Wonderful Thanksgiving

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with all the trimmings.  All of the grown kids were here except one and she was here the day before.  The older I get the more it means to me to have all of my family around me.  With a family as big as ours that takes some doing.  Everyone gets along so well, and truly enjoys each other and just laughing and being together.  I wouldn't trade my large family for anything.  Sure at times it's a little overwhelming. Like when I'm trying to cook for our huge crowd, but I wouldn't change a thing.  One of the younger kids asked "Mom how are you gonna cook all this food when we all grow up and get married?  Then you will have double people and double cooking to do with no help."   HA!  I replied that is when Tabitha does a turkey, and Mac and Cheese.  And  Jennifer does a Ham and squash casserole.  And Staisha does Tater tot casserole and another turkey, And Amey does a ham and Strawberry shortcake,  And Destinee does Sweet potato souffle, and Krishawanda does green beans, and mashed potatoes, And Selena does Coconut cake, and Kieanna does pumpkin pie and............... OK OK Mom we get it.

 
 I also shopped.  Yes, I know crazy.  Crazy to go out into the hussell and bussell of black*Friday.  I loved it.  We got everything we went after, and then some.  I got deals I can't get any other time.  My Christmas shopping is more than half complete.  The little kids were all excited knowing I was shopping for Santa Claus.  Keith was the least excited mostly because he stayed home with the kids.  He got several items that was on sale so that made up for it.  I love the holidays. I love my family.  I love celebrating our saviors birth.  Thank you Jesus!

On the Bright Side

Well I still haven't found my camera.  BUT I got my van back!  Woo Hoo!  It was in the shop *8* weeks.  I am so thankful to have it back.  Borrowing a car wasn't an issue, but borrowing a van to carry 15 people was.  I was stressed out for so long about it I almost got use to it.  It is driving great and seems right as can be.  We all went to church last night without having to ask anyone for rides.  I can also pile all the kids in and go when I have the notion.  We missed several family outings because of it, one being a trip to the aquarium.  We are celebrating with a trip to Apple*bees.  We went to a  Gladiators Hockey game this past weekend.  I like the hockey game as I can actually see what's going on. We got coupons for buy one meal get one free at the hockey game.  We will take advantage of that.  We have a trip to the Circus planned for next weekend, if all goes well.  Kids are all excited as some of them have never been.  I was grown before I ever went.  Everything cost so much.  We have coupons for the event.

I love taking everyone and going out and making family memories.  No one will remember what they wore or which toy they were playing with but everyone will remember our outings.  Memories are something no one can take away.  They are so important for adopted kids.  Our home study has been updated for a long time (2 years+) We were chosen for a sib group of 4, but one of the boys was acting out and we felt he would not be a good fit with all the other kids.  Once again we've been chosen.  The case worker for the kids have taken forever.  We found out about them in April and still don't have anything on paper.  I'm thinking we just need to move on.  I wasn't 100% sure of them anyway.  When we accepted them the oldest three were not in there teens now they've all had birthdays and I've been told even after they "officially choose" us it will still take 2 to 4 more months for placement. I'm praying about it!  I would love to adopt internationally.  I've been told our family is too large and we don't make enough money, but I see on others blogs that they are adopting.  HOW do you do it?  There is no way we make $260,000. and I can't believe other families make that much either.  We are blessed and favored by God.  That is the only way we do what we do.  Sometimes we struggle and sometimes we have more than enough, but we always make it.

Kids are all in reading mode.  They will earn a Six Flags ticket for the summer if they read enough.  They are most all readers anyway, so it will be easy for them, and it's  another outing I can take advantage of.  Hope you all have a blessed day!  

camera

I would love to make a nice long post about our recent adventures and post all of the nice pictures I've taken.  BUT my camera is gone!  Yes gone.  I can not find it anywhere.  I'm not sure what happen to it.  I don't THINK someone took it.  All of the kids are fairly honest.  But I just don't know what could have happened to it.  We have had a bonfire, with hot dogs, smores and apple cider.  We've went to the pumpkin patch and corn maze.  We've had a birth mom visit after 9 years.  We've had a birthday party for Kyson. ( my grandson) And were having surgery tomorrow on Marvin's knee.  I have lots of posts in my head but I'm so upset about my camera.  I sure hope I find it soon.