Very Special Day

I know it's been awhile... and there is so much that has happened... but I couldn't let this event go without a record. Our dearest little Mr. T. was baptized, confirmed and ordained a deacon last night! 


Normally, our children would be baptized at 8, but because the adoption is not complete, Mr. T. had to wait until his twelfth birthday to get this done. Also, a baptism usually takes place on a Saturday. However, this Saturday, the youth from our ward are going to the temple to perform baptisms. Mr. T really wanted to go to this, we were able to get the baptism done on a Wednesday. Mr. T would also need to have the priesthood in order to attend the temple, so that was taken care of last night too. 


I've got to tell you, this was one of the most incredible baptisms I've ever had the pleasure of attending. My own children's were special - don't get me wrong. But Mr. T had waited four extra years. He'd had to get permission from the government - if you can believe that. They won't allow any religious decisions until the age of 12 - and until the adoption is complete - he is still technically theirs. 


The spirit was so strong there last night. I'll bet there were close to 100 people in attendance! Which was great because Mr. T could see how much love and support he had for this decision. It was hard to contain all the emotions we felt. I think the only time Mr. T wasn't smiling was when he was shedding "tears of joy" (as he called them) while he bore his testimony. 

When we got home, he said he just "felt different". He was the sweetest happiest boy! His bedtime prayer was one of the most sincere, as he offered thanks for all he's been blessed with. I'm so grateful that he has come to be part of our family! I know I have learned so much since he and his brother came to be part of us. 


We are all truly blessed! 


Three things I'm grateful for:

1. That Mr. T was finally, FINALLY able to be baptized because it was his decision and no one else's. 
2. Our new little foster daughter. She is wonderful and funny! I am loving the hugs and kisses and teaching her new words, to count, and sing... but I am NOT enjoying the potty training!
3. My husband. He is a wonderful father, husband, and friend. I'm so grateful that he has the priesthood and is able to bless each of us. It was wonderful for him too, to be able to perform each of Mr. T's ordinances last night too - especially because he is so afraid of crowds! He did it perfectly, and I love him so much!

Baby Mixups

We're in between fostering little girls at the moment. The one we had left for a 3 week "visit" to make sure everything was going to go okay. Everyone had worked so hard to get this little girl home and we were sure that this was going to be one of the rare "happy endings". 


So I called her case worker today, to see how things were going and to see if we could open up the bed for another child. The case worker began to tell me that baby's mom had gone to court and confessed that she didn't want to be a mom after all. I was shocked!! This was not the ending that we were hoping for. 


It got worse - 

She went on to tell me that mom had decided to give up all her rights and when the judge started yelling at her - she bolted from the courtroom! This was so far from where everyone had hoped this would end up. So I asked the case worker when we might be getting the little one back, to which she replied, "Don't you  have her?!"


This is about the time we figured out that she thought I was a different "Kerry the foster mom" and had given me the story ending for the wrong baby! Terribly sad for the other poor little girl - but what a relief from our end! Whew! We'd worked so hard to get our last little babe home safe and healthy. 


So we continue to hurry up and wait... wait to get our little one back - or wait for our next little family member. 


Three Things I'm Grateful For

1. Our little foster baby is actually with people who want her and love her!
2. We think we've found a temporary solution to a very pressing problem. Woot!
3. Our oldest foster boy got permission to be baptized on his birthday. Hurray!

Singing In The Rain

I've been kind of down in the dumps for about a month now... Been hard to write anything positive even though so many wonderful things have happened. But tonight, I watched this movie with one of my little guys, and it put me in a great mood! Haven't felt this way in so long - but I'm grateful for it. I loved this movie (I'm going to buy it tomorrow if I can find it) and so I thought I'd share one of my favorite scenes with you...



Three Things I'm Grateful For...

1. My family is back from vacation and camping. Not all of my children are home - but they are close and I love them!
2. My husband is good to me and loves me. 
3. I loved being a church today. Really lifted my spirits. 

