What we did for Christmas

Last night we said goodbye to a sweet little man who is embarking on a new journey with one of the greatest couples we know. I told Juan "It will be easier because we like them so much", but it is still hard. Evi said "Why can't God just answer my prayer and give me a baby brother or sister" I told her that we want the child God has for us, not the child who was meant to be someone else's. We will be keeping busy with Shawn since he is now starting to use the potty and has been moved to a big boy bed!


We were able to spend Christmas with the family that is adopting. My sister was sweet to let us crash her house while they were in New Mexico. We were able to have some good laughs as well as some much needed last minute snuggle time. We got some snow, and weren't able to get out. That is the down side of living on a farm, no one shovels your street. Thanks Charissa for letting us make ourselves at home.


Sebastian fed Buddy the calf, and the chickens.


We decided to decorate sugar cookies to have some sweets for after dinner, and of course to leave some out for Santa. When Sebastian saw that we were adding wood to the fire, he told us not to forget to put it out so Santa could come down the chimney without getting burned.


We made bird feeders just in time for the big snow. We cut out bread with cookie cutters, poured some peanut butter into them, and topped them with nuts, coconut, raisins, and anything else we thought the birds might like. We hung them out by the bird house.

Saying goodbye

This week we will be saying good-bye to one of our family members. We have had the joy of taking care of a little boy since he was 6 weeks old. We are sad to have him go, but joyful that he has found a forever family. We were able to spend Christmas with him, his sister, and new parents, and I must say that we could not have chosen a better family ourselves. We see God's hand all over this situation. We will remember the past 6 months as he has developed his little personality, and gotten teeth, and started sitting up. We hope to stay in touch with the family, as we have felt that we have become good friends.
Thanks to all of our family and friends who have come along for the ride. We have been blessed to have this little man in our lives these past 6 months.

One of my biggest blessings

Juan and I prayed and prayed for this little guy. We thought that we were supposed to adopt, and as soon as all the paperwork was in place, I found out we were expecting. We decided to have another home birth, but this time we decided on a water birth. I loved it! There is something very relaxing about birthing in water.
Today is my little man turns five. I have this sappy thing about watching my kids' birth video on their birthdays, and I still cry. The miracle of birth is an amazing thing.
Last night we had a little pirate party for the birthday boy, and had fun with friends and family. I think no one else remembers the nights I cried for over 3 years, pleading to God to give me another child. Thank you Lord for answering my prayer. Thank you, thank you.
Happy Birthday Sebastian!

Does anyone else see a resemblance?

Update

Some of you know that Malachi had an MRI yesterday. He did so good. I think I cried more than he did. I think what hurt the most was being in the waiting room, seeing families there to support their family members, and me being there alone.
His head has started having it's own growth pattern and the Pediatrician was a little concerned. His MRI showed that his sutures are still open, and the brain has room to grow. She said that operating wasn't the best option, but maybe a little helmet to help re-shape the head.
So we go back in 3 weeks to see if there is any change, and we may be headed (no pun intended) to Oklahoma City for the fitting of a helmet. Please continue to keep this little man in your prayers. I will keep you updated.

When Juan and I were expecting we never found out what we were having. We think it ruins the fun, like opening your Christmas present before Christmas. I feel that if we were meant to know what we were having, God would have made us with a little window on our belly so we could know what color to paint the walls ;-)
So when we found out we were expecting our second child, we thought of names. If it was a girl she was going to be Lilia Pearl and then we thought and thought and thought of boy names. We couldn't agree on a boy name. I wanted something short, since Evianna had a hard time in Pre-K learning to write her name. Levi, Marco, Max, Bob, Nick.. we could not find a name we could both agree on. Most people don't know that Sebastians first name is Juan, but I didn't want to have 2 Juan's in the house, so we agreed that we would call him by his middle name, since that is kind of a family tradition with the men in my family.
So on a Sunday on our way to church, we agreed that if it were a boy, he would be Juan Sebastian and I went into labor the following day.
So, Sebastian was born the next day. He is now in Pre-K and learning to write his name. I am so proud of him! The thing is.. once he realized how hard his name is to write, he decided he wants to be called "Pete" So here is his name written both ways.

