Pearly Whites

After two years of wearing braces, Dalton is free! It was not always easy but he did it. He has to wear a retainer for 4 months straight and then just at night. He has been so good about taking care of everything that goes along with it. He is growing up so fast, I couldn't be prouder of my young man!

My early present

Dalton sat on Santa's lap!!! He wouldn't sit on Santa's lap last year because he said he was to big. I think he knew I was a little sad that Adalyn wouldn't sit on Santa's lap this year. I asked him why he had his picture taken this year and not last year, he said "mom, I did it for Adalyn".

Thank you God for sending your son and this one too!

Christmas already?

Yes it's true, I cant wait until Christmas! Dalton hasn't said much about opening presents but Adalyn ask everyday. So tonight after gymnastics I caved. They where so happy with their presents, it was worth begging Doug to let them open one. He says no more opening until Christmas, we'll see! :o)

She did talk to Santa tonight at dinner, hey, I'll take what I can get at this point. She said "see mom I did talk to him and I told him what I want and that's OK if I don't sit on his lap." Yes Miss Adalyn that is quite alright.

Wheres Adalyn

I took these pictures of Adalyn this morning before school. I finally got all the Christmas decorations up. Well the tree still needs a little tweeking. Adalyn helped with decorating and all the ornaments are in the same spot, right in front. :o) I'm hoping this is not the only picture I get of her and Santa this year, we'll see. I showed her last years picture and told her about all her friends that have visited the big guy in red. She says when its Christmas she'll visit him, not sure when that might be.

The cute pants she has on are a Livi Lu original. Lynn is so talented, stop by and she what she can make for you.

Singing, Cookies and Sleeping

Last night me and Adalyn practiced on making some cookies for Santa, and Santa approves. My child is such a JOY! I turn my head, she grabbed a beater and was singing her heart out. It was so stinkin funny! I'm not sure what she was singing, I don't think she knew either. That is what is so funny about her, she just makes it up as she goes along. Notice her attire, she picked it out. Hey, a girly girl cant make cookies with out a tiera can she?

I guess all that singing and baking wore her out. Dalton ask me if he could open a present since she was asleep to make it even. She noticed a couple of days earlier that he had one more present under the tree than her. Dalton, trying to being cleaver said I could save my money and just let him open a present, Ummmm, no, but nice try.

Some Adalyn funnies:

When she discovered all the present under the tree she said Santa didn't need to come to our house because we already have a lot of presents.

She sings We wish you a very Christmas, its so cute.

She also wants a Holly Pocket for Christmas.

Happy Birthday Angel

Happy Birthday Angel. There isn't a day that goes by that I dont think of you, how big you would be, how long your hair would be. What would your likes and dislikes be. The reason you where taken from us, I may never know. But I'm grateful for the short time we had. I know one day we will be together again, and what a glorious day that will be! Until then my precious angel, Happy Birthday!

A Thankful Thanksgiving

We had a nice Thanksgiving aside loosing Doug's mom earlier in the week. Although it was expected, its still never easy. Please keep him and his family in your prayers in the weeks to come.

We had a nice time at my moms new house. She is so appreciative, its heart warming to see. Me and Leslie headed out to Toys R Us at about 11 Thanksgiving night. Who's idea was it to open at Midnight anyway? Well, we got some great deals and Leslie even got a cold standing outside in 30 degree weather. I think it took me all weekend to get caught up on my sleep. I've started wrapping present and Adalyn is so funny to watch run in the house and check under the tree for new gifts. We have our first Christmas party this weekend and she is so excited to get to finally open one. I have a feeling the next 3 weeks are going to be long ones for a anxious 4 year old!

