Yes We're Still Here!!!

We're here... just very busy. We were in a car accident a few weeks ago, and a still sore form it. The boys are ok. Brian and I took most of the hit. So, needless say, we've been dealing with insurance, and getting a new... well, nicely used car. We're huge fans of Dave Ramsey, so everything is paid for, and nicely used. If you don't know who Dave Ramsey is, you must google him. Thanks to him we've paid off a ton of debt. Don't get me wrong.... we still have some debt, but we are kissing it goodbye.

I'm babysitting two children to help raise money for the adoption... a two year old, and a 3 month old. We're still homeschooling through it all too. The boys are almost finished with basketball, which will help a little. We'll have a small break, then baseball starts. No resting for us. Brian and I have decided that we'll get plenty of rest when we're dead...

Have You Ever Thought???

Have you ever thought about the terminology people use? I have a couple pet peeves about word usage, so the few people that view this blog get to hear about them.

1. "Where or Who delivered your child?" I birthed my babies. Pizza's are delivered, babies are birthed. I don't care what kind of birth it is; it's still a birth.

2. (Referring to our adoption)... If I hear one more person say, "How do you think the "real" parents feel", or "I'll treat the child as if you are the "real" parents"... or anything about the "real" parents. I just might scream. We are very real. The terminology used is poor. I completely understand what they mean... They mean biological. But how would my child feel if everyone referred to Brian and I as "real" parents to our biological kids, but not "real" to our other children. We are not going to hide the fact that they were adopted, how can we.... We're adopting from S. Korea! We will talk to our child about their past, and their "Birth Parents" or "Biological Parents". That stuff is important. We'll talk about their culture, and hopefully have family vacations to the birth country.

Wow, I know there are a few more, but I can't think of them right now. I've gotta get the younglings off to naps... Maybe I'll right more about this later. There are OH so many more adoption terms to clear up...

"Bundles" of Joy!!!

Check out these "bundles" of joy. How handsome are they? We didn't get but 2 inches of snow, so all they could do was make snow angels. But they loved it. They tried to have a snow fight, and make an igloo, but there just wasn't enough snow. The igloo was pretty sad looking, but they had fun making it. There was lot's of fun, and loads of hot chocolate.

Adoption

So, all of you know by now that we have decided to adopt. We've been thinking and praying about it for a very long time now. After my car accident in high school, Brian and I weren't sure we could have biological kids, so adoption was something we talked about when we were dating. We knew we'd like to do it some day when the time was right. God blessed us with three biological boys, and they were one right after the other, so we knew that wasn't the time to adopt. Now, however is the time. So we have decided to adopt from.................. drum roll please......... South Korea. We are so excited, and can't wait to bring our baby home. We still have a long wait, but this is going to be our way to keep everyone up to date on the adoption, and everyday life. So, please keep us in your prayers during this fullfilling journey.

Winter Blues

OK, I'm really done with winter. It's just not a fun time for us. We don't get enough snow to do anything with, and it's just really cold. All the county schools were closed today, because of the cold weather. We however still had school. Not being able to send them outside to "run it off" has been hard. I have them run the stairs. I don't let them race each other. That's an ER visit just waiting to happen. They do time each other, and try to get their personal best. In my free time lately, I've been making some rosaries. That's been lots of fun. I wouldn't call it free time, I'd call it the time I should be ironing shirts or scrubing toilets or something like that. I need to scoot, the natives are getting restless.

Christmas and New Year's Eve

Let's see, do you want to know how our Christmas was.... Now that we are half way through the first month of the new year...

