First Day of School

Yesterday was the twins first day of school. They were VERY excited to start the ladybug class and Brooke was especially excited to wear her ladybug dress her Mimi made her. We are very lucky we have the same teachers as last year which is going to give them a stable foundation to build on. I think they are some of the best teachers at the school because they truly love the kids so much. Even though they have the same teachers they have almost all new friends to meet. There is just one thing I love the best is to see children show true joy and let me tell you when they got to their class they felt right at home and were so happy!

11 months old Today!

Our Sweet Jonas turns 11 months old today and has now been home with us for 4 months. His personality has blossomed even more .. I think he's one smart cookie and loves to talk. His favorite word is still Dada and says it about a hundred times a day:) Other words now include Dana (aunt), bubba for Parker, br for brooke, dg for doggie, b for ball, and occasionally you can caught him saying Mama. He has really slowed down on the eating department as he just doesn't seem interested... but might be because of the two little bottom teeth that showed up last week. The only food he has been loving is any carbs ..goldfish crackers, cheerios and bread. I think with attaching it's going well as he hates when I leave the room and does a nice piercing scream to get me to come back. Plus, as soon as someone holds him he looks to me for approval. They are all great signs!

He has shown a temper when he gets frustrated .. I think because he wants to communicate so badly... it seems to happen when he's wanting something and I'm not sure what it is. He is crawling very fast as he was chasing Parker tonight around the kitchen. He pulls up on any piece of furniture he can gets his hands on plus when he's distracted he will let go with something in his hand not realizing he's standing on his own. I really don't think it's going to be long before he's walking all over the place.

The last week or so he has started some new dance moves with a bounce while swaying his head back n forth... too funny. He's definitely got more soul and rhythm than any of us as he's on beat every time. He sleeps GREAT and on occasion I have to go in to put in his passie. One of my favorite things Jonas does is his kisses... he wants to kiss you all day long ... just so sweet they sometimes just come out of no where.... ahhh

Jonas Scott is the cutest little blessing ever and I just can't imagine my life without him! I truly look into his eyes as my own biological child... it's crazy that I ever worried about loving him as much as my other two! He's stole my heart for sure! I treasure the moments I get to spend one on one time with him as he just loves the undivided attention. Which is about to become more as Brooke and Parker head back to school next week. Happy 11 Month Birthday Jonas! I can't wait to see you with your smash cake on your 1st birthday I'm pretty sure your going to love it.

He was trying to eat the grass but I don't think he likes it..

Look at those eyelashes

I know picture overload but he's just so cute and I'm one proud mama:)

A Special Day

Yesterday was a very special day for our family... we finalized our adoption of Jonas. Just so you know: The term "readoption" refers to the process by which the Florida court recognizes the intercountry adoptions proceedings and issues a Final Judgment of Adoption. The purpose of the readoption is to ensure that your adopted child is entitled to all of the rights he or she should have under U.S. and state law thus validating the intercountry adoptions.

We arrived at the courthouse bright and early at 8am. We made it through the long lines of security just a few minutes late :). where we found our friends also waiting. Everyone had their red, white and blue outfits on.

We were trying to keep the kids entertained until they called us inside the courtroom.

Mimi, Pops, Gigi and cousins joined us to witness Jonas' big day.

Finally after an hour we were lead into the courtroom... with 10 children it was a little busy trying to have everyone pile in. Our friends went first, the picture below is them swearing in under oath. They asked a series of easy questions and the final question was "are you wanting your children to become naturally ours?" Choked me up.. to hear "naturally" melted my heart.

Scott and I went next and of course Jonas was a ham in front of the judge. He got the whole court room laughing with his laugh and he kept doing it to get everyone's reaction... too cute. Scott and I got a little emotional thinking how special this little guys is and telling the judge about it. Again they asked us if we are wanting him to become naturally ours. OH YES!

One of my prayer request to my girls bible study last year was that Jessica and I could travel together which wasn't possible but I do think today he answered my prayer by letting us finish this journey together. It was such a special treat to share such a memorble moment with them. We think of them as part of our family and just so blessed to have had them to walk this journey with.

Living with the Image of God

Today I heard a sermon that I wanted to share with you about how God spoke to me.

I don't know about you but I struggle... I feel like I fall short everyday. Some days I feel like I don't have much value or I get so overwhelmed thinking " is all this really making a difference?" I joke sometimes saying "another groundhog day" of all the same things to get done.

