My brother came up to deliver sprite and soup because I got a beautiful case of the stomach flu. During his visit, I mentioned that the "cricket" needed to be dealt with. He seemed a little less excited about resolving my problem when I mentioned that it was really a frog. He did remove the decompossed carcass and clorox'd all utentsils and the door jam.
Danielle, for the record, the decapitated Indian mouse was so less gross. Although I am not volunteering to take care of anyone's mouse issues. Oh and black widows are less toxic than brown recluse so I am considering myself lucky to only have black widows. I did manage to kill the first one I found. She didn't go easy. It took at least half a can of bug killer. I know it was a she...after an extensive search online, only the females have the red hourglass shape on their bellies.
Well I hope each and everyone has a gross-free weekend!
2/24/2007
2/22/2007
who will come and help?? who???
Do you ever make one of those discoveries that just completely grosses you out to the point, you really don't/can't deal with it so you just leave your discovery? I can't be alone in this. Well today I made a discovery...apparently I caused the death of one of God's creatures. I know it was me...I'm the only one opening and closing the door.
At first I thought I discovered a cricket that was closed into the door jam. It has obviously been there for some time. I hate crickets. They gross me out. Orkin receives a call from me when I see one in my kitchen. I was brave for a while but then the black widow appeared outside my door. The straw broke...apparently crickets bring the spiders...great to know but neither are welcome. Orkin is now on a regular visitation plan. They just leave their invoice on my doorknob.
Today I made a discovery...a smashed cricket in my door jam. The Orkin man has let me down. I took a picture because I like to share certain traumas that happen in my life. Upon downloading the image to my computer, I noticed something about the cricket. The cricket appeared to have a round jaw and a fairly wide head. This was even more disgusting, we hit a new gross level in my book. It was a frog!!! It was at eye level in my door jam. I never want to use that door again which is not practical unless I want to run the dogs around the house into the fenced yard. Of course, when the weather gets warmer that means never going out after dark because the frogs are out.
So any ideas on how to remove frog carcass (petrified) from the door jam? Any volunteers to come do it for me? Please...
2/18/2007
Concert Goer
This was a jam packed weekend for Jay. Saturday morning we saw Carlos, who was involved with J's adoption on the Guatemala side. He is in the States looking at schools. We had a great time seeing him again and catching up with Matthew, Carmen and Isabelle. David was contagious and couldn't join us...I'll post pictures of all the fun.In the evening, we were invited to a meet and greet for Shaohannah's Hope. Jay and I got our picture with the Chapmans. Shaohannah's Hope is an amazing organization. I really appreciate the spirit and heart of the Chapmans and this organization. It was a little warm where we were, hence the bright red face of yours truly.
We weren't able to stay for the whole concert but we did see part of it. My child completely embraced the concert experience...any 13 year old girl would have had some stiff competetion in the screaming, whooping and hollaring that came out of my child. He danced, screamed, clapped and thoroughly enjoyed himself.
2/04/2007
1/27/2007
Moving again
Some of you who see this title and know me are thinking..."yeah, it's about time for Eli to have that itch". Okay so I am not really moving (yet), just thinking about it. It'll definitely happen within the next 3 years as Mr J enters school.
Believe it or not I've been on a nationwide search as to where to educate my little guy. My goal is to find a top notch dual language program. There are actually two programs in our area. The next county over (which is "the" county to be educated in) has two different dual language programs. The first, which is Spanish, requires you to live in their school's district. The other, which is Mandarin, just requires you to live within the entire school district. So for another 100K and the loss of 1000 square feet, I can put J in the Spanish program.
In our county, there is an elementary school with a dual language program. It's very close to my office and his current daycare, but would require the jump to the other side of town. If I go with this option then the big question is when to make the jump. Yes, I get that J is only 20 months old but I've never been one to plan tomorrow when you can dream about the future.
In terms of the nationwide search, we have Washington D.C. area and Chicago that have active programs. The housing prices are obviously even more interesting.
Ultimately, I'll keep looking and try to hold off on a decision until J's around 4 and I have actually visited some of these programs. As much as there are lots of options for educating your child, there are also lots of limits...just don't want my little knowledge seeker to miss out on the adventure of learning.
