me, he plus 3

buggin'

2012-01-16T22:16:00.002-08:00

WOW has it really been that long since I have blogged. I have a lot of catching up to do!

I am just over 6 months pregnant now and am having a hard time. I always knew being bipolar and pregnant would be hard (that is why we adopted the last time) but I never thought it would be this hard!

Every day I wake up with anxiety so bad that I don't know if I can stand up without blacking out. Most days I feel like I am PMSing and on the verge of ripping someone's head off and next minute crying or trying to catch my breath again from another anxiety attach. Most time Eric can get me to laugh by teasing me about how I have not showering for a week or my belly that is usually sticking out of the bottom of my shirt. I am depressed most of the time for no reason and find my self hating things that I used to love; teaching, friends, old movies, shopping, even chocolate. Every night I try going to bed thinking that tomorrow will be better or that if I stop thinking about it that my skin will stop crawling but instead I just lay here. I think the worse part is my family having to put up with me. My poor husband walks on egg shells around me and does almost everything for the kids (I make him a list).

I remember when we were trying to adopt and how annoyed I would get with women that would complain about being pregnant. I longed to have a baby and every side effect that came with it! I just want you to know that that is not what I am doing. I am just wishing that I could enjoy by heart burn, hemorrhoids, stretch marks and kicks to the ribs like a normal person. I love being pregnant and am so excited to meet this little one and am at the same time going crazy!

My mom keeps saying a count down (3 more months) BUT then what? What if I get post partum? My meds don't kick in? Or something is not okay with the baby? WHAT THEN?

Eric will tell when I need to take a break or calm down, sometimes when he has had enough his comment will be "you are buggin". I always think, "Ya I know, I am bugging myself"

Well that was a happy note :) next one will have to be updated pictures of my cute kids or something lol

2012-01-16T22:16:00.001-08:00

ldfgldsjgf

say cheese

2011-08-20T15:01:00.000-07:00

Yahoo I finally go a new camera. I have been wanting one forever... No I didn't get the $800 one that I wanted but I am really excited to something that will turn out.

a dozen

2011-08-04T13:55:00.000-07:00

Okay so I have been teaching dance for a while now and through the years I have been able to teach some of the most amazing girls. Among the hundreds of girls the are three girls that have been in my class from the beginning... and that is a good thing. They are so fun to be around and are such hard workers. I never have to worry about them not knowing the dance.

No wonder why they are so amazing though because they come from an amazing mom. She is always there to help out when needed something sewn last minute, or emails sent out etc. I don't know how she does it all. She is not just a mom of one, two or even, 9 BUT a wonderful mom to a full dozen kids.

I have asked her to be a guest blogger and she said...
I have never been asked to guest blog before my good friend, Stacey, invited me. It’s a bit intimidating to think about my words going on someone else’s blog in something other than a comment. I have known Stacey in real life for several years now. She teaches dance at our studio, so my girls know her extremely well. Princess told me that she is just like one of the girls…except that she makes up cool dances and gets to run the show during class time. She even offered to choreograph a dance for Princess! Sadly for me, I have few dancing skills…

Anyway, when I asked Stacey what she wanted me to write about, here is her response. "If you want to write about how you decided to have a lot of kids, how you run your day to day, trials and success of raising them." I’m pretty sure I could write volumes and volumes on this subject except that I have way too much laundry to do. So maybe I’ll just talk about the first part.

I was raised with seven siblings and my Sweetie has five siblings and two half-siblings, so I’m pretty sure we both qualified as coming from big families. I did tons of babysitting as a kid, both for my mom and for about a dozen neighbors. I always wanted kids of my own, from the time I was small. When all my friends were into Barbies, I was still loving my baby dolls. I used some of my sitting money to buy little dresses and baby shoes (I just love little baby shoes, even if they are impractical!) before I was in my teens.

When I started dating my sweetie, he was so head-over-heels that he would have agreed to anything. On one of our early dates we actually went shopping for baby shoes! I’m sure he thought I was crazy, but I was glad that he wasn’t afraid of having a big family. I remember a long discussion about kids and when I suggested ten, he didn’t faint, so that was good news. Being the super-over-achiever that I am, we managed to improve that number by 20%.

We married in 1983 and had our first child in 1984. The babies came pretty much every two years after that, not because of planning, but because that was when they wanted to come. It gets hectic and crazy sometimes, but that’s when I seem to thrive. I love being a mom and watching how my kids grow and develop. They all have different personalities with their own hopes and dreams. Sometimes they drive me nuts, but I wouldn’t have it any other way!

Check out her blog @ twelvemakesadozen

sisters

2011-08-03T20:35:00.000-07:00

SO I guess I will give you a quick fun down on my life... My parents got a divorce when I was about 3 and my mom got remarried when I was 4. My mom and 'step' dad raised me with the occasional visit from my dad. This usually happened on big holidays or if he had a new girls friend that he wanted to show off. When I was 9 my dad married my step mom Joni and had a baby Lyndzee. A few short years later they got a divorce and my dad lost all rights to Lyndzee (she was 3 now). My step mom got remarried and the last time I had ever seen her or my sister has been 12 years ago. Well when Eric and I were getting married and going through addresses I came across their address and decided to send them a Christmas card each year. After 7 years of sending cards I got one back. Lyndzee sent me a card back with her school picture and phone number. I called a few times and talked to Joni but were never able to get together. It soon died down. Last month she found me on facebook and we decided that we wanted to meet.

Tuesday my 3 kids met Lyndzee, her little brother Cole, and Joni for lunch. We spend 2 and half hours just catching up and getting to know each other. We talked about how it was when Joni was my weekend mom and how the things that I remember from when Lyndzee was a baby.

It was good to see them again. Last time I saw her she was still so little and I was helping her to go to the bathroom BUT now she is as tall as me, 16 and dating. It's crazy how life turns out!

Tubular!

2011-08-03T11:19:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago my parents invited my family to go boating with them for the day. I was really excited at first... it has been a few years since we have gone. Through the weeks I started wondering if this trip will be a good idea and if we would actually have a good time. We have 3 young kids that all have to wear over sized, uncomfortable life jackets. Ava is scared of water and thinks that if she gets in the water the fish will eat her, Devery never holds still and might just fall in, and poor baby Chris... what will he do all day?

The girls spend hours in the tube and LOVED it! Chris was as happy as could be as long as we didn't try and put a stupid hat on his head. We even took our 85 lb dog that was just wonderful. Thanks parents for ANOTHER great day!

Dance Dance Dance and teach!

2011-07-29T13:00:00.000-07:00

Summer break is over and I started teaching dance again so I thought I might update the blog from June's dance recital :) Ooops

So here it goes...

I have danced since I was 3 years old have not always loved it. When was little I was always the tall, skinny, awkward one in the back that was always off. When I turned 13 I got to get my first pointe shoes then really started to love it again. I have danced in ALMOST every style of dance at some time in my life between high school dance co, & drill then to College dance co at SLCC and a "wanna be" professional co till I got prego with Ava. I have also taught at 3 different studios BUT have not loved dance more than I do now.

I get to share this love with my two little girls. They love to dress up and go on the stage more than they like to go to class BUT still.

I teach girls from 3-18... The set of girls at the studio are amazing and fun to be around.
I get to work with friends!
I also get to work at the most amazing place ever!!! Being in the dance world I am picky on where I would let my kids take from. I want them to go somewhere that they will not just run around skipping and not learn anything also somewhere they can be their selves and not be put down. The studio only uses clean music and modest clothing.

Really I just have the best job ever and Ava & Devery did amazing! Thanks to all of our family that came to support them.

PIERCE OLSEN Obituary: View PIERCE OLSEN's Obituary by Deseret News

2011-07-15T13:21:00.000-07:00

Our wonderful friends have been blessed with a beautiful baby boy and because of our Heavenly Fathers perfect play they will one day see him again. Click on the link below...

PIERCE OLSEN Obituary: View PIERCE OLSEN's Obituary by Deseret News

The Road to Adoption...

2011-07-11T14:01:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone...My name is Deanna and Stacey has asked me to share my story thus far about our adoption journey...Stacey and I have met because of adoption and I am so thankful about that. She has been so wonderful to guest post for me on my blog The LDS Adoption Connection and has helped so many to know what it is like to adopt and what it is like to struggle with infertility. She has asked me to talk about my blog too but I will post that in another post since this one is a little lengthy...lol...

Where do I begin...I will say for starters that I never in a million years thought I would be on this road...the Adoption Road that is...but I will say that now that I have found it and have been on it for some time, that I know I am going the way that Heavenly Father wants me to go...He is involved every step of the way...

James and Deanna

How did I get on this road you may ask....Well I guess like all do...we wanted to have a baby...lol...My story is a little unusual but typical in some ways. My husband and I have been married for 5 years and have tried to "get pregnant" from the start. I think because I had my daughter prior (she is 10yrs old) to meeting my husband I never though that we would have any issues getting pregnant since I had her. So for 5 long years we have tried...with no avail - zero pregnancies...the Doctors can not explain why we can't get pregnant...we have had ALL the testing you can...everything is in perfect working order...we even tried assitance...and obviously I can carry a baby full term but still nothing...so this had put us at a real crossroads.

The pain of infertility is a very lonely one. One that I have to say in the LDS culture is even harder. I didn't grow up in the Church so when I had Abbe (my daughter) I was "young" by society standards...but in LDS culture to be 33 yrs old and still be trying is not the typical, at least if you are in a ward like mine (a ward with over 190 children in the primary alone). Many assumed that we didn't have kids since they assumed we were younger or had not realized that we have Abbe or they would say oh you must not want to have kids or have any more kids...little did they know that our hearts ached inside to have more children and if they only knew. People can say some really stupid things when they just don't know. For a long time it was hard for me to relate to women my age at church because many were "done" having kids or saying they wanted to have their tubes tied. During this time I was called into the Primary, so it became even harder. But even though it had been hard or still is sometimes I know it wasn't any of their faults. They didn't know how I felt. I barely spoke with anyone about it. It's one of those subjects that you just feel alone.

