Spontaneous Adventures Strikes Again!

It was a Monday just like any other Monday (except maybe that it was also the first official day that Jude was beginning home schooling again). The usual plan for a Monday was in place.... Start the kids on school, take Lovenie to speech therapy, finish school, and then chores. However, at 9AM we got an email from someone that told us that they had 8 tickets for that day to the Monterey Aquarium and we could have them for FREE if we wanted them! Jim had just returned home from working a very long all night shift at work. He was kind enough to stay awake and drive the 40 min. drive each way to pick the tickets up for us while me and the kids SCRAMBLED around to pack for an outing. I had to leave in about 1 hour to have Lovenie at speech therapy. Because Jim had been working really long and awful hours we decided to stay overnight so that he would have a quiet house to sleep in when he was home. We worked as a team and had the car packed up and Lovenie to her appointment on time. Jim met us there with the tickets so that we could leave straight from there. It wasn't until then that we really looked at the tickets and had some concerns. Jim decided to call the Aquarium and just make sure there would be no problem. Sure enough... the tickets were in someone elses name and could not be transfered. :( We were so bummed to break the news to the kids knowing how very excited they were. We figured since we were all ready packed up we should come up with another fun plan and still head out on a trip. So only about an hour later Jim was at last asleep and the kids and I were on our way to the very gorgeous beach town, Half Moon Bay!



The plan was to take the kids to one of the many elaborate Pumpkin farms there. The prices for their attractions are really spendy~ especially times 6 people. So I had prepared the kids to pick out just one or two things and that would probably be all we would do. When we got there and mentioned that the kids were home schooled (obviously school age kids there during school hours) they decided to give us the rate they give schools for field trips. It was CRAZY cheap all day passes. We were thrilled!!! Not only did they get to do everything but they got to do it as much as they wanted. Our time together at the farm was nothing short of magical and we even took a moment to stop right in the middle of that pumpkin farm and pray a prayer of thanks to a God that constantly blesses us beyond what we would even think to ask for!

Gotta love a place with potty humor!

As usual Luke wants NOTHING to do with animals, so he just stands around looking cute while his siblings go crazy over feeding the goats.

The others had a blast with them. Lovenie used to be terrified of any animal a year ago, but got right in there with them until one of the goats mistook her hair for food and gave it a nibble. That was the end of her goat adventures.

Lovenie's very first time on a pony

Johnny was pretty much bored right away. I guess after more then 55 visits to Disneyland last year he has become accustomed to a bit more thrill factor.

Cowboy Jude LOVES any time on a horse.





Train ride~

Bouncy Fun~

Just chillin' on a snack break

A VERY exciting Hay ride. It was POURING rain outside while we were on this covered hay ride and then stopped when it was time for us to get out

This is Johnny BEGGING me for a slice of pumpkin pie. Not only is it nearly impossible to say no to his big blue eyes but Johnny is such an easy going kid that he almost never asks for anything, much less BEGS for something. I didn't give in and buy him a slice.... I bought him a WHOLE PIE. You woulda thought he won the lottery the way he wigged out!

Just being precious




Hours of outdoor fun had us all tired and hungry so, after checking into our hotel, we headed off to this quirky restaurant for a refill.

I LOVE eating out with our kids. It's as if they put on their absolute best manners. They were so quiet and funny. They were sharing with each other and just being so sweet.


Outside of the restaurant is this gutted out double decker bus which now serves only 1 purpose~ to be partied in. It was empty and the kids asked if they could go in it and play. I told them to go wild and OH BOY DID THEY EVER!

Swinging from the rafters? We've done it!

Once we were all officially worn out we headed back to the hotel. It was one of those days that everything just came together so perfectly and you could hardly wrap your mind around it all. Included in that was that we were able to get a 2 bedroom suite for only $15 more then a regular room, making 1 adult traveling with 5 kids no problem!

Enjoying the begged for pumpkin pie while staying up late to watch a movie.

The hotel gave us a late check out so we were able to finish school and have lunch before leaving.

Next stop was to a different pumpkin farm to check out it's monstrous hay maze. We had heard legends of it but... WOW! It was so cool!!!!

It was fun and maddening at the same time. Nearly every way you turn looked the same as the last place you had been. Yet, it went on and on and often circled you right back to where you started.

The kids and I were determined as we laughed, played, ran, and took turns deciding which way to try next.

Every now and then we would come to these huge clearings and the kids would run around in circles

We came to many dead ends.

Around 45 minutes into our search most of us rested.

Except Jude who rolled around in the hay

and entertained us with flips and hand stands

After almost an hour and a half of searching for a way out Luke (6) and Lovenie (5) had decided they had reached their limit. I had also discovered allergies to Hay and was a bit miserable. The older boys were so very disappointed because they were determined to find the end. I agreed to let them continue if they stayed together and promised to leave out an emergency exit (which were everywhere) if they needed to come out.

Luke and Lovenie stay out of the wind while snacking in a hut.