Believe it or not I've been on a nationwide search as to where to educate my little guy. My goal is to find a top notch dual language program. There are actually two programs in our area. The next county over (which is "the" county to be educated in) has two different dual language programs. The first, which is Spanish, requires you to live in their school's district. The other, which is Mandarin, just requires you to live within the entire school district. So for another 100K and the loss of 1000 square feet, I can put J in the Spanish program.
In our county, there is an elementary school with a dual language program. It's very close to my office and his current daycare, but would require the jump to the other side of town. If I go with this option then the big question is when to make the jump. Yes, I get that J is only 20 months old but I've never been one to plan tomorrow when you can dream about the future.
In terms of the nationwide search, we have Washington D.C. area and Chicago that have active programs. The housing prices are obviously even more interesting.
Ultimately, I'll keep looking and try to hold off on a decision until J's around 4 and I have actually visited some of these programs. As much as there are lots of options for educating your child, there are also lots of limits...just don't want my little knowledge seeker to miss out on the adventure of learning.
1/19/2007
Bread bags and winter
Look closely at his feet...those of you over 20 or so should immediately recognize and then cringe at what I have done to my child - yes those are plastic bags on his feet. How many of you used to put bread bags on your feet before strapping on your boots to go out in the snow? It was the only way to keep your feet dry while you were sledding...remember this was before gortex and all those high tech materials.
We had a "snow event" here in NC. This means wide spread panic ensued and everything was shut down. You are looking at the total accumulation but it was J's first "snow event" so we had to go outside.
He really seemed to enjoy the snow...he loves to be outside so I wasn't completely surprised he liked it. He's a boy after my heart...loving snow.
1/16/2007
GQ...strike a pose
David, Matthew and Jay got together this past weekend for a time of fun and roller coaster riding. They wore each other out playing and having fun but it was so good to see how much they've grown, changed and started becoming boys.
Hi Maria! I just saw your address and will send an email soon. Seen any bears at the circus lately?
1/09/2007
It's another girl!
Follow the link to pictures of my newest neice...no decision on a name but they are leaning towards Greta. She was born this morning at 8:28am. She is 8lbs 9ozs and 20 3/4 inches long.
Mom and Dad are doing really well. Big sister, Molly, is staying with J and I.
http://picasaweb.google.com/guatekids/We_think_theyRe_calling_her_Greta
Mom and Dad are doing really well. Big sister, Molly, is staying with J and I.
http://picasaweb.google.com/guatekids/We_think_theyRe_calling_her_Greta
1/04/2007
Safe TV Viewing only in our house
I'll write more soon but thought I would post a couple pictures in the meantime.
12/20/2006
Getting ready to brush his teeth...
I got him a stool so he can get up to the sink to brush his teeth. He LOVES it and runs for it any opportunity he has...
12/19/2006
12/18/2006
Celebrating being home for a year
The little guy was under the weather when we came home last year. He was suffering from blow outs and we wore all our outfits in the carry on while getting through customs and immigration in Houston. His blow outs were so stellar that I threw out his clothes because I really wasn't up for carrying them home. All that is to say that Jayden arrived home in NC wearing a santa cap, sweater and a diaper! Thank goodness Grandma brought the snowsuit since it was 20 degrees.
Jayden is a true Stenner. He actually takes after his grandmother in many ways. He loves Jeapardy and Wheel of Fortune (lots of hand clapping) and he stands just like Grandma with his arms behind his back, grasping his hands. We're just waiting for him to point with his left hand when he's trying to make a point...some of you remember how Ruth makes a point.
Anyways not to be out done the previous year, Jayden picked his own way of celebrating his year at home. He's got a lovely habit of exploring the back of his throat and gagging himself. I am told this is perfectly normal. It has stopped for a few months but Friday afternoon after picking the dog up from the vet, he explored the back of his throat on the way home. Hmmm, mommy is not so thrilled and tells him to stop.
Friday night, we're off to bed. He's groggy and lays down. Mommy hears baby Tad over the monitory. Mommy hears him gagging over the monitor. Mommy yells upstairs to knock it off. Mommy hears giggling. Upstairs I go. I discover one little boy who had unloaded the contents of his stomach all over himself, his crib and the floor. He is jumping up and down, laughing. Let's just say Mommy really doesn't want our annual homecoming celebration to involve a blowout of one end or the other.
