Little Mama!

This is my Cabbage Patch doll from when I was little. I pulled it out of storage and she immediately picked it up and loved on it for about 20 minutes. Since then she has been in love with baby dolls.

Already the little nurturing Mama!

Sunday Gratitude...

I am grateful...

01. for the beautiful, warm, sunny weather we have had all week.

02. for a back yard to play in and that Hubs has worked really hard to make that possible.

03. that Hubs' little sister, J, is back from England. We have missed her and this is most likely our last summer to spend so much time with her since she is getting married soon.

04. that our family grows through adoption.

05. that we were able to see so many cousins from out of state last weekend at our Family Camp out.

06. that my cute, sweet niece E is here visiting from Utah, although I haven't been able to see her as much as I would like.

07. that we were able to celebrate Mac's Adoption Day anniversary yesterday by going to "Day Out With Thomas". Pictures to come soon.

08. to be a Mother. How blessed I am!

09. for the birth families of my two babies. They both pretty much ROCK!

10. to have been able to eat dinner outside on our deck (that Hubs built) for the first time tonight...magical.

40 pounds lighter...

In February Hubs decided to change his way of eating to help him lose and maintain a healthy weight. Also to help lower his Cholesterol without using medication. He has now lost more than 40 lbs, and for the first time in many years he is below 200 lbs. People are starting to notice and ask him if he has lost weight. He looks and feels great. And we had to go buy him all new clothes. We will find out this week if he did lower his Cholesterol. I am very proud of him and really sticking with it!

BEFORE:

AFTER:

"Bear"

This is Oak's Bear!

It is a special gift from some special people.

 When she was about six months (maybe a little earlier) old she ditched her binky and started exclusively sucking her thumb. She really only sucks it when she is sleepy. But we noticed that she liked to grab onto something, with the same hand, when she was sucking her thumb.

 I wasn't comfortable, nor am I now, with letting Oak have a blanket in bed yet. So I was wracking my brain on what to give her to help her be more comfortable when going to sleep. So one night I just grabbed this bear on a whim and set it on her tummy when I layed her down. She grabbed onto it and it seemed to do the job. So I started giving it to her every time I layed her down to sleep. She ended up growing attached to it and gets so excited to see it in her crib when I go lay her down or sometimes she won't leave the crib without it. She will squeeze and hug it with delight and when she want to suck her thumb she will grab the ear (like in the picture). When we are playing on the floor, you can ask her "Where's Bear?" and she will look around until she sees it and when she spots it she will scurry to get it. It is so sweet and I love seeing her attached to something, especially something so special.

Even though this particular bear is very special, I found the exact same one at a store and bought an extra one. You know just in case that one gets lost or needs a good washing.

Mac's Adoption Day

Three years ago today we went to the courthouse in downtown Helena and the Judge signed the paperwork to finalize Mac's adoption.

It was a crazy time for us. But full of small miracles and answered prayers, of which there is no short of in adoption.

 We were moving from Montana to Oregon and we really needed to finalize Mac's adoption before we left. If we didn't we would have to drive back to Helena after our move. We already didn't have any money to move and for the first time ever we were having to use our credit card out of necessity to make the move happen. And to have to drive back was going to make us even more financially strained.

The problem with making sure we could finalize before we moved was that we couldn't even request a court date until exactly 6 months from the time the relinquishment paperwork was signed by Mac's Birth Mother, which would have been June 17th. We were planning on moving on June 26th. Our Lawyer had told us that the court date would most likely be a couple of weeks away, because he had never been able to get anything sooner than that before. Even though he knew our situation, there was nothing he could do to get it sooner. So we prayed alot.

So when our Lawyer went in (who was awesome by the way and did our case probono except for the court fees, which was another miracle) to schedule our court date, there was a new person working there and told him that she could schedule us for the 24th. He was shocked, we were shocked...well only slightly, since we knew that our prayers would be answered one way or another.

Here is what I wrote about his actually finalization 3 years ago:

***

June 24, 2008

"This afternoon we went down to the courthouse and finalized Mac's adoption, YEAH!!!

I am totally kicking myself right now because we didn't get any pictures. That is because it was so casual and quick I didn't even think about it until we were almost home.