This sermon challenged me to look at it differently. We do all have value because we are made in the image of God. Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. He created each and everyone one of us .. he designed how many hairs we have on our heads to the tips of our toes nails. Every fine detail about us was created by God. Since he created us we share many of his characteristics. We have value and a purpose because he wouldn't have created us if we didn't. We all have the importance and are chosen to make this earth a place with God.

He also says ..

Thy Kingdom come,

thy will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven

He's going to make this place his Kingdom as it is in Heaven. He is coming to this planet so it's time for all of us to get ready. Just say if you had a special guest coming over for dinner .. really special like the mayor .. we would be frantically cleaning and preparing for him. We need to be doing the same . This is why we are made to bring his Kingdom to this earth. When you feel called to serve someone or help them, that is what it means to be a human being... he has designed us to crave that. Help us all to leave as servents of your kingdom, Lord. Our project is to devote yourself to the Kingdom of God... it's why we keep breathing for his purpose. He is inviting us to transform this world.. I don't know about you but today that gave me great value and purpose for my life! Even after all the diapers, meals and laundry I'm making a difference to three beautiful children made in the image of Gods. We can never be totally like God but we do have the ability to reflect his character in our love, patience, forgiveness, kindness and faithfulness. I do hope our children find Jesus as the answer someday but until then it's my job to love them just as God loves me.

Beach photos

For Scott's grandmother's 9oth birthday in June we had family photos taken, yes I'm finally posting them. It was hot and the kids were not in the mood at all but we were able to capture a few good ones... enjoy

The whole Armstrong GANG ..Happy 90th Birthday GIGI

The Widow = My Mom The Final Chapter

You can clearly see that my life has had it's share of trials but just as it says in the book of James 1:1-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trails of many kinds, because you know the testing of you faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. We all have trails in each season of life. It's just how are you going to deal with those trials when they come? Just like Jesus, his life did not come easy but the greatest gift in life came through his difficulty. I feel the same way... there is not one thing I would change about all the obstacles God chose for me in life so far. He has formed and transformed me to love Him even more.

After a few weeks of my mom being in the hospital, the doctors called me in and gave me her diagnoses of Schizophrenia and bi-polar disorder. It was not a shock and just a relief to know medications can now help her. If you have ever experienced someone with a mental disorder you would know it's hard to have options for them. My mom falls out of most options but one I found the best for her was to be in an assisted living facility. They would be able to keep her honest on her medications and watch over her closely. Within 24 hours of the hospital releasing her (it was a mad dash because they only gave us 24 hours notice that they were releasing her), I had found a great place for her to live where the director had a degree in mental health. She was a God sent! It was a rough road and my mom definitely had her up and down days of not liking or trusting me, but it was better than I expected. It had been a roller coaster ride but she was finally somewhat stable and most importantly safe! God had carried me and provided the way... I trusted Him with every step!

My wedding was approaching (only a month away!) and I knew attending my wedding would just be too much for my mom. I had to let it go and understood she just couldn't be there or be a part of it. I was worried about the details and wasn't sure I was going to be able to pull everything off with all that had happened. Why did I have doubt? God showed up in big ways! Our minster we found happened to know my mom's family and was a pastor in their very small town many years ago, an aunt on my husband's side did all the flowers for us, another family friend did all the invitations, my uncle filled my dad's shoes and was there to walk me down the isle, and just about every family member was going to attend! It was the biggest moment in my life and I just couldn't believe the outpouring of love all around me... God knew I needed the love:) Families were united on both sides... to me it was just pure joy to feel so much love! Our rehearsal dinner was very emotional and gorgeous to look out at all the amazing friends and family... truly a gift! I knew Scott and I were going to have a blessed life. Our wedding day was here and I woke up early to enjoy time with the Lord... Thank you Lord for this blessing, it was more than I had ever dreamed of! I couldn't wait to call Scott my husband... to start a new life together as a new family was something that I had desired all of my life. All the hardships brought that day together to be so wonderful and made me appreciate all that I had.

Of course every wedding has it's set of problems but I didn't let them bother me as they weren't what represented the day. Occasionally throughout the day my mom and dad would cross my mind wishing they could be here to experience this. Even though my mom and I had our differences, God deeply rooted my love for her. Roles had changed and I realized it's now my turn to care for her. That afternoon the bridesmaids and I were in the church sanctuary taking our last pictures before the guests arrived, and you would never believe who came walking though the front door of the church... my mom! My aunt had brought her to surprise me... needless to say, there wasn't a dry eye in the place. I gave her a huge hug and just couldn't believe she was there! WOW it was a miracle! Many bridesmaids were able to meet her for the first time. She said she would sit in the back to avoid too many people which was GREAT with me... I was just so happy she was there! I couldn't wait to share it with Scott that she had made it. Just when I thought I couldn't have felt anymore loved!

