Family Christmas Parties

The Bushman Fiesta:
Every year for Christmas the Bushman's get together, usually the Sunday before Christmas, for a dinner, a talent show from each family and each family takes part of the Nativity story and share its in their unique way.
For our talent we had our little family band play Jingle Bells. It was a perfect one for Braylon since he got to shake an instrument and sing a song he knows well. We got my sister Destinee to "volunteer" to be our one horse to pull our sleigh.

Our Nativity part was the shepherds finding baby Jesus and then tell everyone about Him. Braylon was pleased to be the shepherd and he did a pretty good job.

We borrowed Scarlet's sheep. Yep this kid's a cutie

The Johnson Gathering:
The Johnson family meets on Christmas Eve. The last two years we've had yummy finger foods and then gathered together to read Luke 2. This year we were asked to bring a talent so we were sure to bring our sleigh and band instruments once again. Our horse was a little more active this time and pulled us a bit harder. Thanks Lane. Then Grandma Cliffie gave the Luke 2 story and we got to sing happy birthday to baby Jesus.

Grandma had the kids help hold pictures for us to see

 I love getting together with family and had a wonderful time celebrating the birth of my Savior in such fun settings.
Here are a few more pictures of our fun evenings:

If Only For A Moment

I've dreamt of this day for such a long while

I knew how your giggles would cause me to smile.

I waited it seemed so long just for you

But now it's not me someone else wants you too.

I know your not mine but for now it's ok

Together we'll read stories, color pictures and play.

And when you need someone, dear child I will be there

'Cause, even if only for a moment, you are an answer to prayer.

-Desiree Johnson

I was just thinking about foster care. In a way I suppose it has settled me down in my pleadings for children. I actually don't know that I've prayed to have kids since Braylon came to our home. Sometimes I wonder if I could really handle the long term commitment, but I was listening to Braylon tonight say goodnight to his birth parents and then sing as many songs as we've currently been working on and it hit me again how badly I want my own. How badly I want that cute little voice that I continue to rack my brain thinking up new songs for to sing for me. I'll admit it's better then babysitting but it's not eternal. I'm constantly reminded of that fact every time we get a phone call from his grandma or parents or case worker. But I am happy to give this little time to hopefully helping another family stay together.

If I can give him nothing else I will give him the gift of music. I can see how much he eats it up just like I do when a song touches my soul. What an experience foster care is. I am learning so much about myself. All I know is that we only have maybe 5 to 8 months left to try and memorize as many nursery rhymes and songs as his little heart desires.

Today was a pretty good day. It was pretty busy but we all seemed in good spirits which lead to a very happy and eventful day (except for the pooping in his pants part at the end of the day, but he was gonna get a bath any way... sigh). We took Braylon to see Santa and the only way I could get  him to sit on Santa's lap was to sit on his lap first and let Braylon take a picture of me, then it could be my turn to take a picture of him. Braylon's mom really wanted a picture of Braylon on Santa's lap and while it took more coaxing then I thought I hope this picture satisfies. 

Here are a few more of our snow day fun and Temple Square date night

Eatting Gelato after Pizza at Settebello. I love that smile

Kurt and Bray made snow angles in the field by the parking lot

"Let's do it together!"

Getting ready to be pulled in the sled behind the truck

Getting Crafty

Having a child in our lives has been quite the adjustment. An adjustment for all of us really. I have gone from a full time employee to a full-time mom / part time employee. Kurt is still trying to work full time but gets to play dad a lot more often then maybe he can afford. And little Bray is just having to adjust to two new people that don't know much about parenting. We are however pros at POTTY TRAINING!! Yep I don't even have to worry about accidents (though I'd say we still get one every week). We're all coming together though and liking each other more each day.

All of us had been pretty sick and since I didn't feel like going out too much Braylon and I got crafty at home. It gave us both a break from staring at each other. Besides putting up all the Christmas decor here are a few fun things we've made so far:

Hand turkeys for Thanksgiving

Root beer reindeer (a footprint for the face and hands for the antlers).

