Do I Have To?

Holidays (and especially Christmas) are rough times. It's always in the back of my mind that I *should* have two little ones to celebrate with. Last year was somewhat tolerable because we had complete file approval and we could proceed with adoption! We had high hopes that we would adopt soon and the thought of it taking this long never entered our minds.. This year, though, marks the 2nd Christmas without our little JB and a whole year of "waiting." It's hard to get in the Christmas spirit, but I know I have to because I do have one sweet little face that deserves the best! This week we decorated and K did a wonderful job "helping." We have two trees and I let her decorate one of them all by herself. She thought she was such a big girl! All the ornaments are in one little spot... I'm surprised the tree hasn't fallen over yet! The other she helped with, but I admit, I did rearrange a few of the decorations. :) 

The Happenings

I haven't updated in awhile because really there hasn't been much that I wanted to say...  In Sept. we were contacted by email from an expectant mother considering adoption. She was young, fairly early in her pregnancy, and just trying to get a feel for adoption. I instantly felt good about the email/contact, but there were a couple of factors that held us back from getting too excited. After a couple of weeks of emailing, she stopped all contact. We were not at all surprised when she didn't email again  We truly believe that due to those factors she decided to either parent, or hold off on adoption at this time. I still think about her and I wish her well and good luck.

I can say I was a little bummed about her not emailing again. It is very hard not to get your hopes up. I was so excited to just get a contact.. We knew very well that it may not go anywhere, but SOMEBODY liked us enough to email!!! WOOHOO!! 


We went about our lives and had been discussing other avenues of networking, because after 10 months of waiting (officially) we were just tired of waiting! Then at the end of October, we received an email from a different expecting mother considering adoption. After the Sept. mom, I knew I shouldn't jump to conclusions. After a few days, and she was still emailing us (she still liked us!) I began to let a little hope creep in. She is due soon, and I think the idea of a baby that quickly just took a hold of me. After a couple of weeks and they were still emailing...I let A LOT of hope in... too much actually. There wasn't any red flags to speak of, only one small bump, but was soon put to rest after I talked with our agency. It's quite nerve racking... to know that you are *this* close to either having your dreams come true, or squashed.

We continued to email trying to get to know each other for several weeks. The Sunday before Thanksgiving she emailed and said they were going to take the next few days to talk things over and make their decision. How completely and utterly nerve racking! But as nervous as I was sitting and worrying about whether or not they were going to "pick" us, I couldn't help but think about them and how this decision would forever change their lives. How heartbreaking this whole process is for them. I had been praying heavily over this situation, and many times I had prayed for this to be the "one" for us, but I also prayed for peace, strength, and understanding for them. I've never not included them in my prayers, because I know without them our dreams wouldn't have the chance of coming true.

Sunday night they emailed us their decision. They chose another family. As much as I understand their reasons, and deep down I know this must not be the "one," I am heartbroken.

In light of that, we will continue on. We will see about other avenues for networking. We still have to finish up our home study and get pictures for a new profile!

Seven Years Ago Continued

So I left off yesterday at the end of my lunch break. I'll pick up there as well, because after all that's not the end of the story!

I'm pretty sure he was disappointed, when I told him no, but all he said was "Okay, it was good seeing you." BUT I hated to not see him again, if only just to LOOK at! So I said, "Well, how about we get a group of friends together and go bowling or something?"

So we exchanged numbers... (he still has that little piece of paper) and decided to meet the following night at the bowling alley. I invited a bunch of my friends, because this girl was not going on a "date."

