Is Christmas Here Yet?

With the upcoming birth of our precious savior we have been a little extra busy celebrating the blessed event. Last Saturday we started our day with Caitlin and I attending the Nutcracker. An annual event and special one on one moment for her and I.

Then we quickly changed our clothes gobbled down some pizza to make it to our churches Christmas Story production which Reagan, Sof and Caitlin performed in. Can I say cute?!!!! Oh my goodness, it was a wonderful show and the kids did great. Reagan and Sof were a bit unsure but Caitlin loves any opportunity to sing and be the center of attention. I had to twist their arms a little to get them to do it, but in the end they all said they can't wait to be in it next year. I am not sure if it was that much fun for them or if the cookies and hot cocoa after made it for them. Either way it was great fun!!

Blake's violin concert

Blake performed at his Strings Christmas concert Monday night. In just a year his violin playing has improved so much. To think it was just a year ago he had never played and now he is playing with the big guys in Chamber at his Middle School. He has an amazing ear, which is a must when it comes to music. That is an ability he does not get from Greg or I. The two of us are not music savy or inclined to say the least. I am so proud of his committment to his music and I am so happy that he has found something he really enjoys. He blessed our family with a small private concert at home after Thanksgiving and he plans on performing for us all again at Christmas!!! What a joy!

Christmas Tidings!!!

Let's just say we had a merry making jolly good time decorating for Christmas this year! It really comes in handy to have so many kids. In years past it would take us a good 2 to 3 days to decorate and this year we were finished in 1 1/2 days. It certainly helped having Grandpa Middlebrook and made it oh so much fun.

Santa's Helpers

My angels
Helena and Blake-She loves her big brother!

Do you see what I was working with?

Helena joining in the sillies!

There's always time for a good Nutcracker dance

The Infamous Peanut Butter Gang

We finished just in time to make our lunchtime favorite: PBJ sandwhichs!

Sofism's

That son of mine says the funniest things. His English has come so far from when we first came home 4 months ago. Here are some of my favorites:

sit down=I put it down; "My bike sit down."

Fake yes= is it real?; "Dragon's fake yes?"

I turkey= I ate turkey for lunch; "I turkey at school today" (yes Sof you are definitely a turkey)

No, I eat more please= No thank you, I don't want any more; "Mom, no eat more chicken please".

My belly big= I am full; "oh mom, no more my belly big" (especially when it comes to veggies)

I love you so much ice cream= I love to eat ice cream; "I love you so much ice cream today at school."

And there are so many more!!

Congratultations Mom and Brian!!!

As of last Friday, December 12, 2008 my mother-in-law and her longtime boyfriend Brian finally made the decision to become man and wife and so they got married with a private ceremony on the beach in Florida where they live. We couldn't be happier for them. They have been together since before Blake was born almost 13 years ago, so as far as the kids are concerned have been concerned he has been Grandpa Brian, but now it's official.

Congratulations Mom and Brian, we love you and are so happy for you!!!

