The Perfect Recipe

You mix some time, some patience, a lot of love, even more prayers and a little discipline and what do you get? The sweetest, most loving, little girl you can imagine. Yes, folks! We're getting there. Oh, don't shoot the fireworks yet. We still have a loooong way to go. But, I can say with a good degree of certainty that 90% of the time we are having good times. I think the issues we are facing now, although some might still be attachment issues, are mostly 2 year old stubborn-I-want-my-way-issues.

The key to that? Consistency. Sometimes I feel like a drill sargeant, but I know in the end it's what's best for them. They have a good time, play and are kids, but are also reminded frequently what their boundaries are. And, boy! Do they test them!! All 3 of them!

Anna Grace is now showing partiality to Mama. I can't even begin to describe how good that feels. It's taken about 8 weeks, but I agree with all of you that have written to me that it will be even sweeter because I've worked so hard for it.

She now is shyer and more hesitant to go to strangers and will come to me for comfort if she is hurt or wanting something, even over Daddy! She walks around the house or sits in her carseat in the van incessantly repeating the words, "Mama! Mama!" Sometimes she even makes a song of it. Ohhhh, sooooooo cute! I remember when she would say every word she was asked to by Scott but would never utter the word "Mama" out loud.

We pray together at night (which I will be video taping soon for you all to see) and she says every family member's name. She repeats just about every word you ask her to. She loves to sing "Shout to the Lord" with me when I rock her to sleep. Most nights, she just allows me to cradle her in my arms and falls asleep. Once in a while we revert back to asking for YeYe or her foster family, but we get past it. Our holding times have diminished from 4-5 times a day to 4-5 times a week. She loves dressing up and wearing pretty bows and then stands back with an adorable smile waiting for her Mama to tell her how beautiful she looks. Then she grins even bigger and twirls around. I love this little girl so much and pray daily for God to continue to bring us together. We were definitely strangers 8 weeks ago, but we've inched ourselves into each other's heart and I just could not imagine life without her now. She is a gift from God and truly was the missing link in our family.

We have settled into a nice routine and the little ones now know what to expect throughout the day. There are times for playing, watching TV, eating, napping, sleeping, reading, singing and dancing and even crafts time. They all love making little drawings for Daddy and he loves receiving them.

Anna Grace has finally resigned herself to the fact that these crazy people, for some unGodly reason, like being in water. So, now, she looks forward to sporting her sunhat and drifting around the pool in her floatie. She still is not crazy about water splashed in her face, but at least she's in the pool without screaming and yelling.

We're going away for our first family vacation over Labor Day weekend. I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!! Most of our family will be joining us and we have about 11 rooms reserved. It will be Anna Grace's first trip to the beach. The boys love the beach and the sand. I am hoping she will, too! It'll be nice to have a change of scenery and just take it easy. The fact that lots of family is going helps because there are many hands to help with the little ones. :)

Kai and Amanda will be starting school on August 20! I can't believe that summer vacation is almost over. Where has the time gone? I am diligently working on potty training both Kai and Anna Grace at the same time, but my main focus is Kai since he is expected not to have any "accidents" at school. I must admit that he has been pretty good, but needs to be reminded often about going. Anna Grace on the other hand will come and tell me when her panties are either peed or pooped, but I think it may be too much to expect from her right now with all of the changes she's endured.

Amanda will be attending a new school with all new friends, so I ask if you can keep her in prayer that she have a good school year and make wise decisions. She is quite nervous about this.

Our family dynamics are finally getting into sync and I think everyone has found their place in the family. I wish I could say I have pictures, but my camera is still broken and I am definitely going through withdrawl. I am making a point of sending it in for repair this week!

That's about it from the Bombardier's Bouquet of Blessings. I am also going to try and start posting more often again., so please check in frequently for more updates and antics about the triple terrors!