Calling all PRAYER WARRIORS!!

Oh, where to start.......many of you know the DeLuca family has had their fair share of trials the last year and a half...we are pretty hardy souls...but there are lines in the sand when you just have to throw up your hands ...for us, it's our health. Despite the stresses life may throw at you...we've always stayed true to one thought..."as long as everyone we love was healthy and on this planet, things will be ok". Lately, Mike has had some health challenges that has lead us to a very difficult situation that we desperately need prayers for.... andI'm going to try not to make this post an hour long!!!

Mike was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation about a month ago. We spent a LONGLONG day in the hospital getting his heart rhythm normal. It involved a lot of 'unpleasant' medications. He was started on a prevention medication, and the cardiologist was hopeful this was a 'flukee'. Many men in their 40's and 50's will deal with a-fib, and most don't have reoccurance. He was hopeful after a month, he'd come off his meds and we'd carry on as usual. The medication has had some side effects...nausea, fatigue ect...but we were hopeful this would just be for a month and they would lessen with time.

For my non-medical friends, A-fib is an electrical condition disorder of the heart when the top part does not pump...it 'vibrates' as opposed to contracting like it usually does to pump blood. If not treated and dealt with there is a risk of blood clots/strokes ect... Fortunately these are fairly rare occurances, most are controlled with medication...but it deserves serious attention to say the least.

We had already placed our home on the market to sell with this occured....it's no secret we were feeling a bit cramped here with our big'o family and small zoo. Also, our oldest had a "HORRIBLE" experience at high school that lead to having to a withdrawl and change schools mid-year. She's not been happy despite doing very well socially, and we were hoping the move would get her into a different school district. When Mike had his first heart arrthymia, we considered pulling the house off the market, but after the cardiologists mostly optimistic prognoisis and hearing the stories of many who had also dealt with this situation with very few reoccurance....we we hopeful it would be a one time thing .

AND THEN APRIL 3rd HAPPENED.

It started off as a fabulous day! After a great open house....we received 2 offers on our home resulting in a full asking price offer with a end of May closing - which was EXACTLY when we wanted to move.... We were very excited and a bit nervous as it was time to SERIOUSLY house hunt again! Unfortunatly we had a complete dejavu experince that night with Mike waking up from sleep with his heart out of rhythmn...he had 2 runs of Afib but they both 'converted' on their own and we were able to avoid the ER. We went right to the doctor the next morning...a bunch of tests are being ordered and a medication adjustment is planned once the results are in...Sadly, it didn't look like this was going to be a one time fluke as we'd hoped and this would be more complicated than we thought...and just as last time, the afib left Mike feeling drained and very fatigued for a few days.

We made the decision to not sell our home. While the exact cause of Afib is unknown, there were specific lifestyle modications the docs recommended including decreasing stress, caffeine and alcohol! (does anyone else find that recommendation as funny as I do!!!!!!!) Moving IS stressful, it demands a lot physically and emotionally especially when dealing with our 'atypical' group of kids who don't always respond to situations like most. Mike is NOT a 100% right now and when your health is uncertain it doesn't take long to forget about all your motivations for moving! Home size, property values and school district don't mean a thing if you don't feel your best!

In my heart I felt certain with our motivation for withdrawling most individuals would be understanding. Our realestate agent felt this way, and we heard stories of individual 'changing their minds' for alot less legit reason than ours without incidence. After all, they did not even have the contract 18 HOURS! when we notified them of our situation, and the housing market offers alot right now.

Sadly, they are feeling motivated to push us to withhold our end of the contract. At first I felt certain when they got over the shock and disappointment, they would realize our decision was not made to cause them harm...we strictly are protecting my husband's health. They are suing us.... their intent is to force us to sell our home to them reguardless of our reasons for withdrawling. From the first time I approached my agent, I expressed how we regretted the inconvience and emotions it caused the buyer, and even joked about sending a note once everything was finalized...but lets be real...it wasn't even 24hours! We of course have also sought legal counsel and while contractual law is complicated, EVERY attorney I've spoke with has reinforced how noone but the attorney's win (via a paycheck) in these types of suits - and how they are hopeful time and more information will make them see this.