God-The Ultimate Teacher

As of Friday, November 21 we are home shooling no more. After 12 weeks of home schooling Sofonyas it was apparent we needed a change so we enrolled him into a small public school with a great ESL teacher.
In my heart and head when we brought Sofonyas home it was important to me to make sure he was well adjusted to his new life and that he and I had spent enough time together to establish a good bond before thinking of anything else. I had envisioned him staying at home with me until next year, next school year that is, but God made it quite obvious that I needed to let go of my visions in order to do what was best for Sof and that it was time.
Sof and my relationship was very strained to say the least. He looked at me as his prison guard only dishing out unfair and unjust punishment called school work on him. He was frustrated and wasn't aware of it or how to communicate it to me, only in acting out and treating me as his worst enemy. I would try to explain to him that if he wanted to go to school he could we just needed to make sure he was ready and wanting to go. He would tell me "NO SCHOOL!" and pout all day. He was missing out on the interaction with other kids his age. Helena and I were no replacement that was obvious. But when I would set up play dates or we would meet other boys his age he would shut down as well. He would not talk to any of us, especially me. I was the enemy there was no doubt about it. I seriously thought we had major issues. Little did I know that it was all about his daily routine and not me.
To make matters worse he would take out his frustration on Blake, Reagan and Caitlin. So things all around were tense, very tense. By the time Greg would get home I would be tied and fried with nothing let to give him but an ear full. I began to question our choice seeing how negatively it was impacting our whole family. I spent many days crying, praying and feeling sorry for myself. Holding on for the fear of the unknown and for selfish reasons to prove I was right.
Then within a couple days two dear friends of mine called me to say they were worried about me and saw the stress we were all under and suggested that I put Sof in school. After much deliberation, about 5 minutes at most I realized they were right so I quickly called the school counselor and the principal to discuss Sof's academic future. It never fails when we let go and let God every falls into place. I met that afternoon with them and within the next 48 hours he was enrolled and starting his first day.
Sof was very mad at me for making this choice, but I tried to explain to him I felt it was best for him and how much fun he would have. I figured it couldn't get any worse than it already was though. He didn't want to be at home and yet he too was afraid of going somewhere. Knowing this the day before he started we made it a big deal around the house and we drove the whole family by his new school. We all took a tour and met his teacher. By the time we left he looked at me with a little smile and said "mom, my school?". I said "yes baby if you want it to be." His smile grew bigger and he said "Yes, oh yes!!"
The next morning I walked him into class where he was quickly greeted by all his classmates. There is even a little boy from Africa whose name is Sofie. He does not speak Amharic, but then either does Sof if you ask him. His English is far from perfect but he has come a long way. He smiled and then said "Bye mom I stay all day". To be honest since I was so still so frustrated at him I was fine to let him stay. I could really use the break as well.
He has been there for 2 weeks now and I can't praise God enough for all the good that has come from this change. Sof from the first day loves school. He is excited and wants to read to me and do his work as soon as he gets home. His relationship with with the kids has greatly improved, it's as if they are all equal now. He loves to tell me stories of all the things he did each day and of his new friends in school. Most of all our relationship is blossoming. He is warm, happy and affectionate to me, looking me in the eye to say "I love you mom" and kiss me on the lips.
My heart melts every night I tuck him into bed and he asks me to stay with him a little longer for more snuggles and giggles.
I am so grateful for God bringing my friends foreword to have the guts to talk to me and for the kids school for taking the time and consideration to do what was best for him. I have learned so much from this situation. I think I was holding on to MY expectations of being successful at home schooling, not realizing that to be a successful mom it's not about us, it's about the success of our children. That I was not failing at home schooling but failing Sof as a mom by holding onto what wasn't right. I don't think doing it much sooner would have been right but I am so thankful I did not let it go any longer.
Since being a stay at home mom I have found myself seeking out ways to feel successful or boost my ego. This sadly was one of those moments by forcing my home schooling visions on Sof. I now realize that I am a good mom by realizing what is best for my children and following through on their behalf. I give thanks to God for teaching me this. For God is the Ultimate teacher, not I!!

What happens in the potty stays in the potty!

It's potty time!!! I know I must sound crazy but I am really happy that Helena was not potty trained like we thought. This gives me the privilege of being part one of life's biggest milestones.
I have been trying to get her to go pee pee on the potty for the last month or so. Most days we are successful. She is far from potty trained but it is a step in the right direction. Since we brought her home she has without fail gone number 2 while she sleeps making this a bit of a problem in our training process. After discussing this with many mommies we all believe that she is the most relaxed during her sleeping allowing her body to do it's thing. It's not pretty but it's a reality.
Well yesterday morning as I put her precious tush on the potty as usual, she sat there for a minute and then got this very peculiar look on her face. Not one I had ever seen before. The next thing I know she is jumping off the potty and putting her face down into the bowl and then looking to me screeching something at me (maybe baby Amharic for what the heck is this mommy?) Once I looked into the magic bowl I realized what had happened and couldn't help but laugh and cry tears of joy. All I could think is there is a light at the end of the tunnel for our previous potty challenge.
I proceeded to cheer her for being such a big girl and dance around the bathroom with her. The whole time I am thrilled by the event Helena on the other hand is still very distressed by it. I guess I should have taken her emotion a little more serious because before I knew it she was back at the magic bowl trying to retrieve what she had just lost. I didn't realize since she had never been conscience for this event before she might be upset by it. I had heard of children crying about this before but I had never seen it with my own two eyes until yesterday.
Needless to say, the rest of yesterday and today she has been very apprehensive to go near the bathroom. I am not worried though, I have never met an adult who was not potty trained.