About 20 minutes later the boys exitted out an emergency exit. Only one of the boys wanted to give up so they all came out with him but the other two were so disappointed. While waiting on the boys I had watched many families giving up and leaving the maze out of the emergency exits also. There was just one group of kids that I watched run in and out of the maze again and again exitting out of the actual exit. Before leaving I went to them and asked them to take us through and show us how. No joke... we were out in 5 minutes!!! Turns out there was a trap door that you had to know to look for and it is the only way to get to the path that gets you out. We just took the maze at face value and tried to work through it. I was so glad for the boys that really wanted to complete it that we were able to get it done.




We couldn't very well go and stay in a beach town without any beach time so despite the sun setting and the cold we hit the beach before leaving.

Lovenie really really does not like being "coooowwwd"

Me and my carribean sweethearts bundled up and watched the waves while the native California boys played in the waves and came back wet and happy.

What wonderful memories!

Summer Staycation Part 2

The second child to choose our staycation outing was Johnny. He chose to go to Ripleys Believe It Or Not in San Francisco at Fisherman's Warf. The weather was just lovely and we made a lot of wonderful memories!

Is that an escape convict from Alcatraz behind them? No wonder why they're scared!





Jude with the king of Pop

Kyle with the king

Can you make this face? (Johnny)

Kyle

Jude

After our many fun Believe It Or Not adventures we finished off the outing with lunch at Fisherman's Warf where you can find THE MOST delicious fish and chips and shrimp and crab cocktail. Then we walked the short distance to sit ocean side in the sun while enjoying our feast. We sat right near a Jamaican band and totally enjoyed the music while Lovenie danced for everyone.

Videos posted below~

Video 1~ Lovenie dances to the live music at Fisherman's Warf

Video 2~ Do you DARE reach in the mouth?

Video 3~ Jude takes the shocking Hot Seat

Video 4~ Johnny takes the challenge in the Hot Seat too

Video 5~ Jim shows them how it's done and holds on to the Max of the Hot Seat!!

Video 6~ Our family in a life sized kaleidoscope (was so beautiful)

Summer Staycation Part 1

Summer break flew by so quick this year. It seemed like it was nearly over the moment it started! For the first half of summer break we were super busy in taking care of things regarding Jacques' adoption. It was so worthwhile and we thank God that it worked out so great! However, it also was not a very fun time for the kids as we spent long days running from one medical appointment to another and other not-so-fun-for-kids errands. We were so proud of them though for how good they were for us. They had great attitudes about it and were willing to do whatever it takes to bring home their brother!

The second half of summer we decided to try and make it really special for the kids. We allowed each of the four boys to choose anywhere within driving distance to go for a vacation day. They each were assigned a week and they got to choose that weeks outing. The weeks went from youngest to oldest so Luke got to choose the first place and he chose SANTA CRUZ BEACH BOARDWALK!!!! Which just happens to be a place I love going to! (Oh no... I didn't encourage him to choose it at all) wink wink

We also had some visitors staying with us so it was a real party at the boardwalk! We started out on the beach. It was a gorgeous day for the beach and the views were breathtaking!

Then we hit the rides on the boardwalk~

Jude and Lovenie had their first ever rides on a Ferris wheel!

Jude and Kyle on top of the world! Or, at least on top of the boardwalk

Jim and Luke enjoy the view from the top

Lovenie (on the right) is so brave and will ride almost anything without fear!!

End result was some happy happy kids (and a happy Mom and Dad too!)

Home Schooling On The Run

Today we had an appointment to have our new car receive it's 3 months service (can't believe it has been 3 mo. already!). Problem is that the appointment was at 8AM which just happens to be the same time Jude needs to be at school. So a little shuffling happened and Jim took the van and went into work a little later then usual so that he could drop Jude off at school. My quest was to have the other 4 kids dressed, fed, and school work packed to head out the door by 7:30 AM. This is HUGE for me since I am not used to having to leave the house until around 10AM at the earliest with the kids, and even that is a challenge.

So we make it to the dealership at EXACTLY 8AM (I was quite proud of us!). We handed over the car and hit the lobby to begin our school day. Kyle and Johnny set up shop with their laptops at a table. Luke sat in a big comfy chair with his 2nd grade work on his lap. Lovenie and I snuggled in another chair and worked on learning how to draw and say "square". We decided to take a break and hit the free hot cocoa machine. It was really just a lovely time! Afterwards we stopped in at a McD's with a coffee shop type lounge area where, once again, laptops, workbooks, and notepads made their appearance. After a while the kids took their "recess" on the play scape. I sat outside watching them play, soaking up sun, and sipping sweet tea while listening to our children play. Many times they would return to me to dish out hugs and "I love you Mom" 's. What sweet sweet children. They are such a joy to me!!

On Thursday mornings Kyle has started a drama/choir club. While he is in practice the rest of us set up school at a picnic table in the sunshine and midway take a picnic snack break. So lovely!! At least 4 out of 5 days a week we find ourselves spending at least some time outdoors for school. I've just been overwhelmed lately at what a joy, honor, and blessing it is that I am able to home school our children. I'm often asked by people "how do you do it" or hear "I would never have the patience to home school my kids". It's just not that way for me. I find myself being far more stressed trying to get Jude off to his public school by their set time, pick him up again at their set time, and then spend the same amount of time helping with his home work that it would take me to just home school him! I can't wait for the day that we think he is ready to be home schooled too!! I love the freedom we have in home schooling. I love the things that our children are not being exposed to before an age appropriate time.

