Today

I went with my 13 year old son out of town to go shopping at Sam's. What fun!! It was nice to be myself with him. Yes, it was grocery shopping, but we did go eat Mexican, his favorite. We had a great time. I can't believe how we are going through food right now. We only added two more mouths, but Tucker is eating everything. He is eating and growing. We hope the girls are growing right along with him.

In my last post I referred to not serving my kids. I give my life to my kids. I don't wait on them, but am very willing to help them, if needed. We have very strict rules about asking for things before getting them. We have always had rules about getting food and drinks at our house. They had gotten more relaxed but when the girls came, they became really strict again. We have very strict boundaries. All of the kids ask before getting anything to eat or drink, watching TV, playing video games etc. I was talking about someone saying they want milk while we are eating and them expecting me to stop and go get it. They aren't babies. I realize they "need" to go through many phases of growth and trust with us but I don't feel after three weeks when we have taught them where things are and that we always have food and drinks available, that I should always wait on them.

We have had a pretty few rough days but we are still moving forward. They tested Elliott today and one girl received the joy of picking up all of the pine cones because she had been moping around and chose not to play. He told her he would give her something to do, therefore we have no more pine cones in our yard.

Tonight my husband and I went on a date. It is the first we have had since the girls came. It was much needed!! My in-laws are here and offered to keep the kids. We went to dinner and to Walmart. (The only thing to do in our town.) His mom said to stay gone a long time. We were gone about three hours. It was great!! We were able to catch up on the stories for the past few days. We both had incidences with the kids that we hadn't had time to tell the other.

It was very nice when we returned home. Even after the rough past few days, the kids were all very glad to see us. Happy, genuine smiles!! I good way to end the day.

Things

We have had an okay past few days. It has been about 3 1/2 weeks since the girls moved in. Both girls have had rough times today. They cried and got angry at things that weren't very big. I tried to ask them if something else was bothering them. They both said nothing else other than the known problem. Maybe I am treating them too much like my own. I don't respond to whining very well or manipulation. I don't do well with blaming and tattling on someone because they ate the last piece of cheese pizza and you didn't get it when they didn't even eat it!! Ugh!! They want to be waited on sometimes and we just don't do that. If my kids want milk, they go get milk. I will be glad to help them get it if they can't reach it, but I am not their servant. Is that wrong of me? I am struggling with if I am doing this right or not. Am I messing all five kids up?

We pretty much confirmed some suspicions I had when the counselor came yesterday. I had researched a few things the day before she came and she mentioned the same things after meeting with each of the kids. I read through the pile of records given to me when we signed the letters of intent to adopt the girls. Of course, some things were never told to us. Some things were denied that are written in black and white. We would not change taking the girls at all. However, it does change some of the rules and boundaries in our house. An obvious diagnosis didn't occur. I wonder why?

Nothing I discovered will ever make us love the girls any less or not take them. They are our girls and will always be. God knew they would be ours. He will not give us more than we can handle. After I figured out things, I was very depressed. I did get better after being alone and processing everything. I relate it to being pregnant and having an ultrasound. They tell you something is wrong and you are shocked and overwhelmed. After you have time to process the news, you continue on and adjust accordingly. I am glad we have pediatrician appointments next week. I can talk to him about everything.

I am rocking the girls regularly and we all enjoy it. Can I do this forever? I know the answer is yes I will, but some days I am just not sure.

Tired...

All I can say tonight is tired. I am physically and mentally exhausted today. One thing doesn't stick out as a reaon to be so tired today.

We are preparing for standardized testing next week. That is in itself is very stressful.

I am grateful for a friend/foster mom that took care of everyone tonight and even cooked dinner. I was able to attend Tucker's SGA event this afternoon and a swim team meeting.

I hope I have more energy tomorrow.

