Small Talk 6 Saturdays!!

It's Saturday and that means Small Talk 6!! Today's topic, 6 things you loved or hated about school.

#1.) I loved shopping for school clothes and school supplies.

#2.) I loved seeing all my friends.

#3.) I loved all my classes (I know, nerdy)

#4.) I loved Friday night Football "Go Aggies" (Friday night football games in a small southern town, they are the social event of the year, let me tell you!!)

#5.) I loved Saturdays.

#6.) I hated bullies.

There you have it. I loved school, this past week, getting my kids and my nieces all ready for school, it makes me want to go back. (but I soon get over that) Lol!

How Time Flies~~~

I can't believe it's the end of August. It seems just like yesterday, the warm, long anticipated days of summer were arriving. Surely they would be stretching out in front of us for months to come......but it sadly summer is winding down, at least here in the upper mid west. All next week we aren't supposed to even get out of the 60's. While I love the cooler weather, I am shivering just thinking about those seemingly endless days of winter that's approaching much sooner than I want.

This winter, I will certainly know what to expect. I am already planning for things to do. Last year, I was totally taken by surprise. I mean, I lived for 3 years in New England, so I thought winter in Chicago would be no big deal. Boy was I wrong.

I've been trying to spend what's left of summer outside, as much as I can. I've been reading, reading and reading some more. I discovered a new author. A few weeks ago, I was on one of my frequent trips to the Good Will. (I love shopping there) and I found this wonderful book. The Woods by Harlan Coben. I usually don't like to read books written by men, (I have no idea why) but anyway, there you have it. This book had the most twist and turns. I was on pins and needles all the way to the last page.

I had to get another of his books, so off to Barnes & Nobles I went. I've read 5 of his books so far. Hold Tight, Gone for Good, Tell No One & Just One Look. (And of course The Woods) Every one is a page turner. I have passed a book along to my Mama and my Mother-in-law. The book Tell No One was also made into a movie. I think it went straight to dvd. I haven't watched it though, but I hope to soon.

So if you're looking for a great new author, pick up one of Harlan Coben's books, they are full of suspense and are all page turners.

As far as the adoption application is going. I have finished all my questions, but Hubby has to answer his. He says I will have to help him. Hmmmm.....

Adoption Update!

Sorry I've not posted in a week, but I've been busy. Niko and my nieces visited last week, then I worked on a project for work this week.

We had our adoption orientation meeting August 12. It was very informative. Right off the bat, the agency informed us, that the chances of adopting a caucasian child were pretty slim. There were about 12 people in the conference room. The 2 social workers doing the meeting, told us that, if that was what any of us was wanting, it would be best to leave. We were already well aware of the racial dynamics of children (waiting children) who are in foster care. (I always believe in doing research) that way I'm in the know, ya know! LOl. Anyway, then they told us that to adopt a Hispanic child, one person in the household must speak Spanish. (that is if the child speaks Spanish) My hubby is 1/2 Spanish, but he doesn't speak any of the language. His Dad didn't speak it in their home.
But get this, if the child is Asian, or anyother nationality, English is fine. Huh?

Then they told us, the most likely children were going to be African American. If that wasn't acceptable please leave. They were very up front about that. They didn't want to waste any one's time. But Hubby and I have been praying about this very issue and we believe that we are capable to loving and nurturing any child God chooses to give us. We both have so much love to give. We don't care about the race of the child, and we can probably handle certain children with behavioral problems.

The social workers kept mentioning ADHD and other behavior problems. Well, we already deal with that. Niko has ADHD and is on the autism spectrum.

Now we are working on our application. It's slightly overwhelming. We each have 2 essay questions to answer. The first, is to explain our experience with children. The only way I can figure out how to answer this question, is to just write about each of my step-children, and the nuances of our relationship. Each child's quirks and what makes them special, how we deal with each child and the challenges they might present to us as parents. Hubby and I discussed it and that seems to be the best way to answer that question.

The next is why we want to adopt. This is the most difficult question. So please pray as I try to put all those reason's down on paper.

I do believe that every child, no matter what their race, deserves to have someone who loves them unconditionally. God has been really working on my heart regarding this matter.