This morning I was reading an article called "Parenting With No Regrets" and it was about a family that had decided to home school their children. Just seven weeks later they were in a terrible car accident and only the Father survived. His wife and 4 children were killed. He talks about how very thankful he was for so much family time in those last days. After reading that I was just soaking up the moments that I got to hug the kids, laugh with them, reward their good work in hugs and kisses, and think about what a huge blessing it is to have each of those moments with them. This is a time in our children's lives that we will not be able to get back and I am SO thankful to have so many precious moments with them!!

Crazy Hats & Rodent Treats

This week has given me some fun opportunities to be a little creative. Recently our kids started Awanas for the first time. We take them and drop them all off and Jim and I find ourselves alone for 1.5 hours every Wed. evening. We LOVE it!!! We've been making it our date night and having dinner alone at nearby restaurants. This Wed. was Crazy Hat night. Being short on crazy hats around the house I grabbed my balloons and pump and started trying some new things with these results~ Strange little happy people sitting on our children's heads

UCO~ Unidentified Creature Objects

I made many extras to leave for children that came without hats. They were a huge hit. It was so fun when we picked our kids up and I saw so many kids and volunteers running around in my silly little hats!

Earlier in the week I made the kids these peanut butter and chocolate Rodents. Who doesn't love a little rodent for your afternoon snacking pleasure? (I thought of you Mom)

Fun week. Good Times~ Can't believe it is Friday already!!!

Much Needed Approval

We were not watching for it. I was not checking day after day, hanging around the mailbox. None of the things that usually happen when we are expecting exciting news. I simply went to the mailbox hours after the mail arrived today. I was enjoying a light conversation with Jim while sorting through the mail when my eyes caught the envelope that sent my heart pounding.

I've shared on here much about the many challenges we faced in getting our I-600 (immigration paperwork) filed before the deadline. I've also shared the seriousness of our one and only shot for everything to go right or Jacques would not be able to come to America. We could not file again due to his age. Well, tonight we received word from USCIS (immigration). We were so shocked to see the envelope because we were not expecting to hear anything for months from now while it was being processed. So when I saw it my heart sank knowing that it was a denial. That is the only explanation for receiving it so quickly. It takes far less time to deny a petition then to approve it. So, again... imagine our total shock when we read that the I-600 had been APPROVED!!!! Done deal Baby!!!!!!! When everything is completed in Haiti Jacques WILL COME TO AMERICA!!!!!

For everything to unfold the way that it all has is nothing short of a miracle. It all seemed so impossible so many times, and yet, an approval has happened! To this we give ALL the credit to God who amazes us time and time again!

We continue to wait for Jacques' passport and visa. As of a few months ago we were being told that he would be home to us in time for Christmas. Now we are being told there are suddenly "complications" with the paper work. We are not being given any reason as to what those complications are but we think we know the answer. We are now being told not to expect him home until June of next year at the soonest. Maybe that will be the case, and then again.... maybe not! It's the kind of thing we just have to hand over to God and trust His will to unfold exactly the way it is meant to. We cannot trust in Him and fear the words of man at the same time. So trust in Him we will, and we look forward to celebrating and sharing with you all as even more exciting miracles unfold!!!

Latch Hook Extensions

Yesterday I finished re-doing Lovenie's Latch hook extensions for the second time. I think they are just darling on her! I've promised a few friends to share how to do it so here it goes~


To prepare the hair deep condition it for about 20 minutes to make it soft and detangle easily
Make a part in the hair right down the middle of the head and then five equal parts on each side, front to back of the head. Then cornrow or piggyback braid each of the parts. Use a generous amount of palmade on the hair as you braid it. Once you have 10 braids you are ready to begin with the Latch hook extensions.

Slide a latch hook carefully under the braid.

Cut the extensions in 3rds or half (depending on the length you want). I cut some in 3rds to use around the front of the face to make bangs and layers and then switched to cutting the extensions in half for longer hair. Fold one piece of extension in half and place the middle of it inside the hook. Close the latch hook and pull in back through the center of the braid.

Pull through enough to make a loop on the other side of the braid. Remove the latch hook. Grab the two loose ends and pull them inside of the loop you created. Gently pull it all the way through the loop and it will create a tie to the braid. I usually do another loose tie (like the beginning of a shoelace tie) to further secure the extension. Do not worry about that making it more difficult to take out later. It is incredibly simple and quick to remove.

Now repeat a few hundred times, covering each braid as you work your way down to the back of the head. You can space them to make it as full as you like. Expect the process to take around 4-6 hours. It is rewarding work as it looks great and is very low maintenance for the next 4-6 weeks.

End Result with cutting the extensions in half.

End Results with the extensions cut in 3rds