Catching Up!

Spring has finally arrived!  It is a balmy 84 degrees outside and we are loving it.  Soccer practice and games have begun. The boys weeded my vegetable garden yesterday so we can get going on growing some of our own food again.  The baby chicks we got before Easter are getting a lot bigger too.  New life is all around us!

And life has been wonderful, if not busy.  We had a great week of Spring Break this past week following a fun Easter, but now it is back to school, nose to the grindstone time!

Our kids are all continuing to adjust beautifully.  We really couldn't ask for better!  There have been a few very minor bumps in the road that naturally come along with teenagers adjusting to the newness of family and  finally having a Mom and Dad to answer to, but that is to be expected.  The Lord has blessed us with some incredible and resilient children who have come out of orphanages WAY better than I could ever have.  And as I told someone yesterday, they are all my heroes.  Truly.  To have gone through the lives they have lived and still have trust, love to give, the ability to be close and to function with siblings and parents in every day life the way they do, is nothing short of incredible.  I will say it again, we are BLESSED!

So as life has moved along I have again realized that my blog has gone by the wayside, so I wanted to give this update to show you what has been happening, and to shed a little light on the BUSY month I have ahead.

First, enjoy some pictures of what we have been up to!!

We welcomed home a good friend from Bronwyn and Leo's orphanage.  They were soooo excited to see her and she is so glad to finally be home with her Momma and Papa!!

Easter was a very fun time at our house this year!  Easter egg dying, a hunt, lots of food and of course some pretty cool baskets from the Easter Bunny  ;)

Yep 10 baskets sure is a lot to fill!!

Tim and Leo tried their hand at making borscht.... it turned out pretty well!!

Charlotte decided to try her hand, or rather foot, at kicking the soccer ball around during kids' practices....

Now that this little spitfire can walk, there is no limit to what she can do!  She is on the go, go, GO every day!!

Leo, Gideon and Grayson had fun visiting the local airport with us during one of our homeschool field trips!

And of course, we have had a few of the not so fun moments...... hospital visits, chemo at home that Mommy has to give via injection   :(     So not fun!!  But we have made it through ok.  Atticus's hair hasn't though!

He is now pretty much bald and beautiful  ;)  But he is feeling great, crawling all over the place, being very vocal and using sign language like a champ!  Evan has decided to try chewing some food too!  Amazing what that hospital food will make you do......

Heehee!!!  Loving some pizza!

So now on to what is coming up!

We have a pretty busy April going on let me tell you!

First we are off to Charleston this weekend, the kids and I, to visit some dear friends who relocated there a year ago.  Nothing like the beach!  We are going so I can bake her some yummy desserts to serve at the grand opening of her Pure Barre location off King Street!  I am so proud of her and her entrepreneurial spirit! I will be making some cookies, cupcakes and cake pops for her party.  Can't wait!!

Then, drumroll please!...........................the day after we return I am off to UKRAINE! 

 I am so excited and grateful to be going on this trip with a friend who is adopting from the same orphanage Charlotte and Atticus were in.  I am excited to go and help her with her two new sons during visits, and later perhaps return again to help on the trip home.  I can't wait to bring letters to our kids former nannies and show them how well they are doing here at home.  I am also excited to do little things like ride the bus and hit some of our old eateries, and see our good friend Natalya who helped us out so much while we were there in a strange country.

I am also excited that I am going to get to bring some things to the orphanage to help the children out, mainly diapers, toiletries, etc.  This is a very poor orphanage with limited supplies and resources, so I am taking up a monetary collection so that we can buy them a good supply of diapers while we are there. 

 If you happen to be interested in contributing to the fund, please leave me a comment or send me an email at jurowe@vnet.net

Hopefully while there I will also get to visit the orphanage Bronwyn and Leo lived at for so long.  I am hoping to be able to bring them some goodies and supplies as well.  I will be bringing pictures of the kids and letters from them to their friends left behind.  I can't wait to show those to the director so she can see how well they are doing too!!

Then...... in the beginning of May is the Orphan Summit held this year in Nashville, TN!!!  I am thrilled to be attending this for the first time ever and can't wait to hear the speakers, talk to the other adoptive parents, and learn more on not only how to parent my adopted children, but also learn more about spreading the word on orphans to others.  It will be a spectacular weekend I am sure and I can-not-wait!!!

So that is our life right now in a nutshell.  Busy and full but FUN!  And I wouldn't want it any other way.

Please pray for my upcoming trip that it might be safe and that I might be of some help while I am there.  :)

Homeschooling..... Homeschooling??? Homeschooling!!

I received this video from a friend of mine a few days ago and she asked my opinion.  I finally got around to watching most of it this morning and have to say it was very thought provoking.  Although it is a video regarding unschooling, which we do not practice, I found many of her points regarding homeschooling in general to be very valid and worth consideration.