Tis The Season *UPDATE*

Well, its that time of year that us parents are shopping to find the perfect gift for our kids. I really thought for a moment that this year I was going to get off easy, wrong. My dear 4 year old has ask for a hot item once again, whaaaaaaaaaaa! Yes, this adorable cute little 8-10 dollar toy cant be found anywhere in our area. Adalyn has been asking for a HAMSTER for a while and I have it on her list, just not in my possession. Not in any hurry to purchase the little rodent (I mean hamster), I've been busy shopping and gathering other cute little things for my pea pie. DH calls me today to ask if I had the hamster for her yet? Why no I don't, just hadn't picked it up yet. Well, he proceeds to tell me they are a hot item and I should start looking. Looking, searching, surfing, nothing! How can this be? While I do love a challenge, this is posing to be a rather hard one. Amazon has them as you can imagine for 5 times their original cost or more. I will not stoop to that level, yet. Check back in a week or so, that could change. :o)

To answer the question are they real, no, thank goodness! They "run" on batteries. But if I don't find one soon, real may be the deal. So I plead with all you Moms, please check your local toy store, call a friend of a friend, call your representative. This should be against some kind of law, not making enough toys to go around and showing them repeatedly on the television. I hope to find one of the cute little run on batteries easy to take care of rodent. But if I don't, Christmas will still happen and we will always keep His birth at the center of our celebration.

Not so scary Halloween

Adalyn is so into Snow White. She wants everything to do with her. None of the other princesses even come close. So when she wanted to be Snow White for Halloween it was no surprise. Makes my Christmas shopping a whole lot easier! I must say, I think she made quite the cute Snow White. We stopped by the Disney store and she ran up to the Snow White toys and said "look mom, she has her doors with her." Oh how she makes my heart smile!

Another Adalyn funny this week: a very good friend calls her Addy Sue May. The other night she was telling her daddy she didn't know why he calls her that, its not her name. Doug told her he couldn't help himself, he was a red neck. She said "that's right daddy, and we are blue necks." Yep, that's my little WILDCAT!

Happy Halloween

We hope everyone has a safe and Happy Halloween. Adalyn never did find anyone to be the "doors" for her. I'm sure she'll still be the best Snow White in town!

Adalyn learned how to whistle this week! This girl never ceases to amaze me! We where at soccer the other night and the referee did the whistle thing with his fingers. I didn't know it at the time but she asked her dad how he did that. Doug showed her and she said "I can do that". Well, a couple of days later she was doing it. My mom called me and asked me if I knew what my daughter could do, no I didn't, so she had her to whistle for me. I couldn't believe it! I called Doug and told him about it and he said she had asked him the other night at soccer how to do it. She is so smart and funny!

Soccer Baby

Adalyn is loving soccer! And mommy and daddy are too! We are so fortunate that our church offers so many things for our kids to be involved in. Dalton is helping with score keeping and watching little siblings (which is right up his alley). The kids have a memory verse to learn each week, their team gets a point point for every player that remembers the verse. Some times that is the only way we get a point. I was helping Adalyn remember hers last night on the way to church and she said "mom we have said that 4 times, now 5 times". I'm guessing she was over learning her memory verse, which she did remember! :o)

Happy Fall Y'all

I'm so late in posting these from our Moon Festival. We had a great time as always, hanging out with the moms and dads and watching the kids play. It was a little cooler than last year but everyone managed to stay warm and enjoy the fall weather. Adalyn gets so excited this time of year when we start getting everything ready. I didn't get a confirmed count, but I think we had close to 70 including kids. We had a couple of new families and that always makes for an exciting time. One family had only been home for a month. The other had came home in the summer. Its neat to talk to them and see all the excitement in their eyes and hear all their stories. The have no idea, it only gets better!

We had several families that helped out with getting things ready and bringing things to make this bigger and better than last year. Mom, Leslie, Carolin, Kelly, Cynthia, Laura Lynn, Felicia, thank you so much for all you did! We hope to have even more next year!

A Thankful Mom...thats me!

When I think about all I have to be thankful for, my kids are at the top. They make me proud ever single day. Here are a few of my I'm so thankful to be a mom moments........



* Adalyn is going to be
"Snow White and the seven doors" her words, for Halloween.

* April still calls me for advice.

*Dalton held my hand in the car while we where listening to a song we both liked.

18 Years and counting

Wow, I cant believe its been 18 years! Where does the time go?! I would do it a million times over (not sure he feels the same) :o) Oh sure he does!!!! I think! Anyway we had an amazing weekend hosting our Moon Festival. Thanks to all that came and made it a special day. There where a lot of pictures taken and I being the host, didn't have to take a single one. As long as my peeps take the pictures, I'll host. It is the best set up ever cause there are some awesome picture takers in our group!

My awesome mom is watching the kids tonight so we can have dinner, thanks mom.

