Fresh Life

From Ours to Yours!

2010-12-26T19:25:00.000-08:00

Today's Lovies #14

2010-10-05T20:30:00.000-07:00

Today we started (officially) planning my 10th Year Reunion - yep I'm that old! Today I remembered why I love my friend Hayley - she's been stuck with me since 6th grade and we bonded over Friends episodes. She is so fun and you should totally check out her blog!!

My Super Creative Friend

2010-09-28T18:23:00.000-07:00

Check out these ADORABLE creations by my friend Katie. I've seen them in real life and they are too much fun!!!!

Dala

2010-09-10T19:04:00.001-07:00

I saw these girls on PBS last night - AMAZING!!!!

Today's Lovies #13

2010-09-07T08:09:00.000-07:00

I love fall - the cool weather, the pumpkin lattes, and the leaves. I'm getting so excited about having my windows open and listening to kids walk to school outside our house. After my successful embracing summer experiment I'm now going to see what else I can embrace. Gar suggests raking leaves (he hates raking leaves so he's working on some recruits to help him). I'm thinking bigger - could I embrace working out, ironing, and paying bills?

What do you suggest embracing?

Pony Church

2010-08-10T12:06:00.000-07:00

This Sunday our church held their service at a local camp. KBug usually LOVES church - the singing, the greeting, the praying, pretty much the whole bit. This weekend, however, she was excited to distraction about getting to ride a pony. Every couple minutes on the way to the service, during the service, at the potluck lunch, and after we heard her ask "Is it time for the pony?" "Are we going to ride ponies now?" Finally the moment came for the pony ride - I've never seen her so excited - and she walked up to the horse, Gar lifted her up, and they led the pony around. She rode up there like a pro! The rest of the day was filled with dreams of owning her own pony, naming it Sparkly, and finally at the end of the day she asked - "Are we going to Pony Church again?"

Today's Lovies #12

2010-08-05T15:18:00.000-07:00

KBug LOVES this song and I'm a little sick of the Beyonce version (only because we've listened to it too much not because it's not awesome - because it is!!!). Anyhoo - now we're totally digging this version and it has both of us with our fist microphones and hips groovin'! So today we love Pomplamoose and so should you!

Also we are TOTALLY OBSESSED with frozen yogurt - we go to a local place that has self serve and 40 different toppings.

Today's Lovies #11

2010-08-03T13:17:00.000-07:00

Last night Gar brought me home a gift - a Freelance Whales album (thanks to a friend from his work). I haven't heard anything new in a long time (my fault for being too busy) and this band excites me!!!! It is the perfect summer album - I only wish it was cool enough to hop in the CRX and go for a long night drive in the country with the windows down and the sunroof open. In short - this album reminds me I'm still young!!

Today's Lovies #10

2010-07-23T12:41:00.000-07:00

Best Husband Ever!!!!

Today's Lovies #9

2010-07-20T19:14:00.000-07:00

Dear Sweet Husband - tonight I came home to a vacumed house - it was blissful!!! Everyday I find new reasons to love you. (Also - don't forget Mr. Senor Art Direcor that I am calling you Senor for TWO DAYS as a trial for a new pet name!!!)

We totally rocked today - we could not have possibly added more to our day - we went to gymnastics, then met the nephews at our house, then we took my maiden voyage of three kids in a car to see the puppet show at the library, then we came home for puzzles, lunch and naps, then we went to church for VBS. I can safely say that I did not waste a moment and loved every minute of it!!!!

Today's Lovies #8

2010-07-19T14:27:00.000-07:00

Oh nap time - you are truly one of life's sweetest gifts.

KBug Motto for Today!