Reagan Scissor Hands

Yes, my dear sweet Reagan, who is 9, took it upon himself to give his bangs a wack in school today. I expected this from Helena, maybe even Caitlin, but not Reagan at his age. Reagan yes, but not a nine year old. This reminds me just how young in spirit my son is.

He came in the house after school the other day with his bangs pushed over his forehead, like a badling man does with a long strand of hair to make it appear as though there is more. I quickly felt something was up so I asked him to come over to give me a hug and his reply was "Mom, how about I blow you a kiss from here. He knew, I knew. So I asked him again to come to me, this time in my direct mother voice and he came with his head hung low, like a naughty dog. Once I got a closer look at what he had done, which was cut it directly to the scalp, I asked him "what were you thinking my dear?". He said "I just wanted to cut my bangs a little. Am I in trouble, I told the truth?" I told him he would not receive any further punishment, because he would be getting the rest of his hair cut to match his doings. He was a little upset, but was glad not to be receiving any more consequences than that. What can I say, boys will be boys and I believe Reagan is the posterchild for this saying. I do love that sweet sometimes foolish boy of mine.

Thanksgiving Bliss

We have so much to give thanks for this year. I don't even know where to begin. My heart is truly running over. The whole family was together including my father, Greg's mom and her boy friend Brian, Greg's cousin Heather and her boyfriend TJ , Mamaw and Papaw, Sharon and Tye and Greg's dad. What a wonderful week long celebration. Sof, even after days of trying to explain what Thanksgiving was all about, didn't understand and didn't care. All he knew is that the days were filled with food, fun and family. I think we all felt that way. Not only was it Thanksgiving but we also celebrated Greg's dad's birthday and his mother's birthday as well. Needless to say we ate way too much. I think we were the butter balls at the table that day. God was definitely shining down upon us all. Our days were so blissful, it was kinda of sickening, really. If I had written it, I could not have do so any better. The timing of Thanksgiving couldn't have been any better, we have finally gotten over that horrendous adjustment phase and now are on the other side where life is sweet again. Dreams do really come true.

Father God I give thanks to you for all that you have given us, our health, our family, great friends, a safe home, good employment, good schools, this amazing county we live in, the troops that give of themselves so we may have our freedom, the awesome weather we have down here in the south allowing us to play outside in the warmth of the sun and your perfect timing in our lives. And that's just the beginning. With the completion of our journey to Sof and Helena and us all being together as a family, in every way, I am so grateful.

Do Blonds Really Have More Fun?

I will let you know. For years I have wanted to color my hair but have never had the nerve to do. Well last week after one of my dearest friends had to shave her head, I realized it's only hair so why not. I went in to change it to light brown and walked out drastically different. I am not sure whether it's my attitude that is different or if because blond's just naturally stand out, but I am not getting the attention I used to. I don't think that is necessarily a bad thing either. It's been kinda fun being a brunette. Someone told me that people will take me more seriously but once I open my mouth that will be the end of that. I may have darkened my hair, but I am a blond at heart. Greg said he thought it was pretty, I am not sure if he was just saying that so not to hurt my feelings. Blake and Reagan said they now feel as though people are going to look at them as though they are the adopted ones in our family. They crack me up. Caitlin is a little sad, she liked the idea of us looking so alike. I told her maybe now instead of people looking toward Helena right off the bat maybe they would look at her unique beauty. Each of us are made in Jesus' image and are created like snow flakes, one of a kind. I am not sure how long it will stay this way but it's here for now.

Back to the Future

I am in serious need of a time machine to give me the ability of slowing or even better stopping time to allow me to catch up, which I am so desperate to do these days.
My oh MY how times flies when you are having fun!!! The last few months between homeschooling and taking care of everyone has left me with absolutely no time to breath, blog or even think for that matter. My life has been filled with so much joy, sadness, madness, exhaustion, tenderness and did I mention JOY!!!

