Home Sweet Home

Here is a picture of our house in Wellington, CO.

I have not been in the house yet, but Ryan is really excited about it and I sent my mother-in-law on a special spy mission to check it out too.

Last Day of School

Today was Braxton's last day of school at Kaysville Elementary, well, until August 2011. I went to his class after school, just in case it was going to be hard for him to say goodbye. When I walked into the classroom, he had a line of kids in front of him giving him hugs and telling him how much they were going to miss him. It was very sweet. I couldn't help but get a teary-eyed when I saw what good friends he has. Third grade has been so great so far. I have really seen so much growth these past few months. One of the things that makes me sad about moving is that I can't take Braxton's teacher, Mrs. Timothy, with us. I just love her. She is a wonderful teacher and Braxton loves being in her class. Maybe if we're lucky, she'll decide to teach 5th grade in 2011. (I can dream)

It's Beginning to Look Alot Like Christmas

It's The Most Wonderful Time of The Year

Well, maybe not for Emma. She did enjoy watching Santa from afar, though.

PS: The picture is not that great because my scanner isn't working and I had to take a picture of the picture.

Alive and Well

It's been a long time since I have blogged. So, I will just check in.

My mom was here for a few weeks. We had a great visit. I tried to convince her to stay for Christmas, but she didn't think that would be a very good idea. I am sure my sisters would have come down and kidnapped her in the middle of the night if she would have stayed.

After many years of service, our computer has finally bit the dust. So, I am without a computer during the week, it's amazing how much I miss having one. I actually had to look up a phone number in the phone book this week. Wow. I am hoping that Santa will have room in his bag this year for a computer for the Brophys.

We are moving in three weeks. I am still in denial about the whole thing. I am sure when the moving trucks show up in our driveway that I will be slapped into reality. I really don't want to leave my friends and neighbors. But, I am excited about meeting new people and exploring Colorado. I guess it does make it easier knowing that it's not a permanent move.

Just Like Heaven

The Brophy Family, November 21, 2009, Bountiful Utah Temple

11 Months (and 4 Days)

How can so much joy come in such a tiny and very busy package??

Sub For Santa

I love the magic of Christmas. I believe in Santa Clause. I love the excitement and the look on children's faces on Christmas morning. I love Toys 4 Tots. Since we've been married, Ryan and I have always made a little room in our Christmas budget to buy a little something for that great charity. A few years ago, Braxton began to understand why we put toys in the big box at Albertsons and he loves it too. Today, I received an email from the Adoption Exchange regarding their Sub For Santa program. They provide Christmas presents for over 300 foster children in the State of Utah. Since our Emma was in foster care, this program holds a special place in my heart. I know that times are tough, especially this time of the year, but if you have a little extra and are looking for a great way to give this Christmas season, please contact Lindsay or Michelle @ 801-265-0444 or use this link https://secure2.convio.net/tae/site/SSurvey?JServSessionIdr003=l1lchgbim1.app1a&SURVEY_ID=7560&ACTION_REQUIRED=URI_ACTION_USER_REQUESTS

I cannot wait for Christmas!!! I am already blasting my Christmas music at home.

Today, I Became A Mother of Two. For Real

With it being National Adoption Awareness Month. I think that this month was the perfect month for Emma's adoption to be finalized. What an incredible experience it was today to be at Court, surrounded by some very special friends, and have the Judge tell us that our adoption journey is now complete, Emma is now legally a Brophy, our daughter and Braxton's sister.

I am so happy that now:

• I do not have to email and call 3 people when I want to take my child out of state on a family vacation. We can visit Grandma in Wyoming, whenever we want now!!! Or even go to Canada!!!
• I do not have to fill out paperwork and talk to 2 people whenever I have to take her to the doctor.
• I no longer have to update "the purple binder".
• I do not have to save my receipts when I buy diapers.
• I will no longer have dreams about random men coming forward to say that they are Emma's birth father and that they want to contest the adoption. Although it was sort of fun to wake up from those dreams and try to figure out where in my subconscious did "that guy" came from.
• I do not have to carry the magical paper around in my diaper bag that says that I can make ordinary and routine medical decisions for Emma. Today I got another magical paper that says that the State of Utah agrees with what has been in my heart all along, Emma is our daughter.