Despite this hopefully good news from our attorney's, our intent to de-stress has done just the opposite! So here's where the prayers come in

PLEASE PRAY FOR THIS FAMILY TO HAVE A CHRISTIAN HEART AND SEE BEYOND 'LEGAL RIGHTS'. PRAY THEY REALIZE WE INTENDED NO HARM OR MALISE TO THEM AND THIS CAN BE RESOLVED WITHOUT UNDO STRESS AND EXPENSE TO BOTH OF US. PRAY FOR GOD'S WILL IN THE OUTCOME OF THIS SITUATION, AND MOST OF ALL PLEASE PRAY FOR MY HUSBANDS HEALTH AND WELL BEING

I will keep everyone current on Mike's health. We are still hopeful he will soon be his best again without long term ill effects - But it's MOST important we do everything we can to keep him healthy and get off medications as soon as possible; and this involves time and destressing.

Thanks to all!!! PLEASE pray, I am a strong believer in the power of prayer!!!!!!

Bless your heart for getting to the end of this post!!!!!!

Cakes and Cats and Dances...oh my!!!!

We have ALOT of birthdays around here in January and February....five to be exact...makes for alot of cake! We've have two more since my last post...and two more smiling girls...and two more birthday parties!!!! Poor Jessa got a tummy ache after our HUGE lunch and just couldn't stomache birthday cake...so we did what any reasonable family would do, we waited until the next morning and had cake for breakfast!!!! We were the coolest parents ever for at least 4 hours after that~~ This morning I sit with a house full of 11years olds...and enjoying my middle girl soaking up her day...and secretly thinking "THANK GOD" we are done until June....

and Cats....

WELLLLL....we are a bit nuts around here, that's no secret....my oldest baby has had a tough few weeks....I mean TOUGH...she could really use prayers! and everyone knows nothing heals an aching heart like a kitten...so says her DADDY!!! ( Can you stinkin believe that!!!) Her DADDY!!! thought a kitten would be good! I about had a cow...we do have puppies due around here @March 15th...but my sweet Nelli will be gone for 10 weeks and I could use a new baby to ease my pain...so to say the least it only took a week to convince me...sadly the little gray kitten with big green eyes that stole Daddy's heart had a home already. (well, not sadly...good for her) SO! GiGi and I go to the Adoption Fair at the Pet Store to get a "kitten"...this is a girl who has her Mamma's heart...in the midst of the kittens we see this 2 year old HUGE! FAT! BLACK! cat with the greenest eyes I've ever seen...obviously someone's pet...an owner surrender - lost their job in todays economy, couldn't afford her anymore, sitting in the shelter for 2m because EVERYONE wants a kitten...SWEETEST cat ever...never flinched in the noise of the barking dogs...did nothing put purr as load an outboard motor on a speed boat, and literally wrapped her arms around her neck...no kidding I think she hugged her...we DID NOT come home with a kitten!!! She said the kittens would get homes...adult cats usually just sit there....OMG she SUCH her Mamma's girl!!! SO! We are the proud owner of the fattest furriest black cat I've ever seen...her name is Jade/Jady (the eyes) and really is the biggest love bug ever...

Yes, I AM well aware of the animal count here now...nice comments only please!!! and Yes, we are shopping for a bigger house!!

and Dances..

.Mary Queen had a Valentines Family Dance...Mommy missed it...I was shacked in my hotel room by myself for MY birthday present, but my sweet family had a blast...and my hubby got some great shots of the kids!!

and last night was the "Father/Daughter Princess Dance" - they rode in a limo...dressed up in their finest...had chicken nuggets for dinner in a castle and a huge selection of desserts including a chocolate fountain!!!!!....every 8yo's dream!!! and they looked SO SWEET!!! Sadly, Princess Pouty face got a Paper Cut!!! it was quite dramatic but quite cute to see such a worried sad face over such a little bit of blood!

One month later.......

and I'm finally making another blog post!!!

Well it's been busy! Here's what's up....