Ammon & The Lamanites

How do you keep a room full of ADHD kids interested in a topic for any length of time? Get down to their level and include them!

We have some great elder's serving in our ward right now and they came over to teach the kids a quick lesson from the Book of Mormon about Ammon and the Lamanites. Here's what happened...

The elders be back in two weeks, and I can hardly wait to see what they've got ready for us then. :) 

Three Things I'm Grateful For:

1. My testimony of the gospel. I've done a lot of thinking, reading, and researching lately, and I am so grateful for the peace that comes when following the Lord's commandments. 
2. My family. I have a good husband that tries so hard for me - and for our kids... even when they don't acknowledge or appreciate it. 
3. I got two notes of praise from our foster baby's parents. THAT meant a lot! 

Catching Up...

July has been incredibly busy for me! Travelling, company, Stampede, new foster child... not necessarily in that order... It's been nuts! 


Just wanted to pop in quickly though, to say that I'm working on some of the photos from July to share with you. I hope to have them all up in a couple days.  But don't peek yet... 

 

Motherhood: An Eternal Partnership with God

Sometimes in the day to day, I forget that there is a bigger purpose to the job I do. I'd like to add to this video that this purpose extends not just to those that we give birth to - but also to those children who come into our lives as foster children, step-children, nieces, nephews, and those just adopted into the family in whatever capacity.

I hope you enjoy this one as much as I did...



Three Things I Am Grateful For

1. My family! Especially my own mother. Need I say more?
2. My country! As we celebrated Canada Day yesterday, I reflected on what a great nation this is. 
3. My sense of humour... Believe me! I need it to get through most days. 

RS Progressive Dinner June 2010

A couple weeks ago we went on a trip down to Cardston, and I was on a picture taking kick most of the way down. There was some beautiful scenery to be enjoyed!

This is the Belly River.


Our excursion took us into Glenwood as well. I have an uncle and aunt there, who we really enjoy visiting with. 

.

But to get there, you have to drive through the Blood Reservation. Here is the abandoned little church. 

My uncle has this amazing garden and it's already in full swing. The boys had never been before, and they were really enjoying the visit too. 

I guess there was a little nest up in this tree and he was letting the boys have a look at it. 

My mom was with us too for this trip. My aunt showed us her beautiful quilts and a few quilting tips. I don't know how long we spent there, but it never feels like enough time. We love them! 

It was a beautiful day in Cardston too! Not everything is blooming yet - but there is a lot of green showing up. I love this building and being here!













Found this one a little bit ago - same building - decades ago...This is a picture of my great-grandparents and some of their children back in the 1940's. I love history! 





Three things I'm grateful for:

1. Temples... They are so beautiful and peaceful. Each one different from the others. I love being in their presence and within their walls. 
2. Family... Sometimes we don't get along very well - but we always love each other. I especially love that my kids are still getting to meet some of the older generations in our family. They (we) can all learn so much from these wonderful elders!
3. My chiropractor! I know this one is way off from the others, but I've been in serious pain this last week and he will save me from it! He's the best!

Foster Parent Story for Enviros

Here is the video that I worked on a couple months ago in the digital storytelling workshop. I was very proud of the way it turned out. :)

Hope you enjoy it!

We got to participate in a once in a lifetime opportunity last weekend! We were witness to the groundbreaking ceremony for the Calgary Alberta Temple last Saturday! 

This is a picture of what it will look like when completed. I am just so excited to actually see this happening! 


I love the Cardston Temple, and the Edmonton Temple is ok (though not nearly as grand as Cardston). The Calgary Temple will be somewhere in between these two - in size and literal location. There will not be excuses about time and travel once this one is done and the best part is - we can watch it from start to finish! 


The kids were not thrilled about having to do the "church thing" on a Saturday. I couldn't even convince them it would be cool to be able to say to their grandkids, "I was there when they broke ground for that temple!" However, they were quiet enough as we sat through the ceremony. I loved every minute of it. 