The 3 of Us in Cabo San Lucas

During this time James (my husband) and I really struggled with the thoughts of our family. Before we got married we wanted to have a big family. Ideally, I wanted to have 5 children but time was working against us. I wanted Abbe to be closer in age to her siblings and that was not happening. We began to think maybe this is it. With every month that went by sadness followed...it was often an unspoken sadness. At one point (about 2 or 3 yrs in) I felt like maybe we are supposed to adopt. I have cousins who are adopted so I have never had any issues with adopting but the timing wasn't right. At that point we still hadn't done a ton of fertility testing and James still felt like we should and I agreed...it made sense. Little did I know we would have some pretty severe emotional trials hit us right after that and it would not have been the time to adopt. Abbe needed us and she needed all of our focus. That struggle made us better, more understanding, more patient, and more resilient. Our Testimonies of the Savior where also strengthened during that time...

The 3 of Us on Abbe's Baptism May 2010

Around early Spring of 2010 I felt compelled to speak about the possibility of adopting with James again...our conversation was kinda one sided...me saying I feel prompted about this...him saying I don't know...I kinda dropped it but asked him if he would pray about it...I was quiet about it for a bit and then one Sunday night we were getting ready for bed and he randomly said yeah I feel we should too...I was elated and teary at the same time...he said he had received confirmations about it multiple times over the weekend...

With that we called LDS Family to begin the process...Through out the process of becoming certified we had many confirmations that this was the right thing to do...that we were supposed to be adopting. We became certified in September of 2010. In October of 2010 on a Tuesday LDS Family had called us saying that a woman had chosen us and the baby had been born in September and wanted to place with us that Saturday. We had a ton of emotions going on to say the least...we were excited and worried at the same time...we were closing on a bigger home at that exact moment and were thinking OMG how are we going to do this but knew it would all work itself out it always did...unfortunately that Friday LDS Family called again with sad news...they could not verify the birth of the baby...yeah you can imagine how we felt...it was a huge blow and hard...worst part was we had to explain to Abbe...it was hard for us but equally hard for her...she thought she was going to have a brother that weekend....but it wasn't meant to be...the timing was not right...so we went on with our lives and luckily I had a new home and moving to help distract me...

Deanna and Kristy and Little Axton (in her tummy)

Then in May, I randomly had a woman named Kristy contact me through parent profiles. (I know this was an answer to a prayer and I wrote about it on my personal blog) She was the first and only contact we have had. It only took one...Kristy chose us to be the parents of Axton (the name we have chosen for the baby boy she is carrying) this past May. One of the things that struck her was that we had a daughter named Abbe and She too has a daughter named Abbi so you can imagine how special that is to her. She is truly amazing and the most strong and selfless person I know.

Axton is set to be born in the beginning of October and we can't wait to meet him. We know Heavenly Father chose Kristy for us and us for Kristy. We have seen His hand at work and it is amazing. I am so thankful for adoption. I am so thankful that the Lord has led our family on this journey...this wasn't the way I thought it would be, but His plans are ALWAYS better and I am excited to see what else is He has in store for us...

Visit...

2011-07-08T14:52:00.000-07:00

The other week I was invited to be a guest blogger on ldsadoptioncouples.blogspot.com They asked me if I would write about the Raw Emtotions of Adoption. I have been having a hard time the last little while (check out her blog or look back at older post Heart Ache). Just after I got done writing my post my little family was invited to go to the birth dad' deployment BBQ. Eric and I were really excited from the beginning. We have grown to love this family and really missed seeing them. Because the birth dad (Chris) and birth mom (Kristi) live only houses away from each other we called and asked Kristi if we could stop by her house afterwards to see her and her family.

For weeks I waited so excited to show baby Chris off to all of them, to see how they are all doing, and to meet Sarah (Chris' new wife). But as time went by I was also feeling nervous. This was the first time that we will have been to either of their homes.

The family lives about 45min North of us so just after church we start our journey to Chris' parents house. We pull up and we were greeted with love and open arms. We enjoys meeting the ENTIRE family and getting to know Sarah and talking about their new baby on the way. Baby Chris was happy as could be showing off his new tooth and his new trick of clapping.

(grandpa Lonny)

(baby Chris, birthdad Chris, his wife Sara and their nephew)

Then we went over to visit with the birthmom's parents and siblings.

(grandpa Kyle)
(grandma Lisa)

We are so blessed to have such a wonderful little boy and are so grateful for our birth family for the support and love that they give to us.

2011-07-07T10:54:00.000-07:00

2011-07-02T09:36:00.000-07:00

guess what everyone.... I am going to be a guest blogger on ldsadoptioncouples.blogspot check it out coming this Thursday.

For time and all Eternity

2011-07-01T20:26:00.000-07:00

March 5th we woke up early packing a bag for the day. Hair curled, kids dressed in white we arrived at the temple. We walked through the doors and meet up with sisters that took us down to the temple day care. We got the kids settled in playing toys then we went to get dressed too. For about a half an hour we sat and held hands in the same seats that we sat in when we were waiting to get married. Watching each newly wed waiting for their turn to be sealed for time and all eternity we prayed thanking our Heavenly Father for this amazing blessing in our lives. It was our turn, we walk through the halls of the temple and arrive in the sealing room. We asked the birthgrandparents to be the witnesses and there they were sitting smiling at us then on one side of the room is Chris' birth grandparents and great grandparents, on the other is Eric's family. We felt so blessed to have everyone there to help us celebrate this special day. After about ten minutes we heard little voices just out side the door. Ava, Devery walk in while a sister pushes Chris in a stroller. I couldn't hold back the tiers, they all looked so beautiful. After we were sealed our family congragalted us and we went outside for pictures.

big sisters

Chris with his birthdad

birthday, dad, mom, and birthmom

Chris with all of his Grandparents

Chris' family all together.

After pictures we went to the church by my house. Kristi (BM) played the piano then the priesthood holders put Chris in their arm and give him a name and a blessing. We had some dinner and visited with family and friens. The kids (Ava, Devery, with their 4 cousins)sang Families can be together Forever then we finished off the night with Eric, and his two sisters singing Come Thou Fount.

March 5th 2011 was one of the best days of my life, it even topped off my wedding day. For my wedding I was able to be sealed to my hubby on BUT March 5th I was able to be sealed to my hubby and 3 beautiful children with our amazing family there to witness.

Fun!

2011-06-28T20:56:00.000-07:00

I just have to say that I have a lot of fun things to post about but I am too busy doing fun things to find time to post about them. So until another day when I am bored... peace out!

why wait?

2011-06-23T09:17:00.000-07:00

I just found this poem. I love it! I reminds me of when we were waiting to adopt Chris and all the prayers that I had said. It wasn't until I realized I was praying for the wrong thing. I was asking for a baby NOW not asking my Heavenly Father what he wants to teach me. I started to pray for patience and understanding and he gave me strength to go on.

Wait

by Russell Kelfer

Desperately, helplessly, longingly, I cried;
Quietly, patiently, lovingly, God replied.
I pled and I wept for a clue to my fate . . .
And the Master so gently said, "Wait."

"Wait? you say wait?" my indignant reply.
"Lord, I need answers, I need to know why!
Is your hand shortened? Or have you not heard?
By faith I have asked, and I'm claiming your Word.

"My future and all to which I relate
Hangs in the balance, and you tell me to wait?
I'm needing a 'yes', a go-ahead sign,
Or even a 'no' to which I can resign.

"You promised, dear Lord, that if we believe,
We need but to ask, and we shall receive.
And Lord I've been asking, and this is my cry:
I'm weary of asking! I need a reply."

Then quietly, softly, I learned of my fate,
As my Master replied again, "Wait."
So I slumped in my chair, defeated and taut,
And grumbled to God, "So, I'm waiting for what?"

He seemed then to kneel, and His eyes met with mine . . .
and He tenderly said, "I could give you a sign.
I could shake the heavens and darken the sun.
I could raise the dead and cause mountains to run.

"I could give all you seek and pleased you would be.
You'd have what you want, but you wouldn't know Me.
You'd not know the depth of my love for each saint.
You'd not know the power that I give to the faint.

"You'd not learn to see through clouds of despair;
You'd not learn to trust just by knowing I'm there.
You'd not know the joy of resting in Me
When darkness and silence are all you can see.

"You'd never experience the fullness of love
When the peace of My spirit descends like a dove.
You would know that I give, and I save, for a start,
But you'd not know the depth of the beat of My heart.

"The glow of my comfort late into the night,
The faith that I give when you walk without sight.
The depth that's beyond getting just what you ask
From an infinite God who makes what you have last.

"You'd never know, should your pain quickly flee,
What it means that My grace is sufficient for thee.
Yes, your dearest dreams overnight would come true,
But, oh, the loss, if you missed what I'm doing in you.

"So, be silent, my child, and in time you will see
That the greatest of gifts is to truly know me.
And though often My answers seem terribly late

"You'd never know, should your pain quickly flee,
What it means that My grace is sufficient for thee.
Yes, your dearest dreams overnight would come true,
But, oh, the loss, if you missed what I'm doing in you.

7 years

2011-06-21T18:33:00.000-07:00

Well Eric and I's 7 year anniversary was last month. From our first date, to the honey moon, down to each anniversary we have gone hiking.

If you know me I am kind of a planner. I like things worked out to every detail all the way down to what I am going to wear. Although this can be a good thing sometimes it usually ends up a disaster anytime we are planning a trip or a date night.

So... I didn't plan!

The kids slept in so Eric and I just hung out in the morning. After dropping the kids off with my mom for the day and a sleepover that night Eric was a yard sale itching... So guess what we did? Yep yard sale shopping for our anniversary.

Normally I would say that its okay to stop then pout all day being mad at Eric till we picked the kids back up the following day (I'm kind of a baby I know). Because there was no plan there was nothing to be upset about.

After that we went to go eat then off to our hike. We didn't really know where we wanted to go hiking so we called a friend to get some options. I am so glad we did because this hike was amazing!

It took us about 2 hours to get to the point of where we were at then decided to turn around. The people coming down said we had about another hour to get to the top and the hike gets harder. We were already having to use our hands to climb and had slipped a few times. I am sad that we didn't make it to the top but it was a good thing because just as we got back to the car it was pouring.

We went back to the house to take a nap and get showered and ready for dinner. We went to some hole in the wall for dinner that Eric loves then walked around down town for a little while. We were going to go to some star thing that Eric was telling me about but it was still cloudy. We decided to go shopping for some stuff for our house then back home and rent a movie.

I was one of our best yet. Just laid back and relaxed.

Baby Bump

2011-06-14T14:54:00.001-07:00

No I am not pregnant... I saw this post on a friends blog and thought that I would join.

So here I am...