A few days before Christmas we went to see Santa. Jacob was less than excited. He held on tight to Owen's waist. He wanted to be anywhere else. He wouldn't come close enough to Santa to tell him what he wanted. It was pretty funny, and so cute that Owen just let him dig his fingers into O's waist. He took the big brother role to heart that day. Christmas was good. It's always good with the boys and Brian surrounding me. Celebrating Christ's birth is so much fun. We had birthday cake and and everything. We had lots of food. After Mass on Christmas Eve, we came home for our annual "dressed up Christmas picture". The older boys were sporting their sports coats. How handsome... They did ask me, "why do you call them a sports coat when you can't play sports in them?" Let me know if any of you have the answer to that one... Christmas day we went to a movie. We saw "Bedtime Stories". It was cute, and it's now on the list the boys started of "movies to own". Joan was here to visit also. We were afraid the bad weather was going to keep her from getting here, but she made it. There's nothing like food, family and fun to make the holidays grand.

The boys had more fun with New Years Eve though. This was the first time we let them stay up for the festivities. Jacob missed it by one hour. He fell asleep on the floor. I tried to tell them it wasn't going to be amazing. "It is just a ball that drops, and we count backwards from 10 to 1, then we say Happy New Year". They obviously had to see for themselves. Zach thought it was going to be a huge ball that drops into a big pool and makes a gi-normous splash for all to see. Boy was he shocked when it came down really slow, and did nothing else. Zach and Owen made it til the ball dropped, but were pretty tired the next day for Mass. We even let them have "kid wine" (sparkling cider) in a real wine glass. They thought they were so cool. They get it on most special occasions (Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Year's Eve/Day). We had the New Year's toast, and then sent them off to bed. They were out before their heads hit the pillows.

We've Been Soooo Busy...

Ok, I don't really have time to be "playing" on the computer, so I'm gonna make this a quick update...

The boys had their school pictures taken. What handsome boys they are. Carmen captured their personalities perfectly. If only she could have captured the horns on Owens head... They are missing, but the look on his face is there. We finished up our Fall co-op the week before Thanksgiving. The boys enjoy co-op very much. They are already talking about spring co-op.

We had a very quiet Thanksgiving. Joan was going to come, but got a better offer. Who can resist a girl road trip? We love spending Thanksgiving with lots of people, but this year was different. Usually we spend Thanksgiving with my side of the family, and it's a Thanksgiving/ Christmas. Really it's just an excuse for me to put my Christmas decorations up before Thanksgiving. This year, my family couldn't get together for the festivities. We went to Mass, because we have a lot to be thankful for. As soon as we got home we all put our PJ's back on and it was the First Wentz Thanksgiving PJ Day. We had lots of fun. For the five of us, we had a 17 lb turkey. Now I have tons of frozen meals... To bad they are all turkey meals.

We... well, Brian, Zach and Owen stood outside at Wal-Mart and rang the salvation army bell for an hour last week while Jacob and I were doing the grocery shopping. Brian wanted me close by incase one or both of the boys went a little stir crazy. They did ok, but Zach came in thinking that I'd let him go to the video games and play for awhile. He realized it was "just" grocery shopping, and went back outside. They had fun, but got cold.

We have all our Christmas shopping finished, and I've even got my Christmas letter finished before next year. I'm so excited about that.

The boys still love LEGO Club. They can't wait to go back. I've been making jewelry, and I'm very nervous, but I'm going to attempt a rosary next. It's so intimidating to me. I really enjoy the creating side of jewelry making. I made a "gramma's bracelet" for my mom. I was going to make it for mother's day, but she guilted me into making it sooner. She wanted it done so bad, she offered to pay me for it... She's so funny. I made her stay up late with me one night just to get it finished. She was falling asleep standing up, but if you know my mom, that's typical of her after 9pm. I put everyone's birth stones on it. I put my mom and dad's birth stones, and their anniversary, my brothers and their spouses, and all the grandkids. It is very colorful. Maybe I'll add a picture of it later. I've made a few watches. They are fun too.

The boys and I are working hard to get school finished before a much needed break. They've worked so hard this year, and I couldn't be more proud of them. They are very good students.

My mom and dad were able to come for our small Christmas celebration on the 14th. They will head to my brothers house for the big family celebration on the 20th, but can't make it.

Christmas Eve we will go to Mass, then come home to have Christmas with Joan (Nana), and since it's all about food.... PIZZA. We will have Monkey bread on Christmas morning. Because Joan will be here we won't have our typical PJ day for 5. We'll actually have to get dressed.

