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!

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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!