Baby #1 5 months preg and had just cut off my shoulder length hair for an ugly boys hair cut :(

just over 7 months pregnant with Baby #2

(we were in the middle of a hike at Lake Tahoe)

Me a month before baby #3 (I just got done running with my brother)(don't I look good....?) J/K

Krist and I with our case workers for baby #3 (I think she was 8 months preg)

It is kind of fun to look back at all the pictures from when I was preg. Although for some reason I don't really have all that many.

Yaya

2011-06-08T10:19:00.000-07:00

The best things in life is family!

The kids with their Yaya

Dirt anyone?

2011-06-06T08:53:00.000-07:00

I don't know why I was so grumpy the other day BUT good news... I am over it! Although I am more tiered than I was before, I am enjoying life a lot more.

Let me tell you a little bit about one of the funnest things I have ever done. I woke up at 6 am to get dressed in some old raggedy clothes and a pair of old running shoes that don't fit anymore. After picking my brother up we drove up to Soldier Hollow, parked in a field and headed towards a swarm of people.

We saw a crowd of people dressed in costumes, then found the registration table to pick up our bib number. We stretched, warmed up,and got ready to go.

We ran up a big muddy hill (that is being sprayed with a LARGE sprinkler)and I felt like group of cattle being herded by the people behind me. I was following the people in front of me just hoping that I didn't fall and get trampled. With every step in the mud, my feet got heavier and heavier.

As soon as we got to the dry land, we looked ahead to see the next obstacle. There were bails of hay set up like a hurdle race; Run then jump, run then jump, run then jump. My legs got so heavy, I would then run and trip, run then trip.

They started spraying us with the ice water while I was trying to pull my sinking feet up over a wall, just to fall in a slushy wet mud pit. We did that 4 times.

There were tunnels full of mud with no way way around; I would crawl then run, crawl then run. My feet sunk and the mud went up to my knees. I pulled myself though the mud and ran for the next twenty minutes on a dirt trail up the side of a mountian/hill.

After climbing a rope (alost falling), I slipped in the mud a few more times and then came to the biggest slip n slide I have ever seen in my life. I tried to slide down the slide on my feet but I just fell down. I soon gave up and just hoped to crawl out.

Then there was a giant swimming pool of mud and my brother did a belly flop into it. My feet sank again making it hard to get through with my shoes on or to even keep my head above the muddy water, luckily the finish line was right after that.

A 5k in an hour and this as a result

With this much fun I had to include the kids. Of course Ava thought that we were all crazy and didn't want anything to do with dirt, BUT Devery was all for it.

After the race, a FREZZING cold hose started spraying us off before heading back to the car. Most of our clothes went strait into the trash and we donated our shoes to Africa.

I know some of you are thinking. "why in the world would you ever put your self in a big pile of mud, like you are some kind of animal?" Well the answer is .... Because it is fun!

Something about today

2011-06-02T14:17:00.000-07:00

I don't know why I feel this way...

* Could it be that I didn't get the much needed rest that I should have gotten last night?
* Could it be that I have had no less than 6 kids at my house everyday for the last 2 weeks?
* Could it be the stress of the recital coming up and my dancers not being ready?
* Could it be the contention that I feel when being in a room with (a certain someone) that I have to work with weekly?
* Could it be that my house is a mess even though the hubby and I have been working hard to do a couple remodeling projects?
* Could it be that yesterday was the first day that my hubby went back to work from 2 weeks ago when he got hurt at work (groin pull while arresting a drug dealer)?
* Or could it be that my life is great and I have nothing to complain about so I sit and blog trying to find something to complain about?

So I look back at this picture when the family was fully rested, at the zoo, in warm air and good moods. That was a good day. Lets hope for a day like that tomorrow!

heart ache

2011-06-01T07:58:00.000-07:00

When we started the adoption process I was worried that the birth family would be to much. That we would want to pull away and just be our own little family. That they would call us to much, email all the time, or want to always see him.

That is not at all how it is! I miss them, I think about them all the time. Every time Chris does something new I want to call and tell them. Even when they don't he doesn't anything I want to call and tell them.

It has been 3 months since the last time we have seen any of Chris' birth family and I can't stop wanting to show up on there door step to say hi. We have kept in touch with email and facebook but still I miss them.

Chris is such an amazing baby and I can't help but to want to show them what a wonderful little boy he is. Although he is our son he is also their blood.

I look at Chris and see birth dad Chris' curly blonde hair. I see Kristi's lips and blue eyes. And wonder who's feet he has, ears, hands....

Isn't he beautiful?

His turn to write

2011-05-24T14:10:00.000-07:00

So the other day I was partially injured at work and the doctor said that I couldn't go to work for two days. I was pretty upset because I had a job that was going to pay a few hundred dollars that night, and because I am a poor cop, I really needed the money.

As I was driving home I had the thought, "Now you get to spend time with your family." I kicked the thought out of my mind and still tried to justify myself by thinking that the money was more important.

When I walked in the door, both my girls rushed and gave me giant hugs. My heart melted and then the thought came to me, "This is worth more than a million dollars." I was so glad I came home.

I am so thankful for my beautiful family. I thank Heavenly Father that I have them in my life. They, with God, really are the source of my happiness. My wife is such an amazing person and I am blessed to have her.

David O. McKay once said, "The greatest work you will ever do on earth, is within the walls of our own home." I really believe this and know it's true. How on earth can we change the world if our homes are not in order? How can our homes be in order if WE, individually, are not in order? We as a nation are only as strong as the families that live in the nation; and our families are as strong as the people in them.

-Eric-

the hang out

2011-05-24T13:54:00.000-07:00

I have always wanted to have the cool house that everyone wants to hang out at. Why wouldn't you right? You always know who your kids are hanging out with and know what they are doing... most of all... that they are safe.

We have a great swing set in our back yard that all the neighborhood kids love to play on. But are one of the only houses without a tramp. I REFUSE to get a tramp!!! I think they are so fun and let my kids jump on them. But I don't want the liability of having one at our house.

Long story short I had 9 kids all playing at our house when they ALL decided that they wanted to play at the other girls house because of her tramp.

Panic mode.. oh no, they are leaving. What do I have that will keep them here? "Hey kids do you want to paint?" "NO" "Do you want to play ball?" "NO" "How about some apples?" "NO" "Okay I will get out the candy!" "OK"

So what do I do? The next day I went out and got $100 worth of treats (all low on sugar), fruit drinks, fruit, veggies with dip, 10 bottles of bubbles.

This worked great for a while but then... they were all over again playing when they again decided to go jump at a friends house. "Oh no what am I going to do?" Just a few days later Eric's parents decided that they wanted to get rid of their tramp and was wanting to know if we wanted it. It took Eric a while to convince me, then he said "wouldn't you rather them jump at our house then at a friends"

Guess what we have now?

Yep thats right... We are a tramp family.

Look at me

2011-05-21T16:34:00.000-07:00

Luck me got to be a guest on lds adoption couples.blogspot.com. Well the guest is really Chris I was just the writer :) Check us out.

Going to Court...Finalization.

2011-05-18T08:29:00.001-07:00

It was March 2nd and I was getting nervous. This was it, the big day... Finalization. After my case worker had called me numerous time through the month and my lawyer sending over documents the size of a ring of paper I was getting a little nervous about what the next day was going to hold. What if I had missed something? Or I had forgotten to pay for something? Or he didn't think I was doing a good job raising Chris because he is delayed?

We had to be downtown by 8:15 and in court at 8:45. It is a half hour witch is a half hour from our house not to mention the fact that we had all 3 kids to wake up, get ready and out the door. If you much about my family you would know that we are not morning people. get all 3 kids up and ready to go.

My lawyer wanted us there early to go over questioning and paper work before we walk into the court room. The morning started off good getting out the door just in time, start our way down the freeway and then.... we ran into a jam. There was a car accident and 3 out of 4 lanes were closed. OH NOOOOO!

We park on the side of the road just out of the court house at 8:40. We run through the rain and the forever long parking lot, go through security, up to the second floor end and the very end of a long hall. As soon as we get there Devery has to go to the bathroom. Luck my mom was there to take her while we talked to our lawyer and caseworker for a few min. Then the door to the court room opens. They have been waiting for us and want us to come in. We mention that Devery is not with us but are okay to start. "No that's okay we will wait for her."

A long 5 mins go by and she is back and we are all ready to go. My stomach feels like I had eaten some raw chicken for breakfast. Eric had been in front of this Judge before and said that he is really nice. The only problem is that he has a really strong accent and I can't understand a work he is saying. It doesn't help any that he is really quite. They questioned my case worker first, then my lawyer, then it's my turn. I was so worried that I was going to say yes when I should have said no, or no when I should have said yes. Luck for me Eric understood the judge and was saying and would repeat what he was saying... so the judge couldn't tell of course :D. Next was Eric and then....

It was official, papers signed and everything. Chris was legally ours.

I have to say that running through the rain and long the huge parking lot was a lot more fun an the way back!

That night Kristi was able to come to the house for dinner and to hang out.

Empty Nest Anniversary

2011-05-13T20:50:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow will be Eric and I's 7 year wedding anniversary. I just have to say that we need to get out more! As we have started talking about what we are going to do (kid FREE) to celebrate we have noticed we don't want to do anything... We just keep saying "No I don't want to do that, lets wait and go with the kids." If this is how it is after only 5 years of having kids I am worried about how it will be when we have an empty nest another 18 or so years from now... More to come on that!

picture over load

2011-05-05T13:51:00.000-07:00

Christmas - Now

Most of the pictures explain themselves... and most of them are really random.

dance recital... aren't they cute? Both of my girls did so good!

We are so lucky to have such a great family that comes to support all of us. Grandparents, Great grandparents, aunts, uncles, & nieces.

Lucky me I get to work with one of my BFFs... got to love me Kara ;)

Christmas party with Eric's squad

Ava Bday in Dec

almost every time we took Ava's picture she had to show us how old she was turning....5....

Every year my mom has a cookie fronting party at her house with my fam and all the kids

We got to have Kristi (Chris' birth mom), mom and sister over to help us decorate.

Chris with my dad

For Christmas every year we do a Christmas pageant. We got to be Mary and Joseph this year and Chris was baby Jesus. Ava and Devery are little angels :)

We went on a walk and the girls brought home a couple of new friends... Yes those are potato bugs on our kitchen floor.

haha he looks like he has on a wig

Ava got sick the day of our neighborhood egg hunt so Devery, Chris and I went while Ava stayed home with Eric. Poor girl :( Then the next day we were all healthy and fine at my mom's with the fam doing the egg die thing...this is the only picture that I got of ALL easter :(... The next morning Eric and I both work up with the same wonderfulstomach bug. Thanks mommy for taking the kids all day!