I'll try to be better about writing in here and keeping everyone up to date.

November With Temps in the 70's

November 1st and 2nd we went on "family hikes". The temperature was perfect. It was in the 70's. Not to hot, and not too cold. On "family hikes" we do some exploring, map reading, great conversation, some arguing, and good old fashioned fun. I think the boys are ready for compasses. There were a ton of lady bugs out. We saw three buck too. Brian was wishing it was rifle season, and on his property. He just about wet his pants. We did realize that the boys are too young to go deer hunting. They couldn't stand still if their lives depended on it. lol

Brian is getting very good at setting the timer on the camera and getting back to his spot without looking rushed. Owen wanted to take a picture of us kissing. He thought it was funny. He just learned that song, "Mom and Dad sittin' in a tree K-I-S-S-I-N-G first comes love then comes marriage, then comes Zach, Owen and Jacob in a baby carriage." The 3rd picture is my favorite. If you look closely, the boys are holding hands... all three of them. Sometimes, I really think they love each other. It melted my heart. They really are good kids. Maybe they are listening to me when I talk about how important it is to love and respect our family.

OUCHHHHH!!!

Brian and I started a workout program two weeks ago, and I think I'm still sore from the first day. It's called P90X, maybe you've heard of it. That Tony Horton... He's a hoot. If you've seen or heard of it, then you know I'm an infomercial junkie. You all know my big secret now.

If I were really brave, I'd post my before pictures, but I'm not that brave. Maybe when I reach day 90 I'll post those pictures. Hee Hee Hee, I could post Brian's.... But I won't. I'd like to stay married. Anyway, we like it so far... We're sore, but we really like the program.

Lots of Halloween Fun

We've had some major Halloween fun this year. We went to our church party, but I didn't get any pictures of that... When Nana's in town no one else needs a camera. She takes care of all the pictures we could ever need or want. Plus, it's a lot of fun for her. There was lots of candy, cupcakes, hot dogs and chili. We also went to "Boo at the Zoo". Talk about fun. Nana didn't come to that so I had to bring my camera. We got candy there too, and we rode the train, and saw the headless horseman... How cool!!! Darth Vader, Babe Ruth, and Dash Incredible had a great time.

We had some pumpkin carving too. Yep, that is a couch and love seat in my garage. We got new furniture, so if you know anyone that needs some let us know. Brian gets to park outside til it's gone. The boys each got to draw the faces they wanted. Zach's turned out just perfect. Straight edges and everything. He is a perfectionist like his father. O's turned out silly. Just like him. Such a silly goofy kid. God love him. Jacob's turned out like something a 4 year old would do. One small eye, one really "gi-normous" (a cross between giant and enormous) eye, a nose you can't see, because it is just a black dot, and a mouth smaller than the gi-normous eye. He was so very proud of his work. We were too. They

all did such a great job. Thank you Mr. and Mrs. J for the pumpkins. We were a little scared to put

them outside, because saw the demise of a few pumpkins before Halloween, but they were hidden enough from the bushes. They have survived thus far.

Coolest Mom Ever!!!!!

Well, I discovered today that I am the "coolest mom ever", according to my amazing children. Today Owen didn't want to go over the sounds of the letters, and Jacob didn't want to go over the letters at all...... I am so smart! I taught them how to burp the alphabet... yes, I said burp. They had such a great time with it, that Owen forgot what he didn't want to do, and did it. Jacob though it was pretty cool too. Zach couldn't stop laughing. They don't quite have the burping on command down yet, but they keep trying. Now, I just need to have a talk with them about when to, and when NOT to burp... NOT in church, or or the grocery store, or... well, in public..... maybe at the park. Definately at home. Anyway, today was a very fun school day.