We are, for the most part, a homeschooling family.  However, we have always said that we would school according to individual children's needs, so as a result we also have two children who attend a public charter school right now and a daughter in preschool, as well as a couple children considering "trying out" the regular school world this coming year... and a son who is soon off to college.

So my moments are continuously bombarded with school, school and more school.  Be it the teaching I am doing with my children, the independent learning my homeschooled kids are doing and that I am checking up on, the SAT prep my oldest is doing, the co-op info we are reviewing, or the homework and projects that come home to be completed by my traditionally schooled children, school is always forefront in my mind.

We are actually in the mode right now of determining whether two of our homeschooled children will attend traditional school next year because they are eager to see more of what regular school is all about.  So I had my kids watch this video with me, and listen to her points, and we discussed them.  It actually lead to a very interesting conversation.

I do not personally agree with unschooling, for various reasons, but I do love homeschooling.  I agree wholeheartedly with her when she says that homeschoolers are more likely to be "self-directed, take risks, and they don't back off."  I love knowing that in addition to our curriculum, our kids have the time and the drive to pursue things that interest them.  Whether it be taking an outside class or just learning more about an interesting topic at home, our kids have the ability to delve deeper into things they are curious about, without the time or schedule constraints of public school.

I also love that they are learning to be diligent managers of their time as well as independent learners.  They aren't being cattle prodded from one class to another, or having their learning abruptly interrupted when they are engrossed in a particularly interesting subject just because the bell rings and their time is up.  And, they are able to do most of their learning from "living books"- interesting literature which teaches the science, history, etc instead of boring, dry textbooks.

Anyway, I enjoyed watching this video and listening to her perspective.  Although I don't agree with all of it, there is definitely some food for thought here which makes it worth your time.  Namely, are we trying to cultivate a group of robots who take in information only because they are required to spit it back out on a test, not because they are genuinely interested in learning, or do we want to cultivate a generation of inquisitive, self motivated, creative individuals who know that the world is their oyster and that all the information they ever wanted to learn is just out there for the taking?  That there is more out there to learn which is worthy of learning other than what is deemed "acceptable" by our school systems?

Just a thought.  I would love to hear others' opinions too!  However, even if you wholeheartedly disagree, please keep them kind :)  And please take some time to watch the video above, at least the first 38 minutes or so.  As I said, it is very thought provoking.

A Couple Of Big Birthdays!

Well everything here has been moving right along lately, including apparently the passage of time! And today we marked that passage with not one, but TWO pretty important birthdays...... my baby Grayson turned 10 (not such a baby anymore) and I turned 40!  Yep, the Big 4-0.  It's here!

It was a momentous occasion for sure when Grayson entered our lives 10 years ago on my 30th birthday.  Ten days overdue, and a big surprise pregnancy to begin with, I had my reservations and lots of mixed feelings about sharing "my" day with the little guy.  Not to mention that my 30th birthday was spent either in pain, or recovering from being in pain.  :/

But soon after I realized how cool it is that my last biological child and I shared this special day and now I am so grateful for that bond and for being able to celebrate together!

Some of my cards from Tim and the kids and one of Grayson's cards.  Notice the saying on the one on the left?  Yeah that one is from my darling daughter  ;)

So today we each marked a big milestone.  I said goodbye to my 30's and welcomed the next decade with open arms, eager to see what life has in store for me in the future.  I pray these coming years are as full of love, friendship, blessings and adventure as the last ten.

And Grayson, well he turned double digits, which of course is HUGE, and embarked on a very big decade of life as well.  Just think for a moment how much happens to you between age 10 and 20.  A ton!  Middle school, the teen years, dating, driving, high school, friends, curfews, jobs, SAT's, sports, college....... a lot!

We celebrated together this morning by going out for breakfast together.  We prayed before our meal and thanked God for the life we have lived so far, and asked Him to continue to bless our lives richly that we might continue to walk in the path He has set for us, and that we might do good in this world.

Gray and I talked about what we thought the next years might bring, and the kind of man he is striving to be.  I gave him a card this morning telling him how much I love and cherish him and how proud I am of the young man he is becoming.  I am so grateful for that sweet boy!  He has a good heart and a kind spirit and I hope those qualities never leave him, no matter how old he grows.

So...............

Happy Birthday Grayson!!! 

and...............

Happy Birthday Me!!  

And here's to the next 40 years!  May they be even better (and go by even slower) than the last! 

 ;)

An Anniversary And A Birthday!

Well it looks like from here on out, January is going to be a big month for our family!  We had lots to celebrate this past week, and there is more to come as the weeks move on.

