One, Two, Feeee!!!

Yesterday was Emma's 3rd birthday!! I spend most of the day in deep thought, counting my blessings and I also spent a lot of time looking at her and crying. I thought about the whole adoption process and how we were lead down that path. What a blessing that was, I am so thankful that we were listening when those promptings and answers came. I thought about Emma's birthmom (as I do everyday). I wondered if she was thinking about Emma and hoping that she knew that Emma was safe and happy with her family. I thought about how on December 15, 2008 at 8:34am, a strong little spirit came into this world. She had a rough start and she is now known at the NICU as "The Cool Cap Baby". (please google cool cap, it makes me so grateful for technology because this medical device saved my little girl's life). I am so grateful for wonderful doctors!! I thought about walking into the NICU that first time with Ryan and seeing her and knowing that she was our daughter. I remember the look in Ryan's eyes of pure love for her.

Emma is a miracle, I know you have all heard that and are probably tired of hearing that, but it is true!! Who she is on paper is not who she is. Her medical history is quite scary to read, but she is not defined by those scary papers. Her spirit is much larger and stronger than any medical procedure or diagnosis. What does the future hold for this little one? We have no idea, she could continue to progress or some day she may just stop progressing. But, I just trust and have the faith that she will reach her highest potential and if her mission her on Earth is to bring joy to her family and friends, then she has already done that and more.

Emma LOVES Binkbell ("tinkerbell")

Do I really need words to describe this picture?

I just love this girl with the root beer-colored eyes. She loves Tinkerbell, her babies, her stuffed animals, broccoli, oranges and teasing her big brother.

Ten!!!!

Ten years ago at 5:18 am, I became a mom. So much joy on that day, I thought that life couldn't get better than having that little baby to snuggle. Well, time quickly marches on and I will tell you that that little baby boy has brought an immense amount of joy in our lives, every single day. As fun as it is to have a baby and how sad it makes me some days to think that he is growing up, I have to say that having a 10 year old is wonderful. I wouldn't trade him for anything in this world.

At church yesterday, we discovered that a guy in our ward owns a Delorean. Braxton LOVES Back to the Future, so he was pretty excited when he was able to sit in the car and we took this picture. Afterwards he said, "That was an awesome early birthday present." Isn't it so great that the simple things in life make him so happy. I just love that kid.

He is the best big brother a little sister could ask for. She follows him everywhere he goes. He reads to her, they sit together and laugh and laugh, he will even watch Tinkerbell movies with her just to make her happy.

There are days when Braxton will tell you that he thinks Emma's main purpose in life is "to ruin his stuff and mess up his room", but most days they adore one another. Emma thinks Braxton hung the moon and it makes me so happy to know that she has a brother who will take care of her and protect her through out her life. I am grateful everyday for the blessing it is to have this amazing boy in our family. He will not sit in my lap and snuggle like he used to, but he does still enjoy sharing a book and a hug. He loves to write stories and draw cartoons. He loves life and I love to watch him enjoy living it.

Happy Birthday Braxton!!! Yes, you are now a whole decade old!!

Emma's 1st Birthday

On December 15th, Emma had her 1st birthday. What a great day. I still can't believe that she is a year old already. Where did the time go? Emma has brought so much joy into our home. This joy has really made me forgot about the heartache and frustration that occurred last year. I can't really remember what life was like without her.

Opening presents with Braxton's help

Emma loved her cupcake, but she didn't enjoy having frosting all over her hands and face. She is such a dainty girl. I just remember Braxton being covered in cake and frosting on his first bday. Emma would not have any part of that mess.

8 is Great

Braxton turned 8 on the 4th of July. How is it possible? We had a family party on the 4th and his party with his friends will be this week. He got to pick a place to go for lunch on his birthday. He chose Famous Dave's BBQ. We tipped off the waitress that it was Braxton's birthday, so at the end of the meal, she surprised him with a bday sundae with a huge sparkler. As you can see from the picture, he was in shock. He is so excited to be baptized next month and also that he gets to start scouts. What an amazing blessing Braxton has been to us. He is the light of my life and keeps me laughing and on my toes daily. I have seen him grow up so much in the past few months. Emma is so lucky to have such a fun and loving big brother.