1. Sweet Sammy turned 5!!!!

He's sooooo much fun to have a birthday with! It was a very deja vu day!! Same cake (shoulda thought to go to a different baker for another Lightening McQueen Cake), Same McDonald'a Lunch, Same LoMein Dinner...but what two unique wonderful little guys! Sammy is such an A+ personality kid! He literally shook with excitement everywhere we went and announced to everyone at the top of his lungs that "TODAY IT IS MY BIRTDAY AND NOT WILL'S I AM FIVE" It's really hard not to find him cute if I may say so myself! (and as predicted Will took it much better!)

2. I turned 41....I am not so cute on my birthday, nor did I want a cake, or LoMein...I actually decided to boycott the whole thing and even took it off my FB page I was pouting so horribly! Don't get me wrong, each year above ground is a wonderful gift and I'm grateful...but gettin old ain't easy! I still feel good and don't look TOO bad, however gravity has still found my neck and the J-Lo fairy visited my butt!....and I did get some new glasses ON my Bday and didn't relize I'd slowly been going blind since my last eye exam in 2008 and had NO! idea I'd developed so many lines creases bags ect....vanity sucks....and I'm guilty. BUT I did have some sweet friends who remembered anyway and sent me well wishes via FB, text, left cake on my front step and my dear hubby and BFF sent to a HOTEL!!! for an overnight ALL BY MYSELF! It was the first time I've been alone or in silence since 1997! Heaven I tell you...pure Heaven!

3. My oldest daughter has self imploded. Anyone who has ever parented a teenager will understand. Pray for our survivial. Teenagers are just like two year olds who want driver license and they are scary....VERYVERY scary!!! I remember being one, and I'd rather have my toe nails pulled out than ever live through high school again....

4. Nelli my fur baby is having four puppies!! She is due March 15th!!! I'm going to have Grandpuppies!!!

5. Mike went to Denver on a work trip and kicked butt! I was very proud!...I hope he gets a job there! I'm ready to move and have a new adventure! Time will tell!

That's all...............................

Happy 1 Year Gotcha Day Will!!!

One year ago today we met a very frightened and overwhelmed 4yo in a freezing Civil Affairs office in Nanjing China. It's hard to believe that's the same child we love today...my how we have all grown! I made this video shortly after arriving home...it still brings tears to my eyes and butterflies to my stomache....I hope you take the time to watch it!

As our family celebrates, my heart aches for those that still wait, for the Sammy's and their zanny personality that sit undiscovered, unloved. CONSIDER PUTTING ALL RESERVATIONS ASIDE, ALL THOUGHTS OF WHAT YOU HAVE PLANNED FOR YOUR LIFE, AND CONSIDER PRAYING....JUST PRAYING IF GOD HAS A CHILD OUT THERE THAT NEEDS YOU, THAT IS YOUR! CHILD. TAKE ONE MONTH...THAT'S ALL...ASK... AND BE OPEN TO WHATEVER GOD ANSWERS. Once adoption gets in your heart, you are never the same!!

http://www.onetruemedia.com/shared?p=daf1ad01f7e78182df2de9&skin_id=0&utm_source=otm&utm_medium=text_url

Back to the good stuff : Will's Big Day!!

**One last comment about my previous post, then on to the good stuff....


After reading it, I didn't want to sound whinny, ungrateful, or wimpy. Life is just hard sometimes, but for those of you who didn't know, we did have a lot of 'challenges' in a short time in addition to adopting and adding a new child to our family. From February to September the attachment/Sammy issues, Wills health issues, Mike starting a new job, then having hernia surgery, a water leak in our kitchen and a complete kitchen remodel, the death of just about every appliance I owned, starting high school and middle school for 2 of our girls and the ADHD worsening this year. (wonder why??) SOO I'm done whining...I HAVE been counting my blessings more and trying to simplify...but just wanted to share all the reasons for the "Keeping it real post"


NOW...the GOOD STUFF!!!



As I mentioned in my last post, Will turned five a few days ago!!! It was a sweet special day!!! I just love firsts, and I just love how excited kids get over their birthdays, and for Will this one was something else. In a family of five it's really something to get to pick, to be 'in charge'. This was something poor Will didn't understand, he'd obviously never given this privilege, even in the whole year home with us!


I asked, "Will where do you want to go for lunch?"....(it was just the two of us mind you, a special Mommy and Will date) All I hear is silence from the back seat....."Will, honey...what do you want for lunch?"