Oh and yeah I took pictures but chose not to post them. He was just so happy with himself.
Jayden is a true Stenner. He actually takes after his grandmother in many ways. He loves Jeapardy and Wheel of Fortune (lots of hand clapping) and he stands just like Grandma with his arms behind his back, grasping his hands. We're just waiting for him to point with his left hand when he's trying to make a point...some of you remember how Ruth makes a point.
Anyways not to be out done the previous year, Jayden picked his own way of celebrating his year at home. He's got a lovely habit of exploring the back of his throat and gagging himself. I am told this is perfectly normal. It has stopped for a few months but Friday afternoon after picking the dog up from the vet, he explored the back of his throat on the way home. Hmmm, mommy is not so thrilled and tells him to stop.
Friday night, we're off to bed. He's groggy and lays down. Mommy hears baby Tad over the monitory. Mommy hears him gagging over the monitor. Mommy yells upstairs to knock it off. Mommy hears giggling. Upstairs I go. I discover one little boy who had unloaded the contents of his stomach all over himself, his crib and the floor. He is jumping up and down, laughing. Let's just say Mommy really doesn't want our annual homecoming celebration to involve a blowout of one end or the other.
Oh and yeah I took pictures but chose not to post them. He was just so happy with himself.
12/13/2006
50%, 75%, 50%
Everytime we go to the pediatrician, we find out what J's percentile is on the growth chart.
First observation... when we came home, he was 5%, 10%, 10%... a year later we've made 50%, 75% and 50%. 5o% on height...mommy's NBA dreams are dashed, but we still have soccer. 75% weight... I think it's in his cheeks, but having suffered from the same condition as a child, I can relate. 50% head circumference... I demand a remeasure...it fits through neck holes very tightly.
Second observation... I think we as adults are missing an opportunity here. I think we should start using our percentiles as compared to the rest of the population. I think I would be 50,75,100 - because we all know I have a big head!
First observation... when we came home, he was 5%, 10%, 10%... a year later we've made 50%, 75% and 50%. 5o% on height...mommy's NBA dreams are dashed, but we still have soccer. 75% weight... I think it's in his cheeks, but having suffered from the same condition as a child, I can relate. 50% head circumference... I demand a remeasure...it fits through neck holes very tightly.
Second observation... I think we as adults are missing an opportunity here. I think we should start using our percentiles as compared to the rest of the population. I think I would be 50,75,100 - because we all know I have a big head!
12/10/2006
It's been a year...
December 11 at 6 am, my dad and I boarded a plane to go to Guatemala to get Jayden. It was only 3 days before that I got the call that we had an appointment in 5 days with the embassy. It was very whirlwind, but we arrived in Guatmala around 11:30am.
Okay... not going to be able to write this evening. My silent boy from a year ago has found his voice, added a little drama to it and is using a loud volumes in his room. It's that faux drama cry to... so I'll post a picture or two and run for him.
The picture of he and I is just prior to heading off to the embassy. The picture of him is probably evening two...before the diaper explosions started. I'll share more about that later.
11/17/2006
thank you Aunt Danielle
Danielle made a wonderful scrapbook for Jayden when he came home. He is very much a book "reader"...yes at 17 months he'll sit with books for 15 minutes at a time and study them. Last night I decided he was old enough to not try and tear apart his scrapbook from Aunt Danielle. He LOVES looking at pictures of himself and sat for a while studying the pages.
11/13/2006
A new blog to read
I heard Kerry speak this weekend and was definitely impacted by what the Lord spoke through her. I wanted to share the link to her blog and will post more on this past weekend soon. For now... a teaser...
http://voiceoftheorphan.typepad.com/
Kerry's Bio
For more than a decade, Kerry Hasenbalg has worked on behalf of abused, neglected and vulnerable children. Kerry is co-founder and former Executive Director of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI), which serves as an informational and educational source to members of the United States Congress concerning adoption and the needs of orphans and foster children.