Amongst all this excitement, we also had DH's sister and her brood staying with us for the weekend. That made 15 of us in the house! Try scheduling shower and bathroom time around that. 


This wasn't even all of us for breakfast!

One of almost everyone...

And the kids... : )


It was fun and we enjoyed having them here and the kids really enjoy playing with all their cousins. 

Wrinkled Ladies

Go ahead and get a giggle out of this one!

Great Message for Everyone

Testimony of the Book of Mormon

Testimony of the Book of Mormon

April Already?

I did it again... neglected my blog! It's not like I haven't been doing anything - I have been really busy! And sick... 


My little sister has been very sick. She has been in the hospital for over a month now - and I have not been able to visit her much. She doesn't want to have me infect her with my germs while she heals from her surgery. I don't blame her, actually. It wouldn't be nice to make her even more sick than she is. She has been in our prayers - so if any of you wish to add her to your prayer list - her name is Noelle. 


We had a very nice Easter weekend too. We really wanted to emphasize to the kids what Easter was about - and what it was NOT about. It helped that our church was holding it's Annual General Conference over the weekend, so we stayed home to "watch" church on TV. I always love conference weekend. I wish that we were able to go down and be in Salt Lake City for it again. That is definitely one of my favorite memories! However, when we have all the kids, they are more than a little disruptive to those around them, so it was best that we were able to watch this from home. I love to hear from Jeffery Holland, David Bednar, and most especially President Thomas S. Monson. I love to hear from all of them - but those three tell especially good stories! 


I notice too that there is a different spirit in our home during Conference weekend. Both DH and I recommit to doing better and applying the lessons we've been taught by our leaders. Just like spring - it's a whole new beginning!


The weekend and week following we were blessed to have a little girl staying with us while her foster parents were out of town. This little doll is about the best baby I've ever seen! Rarely a cry... eats everything you give her... no noise when it's time for bed... We just loved her to pieces! We took lots of pictures and a couple of videos. Wish I could share with you - but you know the rules! DH and I agree that we NEED another girl in the house! Little girls just play different games and make different noises than boys do. We need some balance here! 


Three Things I'm Grateful For - 

1. That I get to have a job that allows me to be home with my family and available to help others. Best job in the world - MOM!
2. The snow is finally gone from the yard!! I'm even seeing some green haze on the trees in the neighbourhood.
3. I'm on the mend after a week of feeling like crap. I hate being sick!

This Simply Won't Do!

This once a month posting has got to stop! I think about it all the time, but I've been involved in so much over the past month, that it's been hard to find the time.


There has been a lot of training to attend lately. Admittedly, some of it was voluntary - but all of it was educational. D only joined me for one of the multi-day courses - theraputic crisis intervention - and we learned so much! I've also attended conferences on FASD and Digital Storytelling. Lots and lots to learn and I love it!


There has been quite a bit to do with the boys lately too. I think that the onset of spring has something to do with that. Everyone seems to get busier as it starts to get lighter and warmer outside. We all went to see T in his play at school this week. He had a small part - but he did it so well! Here are some of my favorite shots from "The Hobbit".

Smaug the Dragon

Captured by Spiders

The Great War

It was fun to watch finally, because it had been a six month production to get in place! Of course we had to sit through the Grade 7 band concert before the play. Ahhh.... memories of the honking and squeaking that pass for music. I loved Grade 7 band when I was there - but at the time - I'd had no idea how it must have sounded to the parents. Grade 8 band was better - and I remember those days too. I'm hopeful that the boys will want to take some music when they are old enough - and I'll go endure Grade 7 band concerts again. 

Yesterday was our 4th Wedding Anniversary. I seriously can't believe how the time has flown! We've come such a long way in so little time - and yet - still so much to learn about each other. We spent a great night having dinner at Olive Garden. We were going to see a movie - but we both ate too much - so just came home instead. It was so nice to be out just the two of us! I love you, Honey! 