I hope everyone had a great week and have a great weekend.

Moving On Up!!!

A couple of weekends ago, my Hubby and my sisters husband, (that would be my brother in law) had the pleasure of helping my Mom in law move. She had been searching for almost a year, a cheaper place to live. Low and behold, she found one that is half the cost of her old place and much, much nicer. (also in a nicer neighborhood) This is a much answered prayer.



Not only did Hubby and BIL help in the moving, I did too, (well, I supervised anyway) took these lovely pictures I'm about to share with you and generally make the whole moving crew look a little more respectable! Ha! (oh and I did carry a lamp here and there)



Here's a few pictures of the hard working movers!! They truly missed their calling in a profession. They should have taken moving up as a career (just kiddin)!

Hubby got hot, I was there (as supervisor of course)

with a paper towel to wipe the sweat of my sweetie's brow! LOL!!

Hubby trying to figure out how they are gonna get that couch in the door.

They had to take the door off. (Shear genius my friends) :-)

We of course had to end this hot, exhausting day at SONIC!

Nothing like a Route 44 diet coke, to cure what ails you!

Now for the serious stuff......our attorney managed to get court postponed for a month. Niko was just recently diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome and we are going to present somethings to the court. We have been trying to deal with Niko and getting him diagnosed for 4 years. (but that is another post) so we have counseling with Niko tomorrow afternoon, and then he is coming all by himself to stay with us for 5 days. My nieces are going to visiting too. They all get along so well.

Also, tomorrow evening we have the adoption orientation meeting. Please pray for us as we go through all these things. As far as all the court business goes, my anxiety level sky rockets when dealing with court. I know God is in control, I just can't get my nervous system to understand that :0

Thanks again for your prayers!

It's Monday People!!

Oh my, it's Monday. The start to another work week, or school week, or a winding down week of summer. I am taking a class that starts this week. We are joining a new small group from our church. Please pray for that. It seems that every time we attempt to join a small group and get involved, something comes up. I told Hubby, satan doesn't want us to get involved. We have to conquer that. Also an exciting thing this week is our adoption meeting. It is Wednesday evening. Also, we are supposed to have court re: the ex, but not sure if that will happen.

Lots of things are going on in the Esparza household. Please pray that we will keep Jesus in our center focus. I am gonna leave you today with a couple of more pictures from our Wisconsin Dells vacation. Have a great day everybody.

Remember Jesus loves you!

~~~~Some Vacation Fun~~~~

Hubby and I went to the Wisconsin Dells, with the kids. We had a blast. I had never been to Wisconsin before, so I got to add one more state to my list. Now I have been to 40 states. Just 10 more to go. :-)

We spent our time getting to know one another better and having fun together as a family. Just thought I would share some of our pictures with ya'll.

I have a lot more pictures, I just have to get them all downloaded and organized. Hope everyone has a great Sunday! This is a day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it! Spend some time with someone you love.

Small Talk 6: Six Things Beyond Lazy:-)

Join us for the "much quieter blogging Saturday" and do a Small Talk Six post.....link up and have fun!

Ummmm, let's see, 6 things that people do that are beyond lazy....(at least to me)

#1.) Throwing trash out the car window, instead of waiting to take it to a garbage can.

#2.) Just drop your dirty clothes on the floor where ever you are standing, expecting someone else to pick them up.

#3.) Calling on your cellphone from upstairs, to the person who is downstairs and asking them to bring you something. (I must admit, I have done this one before) Ha!!

#4.) Parking in a handicap parking space, instead of walking a little extra.

#5.) Come on people, actually change into clothes, instead of wearing your pj bottoms to the grocery store. This has become a disturbing trend.

#6.) And last but not least, and I'm not sure if this is laziness or just ridiculous, looking all over the room for the lost remote control, instead of just getting up and changing the TV channel.

Well folks, that's my list....hope you enjoyed reading it. I have been off the radar lately and if you follow me on facebook, you'll know that we took a vacation to the Wisconsin Dells. I will have a fun filled post with lots of pictures coming soon.

Have a great weekend everybody.