Hand wreath (we made two One for his mom and one for him/me)

Potty Power

Potty Training. I mean how hard can it be, right? Sure you're trying to change a habit for a kid that has never had to really rethink going pee in his pants for all the years of his mortal life, but who likes the soggy feel of a wet diaper on their bottom? When they feel the dry comforts of cotton undies it ought-ta be an easy adjustment.

I have to admit I was a bit shocked when Braylon arrived with more diapers then clothes. I had assumed that  by getting a three year old we would be pass the diaper/potty training stage. Probably more selfishly then wanting to help I began planning out the potty training debut from the moment I pulled out a package of Mickey Mouse underwear from the DCFS goodie sack.

The day after Braylon arrived he asked to wear his Mickey Mouse underwear. We tried it out but had two accidents and diapers went right back on. I didn't know enough about the whole process to help and I figured we needed to wait until after a weekend spent up in Heber.

Well with the stomach flu potty training got moved to yesterday. I read up on the "Potty Training In a Day" and really liked a few sites (http://www.thenaturalmommy.com/2009/07/31/potty-training-in-a-day/). After printing off a Lightning McQueen Potty Chart from Pinterest I figured I was ready to go, though Kurt had plenty of reservations. 

Friday November 16: 

I prayed earnestly that the Lord would help Braylon to pee in the potty at least once knowing that would be the start of our successful training. At 7:30 I woke up Braylon and was going to wait until after breakfast to start the undies but he had wet through his diaper so we started early. I set the timer so that we would know to visit Mr Toilet and practice the whole routine: pull down pants, sit on toilet, flush toilet, pull up pants, wash hands, dry hands and receive a treat. I felt like I was really fighting him just to get him to pull up and down his own underwear. 

Finally after some tears from both of us, a couple outfit changes and a McDonald's bride we heard pee pee hit the toilet water! And then there was rejoicing:

Finally a sticker was placed on the chart. Sadly it would be the only sticker for the day and more tears would be shed as well as a quick departure from McDonald's.

 Needless to say sleep was welcome by us both but I couldn't go to bed without first realizing that my prayer was answered, Braylon had experienced his first ever "I Went Potty!"

Saturday November 17:

I woke with a different outlook on how the potty training should go. Today I would simply set the timer and we would go sit in the potty every 15 mins but I wouldn't force the conversation to only be on  the potty and I would allow him to play in between our practice sessions.
Our progress was met with another sticker on the chart by one happy kid. By this time he was a pro at pulling up and down his pants.

Kurt came home from scout camp and got to help with a couple yucky accidents after a dry nap time. I was starting to feel a bit frustrated and had just been told by Braylon that he didn't want to go to the potty any more. Failure. When from heaven above I get a text from a neighbor friend asking if I wanted to borrow her DVD "Potty Power." I said yes and she dropped it off to me by 3:30ish that afternoon. I stuck in the movie and we watched it about 5 times. Braylon kept requesting me to play it again which I happily fulfilled. After dinner he went potty and received sticker #3 and then maybe 45 mins later Braylon came running in to me and said he needed to go potty and was shortly awarded sticker #4.

It may be a coincidence but I truly believe the movie sparked a desire in him to be independent and maybe gave him the excitement I just couldn't seem to ignite. Sure the constant trips before hand prepared him to know how to do the movements alone but I did nothing on his last potty except tell him to run to the potty. 

Again I feel my prayers were answered. I'm just so happy for the success of a cute 'lil boy that finally had something "click" today. May the smiley face stickers keep popping up on Lightning McQueen. 

And to any of you just starting out your potty training debuts...may God bless your soul and send you a neighbor with "Potty Powers." 

Welcoming Braylon

Thursday November 8th I found out Kurt's grandma had passed away peacefully. What a wonderful woman to know and love. I felt a connection to her and loved hearing her call me her "Daisy Girl." We both loved daisies and I happen to choose those for my flowers at my wedding. Well after a few tears of goodbye to myself at work I got busy with a big meeting we would be hosting for all the Parks and Rec Coordinators in the area. 