Well known in the child welfare community as a gifted speaker and teacher, Kerry has spoken on social welfare topics at such notable locations as C-Span live, Capitol Hill, JCICS, NCFA, National Council for Faith-Based Youth, Moody Broadcasting, Family Life, Focus on the Family, and in churches around the nation. She has traveled to over 30 countries and met with many presidents, prime ministers, and various leaders of government regarding the welfare of orphans, including nations such as China, India, Russia, Romania, Guatemala, and Uganda.
Mrs. Hasenbalg is married to Scott Hasenbalg, the Executive Director of Shaohannah’s Hope. Kerry invests her time supporting Scott and the Shaohannah’s Hope team on a volunteer basis while writing and speaking on occasion, but most importantly, being a mother to their two children.
Read Kerry's Blog! >
http://voiceoftheorphan.typepad.com/
Kerry's Bio
For more than a decade, Kerry Hasenbalg has worked on behalf of abused, neglected and vulnerable children. Kerry is co-founder and former Executive Director of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI), which serves as an informational and educational source to members of the United States Congress concerning adoption and the needs of orphans and foster children.
Well known in the child welfare community as a gifted speaker and teacher, Kerry has spoken on social welfare topics at such notable locations as C-Span live, Capitol Hill, JCICS, NCFA, National Council for Faith-Based Youth, Moody Broadcasting, Family Life, Focus on the Family, and in churches around the nation. She has traveled to over 30 countries and met with many presidents, prime ministers, and various leaders of government regarding the welfare of orphans, including nations such as China, India, Russia, Romania, Guatemala, and Uganda.
Mrs. Hasenbalg is married to Scott Hasenbalg, the Executive Director of Shaohannah’s Hope. Kerry invests her time supporting Scott and the Shaohannah’s Hope team on a volunteer basis while writing and speaking on occasion, but most importantly, being a mother to their two children.
Read Kerry's Blog! >
11/08/2006
Voice of the Orphan
Nov 08 Special Alert
A special message from FamilyLife, Focus on the Family, and Shaohannah's HopeAn Orphan's Voice...What is it like to be 9 years old with no parents, nothing to call your own, and no hope for a better future? Katya knows. After her parents died from alcohol abuse, she entered a state-run orphanage in Russia in 1998. Suffering from cerebral palsy and needing surgery on both of her legs and back, there was little chance anyone would adopt her. She faced a lifetime of loneliness, pain, and sorrow.But Katya was blessed. Someone cared. In 2000, Jan in Arkansas discovered Katya's picture on a "waiting child" Internet site, and amazingly all she could think was, "Sign me up!" Nine months later, Katya landed in the warm embrace of her new family and was determined to live her life for other children like her, who faced a life without hope.Today, Katya is in the 11th grade, has raised over $5000 for the US Waiting Child Fund, and in 2005 was named Youth Humanitarian for the State of Arkansas. "I'm grateful that I was adopted," Katya says. "Now I have a chance to be happy, and to make my life whatever I want it to be. I hope that at the end of my life I will be remembered for doing my best with the second chance that I was given." The Orphan CrisisThe United Nations counts 143 million kids worldwide as orphans — 143 million children like Katya.
143 million children worldwide have lost one or both parents … … from AIDS, war, ethnic cleansing, natural disasters … … and now many are condemned to lives of crime, prostitution, and killing in order to survive.
Why This MattersThe world's orphans are — waiting for love, waiting for family, waiting for someone to care.Many wait in vain. And the world pays a terrible price.Orphaned girls are often recruited into brothels … orphaned boys, as young as 5, are recruited into gangs, armies, and terrorist groups.
In the U.S., the consequences of neglecting our waiting children are horrifying.
30% of all the homeless adults in the United States spent time in foster care.
One in three youth who turn 18 and leave foster care resort to stealing, prostitution, or selling drugs. One in four spend time in jail or prison.
The children wait. Does anyone care?What We're DoingThe Bible is clear. God cares deeply. And because of God's special concern for these vulnerable children, we care, as well. That's why FamilyLife, Focus on the Family and Shaohannah's Hope have joined together to launch a long-term, nationwide campaign called Voice of the Orphan. This campaign seeks to raise awareness of the orphan crisis and spur fellow Christians to action.What You Can DoTogether, we are helping to educate concerned Christians worldwide regarding this important crisis, and we offer practical and effective ideas on how every Christian can get involved in caring for the world’s orphans. We invite you to join us — and learn more about God's heart and what you can do for these special children.