It's been a while

I don't even know if people read this blog, but I guess it is a way for me to get things off my chest. I haven't been blogging in a while just because going from 2 kids to 4 is a big change... for me anyway.
I have days that I am excited, and some days I am sad. I have feelings that confuse me, and other days I have no clue how to react or respond.
Today is one of those days. Today is Shawns birthday. He is two and he has been with us 7 months. Last night we celebrated with my sister and her family. It makes me sad to know that a mother is broken today because she can't snuggle the child she gave birth to two years ago. It makes me sad to know that Malachi has two new teeth, and his mother has no idea. It makes me sad that I am only good enough to take care of Malachi short term, but I am not good enough to love him as a son. It makes me sad that Native Americans are the only ones who can adopt a Native American child.
I know it sounds that I favor one foster child over the next, but the truth is, Shawn has a mother who is trying her hardest to get her children back. I have never seen myself as his mom. He sees his mother and interacts with her, he hugs her and loves her. I am holding her place till she gets better.
The other situation breaks me. I can only hope that Malachi feels our love, and whatever family is fortunate to have him in their lives, lets him know how much we love him. In the meantime, I will journal my feelings, and his growth, and all the cute things he does like grabbing his feet during a diaper change, and smiling at a shelf.
As for our own kids, they are doing great. Sebastian is loving school, and Evi is growing up so fast. She helps me with the boys. Having foster kids makes me want to be a better mom. To hold and hug and kiss my kids, and tell them how important they are to me. To show them, that just because we are taking care of kids whose parents aren't able to care for them, doesn't make them less important. Hopefully they will see it as that we are showing love to someone who needs to be loved, right now in this moment.
I hope today you can look past the little things that are standing in the way of the big things. Let someone know that they are loved. A little snuggle time can go a long way.

Laughter is the best medicine

Click here to see Evi's blog and a video of a sweet little man.

This boy has some moves!

A great opportunity

As some of you know, we lost a baby. It will be 3 years this September 9th. M.E.N.D. is a support group for ladies and their families who are going through a loss. It has been a blessing to me to have a place where I can go, and talk about our son, and cry with others who are experiencing the same pain.
This is a non-profit organization, so it runs on fundraising and contributions. That means that next month, the month of our anniversary loss, we will be having our first fundraising event. BUNKO!!!

For anyone who loves games, and wants a time to hang out and play Bunko, and have the chance to win some awesome prizes, you have got to come to this event. It is for an incredible ministry. The cost is not too much, and I guarantee you will have a blast. I hate asking people for money, but asking people to come play Bunko is a totally different matter.
In case the info is too small, here it is:

Thursday, September 17th, 2009 at 6:30pm
First Baptist Church Tulsa
Dinner and snacks will be provided (baked potatoes and all the fixin's)
Suggested minimum donation $10
To register for Bunko Bash 2009 contact Erica Huff at 633-0668 erica@mendtulsaevents.com
or Michele Wilson at 694-4325 michele@mendtulsaevents.com or michele@mend.org

All pre-registered participants will be entered into a special prize drawing. Non-registered participants are welcome!

I hope to see lot's of familiar faces there. Most women either have experienced a loss or know of someone who has, and what better way to remember our babies, than helping out a ministry that helps women who are grieving. Thanks, and hope to see you there!