Bowling night: I get to the bowling alley, and no one is there. A few friends finally show up, and he still wasn't there. I called my mom. I was FURIOUS! He stood me up! She told me to be patient, that she was sure he would be there. I decided that I would have a good time regardless and I hated to leave after inviting so many people. About 15-20 min later he shows up. I was pissed and wouldn't talk to him. I'm pretty sure I said something along the lines of "Nice of you to show up." He apologized, and explained why he was late and by the middle of the evening I forgave him and decided he was fun to hang with. After we were finished bowling, his brother (the one I had been friends with) asked if we wanted to go over to his house to hang out. So we did. And we ended up staying up all night talking. Well, I suppose we fell asleep because I woke up the next morning, and said "CRAP, I need to get home! I'm going to get in so much trouble!" On the way into town to drop him off, I told him that I was going to see my brother for a few days, and asked if he wanted to go with. We ended up leaving the day before Thanksgiving, and I think we were both pretty nervous about spending 3 1/2 hours (one way) in car together, but we ended up having a blast talking and singing. We went to Bass Pro, and then just hung out at their house. We rode around on Travis' rail car and froze our butts off! I had my brother snap this picture of us... and it is the first picture of us together and our first Thanksgiving together!

So we left my brother's house and headed back to our hometown. During the ride I asked, "So where is this going, what are we going to do? Are we gonna try this?" His response "I would really like to."



And that is how we came to be Nick and Gina!

Seven Years Ago Today

Seven years ago Nick asked me out on a date. My answer was "No, I don't think that's a good idea."

Okay, so I'll explain a little. Obviously it worked out seeing how we are married now :)

A few weeks before Nick rolled into town, my cousin called me and said that a boy was going to be visiting that she thought I would like. At first, she didn't tell me his name, but gave me all kinds of hints, we were in high school together, we went four wheeler riding together, he's in the Coast Guard (I admit I had no idea what that was). I had no idea who it was... and she finally told me his name. Instantly a big goofy grin was on my face.She told me what day he was coming in and asked if I would like to see him. I said, "Sure, I haven't seen him in a long time."

I had always had a crush on Nick in high school (what girl didn't?). We were both super shy, and we did hang around some of the same crowd. We went four wheeling together. I actually rode with him a few times, and put my arms around him because he was driving so fast. (It was suppose to be a "move"... he didn't take to my subtle hints). He joined the CG and moved away. I was friends with his brother, and we were hanging out one night and he said, "My brother's in town." So I said, Well lets go find him! And we did... he was at Sonic, so we pulled up and I ordered some food, and in a super sweet voice I asked Nick if I could sit in his truck to eat. (another one of my sly moves.. again, he didn't get the hint). We did talk a little that night (don't forget we were both shy!) and then we went our separate ways.

Fast forward about 4 years.... that's when my cousin called. I had recently gotten out of a very unhealthy relationship, so I was NOT interested in dating. ANYONE! Although, I was interested in seeing Nick again. He was always some pretty nice eye candy. Anyhow, so I knew what day he was going to be in town, and I admit... I was kinda expecting him to call. A couple days later, I dropped by his mom's store and said "I heard Nick was in town, is he around?" She said he wasn't but she would be sure to tell him and ask him to call me. I spent my lunch hour talking with his mom. (small town, everyone knows everyone else) He didn't call and a week later, I gave up. Why would he want to see me? On a Thursday,  I was on my lunch break. I hear my coworker say, "She's on her lunch, but she's probably in the break room, I'll go get her."  I hear the sound of her shoes... click, click, click then as she rounds the corner clickclickclick down the hall. I was thinking, "Nice I have to spend my lunch break balancing someone else's checkbook..." I was so not happy to be interrupted for that! She says, "Gina, someone is here to see you." I asked, "Who?" She wouldn't tell me. "Just go see for yourself." she said.  So I went out, and there he was. I'm pretty sure my mouth dropped open and I started drooling. He was super fine, in his carhartts and boots. (it WAS deer season). We talked the rest of my lunch hour... just catching up. I couldn't believe how easy it was to talk to him, and I was so nervous. I could hardly look at him!When I told him my lunch was up he asked, "Would you like to go out to eat and watch a movie?" Inside, I was freaking out. I had not been on a "date" since my ex and the thought of thinking about a date was frightening. So I said, "You mean like a date? No, I don't think that's a good idea."

To be continued....

Mom, Is He Still Looking?

