Rewind | Time Flies

So it's been a really long time since anyone has posted here and I apologize. But life happens, and you get busy and blogging isn't one of those priorities anymore. I'll give you a big catch up post and possibly some pictures but we'll see. :)

The summer was crazy busy but very fun and memorable! LOTS of soccer, driving here and there, visiting family and friends, and just taking time to relax before school and more sports would start again. The weather seemed really funny this summer as winter decided to last until May. As of this week in early September, it's been HOT.

Michlyn's summer included a job as a nanny with Erin, driving her siblings around, hanging out with friends, reading some books, and relaxing before school starts. She found out some of her best friends were leaving the charter school we attend this summer, so going back to school has been extra hard this year. She is a Junior in high school this year and that's kind of scary and exciting at the same time. That means this year and only one after that until graduation comes. (let's not talk about it) She is playing volleyball again for school and is one of the captains on the varsity team. She is thoroughly enjoying it!

Erin enjoyed her summer with playing lots of soccer, seeing her friends, going to a One Direction concert, having a nanny job with Michlyn, and sleeping in. :) Erin started school as a sophomore this year! Crazy how another year has gone by already...She and her best friend 'N' do everything together. They are some of the funniest and  craziest best friends I know. They are the same age and have a lot of classes together at school, so school has been pretty fun for her so far. She is also playing soccer again for school and although their team isn't as experienced, she does a fantastic job and I don't think I could tell you how much she loves her sport. She took Driver's Ed this summer and plans on taking her drivers' permit test soon. 

'J' had a really fun summer too! He played soccer for the 4th summer and he improved so much! He even got suggested to tryout for the traveling team for next summer. :) He is our shy and quiet one...just tries to take everything in and it scares me how fast he's growing up. He started 5th grade this year. He, again, has a new teacher and was a little extra nervous on his first day, but he loves her. He's doing all his homework and already learning a lot! He has quite a few friends and usually always has a good day! 

'S' is our early riser and loves to play. So more often than not, this summer, he would be up early asking me if he could play on my iPod or I'd hear him in our living room at 6:00 am. It seems he has this un-ending supply of energy. :) He's our little comedian and is always making us laugh...I think him and Erin got most of the funny genes. He started 2nd grade this year! I can't believe it...I always say this but my brothers are getting so big and it's so great to see them grow up. He has the same teacher as last year and likes her a lot! He's best friends with the school Janitor because I always see him talking and giving high fives to 'S'. :) 

'T' is going to be home schooled again this year. It's the best decision for her and for our family as we continue to work on bonding and attachment. This summer, in July, was 'T's 3rd gotcha day. She has been in our family for 3 entire years. Although adoption was one of the hardest things we've ever done, we know that God put her in our family for a reason. He only knows when each step will get easier. Neither adoption or parenting is easy though and we're putting our faith in him to help us teach and help 'T' to grow and learn. 

I promise I'll be back sooner than later next time! Thanks to all our friends and family that read along on our family's journey. :)

xoxo,

~Michlyn

A Little Update & Prayers Please!

This summer has gone by way too fast! We enjoyed soccer from mid May - early July. Erin & I went on a trip to New Orleans with our youth group, and we've kept it low key here at home. We've gotten together with friends, trips to a water park, sleeping in the camper, & and of course "pajama days"!

Although those things have been fun, other things have not been so fun. 'T' has had some of the hardest days yet. Of course through July, there were some anniversaries and that can even throw her off. Routine is something she needs, because she hasn't had it her whole life. When you live in an orphanage, you don't know what the next day brings. You don't know when you'll eat, and there is very minimal sleep. There is heartbreak every day.

'T' still struggles and will continue to struggle with her heartbreak. Things have changed dramatically throughout her life, and some of those memories will never go away. When those moments come back to her, she gets stuck. Stuck with an attitude that would blow your socks off. It's hard to watch what comes from that attitude. 'T' is a fighter, and she will go to all measure just to win.

We keep her safe, give her what she needs, but things that cause heartbreak just don't get deleted. We let her know what's happening and take care of her. She gets food, water, clothes, a family, & playtime. But she thinks she's worthless. When you've gone through so much in your life, you feel like you don't deserve anything. We love her through the good & bad, but we always need guidance and provision.