"Cheeseburger, Mommy"

"Where do you want to go eat your cheeseburger, you get to pick since it's your birthday!"

silence again...finally he says

"Mommy, what's You Pick??"

Poor little guy! I got very specific after that, of course we ended up at McDonald's, followed by a trip to ToysRUs. He PICKED! "Chinese Noodles" for dinner (Mom made Lo Mein) Which he LOVED! Check out the pics! What fabulous chop stick form in the beginning, but then he decided he could shovel more in using two hands after a few bites a few big YUMS!!! Lightning McQueen still rules the little guys in our house and the highlight was singing and blowing out candles..twice!! A BIG DAY for Will indeed...one I hope he really will remember!

It wasn't so easy to be Sammy however. He put on a brave face most of the day, but had to be reminded over and over his Bday was in 10days. Whales of "NO SAMMY" could be heard periodically throughout the day.... *sigh*

This is the tough stuff. I really struggled with caving and having a small gift for the other at each party...but opted to hold my ground and give each their own day from the beginning. Will will tolerate it better, watch and see ;)

Keeping it real.....part 3

AWWWW..keeping it real posts. These always feel heavy, liberating, necessary. I'm very sentimental, and reflective right now. Today's Will birthday!!!!! My baby's five ...his FIRST birthday with a family. I've been an emotional fool the last few days. I've wanted to see him smile - BIG and frequently, and so far so good. It's the simple stuff when they are little. Line leader at preschool, McDonald's date all by himself with mom and a trip to Toys R Us to pick out ANYTHING he wanted. (it's still safe to do that when your 5) He's napping now...but he still has alot to come..."noodles" for dinner (his fav - Lo Mein) and 'Matter' Cake for dessert (translation - Pixar "Cars" movie...you know, Lightning McQueen and Tow Mater???)

It's hard to believe it's been a full year since he's joined our family...WOW, a year. It's been a hell of a ride. He's come sooo far, we all have. I could easily sit here and candy coat it for you...hit the highlights, focus on only the positive...but if I did, I wouldn't have titled it "keeping it real" huh? Truth is, this has been one of the most challenging years of my life. I'd do it again in a heart beat....but there were times I wondered if my sanity, marriage, and finances were going to make it. It's been a big year....there have days even weeks that I've convinced myself that I must have been crazy for doing THIS. Times when I was just SICK of APPOINTMENTS... doctors appts, for Spina Bifida, for ADHD for Asthma, OT appts PT exercises, breathing treatments and 3 or 4 trips to the school a day, and organizing everyones schedule and falling asleep everytime I sit down, and not having seen an adult movie in 6months, giving up bathing so I can answer emails and read blogs, the VOLUME of noise in my house, constantly hearing "MOMMY", the never ending laundry, my house never ever ever being clean, the damn budget...did I mention I have a job??? when I think if I didn't have so many kids we could travel and have the house paid off...and God was INSANE when He thought I could handle this!!!!!....weeks when I felt so damn selfish and the thoughts in my head where soooo far from Christian....My husband was useless, and how can I try this hard and my kids be so ill behaved and FIGHT all the time and scream everytime I leave the room...God wouldn't cross my mind for days. I hated it all....I felt alone, overwhelmed and sick of faking it!!! Because Lord knows when you CHOOSE to have five kids you better put on a happy face and be the best darn mother around....if you complain or have a bad day, you get that half smile "LOOK"..... OR sometimes if your related they can just come right out and say it.......

"What did you think would happen you adopted all those kids"....it was a very lonely year at times

BUT then......You get on your knees and count your blessings.....you ask for strength......you remind yourself WHY..... you see it in their faces....in their toothless grins....their morning snuggles....bedtime stories....Saturday night dance parties under the disco ball....homemade "I love you" cards....Thursday night "vampire diary" dates.....Stories of "the first kiss".......Walks to Starbucks....Watching them ride their bikes for the first time......Jump roping in the front yard....Watching a boy who had NOTHING just weeks ago get his first bike......Gotcha Day Celebrations.....Celebrating first birthdays with a family...

