Back to new!

So, we've been home for a couple of days and are getting back on schedule.


I've so enjoyed trying out the "5 Love Languages" on the kids, and whoa. This is AWESOME! We are not back to "normal" but have a new style at home! Even discipline can be wonderful!


There are so many things that I've learned that are easy to do, I was just rushing myself through discipline and not planning it out and therefore making some rather big mistakes.


For example, my Owen loves quality time (what child doesn't?), so he asks for it lots. As you can imagine there are times he misbehaves because he is needing my attention, and when I discipline him for his poor choice, I put him in time out in his room. This devastates him and is not necessary for the "crime". For him, a simple positive guidance (kindly reminding him of the rules) would work and maybe some thinking time in a chair (but not isolation). It's simple stuff, and makes lots of sense, and it's made a world of difference!!!


Our little Sadie bug gets OH-SO annoyed being in her car seat. She can't even last 15 minutes anymore. I have come to find that it might just be she loves physical touch. She wants to be in my lap! So when she starts her hollering in the car, I've started just touching her leg or holding her hand. Yes, this is a bit of a challenge in the car, but it's TONS better than hearing loss! And I am telling you that nothing else has worked!


One thing the book is quick to point out is that all children need all 5 types of love, but typically one speaks louder to them at different points in their life. I am just sad I didn't read this earlier!


So I found my cord to the camera and downloaded our pics. I found this city to be so relaxing. Blake and I could not be more blessed than to have been given the opportunity to go! He is now officially finished with interviews and we can't wait to see where God takes us next year! We will be truly blessed to be at any of these programs.

I am not sure how anyone could not believe in God when seeing this!!!

It was beautiful weather this day, nearly 50 degrees while we were walking on the snow covered beach!

A guy offered to take a picture of us! How cool! Poor Blake had to put up with all of my pictures since the kids weren't there!

Taken by the timer! These rocks were incredible. We drove to this area and climbed and walked a bit to get closer to the water.

Then its started snowing! It could not have been any more perfect!

Can you see the water back through the trees?

Another one by the timer! Sorry again Blake!

I have to get running! We went on a play date this morning with some good friends, and this afternoon are meeting Momma G (Sadie's birth mom) for a date! We haven't seen her in so long and are so excited to squeeze on her!

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Adoption update: we now have our background checks, abuse and neglect checks running (our fingerprints are still good for another 4 years) and our pastor letter of reference in. We are waiting to receive our second application forms in the mail!