Mother, Mom, Mommy....

2011-05-04T10:06:00.000-07:00

I found this article about how much a mother is worth...

Edelman Financial Services Inc. estimates that, in 2002, a
mother’s financial worth is approximately $635,700 per year, or nearly $53,000 per month.

a. Animal Caretaker $22,256
b. Chef $25,110
c. Computer Systems Analyst $60,860
d. Financial Manager $70,366
e. Food/Beverage Service Worker$14,710
f. General Office Clerk $24,128
g. Registered Nurse $45,614
h. Management Analyst $52,457
i. Child Care Worker $18,179
j. Housekeeper $15,410
k. Psychologist $56,576
l. Bus Driver $26,832
m. Elementary School Principal $66,930
n. Dietitians/Nutritionists $38,313
o. Property Manager $36,020
p. Social Worker $31,387
q. Recreation Worker $30,576
TOTALS $635,724

It made me laugh...

Although there are times that I feel like I should make this much, being paid $635,724 would not replace the payment that I get each day to hug, hold, and kiss my kids.

Also although I am an A-Q kind of mom and I can tell you that I do nurse my kids 40 hours a week, cook 40 hours a week or care or my animal 40 hours a week.

Now to tell you about the 3 most important mother in my life.

First is my mom

Her name is Bobbie Jo. She is in her 50s now much acts like she is still young 40. She loves hiking, fishing, camping, boating, shopping, and for the last year and a half, remodeling her house. She is a strong women that is caring and easy to talk to. She is there for everything, even if it is something small. She is a great grandmother that can't get enough of her grandkids. If she goes a week without seeing them she will call me up and tell me she is on her way over to kid nap them for the day.

Next is Eric's mom

Her name is Sherri. She loves to cook and loves to do it. She is a lot like me when it comes to the out doors. She loves to go camping as long as it is in a cabin with running water :) She is always busy running around helping people either in the family, ward, friends, or just a stranger she ran into. She is great with the grandkids, always having a fun craft for them to do or having something new for them to learns about. Oh and she can grow just about anything in her amazing garden.

Last but not least is Chris' wonderful birth mom

Her name is Kristi. She is an amazing strong woman with a heart of gold. She is great example to me on putting faith in the Lord. She is so cute with Chris and truly loves her son. She plays the Cello, piano, and makes jewelery. She just got done with her training to become a volunteer fire fighter.She is also wonderful with the girls and is great at including them in the adoption process.

Thanks and happy mothers day to all the moms out there.

How much is a Mother worth?

2011-05-04T10:02:00.001-07:00

Please comment your answer

How much is a mom worth...?

To better help us understand the worth we need to know what a mom does!

A mom;

a. raise children
b. cook meals
c. keep house
d. care for pets
e. dispense medication and nursing care
f. attend meetings and functions
g. manage family finances
h. provide transportation
i. assist with homework
j. listen to and resolve family problems
k. keep family on schedule
l. maintain family order and harmony

How much do you think it is worth?

Bust a Gut

2011-04-20T07:59:00.000-07:00

Yahoo our little guy learned how to laughIsn't he cute?

Join the Club

2011-04-16T19:44:00.001-07:00

It is time to join the club...
yep that's right... the book club!

One of the girls that I blog stock is in a book club and just did a really cute post about some of the books they have been reading.

Although most times it is not very easy to get away to have a girls night and talk about the books we have read I thought why not blog the club...?

Here's the idea...

I will start and put a book that I am interesting in reading. If you would like to be a part of this club, you read it too. In a months time I will post what I thought about the book and you post a comment in my comment box.

The next month it will rotate to the next person. They will pick and post the book.

Because I am starting this with the idea behind my blogger buddy Nicole I have decided to pick a book that she just finished reading.

Half Broken Horses by Jeannette Walls

Description
"Those old cows knew trouble was coming before we did." So begins the story of Lily Casey Smith, Jeannette Walls's no-nonsense, resourceful, and spectacularly compelling grandmother. By age six, Lily was helping her father break horses. At fifteen, she left home to teach in a frontier town—riding five hundred miles on her pony, alone, to get to her job. She learned to drive a car and fly a plane. And, with her husband, Jim, she ran a vast ranch in Arizona. She raised two children, one of whom is Jeannette's memorable mother, Rosemary Smith Walls, unforgettably portrayed in The Glass Castle.

Lily survived tornadoes, droughts, floods, the Great Depression, and the most heartbreaking personal tragedy. She bristled at prejudice of all kinds—against women, Native Americans, and anyone else who didn't fit the mold. Rosemary Smith Walls always told Jeannette that she was like her grandmother, and in this true-life novel, Jeannette Walls channels that kindred spirit. Half Broke Horses is Laura Ingalls Wilder for adults, as riveting and dramatic as Isak Dinesen's Out of Africa or Beryl Markham's West with the Night. Destined to become a classic, it will transfix readers everywhere.

Lets start reading! See you back here May 14th.

If I had a million dollars

2011-04-09T15:28:00.000-07:00

Some of the girls that I teach were talking about this topic that other day at the studio. It got me thinking, what would I do (not that that would ever happen).

I would prob go get my hair and toes done along with a great massage. After sleeping in with our nanny for a day had tutored, bathed our children and cleaned our house I would pay off mine, my parents, and Eric's parents morgeges. WHAT...? You wouldn't buy a newer bigger house? I would like a little bigger house for reasons I will later state but No I really like our house and neighbors except for a few that I will not name names (Jamey & Heather.... jk). I would though get new flooring, carpet, couches, and dishwasher!!! Next I would start looking into adopting again. When we adopted Chris we went through LDS Family Services which made it affordable (10% of our income not including all of the little things that soon started to double the cost). About a year ago they changed their policy that you can only adopted if you have 2 of fewer children. Long story short we can't afford it unless we had a million dollars. Next I would like to start a none profit organization not only helping homeless families eat and have shelter but to sober up, clean up, educate and get jobs. But before that I would like to go on a long vacation with our families just hanging out, hiking, swimming, biking, laying out, etc. Hmmm what else...? oh ya :) I would give some of the money to my siblings. What about a new car....? I REALLY REALLY love my mini van so I wouldn't get a new car unless it was to upgrade what I already have. Well maybe I would need 3 million to do all of that:D Until then we are happy living as lower middle class in a house with stained carpet, half working dishwasher, and being a family of 5. We are blessed that I can even think about being picky.

Now if only I had $5 I would go buy a candy bar and a pack of gum!

The Diary of a Young girl... Stacey

2011-04-08T20:37:00.000-07:00

Okay I am not really all that young anymore BUT :) I just finished reading (and crying) the Diary of a Young Girl Anne Frank
I really love blogging because it is me journaling part of my life. On that same note, what I also like is that I am aware that other people will be reading it, so I don't put all of my deepest darkest... I told Eric that if and when I die to please throw away my diary, or at least filter through what he might think is okay for people to read. Although Anne states OVER and OVER how much she hated her mother it makes me think about how much we all hated our mothers during our adolescent year (except me and my mom of course), and we weren't even locked up in a small space with ours. Did she really hate her mother that much? That young girl could not be in her right mind with the way she talked about how she felt being on her period. REALLY...? I remember those same feelings that she wrote about, longing for someone to love her other than her parents and the feeling she would get craving for more time with him. Oh, what it was like to be young! Anne was an amazing writer and I am thankful for her diary, it makes me wonder what she would have written after the night they were taken, the time that she spent in the camps, and how she was feeling after her sister died just days before she passed. "To the memory of all those who died in this place."

April 8, 2011

Dear Kitty,

Thank you for going on to tell Anne's story.

Yours,
Stacey

WHY?

2011-03-30T13:58:00.000-07:00

People have been asking me "why in the world would you ever want to give up sugar?" Most people say as a diet or to loose weight, although it would be nice to loose the cottage cheese back end before summer, I am doing it for my sanity. For those of you that know me well will understand what I am talking about and for the others I will explain. I am one of those people that EVERYTHING effects my moods and sugar is one of the big ones. It makes me anxious, tiered, impatient, hungry, etc. I has been 10 days since I started the challenge and.... yes I have already cheated :) BUT let me tell you why.

I took
9 gram crackers and a stick of melted butter and made a pie crust
then took
8 oz of cream cheese, 1 can of sweetened condensed milk,1 TBS of vanilla, 1 TBS of lemon whipped it all together and poured on top of crust.
then
smeared strawberry glaze over the top with fresh strawberries
around the edges I put a whipped marshmellow mixed with whip cream
and got.....

YUMMY!

WHY DID I MAKE THIS IF I WAS ON NO SUGAR?... I was in charge of brining dessert for family dinner :)

so long, fair well

2011-03-21T12:07:00.000-07:00

That is it... the time has come... enough is enough... as of today I am saying goodbye

SUGAR FREE FOR 30 DAYS

today is day one

I just love these kids!

2011-03-19T11:21:00.000-07:00

Chris was laughing so hard. I wish you could hear him better in the video!

Drug of Choice

2011-03-16T21:59:00.000-07:00

I love chocolate... I really really do! I don't know what it is about that first bite that really melts me. The best is when I am having a bad or stressful day, somehow that little piece of heaven seams to slow down time and make the pain go away.

My hubby is so great about knowing how much I love it and gets it for me every holiday. It was my birthday last week and he spoiled me with 3 of my favorite candy bars & chocolate donuts.

I think I have a problem! If was asked to go to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory I really would be the boy swimming in the river of chocolate.

I had a great birthday with my family around. Thanks everyone I love you! And a special thank to my hubby for making my day special.

7 days

2011-02-24T19:50:00.000-08:00

Less than 7 days from now we will be in court standing before a judge, being questioned on if we are suitable parents for our little boy Chris.

I don't know why I am so nervous.

The best part is that two days after that we will be at the temple being sealed.

Isn't he cute?

Guest Post

2011-02-22T23:06:00.000-08:00

Meet Que and Brittany. They adopted a little boy in Oct 09 and are going through some of the same things that our little family has. It is called

BABY MAMA
The other day, while meeting Brie and I for the first time, someone referred to me as her "baby partner." While Brie and I found that assumption to be pretty funny, we both kinda realized how difficult it is to explain to people the relationship that we have. (And we are now looking for a better way to introduce ourselves to people. Haha)

But that incident made me think about how I feel like I'm always walking a tightrope when I try to explain the circumstances of our adoption to people.