On January 8th we officially celebrated ONE MONTH HOME for Bronwyn and Leo!!!  The time is moving by so quickly, and already it seems like they have always been here.  It is amazing how that happens.  With each adoption I have tried to savor those last few days before the big addition, the big change to our family, just because I know the status quo won't ever be the same again.  But each time it surprises me how quickly everyone settles in, adjusts to the new normal, and starts to just get on with life again!  This time has been no different.  I think some people thought it would be different or more difficult bringing not one, but TWO teenagers home at one time.  But it has been blessedly wonderful and..... knock on wood!.... pretty easy so far!  ;)

That is due in part to their fantastic personalities.  They are both such easygoing, fun and sweet children.  They try to please most of the time, as it usually goes during that "honeymoon" phase of adoption.  But I don't think this is a phase for them.  They really are just that laid back and loving.

There have been little challenges as we get to know each other better and as they come to learn what is expected of them living in a family with a Mom and Dad to answer to and brothers and sisters to consider.  Hygiene, chores, respect, it has all been a part of the learning process.  As well as seeing where they fall academically so we can ready them for school in the fall.  But really all in all, so far so GOOD!!

I am just so thankful that these kids are home with us where they belong!  I was more worried this time around about adopting than any time before.  Mostly because of finances.  As you might remember, we decided to commit to them while we were still completing our adoption of Charlotte and Atticus in May.  The financial "How will we pull this together?"  was what stressed me out.  Starting from scratch.  But as usual, God had a plan and it was perfect.  And so 5 months later, here they were, on American soil, and they were ours!  We are really looking forward to the weeks and months ahead!

The next big celebration came in the form of a BIRTHDAY!  Little Miss Charlotte turned SIX!  Hard to believe she is a six year old in that tiny little package, but anyone who knows her personality knows she definitely has the spunk and determination to go with her years.  We kept it pretty low key for her- a party at her preschool with cupcakes, some presents and new outfits to open, and some birthday brownies to celebrate that night.  All in all it was a good day, and I think she really enjoyed herself!  Hopefully next year, when she is walking and has more friends her age, we can blow it out with a big par-tay!!  Just what Momma loves!

All ready for school in her new birthday dress!

Yeah!  My own computer!!

This girl loves some shoes!!

A tutu!!

 Then, this past Saturday she got the present she had really been wanting....... getting her ears pierced!!  She wanted to have earrings like all her older sisters, and now she does!  She did so well too, just a few seconds of crying and she was done.  Great job girlie!  They look so pretty!

 So, we have survived the month so far, and there are two more birthdays to go.  This time for the big boys of the family!  Gideon turns the big SIXTEEN this month on the 20th and then Leo turns fifteen on the 29th.  Whew!  I told you January was going to be big from now on!  Nothing like all these celebrations to ease the doldrums once the holidays are over huh?

I for one am just continuing to take time to remember my blessings. There are so many!  I am really loving being the mom to many.  They are all such a joy and I can't think of a better way to spend my time than with my family.  It is only when I get caught up in the worldly things that I forget this.  Listening to who has a new this and who is going where and who got what.... worldly stuff that I shouldn't long for anyway.... it is then that I lose my sense of purpose and contentment.  When I focus on all I have been given, THEN I am at my best as a wife and mother and then I am grateful and happy.  And these kids definitely bring me happiness!  Such joy can be found at the hands of a child-- toddler or teenager-- and that joy is the joy I am after.  Not the momentary joy of a new THING.

So with great thankfulness for all we have been given, we move into 2013 with a bang!  Onward and forward!!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!!!

As we look back on this past year of 2012 we can definitely say that we had our ups and our downs.  But overall, we were richly blessed!  We had times of trial to be sure- health issues, money worries, marriage stressors, school issues, you name it.  But that is life, and we are human.  And you know what?  We came through it.

BUT, we also have to remember all the amazing and WONDERFUL things our lives were blessed with this past year, and most of all remember that in most every instance, God used the bad to bring about some greater GOOD!

Of course the biggest blessings for our family in 2012 came in the form of four new Rowe children!  We accomplished something really great this last year.  We gave four kids hope.  Hope for their futures when there was none before.  We gave them love.  Unconditional love that will carry them throughout their lives and support them in their bleakest moments.  We gave them family.  A backbone to strengthen them, build them up when they are down.  We gave them acceptance.  They can now feel and act like any other kid, without the stigma of  "orphan" attached and limiting their lives.

In short, we gave them our hearts.  And it is WE who are better for it.  Blessed beyond measure.

So yes, 2012 was a very good year!  The ups outweighed the downs, the positives outweighed the negatives. And as always, God showed us that He was in control.