Before I walked down the isle I felt the warmth of Jesus when the sun shining down on my face. My dad was watching and I knew he was so proud of me that day. I know he was thankful for taking over his role and caring for her. It was a pivotal moment in my life because I was closing a long difficult chapter and I was starting a new life... one with a wonderful husband and mom that I had a renewed love for.

This picture was taken right after we got married... we grabbed my mom before she could sneak away.

We have been married almost 7 years now and I have continued to care for my mom all these years. We have had our set of difficulties and there are days it's really hard and I hate to have to care for a mom that needs me. I think "why do I care for a women that sometimes doesn't even look at me as her daughter?" Because God cares for me even when I don't turn to Him as my father! God continues to be faithful and renew my love for her each time I struggle. I don't get much back in our relationship but I do have an unbelievable compassion for her! That could only be from God... He has given me eyes to see her as a child of His and that He calls me to care for her. I will be forever dedicated to provide the best life for her I can... she deserves that. I know it's hard to love people unconditionally but just think, Jesus does it every minute of the day. In the last few years she has had a few health setbacks but I can honestly say she is doing much better today than ever before! This last month I have decided to move her to an more independent living. She's really been wanting to do this for awhile and I'm finally taking that leap of faith. The building still has assisted living in case we need it but I do feel she ready. Which is amazing she's come so far!! Please join us in prayer that she can handle it all.

Last week was the first time I have been to the beach with her since I was a child. I stopped to enjoy the moment with her in the pool (first time in a pool for her in more than 10 years)... as I watched her my heart melted and I said to myself "thank you Lord, for she is a gift and I have learned so much through her and she challenges me to be a better person, I do love her, I do love you mom... forever! and I'm here for you until the end no matter what!"

James1:27 to look after orphans and widows in their distress

The Widow = My Mom Part 5

I want to apologize for leaving you hanging for so long! If I was a reader I'd be wondering if I was ever going to come back:) I hope at least now you were able to catch up. I took a short trip to the beach which I will share in a later post. But Yes, I sure did take in and appreciate what a huge God we have to make such a wonderful gift as the beach!

So where was I?... oh yes... driving down again, this time to get my mother. This drive was so different from driving down before... I had a mission and all my adrenaline was going and I was ready! It was like my mind had kicked into a different gear... going to rescue her. It was time to do all that I could to get her out of that house and get her some help! I was ready but really didn't have a solid plan... I was calling making all the arrangements during the drive. Every phone call opened up doors... God was working out all the details! Here's a really awesome part... one of my best friends, that also was a bridesmaid in my wedding, worked at a small Hospital that dealt with patients with mental problems. That was such a blessing and I was so thankful to have that gift! I called my friend to see if there was any rooms for her to be admitted that night. I knew it was going to be late when we got there but they said they would line up a counselor and they would find a room if she qualified. I also told them I was not going to tell her I was taking her there until the minute we got into the driveway because I knew she would not come with us if she knew. If we had her on the property then we could Baker Act her in the parking lot if she refused to come into the hospital. It felt scary as I just didn't know how badly my mom would react, but I knew that God was in control.... this was a child of His and He was going to protect her. After organizing the hospital, Scott and I needed to get our plan on how in the world we were going to get her out of the house. After coming up with a million different ways, we went with the simplest... telling her we are going to take her McDonald's (her favorite) for dinner then after that not drive back to the house but keep driving all the way to our town (4 hours away!) with her in the backseat with childproof locks on. If she asked where we were going I would tell her back to my town. The key we thought was for sure getting her in the back seat as I was really scared she would try to get out if we stopped.
After 4 hours of driving everything was in place as good as it was going to get. The nerves kicked in as we drove into the driveway of the house. Here we go...