If I try to explain the merits of an open adoption, sometimes people jump to the conclusion that Que and I co-parent our son with his birth mom, (which we absolutely do not believe in.)

Or, because we are open with Brie, they will sometimes assume that the title "mom" isn't significant to us, or that we want everyone to call Brie "Liam's mom" or that we say that Liam has "two moms." (All of those things are false, by the way.)

But if I try to explain the huge distinction between the titles and roles of mom and birth mom, then people say that I appear to be insecure in my place as an adoptive parent and am insensitive to birth moms. *sigh*

What I really intend to explain to people is that because adoption (and especially open adoption) is so complicated, titles and defined roles are necessary and important for everyone involved.

We all need to know our place and accept it, and Liam needs to know his place and understand how he is connected to all of us. And that we all love him more than anything.

Just as Liam needs to connect with his biological roots, he also needs to understand that Que and I are his parents. Liam has one mom and one birth mom. Titles and boundaries define those roles for him.

Just because we are open with our birth mom doesn't mean we threw boundaries out the window. And just because we have boundaries doesn't mean we disrespect our birth mom.

With that in mind, I hope the following makes a little more sense:

I am Liam's mom. Brie is Liam's birth mom. Our titles are different and our roles are different.

Brie is more than a baby incubator and I am more than a babysitter. I did not give birth and Brie does not parent. My role and Que's role is to parent and to be considered a parent. That's a sacred role. Brie's role is sacred as well. She may not parent Liam, but she gave him the gift of life. She listened to the Spirit of the Lord and sacrificed her own heart to place Liam where the Lord needed him to be, and she remains a part of our lives in order to get and to give answers to Liam.

We understand this, even if others don't. (Although, I'd like to help them understand.) She does not visit to try to confuse Liam or pretend there wasn't an adoption, and we do not try to pretend he is biologically related to us.

I've been asked the question "What happens if in an attempt to get what he wants, a teen-aged Liam runs to Brie instead of you and Que." People have not only asked me that sort of question, but people have asked Brie that as well.

Interestingly enough, because of the boundaries we have, even though we had never previously talked about this issue, we both gave the same answer.

Brie told me that she said if that ever happened, she would not entertain Liam in that regard and would send him back to us, his parents. And I knew she would do that, if that situation happened.

Boundaries are important in an open adoption.

Especially if you want it to be a close relationship. And we do.

Thanks again Brittany for sharing. If you would like to know more about baby Liam's story visit them at

http://queandbrittanysblog.blogspot.com/

public school

2011-02-21T05:47:00.000-08:00

Ava is going to be in Kindergarten next year so it is natural for me to be concern about the school system. I fully believe that it is up to the parents to be a part of their childes education, but also feel that it is important for them to not waist 8 hours a day in a over crowded class room.

Utah Governer has promsed that "My FY 2012 budget proposal includes $50 million for K-12 enrollment growth. This will come close to fully funding the cost of new students in our public education system for next year."

Come close? Is this good enough?

He then state that "This proposal also recommends continuing the State’s All-Day Kindergarten pilot program."

That is great and all but for me I would rather have a half day of kindergarten with smaller class sizes then a full day of no one on one time with the teacher.

I come back to the topic of the parents.

How much time do we really have with our children after they spend all day at school, get home, have dinner, and get ready for bed? It is up to the parents to stay involved but it is also up to that schools to not waist there time while in school.

I have worked in the school system for 4 years and have seen how overwhelming it is for teachers with over sized classes and no new funding for supplies. I am blessed to have a hubby that is home during the day and have full intention for voluntary time, but will that be enough?

I don't have the answer to this problem but I do know that venting makes me feel better :)

The Legacy of the Adopted Child

2011-02-18T16:27:00.000-08:00

Once there were two women who never knew each other
One you do not remember, the other you call mother.

Two different lives shaped to make yours one.
One because your guiding star, the other became your sun.

The first gave you life the second taught you to live in it.

The first gave you a need for love,
The second was there to give it.

One gave you a nationality
The other gave you a name.

One gave you the seed of talent,
The other gave you aim.

One saw your first sweet smile,
The other dried your tears.

One gave you up: it was all she could do.
The other prayed for a child and God led her to you.

And now you ask me through your tears the age-old question through the years.

Heredity or environment, which are you a product of?

Neither my darling, neither. Just two different kinds of love.

-unknown-

my heart breaks

2011-02-16T20:57:00.001-08:00

Yes I have been blog stocking and came across a family that has a mixed family of biological children and adopted children. Just this last Christmas their second youngest of 5 children passed away from SIDS. His name was Andrew. Check out their story.

http://nygardfamily.blogspot.com/

New baby

2011-02-15T12:32:00.001-08:00

As some of you know my sweet baby niece Loryn Nicole was born 7 pounds 8 ounces~20 1/2 inches January 22nd. It amazes me how great Mindy is with her children. 3 girls 3 years and younger and she just has a calm voice and smile on her face every time I see her. Congrats you guys we love you!

adoption

2011-02-15T11:41:00.001-08:00

Not flesh of my flesh,
Nor bone of my bone,
but still miraculously my own.
Never forget for a single minute;
You didn't grow under my heart
but in it.

I didn't give you the gift of life,
But in my heart I know.
The love I feel is deep and real,
As if it had been so.
For us to have each other
Is like a dream come true!
No, I didn't give you
The gift of life,
Life gave me the gift of you.

- Unknown

A+

2011-02-02T07:48:00.001-08:00

My hubby and great neighbor Jamey always teases me for my spelling and grammar on my blog. I am sure it is no shock to you now that I am not a English major and just a mom trying to hurry and write things down between doing home work, hide and seek and changing diapers. On that note here we go with some updates.

Ava hates me telling stories about her and said that if I do then she will put me in time out. She gets so embarrassed! I can't pass up telling this GREAT, PROUD, PARENT moment. Devery was trying to borrow a loe from Ava for dance but Ava didn't want her to so we were we were teasing her. Devery got a hold of it so I told her to run fast to the bathroom and lock the door and put it on. Well she ran to the bathroom and locked the door but forgot to be in the room with the loe. Ooops.... Eric was still asleep and not really paying attention to what was going on, Ava went down stairs for a minute and then came back up. Just as she walks in the room Eric gets up and goes down stairs. Ava then tells me "Mom I went down stairs and said a personal prayer that Heavenly Father and Jesus would help us open the door." I start praising her while Eric walks in and opens the door with a hook. While he was laying there he had a thought to go down stairs and look on top of the door frame of the bathroom. We have never seen anything or ever used it, in fact last year we had to take the door frame off of the very same door because it was locked. I am glad that all of our FHE and talks have sunk in with Ava. Such a testimony builder for all of us.

We have been back and forth the last few months on if we should move or stay. We love our house and neighborhood so it is really a big decision especially with Ava staring school next year. Because we really just want more rooms and less stairs we thought that all of the good things about our house were worth staying for. Next thought was that we have lived here for 3 years and still have nothing up on the walls. If we are going to stay we should make it look like a home.
So in our bedroom we have a before

and after

it is so fun to lay in bed and see our little family and how it has grown.

The other day I was so excited to get some new clothes for the girls at the old navy sell (1.75 for a pair of pants). I don't know why I even try and get my girls cute clothes because when we go out anywhere they decide to dress like this...

Eric has started school, I have started running again, and Chris has started on solids. As you can tell he really loves them :)

part 8

2011-01-26T23:42:00.001-08:00

The first call I make is to Eric even though he’s at work for training. I get a voice mail so I move so the next step. Where the heck do I drop the kids off at? I know that my mom will drop whatever to help me but she is out of town. Lucky me I have a great sis-in-law that was willing to take Ava and Devery until my mom-in-law could pick them up. I run home, pack a bag for the girls, and a bag for the hospital full of snacks and cameras. AAAAAHHHH I start freaking out. I have been so scared that Chris and Kristi will change their mind that I haven’t even gotten anything ready. No clothes, bed, food, NOTHING. My cute friend Gina calls and I break down crying, "What am I going to do? What if they change their mind? What if I can't get a hold of Eric? Where is he going to sleep when we bring him home?" She was able to calm me down and reassure me that she would take care of the details while I enjoy being at the hospital. So then I was off to the hospital.

The next set of fear comes in. When I imagined going to the hospital I didn't imagine going by my self. I just have to say that I am one of the most blessed moms there are. Kristi's mom and dad were there with both Chris and Kristi then later her Grandparents, sister and brother came, and Chris's mom and dad came with his sister and grandparents. There was not one single time that I felt uncomfortable, or that I shouldn't be there. Everyone was amazingly nice to me. I got to the hospital at 2pm Eric got there at 6 then at 8pm Kristi is ready to start pushing. In the room was Kristi, her mom, Chris and Me. Kristi's mom was on one side holding a leg and then Chris was on the other side with me. Chris was so good to me. He kept asking me if he was in the way and if I could see everything okay. 8:36 baby Chris was born at 7lbs 19 1/2 long. The original plan was for Eric and I to take off after the baby was born and then come back after they had time to see the baby and let things settle down. That plan had changed. We were invited to stay and I ended up holding Chris more than anyone else. When people came into meet him they would ask me if it was okay. I just can't stop telling how amazing everyone and everything was. When they moved Kristi into her other room Eric, Chris and I got to follow baby Chris to the nursery to give him a bath. The hospital was so good to us and let all 3 of us in the room instead of just one. Chris and Eric got to wipe baby Chris down then I got to wash his head in the water. When he was all warm we followed him to Kristi's room to visit for a few more minuets then took off. We got home about 12:30 but were too excited to sleep.

The next day we knew that we were going to be able to go to the hospital to visit again but for only a couple of hours and didn't know when that would be so we got up and ready for the day and a bag packed for the girls (we didn’t want them to some to the hospital so they stayed with my great neighbor Jamey and my sis-in-law Casey again). The visit was so good but this time we really felt like visitors, both to Chris and Kristi and to baby Chris.

Placement day comes and our caseworker calls to let us know that we need to meet in the lobby of the hospital at 6 to go over some of the paper work and placement will be around 8:30pm. We get there about 5:45 just anxiously waiting and pacing. Chris and Kristi's case worker comes down from there room around 6:10 and tells us that they need more time to just stay seated. Just after that our caseworker meets us and we start our paper work. About 6:30 now she comes back and tells us that they still have not signed anything and still need more time but to move upstairs closer to there room in another lobby area. We sit there for another 20 min and the their case worker comes back and goes through a couple things with us on how they are feeling and to make sure our paper work was finished. 10 min later she comes back and tells they have sighed papers to move to another room that is next door to Kristi's hospital room. They tell us that will come in and have some time together and they will leave Chris with us and that we will stay there till they have left the hospital then take the baby down to be discharged from the hospital then we can go with our new baby boy.