Here's How You Can Help
Learn about the issue — Tune into the broadcastsFind a station Get a reminder
Find ways to help orphansat www.voiceoftheorphan.org
Inform your family and friends by forwarding this message
Family Life and Focus on the Family Broadcasts
November 13th - 17thFeatured guests:
Dr. Dobson & Jim Daly
Dennis & Barbara Rainey
Steven Curtis Chapman
Stephanie Fast
Family Life Broadcast Schedule
Focus on the Family Broadcast Schedule
… You are the defender of orphans … LORD, you know the hopes of the helpless. Surely you will listen to their cries and comfort them. You will bring justice to the orphans and the oppressed, so people can no longer terrify them.— Psalm 10:14, 17-18
www.voiceoftheorphan.org
A special message from FamilyLife, Focus on the Family, and Shaohannah's HopeAn Orphan's Voice...What is it like to be 9 years old with no parents, nothing to call your own, and no hope for a better future? Katya knows. After her parents died from alcohol abuse, she entered a state-run orphanage in Russia in 1998. Suffering from cerebral palsy and needing surgery on both of her legs and back, there was little chance anyone would adopt her. She faced a lifetime of loneliness, pain, and sorrow.But Katya was blessed. Someone cared. In 2000, Jan in Arkansas discovered Katya's picture on a "waiting child" Internet site, and amazingly all she could think was, "Sign me up!" Nine months later, Katya landed in the warm embrace of her new family and was determined to live her life for other children like her, who faced a life without hope.Today, Katya is in the 11th grade, has raised over $5000 for the US Waiting Child Fund, and in 2005 was named Youth Humanitarian for the State of Arkansas. "I'm grateful that I was adopted," Katya says. "Now I have a chance to be happy, and to make my life whatever I want it to be. I hope that at the end of my life I will be remembered for doing my best with the second chance that I was given." The Orphan CrisisThe United Nations counts 143 million kids worldwide as orphans — 143 million children like Katya.
143 million children worldwide have lost one or both parents … … from AIDS, war, ethnic cleansing, natural disasters … … and now many are condemned to lives of crime, prostitution, and killing in order to survive.
Why This MattersThe world's orphans are — waiting for love, waiting for family, waiting for someone to care.Many wait in vain. And the world pays a terrible price.Orphaned girls are often recruited into brothels … orphaned boys, as young as 5, are recruited into gangs, armies, and terrorist groups.
In the U.S., the consequences of neglecting our waiting children are horrifying.
30% of all the homeless adults in the United States spent time in foster care.
One in three youth who turn 18 and leave foster care resort to stealing, prostitution, or selling drugs. One in four spend time in jail or prison.
The children wait. Does anyone care?What We're DoingThe Bible is clear. God cares deeply. And because of God's special concern for these vulnerable children, we care, as well. That's why FamilyLife, Focus on the Family and Shaohannah's Hope have joined together to launch a long-term, nationwide campaign called Voice of the Orphan. This campaign seeks to raise awareness of the orphan crisis and spur fellow Christians to action.What You Can DoTogether, we are helping to educate concerned Christians worldwide regarding this important crisis, and we offer practical and effective ideas on how every Christian can get involved in caring for the world’s orphans. We invite you to join us — and learn more about God's heart and what you can do for these special children.
Here's How You Can Help
Learn about the issue — Tune into the broadcastsFind a station Get a reminder
Find ways to help orphansat www.voiceoftheorphan.org
Inform your family and friends by forwarding this message
Family Life and Focus on the Family Broadcasts
November 13th - 17thFeatured guests:
Dr. Dobson & Jim Daly
Dennis & Barbara Rainey
Steven Curtis Chapman
Stephanie Fast
Family Life Broadcast Schedule
Focus on the Family Broadcast Schedule
… You are the defender of orphans … LORD, you know the hopes of the helpless. Surely you will listen to their cries and comfort them. You will bring justice to the orphans and the oppressed, so people can no longer terrify them.— Psalm 10:14, 17-18
www.voiceoftheorphan.org
11/07/2006
wild couple weeks
So I realized that it's been a couple weeks since I posted, although I've been good about keeping up with everyone else's blog. It's just been a little wild with transition in our house.
