Training

Three weeks since I last blogged . . . wow!

It is not because we have had more going on in our lives than normal. Rather, I have started training. Training for life with three adopted kids who will need a ton of attention and a toddler. I've known that I need to start putting the things in place in my life now that I'm going to need - or not need - when our life is drastically altered by three kids from Africa. Thanks to much grace from the Lord, it is beginning to happen now.

The reason I've felt this is so necessary is that I am a TERRIBLE transitioner. I always have been and I don't see that changing. If I wait until the kids come to better plan and prepare meals, exercise at 5:00a (going to be my only option), not read as many blogs, prioritize my time better, research as much as I can about attachment issues and other adoption issues, finish a few projects around the house, I will be a W.R.E.C.K! Not that I'm not expecting a good number of train wrecks as we get adjusted to the craziness of four kids, but I thought I'd at least try to keep the number down.

I have been thinking about and processing so many things as it relates to adopting two six year olds (after seeing a couple more pictures of our 5 1/2 year old, she is definitely older than that!). Hopefully I can share some of that in a later post.

For now, here are some things we did the past three weeks.

My mom turned 60 on September 17 and we did this:
We had such a wonderful time! I'm looking forward to two cute little brown faces to join the party next time!After we got back from Galena, a very good friend of mine from Thailand, Toon, came to stay with us for a week. It was so great to see her!Then, we celebrated someone's girlfriend's first birthday. Praise the Lord for Jaida's life and wonderful family! Lots of this.A new favorite spot.

Another new favorite spot. The Target parking lot. There is a building going up at the far end of the parking lot and there are a lot of "diggers" (just like his favorite book). So, we park at the far end and watch. Abram also loves the shopping cart areas.

Plenty of time with the cousins.

Hangin' with daddy.

He can't get enough of books.

Project: Apple Tree

We have always thought this apple tree in our back yard was a nuisance. Until I came home from the apple orchard last year with a huge bag of apples to peel and core for the freezer and realized I could have saved my bucks. I determined then that I would use the apples from our tree this year.

After some looking, I finally found an apple picker at Theisens, on sale for $10, with an extension pole. A great find!

So, we've been picking apples.

And peeling and coring apples. (This apple peeler/corer is INCREDIBLE! I got it at the Williamsburg kitchen outlet store on sale for $10. It works so well and saves a TON of time!)

I have to admit that my mom has done most of the apple labor. She is our new roommate (until her and her husband can sell their house in Washington, Iowa and he can get a job). It is so wonderful having her around!

She had lots of help on this day. Gotta love Greysen getting caught sticking his finger in the sugar!

Sydney helped mom so much that she is able to use that thing herself!

So far I have several gallons of applesause in the freezer. People were not kidding when they said homemade applesause is so much better than the store-bought kind. Definitely! Applesauce is my plan for most of the apples at this point. Although Jason would like to see some apple pies in his future.