Emotions

I believe we made a big step tonight. The other girl showed emotions about her past tonight. It was about not seeing some of the family members ever again. She cried in my arms. I truly believe they were real tears. I was happy and sad at the same time. She then told about some things they did when they were younger that were wrong. She asked me not to get mad when she told me, as she cried. I reassured her that she was very young and didn't know any better. She told me she had never told anyone before. I explained that God is healing her heart. He is cleaning out her bad memories to replace them with happy memories. I told her how proud I was that she shared. I also explained that tears are okay. They will help her heal and grieve. I told her it was okay to not like her BP's, but she did need to try to forgive them. I explained what unforgiveness can do when it is kept inside.

I hope this is all genuine. I am glad she trusted me enough to tell me. When I looked at her after we prayed together, her face looked different to me. I can't describe it, just different. It was cool and all God!! Praise God for everything!!

More Pictures

Pictures...only the backside.

These are some pictures from this past week. I can't wait until everything in FINAL and we can post faces, they are much cuter!!

This is Alex and our two extras that we claim anytime.

I have been thinking...

I have been glancing through other blogs I follow. I as I read them, I wonder are we still in the heights of the honeymoon phase? The girls have only been here 18 days. We had an "issue" a few minutes ago. One girl went and did what I had just told her not to do. Of course, I immediately went and handled it the best I could. She didn't seem sorry for what she did but upset because I got on to her. I am not even sure she understood the problem. Is this an eight year old problem or a foster child issue? I sometimes am not sure. Did I need to handle it like the other three kids or differently? I wonder if and when we will see some of the issues surface that we saw during their visit. They seem to be doing well.

I wonder if it will change? School is going to be out in a few weeks and I wonder if we are going to have problems then. Too much free time, too many idle hands and minds, is there going to be problems? If so, I guess we can start school again.

We have been truly blessed so far. I think they have been given things freely in foster care. Not necessarily by the foster parents as much as everyone else in the community. They don't like that we don't go out to eat all the time or buy them things everywhere we go. They didn't like that we rented movies today instead of going to see a movie. I tried to explain the cost of going to a movie. I am not sure they understood. I also chose that moment to say we don't purchase things to eat when we go because it is so expensive. We don't give an allowance either. We never have. We believe that chores are part of being a family, not to earn money.
Is this a bad thing? We hope we are teaching them to be good stewards, not to have a poverty mentality.

I am starting to see a few gripes about chores, but not anything abnormal for kids. I think they are learning that crying, manipulation, whining, and arguing gets you no where in this house.

They are really sweet girls. The three girls have played pretty well today. Either they aren't arguing as much or they aren't bringing it to me. They are starting to break off and not play with each other all the time. Usually two are together at a time. It is not always the same ones. It is nice that the odd girl will go and play with the boys. The boys have been SUPER big brothers. We are VERY proud of them.

What a great day!!

We had a great day today! We left very early this morning to participate in a homeschool field trip. We visited the capitol building and some other buildings near there. Everyone behaved well. Eventhough we were together as a group, the girls all connected with other friends and weren't together the entire time. They would each find me often and hold my hand for a few minutes then go on their way. I assume they were just checking to be sure I was still there with them. We finished touring and had a picnic lunch. Morgan was sad because I didn't have time to get any homemade bread made and she had to eat store bought. My husband and I agree, but it was nice to hear her say that she prefered my bread over the store kind. The twins are always happy because I try to have fruit with our lunches. I also bought drinkable yogurts. That was a treat also.

We met a fried of our that has a three year old and went to the zoo. We also had another boy with us from our group that is Alex's age. The girls said they don't remember ever going to a zoo. We had a wonderful time. The animals were very active. I have been to this zoo many times and the animals have never been this visible and active. All seven children behaved well. I believe we confused the lady at the entrance when we were buying tickets because we had so many children. I think this is funny because we don't have nearly as many as some families. We had a great time and the kids all seem to have had a great time also.


We went out to eat afterwards. It felt funny saying we needed a table for 10 with only three adults. The kids ate and behaved well. I am very proud of each of them. Tucker must be growing again. He is so thin, but ate almost everyone's left over food. It was pretty funny to watch him.