As I'm getting Miss K ready for bed, she looks at me and asks, "Mom, is God still looking for my brother or sister?"
I said, "Yes, sweetie. One day you will have one, but God is looking for the baby that will be perfect for our family."
K: "Well, I really just want a sister now, not a boy one, so do you think He will remember that?"
Me: "I think so, but we should be happy with either." 
K: "We have to have a special Mommy, right?" 
Me: "Yes, we do."
K: "Mom, what is taking so long? I really want a sister."
Me: "Well, we just have to wait for the perfect baby."

Then she proceeded to tell me all the reasons she wanted a baby sister, and all the things she was going to teach "her" baby. Like bouncing on knees, crawling, and walking.

Happy Halloween!

Nick and I went to our friends Halloween party and we dressed as Fred and Wilma Flintstone. Anyone that knows me, knows that I'm a super thrifty person and I couldn't see spending $30+ on each costume. This year I made all of our costumes. I spent maybe $40 for all supplies/fabric for all three.. I begged K to be Pebbles, but she was adamant about being a ladybug!

Game Night

Well, this game night was actually several nights ago, even weeks! Facebook is so easy... you upload a picture put a caption and bam your done! It seems with a blog, you have to,  well, blog a little more :)

I can't believe my girl is going to be 4 in a few short months! I love/hate that she is growing up! I love it because she is able to do so many fun things now, like board games! I played them (and enjoyed) a lot growing up so I'm glad that she enjoys them also. This is my favorite game! One because it was super cheap! I bought it on sale for $3, and Two it's the perfect game to act super silly! I hate that she is growing up, because she's growing up (duh) and that means I'm getting older too!

A Few Sneak Peaks

We are making a little head way with what has become known as "the baby's room." We (I did actually, but of course asked if Nick was okay with it) decided to decorate with turtles. I've always loved turtles, and over the years, have collected, and received several for gifts. I thought it was only fitting for something that could possibly take a long time, but well worth the wait! We aren't close to being finished yet, but I was a little excited with what has come together so I had to share it with some/anyone!

Bike Ride

We love being outside and one of the things we like to do outdoors is ride our bikes. Miss K has been sick and cooped up in the house. We had a beautiful day and she was begging to go on a bike ride, so I decided that was a great idea! I finally got a new camera!! YEAH! So I can finally take a few pictures and post them on here!

Pumpkin Pickin'

Miss K and Momma on the hayride. The sun was brutal today!

Looking for the perfect pumpkin!

I found it Mom!

Good thing we have a big, strong Daddy to carry it for us!

K with our pumpkins!

 We decided to go to the same pumpkin patch as last year. We got together with several friends and had a good time!

A Time to Mourn

I recently read a book "A Time to Mourn, A Time to Dance." A sentence just jumped right out at me when I was reading... "The death of a parent is a death of the past. The death of a spouse is a death of the present. But the death of a child is a death of the future." I have no idea what it is like to lose a parent, or a spouse but I'm certain the pain runs deeps.  I do know how the death of my baby was and that part is very true! My future changed drastically. All of our hopes and dreams were gone in an instant. I haven't looked at anything the same, nor do I feel the same about a lot of life situations. It took some time to adjust on what to talk about with Nick. Think about it, you get married and have babies.... you talk about getting married and talk about having children. When that is gone, you struggle on what to talk about.


It's been a little over 2 1/2 years since we lost little JB. The pain is just as strong and the sadness is still in my heart. I've come to accept that it will always be there, and I guess at times I welcome it. There isn't a day goes by that I don't think of him. I felt such joy when finding out I was pregnant and I know because of that joy I feel such sadness at knowing he is no longer here.


I have very little patience when it comes to others not trying to understand or judging me because I can't "just get over it." I will never "get over" it, but instead I'm learning every day to deal with it in different, better ways. I know my child was not meant to be with me and I accept that, but it does NOT make the pain less. I will always miss, and long for our baby.


In honor of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day!

Cardinal's Fans!

Of course we are, since our home state is Missouri!

Isn't she the cutest little fan ever!?

A Camping We Will Go

I'm so glad the weather has finally cooled down so we are able to start camping. We had a cold snap, and that last morning was chilly! We had a great time and I'm looking forward to the next camping trip!

Enjoying the tree swing with her friend.