I am sad that:

• I will no longer have monthly visits with our sweet case worker, Laura. We were so lucky to have had her in our corner all these months. Thanks Laura.
• I am no longer a licensed foster parent, something that I would have never done if it wasn't for Emma, yet I now have very tender feelings towards foster care. I so admire those foster parents who love the children in their care and fight everyday for what is best for them.

Here is a picture of us with Judge Bachman. We took other pictures outside of the courthouse, but those are not for public viewing. I cried through most of the hearing, I think it was a combination of pure joy and pure relief and I am an ugly crier. Some people can cry and look just fine in the aftermath. Not me. I have puffy eyes, nose, etc. So those pictures will not be posted on my blog or facebook. Luckily, Judge Bachman keeps his courtroom a little dark.

I have such a loving family and wonderful friends. I really could not have made it through this whole experience without their support. I am so grateful for my faith that has sustained me and kept me functional during the early stages of Emma's adoption when things went terribly wrong. There were days that were dark and sad, but I never felt alone and that is a special gift and a blessing. I love adoption. I don't like it when people say that it's "the easy way" to have a baby because it is the most emotionally draining thing I have ever done. But by some miracle, children always seem find their families. It is so amazing. We waited 7 years for Emma and I would do it all again for her in a heartbeat. She was so worth the wait.

PS: Braxton told us today on the way home from Court, that he really wants a brother now!!

Halloween 2009

Yesterday was so fun. The weather was perfect, I really can't complain. We went to a trunk or treat at our Stake Center. The kids got so much candy. But, of course, that was only the beginning. We went trick or treating around the neighborhood with Kara and Sarah. Emma aka Sleeping Beauty fell asleep, so Ryan took her home. Sarah and I stayed with the kids. One of Kara's straps on her cupcake costume broke, so we decide to go home and have her change her costume, take a potty break and head out for round two. The kids had so much fun and got way too much candy. We couldn't convince them that it was getting late and it was time to go home. Braxton thought that since Halloween was over at midnight, then they should be allowed to trick or treat until midnight. (I think he's ready to go home to Canada and trick or treat with that mind-set..)

I am happy that Ryan was able to come home for Halloween, even if he was only home for about 14 hours. The great thing was that we "fell back" last night so he was home an extra hour.

Look What I Helped Make (sort of)

About three years ago, my mother-in-law gave me a sewing machine for Christmas. Maybe she thought I needed help being domestic or something. I can sew, but not very well. I can sew in a straight line (usually). This week, I dusted off my sewing machine and for three fun-filled afternoons Lisa came over and taught me how to sew. Lisa usually makes her kids' Halloween costumes. She has quite a great talent. This year is the first year that she will not be sewing a costume for her kids. So, she was kind enough to offer to help me make Emma's Sleeping Beauty costume. I did sew a little bit, I would say that I made 5% of the costume. I think if I had to sew the whole thing, it maybe would have been done by Christmas. The costume is so cute, but I think the best part of the whole experience was getting to know Lisa better. We had a great time. Thanks you Lisa for all your help. I owe you big time.

Daddy's Girl

Ryan is now working in Cheyenne during the week and coming home on the weekends. So far, this is working out okay, but I really can't see it lasting too much longer. I am sad to leave all my friends in Utah behind, but I do look forward to living with my husband again. I miss him and the weekends go by way too fast. When he does come home, Emma will not let him out of her sight for very long. I snapped these pictures as she sat on his lap on Saturday and watched the Utah game with him.

Frightmares 2009

10 Months

Emma is now 10 months old........she is the most happy, busy and beautiful little girl. (I'm not biased at all) She is really keeping us on our toes, I had forgotten how much fun it is to chase a baby around the house. We found out last week that her adoption will be finalized on November 10th (at 11:15am :). We are thrilled beyond words. We will take her to the temple on November 21st. Braxton put it best when he said, "I can't wait for her to finally be my sister forever."

I Heart Fall

We went to a pumpkin patch a few weeks ago just outside of Fort Collins. I just love being outside in the crisp fall air. They had a corn maze at the pumpkin patch, we got lost a few times. But eventually all made it out safe and sound.