So here is to 2013!  May it be a great year, full of growth, health, happiness and love.  May we continue to stretch ourselves beyond what we think we are capable, and venture outside of our comfort zone for the benefit of others.  May we always be seeking to do good, and esteem others higher than ourselves.  May our children continue to learn that humility is one of our greatest possessions, not material goods, and that it is the ultimate looking glass through which to view our lives.

Here's to new beginnings, a fresh start, a clean slate, a new outlook.  Here's to another year full of promise and God's grace and mercy and blessing.  Here is to a whole year in front of you to do good and the ability to make your corner of the world and better and brighter place.  Here's to 2013!

Cancer

Cancer sucks.  It is like a vicious, evil plague taking over our country, our world.  Days like today just make me think and ponder the enormity of cancer.  It is everywhere.  It it awful.

Ever since Atticus's diagnosis I have tried to stay positive.  Tried to be brave.  Tried to comfort myself with the fact that he has done SO well with all of it so far.  But sometimes, the reality of the situation is just overwhelming.  Like on days like today.

Just about once a week my sweet little buddy and I trek into Charlotte to Levine Children's Hospital for his treatment.  We hike up to the sixth floor around 8:30am, usually before most other appointments arrive, sign in, and wait to go back for treatment.  And today was no different, except we were not alone today in the waiting room this morning.  Instead, sitting across from us was a mom and dad, and their daughter Addison.  Addison was probably about three or four years old.  Her mom and I struck up a conversation which eventually lead to her asking what Atticus had, and I told her.  After discussing his Leukemia a bit, she told me that her daughter had Wilms Tumor- a tumor of the kidneys.  They had found out recently.  Today was their first visit to the clinic.

And so what do you say to a woman you just met who breaks down in front of you and says the enormity of it all is just too much.  What do you say?  The only thing I could say....... I understand, and I will pray for you.  Because I do understand.  Now.  And I wish I didn't.  But I do.

My baby has cancer.  He has cancer. And every week I am surrounded by others that do too.  Like little Addison.......  and like the teenage boy with Down Syndrome in the waiting room today when Atticus and I left, whose mother's eyes met mine and gave me a knowing smile....... and like the other teenage boy waiting with us for the elevator who removed his hood to reveal his bald head, and who probably drove himself to his own appointment today because he looked about my Evan's age.

Cancer is everywhere it seems.  There are friends in our church who have been recently diagnosed, friends and acquaintances in my adoption support groups who have it or whose children do.  And the dear Lord knows I had plenty of experience with it before now too.  My mother passed away from it at age 48, my uncle- her brother- had esophageal cancer and died at 51.  My grandmother.... my great-aunt..... yes from the time I was a young girl I had my fair share of exposure to life with cancer.  But those were adults at least.  They may have died way to soon, but at least they had gotten a chance at life. When you are talking about children, well it is just a different matter all together.

There are no easy answers, no simple treatments, no guaranteed cures.  There is nothing anyone can really say to make it better, make the burden lighter, make the worry go away.  There is prayer, and understanding, and that is why those were the things I offered to that woman today.  The only things I could give.  The only things that might help, if just a little.

But in the meantime, it still sucks.  And I never use that word.  But it really does.  And on days like today when I call my husband sobbing because the weight of it all just comes crashing down on me, and the reality just slams me into a wall with such force that I am not sure where else to turn, I realize that the Lord is the only place I can turn, and He will direct my steps and He will guide me through it.  Me and all those other moms and dads who carry this weight upon their shoulders.  The weight of cancer, and their child having cancer, and the worry and the what-ifs...... He will carry us through all of it.  Just like He has before as referenced in that Footsteps poem.  And I have to rest in Him.  Because sometimes, it is just too much to bear.

Merry Christmas!!!

Well here we are, at the end of another year, and preparing for yet another Christmas holiday!  This year, Christmas will be even happier, livelier, jollier and more full of merriment now that ALL of our sweet children are HOME!!

At some point I promise, I will get around to sharing the pictures I have of their arrival home just about two weeks ago, and the days that followed, but for now I just wanted to post a few pictures of our gang, and wish everyone a very happy, healthy and blessed Christmas!

Decorating the tree!

She was so enthralled by the lights!  She just kept saying "wow.  wow."  while we were putting them up.  :)

Photo bomb by Evan!

Helping me make Christmas goodies

Snuggling with Alice

Aren't we cute in our Christmas outfits!?

Mine has my name on it!

All my dapper young men

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

I hope that the following days are filled with love and joy for your family.  I know we have had many friends who have had recent tragedies in their lives and as we think of them and pray for them at this time of year we are reminded of how precious our time together is, and how it should never be taken for granted.

So MERRY CHRISTMAS everyone!  Have a cup of cider for me!!