Oh Yeah I'm A Winner!!!!

Oh yes the day has come, I'm a winner! I'll be honest, I never win anything so this was such a nice surprise, yeah for me! My bloggy buddy Regina from No Greater Joys was having a blogoversary giveaway and I won the second place prize! I won a 20 dollar gift certificate from the one and only TARGET. I love me some Target so this will be well spent. Also, our Moon festival is coming up and I'm sure I could find a thing or two for it!

Thanks Regina, I love following your wonderful family. This is just an added bonus!

Birthday parties and football

We went to Miss Marlee's birthday party on Saturday. She had her party at Build A Bear and them we headed over to Max & Erma's for cake and ice cream. It was a fun filled day, we all had a great time. Kentucky played their rival Louisville in football and got a big ole W! We are busy getting ready for our Moon festival. If anybody is coming and hasn't emailed me, it's not to late. I'm planning some different things from last year and so excited. I've been researching it and found out some very interesting things. If anyone has any ideas they would like to share, I would love to hear them.

Ahhhh.....

DH is on a overnight golf trip. Adalyn just talked with him on the phone and I guess she didn't realize he was staying all night.

A: whens daddy coming home?

M: tomorrow

A: you mean he's staying ALL night?

M: yes

A: WELL, I MISS MY DADDY! My eyes are getting wet

M: It's ok, he'll be home soon.

A: no, I mean I'm going to cry!

Her first day of school went good and she loves her teacher. She is a wonderful christian lady. I asked the director if she could stay all the way through 12th grade?

She just informed me she's ok now, she just needed a little cry. Oh how her daddy is going to love this story.

Firsts & Sassy Pants

We ended the summer on a great note. My dad won the state fair for the first time and my mom moved into her first brand new house. I was so excited and proud for my parents. They both are so deserving. Adalyn was so excited to see all the animals and got to sit on a sheep. She is definitely my little farmer. She loves every thing about a animal and tractor. Dalton and Dakota got to open and close the door on a limo. The limos where waiting outside for Taylor Swift fans that had gone to her concert. Adalyn was in heaven when she saw her semi trailers. She said we get to see Taylor, thanks mom! Well, not exactly, maybe next year. I have a feeling she'll be back.

Adalyn starts school tomorrow. I cant believe this is her second year. Where does the time go? She is really excited about finally going. Dalton has been back a couple of weeks and she cant understand why its not her turn. We'll see if the excitement continues through the year. I told her to do something tonight, I cant even remember what it was. She said "yes Ms. Boss." I said what did you say and she said "mom, I get it." She also says her brain is thinking of you, how can you argue with that!

Cuteness

My sweet Dalton loves all things small, especially when it comes to his nieces. Sometimes it seems like yesterday he was a little guy with curly strawberry hair, running around in a diaper. And sometimes he seems like he has been here long before me. He is a strong, bright and loving young man and I'm blessed beyond words to be his mom!

Celebrating Birthdays

We took our grandson Dakota with us to Holiday World to celebrate his 12th birthday last week. The kids had a blast, well, I did too! It is the best place ever. We try to make it an annual trip. His party is Sunday at Camp HIHO. It looks like a great place to have a party. The kids will get to fish, swim and ride in boats.

We are also having a fund raiser on Saturday in Bailey's memory. Two other families are also included. One family lost their son a couple of years ago and the other is my co-workers sister who has ovarian cancer and is going to Houston next week for treatment. It's so awesome to live in a town where people come together to help one another in need. It's good to know in these times that there is still so much good and compassion in the world that sometimes goes unnoticed. There is a corn hole tournament, bake sale, silent auction and a lot of other fun things for people to do. The weather is suppose to be great both days, we are thankful for that. Hope everyone has a great weekend, we are!

Thankful for Twinkle Toes & Granny

I know, two post in one day. But I had to share this one. My mom, she is the best, and no I wont share. :o) She found these for Miss Adalyn today in our little one horse town! How crazy is that! I cant tell you how many trips I have made to the Ville looking for these cute shoes. I had stores calling all over, I mean within a 100 miles of us with no luck. They all say the same thing, sorry Sketcher didn't know they would be so popular. Well, while that may make me feel better I still have a 4 year old that it means nothing to. My co-worker even looked on line with no luck. Either they weren't the right size or not the right style. Uggggg, I told Adalyn we would find them somehow, somewhere. Little did I know but Granny beat me. Now how do you compete with such an awesome Granny? Thanks mom, we love you!!!!!!