On the journey home everyone was tired so the problems began. We had a few arguments that wouldn't resolve without parental help, so we had some silent times as well. They would begin talking their quiet time was up and here we go again. Nothing abnormal though. We had a few minor melt downs after getting home. Nothing major and they resolved pretty quickly. I think it is girls wearing their feelings on their shoulders. Sleep does a body well!!

We made it home late. We told everyone not to come out of their room until 8 this morning. They actually did it!!! At 8 am our bed was invaded. It was fun having them run and jump on us. Well, off to eat my husband's wonderful pancakes!!

Special time tonight

I rocked the other girl tonight. She was very sweet. She talked about how long she lived with her BM, then her relatives, then foster care. She found it important that she would be with me the longest. She also asked if she could call the relative that she lived with for a while. I don't think she has seen them in years. I wonder what was going through her mind. I told her we probably wouldn't anytime soon. They don't need to know where the girls are living.

She is very social and still adjusting to homeschooling. I don't quite understand this because we have been very busy since they got here. She asked if we have parties for the holidays. I assured her that we do.

Things are still going well. We occasionally have problems with smart mouths. Actually no different than Morgan. We usually have problems when we get in the car about where everyone is sitting. The twins have to sit in the back seat when everyone is in the car. The boys are just too big to sit back there anymore for any length of time. We have discuused this over and over. They can't seem to get it. They always ask if they can sit in the middle. My answer is always the same. I purchased little harness things to make the belts fit better in the back. One girl prefers that to a booster seat. However, when her mouth gets a little sassy about where she is sitting or trying to buckle, I march back in and get the booster and take away the harness. I will not take any smart mouth. Maybe I shouldn't be so hard, but I think, "What about when they are 16?"

Bedtimes are getting easier. Everyone wants to be rocked. I need to find me a big rocker that I can rock three at a time.

The social worker came today. It was very uneventful. The girls were a little nervous. We reassured them that it was just a state procedure and nothing to worry about.
I can't believe it has only been two weeks and two days since they have been here.

Special Time

We are now having special nights with each child. We rotate and one child is allowed to stay up thirty minutes later with Mom and Dad. Well, the girls all love to be rocked. Tonight one of them shared many memories, good and bad, from their past. She was so sweet. It broke my heart to hear her talk. At the same time, my heart was over flowing with love for her. She told me she wished she had come from my tummy instead of where she came from. She didn't like what she has had to go through to get here. I am glad they are finally home, forever!!!

Lots of energy today!!

Wow! All five are wound up today! Everyone is ready for summer!! I am about to start reviewing for the SAT10 tests. Do I dare start after break? They are having such a good time playing outside TOGETHER right now that I hate to call them in. (My house is also very quiet. All I hear is the washer and dryer-I never thought that would be a pleasant sound!) School will be out before we know it and they can play all day...which hopefully means good nights!!

Praise God for my five blessings!

Update

Things are going pretty well. We traveled this weekend. My mother and I traveled quite a few hours to a baby shower with the girls. They lost interest in the shower quickly. After asking many times very loudly, "Can we go now?" I finally had to get very stern and tell them they were being rude and we would leave soon. We managed to get through it pretty well. We then had to travel another three hours to my mother's house for the night. There was an accident on the interstate, so we were stopped for about 30 minutes with no moving. The trip was very long. Morgan is used to traveling, but the girls aren't. Anyway, very late in the evening we made it to my mom's house. Too much fast food and travel for one day for me and the girls. We had a long night that night.

All in all, everyone is adjusting pretty well. We are all tired, but getting better. Homeschooling is going well. I realize how many things T, A, and M know from me just talking to them all the time. These girls are always asking what things are and what they mean. The are quick to pick things up. I is sad seeing what neglect can do to children, at no fault of their own.

We have started rocking the girls at night. They each get a turn with me rocking. They really enjoy it and so do I. It is a great bonding thing.