Eating grapes, and warming up by the fire!

Three Women and a Lady

So here I was sitting with two very obvious pregnant women. (Normally I wouldn't be in this type of setting, but I was trying to mingle) Another lady walks up and sits down as well. It goes something like this:
Lady says to 1st woman: It's nice to meet you! How far along are you?
1st woman answers
Lady: Is this your first child?
1st woman answers
Lady: Oh, that's wonderful, what a blessing. Is it a boy or girl?
1st woman anwers
Lady to ME: "Do you only have one child?"
Me: Yes
Lady to Me: Are you going to have more?
Me: Well, umm my husband and I are in the process of adopting.
Lady to Me: Oh, I hear that takes a long time."
Me: Yes it can.
Lady to Me: Why are you adopting?
Me: I would suppose the same reason these women are pregnant....
Lady to Me: Well, good luck to you."
Lady to 2nd woman: "Is this your first pregnancy?"
2nd woman answers, Lady continues asking Woman 1&2 questions regarding pregnancy and children and not another word to me.
Needless to say I was ready to burst into tears....

First off, I find it offensive when people ask me if I'm going to have more children. Really, do you need to tell me that adoption can take a long time? Do you really think that I don't know this!? And the 2nd question completely BLEW me away... a person would never ask a pregnant woman why she was pregnant... This is not the first time (nor will it be the last I'm sure) that I've heard hurtful comments. I've realized that the statement "Good luck" is a dismissing of the topic. There was/is clearly a different vibe I get from others when adoption is mentioned. Almost like I can't be included in their talk because I'm expanding my family differently. People (women mostly) tend to get all excited when a pregnant woman is around, but yet they can't show me the same amount of excitement. I know we are becoming a family in a different way, but it's just as exciting for us. I don't understand why others can't see that as well. And that's my gripe today! I promise I won't gripe anymore! (for awhile!)

Celebrate the Small Things

Well, it's been a LONG time that I've been able to say this: Life is good! We've had quite a few changes over the last month or so. It's getting easier coming home to dog-less house. It's amazing how much my life (especially in the end) revolved around Samps. I still miss him like crazy, but it's getting better. I started working at a preschool as an assistant teacher. I might add, that I absolutely LOVE it! Miss K is also going to preschool there and she seems to enjoy it. She thinks she is such a big girl for going to school! I'm not in her class, so I don't see her the few hours that we are there. Well, not unless I need to go peek at her :) In October Nick is going to start working nights, so we are getting ready to switch gears for that as well. My lastest great news is that I won a $100 gift card to Wal-Mart. I was doing a little happy dance saying "Yay, I won, I won!" Nick didn't find it near as cool as I did. We recently had some other pretty exciting news as well, but I'll not get into that just yet. I know, I know... I hate when people do that too! As of right now, I'm celebrating the small things in life. Regardless of how everything turns out, I'm happy and excited in this moment!

Our Beautiful Ballerina

I happened to snap (with my phone) this picture of K on her first day of ballet and I thought it turned out great!

Short and Sweet

I realized that I haven't written (err typed) on this blog in a month! So here's a quick little update!






























Yep that's about it! Okay, okay I'll elaborate a little! As far as the adoption, well it's still going. So far, no contacts. We are starting to work on all of our paperwork again, as it has to be updated every 12 months. September marks our  8 month waiting anniversary of being "on the books." And, I think that's about it! Short and sweet (like me!).

Sampson

Last Friday we had to say goodbye our sweet boy. He had declined rapidly in the last couple of weeks. I spent a lot of time with him on his last day. It broke my heart seeing him suffer. Everything I do reminds me of him. Just like the night after he passed when I was cooking dinner. He couldn't resist the smell of chicken, and that was the only "people' food that I would sneak to him. He would always get so excited when I was fixing it! And then in his last few weeks I boiled chicken just for him, cut it up, and fed it to him. Needless to say fixing dinner that night, knowing that he wasn't going to be at the edge of the kitchen looking up at me, brought me to tears. I know we made the right decision on letting him go, but it certainly doesn't make the pain go away. We miss him terribly, but glad that he is no longer suffering.