Just after the meeting I received a call from my RFC Dan. When I see his name on my caller ID I no longer flip-out and hyperventilate. I guess we've talked enough that now I just don't get my hopes up until I know he's got an option I can even consider. Well hyperventilating is probably an understatement  when I realized a little 3 yr old boy was on his way to my house. Pretty crazy swing of emotions for the day I'd say.

I left work early and headed home to get the room and house ready for our visitor. I waited by the office window for almost an hour watching for the case worker to pull up with him. 

Introducing Braylon:

Braylon loves books! I'm so grateful for the books given to us to help our stash and for the library!!

Friday Grandma Bushman was nice enough to give this guy a much needed hair cut

Kurt is so good with Braylon

Braylon will eat ANY thing. He's such a great eater. I thought my menu would have to change but he'll eat peppers like carrots.

He really is a handsome kid when he gets dressed up. This is him all ready for Grandma Doris' funeral

You know being a parent is definately hard work. I knew that going into this and expected a very big change, but I guess you can never really plan for things to always work out the way you picture or plan it out in your mind. There are big adjustments Kurt and I are having to make but I feel like they are all for the betterment of our selves really.

Braylon:
Love books
Eats every 30 mins
Loves to build snowmen
Just learned to make a snow angel and loved it
Smiles a lot
Just learned the "Monkey Song" and would sing it all day
Loves music
Loves story time at the library
Giggles when Kurt kisses me on purpose in front of him
Hates nap time but will sleep for 2 hours sometimes
Loves chocolate
Loves marshmallows
Loves nursery
Loves people
Talks back to the cartoon characters when they ask questions
Likes a cold bath with a teeny amount of water
Soaks up everything he can learn

We're excited to learn from Mr. Braylon too. We don't know how long we get to have him with us and we can't tell you all the details of why he's in foster care but we're glad a good little boy was placed with us. Prayers are always answered.

Gooch the Pooch

"I'll never forget the first time I saw your precious little face,

And saw your liquid eyes, warm as hot chocolate in a wintry place,

Saw your wagging tail, and your tiny black nose,

And felt your puppy fur, as soft as the petals of a rose.

You cocked your little head, and licked me on my chin,

And then you smiled at me with an adorable puppy grin.

Now when I awake, the first thing I race to see,

Is that same puppy smile glowing up at me.

Though now it's on a muzzle that's growing old and gray,

It's still the same smile I saw that very first day.

You leap up to greet me, eyes shining with love,

You rest your head upon my side, as gentle as a dove.

Then for a bit I'll stroke your head, and rub behind your ear,

And then I'll begin to walk away, and call for you to "come here."

You follow me on lively paws, still jovial as a pup,

 That reminds me that though [six] years have passed, and your almond eyes have clouded up,

You're still the same puppy, playful and gay,

Whose eyes I gazed into that very first day.

You're my wonderful dog, with a spirit both docile and free,

And every day how much happiness and laughter you bring to me!

For [six] years you've taught me to be the best person I can be,

And you've done that by loving me unconditionally.

I look forward to many more years with you by my side,

For I know that's where you'll be as long as you're alive,

And I know if you could speak, this is what you'd say,

"I'm so glad I got you that very first day." -Savannah of Newton, NC

Happy Birthday to the best the best dog ever! Although we're a day late I'm still 

going to try and get a carrot/peanut butter cake made for him tonight. Love this fun loving, happy, adventurous 'lil guy.

Happy 6th birthday Gooch! 

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween!
Kurt and I were invited to party at the neighbors that sadly I had to attend without him since he was at the Notre Dam game. But I had a great time and luckily had an easy costume just hanging out in our costume bin.

Clown

Each year our ward celebrates the holiday with a Chili Cookoff and Carnival. I took a nice big crockpot of Chili that unfortunately wasn't touched. My serving spoon was being used in someone else's pot. Next year I'll present it differently so hopefully I don't have to eat leftovers for that long.

Kurt went as a janitor and I'm GI Jane I guess

Love the keys Janitor Wayne is sporting. He was funny mopping the gym floor between the tables during the party.