For as excited as Eric and I were we were also so sad. It was hard to see Chris and Kristi so upset and sad. They walk into the room with baby Chris with their eyes red and swollen from crying. The 4 of us were so nervous you could feel it in the air. They started by telling us a little bit about how Chris has been sleeping and eating. They gave us a couple of outfits for Chris then we gave them some gifts. After taking a couple of pictures Kristi hands Chris to me and walks out the door.

We were on out way home with our beautiful baby boy Chris Ryan.

why?

2011-01-14T12:32:00.000-08:00

I hate days like this.... We are all sick so we are stuck in the house. I love to get out in the world each day but am now going on a streak of just sitting. The worst part (okay first worst part) is that because everyone is not feeling good the kids don't want to do anything #2 worst is that my sister in law is having a baby right now and I can't help take care of her kids or even see the new cute baby Loryn. Grr what is a mom to do?

Going back

2010-12-29T14:14:00.000-08:00

Yes I know that it is the end of December but I can't pass up the last two months.

I LOVE HALLOWEEN and this year was even a little extra special.

My family all met up at the zoo for some trick or treating and got to also spend time with Chris's birth mom Kristi.

and a couple of days later with his birth dad Chris

I just have to add that I love Chris and Kristi and think that they are amazing! We are so blessed to have them and baby Chris as a part of our family.

We also had a pumpkin painting party, Ava's school party, our ward party, and a get together at my sister Casey's house.

One of my favorite parts of Halloween (other than candy) is dressing up. This year we were toy story 3.

part 7

2010-11-03T09:45:00.000-07:00

We get home from the meeting and can not believe that they have picked us. We were so excited and could not stop looking at the picture that they gave to us. Even though I was really excited I was super nervous too. I kept thinking that they would change their mind. Our case worker also kept reminding us that this was a high risk adoption because the father is involved and has not signed the relinquishment papers yet (by law the mother can not sign until 24 hours after the baby is born and has to be off pain meds for so many hours). I was so nervous that when our family would call to see how the meeting went I would lie to them saying that we didn’t know and we would hear back in a couple of days from our case worker. Kristi (the birth mom) was so good to e-mail us and reassure us about the adoption. It helped a lot to hear from her and after a couple of weeks I started to tell people the good news. From the time that we met Chris and Kristi to the due date was 7 weeks. For 2 weeks I was not even telling anyone and then after that I was too scared to buy anything or to even get the car seat out of storage. My mom was so excited she kept buying stuff but I would set it in a room with the receipt stuck to it. After a while I had to tell her to stop because I was too worried.

2 weeks after our first meeting we met again to talk about what to expect at the hospital and openness after placement. (I am not going to go into that because everything that we talked about ended up changing and continues to change. If you want to know more leave a comment or e-mail me). I was glad that my caseworker was taking notes because Ava and Devery came with us this time and it was really hard to pay attention to everything! After we were finished Eric, I and the kids went with Chris, Kristi, and Kristi’s parents to the park for a picnic and to visit. I was really nervous, but had no reason to be because they were great!

We had another meeting with our caseworker to pay our adoption fees and to go over all of the paper work that we will need to sign at the hospital. We also went over the changes on the hospital plan.

Another 2 weeks go by and Kristi is progressing so we decide that we want to get together one more time before the baby comes. Monday Augest 30th we went to watch the Joseph Smith movie down town and out to eat. It was fun to get to get together with them. Kristi and I emailed almost ever day from the first time we met but it is always different in person.

The next day I was at the dance studio when I get a phone call from an unknown number. All Chris could get out was, “Hi Stacey, this is Chris”, when I yelled out, “Are we having a baby???” He said that Kristi had been admitted strait from her 37 week apt and that they wanted me to come to the hospital…. MORE TO COME

Help them find there family.

2010-10-27T15:26:00.000-07:00

I was contacted by a wonderful family that is in search of there newest member of there family. In efforts to help with their adoption they are doing a raffle. Winner gets $30 for Olive Garden or Red Lobster all you have to do it post there button on your blog. Check it out for more info.

there adoption blog

2010-10-26T15:46:00.000-07:00

http://cameronlanejordan.blogspot.com/

There is a blog that I have been following for the last couple of weeks. It makes my cry every time I read. They have just set up a donations account to help pay for Dr. bills. If you would like to help visit the blog for more info. Or just visit the blog for a good cry!

My little girl turned 3 and yes I am crazy!

2010-10-24T21:09:00.000-07:00

For some reason I thought that Devery needed 3 birthday parties. One with my family, not just family but extended; second cousins and great grandparents. There were 18 total. Then with Eric's family equaling 18 (oh and decided that I would cook dinner for all 18). Did she really have to have a friend party? There were 6 little girls running around my house for 2 hours all on Mac&Cheese and cake high.

They are a great group of little girls that actually all get along and play really well together. Can you believe there are 6 girls living all next door to each other about the same age? WOW right?

Now that Birthday is over and she is just that much closer to turning 4 :( I'm not ready for them to all grow up.

I am so thankful to have my little girls in my life and for such a great family and friends that come out to help her day (or week) extra special.

COMMENTS COMMENTS COMMENTS

2010-10-22T08:51:00.000-07:00

I LOVE COMMENTS! IF YOU LOOK AT A POST SAY HI :)

My Halloween Super Hero!

2010-10-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

I have to say that I am one lucky lady. To start out I LOVE Halloween, when we were putting up our decorations we all played dress up. Chris started to cry so Eric ran up to feed him before getting himself ready for bed. When I go up a while later I see my Super Hero husband asleep in the chair. Isn’t he cute?

I am blessed to have such a great guy and dad. Eric gets up with Chris even after he had been to work all night.

Going back to how much I love Halloween I had the family over for a pumpkin painting party. The kids were so cute painting and gluing all afternoon. I love having family around to share our fun activities.

What is your favorite Holiday?

2010-10-10T22:05:00.001-07:00

check us out on

From a Fathers Perspective

2010-10-07T13:05:00.001-07:00

I believe that adoption is one of the greatest blessings for families that are looking for Children to come into their home for one reason or another. Also for Mothers and Fathers who are expecting, and who know that they are not in a position to put the child first by keeping him or her.

One of my friends from work said to me "How can you love a baby that is not yours"? I looked at him and smiled and said "trust me, you can!". I sometimes think of the question he asked that day, and today I now have a better answer for him.

God gave us everything we have in life and if we really want to think about it, nothing is ours anyway, it's His. If we are God's children and His spiritual offspring (which I believe we are), we are here to love and take care of each other FOR Him and for His plan.

Just like you can love your wife or husband that you did not technically create,(and love them with all your heart) you can love a precious baby with all that you have. Adoption is a very divine plan from the beginning of time, and will be to the end.

I think of Mothers that selflessly give their baby to another, like Jochebed, the Mother of Moses. Jochebed knew that the Pharaoh ordered the killing of all Israelite male infants by casting them into The Nile River, and she knew that she needed to do something if Moses wanted to survive. So she faithfully sent him in a basket down the river. Could you imagine if she would have selfishly kept him? The author of the first books of the Bible would not have been alive!

I also sometimes feel an inkling of what Joseph (The father of Jesus) must have felt when he found out that he was going to father the greatest gift that ever came to earth. Talk about an inadequate feeling!

And to Mothers and Fathers who do sacrifice their babies for someone to take care of; I also think of the most selfless act in all of the earths history. That is of God the Father for us.... "For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten son". John 3:16

I am so thankful for the sacrifice that Chris' birth parents made. I also thank God for this beautiful gift that He allowed my wife and I to take care of for a time.

And to Chris who is sleeping and swinging in the living room in front of me: Your name is very special in a lot of different ways, but the one thing I love the most about it, is what it means.... Chris- "Bearing Christ Inside."

Love,

Eric

part 6

2010-10-06T20:27:00.000-07:00

All day Thursday we are wondering around not even able to focus on anything. Our caseworker informed us that it is common for the adoptive couple to give gifts to show there appreciation. Hmmmm.... what kind of gift do you get someone that you have never met and know nothing about them. You can never go wrong with gift cards right? Because the birthmother and birthfather (I know that they is big controversy on what to call the mother and father that placed the child but this is what we have decided works for the 4 of us) were separated we needed to get them something separate. For him it was a gift card to a choice of 4 restaurants and for her a pedicure certificate. We left in plenty of time to stop and get the birthmom her gift. Because she doesn't live close to us we had to get it while we were in her area.

We knew that we were going to be early but 45 min early? Really Stacey? We sit in the car now trying to decide what to write in there cards. What do you write to someone that you have never met, know nothing about and are hoping to choose us as parents to their little baby? As time gets closer I keep looking around the parking lot at everyone walking in and out of the doors. I am getting really anxious and Eric would not stop looking at me with a big smile on his face. After a quick prayer we are out and walking slowly to the office doors.

Our caseworker was not there yet and the couple was there already back talking to there case worker. * I have to add this * Eric always goes to the bathroom at the worst times! We are waiting there and he gets up to go the bathroom. The thing is that the secretary has to open the door for you to go back to the offices. LEAVING ME THERE SITTING ALONE. Luckily he got back just in time for there case worker to come out and call us back.

We walk down this long hall and she opens the door ... I thought I was going to pass out. But they were not in there. We sat down on a couch with another couch next to us with two chairs sitting across from both couches. There case worker sits down and talks to us just a little bit and tells us that they are in the other room and that she is going to go and get them and be back. AGAIN we are sitting alone nervous as can be. The door opens AND it is our case worker :) Not even enough time to think about it the door opens and they walk in.

Once I settle down and catch my breath I realize that the conversation is going really good. We talk about our families, jobs, childhoods, how we met, my kids, they decision, what we wanted as far as openness etc….

About 2 hours goes by of this when Kristi (the birth mom) says she is uncomfortable and needs to go walk around and get a drink. A couple of minutes later Chris (the birth dad) and Kristi walk back in. They said that they opened there cards and thanked us for the gifts and that they had gotten something for us too. Kristi hands me a picture that has been framed.