Canning Away!

 My garden, unlike last year, has taken on a mind of it's own. I'm embarrassed to even post pictures of the garden because it's gotten completely out of control! I planted based on our garden from last year. It's AMAZING what different soil can do! The things that I planted this year have grown at least 3x as big as they did last year. Which would be okay, but I planted more of each plant and we had less space. Needless to say, we had a crazy amount of fruit and vegetables. So far we've picked green beans, tomatoes, jalapenos, zucchini, watermelon, tomatoes, jalapenos, bell peppers, cucumbers, and you guessed it, tomatoes and jalapenos. The only things that haven't yielded anything (yet) is broccoli (which may not because it's a cool weather vegetable), cantaloupe (I was a little late getting those seeds out), and carrots (which, I think take a really long time to do anything). Over all I'm pleased with the outcome. Our good friends also had an abundant amount of tomatoes, so we decided to combine everything and make some salsa and pickled jalapenos. It's the first time that Nick and I have ever canned (although we grew up with our parents doing it). We are pretty happy with the results! I'm just glad we were able to use everything and it not go to waste!

We're ready to go to our friends house!

All the veggies from our garden (minus the store bought onions)

The men were chopping too! And sneaking bites :)

All the 'maters after we peeled them.

K and I acting silly while waiting for the finished product!

Mmmmm, yummy salsa!

All finished!

Our Boy

My absolute favorite picture of Samps!

This blog has been sittin around for the last week or so. I didn't publish it when I first wrote it, I guess thinking that it would make it "more" real.

The last month has been a whirlwind of visits to the vet office. Our big boy wasn't acting well and isn't getting much better. After numerous visits, we are finally getting somewhere, but not exactly where we thought it would be or want it to be. We've had to make a very difficult decision on what to do about our boy. I see a more difficult decision in the near future. The outcome is inevitable.. Although my head understands, my heart is having a hard time with it. It's so hard to see him go downhill, he's not his usually peppy self, and he looks at me with those big brown eyes. He can no longer sit, and can't stand for long periods of time, so he mainly lays around all day. His appetite is almost non existent, but at times he will eat if I hand feed him.

I remember when I was pregnant with K we were worried how he was going to act with a new baby. He hadn't been around babies, or kids for that matter, other than a few occasions. Our fears were soon put to rest! He was so good with her. The first couple weeks he was nervous and wondering why that thing in the bassinet kept making noise. Before too long he would come get us if she stirred or cried. He adjusted well to not being the center of attention any longer. I think he knew with in a year or two he was going to be in for some pretty sweet treats! 

Twins

As I was reading a book last night to K for bed, The New Baby, we come to the part about Mrs. Bunn being in the hospital room with two other mothers. One of the mother's has twins. K says "Mom, I'm going to have twins." I said, "You are! That would be wonderful." She said,"Yeah, a baby brother and a baby sister and me, that makes three mom. Three of us!" The fact that she STILL wants a baby brother AND sister speaks loud volumes. I love how she throws her addition learning into her statement but the way she said "three of us" kinda scares me. Almost like she's already planning little children against parent tactics...

Everybody Else Is Doing It

The first bows I made :)

Making hair bows that is. It seems like every time I turn around someone else is making hair bows. After looking at the price of hair bows and the price of supplies (some of which I had from cosmetology school) I decided to start making them myself! It's actually pretty fun and it's quick and easy project. I like seeing it all come together in a matter of minutes. Now, if I could only get Miss K to wear them longer than 2 seconds!

I love making this kind!

My little honey bee and butterfly.

The butterfly bow to match a butterfly shirt Miss K has. My fav one so far...

