Just for fun (well maybe fun isn't the right word), I would like to add to my last post that I have spent the last several hours-- since writing the last post, but pausing for lunch and well, life-- completely gutting my playroom in a drastic attempt to clean up a major ant infestation, per Mabry's incessant screaming, "Mom!! BUUUUGS!"
(Wow, that was a run-on sentence if I ever saw one.) :)
In related news, I've decided that ants are evil.
So the ants are gone, the kids are all either napping or playing outside, the playroom baseboards and windows have been sprayed, and I have eaten lunch myself while writing this post.
Now it is time to assume a warrior pose and launch into packing in 3... 2....
Packing
Its time to get my OCD engines running. In 3 days, four of us are going to the Dominican Republic, two are going to one friend's house and two are going to another. Which means 8 distinct packing lists. And I'm the kind of scatter-brain that would forget something like... underwear.
So, besides Jakes-- because he did his own-- I've been building these lists for about two weeks now. Don't laugh. Its the only way I can handle my family dividing and knowing everyone will have everything they need.
I'm already finished with the gargantuan (I didn't think that was really a word, but spell check fixed it. Huh.) task of typing up instruction lists for the four littles. And I made (and notarized) medical release forms. I've notified ADT to put anyone in jail who even steps on our property. (I'm actually really serious, I did.) And I notified our pediatrician's office. Oh and the bank.
I have washed, and am continuing to wash, mountains of laundry so everything is clean.
And now its time *cue dramatic music* to pack.
First it looked like this.
And if I had time I would totally type them up in an Excel file and print it out. But I don't. So these are my master lists. I would flip my book open and jot things down as they would randomly come into my brain. Stars note items I needed to purchase.
And now my bedroom has become Packing Ground Zero. Good thing we haven't had themoney time to get furniture. (Except for my amazing bed, but ...that's another post.) So I took each of my lists and taped them up around the room. I have sections for Jake, myself, the 2 big kids, the 2 middle kids and the two babies. (Since that's how they are divided for the trip.) Then each kid section is divided into a sub section for that child.
So as you can tell, I've just started with some small items. I've still got a lot to do. These piles are about to explode. And it all needs to be done by Tuesday night before our Bible study because Wednesday is run-around-dropping-everyone-off-day. And Thursday morning we have to be at the airport at... well, lets just say it could also be considered late Wednesday night. I don't like to speak of such hours. Anyway, I have 2 days to finish packing, finish laundry, spend time with all my babies and store up kisses and squishes for over a week, clean my entire house so its not a crazy disaster when I get home, oh and still perform the daily functions of feeding 6 kids 3 meals a day, changing the two in diapers, running a 2 year old to the potty everystinking five minutes now and then, keeping up with dishes, facilitating kids chores, breaking up fights, entertaining them so they don't sit in front of the TV all day and making sure little thieves don't pull stuff out of the packing room as I'm putting stuff in. That's doable right? Right?!?!
Oy. Ok, anyway.
In case I don't get a chance to post again until we get home, I have some prayer requests. Just a few. ;)
~Pray for safe travels for our trip.
~Pray that the 4 littles aren't too homesick
~Pray that Ashley and Emily can properly process the unique situation of going to grandma and grandpa's hosue, which is also a mission field.
~You could also actually pray for Jake and I-- before we leave-- as we continue to prepare the girls for all that they are going to see down there.
~Pray that Abby's sensory overload moments are at a minimum and that she's happy and content.
~Pray that Micah would behave and stay with our friends. :)
~This sounds funny, but I really need prayers that the tent-bed we ordered for Micah comes in!! Like, today!!! Please, Jesus, we need it!!!!
~Pray that the babies wouldn't have too hard of a time being away from home, mommy and daddy, and the rest of their siblings.
~Strength for friends watching our kids. (thank you amazing friends!!!!!)
~Protection over our house (thank you awesome neighbors for keeping an eye out for us!)
~Pray for Jake, Ian and the other leaders going down.
