Smooth sailing....

Silly me I thought, today is humpday, should be smooth sailing. Maggie sounded better and the kids only needed to make it through two more days. It is a common mistake I make. I accepted a job at work yesterday and began to shadow the person who is leaving first thing this morning. The job has a lot of new things to do and I only have two weeks to learn everything I can about it before it is up to me to perform it myself. About 3:45 Tots Landing called me to say that Matthew had a fever and was laying down. It was a low grade fever but of course they need me to check it out before he returns to Tots. I was wrapped up in something and couldn't really leave so being the sometimes selfish parent that I am I didn't leave work until about 5:00. Any other time it would have been easier to leave but not today.

The worst part is that the boys had to miss T-Ball practice this afternoon. I didn't really have anyone to call (not to mention phone numbers) who would be able to watch a sick child. Of course, anyone with children of their own weren't on my list. I didn't want anyone else to be at risk of getting sick. I did try to catch Emily and Nathan to see if they would mind taking Austin with them to T-Ball but I didn't see them at home and I don't have their number. Another thing that Becky is good at. Staying in touch with people and knowing their phone numbers. Thankfully I have made arrangements for the kids tomorrow. I am grateful for my fathers help. Two more days. We are waiting patiently. For your peace Becky the kids are bathed books are read and all are sound asleep. After being kicked all last night by your first born I am looking forward to sleep myself.

From Barcelona to Madrid and Toledo

Our experience in Barcelona was phenomenal. We took in all the Spanish culture possible by being outdoors, in shops, tapas bars, etc. Barcelona is lively, architecturally stunning, and delicious! We ate our way around from tapas bar to tapas bar. In a tapas bar you find a plethora of tasty Spanish appetizers. You pick out 2-3 things you want to try, split it, and move to the next tapas bar.

Tapas Bar in Barcelona

Gaudi's Sagrada Familia

Yesterday we arrived in Madrid via the AVE (high speed train). We quickly freshened up and took a bus tour of Madrid followed by a tour of the Prado Museum. After the Prado we had dinner and a walking tour of the city. Then, we went back out for tapas! It was a very long day, but enjoyable to say the least! Seeing Velazquez’s and Goya’s masterpieces was very meaningful as the guide described them in detail. I am looking forward to tonight’s meal at Botín as well as a free day tomorrow.

Across from our hotel in Madrid is the monument to Miguel De Cervantes, author of Don Quijote.

Madrid's Plaza Mayor

Today we are enjoying a beautiful day in Toledo and Madrid. After breakfast we boarded the bus and made our journey to the magnificent old city of Toledo. We began with a breathtaking panoramic view of the city, and then a walking tour of the cobblestone streets of the town taking in all the Mudéjar architecture (mix of Arabic and Christian styles). After the Romans, the Visigoths (Christians) settled in Toledo. In 711 the Arabs came and made Toledo their home. For over 400 years Christians, Jews, and Muslims lived harmoniously together. It remained this way until King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella expelled the Arabs and Jews from Spain. Toledo has remained the religious capital, but after Madrid was named the capital of Spain in the 16th century Toledo has been left untouched. It is one of the most well preserved medieval cities. We were unable to take pictures of the beautiful things we saw inside today. Among them were El Greco’s masterpiece, the Cathedral of Toledo, and a synagogue built by Arabs.

Panoramic View of Toledo

Cathedral of Toledo

beginning to feel behind

As the week progresses I can see the kids missing mommy more. Austin had an especially rough time getting going this morning which is unusual for him. Still we got up got breakfast and got out of the house on time. Maggie was again so easy at her new school. I think she really likes it there. I know the teachers like her. I have had so many comments from the teachers about how easy and sweet she is. Even a complement on how smart she is (no shock to me). Of course they didn't have to dress her this morning. There is something about the dressing process for Maggie that is harder than it should be. For your information momma and Jessica I did brush her hair but she refused to actually sit up while I did it. So the end result was not much better than it would have been had I left it alone. Work was good today but I had a curve ball thrown at me towards the end of the day. I had a big decision to make and I found myself wishing so badly to be able to talk to Becky. I was even willing to spend the $1.50 a minute it takes to talk with her. Unfortunately I couldn't reach her phone. It is hard being out of touch. I was so happy when she called tonight. I needed to hear her voice and ask her opinion. I am missing momma tonight as much as the kids.