The entrance to the corn maze.

So many pumpkins to choose from. Taking a ride in the wagon.

Emma will not keep her socks on.

Finally found one in his favorite color.

Happy 60th Birthday, Dad!!

On October 5, 1949, the New Yankees and the Brooklyn Dodgers played Game 1 of the 1949 World Series at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees won 1-0. A world away, on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Canada. My father was born. I figure that he is such a big baseball fan because of the events that surround his birthday. My sister, Melissa, held a birthday party at her house for him yesterday. How I wish I could have been there.

Here's my dad with his siblings. He is the boy in the back row in the crazy shirt.

My dad with his siblings and parents. He is the suave looking guy on the right with the green shirt and sharp looking brown suit. (I love my aunt's do)

Here is the most recent picture I have of my dad. Hair is whiter, but still has the brightest smile in the world.

Happy Birthday Dad, thanks for your love and concern...and yes, my smoke detectors do have working batteries and I am taking my vitamins and drinking lots of milk and getting plenty of sleep.

9 Months

Emma hit the 9 month mark yesterday. We celebrated by going to the doctor and getting two shots. :( Anyway, nine months ago, I had no idea that life in the Brophy household was going to change forever. I know I always say that she is so amazing and such a miracle, but I really can't help but be in awe of her everyday.

She is so close to being mobile, then the child-proofing will begin again.

Emma's BFF

Emma cannot get enough of her brother. She isn't crawling yet, but when she does, he will probably never know peace again. Here she is in his room watching him play with legos. I was amazed that she didn't put any in her mouth or try to destroy his creations, she just sat next to him and watched. Very cute.

My Dancing Children, They Get Their Moves From Their Mother

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Labor Day Weekend

We had a great weekend. Ryan's brother, Kevin, and his two boys, Jonathan and Thomas, came up from California for a visit. Jon and Thom are both teenagers and older than Braxton, but they are so much fun to be around, so the age difference is never an issue. What great cousins they are. Kevin's grandpa on his mother's side of the family was celebrating his 95th birthday. We were all invited to their family's cabin in Ogden Canyon. It was so beautiful there, right on the South Fork River. We had a BBQ with the family and the boys all went down the river on tubes a couple of times. Emma and Braxton were exhausted after a day at the cabin, they slept on the way home, but were both wide awake when we pulled in the driveway. They didn't seem to want to miss any of the action at our house, especially with their uncle Kevin, who is probably the most fun adult that Braxton knows. We also had late night board games and Rock Band sessions. Let's just say I will need a vacation from this long weekend, but it sure was a fun time. We wish that Kevin and his family lived closer.

Leaving on a Jet Plane

My mom arrived on August 19th and was supposed to stay until November 7th. On Saturday, we received word that my aunt, Wanda, is very ill, so mom flew home yesterday morning to be with her. We are hoping that she will get to come back soon. While she packed, Emma sat in her suitcase. I think Mom would have taken her home with her if her suitcases hadn't already exceed the weight limits that United Airlines has. We miss you Nana.

Doing the Dishes

Braxton likes to take really long showers some days. So, trying to get both kids bathed and ready for the day is only made easier by giving Emma a bath in the sink. (How embarrassing, you can see that I didn't do my dishes that morning) Anyway, she loves to take baths, she loves to splash and make a mess. Which usually results in me looking like I took a bath with her, but fully clothed.

Cheyenne/Colorado

I am so behind on my blog. Last weekend, we travelled to Cheyenne, WY for Ryan's work. It's a LONG 6 hour drive. Not really much to see on the way there. Anyway, we stayed at Little America and we had a great time. Braxton loved the pool. One morning it was quite chilly outside and there was steam rising off the pool and he still wanted to go swimming. We also travelled down to Fort Collins, CO, which is about 30 minutes south of Cheyenne. We toured a little bit around the city. It felt like home there for some reason.

This little guy was outside our hotel room every morning. Braxton tried to convince me that he would make a great pet.

Braxton relaxing in the pool.

Emma is just like her brother, her teeth were chattering after being in the pool for too long, but she cried when I took her back to the room.

Braxton in Fort Collins, CO

Me, Mom and the kids.