Time is slowing down...

or so it seems! We've been "officially" waiting for 6 months now. The first three months flew by! These last few... not so much :( For a number of reasons I'm sure. These are the reasons I have come up with 1.) Although "officially" waiting for a baby for six months, it's been more like 2 1/2 years or so. 2.) Miss K is adamant about getting a baby brother or sister - now. And it's getting harder and harder trying to explain the situation to her. 3.) I'm going to be the big 30 this year. Although that shouldn't matter either way. It's in the back of my mind that my age is going to make a huge difference . 4.) There seems to have been an abundant amount of pregnancy/newborn news. Or maybe I'm just noticing it more. Anyhow, it doesn't make waiting easier. I know I've said this a gazillion times.... and I'll say it again.(and probably again) I do NOT want to speed up the process for the birth mom. It's going to be an extemely difficult time for her, and for her sake I'm okay with waiting. In due time, "our' birth mom will find us and it will lead to the baby meant for us!

I like free things!

I'm all about free stuff! (who isn't?) I just snagged a free baby sling from Seven Everyday Slings.  Use promo code FAMILY2011 for a free baby sling (while supplies last).  I did pay $11.95 Shipping and Handling (and there is the option of  size exchange insurance for $3.50 ).  Not bad at all for a Baby Carrier valued at $48! After you purchase your sling you will then get a promo code for a FREE nursing cover as well. I didn't even think to write it down (and I certainly don't recall it) because I'm still on the fence about trying to nurse our adopted baby. Anyhow, I've heard that the slings is all a hoax and they "steal" your money, but I did pay with paypal (my preferred way of paying) and I received the sling within a couple of days. Technically it's not FREE if you think about the shipping, but I think $12 is a decent price for a super cute sling. Now I have a guide for making my own later :)

Where's my baby brother or sister?

So, I've realized that maybe, just maybe we jumped the gun on being so open with K about adopting. I know she doesn't truly understand, and all she knows is that "one day" she will get a brother or sister. In the beginning we really struggled on whether or not to tell her, or exactly WHAT to tell her. We've always tried to be honest with her about everything. At her 3rd year well child check I mentioned to her doctor about adopting. Immediately he said we needed to start talking with her about it. Explain it to her (as best we can), read her books pertaining to adoption, answer her questions and don't leave her out. I asked, "but what if it takes two or three years? Isn't that a long time to "just be talking about it?"" He said, "Yes, it is, but it could also be tomorrow and then you have wasted a day." So, we started talking to her about a baby brother or sister she would "one day" have. Oh and btw she is finally saying baby brother OR sister, but she still insists on having both!

We went to the IAC's annual picnic in Raleigh this past weekend. I can't say I had the best time ever, but certainly not the worst time either. I kinda felt in limbo. We can't really relate to those that have adopted, we can to those who are waiting, but at the same time we do have a child already and that sets us apart from other waiting couples. Anyway, Miss K enjoyed her time there! She had so much fun playing with the other kiddos. After we left we had been driving maybe 10 minutes and K said, "Mom, you forgot to get my baby brother or sister!"

And it's because of that statement that I think maybe, just maybe we talk a little too much about her baby brother or sister she will "one day" have.

Getting her face painted!

She picked a butterfly... because "they are so pretty mom!"

Watching the magic show.

Lovin' the magic show!

A Change of Plans

So I recently found out that a "waiting" family with children on average has a longer waiting period than a couple without children. Needless to say I was a little disappointed about not being told upfront. Granted, it would not have changed our decision, but I would've liked to have known from the get-go. So from this recent information, we have decided to wait on painting and decorating the nursery. Since we are military there is no guarantee that we will be here in the next two years. We really, really want to stay here, but it's not up to us and I would hate to put all the work into getting the nursery perfect, have no baby, and then find out we have to move. So... as soon as we are matched you can bet I'm gonna be painting away!

