Saturday~ Well, today wasn't all that exciting. Driving, driving, and more driving. About 9.5 hours total, including stops for food, gas, and potty breaks. But we made it! We're now in Myrtle Beach and headed to bed. **A note to those with little ones and traveling, if you can download a relaxation app of some sort to your phone (we used an older phone that we didn't need), attach a speaker to it, then play it at night or during nap time. It helps to block out noises from the hallway or the noise outside as well as allow you and the hubby to be able to make a little noise and chat without waking the children. We use it at home too. But, I have found it SO helpful here on vacation. So many people scream crazily outside, but the kids don't have a clue. ** Sunday~ It's cold today, about 55 degrees. Perhaps this was too soon to head to the beach. Next time we'll be sure to come later in the year. We ate out for breakfast, as we still need to shop for food. Each child had their fill, and it was a normal amount. I even tried to give my food away because I was full. They wanted it but said they were too full. I know it doesn't seem like an achievement for many. But, it was 11am when we finally ate breakfast, which is 2 hours late (because we were a little slow moving this morning), and they (all 9, even those who 8 months ago didn't know the meaning of the word "full") were too full to eat more. They knew their bodies were finished. That is so huge. Then we headed to the beach to look around, took some pictures, collected some shells, walked back to our place, ate and watched a movie to relax, then headed to Walmart. We're on the 5th floor, so when it was time to bring the groceries up, we decided to send the older kids to go up and down to bring in bags. Chris stayed with the van and groceries beside the main door, me in the condo/hotel. I was a little nervous, but they were so excited with their big kid responsibility. They were so fast and did a great job, proving they were ready. I admit - I'm a still feeling the jitters from letting them out of my site. The "bigs" said, "Mom! Is this the first time we've ever been on an elevator alone?" "Yep, sure was!" The smaller kids and I would have everything put away by the time the next load came in. I tell ya, having a large family sure does make things go faster, more smoothly, and I love all of the team work. I really enjoy all the things we can do together as a team. I love teaching them to work together and watching them have so much fun helping out. It brings me joy deep down, ya know?! Tuesday~ weather is warming up some, so we are able to play in the ocean and sand more. I expected to be a bit stressed trying to keep them together, making sure no one got too far out, making sure no one got too far to the left or right of our "spot". But it's not anything like that. A few (like 2-3) times we called out to let them know they were getting too far, and everyone understood that and tried to stay in a good distance from the family's "spot". We played with them for a long time then sat back and relaxed as we watching everyone play together. Some kids prefer shell searching, some jumping over the waves, some covering themselves in the sand, and others just going around doing a little of everything. Abi collected some clams, put them in a boat with some water and sand, and we got to see them open up and start to search for food. No one really wanted to make sand castles. Someone said it looked like we had like 20 kids we were watching. But, Chris said, "Oh, no. We only have 10 (counting our little one in the tummy)." Came back to our place for some lunch, then headed to the pool area. The kids loved the lazy river, but not the kid's play/swim area so much. The water was very cold. Wednesday~ Today wasn't so warm, but we did swim in the pool. After the pool, we ventured out to eat and found a place called Cook Out that had a cross made with antlers inside above the drinks. There was Christian music playing and scriptures on each cup. So, if you're heading to Myrtle Beach, we hope you stop by and support this business! I'm not sure why, but a guy there took pictures of our family with his phone. He didn't ask permission, and we weren't sure what to do. After eating, we went to ride some rides, and as we were trying to figure out how many tickets we could afford, two teen girls (that we had seen at Cook Out - the Christian restaurant) gave us 12 tickets! We purchased enough so that everyone (except me because I'm pregnant) could ride 3 rides. Can't really do a ton, as boy are the tickets/rides expensive. Then at the end, we tried riding the train. It was too many tickets. We were 9 short, but the man who drove the train told us to come on aboard anyway. And, Momma got to ride this one too! After the rides, we went and got our flashlights for a night time adventure walking by the beach. Everyone gathered some shells, especially ones with holes in them to make necklaces. Thursday & Friday~ Had a relaxing day at the ocean, playing in the waves and sand, then in