We first met with our Lawyer who just went over what was going to happen. Then we headed over to the courthouse and waited for the Judge to get back from lunch. As we were waiting the secretary came over and asked if she could hold Mac and then just a minute later an older lady walked up and was just saying how cute Mac was and then the secretary gave back Mac. Then she asked us to come into the Judges Chambers. So we walk in there and the Judge was the older lady that was talking to Mac when the secretary was holding him. We sat down around the desk in her chambers, it was just us, the Judge, our Lawyer and the secretary (our caseworker couldn't come). We were sworn in, our Lawyer asked us a couple of questions and then the Judge signed the paperwork. And it was all over before I really had time to think about what just happened (it was seriously maybe 5 minutes). Then we went down to the court clerk's office and got some paperwork certified and we filled out the paperwork for Mac birth certificate. And then we left. It was all a whirlwind!

I cant even tell you how excited we are that Mac is OURS! Being his parents has been more than we could have hoped or asked for! The entire experience of him becoming part of our family is so amazing and special to us.

WE LOVE YOU Mac!!!

Thank You C!"

***

I talked to Mac this morning about what today meant to us and why it is so special.

And tomorrow we are surprising him with "Day out with Thomas".

Mac is such a special part of our family! And we are so grateful for the answered prayers and miracle that brought him to our family.
We wouldn't have him without our beautiful C!

comfort those in need of comfort...

This post has been in the works for awhile and I have just been able to get the words down to finish.

As with most trials, infertility is hard...REALLY hard! It leaves you vulnerable, depressed, overwhelmed, along with a million more feelings. One minute you can be fine with it all and feel like a warrior, and the next you feel like you were pushed into a deep dark pit that you could never get out of. At some points you can feel like you have made HUGE strides in healing and moving on, and then unexpectedly something triggers and you realize that in actuality you have just put those feelings on the back burner for awhile.

In the fall of 2009 we decided to start the adoption paperwork to find our second baby. I was really excited and just happy to make the decision to get going on the process. Then unexpectedly I found myself having a hard time with it all. I felt depressed and angry. I was really struggling. And to top it off, I kept it all to myself, not even talking to my husband about it. I spent alot of nights crying and praying in bed after my husband fell asleep, trying to be quiet as to not wake him. I was totally caught off guard by these feelings, and felt like I was an awful person for feeling that way at all. Which is mostly why I kept it to myself, even though I don't think I was good at hiding it.

The beginning of 2010 was changing for me. I was having some strong feelings about us getting our paperwork done sooner rather than later. But was still struggling with that since I wasn't sure how we would even pay for another adoption, let alone another baby. But in my heart I KNEW that our baby girl was coming soon. And I worked my tail off at doing my part to make sure we were ready.

Then little things began to happen that I knew was Satan's way of telling us that we were on the right track and he didn't want us going through with another adoption. I had the one up, because I KNOW that Satan's greatest plan is to destroy the family.

One particular thing happened that was a changing point for me on many different levels. A relative of mine said some very nasty things to me that were completely insensitive and uncalled for. I don't want to, or feel the need to share the details of the situation, but what I learned from her actions (not by what she said to me) will be ever present in my life. And for that I am grateful! Not grateful to her, but grateful for my trials and what I can learn from them and grateful for the plan that my Heavenly Father has for me.

The greatest thing I learned was that because of my trials I can have compassion, empathy, and love for others who are going through trials in there life. And I am not talking about just infertility, ALL trials.

I ended up feeling sorry for this person that patronized and belittled me. She made the choice to do that instead of realizing she could be of comfort to me or be a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on. She could have asked me if there was anything she could do for me instead of telling me to stop complaining. She missed an opportunity to serve and be an example of Christ.

The scriptures say comfort those in need of comfort, mourn with those that mourn. Even Jesus did this on many occasion. He cried with those that lost loved ones, instead of telling them to get over it or move on.

In retrospect, I feel like I already lived that way before, but I am even more aware of it in my life then ever before. I have had many opportunities since this has happened to be there for others who are struggling with big, hard things in their life. And I am grateful that I could be there for them. It has deepened long time friendships and I have made new, life long friends also.

Summer 2011 Bucket List

25 Things we want to do this summer!

Some of these things we have already done, but I feel like summer just started this week, so we are starting over.

01. Feed the ducks

02. Go fishing

03. Play at the beach

04. Go hiking

05. Roast marshmallows/make s'mores

06. Go swimming

07. Go camping

08. Wash the cars

09. Go to a movie at the theatre

10. Go to the rodeo

11. Have a picnic at the park

12. Ride the bus

13. Day Out With Thomas/ Train ride

14. Go to Eugene Air Museum

15. Get our family pictures taken

16. Go on a road trip

17. Pick blackberries/Strawberries & any other berry

18.Fly a kite

19. Make jam

20. Play with water balloons

21. Walk around the Temple grounds

22. Sit on our new deck and eat lunch everyday we can

23. harvest veggies from our garden

24. Make a treat once a week to take to a friend

25. Be okay with my house being a disaster because we are too busy playing and having fun

Your Best Shot!