After giving us a minutes to look the picture over and to try and understand what she is telling us she blurts out “we pick you.” Eric and I both started laughing with tiers in our eyes saying thank you and giving them a HUGE hug. We sit back down and they explain to us that they had picked us even before the meetting, they just wanted to surprise us. AND that they did!

part 5

2010-10-02T14:19:00.000-07:00

Tears are here yet again but joined with anxiety and fear. I can't find it.... I can't find it anywhere.

It is Friday afternoon when a friend called to ask us why our profile was not on the LDS Family Services website anymore. She had a friend in her ward that wanted to see it.

WHAT? ARE YOU KIDDING? IT'S NOT?

ERIC

After a long weekend Monday morning comes and Eric calls the agency to ask about our profile. They assure us that everything is fine and that a family has put us on hold (a family is interested in you they can put you on hold for 7 days and renew that hold up to 3 times. While on hold no other families can see your profile). The tears are replaces with excitement but anxiety still growing.

The next day my caseworker calls with not much more information. Usually a birth mom will e-mail or there case worker will call ours. At that time we would have some information. NOPE not us. We are in the blue. We have no idea who, where, when, how long, why? The questions never stopped. Time goes by and still nothing.

Many prays have been said through this process but these weeks there are in over drive.

I get a call the following Tuesday July 27 from my case worker saying that it is good news. There is a couple that is 24, married but separated, and due in Sept. She informs us that they are a high risk adoption because the birthfather has not sighed his relinquishment papers yet. Although afraid of what the means I am in tears with excitement. She goes on to tell us that there names are Chris and Kristi and they want to meet us on Thursday. "Thursday as in 2 days from now?" "YES YES YES We will be there just tell us where and when." I get off the phone just to turn around and call Eric, my mom, sister Mindy and so on down the list of family. I can not stop smiling. My pits are sweating so bad I don't think my body knew what to do with all of the excitement.

Then my mind starts

Oh no what am I going to wear? What will I say? What are they going to want to know? Do we get them something? Do we not? What if they don't even like us? How many other families are they looking at? What are they like? Who are theses people?

Then it is Thursday...

A BIG FAT THANKS!!!

2010-09-29T20:18:00.000-07:00

I just have to say thank you to all of you peeps out there that have helped me this last couple of months. What an amazing family, friends, and ward I have. I am amazed how much we are loved. Thanks again XOXO everyone :)

part 4

2010-09-14T22:42:00.000-07:00

There is a stats sheet that at a adoptive couple can go on and check to see how many people have checked out our into. We were getting a lot of hits so I was so excited but still nothing.... weeks go by and then....

I get an e-mail

We go weeks e-mailing back and forth about everything that we can think of. She had just found out about the pregnancy and had not been into an agency to talk about adoption. A little over 3 weeks pass and I don't hear anything.

Back to waiting

June comes and there is another e-mail from a different birth couple. They are not registered and very unsure on what they want to do but I still can't hold back being excited. A week and half goes by and no more e-mails.

And waiting again

Part 3

2010-09-02T12:32:00.000-07:00

We had a one on one meeting with our case worker on the information about us and our relationship. We must have past the test because we got to move on to the next step.

After a lot of changes (spelling & wording) we only had one more step before our profile would be posted. THE HOUSE VISIT. We were on our way out of town for an unexpected funeral of Eric's uncle. We all flew out to Denver for a week spending time with family. When we got home we had only a couple of hours that night and in the morning before our caseworker would be at our house. It was panic time. I was putting our suit cases away with the clothes still in them doing mad pick up of the house while Eric was at work and my mom played with the girls and cleaned out the fridge. On top of all of this our dog had to have surgery that night. A hematoma left her ear full, droopy, and in a lot of pain.

The next day our case worker knocks at the door with her clip board and list. We talk for a while and then off we go through the house. We did great for the most part. We had to get a second safe to separate Eric's guns from him ammunition, a fire hydrant in the kitchen and new batteries put in our fire alarm.

Then we wait AGAIN. Our caseworker had to get all of our paper work filed before we could be put up. About 6 weeks later (February 12) there it was.... Eric and Stacey are hoping to adopt. The word spread fast and in a week all of our family and friends had visited the site. But...no news on a birth family.

part 2

2010-08-08T00:45:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks go by after we have decided to explore our options on having another baby when I started looking into LDS Family Services and information on adoption. I tell Eric about it and the next day he is on the phone making our appointment for an orientation. The following Friday we are sitting around a big oval table with 6 other couples going through questions and options with adoption. At the end of the meeting Eric and I look at each other and signed the papers. The process had begun.

The following weeks we had to have our bishop sign a paper saying that we are current temple recommend holders. We also have to have him and 4 other people write a reference letter and answer questions (2 can be family). Some of the questions were how they felt our relationship, how we deal with stress, etc. The caseworker has to get them back before we can go on to the next step. Another 2 weeks go by and we have been assignment our case worker and we have a meeting.... the following week.

We meet with our case worker and she walks through the steps that we need to go through to be able to be qualified. The first step that we have to go through is getting a copy of our SS cards, drivers license, original marriage certificate (for them to keep), original birth certificate (for them to keep), physicals for Eric and I and both the kids, and FBI fingerprint background check done and all turned into the caseworker. This took us a while!

After getting all the following information sent in I was really excited because I thought that we were getting close to being done with the process. The next thing we know we were assigned a password to the LDS Family Services website for adoptive couples. We log on and start on Phase one

contact info
personal info (b-day, ss#, place of birth etc.)
marriage info
list of children and there info (hair and eye color, weight, height)
employment; current and past
church info
references

... and submit

Little Ballerina

2010-07-31T21:09:00.000-07:00

Devery started dance this week, she was so excited! There are many factors that went into the decision of choosing dance; I get a sweet deal on classes, she will only wear leotards or tutus, and....

because she does this all day. Haha her ball fell out of the funnel. It is so fun to see the girls own interests and talents.

part 1

2010-07-26T20:26:00.000-07:00

January of '09 I go in to see my doctor to find out that she would like me to go on medication to help with my mood swings. Weeks pass by; Eric and I are both so thrilled about this decision and how I have been feeling. Out side of getting my prescription filled and talking to my doc every month we went on with life as always. Spring comes and we start talking about expanding our family from 4 to 5. The only thing to do now is wean off my meds and start trying. July comes and I am now officially off my meds, we are thinking that it is just the matter of time now. Haha were we wrong.
Well first of all I need to back up. It took us about 9 months to get pregnant with our first daughter and 5 months to get pregnant again, miscarry then another 3 months to get pregnant with our second daughter.

A about a week goes by and we are hoping that I get pregnant fast because I am grumpy, short and irritable. Two months go by and as a family we decided that it is important to be at my fullest to be able to take care of these two beautiful little girls that we have. I get back on my meds, although feeling better, I am sad that we will not be able to have anymore children (at least not right now).

During all of this I go out with my sister-is-law running to train for the marathon that we had signed up for. Well we didn't get far. She asked how things were going and how I was feeling. While I brake down crying she reminds me that My Heavenly Father loves me and that he has a plan for me. She also reminds me that there are other ways of bringing children into your homes and families. With this in mind Eric and I talk over the next while and start exploring options.

more coming soon

3 month catch up

2010-07-14T20:23:00.000-07:00

I have start out by saying that I think Eric and I have the best jobs ever! I get to be a stay at home mom, help teach my kids dance, and do what I love.

Eric has never been happier. He loves being on the bike and meeting new people. He has been able to work with the kids from the shelter every month and had fun at there last riffle training. Don't he look hott?

Ava was not much of a fan for soccer this year. She said that only reason why she wanted to play was to get the treats after the game. She also liked playing with 2 of her best friends. Aspen was on her team and she had to play agents her other friend Tampsyn. I guess we will be trying something new next summer.

I was so impressed with Ava at her preschool graduation. She new most of the songs along with all of the states, and some of the presidents.

We are so lucky to have such a good family that is always coming out to support us. Ava had most of her family on both sides. Cute grandparents!

Eric's squad got an award at work. It was fun to have a date night and meet all the guys that he works with. I only know some of them and the others I only know through Eric's stories.

Yes once again Eric did not train. Casey decided that she wanted to do a triathlon so Ashley, Nick, and Eric all signed up with her. Poor Nick hurt his shoulder during training and ended up having surgery. Casey and Ashley did AMAZING and once again Eric kicked but with no training.

Last year Ava only did a couple of moves in her dance and spent most of the time looking at her teacher. This year she did great! She looked forward, knew that dance, and had a blast. One part the girls were skipping in a circle and the girl in front of her didn't start so Ava gave her a little push to get her started :0

Girls went 4 wheeling and LOVED IT. Bo loved it too. She would just run after us then run into the stream to cool off.

Camping with the bike squad. I can't get over how dirty the girls were after only one day.

Taylosville 5K. It was fun to be able to run with so many friends. I also got my brother to come out and start running with me. I am so out of shape. 3.2 in 29.30

a couple of weeks later my stake was having a 5K race with a social ofter. Eric, my brother, Gina, and Casey all came along with everyone we now from our ward. We start out and I am first out of the girls. Mile one here comes Ava's Sunday school teacher zoom past me. Mile 1.5 zoom goes another girl, mile 2 another. Okay we are just about done, I turn the corner and "Oh no look at that hill." The girl in fourth and I were neck and neck the rest of the time. I turn to the finish and sprint only to take 5th :( 22.24 min. Eric took 19.40. WOW we did great! Later that day we are out and decide to trace the miles that we had ran. "Are you kidding? It was only 2.7 miles" Well not as good as we thought but still fun :)

swimming lessons have been so fun. We get to have one on one with both of the girls while they are swimming. Along with lay out and catch a few rays. They have done great and even dunk there head under.

Where is the chicken?

2010-06-02T13:40:00.000-07:00

I hate grocery shopping. Why am I here again, why are there so many people here in the middle of a Tuesday,... what do I need? Oh ya chicken. Don't forget chicken. Phone rings Where is my stupid phone? "Hi babe what's up?" Eric replies "Hey I just invited the neighbors over for dinner. Get something good." "....Okay...? Bye" Oh crap what should I make? Okay cheese, noodles, cream... what else did I need? Oh ya chicken. Oh well I better go down here and pick stuff up. The cart if full. Well I think I am done I am out of here. Why do I always come when I am hungry?

House is clean, noodles boiling, sauce simmering, now I just have to get Devery to keep her clothes on. Bread is rising, but what am I missing? Oh crap I forgot chicken :( What to do? "Hey Eric I forgot the chicken, can you go to the store and pick some up?" Eric said "We don't have time they are on there way." Oh crap!!! crap crap crap...