As we knocked at the door she came right away, we walked in and the house looked the same if not worse. Oh she was just so sick... it broke my heart that she had been living here so long like this. She was surprised to see us, but I knew she was happy to see us. We sat down as she jumped around and pacing telling us weird stories of people she had found pictures of. Nothing she was saying really made any sense. Her nervous laugh was worse than I had ever heard it... it gave me chills every time she did it. She would run back into the bedroom to bring out something else to show us. She made us tea that was mixed with bread and other gross stuff. Scott and I couldn't stop looking at each other thinking there is no way we could drink this. The bathroom wasn't working and the whole house had been destroyed by trash. We spent a couple of hours there just stalling as I was nervous and couldn't pull the trigger to leave. One time she was in the bedroom getting something and I looked at Scott across the room and finally got the courage and said "are you ready?" He shook his head yes! She came out, my heart was racing, then I said "mom we want to take to you McDonald's". "Here we go" I thought as she grabbed her purse and said "OK." Then within seconds she jumped into the passenger side of the car... OH NO I thought! I couldn't say anything... I was shocked... I got into the backseat and prayed like crazy!!! We went to McDonald's and ate inside... I was thinking the whole time of a way to get her into that backseat! As we ate I was still nervous but knew we were doing the right thing! What kept me going was thinking "she is going to finally going to get the help she has needed for so long!" We returned to the car and again she jumped into the passenger seat... I had to let it go and trust the Lord is going to take care of her! My mom was still telling her stories non stop not really paying any attention as we kept driving. We both tried to keep her distracted by asking question to her made up stories. We passed downtown and I saw her grab the handle of the car door.. my heart sunk. Oh no, did she realize we were leaving? She kept her hand there! I just didn't want her to try to get out. We drove the long way back as we didn't want her to know where we were going. I would stop and think Oh My Gosh we are actually doing this! Thank you Lord!! After more than 20 years my mom was not in her town anymore. It was a miracle! I had texted my friend letting her know we were on our way. It was like having a 5 year old in the car as she looked out the window and we would say things like "look at those cows, wow look at those horses, look at the billboards" etc.. it was exhausting to keep her distracted. I just couldn't stop thinking "she hasn't asked once where we were going!?" It was amazing! Scott and I weren't really able to communicate only through the rear view mirror... we would look at each other to read each other's lips. We were both on high alert the entire drive... she rode with her hand on the door the entire time! We were finally approaching our city and she finally had fallen asleep. OK it's a miracle we are here but now our next step is the hospital... Lord, help me! If you don't know anything about mentally sick people, well one of their biggest fears is they think everyone is after them. That is the last thing I want her to think about me! We arrived at the hospital around 10 pm... as we were pulling into the driveway my mom wakes up and my heart sinks into my stomach! Scott pulls up and jumps out to tell them we were there. As he walks in, an ambulance pulls up and they pull someone out on a stretcher and she now knows we are at a hospital. It was silent until she said "where are we?" I panic and try to stall thinking "where is Scott?!" "Mom it's time for you to get help" I said.. tears filled my eyes. I told her where she was and she was mad and disappointed I would do something like this to her. My heart was crushed but I knew the Lord told me to get her and it was the right thing to do! She felt betrayed by me... but then the nurse came out, opened the car door and gave my mom her rights and told her to come in. Our friends were in the lobby and my heart felt so loved by them to have them there! God knew I needed that support! My mom went in with the counselor... all I was thinking was "she has to pass this interview to get into the place and if she doesn't then we're stuck with no place for her." We were sitting outside the door and could hear almost everything... she was showing her true colors which was GREAT! In the end they did have good reasons to admit her, and she was put on the lock down manic floor. She had been suicidal before and wanted to watch her closely. I gave her a hug and told her I love her and I wanted to get her help. I think she for the first time realized she needed help and a peace came over her willing to go.. I watched her as she walked down the hallway... the hallway of recovery!

Scott and I left that night with a closer bond than ever before knowing we just shared in something no one would ever understand! We were mentally and physically exhausted! Getting back to the house around midnight I called my grandmother (her mother) and told her " I GOT HER!!" She was shocked and I shared everything with her as we both cried tears of joy, hope, and relief! It was one of those days that I will never forget in my entire life. Growing up with a mom that was sick I had dreamed of getting her help for so long! It was a dream come true and I could have never done it without Jesus to lean on! I felt He used me for his Good that day! It was an out of body experience... He used me to save her and I'm so grateful! Our God is a powerful and almighty God that is all knowing and all protecting! My mom is His child and He saved her that day! The tears stream down my face writing this now knowing He took care of us and worked out every crazy detail for His good! Writing this is hard but I know again He is using this for His good... as I have lived these trials I know it is my duty to share them to help teach and show others. TRUST your WHOLE heart with Him and He will work out every detail of your life!

I have one more final chapter to share. To be continued...