School vs. Beautiful Weather

According to the news, this is our very last nice day. It's going to start getting cold. I'm having a hard time with it. We aren't ready for the nice weather to disappear. Should we have a holiday, and take the day off. Should we just take half a day off, or just suck it up and do the school work. Decisions, decisions, decisions.... Well, we ended up getting all our school work done. Yeah us... Now, it's time to play, play, play. So I better get out there before the day gets away from me too.

LEGO'S... It's all about LEGO'S!!!

Yesterday Zach and Owen went to their very first LEGO club meeting. You may be wondering what happens at a LEGO club meeting. Well, let me put your wondering to rest. You make a creation to bring for show-and-tell. Once everyone is finished showing and telling, the children put their creations aside.The club has access to three huge plastic tubs of LEGO's, and for an hour and a half they get to create masterpieces with maybe 7 other boys K-3 grade. Owen was very nervous. He kept telling me he was sick, and shouldn't go. I told him he would have lots of fun. Finally, we got to the root of the problem. He doesn't make Lego's like Zach does. We had a long conversation about how he doesn't have to make LEGO creations like Zach. He does a great job with his creations. They both do. When I picked them up and asked them how LEGO club was Zach couldn't stop talking about it, and Owen was so happy he went. They are already thinking up some great creations for next time. They are sad it only happens once a month.

Jacob and I had some special mom and son time. We played in the driveway, rode bikes, and we cleaned out my car....

Fall Co-op

Well, fall co-op started today. One of our two homeschool groups get together for different classes. This fall it's: cooking, phys. ed, and public speaking class. They boys like it a lot, but then again it was only the first day. Last spring, the three classes were: nutrition, science, and drama.... As if we needed anymore drama in our house. They did an end of the year musical and loved every minute of it. I was such a proud mama. At the end of co-op this fall they will do some public speaking in front of the whole group (20 something families) Zach and Owen are going to do such a great job. Jacob isn't quite old enough..... Next year.

Happy Birthday to You...

Zach celebrated Birthday number 8 on Friday, but Dad wasn't feeling good, so he couldn't eat any of the yummy cake. Not just any cake... Strawberry Birthday Cake with Donkey from Shrek on it. Wow, that was a mouth full. No pun intended. It was yummy cake though. I've probably eaten enough for everyone, so don't worry... I've had your share of cake.

Blessing of pets at Church!!!

Saturday Father had the blessing of pets. All the church members were allowed to bring in their pets. With 250 families in the church (not all of them have pets), you'd assume that it would be chaos, right? Well, only 4 families came, and it was pretty easy going. We have two boxers, and thought they could use a little blessing. Maybe it was me that needed the blessing. Trex got away from Zach. She slipped right out of her collar (note to self... get her a better collar). She ran over to a chocolate lab, and got on top of him. Weird dog. Zach got to hold the book for Father. He was so excited. I held on to the dogs, Jacob was in charge of holding the treats, and Owen was in charge of the camera...

Favorite Summer Fun

OK, We've had lots of summer fun, but our favorite times are camping in the back yard. We had the "sleep" tent, and the "food" tent. We put the food tent up around the picnic table. The fire pit was going, and it was a wonderland of sorts... A "Summer Wonderland". We roasted hot dogs, marshmellows, and campfire pies. If you've never had a campfire pie.... MMMMM it's a must. They are so very yummy. We didn't have to wait in line for the bathrooms or food. When we got cold, we just paused the movie, and got a blanket.

The best part was when Brian set up our very own outside movie theater. It was like going to the drive-in, only better.... We didn't have to wait in line for the bathrooms or food. Oh, and we didn't have to worry about getting run over either. We had such a great time, and the memories will last us a lifetime.

First time for everthing, Right?

Well, there is a first for everything. Here I am... doing a blog for my family. Most of our family and friends have access to the internet..... Now, if I can just get my 80 something Grandma introduced to the world wide web. Hmmmmmmmm How will I do that? We just wanted a way to keep in close contact with our family and friends. This is how we'll do that. We'll post more later. I am basically just trying to see if I'm doing all this right. I just need to have a little patience with this dial-up stuff, and uploading pictures... or anything for that matter.