It's been a while

I keep thinking I need to update this blog, but by the time I get on the computer it is 9pm and I am just too tired! We have had a busy month. Mother's day was fun, we had a cook out with Mark and Jen and the girls. Memorial day weekend was busy. We had so much to do with graduation parties, and our dear friends the Kopsell's came to see us . We went to the cemeteries in Pana and Tower Hill to put flowers out and the weather cooperated nicely. On Monday it rained and I don't think Amanda or Ben ever got out of their jammies. Unfortunately, I didn't take a single picture with all the stuff we did. I need to get a new digital camera, mine hasn't worked for almost a year. I have been using mom's camera, which takes great pictures, but is kind of bulky.

It is almost June and Amanda's last day of school is tomorrow! She is looking forward to it but then I will have a 5th grader! I am meeting with the adoption attorney (Bill Sheehan) on Tuesday and I have to take Ben and Cait with me to get "served" at the Sheriff's office. I will try to take the camera with me for that :0) and lastly I am having my second hand surgery on Friday, June 5th. Busy, busy week!

This picture of Ben is from last year, but I think it is very cute and funny.

Garage Sales

It was a beautiful weekend. Saturday we went garage saleing and got a few new things for the kids. Caitlyn's new vanity was a hit! I wish every day was a stay at home day!

Notice in the top picture Caitlyn's foot about to hit Ben's face.

Easter

Just thought I would add some pictures from the wonderful day we had today at Mark and Jennifer's. Happy Easter

Happy Birthday Caitlyn

My baby girl is 2! I was reading in a journal I sporadically keep and I found several entries from March and April of 2007 right before Caitlyn was born and one on the day she was born. These past two years have flown by. She is my darling, funny, girly-girl. She loves her baby dolls and pretty dresses and yet anything her brother can do, she thinks she can do too. She is daring and naughty and can throw a pretty good temper tantrum. She has no problem letting you know when she's displeased or when she wants something. She loves her Nana best of all, sometimes more than mommy(especially when trying to outrun mommy at bedtime) I'm pretty sure she is my last baby/adoption and she has been such a blessing to our family. I love you sugar pie!

MUD

We went to a birthday party yesterday for my friend Kim's daughter Katy. She is 4. We had a fun, although cold and windy, time at the park. When we got home, I had to take Caitlyn to promt care because earlier in the day I found a LOT of blood in her ear. She has a ruptured eardrum and is now on oral antibiotics and ear drops. While we were gone (for 3 hours) Amanda was playing outside with the dogs and generally making a mess. When Nana called out the window to her, I gues she was startled because she slipped in the mess she made and fell on her face in the mud. I haven't decided if the clothes are worth trying to salvage.

Therapy

Amanda has been in therapy of almost 2 years now. We've been through 4 therapists now and I feel like we've moved forward 1 step and back about 20. I admit it, with this child I am in over my head. She has been diagnosed with ADHD and takes meds daily. I guess they are working because her grades are getting better and she is participating in class which is more than she used to do. However, now the real behavior problems have begun. I guess that goes along with the ODD diagnosis. I won't go into too many details, but let's just say if this keeps up she may be suspended from the 4th grade. Her new therapist seems to be pretty good at communicating with her in terms that are on her level, so I am hopeful the we may see some sort of improvement. My friend Kristin is babysitting for Ben and Caitlyn this weekend so I can have some time alone with just Amanda. I am hoping that it helps adjust her attitude when she has some one on one time with me. We'll see.....

Conversations with Ben....

I was coming out of the bedroom where I had been putting away clothes and I see Ben sitting on the arm of the couch wearing only his shirt and socks.

Me: "Ben! Where are your underwear?"
Ben: "In the garbage"
Me: "Why are they in the garbarge?"
Ben: "I don't know. Mommy, I love stawberries"
Me: "uh, ok... go get your underwear out of the garbage."

later that afternoon, Ben is dragging the beanbag onto the couch:

Me: "Ben be careful"
Ben: "Mommy, I love to jump"
Me: "Ben, don't...."

too late he jumped off the back of the couch onto the beanbag. I guess it could have been worse, he could have jumed off the back and hit the floor.

my very favorite:

Ben: "Mommy! I'm poopin." this is said as he is running toward the bathroom holding his hand over his little bottom.
Me: "You know where the bathroom is"
Ben: "You come with me." fun for me huh?