~Pray for the families of the leaders who are staying here. I know that feeling of sending your spouse off on a mission trip and the spiritual warfare that happens at home while they're gone!
~Last but not least, pray for the 40 youth kids. That hearts and lives would be changed- the youth and those to whom they are bringing the gospel of Jesus!!!
Ok, one more cup of coffee and here I go!!!
So, besides Jakes-- because he did his own-- I've been building these lists for about two weeks now. Don't laugh. Its the only way I can handle my family dividing and knowing everyone will have everything they need.
I'm already finished with the gargantuan (I didn't think that was really a word, but spell check fixed it. Huh.) task of typing up instruction lists for the four littles. And I made (and notarized) medical release forms. I've notified ADT to put anyone in jail who even steps on our property. (I'm actually really serious, I did.) And I notified our pediatrician's office. Oh and the bank.
I have washed, and am continuing to wash, mountains of laundry so everything is clean.
And now its time *cue dramatic music* to pack.
First it looked like this.
 |
| This is in my big family organization binder. Aka. the external hard drive of Amy Spencer's brain. |
And if I had time I would totally type them up in an Excel file and print it out. But I don't. So these are my master lists. I would flip my book open and jot things down as they would randomly come into my brain. Stars note items I needed to purchase.
And now my bedroom has become Packing Ground Zero. Good thing we haven't had the
So as you can tell, I've just started with some small items. I've still got a lot to do. These piles are about to explode. And it all needs to be done by Tuesday night before our Bible study because Wednesday is run-around-dropping-everyone-off-day. And Thursday morning we have to be at the airport at... well, lets just say it could also be considered late Wednesday night. I don't like to speak of such hours. Anyway, I have 2 days to finish packing, finish laundry, spend time with all my babies and store up kisses and squishes for over a week, clean my entire house so its not a crazy disaster when I get home, oh and still perform the daily functions of feeding 6 kids 3 meals a day, changing the two in diapers, running a 2 year old to the potty every
Oy. Ok, anyway.
In case I don't get a chance to post again until we get home, I have some prayer requests. Just a few. ;)
~Pray for safe travels for our trip.
~Pray that the 4 littles aren't too homesick
~Pray that Ashley and Emily can properly process the unique situation of going to grandma and grandpa's hosue, which is also a mission field.
~You could also actually pray for Jake and I-- before we leave-- as we continue to prepare the girls for all that they are going to see down there.
~Pray that Abby's sensory overload moments are at a minimum and that she's happy and content.
~Pray that Micah would behave and stay with our friends. :)
~This sounds funny, but I really need prayers that the tent-bed we ordered for Micah comes in!! Like, today!!! Please, Jesus, we need it!!!!
~Pray that the babies wouldn't have too hard of a time being away from home, mommy and daddy, and the rest of their siblings.
~Strength for friends watching our kids. (thank you amazing friends!!!!!)
~Protection over our house (thank you awesome neighbors for keeping an eye out for us!)
~Pray for Jake, Ian and the other leaders going down.
~Pray for the families of the leaders who are staying here. I know that feeling of sending your spouse off on a mission trip and the spiritual warfare that happens at home while they're gone!
~Last but not least, pray for the 40 youth kids. That hearts and lives would be changed- the youth and those to whom they are bringing the gospel of Jesus!!!
Ok, one more cup of coffee and here I go!!!
Tada!
THIS:
MINUS THIS:
EQUALS THIS!
Tada!
It feels so refreshing! I do have moments when I miss my long hair, but overall, I'm so happy to have finally cut it.
Thanks again to my awesome friend/neighbor for bestowing her talents on my hair! :)
So long, long hair.
I could probably count on one hand how many times I've had my hair cut since I've been married. I'm not even exaggerating.
I do really like my hair long. But since I had Kate and went through that typical few weeks of "is-ALL-of-my-hair-going-to-fall-out-now-that-I'm-done-nursing?" phase... it kinda never stopped falling out. So before I'm completely bald (I'm really only kinda kidding) and because I never really leave it down anyway, its time to cut it!
