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.

Court Again

We went to Court again today. It was the shortest hearing in the history of court hearings. The judge asked us how the baby is doing and signed an Order and then scheduled us for another hearing in June. As I walked out of court, I thought to myself, "What just happened in there?" So we waited to talk with our case worker and the attorney for the State. The attorney explained some things to us and then we realized that with all the hearings and the time table that the court has, the adoption will probably not happen at the 6 month waiting period. I think we are talking more like 9 months. A little frustrating, but at the same time, I am just glad that she is in our home and if we have to wait a little while longer, it will all be worth it....Right??? I made the comment to Ryan yesterday that I just can't wait until the day when they tell us she is ours. Ryan said, "She's always been ours." That put it all into perceptive for me, so I will try not to complain too much about having to wait, at least not out loud.

9 Months From Today......

Tonight as I was tucking Braxton into bed, he asked me, "Mom, how many more days until Christmas? I would really like to have Mario Kart for Wii this year." I then realized that Christmas is exactly 9 months from today. Since I love all things Christmas, my heart jumped for joy and for a moment I felt much excitement. Then I remembered it is 9 whole months away, so I shouldn't be dusting off my Christmas CD just yet. But it was fun to think about for a split second. So, mom, you now only have 9 months to knit Emma's stocking. You better get cracking. (Here is a cute picture of Braxton, I think he was 3 in this picture.)

Muffins and Polar Bears

Today was "Moms and Muffins" at Braxton's school. Basically what that means is before school starts they have muffins and milk for the kids and their moms. Getting myself, Braxton and Emma ready by 8:00 this morning was a chore. Braxton and I are not morning people and Emma didn't have time for a bath, so her hair was a disaster. We made it, but they ran out of chocolate muffins by the time we got there. Oh well. Anyway, we found a nice spot on the floor in the lunchroom and sat on a blanket and Braxton read me a nice book about a dalmatian puppy. Very fun. They also do "Dads and Donuts" earlier in the year, which is always a hit.

What happy children, I have :)

After Moms and Muffins, Braxton's class had their animal fair. They had to pick an animal and do a research paper, write a story and then make a clay model of the animal in its habitat. Braxton chose the polar bear. My son LOVES animals and chose the polar bear because as he said, "it's in danger" (endangered). We learned a lot and it was fun to see all the other animals that were chosen by his classmates. Everything from a star fish, a chicken and a king cobra to a dolphin, tiger and giraffe. I love all the fun and creative things they do in 2nd grade.

Braxton's paper and story Braxton with his project. He painted his polar bear yellow because they didn't have white paint.

Braxton and his teacher, Mrs. Smith

Just Makes My Heart Happy

Our computer has been giving me major grief this week, so I haven't been able to blog much or edit pictures. Luckily, Ryan has been off this week from work, so I've been able to steal his lap top. Braxton went to a birthday party today and had a great time. This evening, as I was getting Emma ready for bed and I walked into her bed room and this is what I saw. Braxton and Emma in a very deep conversation. Braxton telling Emma about the birthday party and Emma hanging on his every word. I heard him tell her, "Some day when you're older, you'll get to go to parties too." Braxton is such a great big brother. I think he is always a little confused when people ask him all the time, "So, what do you think of your baby sister?" because in his mind, why would the answer to that question be anything other than that he loves her. I am hoping that this great love and sweetness continues even when she's old enough to start invading his room and touching his stuff. I know, wishful thinking. But it's nice to have a dream.

Church Basketball

Most people have blog posts about their children's basketball games. Mine is a little different. For those who do not live in Utah, this may seems a bit strange. Church Basketball is a BIG deal here. The players can get pretty physical and the games pretty intense, especially for a bunch of guys who are supposed to be good Christian men. (When we were first married, the team Ryan was on then is a great example of how intense it can get, lots of fighting and what not :) Anyway, to be honest, our congregation (aka ward) has not really had a team the last few years. I am sure anyone reading this will not be offended because they know it's true. Well, we've had some new move-ins and this year, the team made it to the semi-finals. They played tonight and it was a really good game, but they lost down the stretch. Ryan was so happy to have made it as far as they did and was excited to catch the winning spirit again. Hopefully, they will continue their Wednesday evening practices and also get involved in flag football and softball this year too. Great job, Kaysville 18th Ward!!!

Three Generations of Basketball Players

Emma just looked really cute in her pink hat!

Braxton waiting for the game to start

Emma's Permanency Hearing

Ryan and I went to court this afternoon. It went very well. The judge agreed that the adoption should move forward. We've been so blessed with how smoothly this whole process has been going. The hearing was short and of course we have to go back to court on March 31st for a pretrial hearing, but I think at this pretrial hearing we will finally know the date of finalization. HOORAY!!!

RQN Shower

I have been trying to get pictures to upload on blogger.com for the past two days and haven't had any luck. Sorry that this will be a boring, picture-less post. Anyway, on Saturday, February 28th, Emma and I had a great afternoon. Friends of mine threw us a shower in South Jordan. I nicknamed this shower my "Ray Quinney & Nebeker Shower" because the majority of the ladies that where present, were former co-workers of mine. I worked with a wonderful group of friends. Since my "retirement" two years ago, I can honestly say that I don't miss being a working mom, but I can say that I miss my friends from work. It was so nice to spend time with them and to share the joy of my little girl with them. I love you guys!!! Oh and also, one of my room mate from my swinging single days, Monica, was there. I miss her too. It seems like marriage and family and being an adult some times takes priority over girl time. I miss talking and laughing with her, but she is one of my friends that I can go years without seeing and we can pick up like we've been talking everyday. I really appreciate having such great women in my life. Thank you, Mare for organizing such a great party and for the yummy lunch. Thank you Cindy for hosting the party in your beautiful home. Emma and I are very grateful for you all.