Does anyone know anything about growth patterns improving after adoption? The girls are behind on the charts and we are trying to avoid drastic treatments if possible. The doctor said it is okay to wait, so we are going back in five months. I checked the internet quickly today and found three important factors: protein, sleep and exercise. Well, we are increasing all that we can in those areas. They are already very active and we try to get them to bed early. We are going to pay close attention to the protein intake and see what happens.

I am tired and headed to spend time with Alex. It is his special night.

Where is the line?

I am having a hard time knowing if I am being too strict on the girls. I don't want to let them get away with things they shouldn't because I will have a hard time changing the boundaries. They are not getting away with things that T, A, and M don't get away with. Today one started yelling at M in the car about helping with this Safe Fit adjuster for the seatbelt. I stopped backing up and sent Tucker back in the garage to get a booster seat. The girls are small so I have had a difficult time deciding the proper restraints in the car. Anyway, if she couldn't get buckled by herself or at least ask for help nicely, she could just ride in a booster seat. This twin doesn't want to ride in a booster, so maybe she will think before she chews out someone else for not waiting on her. Of course, this was the end of the day and I was tired of it all!

We are also having some manipulation issues. One seems to like to pick fights. Is it for attention or to get someone else in trouble? When do I let them start handling the fights themselves? One was caught getting something out of another girl's basket without asking. When the other girl asked where she got the item, she said she didn't know or couldn't remember. I am so glad I wasn't around. When I confronted her later, she didn't lie. That is a good thing!! She didn't seem remorseful at all. I guess that comes with foster children. They may have a fear of being here a while and going back. I don't know.

Where is the line? How strict do I be? I think GPS class was an eye opener, but nothing can prepare you for the real thing!!

We have had great friends bring us meals this last week. Thanks to everyone!! The meals have been a HUGE help!! Tomorrow night is church. All five kids will go. The adult home group we attend is cancelled tomorrow because the leaders are at the beach. My husband and I get to have a date night!! We have a coupon for a local restaurant that is really good. We are going there for dinner. Another night I don't have to plan a meal!! Praise God for the big and little things!!

Resting...

Everyone is having 35 minutes of quiet time, ALONE! They can read or just rest on their bed. I have exactly 20 minutes left. Do I go try to read and risk falling asleep? Do I try to be productive? I guess I will go read and risk going to sleep. I am SURE someone will wake me up as soon as they are all up.

School went pretty well today. I had to call all three girls back in today because they said they had completed everything. Well, they each had uncompleted assignments. They attempted to complete the assignments. Two were called in again for not completed them with their best work. They were doing just enough to get by. You don't get away with that in my classroom. Once again, the trust issue and testing their boundaries. All three girls!!

Thanks for all of the encouragement fellow adoptive bloggers!! It sure helps during the tough times!

Exhausting day today.

Today was our first day of really having school with the girls here. T, A, and M did school last week, but I was just evaluating the girls. I started the math program for next year with the girls and I am using some other literature things to finish the year. Thankfully, I found some spelling lists on line with some neat activities for them. They worked pretty well. One girl was very diligent. The other one was very tired. I found her asleep on the couch about 11 am. I wondered when all of the playing outside all day long would catch up. M actually fell asleep for a little while also. We did finish the school day. I finally made time to order two more rolling chairs for our school room. We have plenty of chairs around here, but everyone wants the one with wheels. The fighting over who gets the chairs gets old. Maybe I will have everyone stand while in the school room tomorrow. I guess that would make them do work in other rooms and maybe less arguments would occur.

This is a mentally exhausting task God has called me too!! I am so worn out by lunch!! I always have to be on my toes!! Until everyone gets trustworthy and comfortable..whew!!


We have had more meetings and devotionals in the last week than ever!! I have decided the best way to handle things right know is honest and up front. My husband read a great devotional at work today. He brought it home and shared it with me. We decided to have a devotional with all of the kids. Well, I think it went over their heads. T probably understood it. They all enjoyed reading their Bibles aloud. We are blessed that all five of the children can read!! I am thrilled about this as a homeschool mom!!