Back in the day I would get it cut pretty regularly. But since then...
I got it cut when I was pregnant with Ashley. It had been a decent length but I got a whim and cut it pretty short, surprising (and lets face it, upsetting) my husband.
The next time I got it cut after that was when Abby was 6 months old. I remember because a girl was staying with us from Mexico for a few weeks and she kept the kids for me so I could go.
The next time after that was just a random haircut, I don't remember when. I just remember that I thought I was getting a free haircut because I was donating it to Locks of Love. I was misinformed.
Thats when I started cutting (trimming really) my own hair. Its not hard when your hair is so long you can just pull it around in front of your face and cut the ends. And I always cut my own bangs.
I do really like my hair long. But since I had Kate and went through that typical few weeks of "is-ALL-of-my-hair-going-to-fall-out-now-that-I'm-done-nursing?" phase... it kinda never stopped falling out. So before I'm completely bald (I'm really only kinda kidding) and because I never really leave it down anyway, its time to cut it!
This isn't dye. Its just hair chalking. But isn't it fun? I try to pretend that I'm all cool and boho-chic. And not just a mother of six who doesn't have time to go to the salon every 3 weeks.
A good friend of mine cuts hair and I'm sure she's been dying to do something about mine. ;) I'm going to donate it again, like I usually do. But before I do, I'd like to have a moment of silence (just me, you don't have to... well you can if you want, but that would be kinda weird) for my long mane. So long, long hair.
For more information about donating your hair to make wigs for financially disadvantaged children who have long-term medical hair loss, visit www.locksoflove.org.
The MANY sides...
I've thought about changing the name of my blog. I've never really been super crazy about it. It feels really self-centered.... or something. Like its all about me. And its not. But the point was this- I wanted a place where I can write the things that are in my heart, on my mind, or happening with my family. I could journal them, but this way family and friends can keep up with our family as well. And "the many sides" seemed to fit well since, as most mothers do, I wear so many hats.
Well, recently I've really been feeling every. one. of those sides. I'm a wife and I'm a mom. I'm an adoption advocate, adoptive parent, chauffeur, chef, crafter, cousin, granddaughter, daughter, daughter-in-law, sister, sister-in-law, friend, home economist, maid, and member of the DS community. And by the grace of God I am, above all, a child of God.
I think I'll keep the name.
The following should probably all be separate posts. But its all in my head at one time on any given day, so that's how I'm writing it.
Ashley and Emily are getting older and more mature every day. At their last doctors check-up, we talked about Ashley and uh... "girl stuff" being just a few years away. Things to watch for, how to handle it. Oh I'm not ready for that phase yet! Can we all just take a deep breath and slow this ride down?!
I've been talking with friends about our hopes and goals in parenting our precious children through the next several years. I don't want to miss even one of the very many teachable moments, training my girls to be ladies. Women of God. These years are so crucial. I want my kids to know they can talk to me about anything. I want to help them grow spiritually. I'm fully confident that I'm raising children in the end times and they need to be firm in their faith, able to rightly divide truth from lies. Sound biblical doctrine from the twisted things the world will throw at them. And I want to rally with other parents who feel the same way, to raise these warriors together. This is not for the faint of heart!
Meanwhile... recently I find that I could spend hours scouring my special needs and Down Syndrome boards online. Trying to figure out if things Micah and Abby are going through are common.
Does anyone else's kids have these screaming/grunting fits? Does anyone else's kids try to escape? Is it "normal" for kids with Down Syndrome to have this difficult of a time potty training?
Everyone talks about how kids with DS are just the sweetest angels who are "otherworldly" and kind to everyone they meet. And don't get me wrong, Micah has a capacity to forgive that blows my mind. And Abby holds no prejudice, she can tell within seconds if someone is a genuinely kind person and will greet people with hugs that come from straight from her heart! But they also get angry, yell, don't want to share, push, hit, and are probably the most stubborn people in this house! (And if you know me, that's saying a lot.) :) Besides some physical and speech delays, they really are no different than anyone else.