Isn't she so beautiful?! I can hardly believe that this was taken almost a year ago.

It takes my breath away some days when I think about how she came to us.

There is no denying that adoption is a miracle orchestrated by God's hands.

I KNOW because I have seen it first hand...

and here is the proof!

Oh and how I miss her sleeping smiles!

 She did this pretty much all the time for the first month of her life.

When I was doing this shoot with my baby girl, I was remembering all the newborn shoots I had done the year previous and how I had hoped that this year would bring me my very own newborn to photograph. And there I was in that very moment, photographing the most beautiful baby girl, and the second amazing, miracle to grace our family.

And she is just so beautiful I am hoping she will help me win some cool stuff!

The Paper Mama is having a photo competition:

A Sure Way to a Happy Day!

A Sure Way to a Happy Day

Happiness is something we create in our mind

It's not something you search for and so seldom find.

It's just waking up and beginning the day,

By counting our blessings and kneeling to pray.

It's giving up thoughts that breed discontent.

And accepting what comes as a "gift heaven-sent."

It's giving up wishing for things we have not.

And making the best of whatever we've got.

It's knowing that life is determined for us.

And pursuing our tasks without fret, fume, or fuss.

For it's by completing what God gives us to do,

That we find real contentment,

And happiness, too.

~Helen Steiner Rice

I saw this on a friends blog and really liked it because it is exactly how I feel about life and I know I also need to be reminded on some days.

Mac Funnies {3.5 years}

 He is at the piano with the hymn book open playing away. He turns to me and says "This is the song about I have to go potty when my tummy hurts". Then he sings in a sing songy voice, "I have to go potty when my tummy hurts...I tell my mommy I have to go potty...I tell my daddy I have to go potty...I have to go potty when my tummy hurts."

 We were leaving the house to go out to dinner. Grandma tells Mac he should bring his hat in case it rains. He decides not to. Later, walking out of the restraunt, it is pouring down rain and Mac exclaimes, "I really wish I would have brought my hat!"

 Driving home from church Mac starts asking about a monster and Frank's stop sign. Daddy and I were pretty confused. Finally he said, "You know the guy with the screws in his head!" He was talking about Frankenstein (Frank's stop sign).

Mac saw grandpa with a toothpick in his hand and started yelling with a very serious/worried look on his face, "Don't smoke, no smoking Grandpa!!" I reassured him that grandpa wouldn't do that because he knows it is bad for his body.

Some Mac expressions: "Oh my pianos!!" (instead of oh my goodness), "Flap my wings that is good!" We have no idea where or how he came up with these

On the way home from church which is like 5 minutes away, Mac was falling asleep. I told him to stay awake and he said, "Ok Mama...but no."

Mommy: Mac please be quieter, Oak is sleeping. Mac: Oh, but I just want to make noise and have so much fun.

 I asked Mac what his name is and he said "Mac Handsome W*******r!" (He actually said our last name I just don't want it typed out)

 We went on a walk and Mac peed his pants. I asked him why he peed his pants, he said, "Because I am a pee-er boy!" Of course, that makes sense :)

 He has said several times in the last week, "When I get older I want to have a garage sale!"

 I was telling Mac that we were going to get to drive grandpa's truck to go pick up our new bed. He got all excited and said, "You mean I don't have to wait until I am older to DRIVE grandpa's truck?!?!? I laughed and then told him he still had to wait until he was older to DRIVE it, but he could ride in it still. Then he threw a tantrum.

 I found him changing from his PJs to jeans and asked him what he was doing. He said he was trying to put pants on so he could carry his trains. I wasn't sure what he meant until he got them on stood up and started stuffing his pockets with his trains to take out to the familiy room.

 I was talking to Hubs about some yard work that I wanted him to do, and Mac comes to his defense and says, "We are a family and Dada can do anything he wants!!!" I had to turn my head and laugh quietly. I love this boy!!

We were driving to Stake Conference and Hubs was telling Mac about the General Authority that would be there and Mac says, "He lives in a house in a jungle?" We were a bit confused and asked him what he meant and he said, "You said Jungle Authority."

Miss Oak {10 months old}

...She is all about pulling herself up to standing and started this last week to cruise along the couch. She will even let go and stand for seconds at a time. When she wants down she just falls flat on her rump.