2010-07-14T06:10:00.000-07:00

"I will make good decisions and not throw attitudies!" ~ KBug

Today's Lovies #7

2010-07-13T10:54:00.000-07:00

Aunt Karen gave us some caterpillars that we lovingly feed handfuls of parsley to until they made their cacoon and we waited, and waited, and waited until we had butterflies. (Daddy alerted us with a post-it that something magical might happen!) Today we let one of them go and we had to wait FOREVER until she (the butterfly) decided to fly. We were quite worried that there was something wrong with her but no, she just took her sweet time. KBug was fascinated!!!!

The butterfly even took a liking to KBug - and landed on her hip!!!

Thanks Aunt Karen!!! You are the butterfly's knees!!!

Today's Lovies #6

2010-07-11T11:58:00.000-07:00

Gar - thank you so much for making our house pretty - it shines like a diamond - a really old but adorable diamond. KBug - I'm so glad that you had fun playing with Nana and Papa Rob while Mommy and Daddy had date night (even though you said that Papa Rob is "quite silly"). We're still embracing summer but that means you have to embrace sunburns and bugs and sweat. Monkey - we're so proud that you pooped and peed in the potty!!!!

Hilarious!

2010-07-02T08:05:00.000-07:00

This is a video that my brother took of Gar. It is too funny!!!!

I'm Embracing Summer!!!

2010-07-01T17:47:00.000-07:00

Remember when I wrote that I was going to try to enjoy summer - well I have and I am!!!! Having KBug has taught me that when you're four you don't care about how hot it is. You run and play, eat ice-cream and popsicles, and splash in the water. I have finally found a way to love summer. Now don't get me wrong - I still long for the days of hoodies, Uggs, and autumn leaves but folks this gal is learning to love summer (and has a tan to prove it!!!).

Here are some things I've found that I love about summer!!!

Farm and Art Market on Saturday mornings. (That's a real ostrich egg!)

Watching KBug and her acrobatics on the swing set!!!

Reading books outside, catching bugs and getting KBug hugs!

And then when its too hot - coming inside for popsicles and puzzles!

Today's Lovies #5

2010-06-30T14:21:00.000-07:00

Gar - I love watching your dance parties with KBug - you surely know how to cut a rug! KBug - today you read me your Imagination Book from preschool - it was quite a tale and very dramatic - I see a Pulitzer in your future. Monkey - I don't like it when you're sick. And finally Weepies - I can not wait for your new album - I think KBug and I will have to pre-order it. We love us some Weepies!!!

Surprise Vacation!

2010-06-26T13:40:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday we went out for breakfast to celebrate Gar's first Father's Day and when we got home the house wasn't feeling very air conditioned - yep that's right - it was broke! So we packed up our bags and headed out west - a mile west that is - to my parent's house for a four day vacation. While there we had new and exciting adventures such as: KBug got to sleep on a blow-up mattress, we ate tiny popsicles (KBug was not impressed), and we even stayed up late and watched movies (Mema and Me that is). After four days of our Way West vacation we were ready to go home - KBug kept crying during the night and calling for us to come in her room (four or five times of this wears on a person) - so we were mighty glad to be home with our brand new air conditioner and our newly chilled home.

Because our Father's Day was somewhat hampered I didn't get to post these earlier but here are some good pics of Gar and KBug. She is certainly a Daddy's girl!!! We are lucky to have Gar in our lives - he dances on command, does wonderful Shrek voices, and he's always ready for fun!!! We love you Gar/Daddy!!!

Today's Lovies #4

2010-06-19T19:21:00.000-07:00

Today we had silly face time at lunch (and Gar had the best burger ever - just ask him!). KBug - your vocal stylings truly hit an all time high today - you were making up songs left and right and they were precious - you delight me. Gar - you make everyday fun but I love days that we get to spend together running all over town and having a blast. We had a packed day - met a brand new baby, spent time with wonderful friends, found awesome sandals for KBug, had the best burger and rueben ever, had naps, went swimming, and spent time over at Nana and Papa Rob's house - we will sleep well tonight knowing we rocked this Saturday!