But I constantly wonder- should I be disciplining them any differently? Should I be more sensitive? Do they get enough therapy for their needs? Am I doing something wrong?? Could I be doing something more??? *sigh* My mind could be full-time busy just navigating this road of parenting children with Downs.
Then there's the adoption stuff. MAN is my heart burdened in this area. If I had time, I would dive head first into this ministry. I've started a little group for the families at our church. I don't have a lot of time, or resources, just a strong desire to connect people. A desire to support adopting families and to encourage those who are home.
There are millions of orphans in this world. Children with no one to love, protect, and teach them. What will become of these kids? Lets just say the statistics are not good. If Jesus is the answer, and we are his hands and feet, where does that put me? I want to do something! Do you know how many kids are in my own county right now, in the vicious cycle of the foster system? Did you know most of them have to be housed out side of the county because there aren't enough foster families here? I could actually burst into tears right now just thinking about it. *BIG sigh*
As for my babies. I decided to really go full force potty training Abby and Mabry this week. (Because, ya know, I don't have enough on my plate this summer.) But literally- Mabry potty trained in one day. She has not had one single accident (aside from a wet pull up in the morning or after naps, which I don't count). I'm so proud of her! And Kate is so close to walking. Both of them are talking more and more every day. They are such cute, squishy girls and they just melt me with their adorable little smiles and personalities. Even Ashley will say, "Mom, Kate is just so cute, I can't stand it!" I mean, they are little and they have their moments and fits, but seriously, they are sunshine to everyone in this house. I could squish, kiss, tickle and play peek-a-boo all. day. long. AAHH! I love them so much it hurts!
Aaaaand, my husband. He has so much going on and he needs to come home to asomewhat sane wife. Who loves him, supports him, and does him good and not harm. In all things. I don't ever want to be so busy with the children and the house that I'm too emotionally checked out to be aware of whats going on in his world. I'm his best friend, beloved, and helpmate. First and foremost.
Did I mention I'm leaving for the Dominican Republic next week? Ashley, Emily and I are accompanying Jake and all the youth kids and leaders on the summer missions trip. Only we'll be staying with Jake's parents. (We've divvied up the 4 littles to some precious friends who are helping us out.) I'm so excited for Ashley and Emily to have a taste of another country, less fortunate than this lavish life we lead. But its been difficult to prepare them because, on one hand, this is Grandma and Grandpa's house. On the other hand, its the mission field. Its it's own unique thing, I guess.
Anyway, my mind is swimming trying to make packing lists and instructions for all four. Micah is his own world of instructions. ABBY is her own world of instructions. Then there's the babies with all of their gear.... Bottles, sippy cups, diapers (just for Kate, whoo hoo!), toys, doses for Tylenol, emergency contacts, medical releases. Then there's the packing for us... passports, copies of passports, books for the flight.... gonna have to weigh the bags to keep them under whatever the weight limit is... I'm nervous about customs with a 7 and 8 year old, just remembering how miserable it was going to Ukraine. And that was just me and Jake. But at least we'll be with a bunch of youth leaders and like 40 high schoolers. That should be fun. ;)
Back to my point. Or was there one? Oh right, the many sides.
Anyway, on top of all of this, the laundry and dishes in this house require so much care, I feel like I should mention them as a part of our family. Its like some crazy monster... if I threaten to break off a limb or two, he grows back 4 more. Where does it come from?! And Praise God for homemade laundry detergent, I'm loving that stuff. But ya know, every time I load the washing machine or dish washer, I try to remind myself that I could be hand washing all of this. Suddenly I don't mind so much. :)
~~~
I hope this whole post doesn't sound like complaining. I'm just... chronicling all of it. :) These are the many sides of me. Each a completely precious and sacred area of my life. I would never trade any of it away. I just have to find the balance in it all. And daily lay it before Jesus. These kids are his kids. Down Syndrome is no mystery to Him. Orphan care is closer to His heart than it is to mine. And I am doing what he created me to do. When you boil it all down, I'm Amy. Wife, mom, sinner saved by grace.