After returning from TX, it became very obvious that it was time to find a new daycare for Jayden. I called Grandma who agreed to come down for a couple weeks while a new daycare was found. Grandma and Jayden had a great time together these past two weeks.
Miraculously I found another Spanish immersion daycare. She still had me on the waiting list since last January so technically I was at the top of the list. There were 8 families behind me so during the interview I was very nervous we wouldn't get in.
Yesterday was his first day. It was a tearful goodbye. It was a tearful pickup and for the first 10 minutes an angry trip home. This morning was another tearful goodbye, but I think he is getting the gist of the change and is adapting. There is a little girl, Alison, who is six months older and is making sure Jayden is doing okay.
He did well last night and apparently forgave me by the time we got home.
After returning from TX, it became very obvious that it was time to find a new daycare for Jayden. I called Grandma who agreed to come down for a couple weeks while a new daycare was found. Grandma and Jayden had a great time together these past two weeks.
Miraculously I found another Spanish immersion daycare. She still had me on the waiting list since last January so technically I was at the top of the list. There were 8 families behind me so during the interview I was very nervous we wouldn't get in.
Yesterday was his first day. It was a tearful goodbye. It was a tearful pickup and for the first 10 minutes an angry trip home. This morning was another tearful goodbye, but I think he is getting the gist of the change and is adapting. There is a little girl, Alison, who is six months older and is making sure Jayden is doing okay.
He did well last night and apparently forgave me by the time we got home.
10/26/2006
Baby's first segments...
Proud mommy has to brag... Jayden earned his first segments and towards status on US Airways.
MR JAYDEN STENNER
Dividend Miles Number
XXXXXXX
Balance
2,499
Preferred Status
Earned Toward Future Preferred Status
2499 miles and 3 segments
Such a proud moment...sniffle, sniffle... and he'll earn four more segments in November. He actually is a much better flier than his mommy. He'll sit and "read" his books or sleep once the plane takes off.
A few weeks ago, we flew to Dallas. Our second leg was in a commuter jet so I had to get his car seat up over the seats to get down the aisle. As we landed in Dallas, my little guy finally passed out. He slept through the actual touch down and taxi. He slept through me slinging him and his car seat up over the seats to get down the aisle. He slept through me converting the car seat into a stroller and wheeling him to baggage claim. He slept through mommy visiting the handicap stall and flushing. He slept through getting the luggage and going down to wait for the rental car bus. He slept through the ride on the rental car bus. He slept up to the point that we got to the car. I was amazed... I am not the most delicated stroller driver especially with luggage, a laptop and a diaper bag to boot. He's such a good trooper and so patient during those times. I think he settles into the adventure and just enjoys himself.
I have a great traveler on my hands.
MR JAYDEN STENNER
Dividend Miles Number
XXXXXXX
Balance
2,499
Preferred Status
Earned Toward Future Preferred Status
2499 miles and 3 segments
Such a proud moment...sniffle, sniffle... and he'll earn four more segments in November. He actually is a much better flier than his mommy. He'll sit and "read" his books or sleep once the plane takes off.
A few weeks ago, we flew to Dallas. Our second leg was in a commuter jet so I had to get his car seat up over the seats to get down the aisle. As we landed in Dallas, my little guy finally passed out. He slept through the actual touch down and taxi. He slept through me slinging him and his car seat up over the seats to get down the aisle. He slept through me converting the car seat into a stroller and wheeling him to baggage claim. He slept through mommy visiting the handicap stall and flushing. He slept through getting the luggage and going down to wait for the rental car bus. He slept through the ride on the rental car bus. He slept up to the point that we got to the car. I was amazed... I am not the most delicated stroller driver especially with luggage, a laptop and a diaper bag to boot. He's such a good trooper and so patient during those times. I think he settles into the adventure and just enjoys himself.
I have a great traveler on my hands.
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