We had our meal in the basement tonight and enjoyed the evening. Later on Matthew and Austin settled in to watch 101 dalmations while Maggie and I watched Hannah Montana. I don't think that Maggie knows who Hannah Montana is but everytime she came on the screen Maggie told me she was her. To clarify Maggie thinks that she is Hannah Montana. I am not sure if I should be proud of that or scared. Bedtime was easy and another day has gone by. I am continually amazed and bothered by how fast life moves. I want to make each second count and remember the kids just as they are but I blink and another day is gone. I can't help but feel like God inteded our lives to be slower and enjoyed more.

Tomorrow becky goes to Toledo sister city to Toledo Ohio. It was probably my favorite place last year (we spent two nights there). Tomorrow I go to Versailles not to be mistaken with Versailles France. I will be passing a castle on the way to work though. The boys have T-Ball practice after school and then maybe we will go somewhere to celebrate/eat afterwards. I am hoping that Maggie will let me keep an eye on the boys and her at the same time. Only three more days. Our love to you Becky. And of course we miss mommy.

Vamos a Madrid

We are waiting for our bus right now, so I may need to make this post quick. Today we are traveling to Madrid on a high speed train. It gets up to 200 mph. We are traveling 400 miles in 3 hours. It is a very early morning and I am hoping to sleep on the train. When we get there we have a tour of Madrid and the Prado Museum. I didn't post pictures yesterday because of time, but I will as soon as I can.

What a blogger my husband has become! He caught on quickly. I appreciate all his work. I talked with him twice last night. Once when the kids were awake and once when they were asleep. I had to call back and talk with him because the first time I couldn't talk with the kids because of the tears. Just hearing their little voices made me cry. I'm sure they were confused. Mommy wasn't able to say much. I'll call back in a couple of days. They are so precious. I miss their kisses.

Bus is here.... got to go.

Really I have been left behind....

Okay I am realizing that I am truly left behind today. My sister is off to Gatlinburg, my in-laws are in Florida, becky is gone and most of my coworkers are apparently off this week.

Maggie seems better today after a night in her room with the humidifier. She also did great today. When we got there this morning I got the boys set up with breakfast and then took Maggie down to her room. She was a little clingy but not a tear. She had a couple of little friends there and she let me go easily. It's sort of bitter sweet for a parent because you want to be the one that they can't do without but I think it shows a lot about how well adjusted and trusting she can be.

It made me think back to getting matthew full time which was almost exactly a year ago. He moved in full time the day after we got back from Spain last year. He has come really far since that time. In that time he has moved from Daddy Jason and Momma Becky to momma and dadda. In fact just tonight at bedtime he leaned in to kiss my cheek and whispered dadda I miss momma. When I think about the year that we have had I am grateful for many things. I think most of all is the acceptance we have received from our parents and family. I have thought about this for a long time but am only saying it now. There are so many people that are impacted by the choice to bring a new child into the home. None of them got a vote but each was expected to live with our decisions. My parents and Becky's accepted Matthew with open arms. That is truly impressive and has been inspiring to me. It seemed like things didn't miss a beat, it was just like he was supposed to be there on the floor wrestling with grandad all this time. I don't know how they really felt but our parents have been a huge part of the success we had over the past year. Matthew would generally rather be at Nana & Paps or Granny & Grandads then at home playing with his toys. That is how it should be. I am seeing that being a parent is a life long job and becky and I are very lucky to have had involved parents who even now are modeling. I am also grateful for Kimmie who makes us feel as if we are part of the family. I know Austin and Maggie would agree. She has been a welcome and needed addition to our family.