Tonight rather than get up from the couch every 3 seconds to hand out candy to all the Trick or Treaters Kurt asked if we could just get out of the house and do something fun for us. How selfish I know, but I was happy with where this train of thought was going. We decided we're gonna go out to dinner and then hit a 7:15 showing of The Dark Knight Rises. Suiting for halloween I think though I didn't love the 2nd Batman show and hope this one isn't as heavy.

Poor Gooch will have to celebrate his 6th birthday tomorrow with a carrott peanut butter cake and a new Arobie frisbee. Hopefully he doesn't know the difference. Sure love that guy.

Have a save and happy Halloween!

We Got A Call

Well since I found out who our foster consultant is I decided I would call him every Monday to help keep our names in his memory in case a match comes up. Last week I left a message and emailed him. Today when I called he answered on his way to work. He asked a few questions about us and then told me to keep bugging him.

A few minutes later he called me back and asked if I was really serious about being ready and I told him that while I was really nervous about the whole thing I was indeed ready. He told me about two kids that had just been taken from their parents and that this would be a long placement with reunification efforts... he was talking really fast but I did pick up that it was a 5 year old girl and 7 year old boy. I stopped him and said I only have one room and that I thought the kids had to be the same gender to share a room. He said he would check on this situation and age and get back to me.

I hung up the phone with him and immediately called Kurt. My heart was racing and I could tell my nerves would get the best of me. As I told him we had gotten a call I had to stop myself several times to control the urge to bawl. We talked about the situation and realized that it probably wouldn't work out since we only have the one spare room, but just to be safe Kurt reminded me of the list of questions we planned to ask before accepting any children. It's kinda funny really. My mind was no were close to that list and I think I would prematurely have said yes to any kind of placement.

Our consultant called back a few minutes later and said I was right and it wouldn't work for us. He apologized but told me again to keep bugging him to keep our names in mind.

I have to admit my heart was racing and a flood of emotions hit me. That's right in the area of the perfect age group. So anyways we're on the radar but we're gonna have to wait for another call. 

Dolphins and a whole lotta love

Many years ago while on my church mission in Monterrey California, I  was standing on the beach watching the waves and closed my eyes as the wind brushed through my hair. It had been several years since I had been to the ocean and the sand between my toes was bringing me back to memorable times. It felt so serene and peaceful. 

Just moments after pulling off the road and digging my feet deep into the sand something rolled out of and back into the water. My heart stopped. Again there was another roll and another. Dolphins! There had to be at least 4 cruising the shores and moving along the beach where I stood. Emotions of love from a Heavenly Father overwhelmed me. Never before had I ever seen a real life dolphin, and I knew this was no coincidence this sweet evening. Some how He knew this would send His message of love to me without me even knowing I was waiting for it. He let me know that day He knows me.

I thought by getting licensed as a foster parent Kurt and I would be immediately called and have children placed in our home. I mean why not? They seemed to have a need and both ladies that came to speak with us told us they liked what they saw and could tell Kurt and I were happily married. I try not to think about it too much but unknown telephone numbers are triggers and of course the friends, family and coworkers who out of sincere anticipation and curiosity continue to ask the dreaded question, “Well… have you heard anything!?” Maybe it isn't the question I dread so much but the answer I have to give, “No. Nothing yet.”

I feel as though emotions that I've conquered in the past are now coming back to haunt me. Why does this have to be so hard? Why not me? What am I doing wrong? Is this what I’m supposed to be doing? I thought I went with a guaranteed option for results and still the Lord is holding this blessing from me.

 It can be frustrating, and I sure as heck feel anything but strong. I generally try not to talk about it so it doesn't linger too long in my thoughts. 

It's hard not having control over this. There really is no guarantee in this life. The thing that keeps me going is the knowledge I have that my Heavenly Father loves me. He knows me now just as I realized 10 years ago standing on the beach overcome with His love for me that He knew me then. This awareness helps give me courage to face the trials that I encounter in this life.

The young woman theme begins “We are daughters of a Heavenly Father who loves us and we love him.” I guess I never realized how deeply important it is to remember how loved I am by my Father in Heaven. How much He desires to bless me and how He aches for my sorrows even more than I do. Now it is my turn to show my faith in Him that I humbly love and will forever honor Him; so I will continue to wait, for His timing is best.