrong way, you don't want an escalation into a particular situation either. My answer....when a situation becomes to heavy to hold within your heart, you have to release it. Be patient and wait for the appropriate timing without distractions, without anger or frustration. Approaching delicate situations with individuals need to be done with love in a calm manner and also allowing an openness within your own heart to listen to their responses. In hopes that response is gentle. After all, every ones perception is different, every ones heart pumps to a different beat. I've heard several times from people that I'm a very calm natured person given many situations I've faced. I believe I am. I also believe I digest more then what I reveal too. I smile after writing that sentence.....using the word digest is perfect because what we can digest and pass thoroughly is healthy, it's what we can't digest is the problem. In order for me to remain peaceful, and to continue to have a calm natured personality I need to sometimes swallow the cliche "keep the peace" and solve the problems. I'm generically writing about this topic because it's a topic that not only exists in my life, and will until I pass....it's a topic that exists in all of us. I'm openly honest to say, "Heh, sometimes I hurt inside from peoples words" I can swallow it like a big girl too....digest and pass it but sometimes addressing it, releases and solves the situation completely. Digestion verses solution is my thoughts today. I hope my thoughts, sharing my feelings opens up solutions for you too because one thing I know for sure, I'm not alone in this place called Earth with these feelings. And I can't write this enough, "Love and respect each other as if it were our last day because we don't know when that day is" - Me.

Johnny Reid - Waiting For Christmas To Come

"A Christmas Family Reunion"

Every year my mother, sister and I attend the Chemainus Christmas Theatre. This year it was "The Gifts of the Magi" It was a play about poverty during Christmas time. With no more than one dollar and eighty-seven cents between a couple, they had to decide on how and where to spend their money. With also deciding whether to part with their own precious possessions to provide one another with a gift. In the end, they learn about a much greater gift - love. I won't write about the play any further just in case you're attending but it's a great spirit lifting event to attend with someone. Before the theatre production we always walk the streets and check out all the little local shops. Chemainus is a cute little town surviving with locally owned businesses. If you're looking for something special and unique for someone, there is the Christmas store, the Hansel and Gretel candy store and a little clothing and purse store called "Gallery 786 Inc" with great deals. The Gallery 786 Inc store is very small but the owners originally from East Africa are very welcoming, very grateful for any business that walks in. Their minimal amounts of merchandise is of good quality with amazing prices. We support their store. After our little walk of this special little town, we enjoyed once again live performances. The gifts of the Magi reminded me about how all of us get caught up in the commercialism, the impulse buying for our loved ones. I felt disappointed within myself because I'm guilty. Believe me, when I'm wandering around purchasing items for our children, I get side tracked. I see Elmo and Abby... I see a sale on something that wasn't on my list and then my list extends even longer. I don't believe I'm materialistic. Especially not for myself. I will admit, I love giving. I love surprising. Although I do know and I do feel every year that our magical material gift exchanging has to change. My husband and I just discussed that next year needs to resemble something different allowing a years warning. This is a personal journey and indeed a test for me. A tradition breaker so it won't be easy. A few years back on Christmas we attempted a family Christmas at our local Mt. That involved a blizzard, a contaminated communal hot tub and frustrating moments with all of us stuffed into a 600 sq foot condo that resulted in a extended bill from wall damage that one of our children tripped into! So this Christmas remains safe with the traditional......and after having a great evening at the theatre, I'm already re-thinking our 2013 Christmas plan. For now, my Mother just asked for everyone to be together for Christmas. Her wish. She's decided to rent her Church (with a kitchen) where we can all attend Christmas dinner! She called it, "A Christmas Family Reunion" It's going to be HUGE! We're going to unwrap the true meaning of Christmas, share this one day together and that's going to make for a very Merry Christmas! AND as a Great Aunt, I will get to see my nephews beautiful baby boy once again! Yahoo!

Merry December 1st!

Our children's designed tree takes first prize!

  
                                                                 Mom's designed tree

                                                                        The third tree

                                                          The stockings hung with care

                                                                Wilbur finished Christmas

To conclude, one of our sons continues to crack jokes, including Christmas jokes! To start the season, he asks, "What do you call people who are afraid of Santa Claus?"

(Claustrophobic)

Apparently our dog was not!