It has been frustrating having three at times but also amazing. It was also very hard for me to accept that there were only three instead of four but I trust that God knew what was best. He has helped me through a very difficult time. There has been a lot of guilt and pain from the loss of Matthew's sister. All I can say is that I can't imagine the pain from the loss of a child because just this experience has been very tough for me. Still, God was there as always and becky was a rock. There was also dissapointment with my parenting. I wanted to love matthew as mine from day one but it has taken time. I am only now truly learning to love him for who he is. That is something I have found many struggle with when they adopt but often don't discuss. It has been so helpful to remember what we were taught in foster classes, "fake it until you make it". There couldn't be better advice. It takes time to feel like a child is fully your own but they don't have to know about it. I am impressed by Matthew's sweet nature and ability to deal with life as it is presented. I choose to believe he will have a charmed life he certainly deserves it.

Well I'll stop talking about this now because I bet there is a good chance becky and debbie are already crying. You may be the only two who will read this anyway. Austin just woke up to go poop (you can't make this stuff up) so I'd better hurry because he just announced to me he is done. I'll say today went well and I am thankful that God has time even for the small things in my life. Starbucks for breakfast and pizza for dinner. I did stop at the grocery store tonight so maybe we will be a little healthier tomorrow. No promises though. We miss you mommy and love you.

Buenos Dias de Barcelona

It is Monday morning here (9am here, 3am KY). We are getting ready to eat breakfast. Today we got to sleep in a little, so we are getting ready now. First, I have to respond to the previous post....... oh my, mommy thought she wasn't too homesick... until she read the last post! I have been doing so well. Just noting all the small kids playing around and knowing mine would enjoy some of the same things and talking about them as much as I can. As I read the email I noticed that Jason didn't sound negative or too stressed. I am so thankful for that. Although I'm sure it will be a different story by the end of the week! I wish they could be here and see it all. I am so glad he showed them the video on Barcelona and then my pictures on the blog.

Today we have a walking tour of Barcelona and free time. Yesterday was a bus/walking tour and free time. We saw La Sagrada Familia. I don't even know how to describe it in words.... breathtaking. Today we will walk the Gothic Quarters. The food is far beyond my expectations. Our food this year has been amazing.

I feel like I have thrown a bunch or random thoughts together, but I don't have time to edit and make it better! I need to dry my hair! Have a wonderful week everyone!

Mom and dad, Are you okay? How's Florida? Love you!

Austin, Matthew, and Maggie,

Mommy misses you all so much. I am glad you had a great weekend playing outside at Granny and Grandad's house and spent time with Caleb and Anna. Mommy knows you are having fun with daddy. Have a good day at school. Listen to your teachers and play nicely with your friends. Maggie, mommy is praying all day for your transition this week to Tots. Also, mommy prays you recover quickly from any illness you have or are getting. I love you. Hugs and kisses from mommy.

Jason, thank you. I love you. I miss you. I hate to say too much because I know you're wishing you were here. Barcelona is beautiful. I hope to return with you some day. Wish you were here. Love,

Becky

The left behind blogs....

The kids and I are doing fine in Becky's absence. I promised her I would blog to let her know how we were while she was gone. We all made it through the weekend eating only one fast food meal. Granted I was at my parents house for the weekend. Still I think that counts as a hot meal even if I didn't cook it. We had a good time and managed to ride scooters and play a little baseball Saturday. Today we went out to my uncle Jessie's and my grandmothers house. I was glad to see her. Mom mentioned this weekend that my granny is not eating and is trying to refuse her medicine. Still she perked up when she saw Maggie (her namesake). I don't know that she remembers us but she always has an interest in little ones. That may be why she spent so many decades teaching.