You shall increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side. (Ps. 71:21)
My flesh and my heart fail;But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (Ps.73:26)
Well, recently I've really been feeling every. one. of those sides. I'm a wife and I'm a mom. I'm an adoption advocate, adoptive parent, chauffeur, chef, crafter, cousin, granddaughter, daughter, daughter-in-law, sister, sister-in-law, friend, home economist, maid, and member of the DS community. And by the grace of God I am, above all, a child of God.
I think I'll keep the name.
The following should probably all be separate posts. But its all in my head at one time on any given day, so that's how I'm writing it.
Ashley and Emily are getting older and more mature every day. At their last doctors check-up, we talked about Ashley and uh... "girl stuff" being just a few years away. Things to watch for, how to handle it. Oh I'm not ready for that phase yet! Can we all just take a deep breath and slow this ride down?!
I've been talking with friends about our hopes and goals in parenting our precious children through the next several years. I don't want to miss even one of the very many teachable moments, training my girls to be ladies. Women of God. These years are so crucial. I want my kids to know they can talk to me about anything. I want to help them grow spiritually. I'm fully confident that I'm raising children in the end times and they need to be firm in their faith, able to rightly divide truth from lies. Sound biblical doctrine from the twisted things the world will throw at them. And I want to rally with other parents who feel the same way, to raise these warriors together. This is not for the faint of heart!
Meanwhile... recently I find that I could spend hours scouring my special needs and Down Syndrome boards online. Trying to figure out if things Micah and Abby are going through are common.
Does anyone else's kids have these screaming/grunting fits? Does anyone else's kids try to escape? Is it "normal" for kids with Down Syndrome to have this difficult of a time potty training?
Everyone talks about how kids with DS are just the sweetest angels who are "otherworldly" and kind to everyone they meet. And don't get me wrong, Micah has a capacity to forgive that blows my mind. And Abby holds no prejudice, she can tell within seconds if someone is a genuinely kind person and will greet people with hugs that come from straight from her heart! But they also get angry, yell, don't want to share, push, hit, and are probably the most stubborn people in this house! (And if you know me, that's saying a lot.) :) Besides some physical and speech delays, they really are no different than anyone else.
But I constantly wonder- should I be disciplining them any differently? Should I be more sensitive? Do they get enough therapy for their needs? Am I doing something wrong?? Could I be doing something more??? *sigh* My mind could be full-time busy just navigating this road of parenting children with Downs.
Then there's the adoption stuff. MAN is my heart burdened in this area. If I had time, I would dive head first into this ministry. I've started a little group for the families at our church. I don't have a lot of time, or resources, just a strong desire to connect people. A desire to support adopting families and to encourage those who are home.
There are millions of orphans in this world. Children with no one to love, protect, and teach them. What will become of these kids? Lets just say the statistics are not good. If Jesus is the answer, and we are his hands and feet, where does that put me? I want to do something! Do you know how many kids are in my own county right now, in the vicious cycle of the foster system? Did you know most of them have to be housed out side of the county because there aren't enough foster families here? I could actually burst into tears right now just thinking about it. *BIG sigh*
As for my babies. I decided to really go full force potty training Abby and Mabry this week. (Because, ya know, I don't have enough on my plate this summer.) But literally- Mabry potty trained in one day. She has not had one single accident (aside from a wet pull up in the morning or after naps, which I don't count). I'm so proud of her! And Kate is so close to walking. Both of them are talking more and more every day. They are such cute, squishy girls and they just melt me with their adorable little smiles and personalities. Even Ashley will say, "Mom, Kate is just so cute, I can't stand it!" I mean, they are little and they have their moments and fits, but seriously, they are sunshine to everyone in this house. I could squish, kiss, tickle and play peek-a-boo all. day. long. AAHH! I love them so much it hurts!