First day of school

School is here! Evi is in 4th grade this year, and has 2 teachers. She took a summer math course to help prepare her for the fourth grade. She has several friends in her class from last year, but the most she was happy about was Cowboy Colby. Oh my... Sebastian is in the 4 year old program at the same school. It so happens that when Evi was 4 she was in Miss Hammons class, and when Sebastian was born on a Tuesday we gave Evi the option of either staying home with the new baby, or going to school. She asked if she could take her baby brother to show and tell, and Miss Hammons met Sebastian when he was 10 hours old. Now he is in her class.
Evi has always been Miss Independent, but I was a little worried about Sebastian being such a momma's boy. Well, as I pulled into the school parking lot, I asked if he was excited, and he said "Mom, even my brain is excited!". Once I parked he grabbed his backpack and said that he was fine walking to class alone, since he already knew where Miss Hammons class was. We explained that we wanted to take him all the way, but he was so ready to start school.

Introducing....

the newest member of our household. I am now the proud Momma to 4 kids, two being on loan only. Malachi will be staying with us for a while, I don't know how long. All the kids seem to be taking to him well, especially Evi and Sebastian. He doesn't seem to phase Shawn one bit, and he likes touching his hair and says "baby". We are getting into a little routine and enjoy having a new baby in the house. Evi is a huge help! So now I have a nine year old, a 4 year old, an almost 2 year old, and a 6 week old. I felt like a woman who had just had a baby when my friend Melanie brought me a meal on his first night here. We are spoiled to have friends and family who look out for us. Thanks guys!

Could use some input

At this point I have no idea who reads this blog. But I have been discouraged and could use some input. I don't know where to go or who to talk to so... I am coming to my blog readers ( that is if I have any).

We are foster parents. We enjoy it so much. I think when people think of foster care they get a bitter taste in their mouth and say "Oh, that's great... just not for me". And that is fine. It is not meant for everyone. But what I am frustrated about isn't about the foster kids themselves, it is the people involved in their world. Here is my problem:

We became the foster parents of Shawn on March 31, 2009. Before he came to live with us, our case worker called twice to tell us they found a child for us. Both of those didn't work out. Not because we didn't want them, but because our case worker said (several hours after telling us when we could pick him/her up) that she had found another home for said child. Then we got Shawn, and after a couple of months told our case worker that we would be willing to provide a home for another foster child. Again, she called and said that she had a child for us. Several hours later we got the call they had already found a home for that child. Then again last week, we got a call saying they had a child for us. I know.... I should have learned my lesson by now.
But all I can think of is that there a little babies in the shelter, who are wanting so bad to be held.. and rocked... and someone to sing a little song ( as bad as they may sing) and someone to tickle them while putting baby lotion on them after a bath.. and someone to watch and learn from... and someone to say "I love you and you are special".
So back to the call... we agreed when and where to meet. I went and picked up our newest little foster child, went to Wal-Mart and got him diapers, formula, bottles, and clothes. Then 9 hours later, I get another call. "His grandpa wants him". That is great! But why didn't he want him last week when he was put in the shelter? Why did you call me when he has a grandpa that obviously wants him in his life? Why make me tell my kids that this little guy can't live with us?
So I call our case worker... twice. She hasn't called me back yet. It's been 4 business days. My question is... do I have the right to ask for a different case worker, or are all of them going to be like this? I kinda feel like in 4 months that we have been fostering we have had 4 failed placements. Something is wrong with the system, when there are families waiting for kids, and they can't get on top of things. It makes fostering have a really bad rap, and this is something that is a huge blessing to these kids. But why should people want to open their lives to these kids when DHS is so messed up. Did I mention they wanted me to take this 8 month old to speech therapy? It is not these kids' fault that DHS is not the best organization, but it saddens me to know that people won't consider fostering while DHS is so messed up. Anyway... that is how I feel. Thanks for reading if you have gotten this far.

Here is Evi learning to ride her horse. Red Rain just got back from the trainer, so now it is time for both Evi and Red to learn how to handle each other.
The Jones' have been great letting us come out and spend some time with her. So far, Marley has been the one riding Red ( in the pictures Marley is riding Red, Evi is riding Boomer) till she gets used to being handled, then Evi will take over. It seems Red senses that Evi is still getting the hang of things, and acts up a little when Evi is on her.
Evi has loved having a horse. Now we just need to get some land to have her closer to us.