...She likes to play "I'm gonna get you!" when she is crawling down the hall. She will get all crazy excited and can hardly crawl at all and will do a face plant.

...If Mac's face gets anywhere close to her she will hit him. She also like to pull my hair and thinks its a game.

...She can sign consistently and correctly: "more", "dog", "milk". We are working on "all done", "eat" and "baby".

...She LOVES her Bear and any baby doll. She loves to drag them where ever she goes. And will cuddle and pat the baby on the back.

...She has 4 teeth two on the top and two on the bottom. I don't see anymore coming through right now.

...She is a great eater and not picky, although you can tell when she doesn't really like something and she is just tolerating it. She will eat: cooked carrots, peas, cooked apples, apple sauce, rice, spaghetti, crackers, cheerios, bread, bananas, but her very favorite are canned mandarin oranges and cheese.

...She is so happy and smiley and giggly all the time.

...and I hope it isn't true, but I think she may be trying to go to ONE nap. I really hope not, but the last couple of days she has had a hard time going down for her afternoon nap. I hope it's more something like teething or just a fluke. She is SO busy right now and getting into everything that I need her naps to get anything done.

...She loves babies and other little kids.

...She can wave bye bye with her whole arm and flapping hand or with closing and opening her hand.

...She is a vacuum and will eat any little teeny tiny anything that she sees on the floor.

...She is really, really wiggly and is never sitting still. She is constantly on the move and getting into everything.

...She crawls on her hands and knees 95% of the time.

...She sits on her knees alot and it is so cute!

...she likes to dance and will do her little dances when ever she hears music.

...will walk pushing her walker/baby stroller.

...will drink water from a sippy and have started the transition from formula in a bottle to a sippy.

...she likes to grind her teeth.

What's Up!

Welcome to my "New" blog! I hope every one made it back here OK.

 It's not totally new, just kinda. It has all the same posts, just a different URL, and......

our REAL NAMES have been completely removed from the blog!

That is the MOST important change.

I understand that our names are already used in the comments previously and I can't change that, but I am asking that when leaving comments NOW to not use our real names anymore.

There is no real specific reason why I have chosen to do this. I have never had any trouble on my blog at all. The only thing is that I don't want to be able to google any of our names and our blog come up. I have been able to prevent this for many years, but for some reason it is doing that I am not really that comfortable with it.

CHECK BELOW FOR NEW POSTS!!!

No plans...

This last Saturday we actually had ZERO plans, nothing on the calendar. We were both excited about that, because once summer comes that rarely happens...our weekends fill up fast on the calendar. So I suggested at about 9:30am we go hike a place called Sweet Creek Falls that I had heard about which is on the way to the coast from our house. So by 10:30 am we were packed up and off to go hiking. I have to say that it was the most beauitful hike I have ever been on, and it was super easy, pretty flat and lots of fun bridges that Mac LOVED!

After the hike we went to Florence which wasnt too far away and got ice cream and Mac wanted to go see the crabs at the crab shack on the docks. Which he remembered all on his own from when we went a year ago.

Happenings...

...Hubs has lost 40 lbs since I think February. He looks great and feels great! We are hoping it has helped his Cholesterol to go down too, which he will be getting checked when he goes to the doctor this month.

...We have been working hard on our back yard trying to make it nice and functional. It looked like a jungle after a bad turnout of grass and then neglect over the winter. We reseeded and the lawn looks awesome, we are building a small deck next week and we still need to finish tackling the jungle of weeds that has grown around the edge of the lawn along the fence. It is really coming together and we are hoping it will be looking great for Oak's 1st birthday party in two months.

...We have gone hiking and to the Lake house and on walks to throw rocks and float grass boats, tried flying kites and just playing on our street with the neighbors.

...Mac will have his first talk in Primary on Father's Day. He has been begging to talk in the micro phone since he started Sunbeams. He is just getting so big and seems to be out of the toddler stage.

...We finally became big kids and upgraded our bed. We went from a hand me down, 25 year old full size mattress to a queen, memory foam mattress. It is a bit firmer than I like, but I am not waking up in pain, which is awesome. We also bought a bed frame which we love. Now I feel like I can do some real decorating in our room.

...Mac also got an upgrade from a toddler bed to a twin bed. He is doing great with it and it is so much better to cuddle with him in.

...We planted our garden, and also planted some seeds for some starts. It all seems slow going and I hope that we won't have to replant too much. I think we are finally through the constant rain of spring and into more warmer, sunnier weather.

...Oak is fast and getting into everything. So fun and so exhausting! She will have her own update here soon since she will be 10 months old in a couple of days, crazy!