Aaaaand, my husband. He has so much going on and he needs to come home to a
Did I mention I'm leaving for the Dominican Republic next week? Ashley, Emily and I are accompanying Jake and all the youth kids and leaders on the summer missions trip. Only we'll be staying with Jake's parents. (We've divvied up the 4 littles to some precious friends who are helping us out.) I'm so excited for Ashley and Emily to have a taste of another country, less fortunate than this lavish life we lead. But its been difficult to prepare them because, on one hand, this is Grandma and Grandpa's house. On the other hand, its the mission field. Its it's own unique thing, I guess.
Anyway, my mind is swimming trying to make packing lists and instructions for all four. Micah is his own world of instructions. ABBY is her own world of instructions. Then there's the babies with all of their gear.... Bottles, sippy cups, diapers (just for Kate, whoo hoo!), toys, doses for Tylenol, emergency contacts, medical releases. Then there's the packing for us... passports, copies of passports, books for the flight.... gonna have to weigh the bags to keep them under whatever the weight limit is... I'm nervous about customs with a 7 and 8 year old, just remembering how miserable it was going to Ukraine. And that was just me and Jake. But at least we'll be with a bunch of youth leaders and like 40 high schoolers. That should be fun. ;)
Back to my point. Or was there one? Oh right, the many sides.
Anyway, on top of all of this, the laundry and dishes in this house require so much care, I feel like I should mention them as a part of our family. Its like some crazy monster... if I threaten to break off a limb or two, he grows back 4 more. Where does it come from?! And Praise God for homemade laundry detergent, I'm loving that stuff. But ya know, every time I load the washing machine or dish washer, I try to remind myself that I could be hand washing all of this. Suddenly I don't mind so much. :)
~~~
I hope this whole post doesn't sound like complaining. I'm just... chronicling all of it. :) These are the many sides of me. Each a completely precious and sacred area of my life. I would never trade any of it away. I just have to find the balance in it all. And daily lay it before Jesus. These kids are his kids. Down Syndrome is no mystery to Him. Orphan care is closer to His heart than it is to mine. And I am doing what he created me to do. When you boil it all down, I'm Amy. Wife, mom, sinner saved by grace.
You shall increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side. (Ps. 71:21)
My flesh and my heart fail;But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (Ps.73:26)
Happy Birthday Jake!!
A year in review...
July 2011: Youth Missions Trip to the Dominican Republic
July 2011: Youth Missions Trip to the Dominican Republic
 |
| Baptizing youth students in the D.R. |
 |
| Hanging with Dominican kids |
 |
| Jake and his mom |
September: Warrior Dash
 |
| Jake (center) and his buddies |
 |
| Yes, that's my husband in the blue, jumping over fire |
 |
| This one reminds me that I've got another post about my laundry detergents and cleaners coming soon ;) |
October: "Faith over fear" night ;)
 |
| Jake doing the Pumpkin Patch Parable. Teaching our kids about the love and mercy of Jesus. :) |
November: Ashley's Baptism!!
November: Joanna's Wedding
 |
| Jake's sisters wedding (He also officiated part of the wedding) |
Not sure when this was. But I had to add it! "Planking" with Kory.
 |
| The Catan plank |
 |
| The Cozy Coupe plank |
Not sure when this was either but... our crab feast!
 |
| This isn't Jake, its Kory. But they both cooked a huge crab feast (this is the aftermath of shells and corncobs). It was the first of several! |
Christmas
 |
| Reading the Christmas story (and apparently Emily is acting it out) |
 |
| A our Cheers Group Christmas Party breakfast feast |
April: Mallory and Alex's wedding :)
June: Youth Summer Camp and Youth Sunday drama
 |
 |
| Baptizing more kids |
 |
| The set of the play |
I'm sure I missed some things, but I think I hit some main events. :) Overall, I'd say that's a pretty great year! Here's to many more!!!
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