35 Years Ago Today........

"The Way We Were" by Barbara Streisand was the #1 song on the Billboard Chart and around noon (9:00 Utah time), I entered the world as the second child/daughter of a family that has grown to 9 children. Last night, as I was staring at the ceiling pondering the reality of being only 5 years from 40, I thought about all the things that have happened in my lifetime. Like the death of disco and the birth of the moonwalk. Live Aid. Neon clothing. Jean jackets with KISS written on the back in black marker. Side ponytails. Leg warmers. Spandex. Break dancing. Friendship bracelets. Mork and Mindy. I have seen the jelly shoes, Transformers and Cabbage Patch Kids come into existence, leave for a few years and then make a comeback. I watched the Berlin Wall come down on TV!! (I was in an American History class last year and some of the students in the class had never heard of the Berlin Wall!) I remember when we got our first VCR, I am sure my parents paid about $1500 for it. *SIGH* How can I possibly be 35 years old? In my mind, some days, I am still a teenager, just a little wiser and married with 2 children now. Anyway, I tried to get some great pictures from when I was a kid, but that didn't work out so well. So, here are some others.

It is also Ground Hog Day. So, let's get some business out of the way. No, Mom and Dad, I did not see my shadow this morning. Mainly because it takes at least a half an hour every morning until my eyes are completely opened. Hopefully, the Ground Hog didn't see his shadow either, because I am ready for spring.

Happy Birthday, Ryan

It's been about 2 weeks since Ryan brought "The Beast" into our home. This mutant flu virus that has knocked us both on our butts. Not only has my blog been neglected, but you should see my laundry pile. I am sure Braxton is wondering if mom cooks anymore too. Hopefully, this week will be a better one. At least I am walking around without feeling dizzy now. Anyway, Ryan's birthday was Friday, so I just wanted to acknowledge my wonderful husband. He felt well enough to take Braxton to a movie on Friday night, so it was a successful birthday. Happy Belated Birthday to the love of my life who I can honestly say that I love in sickness and in health. Braxton made this card for Ryan. It's Ryan with a big slice of pizza.

Party Time

Even though Braxton's birthday was a month ago, we had promised him a party with his friends. It seems like July just kind of got away from us a little too fast, so yesterday was the only Saturday that we didn't have something going on. We had his party at the Classic Fun Center. The kids bounced in the Bounce Zone, played at the arcade, used their scooters on the roller rink and had 2 hours of non-stop fun. The best part of the party for me was not having to clean up after 9 children and since they spent most of their time in the Bounce Zone, as long as we kept our eye on the exit, Ryan and I just sat and talked for most of the party. There was something for everybody!!!

Bounce Zone

Climbing the slide

Gotta go on again and again

Courtney and Kara on the "big ball"

Picking out their prizes

Lunch time for the party-goers

Silly Boys

Opening presents

Spinning the birthday prize wheel

Happy Birthday Jenny

Jenny and I have been the best of friends ever since I was about 5 months old, that's when she was born. Our mothers are sisters and our fathers are brothers, so not only do we share pretty similar DNA, but we also lived in the same house for a while when we were toddlers. Our moms did everything together and we all tagged along. That was before kids were required to be in seatbelts and we all piled in the car to go places. I always had to sit on the bump on the floor in back. Anyway, I can't really think of a time in my life or any childhood memory when Jenny wasn't there. I don't think there were very many weekends when we didn't have sleepovers. We even graduated high school together, although Jenny will probably have her Ph.D. before I even get my Associates. It some times makes me sad that we don't live closer so that our kids can be as close as we were growing up. I am grateful for technology because Jenny and I can IM regularly and I feel like we able to keep in touch even without having a late night Duran Duran video night. Even with the distance between us, we are still there for one another and I know that she is always there if I need to talk or just need a good laugh. I still have the urge to call her every Christmas morning, like I did every year when we were kids, and ask her, "What did Santa bring you this year?" But of course, now I would ask "What did Santa bring your kids this year?" Happy Birthday to my cousin and life long friend, who I consider to be more like a sister. Happy Birthday, young lady!!!!