Phone ringing "Hello" "Hi Cindy. I know that we we invited you to dinner but do you have any chicken?" "Yep I will bring it" "Thanks!"

Dinner tasted good, kids played well, and we made some new friends. Now why are there so many dishes? Oh man I hate dishes!

dun dunt da duhn...

2010-05-19T09:52:00.000-07:00

What is it about wedding that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside? It was so fun to have my family all together for a celebration of my cousin Manda getting hitched. I was amazed how beautiful is was and only one month of planning.

the happy couple

Lucky for us the photographer took lots of pictures of my girls.

Talking about weddings Eric and I just celebrated our 6 year anniversary...

Once upon a time a young boy and young girl caught each others eye while socializing with friends country dancing. All it took was one date. We spent the afternoon hiking our way up the mountain and the evening trying to find our way down the mountain with no light (Ooops forgot flash lights. Long story short 4 months later Eric was down on his knee with the family hiding behind the corner spying, friends down stairs counting down the new year, and me standing there with excitement. Another short 4 months later we sit together at holding hands in the temple waiting for our turn to be sealed together for time and all eternity.

dating
engagement
wedding day
Yep, happily ever after... :)

A Bad Day!

2010-05-12T13:55:00.000-07:00

9 months ago Eric and I decided that it was time to add to our family. 7 months ago we started our application for the adoption. 3 months ago our profile was posted.

Mothers day comes and as much as I want to be happy and feel the blessings of my two beautiful little girls I can't help to think that there is someone missing from our family celebation. I feel like there is a baby our there that is meant to be our child and I can not get to it, to care for it, and love it.

Eric in a loving way reminds me that there are families out there that do not have any children at all.

I AM blessed and am so thankful for my wonderful family, great children, and an amazing husband.

I hope that soon I will meet this new child that is meant to be a part of our family.

LONG trip to Vegas

2010-05-05T21:32:00.001-07:00

It was Eric's third year running in the Baker 2 Vegas relay. There are over 300 departments that get a group of officers together to run. After spending time at the fountains, gardens, pool and dolphins Eric ran just under 7 miles at 2 in the morning. He had to stay and catch, car pool and got back to the hotel at 6am just in time to wake up again and hand out with family. Isn't he a great dad?

Poor Ava didn't feel good and ended having an ear infection when we got home. The last night that we were there I started to not feel well. After 3 days of a 105 fever and medicine for both Ava and I, we are proud to say that we are all happy and healthy.

Thanks Eric for working, keeping up with the house and taking care of the kids while I was sick. Also to my mom for helping with the kids and laundry, Kara for teaching my classes, Casey for dinner. Love you family and friends.

It was really nice to spend time as a family in the warm air but I must say I am ready to be free from vacation for the next month.

catch up and some great pics

2010-04-13T20:32:00.000-07:00

We made it. After months of (Ava) planning and a long drive we had a great couple of days in Disneyland. It was wonderful having my parents being able to make it with us.

We loved seeing all of the parades, characters, and rides. Ava even stayed up extra late to make a show.

Haha this is priceless. We had LONG days and never stopped. On our way back to the Hotel, well...

My cousin is getting married. Yahoo! I had a Easter dying party at my house and had fun also taking pictures for Manda's wedding. I love my family!

Easter hung at the park with some old friends and some new friends from the ward. I am so glad that you guys were all able to make it out. A little cold but fun :)

WOW I guess I was a little busy around Easter... We got together with the cousins for another hunt. Us girls always get together for a girls night when the guys to to priesthood. I must say I really lucked out with some great in-laws! They are the best.

JUST SOME RANDOMS:

Gina moved in just by me.. Love it! We have been able to get together a few times to hang out. It is nice having people that you know move out to the other side of the woods :0 hehe

Devery coloring

safe kids fair... what is it about face painting?

Our niece Kylee had a show and tell day at school and she decided that she wanted to bring her uncle Eric to come and tell them about safety. It must have been safety week that week. Eric had gone to the preschool twice, to the elementary and to the boy scouts. Cute guy XOXO

My mom is the best! I really do love my mom and I hope that I can be as good of a mom to my children as she has been to me and my little family. Thank you mom for everything!

Well life has been great! Family, friends, and health :)

adoption

2010-03-16T21:07:00.000-07:00

I am so excited for my great surprise the we have triplets. The other day I had to go to the DMV when I got back, good news. I was not expecting three so I let the girls both name one and I got to name one. SO, we have princess, Dopey, and Baby.

Yes we adopted frogs. I was telling Eric that I thought it would be fun to have frogs so when I went to the DMV Eric and the girls went to the pet store and surprised me. They are so cute and fun!

As for the adoption of our child no news :(

Another year older and another birthday, I was blessed to celebrate with my family and a date night with the hubby. Yahoo!

Thanks to Mindy... I was taged

2010-03-12T09:07:00.000-08:00

Tag rules:
open your 1rst photo folder
scroll down to your 10th pict
post and tell the story
tag 5 people (I tag Kara, Jamey T, Laura, Keele, Gina)
Eric and hid brother Dustin decided that it would be fun to tryout for American Idol. They made it through the first 1,000 + people. A month later we all went back for the next 2 cuts. They both made it to the top 200 and moved on to another set of judges last couple of people to be cut before getting to the TV judges. Going from 1,000 + to top 30 not to bad!

It was fun to hangout with family all day. From watching the show on TV I was surprised on how it really is when you are there.

Boser babies birthday

2010-03-06T17:26:00.000-08:00

Bo is now 6 years old WOW how time flies.
Eric and I got Bo when we were engaged and Bo was only a couple of weeks old. She was to young to leave her doggy mom so we would go and visit her. Bo has been a big part of our little family from day one.

Her favorites:
jumping in the bathtub no matter who is already in there
running through the sprinklers
peanut butter
sleeping in Devery's bed

Oh puppy love

Is it sad to sad that Bo really is a part of the family? Her shedding, stinky farts, bad skin/bald head, and all.

What???

2010-02-27T13:03:00.000-08:00

An update of the concert that Eric and I went to.... Paul's brother died 3 months to the day of when he had his heart transplant. Through the entire concert he doesn't say how he passed away. Eric and I decided to look it up and, do you remember the guy that was tazored by an officer on the freeway? Well that was him. What a small world!

2010-02-16T21:39:00.000-08:00

Valentines is a weird holiday... Do people really need a day to remember to tell each other that they love each other. Well because it is a holiday we do have fun cutting out hearts and eating Valentines candy :)

Fun times with Friends... Thanks Lesh!

Eric took me to Paul Cardall concert. He is a pianist that has survived 36 years with congenital heart disease. He held the concert to raise money for families that suffer from the same disease.

After waiting 385 days on 9-9-09 he received a heart. He walked out on stage healthy and strong although the meds that he takes makes his hands shake (bad enough we could see it from our seats). In his time waiting for a heart his brother passed away 3 months (to the day) before he received his heart.

It was a really good concert!

Some info that I thought was interesting...
2,163 heart transplants were performed in the U.S. last year
over a half a million children in the U.S. have some form of cardiac problem
there are about 1.8 million people alive with congenital heart defects

It was really sad. They had a clip of him saying goodbye to his wife and daughter while he was being wheeled off for the transplant. I just started bowling. I could not imagine seeing Eric in that condition not knowing if he would make it out.
I am so blessed for my healthy happy family!

Funny Fam

2010-02-13T23:28:00.000-08:00

Moving on from duck duck goose.... after months of this being our only activity for family home evening we tried getting the girls to pick a new game and...

putting stickers on Dad's head was what they came up with.

For Ava'S birthday Yaya got her a butterfly kit. You mail in a card, they mail back caterpillars. For about a week and a half the little tiny caterpillars would double in size each day then went into a cocoon. Another week goes by and there they are butterflies. It has been fun watching them go through the process.

Oh and our profile is up and running.... Yahoo! I have to say that life is good. I have a great family and excited to have it grow.

busy couple of weeks

2010-02-01T09:06:00.002-08:00

A few weeks ago Eric's uncle unexpectedly passed away. Last week all 16 of us (kids and adults) got on a plane and started our way out to Denver for 5 days. It was an adventure getting all the kids through the security but actually wasn't to bad once we got on the plane. It was fun to get together and spend some time with Eric's side of the family. We haven't always been that close with them!

While we were there Casey, Sherri, and Tyson all ended up at the Dr. for sinus infection and ear infection. Ava and Devery were coughing the last couple of days there so we decided that we needed to take them in when we got home. That morning Eric found out that he had work (his squad took the homeless kids ice skating), both girls had a Dr. apt. and when we picked up Bo from a friends she had a big growth on her ear. We got off the plain around 12 or 12:30. With everything going I called in sick to dance, got my mom to come over to help and didn't get home from running to the Dr., Vet, Pharmacy, til around 8.

The next morning Ava had dance at ten and our case worker was going to be at our house at noon for our home inspection. After an hour of showing our house and answering questions I was excited to sit back and relax.

This last weekend Eric and I had our adoption education class both Friday and Saturday. It was a really great experience and we are so glad that we where able to go. There were 3 panels where the groups were able to tell us there story about adoption and we asked them our questions. The first group was parents that have adopted there kids, next teenagers and adults that were adopted, and the last one was the birth moms that gave there children up for a adoption. In each panel there was a wide variety of people and situations. I really learned a lot and it helped Eric and I prepare for different situations that could occur.

Now it is time to wait for that baby to come.

Done & Done

2010-01-16T23:49:00.000-08:00

Yes I am pleased to say that Devery is potty trained. I don't know how it happened but after a couple of days staying in and a few miner clean ups we are free to go out with no accidents. She was so excited to go shopping for her very own underwear. Now that trick is to over come the night time. She is still wetting at night. Any ideas? Ava never had a problem so it leaves me clueless.

Okay so proud moment and so thankful for such a great preschool teacher (YAYA). Ava was coloring the other day and had said " I am going to be an artiest one day," I said "oh really? Is that you are learning about in school right now." She sweetly replied,"yes mom and I really like Vango."

Are you kidding child who are you? You are 4 and you know Vango? Thanks Sherri for being such a great teacher!! We love you XOXO

FHE

2010-01-01T21:52:00.000-08:00

Every week we let the kids pick what song and game that they want to play for family home evening. Every week we play Duck Duck Goose and sing Pop Corn Popping. It never gets old.