Birthday Girl

Nine years ago I gave birth to this beautiful girl. She amazes me. For her birthday she didn't want cake and ice cream, she wanted banana splits. Leave it to her to think outside the box. She is a joy to have in our lives, and we are so grateful that God has allowed us to be her parents. Happy Birthday Chata!

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Home Sweet Home

Here we are in front of St Peters square in the Vatican. I am working on uploading a little video of all of the pictures. We had a great time and are glad to be back in the routine of things.

Boys.... you gotta love 'em

Someone laughed at me today

Why is it that us mom's never can do anything for ourselves? I was talking to a certain someone today, and I mentioned that I bought myself 3 shirts. All of my shirts have stains or holes in them, and I thought since we are about to go on a great trip, I could splurge and get myself a couple of new shirts.

So I was mentioning to this person ( who shall remain anonymous since you laughed at me), that I felt guilty for spending money on 3 shirts. This person told me that it was okay to treat yourself once in a while to a little treat. For some it is a new purse, or shoes, or even a manicure or pedicure. So when I mentioned that I spent $15 on three shirts, this person started laughing. Why is it that whenever we need to buy diapers, or socks for the kids, or a new school backpack, we have no problem spending the $15. But if it is 3 shirts for mom, forget it! We get a guilt trip for spending the money on ourselves. 

So this whole situation made me realize something. I have spent my whole life looking for a bargain. I love bartering, and seeing what kind of deals I find. So the fact that I bought 3 shirts on clearance, that cost me a whopping $15, shouldn't make me feel guilty, it should make me proud. So to all those Momma's who are always buying things for your kids, do something nice for yourself, look on the clearance rack, and see if there is something there that would make your life a little brighter. Ross has some great deals! And love the people that laugh at you and say "Are you serious? Good for you for buying yourself something!"

Where to begin...

I married the perfect man for me. Notice I did not say "a perfect man", but he is perfect for me. He gets me. He understands me on the days that I don't want to talk, or when I wake him up at 4 am to talk. He has laughed with me, and made me laugh. He has cried with me and made me cry too. But the simple fact is, I am still madly in love with him, and can't believe how blessed I am to have him as my companion in life. 

When we got married, we had only known each other one year. We got engaged after 4 months of dating, and I'm sure that family and friends were questioning why we were so anxious to get our lives started. Evi arrived 13 months later for those trying to do some math :-)

One of our issues has been children. I would love a house full, but I guess God has something else planned. When we decided to become foster parents, we had no idea the work that goes into it. No more date nights, early mornings, more laundry, dirty diapers, spending quality time with other kids, and making everyone in the home feel loved and important. 

But will all that also comes the love we are investing into the life of a little boy. My sister put it very well on her blog titled "Little Man". Juan has really stepped up to be a Daddy to this little guy. I can see that he really cares for Shawn, and I am so glad that Shawn has Juan as a role model.

When I left for 6 days to go to Mexico, Juan was left to take care of 3 kids(with some help from my sister), 2 dogs and he worked. That right there is an amazing man! And when I got back home, he got sick and was apologizing that I had to make him tea, and take his temperature. He realized how busy a mom can be I guess.

He will be 33 this weekend, and I realize that I have been so blessed to have had him in my life 11 years. This month he is taking me on a special trip to celebrate 10 years of marriage, and according to him, go on a honeymoon that we never had. I have an amazing husband, and thank God every day for bringing us together. 

It's been a while

A day at the zoo. The place was empty and we enjoyed finally getting out of 

the house because of all the nasty weather.
The strongest kids I know.
Shawn loves Evi, and she loves him. Whenever she leaves for school 

always tells the boys goodbye, and that she loves them. She has been

an incredible help.

