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yeah, I'm serious

Yesterday, I was visiting a very dear friend in the hospital who had exploratory surgery on a tumor in her neck. I came in just as the oncologist was talking with her.

The results aren't known yet and that particular doctor wanted a complete history and understanding of Beth so that when the results come in (and if they're positive for malignancy) then they'll be very prepared to start aggressive treatment right away.

This is a mother of 6 girls....! She has blessed me SO MUCH in the past year and a half. Her life has and love has spilled over into ours and my kids affectionately refer to her as 'Grandma Beth'. She's welcomed us into her family. But that's not all. She's raised 6 amazing women who have also welcomed us. I have been especially blessed by Melinda and Katherine. These two WOMEN OF GOD have shown me much, loved us greatly and are now hurting.

And, as she wrote (her surgery was in her throat so she couldn't talk post-op) about beth Moore's study 'believing God' that she's teaching at her church. She said she asked God to do anything it took to shake someone's world. And as she wrote it, she rolled her eyes, threw up her hands and I knew she understood. As Christians we're called to do much, to have faith and to believe. His plan is perfect. Beth knows that He's going to use her through this, even if it's just to show how strong her faith is with the unknown, and her thankfulness if everything is found out to be healthy.

I hope that if/WHEN God calls me to walk through something this hard(be it cancer, or a crazy adoption process, or losing a child), that I glorify God in the same way as these strong women of faith have done (and ARE DOING)

For the amount of people who read this blog I think I'm safe sharing this bit of info.

Chip is one...that usually means I'd be pregnant again. I'm not. And both Nik and I are itching for another. BUT, we're not sure how that 'other' beautiful, perfect precious sibling to our boys will come...

I have always felt the call to adoption; I have always thought that I would adopt. I've been on the phone a lot in the past few weeks with different agencies talking about different things. We in no way have the money to start the process. But, I got an email from a friend who's walking the journey through adoption and hers was such a story of trust. Financially, emotionally, Spiritually. I know finances aren't going to stop us from adopting if that's God's plan, but we just don't know if we should get the ball rolling?

My gut is saying that God is whispering "trust me, have patience and I will show you when" and most times I feel like He's saying look a little deeper, take a step further...you know? All this is to say, can you pray for us? Thanks.

364 days old

To my Charlie,
Tomorrow you will be 1. 1 year ago tomorrow I saw your face for the first time, felt your fingers wrap around mine and took in your crooked little toe. You took my breath away when you looked up at me from your little cocoon of darkness. November 6th was the day that changed me. Your brothers changed me too. But you awakened the joy that they had started. It wasn't until you came along that I realized how fast it all goes and how I shouldn't wish away the tantrums or the snot all over my pants, hands, cheek, knees etc. those snot infested places mean that someone had smooshed their face into me out of love...or joy.
You, my Chip, are going to do wonderful things. I've been told by more than two others that they've had dreams of you, serving the Lord. I couldn't ask for anything else, for any of you. But you seem to have always come to mind when I think of what God has called me, as a mother to do. To bring you three up to know the Fear of God and to be men of integrity.
I will dirty my knees everyday on yours and your brothers' behalf. I will do whatever I'm called as your mama. I love you, I know these words aren't much or they aren't eloquent, but they're your mom's love poured out to you, this day...on the eve of your first birthday. May you grow into a man that honours and brings glory to my God, your Creator.

House blogging will commence *hopefully* soon. There are a few small things to finish and then...dun dun dunnnnn, finito Fiorito.

Well anyways. Things have been busy here at the Fiorito house. Nothing too new other than having it feel a little more organized. The goal is November 6th. That's Chip's first birthday, so it'll be nice to be able to invite a few people over for that. June 30th to November 6th. Four months. Not bad. Is it bad that it felt like 4 years though?

Oh, ps. Any ideas on a good first birthday idea? WE've invited our family in the past (all 45 of them...) but I don't think that it's really an option any more. I was thinking of an open house from 2 - 6 or something along those lines. But then, when is food time with the token smash of cake by baby's one year old hand? Open to ideas!

Repreve

What a great weekend I just had. I love my boys. LOVE. But, sometimes we all need a little break from each other. This was made apparent when I walked in the door to a clean house, folded laundry a one year old who chose this weekend to start sleeping through the night, a two and a half year old who also chose this time away from mama to potty train himself, and to top it all off said two and a half year old is responding WAY better to his dear old hag of a mother.

I'm not sure if I was just needing the break or if they were, but either way, we are all in a better place.

It was so lovely to see Katherine Z-top and get to hug her little soul. I meant what I said to those friends of hers in that big Minneapolis city. They better take care of her! haha.

I should go, I hear a faint scream...usually means some biting has occured.

ok, I'm thinking of going in a different direction with this blog and calling it,'The Chronicles of 430 Ambrose'. I have so many stories from this place already that I don't even know where to begin. And I've become accutely aware of the fact that this house will 'never' be done. My husband is too much of a go-getter to just sit and enjoy this house. I'm fine with that. In fact, that's one of the things that I love about that man. There are a lot of things that I love about him, but I'll save that for another post.

And, speaking of not knowing where to start. That's why I've been on a sort of blogging hiatus. I just don't know where to pick up. I have had a million things happen this summer, good, bad and all things in between. I don't know where to start. So why don't we just say that the slate has been wiped clean and I can start fresh? I'll post stories of memories of course, but as far as catching (all 12) of you up on my life, I think that it'll just have to be glimpes every once in a while as a memory will come to me.

So, onto NEW things. Finn started his first day of hockey. I KNOW! I never thought I'd be one of *those* moms. I didn't think we'd start our children in anything organized until they were a little older, or even a lot older. But, as I've gotten to know my eldest a little more. I've realized his need for preparation and interaction. So, with the thought that he'll be starting school in the near future I thought we'd dapple in a world of instruction from an unknown and making new friends while he's at it.

He did so well. We were a little nervous when they told Nik that they had enough volunteers that day and wouldn't be needing him on the ice. This was after a week of telling Finn that his dad would be with him. In the end, it was better. Finn didn't cry once even though he was the only kid (out of about 50) that couldn't stand on his skates. The gal spent the whole time teaching him how to get up if he falls. He had a huge smile on his face, which of course put a huge smile on our faces. Even Carson was proud of him; throwing his fist in the air and yelling "awwww, he fell. Yeah! He got up!" in a growly voice.

This was a nice change from what I had been expecting. I had resigned myself to the fact that Finnley would shut right down if someone new started talking to him. We'll see if he continues to love it as much. But if yesterday was any indication, this is going to be fun!