Today when we got home I checked the blog and saw the pictures becky posted. It was neat to show the kids these things on TV from a Rick Steve's Europe special on Barcelona we taped earlier. Then I showed them the pictures on the blog. Especially the one in the park that had becky standing exactly where Rick Steve had been standing in the special. The boys weren't quite sure that TV is all that big a deal and they think Spain is somewhere impossibly far away. Maggie didn't really care what the picture was about, only that Mommy was in it. Two year olds have a way of cutting through to the important things. Tonight my sister came over with her two children to play. I think the kids had a full day. Becky, I did give the children baths tonight and they were in bed by 8:30. Matthew and Austin actually took a shower. I found them hanging from the towel rack inside the shower attempting to swing like monkeys.

I do have two concerns this week at the moment and both involve Maggie. First, I think she may be getting sick. I have a humidifier running in her room and she is covered up well but she sounded pretty bad during her nap on the car ride back today. Second, she is going to be with the boys this week at daycare because hers is closed during spring break. I am prayerful that the transition is smooth and above all happy for her.

Well I am rambling. But to any doubters we are doing well, missing mommy and wishing her the most fun possible on her trip. I know I speak for all of us when I say that we love and miss mommy. There is something missing in her absence that can't be ignored. Austin is counting down the days on his calendar as if christmas was on the way. Anybody bored tomorrow night feel free to join us for dinner. We will be having an old family classic, Pizza Hut (or an equivalent). No veggies this week unless it is accidentally included on a cheeseburger or pizza.

BARCELONA

We are having an awesome time! I don't have much time now, so I'm going to just post some pictures of Barcelona!

The View from our Hotel Room of La Plaza de Cataluña

Gaudí's home in Park Güell. He designed it as well as lived there as he designed the park.

La Sagrada Familia

T-Ball

We have now had two t-ball practices. The boys are really enjoying being outside at the ball park and learning from their coaches. Other than having a typical 4-5 year old attention span, they are doing well. Most importantly, they love it. Austin can throw the ball well and really tries to learn and hustle. Matthew has a good glove. He is doing well catching grounders.

Austin is catching a grounder in the back of the picture between the boys in the red and gray.

Austin practicing throwing

Matthew catching a grounder at second

METS team huddle. Austin counted down the 1,2,3 METS for the team!

SPRING updates!

It is officially SPRING! Isn't it beautiful??? Of course instead of enjoying the outdoors, I am trying to do a little spring cleaning. I am on my way downstairs to wash the baseboards in the kitchen. Am I stalling with this blog post? Yes.

Anyway, here are a few updates from the week.

• We have our first official t-ball practice tomorrow. I can't wait to see how that goes. We tried throwing the ball back and forth the other day. No luck. They thought it was funny to be able to hit one another in the stomach with the ball. Throw. Hit. Laugh. Throw. Hit. Laugh. Never did a ball actually go in a glove.
• Jason has been sick since Wednesday. I don't really know what he had, but he hadn't left the couch until today, and he still isn't feeling great.
• In an effort to give him some peace, Amy, Caleb, Anna, Matthew, Austin, Maggie, and I went to Great Wolf Lodge yesterday!!!! As always, it was a blast. We got back early today so Caleb could go to his best friend's b-day party.
• On our way home today we quickly stopped at the Kenwood mall to visit the Lego store and Pottery Barn Kids. Last month we redid Matthew's room and this month we are redoing Austin's. He chose the Star Wars Darth Vader quilt. He was very excited to get it on his bed. It looks nice.
• I am doing laundry today and I hope to start packing tomorrow for Spain.
• Mom and dad kept the kids overnight on Thursday. Since Jason was sick, it was nice to have the break. We had a low key night and watched the game as we laid on the couches.
• Anybody want to buy some candy bars? Each player has to sell two boxes. In our case, we have to times it by two. Four cases of 30 bars. They are big ones, so each bar costs $2. Yep, we owe $240.00. I'm sure they'll tell us not to go door to door, but I think we are going to. Oh yes, family and friends, we'll be to your door too!