Our family has gone through some very rough patches in our life lately. If you can keep us all especially 'T' & my awesome, amazing, and loving momma in your prayers... that would sooo appreciated. We forget that sometimes you can't do it alone. God is always with us, but when you've got the prayers of sweet friends... it's always better. <3

In Christ,
~Michlyn

Cleaning Day

Today is a cleaning day here at our house. Our school has Friday school days about 1-2 times a month, so today we got to stay home. Erin and I got to sleep in finally, after getting up at 6:00 am every morning. Yuck! That was very much needed! We woke up to a really good smell coming from the kitchen. Mom has already started cooking in the crockpot for dinner tonight!


It's yet another chilly Fall weather day. It's been a very brisk and still morning. So far this is what has or is still happening today.

What we have done:

Swept the kitchen and dining room.

Cleaned up and organized the entry way.

Beds are made.

Picked up the bathroom that two teenage girls were rushing through the past 4 mornings.

Started on some homework.

Tried to keep 'S' on track with picking up LEGOS.

Went through a few things in our closet.

 Cleaned out the fish bowl.

Mom is putting yarn extensions in 'T's hair today.

Cleaned the bathrooms.

We've all realized that if we work together for just one hour, that our house can be clean. I do mean clean.

We love having a clean house, and with no school today there are many distractions. So... this sign has been used frequently over the last few weekends: (Taped to our TV -- I did mention we got cable right?)

And finally... If I decide to actually get dressed and ready for the day, I might find time to clean out "The beast". :)

Wishing you all a productive and clean Friday!

Blessings, 
~Michlyn

School Starts Again

I know most of you can tell, that I'm slackin'. I haven't been posting, but I do have good reasons!

So this week, starting on Monday was our first day of school for the 2011-2012 school year. It has gone by really fast already, but gone well.

-Michlyn- (Me)

I started high school this year, and love it. On the first day of school, I was pretty quiet and didn't know very many people at all. My locker had a lot problems. I could never get it open, and it jammed a few times. Thank the Lord that Erin "popped in" every once in a while. She saved me from being late a few times. Finding the classrooms was fairly easy, but since Erin had it down she reminded me a few times. I'm so lucky to have a sister like her! The second day was much better. I figured out my locker, and met so many new friends. They are really nice, and they welcomed me with smiles. We usually all sit together at lunch. Science is my favorite class so far. I know almost everyone, and my teacher is funny and nice. I'm still getting used to the new routine, but can tell it's going to be a great year!

-Erin-

This is Erin's 3rd year at PACT. She began in November of 6th grade, when she got in. This summer she only had a few sleepovers with her school friends. So when school started she was excited to see them all again, and "be in the loop". haha I'm pretty sure she knows her classes like they've always been there. Then again, she's been around the school about 200 hundred times.  Her favorite subject is Drama. She's always been a good actress/singer. Although she is pretty shy, and I've already heard from a few people that's kind of quiet. Well at least we know she pays attention in class! :)

-J-

Mister 'J' went through a few transitions this year. Last year he started PACT for the first time, and was nervous. There are two levels in the school, and the classes are placed in their rooms by grade. So after being on the bottom floor last year, he had to move to the top this year. It caused extra nervousness, and he was a bit grumpy on the first day. At the end of the day, he came home with smiles and said his day was awesome. He said recess has been a lot of fun, and got to see some friends from last year and play with them. Praise God for answered prayer!

-S-

Our little man started Kindergarten this year. At first, I don't think he was that nervous. After open house, he came back excited, and ready to start. He attends everyday afternoon kindergarten. So when he went with to drop us off at school, he thought it was his turn to leave. :) Later, when my mom came to drop him off he did very well. He had fun that day: having a snack, seeing his teacher again, meeting new friends, and coloring. On the way home that day he said, "Mom, later when you dropped me off I feeled like crying but I didn't". Aww such a brave boy! On the second day, he was a little more hesitant my mom told me. But he's doing great, and I'm confident that he will continue to!

Wishing you all a great long weekend!

Blessings,

~Michlyn