Yesterday I took the kids to the zoo. It has been a challenge to adjust to a third child, but Shawn is a great kid. He is extremely jealous of Sebastian, but does fine with Evi. We are learning to communicate with him and we love seeing him smile and hearing his sweet laugh. We have notice him act out after he visits with his family. I am sure he is just trying to figure things out, and can't comprehend things. He is doing well, and we look forward to see what God has in store for this little man's life. During my trip to Mexico, Juan said that Sebastian asked for me more than Shawn did. My sister Charissa who was watching the boys during the day said that he started calling her Mom too! It seems any woman in his life is "Mom" at the time. We appreciate our friends and family who have accepted this little boy into their lives as well, and shown an interest in him. You are a blessing!

Meet Shawn

This is Shawn. He is 18 months old and we are having fun adjusting to a third child. Most parents have 9 months to prepare, but we are adjusting. We have seen a positive change in him since he arrived. We got him his first haircut and we are learning his likes and dislikes, as well as trying to get a schedule down. It looks like Shawn will be with us for at least a year. Thanks to all who have helped us become foster parents.

Here he is! Well, the back side at least. What I can't figure out if he is up half the night, how does his hair get so messy? His case worker is trying to figure out if it would be okay to post pictures of him here, but in the meantime, here is the back of Shawn's head.

Ruby vs. Big Bird

He is here!

This kid... where to begin. He is the most snuggly affectionate little guy. He hates baths, loves bananas and loves the dogs. His way of showing affection is he opens his mouth and rubs his mouth on whatever he is loving on. At first I thought we had a biter, but then after he did it several times and was really happy while doing it, I realize it's his way of communicating. He doesn't say much. Actually the only word I understood was "mama". He looked at me and ran to me and said "mama". He hasn't cried once, except he fussed a little during bath time. He is a great eater, and likes to see how much of the banana he can shove into his mouth. He observes the kids quite a bit and laughs when they do. He also seems to like looking at Juan. I think he will do good here.

Here we go again

Maybe by tomorrow afternoon we will have a little boy in our home. Third time's the charm right?? He is 1 1/2 and I will post as soon as know more.

*Warning.. read at your own risk*

This is a venting session, so if you don't want to hear complaining quit reading.

I am frustrated! I just got done reading a book about a little girl who is abused and then her stepfather ends up killing her. Yeah I know... it started out really good, but then the ending threw me. I guess being that we are waiting foster parents it doesn't help. There is no reason why we should have had two failed placements, and the case worker won't return phone calls, along with others who don't return phone calls. It's frustrating. We have done our homework. It has taken us since August to get everything done we were suppose to, and now we just wait. Frustrating.

It's funny that there are "so many" children in abusive homes, and in shelters... but we are here with a crib, clothes, a car seat, and we wait.

I'm frustrated that money doesn't grow on trees. I wish my husband didn't have to work so hard. I wish I could be debt free. I wish I didn't owe people money.

I'm frustrated that my kids don't get it that if they go out to play in the slushy snow, I'm the one who gets to clean up and make hot cocoa for them to be able to get warm again.

I know it's no fun to hear people complain, but I have had a heavy heart, and I figure instead of taking it out on my friends and family, I would get it out in cyberspace. I already feel better.

Now that I got that over with... I am grateful for a great family, all my nephews and nieces ( all 13 of them). I'm grateful for health, for 2 kids that keep me busy and make me laugh every single day. I'm grateful that I have a good marriage, a home and a car. I'm grateful that my husband has a job and that I am able to be a stay at home mom ( and clean up slushy snow and make hot cocoa, and wipe bottoms), and I am grateful for friends who love and accept me for who I am. I am glad I am a part of a church that I love. I'm grateful that even though my parents live in another country, I still have them in my life. I am blessed, but surely I'm allowed to have days where I'm frustrated. So today I will look out at the snow and think of all the good things and positive things in my life. Philippians 4:8.

I thought this was funny and thought I would share.

This morning Sebastian got dressed all by himself. He picked his own clothes out and when he emerged from his room he was fully dressed. I told him he did a great job getting ready for the day. 