Horse Show

This was our horse shows 20th anniversary and it was a grand one! Adalyn was in heaven! We took her 3 out of the 4 nights and I'm sure she could have done 4. She is sooo in love with a horse and they where every where. She didn't know where to look first. Now that I have her on my side, I definitely see a horse in our future. Yea for us!

Dalton volunteered for some friends of ours that has started a recycle business. That little guy worked his tail off. They where so impressed with him that they are going to let him work some on weekends when they get up and running good. He is so excited to have a job and make his own money, me too! :o)

This summer has come and gone but we have made the most of it. Spending time with family and friends and making great memories, life is Grand!

Also, notice my purse. It was the hit of the night!

Wordless Wednesday

Is It REALLY over?

Oh my gosh, I cant believe summer has came and went! I'm telling you, we have been so busy around here I don't even know where to start. My dear husbands birthday was Tuesday and I didn't even do a post. Here he is with three of his kiddos. Love you more than yesterday!

Does anyone know how to add a couple of hours to the day? I could sure use them. More to come.....

Your Invited

Second Annual Moon Festival


Saturday, October 3, 2009
4:00 p.m. - ?
4661 Eminence Pike
Shelbyville, KY

Please join us for all the fun!
Some of the activities planned are hay rides, marshmallow roasting, pumpkin patch with painting and a balloon send off.

I don’t have every ones email address, so consider yourself invited if your reading this. Please respond to me via email so I can confirm how many are coming. Hope to see everyone in October!

Summer Fun

Adalyn loves to play dress up. So I snapped a few pictures of her the other day in her dress up attire. We are having the most fun filled summer. We met Missy and her family for dinner while they where in town, they are the sweetest! Paige is as cute in person as pictures. Dalton and her found out they can both roll their tongues. I think there could be something in the works. :o)

We have hung out with Leslie and Cynthia. Leslie is on the road to mending and I've enjoyed time with her kids. Cynthia has a new daughter and it has been so much fun having a little one around again.

We hope everyone is enjoying the summer and making great memories with their families.

I Promise

I promise to love this amazing child that God has chosen to be my daughter for as long as I live.

We finalized our adoption on Wednesday. I have thought about how I would put all this into words, I don't know that there are words that would do it justice, so I'm going to keep it simple. Doug and I promised in front of God, the judge and our family and friends to be the best parents we can be to this amazing child. We finally closed one chapter in our journey and opened a new, Amen.

Here are some pictures that Leslie took to capture some of the excitement from our big day. Thanks to everyone who shared in our joy, we are blessed beyond measure.

Happy 4th

Look at our little firecrackers, aint they cute!

We had a great time Saturday celebrating the 4th. It rained off and on but that didnt stop us from enjoying great company and fireworks. The kids had a great time playing nerf guns and us adults played couple corn hole. Leslie and Larry rock! But me and Doug are ready for a rematch. Felicia and Stu aren't bad either. Felicia was awesome for her first time, but she's a lefty, I'm sure thats why! :o) Carolin didn't try her hand at it, her partner wasn't feeling well, we hope Brian is feeling better. Be sure to check out the other blogs, they got some great pictures of our fun evening.

Also stop by Cynthia's blog, they are in China getting a baby sister for Marlee. We cant wait for them to get home and celebrate God's beautiful work.

Ready for Mickey

Adalyn is soooo excited to go see the big eared mouse! This is the adorable dress Leslie made for her to wear when she meets him, how cute! Thanks Leslie, the girls are going to be the hit of Disney! Adalyn had been so excited to wear this dress. She asked if she could sleep in it tonight. Yep, she's sleeping in it. The Minnie she is holding is from Doug's sister. It was one of her favorite things when she first came home. She also wanted to take a picture of her with her dog too. I came in the kitchen earlier and heard her singing only to find she was on the floor with Bel singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. It was so sweet, Bel was enjoying it I could tell.

Tonight as we where walking to the house, she said look mom a half moon. Oh my gosh, is she not the smartest girl! Then she asked, where is the other half? Oh how I love all the new things she comes up with.