One daughter has slept two nights all night. She is very proud of herself and so am I. She really wants to please. The girls are starting to tell stories of things that have happened in their past. They are small incidences and you never know when they may share them. Another reason I have to always be alert on on my toes. They bring things up at odd times. I believe they are adjusting well. I believe the two way trust is building. I know this will take awhile.

It is hard to believe we MET the girls for the FIRST time two weeks ago today!! It feels like they have been in our hearts forever.

Please pray for Morgan. She commented to me tonight with tears that she is having to share most everything. I haven't made her share everything. Any clothes she has she can choose to share or not to share. Too me it is silly, to her it is huge. Tonight was a bath robe that is too little. It will fit the girls. She has a new pretty one that her Nanna made her, but she wants the small one just because. She is doing well, but I know it is hard. She is also having to share Mommy and Daddy.

Thanks for letting me ramble!!

The world doesn't revolve around you...

Our lesson today is that you don't get everything you want when you want it. We don't go eat where you want to eat because you want to. We don't make the boys change what they are doing because you want to do something where they are. I have been preaching about serving others and blessing one another. This has been heavy on my heart the last few days. I was blessed to hear Pam Tebow speak this week. She talked a great deal about serving others and selflessness. Today, our message at church was on blessings. We need to bless others, not curse them. This is what I am working on with all five of my children currently. We have a good home to practice serving each other right now. Our speaker spoke on how important the blessing of the father is to children. I pray that we can bless all five of our children. I wonder what happens with adopted children? Do they desire the blessing of their birth father as they get older? Will we as their parents, be able to bless them and fulfill that desire? I am trusting God to guide us through this entire process as he has so far!!

Thank you, God!

Today ended well. It was so fun hearing silly giggles in my room tonight while they were playing happily on the bed. They were all being sweet. It made my heart happy!! Thank you God for my precious children!!

The girls are all asleep. I pray they stay that way until morning! I am headed to bed, just in case!! Thanks for the prayers!!

It's a great day!!

We have had a great day today. The girls have all played well together. We loaded up 7 people, 7 bikes, picnic lunches, and Reesie, the dog, and went to the park for a fun afternoon. We rode bikes a bunch and played on the playground. Everyone seems happy. We are starting the bedtime routine early tonight. Hopefully, I will get more sleep. It takes awhile for them to unwind, so we are starting early.

They are outside now riding bikes and playing "Happy Day". They love this song!

Are we near the end of the "honeymoon" stage?

Well, today was an exhausting day. We had to meet with our state worker about 1 1/2 hours away to sign paper work for the girls. They don't like to travel, so they weren't happy about traveling. They also didn't understand why we would still do school today, just in the car. They adjusted after some whining. The meeting went well. The girls were all dressed the same. The workers took many pictures. The girls behaved very well during the meeting. They read, played with puzzles and colored. Then lunch with a friend began and the shopping began, with a fourth 3 year old in tow. I told them we had to stop this. Buying two pair of shorts, two shirts, and sandals for three girls adds up fast. I thought I was doing well at being thrifty and the total was more than expected. God will provide.

I think they are getting used to being in our family. The tempers are flaring, arguments are happening, feelings are hurt, someone is always left out, and on and on and on. I even had one raise her voice to me tonight. I stopped that immediately. I explained that will not be tolerated in this house at all. She can ask for help to clean up the mess she made, but yelling at me will not get anyone anywhere. Morgan got me alone and cried and had some good loving time. I had to explain to her that part of the problem is that she and one girl like to have their own way and be in control. They both can't always have their way. Anyway, lots of tears and hurt feelings today. We had another family meeting tonight. We covered that God sees everything you do and say even if Mommy and Daddy don't. They are beginning to really test me. I don't know why they haven't tested my husband much. I guess they will wait until I leave the house.