Happy Valentine's Day

I've been so busy - and hardly had time to think! There is plenty to blog about - but I'm still getting ready for church... My boys surprised me with a breakfast in bed and a promise to be my "slaves" for today. LOL! What a great Valentine's Day. Anyway, I wanted to leave you with this great video, in honor of this day of love... Enjoy!

I've been finding it very hard to get back into the swing of things. School has been back in for a week and a half now (YAY!) but the routines just aren't coming back. I need motivation!!


We did get to enjoy one of our Christmas presents last weekend - and we went out for dinner with Mom and S. You know, when I was a teenager, we could talk my mom into things - like dressing up as a "headbanger" to go shopping with us. That was kind of fun! So I guess I should have known that when we asked her to pose in that stupid face sucking peace sign pose that ALL the girls have on Facebook (what is with that pose anyway?!) that she would just do it for the camera.

It just came naturally to her, I guess! LOL!! It was a fun night. We laughed at so many different stories.


One of my favorite stories that came up was about the day that D sent me flowers. I answered the door and a man gave me this beautiful bouquet. While I'm busy reading the card, V asks me, "Did that guy give you flowers?"


"Yes", I reply.

Then he asks, "Does D know?"


We did get a nicer picture of Mom - just cause I knew she'd not like the one to the left here...

Better?


Love ya, Mom!

Late Night Writing...

It's late and I just can't sleep. I've been meaning to update my blog for some time now, and just hadn't found the time until now. December was especially busy with all the Christmas fanfare and activities. One of my goals for this New Year is to write more often... and with more depth.

We did have a great Christmas! We were blessed to be invited to parties with friends, and visits with family. There were many gifts and plenty of food - maybe too much food. Nineteen of us gathered on Christmas Eve - a family tradition for as long as I can remember. It would have been my Grandmother's 94th birthday. She's been gone a couple of years now, but it still feels funny not to have a birthday cake there.

Over the holidays, we have fallen into a very bad habit of grazing eating whatever and whenever. We have stayed up too late and slept in too often. But everyone is ready to get back into routine again. Especially me! The boys were telling me how bored they were on day 1 of their Christmas vacation - and it just grew from there.

D was a great help with the kids and cleanups too. I really appreciate all that he has done during his days off. This was our double duty Christmas year, so a very full house indeed! Lots of fun and noise (not fun) and the older kids pitched in to buy us an HDTV!! Totally awesome!! Our old big screen had just about bit the dust, so this one came in just in time. D's bonus from work made sure he got his Xbox too - and the boys have been inundating us with Rock Band for days now. (Some of those songs are REALLY awful, aren't they??) Not to mention that we are a family made up of singers and those who are totally tone deaf. It's sure not boring! 

I think the best part of Christmas this year, was that we spent a little more time focusing on Christ - and a little less time (and money) on the gifts. I was so sick of hearing kids ask for more, more, more... We really toned it down (excepting the Xbox) and had a very nice, modest Christmas. I couldn't convince them to spend any time reading about the birth of Christ in scripture. We didn't even watch "Mr. Kruger's Christmas"! But we were together with minimal conflict - a major accomplishment for this group - and it was very nice. 

This is the year we are hoping to have the boys adoption finalized. There are, as expected, some major hurdles to overcome in getting this done. I've been praying like crazy for a solution to these so that everyone can benefit. I could rant all day about the services that will be pulled from our high needs children once they are adopted. But I don't want this to be a political forum... yet... There are many things to be done before this adoption can be finalized. 

I want to read the scriptures, front to back, again this year. But I want to put a little more emphasis on the studying side of it. It’s easy to read it like a novel - but not always so easy to grasp the lessons and meanings that way. I will be using readthescriptures.com if any of you care to join me. Or just check in with me to make sure I'm keeping up on my goals. <

Happy New Year!