the pool too. Saturday~Heading home now! I am not ready for Chris to return to work, but me and the kids are ready to be home. Our house sold! Thank God! It happened at just the right time so that we could actually take a vacation before baby SJ gets here. And our tax returns are allowing us to afford a nice vacation for our first time as a family of 11. I have to tell ya - I'm SO excited. This post is long, and mostly intended for us and maybe our family if they want to read it. It's so long, so I'm not sure if anyone else will care. But, you're welcome to read it if ya want! Just a hint - large family vacations are super enjoyable and not at the stress creator I imagined. Here goes... I don't think I've ever had so much fun on a vacation. It's certainly not what I ever expected. I thought I'd be frantically making sure everyone was together so as not to lose anyone, and I figured I'd need to fake having a good time so my kids wouldn't see how hard it is to keep everyone safe. But, it isn't that way at all. Our first day on vacation was spent driving. Uggh. No one looks forward to that part, right! I had spent the day before explaining what was about to happen, that we'd drive through several states in the United States, that we'd still be in America, but that America was pretty big and it would feel like we'd left the country or something. I explained where we'd go first, then second, then that we'd come back home...this explanation was just to instill in them that we are leaving but this is our home that we will come back so. If I were one of our newly adopted children, I'd be stressed leaving my home again. So, I just wanted to make sure it was all clear that it was kind of like a long weekend - a long long weekend in which there was no school and Daddy would be off too. I gotta say - I think preparing the kids beforehand really does pay off because Saturday we traveled from early morning until nearly midnight. We only stopped to stretch (mainly for pregnant Mamma here), potty, grab food (we mostly ate in the van), and fill up with gas...and all at the same time. I explained on Friday that we'd need to try to hold our pee, if possible, until we fill up with gas; that when we stopped, even if you didn't need to go, please try. I then told them why - because the less we stop for ONLY potty breaks, the faster we will get there! And they all said, "OHHHHHH!" I think they liked the 'getting there' part. They did great! The TV helped. Chris installed a TV in our van for movies, which was such a major luxury for us. But even when it had a glitch, and we needed to wait to stop and fix it, the van was simply filled with chatter and giggles from my precious crew. After 15 or so hours of driving, we made it to Florida! Sunday~ Sunday morning we had our timeshare meeting. You know, the 90 minute meetings that turn into 3 or MORE hours of talking. We've been doing this for years and love the stay in a time share condo. I married a financial analyst, and my own degree was in accounting. I probably don't need to say much more, right! We said no. A lot. Chris tries to teach them about how it's really not that great of a deal. This time, we got some validation. After speaking with the sales rep, her manager, then the big boss man, and then a guy to sell us a credit card, I think we can feel certain that some of these people do know that the numbers they present just don't add up. The big boss man stated before leaving, "Yes, I do understand what you are saying, and then some. I have my MBA. My interest is in the company. So, regardless of my personal opinion, I will only speak in the best interest of the company. I do understand what you are saying...and then some." For the first time, in about 11 years of meeting with timeshare people, this guy validated my hubby in "not so direct" words. But there was a free breakfast, so that was nice. And, our kids can EAT! Yet, they all, even those who were raised in an orphanage for many years, were able to realize that they were full this time. For those who don't know - this is a huge deal. They ALL felt full and wanted to stop eating. When we first met them, they had the intense desire to eat all that was seen. So, if food was sitting out - like at this breakfast buffet - they needed to consume it because they'd likely not get the opportunity when they got hungry again. Then we shopped for food. We were all looking forward to swimming in the warmer weather, but I told everyone that we needed to be calm for a little bit longer because if we swim, we'll get hungry, then what will we eat. That settled it, everyone wanted to get some shopping done, THEN swim. And, swim we did. I am amazed that I can actually sit with my swollen feet and just watch my 9 play together, with minimal redirection, and just enjoy the beautiful view. In May and June of last year, I was in freak-out mode looking at the wild animal behavior in the children we were bringing home. I hesitate to be so honest, but then again, I want others to know the transformation. I want my own kids to know