Today I was running some errands, and Sebastian and I had a little talk. He wanted to go to the mall where there is an indoor play area, and I really wasn't in the mood to go to the mall. So as we're driving down the road, I'm trying to think of something really fun that we could do at home. Like going on a bike ride down to our neighborhood park, or taking the dogs for a walk.

So here is our conversation:

Me: "Let's go home and do something fun"

Him: " But I really want to go see the pig in the Herbie"

Me: "We can go some other time.. let's go do something just you and me, maybe we could paint or go for a walk."

Him "Well fine! I'm not wearing any underwear!"

So... I guess to get me REALLY mad and get back at me for not taking him to the park, he was going to admit to me that he didn't put underwear on this morning. 

Home Again

There is so much to cover.. where to begin. We made it home safe from a very long trip. We enjoyed seeing family and getting to know the newest member of the clan, six month old Angel. He is the first child of Juan's brother Arturo and his wife Monica. He is adorable! Silvia and Oscar ( Monica's folks) make wonderful grandparents to not only their own grandchild, but to ours as well. Oscar played bowling with them in the house.. how fun is that! They were able to set up a kiddie pool in the back for the kids, and with the heat the kids had fun with that too, not to mention all the movies they had to choose from.

They were gracious enough to let us stay with them, and we also were able to go see Mama Zenaida. She is the grandma he ran away to several times when he was six or seven.

Evi lost a tooth while we were there, caught a soccer game with dad and spent most of her time in Tio Juan's store helping sell candy, pencils, notebooks stickers book covers and anything else related to school supplies. She tried oysters in the market ( I know... scary) and she is wanting to learn Spanish so she can communicate with her Mexican side of the family.

Sebastian fell for Mama Tere's cat Vainillo and in Guadalajara had fun painting with water, washing windows, and learning to play marbles with dad. He also frequented the shop for candy with Tio Juan, especially after being bribed for a photo op. He found a new favorite movie which has us all humming the tune to Pete's Dragon.

 We also found out that the foster family that has the little girl we thought would be placed with us will be staying at her current home. We were a little sad to hear this ( especially Evi who said.." But I've been praying for a sister for so long") but we also know that God is in control and we trust His plan for this little one's life.

 We enjoyed our time and enjoyed watching the kids interact with their cousins, Uncles, Aunts and Grandparents. I'm trying to figure out how to upload a slideshow of some of our pictures.

Great News

Today we are getting ready for our trip to Mexico. Along with making sure the trash is out, dogs are taken care of, everything packed, along with passports and car papers, entertainment for the kids on the road, snacks and water and most important.. toilet paper, we got a call we have been waiting for.

When we return from Mexico, a certain little miss will be temporarily joining our family. She is 2 years old. Our case worker called this morning and told us about her. Now we will be counting the days till we get back so we can meet her. The kids are so excited, and so are we! 

And Evi prayed

Once upon a time, a sweet little girl wanted a baby sister, so she prayed and prayed. She prayed some more and when she saw that her prayers weren't being answered, she said " Lord.. I guess I'll take a brother"

And lo and behold the Lord heard a little girls voice, and sent a little brother. When there is an argument, or hurt feelings she has heard " Well.. you prayed for him".

I am truly blessed to have two amazing kids. A daughter that will read to her brother, and snuggle with him when he is scared of the dark. I love that he is holding her arm, making sure she won't return to her bed. I am blessed.

Hidden Blessings

As most know we are very excited about becoming foster parents. We are getting rooms ready, and cribs set up, and we are praying for the children that will be coming into our home.

Juan and I gave away Evi's bed to someone who is also awaiting a foster child. We felt like we should bless them with Evi's bed. Last night I was on craigslist trying to find random baby items. I was thinking it would be good to have a couple of bottles on hand to be on the safe side. I found a lady that was selling 5 baby bottles, and thought I would get them. When I went to pick them up, not only did she not charge me, but she blessed us with all of these other baby items! Thank you Lord! He has got our back.

