Nice Jesus

What a sad day today in church.  We were informed that one of our deacons passed away earlier this week and so did another parishoner.  We were also told about a sick little baby who was going to be having surgery.  That baby was baptized today.  I can't imagine what those parents must be going through today.  As I listened to Fr. Rick talk about these situations and I held Gus even tighter with tears in my eyes, I looked up and saw an old man.  He did not appear to be in great health.  Had a walker, was hunched way over and had a neck brace on.  It appeared that his daughter brought him to church that day as the young woman next to him was so gentle and loving towards this man.  And when I saw his face he smiled at us, and waved to Gus.  Of course Gus was a waving fool and looked kind of like one of the Beverly Hillbillies with all of the waving he was doing.  But seeing this man filled my mind with thoughts today.  He seemed so happy to be there at church and after listening to the priest today, probably so happy to be alive.  And I thought to myself...someday when I have reached my later years (I refuse to be old...so we will just refer to them as my later years) I hope that I, too, can exude such joy.  I think so often we are bogged down with trivial things in life and we get so busy and bogged down.  So many things seem like a burden.  So many things seem to be so important, but they really aren't.  If only we took more time when we are younger to enjoy life instead of letting it pass us by.

While trying to keep my little hillbilly (see reference above) quiet during church today, we decided to walk a little bit.  With as loud as Gus can be these days, we sit behind the glass so that the rest of the congregation can worship without his "joyful noises".  So Gus and walked in the entryway and he kept running over to the banner on the wall of Jesus and his disciples.  He kept pointing up and it and yelling.  So I picked him up and let him touch the banner.  He immediately smacked Jesus in the face.  Great!  Just what we need....another Roman beating up on Jesus.  So quickly I grabbed that pudgy little hand and showed him that we have to be nice to Jesus.  Gus then proceeded to pet Jesus and each disciple as he said "niiiceee".  (Those who have been around Gus lately know that we are working on being nice.  He will say "niiiceee" as he pets your cheek and then gives you a kiss on each cheek. Not sure where he picked up the European style of kissing, but I will take it.) 

That's right, "nice Jesus".  He repeated this many times throughout Mass today and so we have lesson #1 in Gus' religious education...so many more to come.

Things That Just Bug Me!!

This week I have just discovered some things that just down right bug the heck out of me and I need to get them off my chest!

1) Why is it that every waitress that we have had recently seems to think that it is okay to put the food we ordered right in front of the curious little 1 year old?  Does she not realize that he is going to instantly reach for it and make a mess?  Isn't this common sense or is it just me?

2) Cow like gum chewers.  If you choose to chew gum, could you please not check it like a cow chews his cud?  It bugs me to hear that and see that!

3) My husband made me take down my original #3...and yes...that bugs me.
4) Stress.  I don't really have much to say about that but it really bugs me this week.

5) The kid in my 5th hour who ALWAYS interrupts me when I am talking to another student.  "Really?  You can't see that I am talking already?  Wait your turn you crazy kid!"  Okay...I usually just say, "I will be right with you..."

6) My stand-by favorite black flat dress shoes finally went to their final resting place this week.  I am so sad.

7) The media.  Why do they have to portray some things so incorrectly?

8) Temper-tantrums + Gus = frustrated momma

9) Economics.  I'm really not loving teaching that class right now.

10) Those who come "late to the party."  I put together a large district wide order for staff apparel.  Now that people are getting the items delivered to them, other people decided they want to order now.  Seriously?  I'm not here to accomodate every one's needs.  Do your own order!!

11) Trains.  Have I ever told you that we live near a corner that the train tracks cross two sides of that corner?  And the other route I would take is under construction?  Well let's just say it is really annoying!

Thanks for letting me vent...I feel better.  :)

NAAM 2010

In honor of National Adoption Awareness Month:
Natural Child: Any child who is not artificial.
Real Parent: Any parent who is not imaginary.
Your Own Child: Any child who is not someone else's child.

Adopted Child: A natural child, with a real parent, who is all my own.

I saw this posted on a friend's facebook status.  She, too, is blessed by adoption....two times over!  She has two beautiful daughters.  I love that she posted this today.  It is so real in our lives.  As adoptive parents we often get asked a number of questions.  Many questions come from people who are genuinely interested and want to know more about adoption.
 
What made you decide to adopt?  Did it take a long time?  Will he ever meet his birthparents?  How old was he when you got him?  What agency did you go through?  Will you adopt again?  How much does it cost?  Is it hard to adopt?  How much do you know about his birthparents?
 
And then there are those other questions...Don't you want children of your own?  Have you talked to his real parents?  How much does it cost to buy a baby? What made his real mom give him up?  These questions can make me crumble.  But what I have found is that they have made me stronger.  I have come up with some really polite ways of either answering their stupid questions or a polite way of saying, "Take a hike, you ignorant fool!  Think before you open your mouth!"

I love that we have an opportunity to educate others about adoption for a whole month!  I'm so excited the National Adoption Awareness Month is here!!  So stay tuned.  We will be creating awareness on here and also in our community throughout the month!

This picture was taken a year ago.  Coming soon...our NAAM 2010 picture.

This time last year...

Last year I posted this when we celebrated our first National Adoption Awareness Month as adoptive parents.

http://www.stapeshouse.com/2009/11/happy-naam.html

Stay tuned for my 2010 NAAM post....coming soon!