the transformation that many of them have been through. The reason - if you're looking at adopting older children, or if my children are reading this later on and are looking into adopting as well - people can change so drastically when they are loved. As I sat in the orphanage yards, I thought my life would be so difficult upon returning home and trying to train these children (but - I'm so sorry - they didn't act like people at all) to be more civilized. Yet here we are just 8 months later and no one would ever know. Someone said today, "Wow - you have such good control over your children. You all are working together so well." Eight months ago, that's not anything I would have ever dreamed would be a reality. And, I certainly thought that I'd never be able to sit on the side of a pool while my kids play. I imagined having to constantly be "on my toes" and never relaxing. I am so grateful that isn't true at all. Sometimes I just need a break. Is that selfish? Maybe. I hope it's not too selfish though because I plan do play some then relax my still swollen feet when we play at the pool today. I think I can play a little more though, as my feet are making their way back to a normal size and don't feel so much like water balloons. After swimming, my kids were waiting for dinner to be served (we got locked out of the condo, so we were a little late with dinner) and could barely keep their little eyes opened. Dinner was served, and they were all tucked in bed and snoozing. Tuesday ~ After an early breakfast, we headed to...wait for it....wait for it...DISNEY WORLD! AHHH! We could never afford this, but God provided in some crazy great ways. The day was just great - riding rides together, laughing together, and just having a great time together. I love that our kids weren't greedy over any balloon or light up gadget that they saw. We heard, "Thank you for bringing us here," about a thousand times. And while we are watched wherever we go, while people ask us lots of questions and are curious if all of these children are really ours, not one person made a negative comment. Our Ukrainian born children sometimes can't handle this type of excitement. Often it brings out weird and mean behaviors. And, I was a little concerned about this, so I had spoken to them a little here and a little there before this big day in hopes of preparing them to handle the excitement and to simply be excited. I guess it worked, as everyone was just so wonderful. I mean, there were the typical grouchies that happen when hunger hits or something. There were the redirections that are often needed from Mommas and Pappas, but it was all so mild. Even our 1.5 hour wait in line to see a couple of princesses was the envy of all the kids around. Just kidding - not really the "envy", but kids from other families were staring and smiling. Our kids played and played with each other, laughed so deeply, got a little wild, but truly seemed to enjoy that LONG wait with no electronic help at all. I was an only child, and this is the kind of life I dreamed of for all these years. Our son J, after standing in line, said to me, "Mom, I like having a large family with lots of kids. It makes everything more fun." I have to say that I totally agree! So many people either asked me why I dress them all the same. Or people would comment on what a good idea that it is to dress them all the same. So, I thought I'd share why I do it because I think it's very helpful in many ways.
We have spent about 4 hours at the pool and are now back in our hotel room watching a movie. The kids were all playing so hard then I noticed they all seemed to be struggling in some way. H's eyes were red, and she came to me stating that her eyes weren't ok. A came to me to tell me the same thing. Then E said she was just done with the water and starting to look for bugs to play with, and so on. So, we decided to take a break indoors. I didn't realize we were out for so long, so I'm glad we came in to refuel. After some oranges, water, and cookies, the girls are watching a movie while the boys are playing with cars. Dinner is cooking, I'm writing today's activities down, and Daddy is sitting with the kids. Thursday ~ Disney World's Magic Kingdom, here we come...again! Shortly after getting to the Magic Kingdom, we needed a potty break, the sun started coming out from behind the clouds, and we made a stop to put on sunscreen. I did the body spray while Daddy did the faces. I noticed that there was a man, woman, and boy standing in what looked like a line by Chris. The boy asked why he was in line, and the dad said, "We're going to get some sunscreen." They just stood there watching each of our kids go up to Daddy and get sunscreen, and it occurred to me that they thought Chris was park worker giving out sunscreen. I noticed the sign behind where Chris was standing, that you can see below in the picture below. I quickly said, "Sir, are you in line?" He said, "Yes, we're waiting for sunscreen." "Oh, well this is our family," I said. The wife quickly bolted with a shocked and