THEN you Dust off your knees, wipe your tears, focus on what matters and realize God didn't say it would be easy....He just said He would be there.....

BRING IT ON 2012!!!!!! I'M FEELIN BULLET PROOF!

The worst blogger award goes to......(drum roll please).....

Well me of course...

I'm not even sure how to paraphrase the last 2 month...they were big ones!!! Thanksgiving, Christmas, School plays, finals, OT/PT Wills first holidays, a White Trash New Years Eve Party...a blissfully uneventful week after Christmas...and now, back to the grind! and crazy me did a small bathroom remodel the first week back to real life....but never forget a chick CAN use powertools....

The highlights....

Will is doing well with his PT...balance is getting better, he maybe looking a brace for his foot to help him not twist his ankle...He also went through a 10 weeks "observation" time at our states "Early Start" preschool. He just missed qualifying so he was 'observed' It was a fabulous place, really in touch with sensory play ect...HOWEVER, he didn't qualify so after 10 weeks they told us goodbye. I had mixed emotions. It's a good problem to have that your kid with Spina Bifida is ready for main stream preschool 8m off the plane...but it WAS a great school! He's just starting his new school and doing great!

Sam was referred to OT by preschool. Once there they dx him with a sensory issue. I've shared some of the difficulties he and Will have had, such as Sam being aggresive and regressive. After 10m I felt like transition time was over and something still wasn't right but I just couldn't put my finger on what it was. When I filled out his evaluation forms, they picked up on sensory stuff right away and I was relieved to talk about it something "not sitting right" with me. His therapist feels some of his excessive volume might be a sensory issue!! I told her if she could make his quieter I'd kiss her feet and give her a FAT bonus hahahahaha!!! We are already seeing some good improvement, he's learning some great calming techniques. He's still the sweetest kid ever and Mommy's boy through and through! He tells people I went to China and got "the cutest boy in China"!! Love it and how true!!

Brynn....she's just BRYNN! When people ask me about her I say she should just have "YUMMY" over her head in a big bubble :) She's sweet, affectionate, funny...she fights with her sister WAY! more than I'd like, but other than that...I'd love to freeze her...she's kinda perfect....**sigh**

Kenna is growing up and up and up!!! I think she's a foot taller than this time last year and ALL legs! She'll be eleven in a few weeks and wears a bigger shoe than her soon 15yo sister..and is almost as tall, and stealing her handme downs from last year!!! She's fabulous in soccer and had a great season...just joined the art club which is SOOOO her. She was also chosen for selective choir and got to travel and spend an entire day out of school at KMA learning from some of the best conductors in the state!

Jessa is rocking out high school...now that we are half way through her freshman year, she's got it!!! (change isn't easy for my big girl) Just a fraction short of straight A's (BUT in two advanced classes!) Active in every club that would let her in, and acting and singing her heart out! My favorite club she is in is "Harry Potter Club" They have a sorting hat and everything!! She's in Slytherin and was actually happy about it since Gryffindor is so passe'...hhmmm who knew?? It's basically a philanthropy club and they do community service and try to throw in the Harry Potter theme when they can, but have fun HP themed meetings, games ect...I WANNA JOIN!!!!

and how about mom and dad??

WELL...I drive ALOT. 3-5 trips to school a day is the average...The boys appts, the girls extracurricular activities...At one time I was shopping for a minivan with a toilet in it so I could just never get out...I've figured out how to travel with food and clothes already..but unless I buy and RV...I'm still going to have to get out for THAT reason!!! hahah....Christmas was more challenging than usual this year...but the restful week after I enjoyed more than usual because I was tierd more than usual...I enjoyed my kids...OH, and I'm going to have Grandpuppies....my furbaby Nelli left yesterday to be bred to a beautiful tri Cavalier...I'm missing her already...but the babies will be stunning....I just hate that she will be gone @3m while her puppies nurse and get old enough to be placed.....Luckily, she will be close and I can visit alot!!!

I'm not sure how I manage to work two days a week in all this....and did I mention we are considering moving....I guess it's no surprise with 5 kids, 3 dogs a cat and a goldfish the house feels a little 'tight'??? Wouldn't life be dull if we chose the 'easy path'?