African Safari

We drove today to Port Clinton, OH where they have a drive thru African safari zoo. A good time had by all. They even had pig races, which I have no idea how that has anything to do with African Safari, but fun none the less. Abel and Lillian had their very first pony rides too.

1 year later

Well in the next few weeks we will be very busy , getting back to the school routine, we have 4 orphan kittens so young their eyes aren't even open yet which means every 4 hour feedings. But I wanted to take a minute and recognize that on the 23 rd of August it will be 1 year since I met my son. We can't imagine life without him although I will have to admit the beginning was tough. It almost makes love all the more sweeter when you have to make a conscience choice to do it and try to win the trust of this very very sad boy who had a horrific beginning. I know that when he started looking for me and crying when I had to go to work that we made some real progress. He actually misses me . So yes that makes winning over my sons affections all the more satisfying. Those who adopt kids with Reactive Attachment Problems please take heart. It does get much better with time and patience. My son is growing up to be such a caring , sensitive young man and I wouldn't want it any other way. Heres some pice of him around the time he came home and the present. he has gained close to a whopping 25 lbs. grown about 6 inches, and has gone up 8 shoe sizes. Unbelievable. i though he was just going to be a tiny little guy, but he has some real potential to be a pretty tall guy when he's grown. He loves his puppy and shows so much affection to him which is the reason why that puppy did not go back after foster care to the APL. Its amazing to see a boy and his dog both orphans that seem to have a bond i can't explain.

more Cedar point pics

Here's a few more of our fun filled day

Cedar Point

We are lucky enough to live fairly close to one of the USA's largest amusement parks. Along with deeply discounted tickets offered by my employer we were able to take a day and go. however My hubby isn't able to have a day mid week off since we are going on a family vacation soon so I took my mom and dad. It was a great day for the kids to spend with grandma and Grandpa. And I had much needed help with my 4 kiddos who all have different riding styles and needs. Grandma could stay in kiddie land with Lilly and Abel. I could ride big rides with Chloe and it became an organized mess. Wesleigh doesn't ride but likes arcades and gift shops and the boat rides so Grandpa could supervise this. A very fun day but boy oh boy was I tired at the end of the day. I needed 2 days just to recover.

Ethiopian reunion

We just got back from Atlanta and visiting my friend Cathy and having a mini Enat Alem reunion with some of the kids from Abel's orphanage. At first I was really worried when we arrived at Cathy's as Abel just shut down on me. I think the fact that we took a plane ride then we open the door and he sees all the older kiddos who participated in his care at the orphanage really freaked him out. it took a good 30 minutes to convince him we weren't in Ethiopia and all these kids were in America now. I can't imagine his heartbreak thinking I took him back. He quickly remade buddies he hasn't seen in a while and the older kids even say how much different Abel is now. A much happier , smiling boy. I can agree when I look at the photos of him in the orphanage just staring at cameras, no smiles, no emotions. to the boy who is on a constant run and loudly screaming out and cheering, Yes Lord this year has seen an amazing transformation in my son.

More news

Chloe also had a birthday this month. She is now 12 years old. Can't believe it. Lillian and Abel both turned 3 so it was amonth full of Birthday celebrations. The little kids had a Chuck E Cheese party and we all had a small get together at home.
Also on the same weekend as all the Birthdays Lindsay Franks oldest daughter became engaged to her boyfriend Adam. Yeah. So now our family continues to grow and grow. I am thankful to God for allowing me to have this awesome large family.

whats new.

Well I have been a foster for the APL for a while now and while we have seen many puppies and kittens come and go, we recently had a little guy that has made a great fit into our family. Abel is particularly fond of the little Ratt terrier he named JOJO. JOJO was the runt of his litter and has very bad pneumonia. his siblings have all been adopted and JOJO must remain with us in foster care untill he finishes antibiotics again. This time 28 days. We have decided to adopt JOJO when he becomes available as he is already growing on each of us in the household. As fosters we are given the first pick if we choose to adopt or find families for the animals.
Lillian is scheduled for her liver biopsy on June 15th so we are anxiously awaiting the results to see how her liver is managing and what our next step will be. Although I am nervous I do feel a sense of calm since I know she is in excellent hands as well.