embarrassed look on her face. "Um, OK, great!" was his fake "I'm happy for you" kind of reply. I replied, "Sir, this is all our family. We're just putting sunscreen on our kids. This is my husband." He just looked at me and stood in line. Chris noticed our conversation and the boy and father still eagerly waiting in line for free sunscreen. Chris offered him some and said to just wait a minute for when he finished with his kids. The dad seemed to then realize something. He looked at Chris and said, "OH! I thought this was a park thing. You know, sunscreen stations?" Chris and I said, "No, we're just putting sunscreen on our family." Then we laughed, they fled the scene, and we took a picture. Notice the sign that we happened to be standing b y.... Dumbo was way more fun than I ever remember. The kids made it go up and down so fast and my baby carrying tummy was so tickled that I couldn't stop laughing. Even waiting in line was fun. The kids would make up silly games while we waited. I remembered that I grabbed some maps from the entrance, and I handed those out to the kids. I put their names on them so that anyone who lost theirs couldn't just claim another's. I thought it would be a good chance to be responsible (a little training in our fun day). The kids spent an hour exploring the map. I showed them where we were, where we had been, and answered so many questions about the different symbols. Then that game progressed into a game of hiding the map on someone (usually me) and seeing who can find it. Meanwhile, Chris was advocating for the many children left behind at the orphanage. There was a couple in front of us who were thinking about adoption. Chris answered their questions and shared our experiences. It made me so happy to see him talking all about adoption. We sat down for a snack and some candy. Some of the kids got to feel our baby move. Baby SJ was quite active for a period while we were sitting yesterday, so the kids got to feel him move. While we were snacking, a lady locked her stroller about 6 ft away, sent her family off to the restrooms, and just watched us for about 30 minutes. I do mean that she JUST watched us. If we were a TV show, I'd expect this. Or if we were making some sort of scene. But, we were just sitting and snacking. A few kids came and stood in front of us about 1 and 2 feet away and commented on how there are a lot of kids with matching shirts with another brother or sister on the way. I have no idea where their parents were. They just watched us for about 5 minutes, saying very little more, then went on their way. Odd thing is, my kids didn't seem to notice. They were too involved in their imaginative play with one another. Jonathan began to feel lethargic about this time and asked if we could go to the van to sleep. When he said that, I knew something was wrong. We may be heading to the doctor here, as three of us battled strep last week. I figure he might have that now. We waited in line for the Pooh Bear ride, but it broke and got shut down. Still the worker we were talking to told us to definitely go see Bell because the kids could get a part in the story. Our kids are more outgoing now with so many children, so each one wanted to have a part in the story. Once the story was complete, they each got a picture with Bell. I highly recommend this if you have girls. Our boys also loved it! We found a great spot for the fireworks without so many people. I had been concerned how we would navigate our large family midst the crowd and not lose anyone. But the spot we found had few people and allowed us to see all the action. Once the fireworks were over, we waited for the few people to scatter about, then we went toward the castle to see the Celebrate the Magic show . The kids said this was their favorite part. They were singing "Let it Go" all the way to the tram. Friday ~ It's our last day here in Orlando, and it seems we are all a little tired. It's a pool and movie kind of day. We watched Monsters University for the first time in the free theater where we are staying. Our Ukrainian born kids are sore today, as they usually are from any physical exercise. While they are so very strong, they are so very out of shape! They have gotten into much better shape, but I can tell that the winter has them - and us all, obviously - out of shape. But they are asking us for massage after massage on their sore muscles, while our American born kids say they are fine. They tell me they never left the orphanage except for school (for 4 of them), so I guess they just didn't get enough exercise there. Saturday ~ We checked out of our place and headed to Myrtle Beach, SC. I have been so excited to see all 9 of my babies playing in the sand and jumping over waves. I'll make another blog post for Week 2! My husband calls me "full-throttle." Thankfully, he also says I'm running at about 75% after 10 years, 11 months and 19 days of marriage. On a good day, I'd say I'm passionate. On a bad day, I'm pushing the gas petal with all I've got. I've been asking God to help me to slow down.