Sebastian was helping and he said " We're getting a boy baby?" ( Most of the items are for a boy) and then I pulled out of the bag a pink leopard print baby blankie and he said " We're getting a girl baby too?" We will soon find out! We sure are excited!!

Yummy Recipe

I thought I would blog about a new recipe I tried last night that was a big hit. I got this recipe from a lady in our foster care training. 

Stir Fry Noodles

1/4 c. soy sauce

1/4 c. vegetable oil

4 cloves garlic

1 whole onion

2 pounds boneless chicken 

1/2 c. celery (chopped)

1/2 c. carrots ( shredded)

1/2 cabbage (chopped)

16 oz. rice noodles ( I couldn't find these so I used angel hair pasta, and it worked fine)

2 cans chicken broth

green onions to garnish

I started cooking the pasta before hand. If you use the rice noodles you just have to soak in warm water.

Heat oil, add onions, garlic and saute a little, then add chicken and soy sauce till chicken is done. Add carrots, celery & cabbage ( I added more that the 1/2 cup of veggies) fry for about 2 minutes. Add broth and let it boil about 5 minutes. Pour mixture over your noodles and garnish with green onions. The great thing about this is it makes a lot, and even the kids liked it. Juan put crushed red pepper flakes on his for a kick. 

I am always looking for quick, easy recipes to try. If anyone has one, I would love to try it!

Please pray

This is my nephew Von who has his 4th birthday this week. I mentioned a while back that he has been diagnosed with leukemia and is undergoing treatment. You can read more on my brothers blog here. This little guy could really use our prayers. 

I sure do loves these girls

Olivia is my good friends little girl. She is the cutest little thing around. Yesterday we got to pick her up from her daycare and I loved seeing my kids interact with her. I know they will make great foster siblings.

Sebastian was sitting next to her and he asked her "Olivia, did you miss me today?" and Olivia said "yes" in her little sweet voice. Then we went to the library where Evi never let go of her hand. When we got her home and she heard her Mommies voice she said "Mommy! Hold Ju"

We sure do love you Olivia, and your curls are too cute to resist!

Best Friends

How will I ever be able to give a foster child back to their parents when I'm having so much trouble getting rid of Ruby? She has become part of the family. She adores Frankie and has started letting him be himself again. Not so much the rowdy puppy anymore.

And yes those are big girl panties. Let's just say Ruby is capable of having puggy's now.

Best Daddy Award

I have the best husband. I know all women think that, but I really do. I know that Evi is being taught great worth ethic whenever they go out together. I know that whatever she does when she grows up, she will work hard at it because she has had the best teacher.

Do I have an artist?

The other day in the car Sebastian asked me for paper because he wanted to draw. I handed him a piece and he drew while I drove. When we got home he told me that he drew something for me. When I asked him who it was he said "It's you Mom". 

If you are wondering what those things hanging are, they are my legs and I'm wearing my hospital shoes. This is one piece of art I think I'll keep.

A little help...

A little over a year ago this sweet girl was added to our family. Ava has been such a blessing and we have enjoyed watching her grow and interact with her forever family. Her life was saved when my sister stumbled across her picture, and decided that she needed to be in all of our lives. Please take a second to check out Charissa's blog and if you feel led please consider helping Yulia find a family. Every little bit counts. 

We Did It!

We are now Foster Parents (no child yet) we should have  a baby placed with us by mid March. Thanks to all of our friends and family who have supported us by watching our kids and being exited with us as we start a new chapter in our lives. Our kids are very exited and we will post more as we get news. Thanks again!

Layla

My parents have a new dog, Layla that is a Great Dane. She is 8 weeks old and is having fun with Ruby ( 7 months old). Notice the difference in paw size on these two pups. 

Napoleon Dynamite

Here are the kids watching Napoleon Dynamite. It's funny to me that these kids can quote the movie. Afterwards we went to watch Evi get her award and it was sweet to see Sebastian trying to put his bike in the bike rack at school.