Blog

  I had picked up a couple of movies at the local Redbox. One was for the kids, one was for myself.  Something to watch on those long nights while my hubby was working. The kids watched theirs right away.  I didn’t get a chance that night or the next.  But that’s ok, I thought, it’s only a $1 a day.  A couple more dollars won’t hurt. The 3rd night I went to watch it…and it wasn’t there! The  case was there, but it was...

 I’m notorious for my worrying skills.  Many of us worry about things that never happen, but my husband has gone so far as to tenderly point out my worrying over diseases that don’t even exist.  My beloved Grandma Lizzie worried more than any adult I ever knew… until I became one.   During our adoption process, I perfected the art of worrying on all topics from the downright silly to the downright justified.  What if the social worker looks...

I found this file useful.  I plan to keep it handy – ideas and tips for Future School Assignments with our adopted children –  "Tackling Tricky Assignments" Tips for School Assignments  ...

I am so excited about this Point of View  – PBS Special that I wanted to share it! Watch the trailer at:  http://www.pbs.org/pov/woainimommy/ It is a national PBS Premiere on "Point of View" that airs Tuesday, August 31.  (See your local listing for times.) What is it like to be torn from your Chinese foster family, put on a plane with strangers and wake up in a new country, family and...

 I know  – spare time is rare – I totally can relate!!  But if you love to read as much as I do, that is still something I try to make time for – even in a busy day! I thought this article was really good – Jedd Medefind, president of the Christian Alliance for Orphans, lists his Top 5 Books on Orphan Care.  Have you read any of these??  What did you think??  Any other suggestions – I...

Several weeks ago, my family took our summer vacation back to the small town in eastern Montana where I grew up. This was the first time I had been back since I moved away which meant that it was the first time my wife and children as well. For those of you whom have never been to eastern Montana, it is a beautiful but harsh land dominated by badlands and wheat fields. Towns are few and far between, and even the houses...

My husband and I just spent the last day and a half attending the local Tulip Festival with our 6-year-old and 3-year-old. I always start out on such excursions with a feeling of excitement and visions of a happy family of four enjoying the activities. There is no fighting or whining or complaining or disobedience. The children are cooperative and grateful for the fun and food that my husband and I provide. Then, the excursion begins. As we all get into...

Today is Mother’s Day. First off, to all of you moms and grandmother’s out there, thank you. Thank you for being the amazing blessing that you are. I pray that God blesses you in a special way today through the actions of your family and friends. Conveying gratitude on this subject is like trying to ask a lowly kazoo to recreate a full orchestra: words just simply do not go deep enough. How do you put into action this rawest of emotions...

 This week I had the opportunity to listen to Dr. Kang from the University of Minnesota’s Adoption Clinic.  Dr. Kang spoke about her work with children and families in post-adoption visits to the U of M clinic.  An adoption clinic, such as the University of Minnesota, does not take the place of primary care for children but rather provides adjunct specialized care to children who have one thing in common: adoption.  Domestic and international adoptees and their families receive care...