I'm looking too far into the future, and my ministry partner is pushing the brakes with all he's got. As I, the heavy footed gas petal in our ministry, am trying to slow down, I am praying that God puts my ministry partner and I at a similar pace (from my limited view, of course). Even as I stand still, progress is being made. I tend to be so heavy footed that I miss God at work, and in my standing still, with my foot removed from the petal, I see God's salvation. God just wants me to go from seeing a blur to taking in the scenery for a while. He moved us to the country, and while I should have taken His hint, I found a way to get through these winding roads in a huge 14 passenger van, at a pretty quick pace. Thankfully, He hasn't given up on me and reminded me yet again to take in the scenery. God spoke to me this morning, and continues to speak to me through this little note that a friend posted on Facebook from a devotional. "Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord." ~Exodus 14:13 These words contain God's command to the believer when he is reduced to great straits and brought into extraordinary difficulties. He cannot retreat; he cannot go forward; he is shut upon the right hand and on the left... The Master's word to him is "stand still". It will be well for him if, at such times, he listens only to his Master's word, for other and evil advisers come with their suggestions. Despair whispers, "Lie down and die; give it all up." But God would have us put on a cheerful courage, and even in our worst times, rejoice in His love and faithfulness... What if for a while thou art called to stand still; yet this is but to renew thy strength for some greater advance in due time. Precipitancy cries, "Do something; stir yourself; to stand still and wait is sheer idleness." We must be doing something all at once-we must do it, so we think-instead of looking to the Lord, who will not only do something, but will do everything. Presumption boasts, "If the sea be before you, march into it, and expect a miracle." But faith listens neither to Presumption, nor Despair, nor to Cowardice, nor to Precipitancy, but it hears God say, "Stand still", and immovable as a rock it stands. "Stand still"-keep the posture of an upright man, ready for action, expecting further orders, cheerful and patiently awaiting the directing voice; and it will not be long ere God shall say to you, as distinctly as Moses said it to the people of Israel, "Go forward". OH, how I love when the Lord speaks. And, this scenery He's put all around me is quite beautiful! Standing still isn't so bad after all. I just sang to my children before their nap and reminded them that we are having company tonight to talk with a couple who are hoping to adopt this year. I've been letting the kids know this for nearly a week now, and those who were from Ukraine are especially excited to know that this couple may be headed to Ukraine to "take a child and give it a mom and dad, a family, and food", as they usually say. As I was finishing up reminding them, E (whom I gave birth to) says,
"But, I don't want them to adopt me!!!" Thankfully those who are adopted spoke up quickly and said, "No, silly! They are going to adopt ORPHANS. You have a momma." Whew. But, just to be sure everyone knew that they weren't coming HERE to adopt, we discussed how I am theirs and they are mine. I've told them and told them, but I will tell them a thousand times over if I need to. With that, I should share another little something E said, as she says the cutest things: "Mom, the little guy is down the drain." "Did you wash your hands and the slug washed down the drain?" "Yes, that is what happened. Mom, I don't want you to be dead, and I don't want my little guy to be dead either. I wish he didn't go down the drain. I just love you so much. And, I loved my little guy too." And at the eye doctor last week, she says to the doctor, "What's that big gold sticker on that picture up there?" Doc says, "It's my degree. I had to do a lot of school to get that so that I can be a doctor." "So, you did a lot of school, and then your teacher just GAVE (lots of emphasis) that big gold sticker to you????" "Um, ya, something like that," the doctor chuckled. "HEY, MOM!..." and E comes to tell me about how she wants to get a gold sticker like that so we need to go home and do some school. So, in the last few weeks we've been on vacation and been to the eye doctor. 1 more in glasses currently, and very likely to have more in the next year or two. But, healthy eyes for the most part. We have a few who weren't stimulated well as babies and lack some focusing ability due to it. It's something I already knew, but it is nice to have it confirmed. We're not going to do anything about it (like glasses) except for try some therapy once I research and know more about what is available. As for our vacation, I have a whole blog saved to share with you. I'm just waiting for our computer to upload the pictures. It's a bit slow uploading. |
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November 2017
AuthorI'm Brooke - Daughter of the King, Wife to a loving husband, mother to 10 sweet blessings, teacher, cleaning lady, cook, and COO of the Lusher Family. Categories |