I already loved them before today. Today I had to discipline them as my own birth children. It is hard to do sometimes. I know they worry about rejection, but I also worry about them not wanting to be here. I also know that I have to have very firm boundaries right now. I am so exhausted by night!! I know everything is in God's plan and they are precious children. I am sure this will get much worse before it gets better.

It has difficult moments, but I wouldn't change anything!! We are truly blessed!!

Family...now.

We took some pictures yesterday afternoon before church. Pictured are our five children and Reesie, our puppy. I am not able to show faces until the adoption is final. I got the idea to take this picture from a blogging friend, Kelly. Thanks, Kelly!

Also, I played an Amy Grant CD last night when the girls were going to bed and they went to sleep on their own and slept all night. We also had many friends praying for us last night. Praise God!!

Wow!

I don't know what else to say except, "Wow!" Things are going well. The girls came from a great foster home. The mother has been very helpful in the transition. There is always someone saying, "Mommy!" around here. I have to remember to find joy in the journey. They are precious girls. We started school today. They asked what we were going to do today and my response was, "We are going to wing it." They didn't know what that meant. I tried, "We are going to fly by the seat of our pants." They thought that was pretty funny also, but didn't know what it meant either. Anyway, they have journaled, read, we have worked on math facts, we have had a family devotional on being attentive and responding when called on by Mom or Dad. I gave them an early break so I could recover from an hour and a half of craziness. T, A, and M know the routine and just complete their work. I now have two more to train. I don't think it will take long. I have ordered some math and reading books to start with. Hopefully they will be here by Friday so we can have some order by Monday.

Nights are the most difficult for the girls. It took an hour to get settled in last night. I read a few chapters out loud from a Magic Treehouse Book. All of my children enjoy those books. One girl does fine after she goes to sleep. The other struggles during the night. We were up a few times and then she came to our room early this morning. All in all, it was a good first night.

Girls just came in. I guess tattling goes with having three girls also!!

Anytime now...

I am waiting on the girls to arrive. I am nervous, excited, happy, and many more emotions. The boys are helping pick up trash downtown right now. Morgan wanted to be home when the girls get here. I am ready for the story to continue. Today is a huge day in our lives and two little girls lives. The SW just called, they are thirty minutes away. I think I need some chocolate!! I will go dig in Morgan's candy, with permission of course. We have to ask permission to be messing with anyone elses stuff anytime now. I have always snuck chocolate from them with no complaints. Not anymore. I am going to have to create a Mommy stash!! Well, I am going to go busy myself for thirty more minutes. I think I will go cuddle with Morgan on the couch for thirty minutes!!!

When can I post face pictures? Do I have to wait until the adoption is final in 3-6 months?

Tomorrow is the day!!

The girls called tonight and are very excited. They will be here late tomorrow afternoon. This helps me out because we have all of our group classes tomorrow. Alex wanted to go and Morgan didn't. They won't be here until after class, so that works out well. They had their parties at school today and will travel tomorrow. They sounded tired but excited and ready to be here forever!!

I am very excited. I can't imagine how they feel, because I have many mixed up emotions right now and I am not eight years old!!

I wonder if we will start over again or if we can pick up where we left off with our rules?

Morgan...the big sister.

Morgan has really grown up in the last few days becoming the big sister. She has taken the responsibility well. We explained to her that they do not know any of the rules we have and she will need to guide them to make good decisions. She has done great! She has also had some struggles. She has had a few times where I can tell she is struggling. I manage to get her alone and hold her and she just cries. I reassure her that I love her just as much as always and that things will get better. Funny how she was having fun and a hard time with the new sisters and now she misses them and is ready for them to come home. She is learning and becoming a stronger person through it all. We knew it would be most difficult for her, but she is hanging in there!

Happy Easter!!

What a glorious day!! I hope everyone has a blessed Easter!!

