Taking back summer- Day 1

I have been working this month, A LOT! We've missed out on something called Summer!
We all needed a break....it was nice!

We actually have 2 adoption agencies that we have worked with through the years. Our main agency is in Arizona, but our placing agency is located here in California. I received an email from them about a week ago planning an end of summer pool party and completely jumped for joy. My heart has always been to surround our kids with other AP's and their families. I was even more excited when I found out the hosting family lives in a neighborhood nearby.

We all had a blast today. Their were two other boys right around the same age as my boys so they all had a blast. One family had an older daughter and she absolutely loved playing with Maya, so it was fun that I could meet some of the moms. There weren't many there, but that does make it better. One mom is in the process and had such valuable questions that she asked. It was great to think back and remember our own process and how far we really have come. It also breaks my heart to hear about how long the process takes now.

But we all enjoyed some time out in the sun!!!

Boys hanging out. Mine is in the middle

My waterbug! It was hard to catch her and dry her off!!!

Pretty sure Kai had the whole deep end to himself here

Tuesday's Tidbit

When in doubt: BREAKFAST FOR DINNER!!!!!!!!

K's Airport

I had to include a picture of Kai's airport that he built. See the kid in the background? Now he has always been my engineer, builder, organizer, etc. Not Kai. Kai likes to play with everything at once and typically spends most of his time pestering his brother and sister, and then wants a snack.
However, lately he has been in a building mode. Mostly airports. These airports are protected by his trusty ducks and little green army men! And in case you are wondering- the castle is the parking garage!

Off to the Races

August marks the end of summer for me. While I was able to squeak in a few extra days the first week, this week there was no denying the pile of work that needed to be done. After 3 days at a work conference, it's time to hit the pavement! Okay, not actually hit the pavement. I will need to drive on it as I meet with 14 families and counting.
I usually set goals for myself each year in regards to church, hubby, family, kids, my job, cooking, etc. Not doing it this year. This year my goal is simple- take AT LEAST 10 minutes per child, per day to have some quality face time! I know it sounds silly and an easy thing to do. But when you already work full time, homeschool part time, make 99% of everything your family eats and everything else..... I will be honest in saying that it did not always happen last year.

So someone....please hold me accountable to this!!!!

I will NOT take a nap!

Hysterical

So the below photos were taken from my phone, while laughing...so the quality is pretty bad. However....this was hysterical and brilliant all at the same time.
I wish I had the creative gene, but I don't. Whoever came up with this idea is a genius!

My mom and I ran some errands in the mall today. I need to preface...I dislike the mall and avoid it at all costs. In fact, chances are I won't go near it for many many months. Anyway, that's not the point.

We kept seeing kids wandering around the mall with dog balloons on a leash. It was so funny to see them. Then we headed downstairs and came upon this:

GOLD MINE! How do you not get one? Not only are they just cute, but the animals are all lined up in little pens complete with snack bowls (just in case they get hungry). And if it doesn't get any better, Gramma was with us!!!

So once again, not great pictures, but the kids each picked out their own animal to take care of. And I will get a chance to play with them after they all go to bed! Hee Hee!

Tuesday's Tidbit

Grilled Pineapple and Shrimp Kebabs

My boys have been begging for shrimp lately! Every now and then they begin to fixate on a type of food and would have it for breakfast if it was offered. I was not going to offer it for breakfast, but did think I could come up with something clever.
While there are lots of versions on the web, I chose not to look and use what I had on hand and what my Dad could find at our local Asian grocery.

We used:
2 lbs uncooked shrimp- which we shelled and de-veined
1.5 cans of pineapple- after dealing with the shrimp, who wanted to cut a pineapple
A gluten free tangy marinade sauce to coat the shrimp and pineapple

and 1 grill.
I did double skewer the shrimp to make sure they stayed in place.

It was that easy and oh so tasty!!