Wordless Wednesday

Summer Fun

We had a very busy weekend. Adalyn had two birthday parties on Saturday. We started off in Louisville at one of her panda pals party. The kids played on inflatables and then made chocolate covered marshmallows with sprinkles, yum!

Then it was off to my sister's two kids parties that afternoon for a cookout and all the trimmings. The kids had a great time playing in all types of water stuff. It was so hot! Adalyn took up with a little cutie at the party and talked him into giving her a ride around the yard in a Jeep. It was so cute to see them talking and laughing together.

Only 18 days until we leave for the Mouse House in Florida. We are so excited to see the big eared guy. Leslie is making the most adorable outfits for the girls to wear. I cant wait to watch their faces light up when they see the castle and all the characters. Through the eyes of a child is what its all about.

Happy Birthday Miss Lily

We had the pleasure of celebrating Lily's 4th birthday with her on Saturday. The kids had a great time as did the big kids. She got so many cute things and some Mickey Money for our vacation to Florida next month. I cant wait to help her spend it! Happy Birthday Peanut, we love you!

The day time stood still

Three years ago, I held my precious daughter for the first time and all the world was right. There are no words to describe that feeling, so I wont even try. Its just one of those times in your life that for the moment, time does stand still. I love you my pea pie, today and always!

Dalton gets awards

Dalton had his award ceremony on Monday. His teacher called me Sunday night to tell me he was getting some awards and we should be there. So we got up as usual Monday morning and he was so surprised to see us at school. I'm so proud of him because he doesn't mind to tell anyone who ask, he doesn't like school. So for him to get two awards was very nice. You could tell he was proud of himself. I cant believe he is entering his last year of middle school. Where does the time go?

Birthday Fun

Carolin took these wonderful pictures at the birthday bash for Adalyn. Thanks Carolin, we sure are glad you all came out and had a good time. I promise more pictures to come, we have been so busy.

A Sneak Peek

Adalyn had a great party. I cant wait to post the pictures. I would like to thank mom, Leslie and Larry for all they did to help me get ready. I couldn't have done it without you all.

The First Time I Ever Saw Her Face

Today is our 3rd gotcha day! Wow, has it really been that long, but then again it seems like yesterday when they stepped off that plane and I looked into those big brown eyes and knew I would never be the same. Doug called me at 3:00am to tell me the wonderful news and I remember just laying in bed thinking we really have her, she is finally ours forever. I ask what she was doing and he said she was just setting there looking at him. He said she was so beautiful he couldn't hardly look at her. How could that be, of course I had only seem her in pictures. He was right on, she was so perfect in every way it seemed like a dream. The first thing I did when I saw her was take off her socks. At first I thought how silly that was but in hind sight, that's what all new moms do is check out all the fingers and toes. I had never seen her feet or ears in the pictures Doug and his sister where posting. His sister took her out of her baby pouch from Doug and handed her to me. I remember having that same feeling when they handed me Dalton. Its the best feeling, one I'll never forget.

I know I will never be a perfect mom.

Some times my house is a mess, but I always have time to swing my kids or watch cartoons with them or just hang out.

I may not always do devotion with them, but they know our Lord and Savior and know he is the reason for our existence.

I cant sew a lick, but I sure know how to find a good seamstress if I need one.

I'm not a gourmet cook, but can find the best drive-thru in town.

I know I still fall short, but I am the mother with the qualities God needs me to have to be my kids moms, and for that I am forever grateful.

Happy Birthday Adalyn

Dalton and Lily

photos by Leslie

Leslie got these great shots last night at Adalyn's last gymnastics session. She was so excited for her friends to be there. We had dinner with Leslie and the girls afterwards to celebrate Miss Adalyn's birthday.

I cant believe my baby is 4 today! Where has the last 3 years gone? She is so excited for her party on Saturday, she ask everyday, "how many more days til my birthday party?" When I wished her happy birthday this morning she said "mom, now I don't have to pretend I'm 4!" She asked my mom today what her brain was thinking? My mom said it was thinking about her and she said "well, mine is thinking about you".

A adorable

D divine

A angelic

L lovable

Y young at heart

N naughty & nice

Wordless Wednesday

photo by Lisa
photo by Leslie