Update!

We took Luke and Irina for their follow up appointment at the International Adoption Clinic. Both of them are making progress and look to be in great health! The Dr. noted that Luke's activity level and impulsiveness is probably impacting some of his developmental progress. He really has made a lot of gains, but he is Mr. Distraction (and actually swung from the chandelier this week! UGH! We thought we had overcome that one with the loss of several cookies. I guess it had been awhile though, so he needed to test it out again!). We will continue to follow up with the Developmental Pediatrician about addressing these concerns with Luke.

Irina has made significant gains. She has improved around 8-9 months in her gross motor skills in the last 6 months. The Dr. also said "a diagnosis in the autism spectrum no longer seems likely"!!!! How awesome is that? God is so good! I am amazed at the changes we have seen in just the few months that they have been home. It's funny, it feels like they have always been here, but it has only been 7 months. We feel so blessed that God chose us to parent these two crazy kids!:)

I may need therapy

I am totally hooked on saving money! I am going to become known as the crazy coupon woman at my local grocery store. Look at all this stuff I got today! I saved $113.66!!!! Come on, I am pretty proud of my efforts! I purchased 64 items and spent $66 and got a free reusable shopping bag, AND I got another coupon for $10 off my next purchase and another free shopping bag.

Irina's first day of school!

Irina had a great first day! She has a wonderful preschool teacher and she had lots of fun. I thought I would share a few pics of the big event. As you look at them, I am sure will understand why I post as few pictures as I do! It is no easy task getting these guys to cooperate!

It's official!

I am addicted to my new hobby! Who would have thought coupons could be so fun? Tonight I spent $75.87 at the drugstore and grocery store. Between sales and coupons, I saved $88.14 AND I get $10 off my next grocery purchase and a free reusable shopping bag! Not bad for a novice!

My new hobby

It all started before Christmas, when a friend sent me an email about a deal online for 100 photo Christmas cards FREE. I honestly thought there had to be a catch, till I got my cards-FREE! What a deal! I am always bargain hunting as a mom of 9 kids, but even if we were millionaires I just believe that we should be good stewards with what God has given to us. I have dabbled with couponing, but it always seemed to be a lot of work for very little payback. I mean, my time is valuable! It didn't make sense to sit down and cut out a ton of coupons, which end up expiring or getting lost, and the few I take to the store usually end up not getting used with the store brand being cheaper. BUT, I have discovered that there is a lot of savvy people out there scoring items for FREE. Now that catches my attention! I am still learning the rules of the game, but by following a few websites, much of the investigating work is done for you. I can't tell you how many samples and freebies I have scored this week. Go take a look here and here.I have decided to keep tabs of the money we save this month with coupons, and put that money aside for something "special". I haven't successfully purchased a store item FREE yet, but I'm working on it! Today I saved $13.50 with coupons and a $5 gift card I got in the mail at Walmart...

Just one of THOSE days....

It didn't start out well, so we all really needed a pick-me-up. These helped!

Sweet treats to celebrate LOVE

Snow, Snow, GO AWAY!!

Honestly, I have had enough of the white stuff! We did try to make the best of another snow day, and I think everyone had fun, but I am definitely ready for spring!

Follow the Leader!

We have been using a double stroller to get everyone into church on Sundays, but it takes up a lot of room in the narrow hallways. Ideally, I would like the kids to learn to walk into church and do a good job listening and doing as they are instructed. I found this the other day online and decided to give it a try. We have been "practicing" today making it a bit of game to hold onto your ring and follow the "leader" (the leader of the pack being mommy). Not sure how it will work in reality with all the distractions of a public setting, but we got some cute pics and had fun....

Super Bowl Fun...

We are ready for the big game! Well, I don't even remember who is actually even playing, but it is fun to cheer and have lots of yummy snacks. On our menu: wings, edamame(have you tried this? They are soybeans that you steam and then coat with sea salt...mmm mmm), pizza bites, homemade salsa (compliments of my amazing hubby) and chips, lil' smokies, and fruit with crockpot chocolate fondue! Yummy! All of the above are low calorie and virtually fat free too! ha ha ha! Spring is going to be super brutal once I have to come out of hibernation and lose the wool sweaters.....

Snow, Snow, Snow!

So you didn't think you were going to see the kids playing out in the freezing cold snow, did you??? Not my idea of fun! No, our snow day meant staying in pajamas all day, drinking hot cocoa, and playing inside! As you can see, we kept busy with the parachute (which creates a lot of static!), coloring, stringing beads, and building with blocks. We enjoyed the beauty of the fluffy white stuff by looking out the windows, and being thankful that we were toasty warm inside!

Love is...

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (NIV)
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails.