Field trip to the zoo

I signed up to help chaperone the 3rd graders on their field trip to the local zoo. Both of my kids were in my small group, so I had the chance to watch them interact with their classmates. They ran to show others their favorite animals; remembered their quarters to feed the goats; and volunteered to be first to milk the new "pretend" cow.


It was a beautiful day and one to mark down, as likely my last "chaperoning" event. There will be few opportunities for volunteering with my new full-time status at work next year. But I decided that was ok. The day earlier I had hurried to the school to catch the last part of their school field day. I was reprimanded by my first grader who was embarrassed to have me show up. So, this new stage of independence for all three younger kids will be a welcome step for all of us. :)

"The way you make me feel"

Ange-Laurette learned two dance routines for her May recital: Michael Jackson's "The Way You Make Me Feel" and Madonna's "Vogue." Watching her up on stage with that bright smile after so much hard work was rejuvenating. It helped calm the stress of the end of the school year and start of summer.

To be honest, months 3-6 have been as tough as other adoptive parents have suggested they would be. The constancy of teaching and reteaching seems to have no end in sight....although we know there will be a day. Each new sport or vacation or other experience carries with it new rules and reminders. We are learning to treasure those quiet afternoons by our backyard pool where no words need to be spoken and their laughter fills the air. We forget to pray each morning for an extra helping of patience and gratitude. As well as Pierre and Ange-Laurette are adjusting, we simply forget the ocean of differences between their background, upbringing, and culture and ours. Pray that we keep this close to heart.

BRESMA Orphanage Rescue

The CBS clip from Pittsburgh

A tribute to their birthmothers

Mother's Day had that bittersweetness to it this year. All week I could not stop thinking about the kids' birthmothers. I will forever be in awe of the depth of their love for these kids ~ that they knew their only hope for a future would be in another family so far away. With the kids' improving English, they have been able to share cute stories and memories of their early years with their families. We get a better sense of their history and of their little personalities as they do that. Ange-Laurette told a story of a mean babysitter who her mom "fired" after Ange-Laurette tattled on her. Pierre told how he and his dad had bought his mom a special ceramic plate for a "Mother's Day" one year. The plate would be used only for special visitors to their home.

So, we tried to think of a way to honor these women on Mother's Day in a way that could become a tradition for years to come. After church, we took the kids to the florist. They each wrote a note to their birthmothers on a small card and rolled it up. They chose a helium balloon in their mom's favorite color and put the note inside. (Nate wanted to do the same for his great-grandma that has died.) Then, we went to the park....prayed thanks and praise over these women...and released the balloons. Unfortunately, the strong South Dakota winds immediatly carried them in the direction of Alaska...but that is ok!

That seemed to make the day all that it should be. I was able to enjoy them and their handmade gifts better after that. I cannot believe my fortune in being able to share their lives and be their new "Mom."

Road trips will never be the same :)

We traveled to Minneapolis to visit our oldest son and his wife. He works for a professional lacrosse team's sales department and had gotten us tickets to a game at the Excel Center. The first 90 minutes of our trip we had stopped all three small towns along the highway: one car sick child, two bathroom stops for upset stomachs, and one dime store stop for cortisone cream for some mosquito bite drama. It took us over 5 hours! BUT, no pouting, no fighting, no begging....just a regular traveling medical clinic. :)

We never get enough time with extended family in Pierre and Ange-Laurette's minds. We can tell what a significant role extended family played for the kids in Haitian culture. They expect them to be nearby and part of all of our activities. They ask about them and pray for each one at night...grandparents, especially. So much has changed in American families, with siblings and grandparents living so far apart. The relationships are just different. Even with all the technology to stay in touch, it just isn't the same as gathering together for meals and celebrations on a weekly basis. So, if you are one of the lucky ones who has your grandkids and extended family nearby...cherish that!

Third Grade Wax Museum

As part of their social studies unit, Pierre and Ange-Laurette had to pick an important person from history to depict. They wrote and memorized 6-7 facts on their person to share at a special night at the Redlin Art Museum. Pierre was my grandma's all-time favorite, Kirby Puckett. Ange-Laurette chose Mother Teresa, the name our older son calls me to be funny! It was fun to watch the faces of other parents as they pushed the kids' "buttons" to hear their lines. I think both kids impressed everyone with their improving English and poise. :)