Fishing pole, Fishing rod, Fish

A year and half ago we let K get a betta. It lasted all of four months, when we went on vacation he passed. She had named the fish "Blue." Our friends were watching the house at the time and bought another "Blue" so when we came home K didn't know any different. Very deceiving huh? About a week or so after we came home, the 2nd Blue passed as well. I told K that Blue was sick and he wasn't here anymore, he went to be in fishie heaven. To this day she still talks about Blue and how he got sick. When our cat gets sick (he does quite often). She'll say "Mom, is Rin sick like Blue?" Meaning is the cat going to fishie heaven also? I always say, "He's sick, but I don't know if he is sick like Blue." Because really I don't know if the cat is going to die or not. Anyhow, with her talking about Blue and her asking over the last year and half if she can have another fish, I finally caved (spoiled much?). So she picked out another fish. He's actually quite handsome! He's blue and caudal fin is blue, but his dorsal and anal fin is almost clear with a red stripe on his anal fin. He's a crown-tail Betta, and I really don't know the difference between the Betta, other than he is male, his fins look different, and he was the most expensive one there! As we were driving home, I asked, "What are you going to name your fish?"
She replied, "Fishing pole!"
I say, "Oh, fishing pole is a wonderful name, we could call him 'pole' for short."
"Nah, she says, fishing rod."
"Even better, we can call him rod." I say.
She then says, "No, I think I'm gonna name him "Fish", that's my favorite name."
So...... "Fish" it is! 

Gina, Gina, How does you garden grow?

Bell pepper (5/16/2011)

Beans and tomato plants (5/16/2011)

  Fast, I say, fast! 

I can't believe how fast it is growing this year. Maybe it did last year as well, but it seemed that it took forever for me to see anything popping up! My cherry tomato plants already have little "maters" on them! I was a little late starting the garden this year so I missed out on all the cooler weather vegetables, but by gollie, come this fall I'm going to be planting them!

Cucumber, Beans, and Tomato plants (5/23/2011)

Bell Pepper, Carrots(still tiny) and Jalepenos (5/23/2011)

I let K have one little corner of the garden to plant whatever she wanted... she picked watermelons and marigolds. She planted everything herself. The marigolds are finally popping up (u can see in the lower right corner). It's been such a blessing to see her little eyes light up when she sees "her" watermelon plants.

30 Day Picture Challenge - Day TWENTY-THREE

DAY TWENTY-THREE - A picture of your favorite book.

Anyone that remotely knows me, knows that I could never pick ONE favorite book. I love to read, and I'm not too picky about what I read. (well, as long as it's not boring!) This book is definitely on my top 5 list. James Patterson is probably my #1 favorite author. I've read almost all of his books. One year, as a surprise, my husband bought me all of the Alex Cross books. I was a super happy girl!

30 Day Picture Challenge - Day TWENTY TWO

DAY TWENTY TWO - A picture of something you wish you were better at.


Two things automatically popped into my head when I read this day's picture. I decided to go with the more important thing....

"Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections but instantly set about remedying them -- every day begin the task anew."

- Saint Francis de Sales 

I really wish I could be more patient with all aspects/people in my life... 

30 Day Picture Challenge - Day TWENTY-ONE

DAY TWENTY ONE - A picture of something you wish you could forget.

 That's right, absolutely frickin nothing! I don't want to forget anything! I wish I could remember more than I do. Every memory, every situation (good and bad) has led me to where and who I am today.

Diapers, diapers, and more DIAPERS!

Not much is going on here... we've had a few phone calls on our "adoption line" but no voice mail messages... so either it was a wrong number or they hung up. I, of course, couldn't get to my phone in time to answer. Yesterday, there was a call and I was running as fast as my short little legs would go and I still didn't make it!

We have decided to do a little more networking ourselves, so I'm getting information and whatnot together for that.

Tomorrow is our community yard sale. Nick and I usually have pretty decent luck with yard sales, but I'm not holding my breath on this one... Everything we make will be used for the baby/ baby's room. I'm pretty excited about that!

I think I mentioned before (a year or so ago) that I had won a year's supply of Huggies diapers. I've been very generous in handing the FREE coupons out to friends (and strangers at the store), but I have certainly been using the ones that I kept. We have a decent stash going, and I still have about 15 more coupons to use. The crazy thing about it? We are going to be using cloth diapers. Haha! Well, we were, now we will use the disposables for night time time and cloth during the day. I've been sewing the cloth diapers like a mad woman too! I have 2 cloth diapers finished, 3 that I still need to do the casing on, and 3 more that are ready to be sewn!! They are just the cutest little things!

The closet stash

The bassinet stash

 

And the cute little diapers I made :)