Let the Games Begin...

...or at least the home study!

We met our social worker today.  She's awesome.  She noticed right away that I cleaned for her, so she made sure to conduct the safety audit today so that I wouldn't have to clean so much for her next visit.  ;)

She conducted the beginning of our interview as a couple, as well as my individual interview, and Jon's individual interview.  Jon was so sweet during his interview.  She asked him about school and friends.  He mentioned that ALL of the kids in his class are his friends.  He also told her that he NEVER gets into trouble, but was sure to mention the names of the kids who do!  He told her that he would really like a sister AND a brother, and if he gets a sister, he wants to paint her room pink.

Owen kindly told her about the mouse that I killed.  And he walked into the room holding a Ninja Turtle at one point and said, "Disgusting brain butt!"  Jonathan kept to himself for the most part, with the exception of his interview, but Owen was really interested in our social worker.  He tickled her and showed her his stuffed animals and blankets.  When I was asked to share about each boys' personality, she cut me off and asked if Owen is mischievous.  She hit the nail on the head with that one!

Overall, it was a great visit that lasted a little over three hours.  We'll hear from her next week to setup more interviews with her.  So excited to be on this journey with my family!

March 2015

Just a few fun moments from the month of March.  We are enjoying the warmer weather (most days) and spending time as a family of four as we prepare to grow our family through the miraculous gift of adoption in the next year or so.

Love that grin!

Those eyes...

"Reading" in his "clubhouse"

Praying before breakfast

Checking out the free Bible for Kids app ~ it's awesome

Preschool

Jonathan continues to receive both occupational therapy and physical therapy each week.  Based on the recommendation of his OT, Miss Patti, Jonathan started preschool at Morgan Elementary yesterday.  He will go there and then Darin will take him to Miss Colleen's house.  Miss Colleen has provided Jonathan and Owen with a tremendous amount of love each day for the past two years, being sure to fill our shoes while we are at work.  She has taught Jonathan how to read and write, share, and helped him grow spiritually.  She has done so much for our boys, and we are so thankful she answered God's calling to care for and educate our boys.  Unfortunately, our boys will not be homeschooled long-term, so they also need to be put into large-group social settings.  Jonathan struggles in large group settings, and has been having nightmares about starting kindergarten.  So, we decided to start him in preschool for the last two months of the school year so that he is more prepared (socially) for kindergarten.  Knowing that he was frightened about starting school, Miss Colleen taught him this verse to help him remember that God is always with him, and to help alleviate his fears:

Have I not commanded you? 

Be strong and courageous. 

Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged,

for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. 

~ Joshua 1:9

He recited this multiple times the morning of his first day of preschool, and we prayed with him before we went into the building.  Our sweet little boy was a bit clingy at first, but eventually let go of the death grip he had on my arm and joined his classmates at the table.  His teacher said that he followed the routine well and had a great day.  He was excited to go back the next day, which is definitely a win!

Showing off his backpack ~ day one

Could he be any cuter? ~ day one

Love my silly boy ~ day two

His cubby and mailbox ~ day two 

Attendance tree ~ day two

Morning seat work ~ day two