Enjoy the weather!

Sunny Sunday on the Farm

Last weekend was beautiful, and we got to enjoy it at Uncle Jesse and Great Granny's farm! After a great lunch on Sunday, we took a 2 hour walk around the farm. The boys enjoyed finding things in the creek and throwing rocks in it. It was a beautiful day, and the kids were so excited to be able to run and play.

Hot stuff!

A Few updates...

1. T-Ball starts Saturday! The boys are on the Mets. Go Mets!!!!
2. I applied to University of the Cumberlands (formerly Cumberland College) Instructional leadership-Principalship graduate program last weekend. I hope to start my first class in May (I have one to transfer in from EKU). I received my first graduate degree from Georgetown and I planned to get my second (principalship) from EKU, but with three young kids, traveling isn't possible. I look forward to an online program. I have heard great things about their program.
3. Monday night Jason and I got to have a fantastic dinner together at Carinos with a gift certificate Kim had given us for Valentines Day!
4. Maggie can count to ten. She likes to take off her shoes and count her ten toes. Too cute!
5. The boys are registered for Kindergarten at Huntertown in Versailles. I am still filling out and gathering paperwork though. Cried.
6. Sara and I got to have a girls night last night! We went to Saul Good. Great food and even better conversation. I miss her!
7. This weekend is already packed! Saturday morning we have a social worker coming for a home visit at 8:00, t-ball meeting at 10:00, lunch at Chuck E. Cheese, and life group at our house at 5:30! I'm glad my parents have volunteered to watch the kids Friday, we'll need to rest and prepare!
8. Austin is really good at mazes. He has a book of mazes and he goes through them at a pace of about 6 seconds per maze! It is so neat to watch him work. He really can visualize the path before trying it.
9. I leave for Spain in two weeks. I am very excited, but am having a hard time thinking about leaving the kids. Maggie has to go to Tot's Landing for the week. I think it's a great daycare, and I trust that she will enjoy it. My problem is thinking that the one week she doesn't have to go to school, I am sending her to another daycare. Sad.
10. Matthew is doing great. We are bonding more and more everyday. He is very sweet. Today he said, "Mommy you're like candy. I could just eat you up!"

Matthew's Birthday Party!

Matthew's birthday was laid back for us, and full of fun for him. Isn't that the best combination? We had his party last Saturday at Kid's Place. We arrived as it opened at 10:00. We brought balloons tied to goodie bags full of Kid's Place tokens, his presents, and that's it! The kids enjoyed playing the games, winning tickets, and picking out their own goodies to fill their bag. As Matthew's friends arrived they quickly joined the rest somewhere up in the gigantic jungle gym. After playing for an hour, we ate fantastic cupcakes made by Jason's mom. Matthew wanted a Spiderman themed party and strawberry cupcakes. Jackie made them perfectly to match his wishes with a surprise cream cheese frosting in the center. Let me tell you... a delicious surprise! After cupcakes he opened presents. He received some wonderful things! Monogrammed duffel bag for t-ball, great pirate themed items for his new room, spiderman toys, ball glove and cleats for t-ball, and more! After presents, the kids quickly ran back to the play area for more. It was just what he wanted.

My camera died, so I don't have many pictures.

For Matthew's birthday we bought him a new bed and redid his room in a pirate theme. For his birthday we got a pirate quilt from Pottery Barn, sheets, decorative pillows, PBK's rug, lampshade, curtains/ rod, MATTHEW board, painted Captain Jack Sparrow canvas, and two picture frames. Thank you to all who gave him these wonderful gifts! He loves his new room! Saturday night he didn't want to go to sleep under the covers because he didn't want to mess up his bed! He has made it all most every morning since. I'll post pictures of his room soon.

Friday was Jason's dad's birthday, so Saturday night we had a party for him. Lots of great family birthday fun!