We had a long day yesterday. We were all tired emotionally and physically. It has been a very long 4 days. We took the girls back to the foster family last night. We had a very good dinner with them. The mother and I talked about everything!! I told her everything we have encountered with the controlling daughter. We have the same rules at our house the foster mother has. She broke every one of them while here for four days. We caught her most of the time or she would tell us seeing what our reaction would be. One rule we didn't know about was chewing gum. She isn't allowed to chew gum at her foster home because she doesn't dispose of it properly. Well, that explains why she wanted gum in her mouth ALL the time. She is very sweet, but has to be watched constantly. I don't believe anyone can truly understand what this is like unless they actually live it. I thought I did, but I didn't understand the total magnitude of it. I was able to sleep well last night because I didn't have to worry about what they were doing or if they were okay.

I have friends that say they understand, but if you haven't fostered or adopted, I don't believe you can. It is very mentally and physically exhausting. It just can't be put into words.

I love these girls as my own already. It was hard to leave them last night. One cried and it wasn't the one I expected. Maybe she was trying to control, who knows. I think it was genuine because her chin started quivering and then she started crying. This is so confusing for these girls!! We kept reassuring them that they are coming back FOREVER Tuesday.

I need to take pictures for Easter today, but we are missing two people. I know that sounds strange, but it is weird. I feel like it isn't right. I will take pictures and know that they were part of our family, just not here today.

We went shopping at Target yesterday. It was a lot of fun. Three silly little girls in the dressing room giggling and playing as they tried on many clothes. They have lots of clothes, but many are too small. They also needed swimsuits. It looks like we are going to have three sizes. Girls XS, S and M. Sometimes two XS and a S. It was a lot of fun, but very expensive!! They all want to match with everything!! I wonder how long that will last? My boys were so good! They sat outside the dressing room and waited. The girls would show them their clothes and they would roll their eyes and ask how many more items? It was a good day overall.

Eventhough it has been a hard few days, I wouldn't change it for the world!!! I can't imagine life without them anymore!! It is definately quieter!!

I am sorry I rambled on and on, but this is my journal of our story. It also helps me to evaluate how things are going.

Fun Day

We have had a busy and exciting day today. We made homemade cookies this morning for our homeschool Easter egg hunt. The girls were in and out during the mixing and cooking. Morgan and Alex did most of the work. While they were baking Tucker taught one girl how to ride a bicycle without training wheels. She is now zooming around everywhere on her bicycle. (How cool is it that we have two bicycles that are two small for Morgan that we never gave away?) The other girl kept trying. Tucker and I both tried to help her learn. She kept saying she would wait on Daddy. So, Daddy got home from work and went out to help. It didn't take much at all and guess what, she is also now riding on two wheels. No more training wheels for anyone!!

We had a great time at the egg hunt. The girls blended in well. They each found their 12 eggs and began eating junk. They are having to learn that they can't just eat candy all day long. In this house, the candy goes in one place and they have to ask for candy. They are doing pretty well learning our rules and boundaries. They are doing really well considering they have only been here a day and a half.

I am hoping bedtime goes better tonight. We are going to start bedtime earlier to hopefully get to sleep earlier. Everyone is very tired which results in arguing and whining. Ugh...nothing gets on my nerves worse than that. I am hoping that if I am in their room, I will at least be in a bed by myself.

First Night

The bunk beds are put together with a cracked headboard. The replacement should arrive Friday. Tucker and Alex were the master engineers yesterday and put the beds together for me. I am sure they will replace the cracked headboard when the new one arrives. They have been wonderful!

The bedroom is really cute. I will try to take a picture before all of the clothes and toys are put in there because it will never be the same!! The first night went well. The girls, Alex and I all slept in the girls room. I slept on the bottom twin with one girl and Morgan slept with the other. Alex was the protector and slept on one of the top bunks. Once everyone was settled in, they had a good night. They woke up early this morning ready to go. They were outside before eight playing. I am so glad we are having pretty weather and they like being outdoors!!

So far so good!!