Stealing From Debbie

My friend, Debbie, had this on her blog.

The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me! My choice--for you! This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:

• 1. I make NO guarantees that you will LIKE what I make! (I can only hope)
• 2. What I create will be just for you.
• 3. It WILL be done this year.
• 4. You have no CLUE what it’s going to be … it may be cards, a bookmark, something delicious or a complete surprise to you (and me!) … who knows?
• 5. Most importantly, you MUST offer the same deal on your blog - the first 5 people to comment on your blog get something made by YOU!

(We shall see if there are 5 people who read my blog, I think there are only 3)

4 Months

Emma is four months old today. I am shocked at how fast time has gone by. She has the sweetest personality, so happy and full of life. Someone once told me that joy comes in a lot of different packages, and it is so true. I found a piece of paper the other day that had these words written on it "December 15th, baby girl, Hispanic, stillborn, cocaine, feeding tube, deaf, blind, cerebral palsy ?, lots of dark hair". This is the information that I wrote down when the case worker called to ask if we were interested in adopting Emma. How grateful I am for this beautiful little girl, she helps me remember that miracles really do happen every day!

Happy Easter

Happy Easter everyone.  It was a great day and I am exhausted.  I will post my egg dying pictures later.  I just wanted to post these pictures of Braxton and Emma in their Easter outfits.  Who knew that dressing kids in matching colors could be so much fun?  I am not sure how much longer Braxton will agree to wear a purple shirt so that he can match his sister, but I will enjoy it for as long as I can.

Braxton giving Emma rabbit ears.

Eggs and Soccer Players

Since we are now licensed Foster Parents, every year we have to take 12 hours of class time in order to keep our license current. Well, I have to take 12 hours since I am the "primary caregiver" and Ryan only has to take 4 hours as the "secondary caregiver". Anyway, this morning I completed four of those 12 hours at a very interesting and informative class. I learned a lot of interesting things about being a foster parent from listening to all the stories from others in that class. I counted my blessings that even though getting Emma in our home was done in a strange, backwards, emotional manner, we have a great case worker and have had a positive experience with working with the State of Utah. I really admire those foster parents who have to fight for what is best for the kids in their care. Wow, it was quite an experience. While I was at my class, Ryan took the kids to an Easter Egg Hunt. I was sad that I missed it, especially since it was Emma's first one (like she knew what was going on), but Ryan did take some pictures and Braxton did have a blast. Ryan didn't take any pictures of Emma at the Easter Egg Hunt because he didn't think he was suppose to if she didn't look for eggs. Oh well, I will get her next year.

Braxton's soccer team had the opportunity to go to the Real Salt Lake vs. DC United game tonight. The cool thing was they got to be the kids that escorted the Real Salt Lake players on the field and then stand with them during the National Anthem. Braxton was so excited. Emma and I stayed home since it was cold and rainy. The strange thing was for some reason, they sat the parents of the kids on the team on the opposite end of the stadium. So, while the National Anthem was playing, Ryan ran to try to get some good pictures, but by the time he got to the other side of the stadium, the kids were walking off the field. So, we didn't get any good shots, but Braxton has this great memory.

Braxton is one of those kids wearing yellow.  (I think)

Pre-Easter Sugar Rush

A few weeks ago, I decided to end my love affair with bread.  I am not going to lie, I miss it SO much.  But I have lost 4 pounds since I dumped my old delicious friend.  That being said, my long lost loves are now back.....Cadbury Mini Eggs and Starburst Jelly Beans.  I LOVE these candies.  I love this time of year because I can get them both in abundance and not feel so guilty when I partake in their sweet goodness.  Afterall, Easter only comes once a year right??  I do understand that eating all this candy makes giving up bread seem almost silly, but on Monday, I will get back on the wagon and give up mini eggs and Starburst Jelly Beans for another year.  Unless I decide to hit the after-Easter sale at Walgreens on Monday morning and stock up, then I will jump back on the wagon when all that candy is gone, so that will probably be Monday evening!!    

Fools

April Fool's Day is always a special day for me. I actually got engaged on April 1, 1999. Of course, we didn't remember that it was April Fool's Day until later. I can honestly say that when Ryan proposed, even after dating for a year and a half, I was still shocked. Even though I had bought my wedding dress a year before (it was a killer deal, I can't refuse a good bargain) and we had our wedding date reserved at the temple a month prior to our engagement, I was still surprised when I saw that little black box. *SIGH* So, here is a sappy picture of us and I will think of that evening between my laundry folding and diaper changing duties.