So here are few of the things that have been filling our days:

Sof's B-day!!!
The smile says it all!!! He had a blast. I am not sure who was more excited; Greg and I or Sof. I think Greg and I for Sof didn't know what to expect. Greg and I were giddy with anticipation of sharing the joy of celebrating the great day that God brought you to earth. We now know that Sof loves white cake, or vanilla cake as he calls it. He now thinks birthdays are a week long celebration full of presents, parties, friends, cake and fun. He is shamelessly already counting down the days until his next one. It was everything in my power not to try to indulge too much feeling like I was making up for the 8 years we didn't have with him. I give thanks to God for getting him here in time not to miss out on his 9th. He is such an amazing little boy, who is growing like a weed both inside and out. Within the last few months he has packed on 10 pounds 2 1/2 inches and 3 shoe sizes. And he has grown so much emotionally as well. He is not the same little guy we bought home. He definitely has the same fun loving spirit, but he is now secure and found his place as a member of the Mott family. He fits in so well. I may not have given birth to him from my womb, but he is definitely a my son and God created him knowing he would be ours. It tickles me to watch him grow and I can't wait to see him become the Godly Mott man he created him to be. With Sof's amazing spirit I know he has great things in store for him.

Halloween

What a perfect day to share with Sof; candy, costumes and running till you drop. All the kids had a blast. Greg took the boys and I took the girls. Sof couldn't slow down to save his life and Helena was content to do nothing but be the princess in her stroller and eat her candy. It was everything in my power to slow her down from eating too much. Blake was too old to participate so he thought until the idea sunk in that would mean NO candy, so we scrambled at the last minute to come up with an age appropriate costume. It's really hard to find a decent costume for someone on the brink of teenagehood without it being too scary or vulger.

In years past the boys fly through the neighboorhood with the mission of hitting every house and filling their bags until they bust. Caitlin was always fine with taking her time to socialize along the way. But this year it was like Freaky Friday. The boys barely made it through first 3 streets and Caitlin and her friends were set out to run the whole way. It was a good thing I had my running shoes on this year. I can't wait to see what next year will be like. I better start training since I will likely be in two different directions between the girls.

Caitlin's B-day

I can't believe my baby girl turned 6!!! She has grown so much both physically and mentally this last year. She is such a beauty both inside and out, it makes my heart soar. With every year her freckles increase. We like to call them her angel kisses. She has sprouted a good 4 inches making her legs look incredibly long. She is not the baby anymore for sure. Her maturity towards her new siblings, especially her baby sister astonishes me. She was knocked off her thrown of baby the baby girl and she had handled it so gracefully. She is not the center of attention on most occasions anymore and that is something she is learning to handle with more understanding and less sadness or acting out. I am so proud of the daughter in Christ she is and is growing to be. She is truly my angel sent from heaven. With each day that passes she and Helena grow closer. Which couldn't be any cuter. Helena lights up when she sees Caitlin and I was even priveledged to witness Caitlin grab Helena's hand and help her up the stairs to her room where they played My Little Petshops together. Caitlin has even said lately how happy she is to have a little sister and that when she grows up she wants to adopt a Chihuahua puppy and a little girl. What more can I ask for than a daughter who is aware and wants to care for all of God's creatures!!

Thank you sweet Jesus for allowing me the priviledge of being a part of something so magical and wonderous!!!!

Fall Fun!!!

Getting ready for Halloween has been a blast this year. Watching Sofonyas as he experiences all of this for the first time is too fun. It all started about a month ago when we were in our local Walgreens pharmacy and we passed the Hallween isle. He looked at me with his big eyes and said "Mom, what is this? Scary!! So as we walked down the isle I tried my hardest to explain the day and everything good that goes with it. We bought him a Spiderman costume and some candy corns to show him it wasn't all bad. When we got home I explained the process of trick or treating and he looked at me and said "Let's go now, k?" This last weekend we went to a pumpkin farm and picked out our own pumpkins, ran through hay mazes and then came home to paint our pumpkins. I can't wait to see them all dressed up for the real deal this Friday!!!