Today's Lovies #3

2010-06-18T10:59:00.000-07:00

Gar - Freckles needs a night out - maybe an Anchor date? KBug - Although I love your independent spirit I could use a little less Judy Additudy. Monkey - you are killing me with your fierce love - your headbutt/kiss is going to cost me my near perfect nose (its all I have!!!). June - I want to like you but you are sticky and hot and making my hair frizzy and uncontrollable.

Here's to a fun Father's Day weekend complete with cards, presents, swimming, bbg, and maybe a little rest!!!!

KBug and Monkey - watching Wonderpets - its fascinating!

Today's Lovies #2

2010-06-16T16:03:00.000-07:00

Gar - I am sad that Justified is over and I will no longer be seeing your mad dancing skills to the opening song. K-Bug - I loved what you said to me this morning - "You are just a special girl mommy and you are lovely" and I loved what you said to Uncle Jarred - "Sometimes, I just like to jump high all the time" Mema - thanks again for seeing me through day two of fussies. Apple Green Nail Polish - I may not be cool but I will be rocking you this weekend.

Today's Lovies #1

2010-06-15T14:47:00.000-07:00

I have completely fallen in love with this blog and have decided to straight up copy it - I think it's a wonderful opportunity to think about the special things that happen in your everyday life. If you feel the need to copy that blog or copy me copying that blog - I totally think that's ok! I will call my copy creation "Today's Lovies" and here is my first one!

Dear Gar, I heard you empty the dishwasher this morning while I was sleeping and I am so glad I have a husband that thinks of thoughtful things to do that help my day go easier. KBug - thank you for explaining what to do when you sneeze and get buggers on your lips - you are truly a problem solver ("you just have to wipe them off but because they are gross"). Dear Boo-Boos (Addy and Luka) thank you for being the best nap buddies around, although I could use a little more space. And finally, Mema you are a godsend - thank you for taking us to breakfast and putting up with our fussies - we hate being sick but a good breakfast with Mema may have cured us!!!

Isn't she lovely?!

2010-06-15T14:35:00.000-07:00

So today after a particularly wonderful Mommy Nap (don't judge me - I come from long line of nappers!) I wake up to discover KBug is deep in sleepyland herself - and let me tell you folks - you never wake a sleeping KBug!!!! I decided to use this unexpected pocket of time to update my blog and do something that Gar and I have been talking about recently - showing pictures of the cutie!!!! So here goes people - our first pic of KBUG!!!

Here she is as the Shadow Man from The Princess and the Frog - she's very scary right?!

Summer Fun!!!!

2010-06-03T16:08:00.000-07:00

Anyone who knows me knows I love cold weather so it goes to reason that I don't love hot weather - well that true - I can't stand it. I've already escaped to Colorado once this summer already and I'm sure this is the summer that is going to do me in (I say this every year). I love, however, the idea of summer and like the bratty kid at school you just can't stand - you can learn to love something if you try hard enough. So this summer - I am going to learn to love summer.

KBug and I have been eating breakfast at a speed I didn't think was possible and then we throw on our flip-flops and play outside until we just can't take anymore barking from the next door neighbor's dog - this is usually enough time for me to get a little sun and a little reading done and watch a whole lot of acrobatics on the new swing set (THANKS NANA AND PAPA ROB!!!!!). We then are usually visited by the nephews and we are then back outside for more fun (and barking).

Then my favorite part of the summer starts - summer reading. The library has a summer reading program where you keep track of the books the kids read and then they get coupons and prizes and lots of cool stuff. (Why do they only do it for kids?!?!?!) We found a great reading list and we are having tons of fun reading new books!!! Then I get to read my own books and I like that too!!!

But I know that summer is going to get hotter and the days are going to get longer and I need to find other things to amuse KBug and myself during the day so we don't just veg-out and get bored. So this weekend we begin swim lessons (a little known fact about me - I don't swim - I just never learned and I don't like to get my face wet) but this summer - we're both learning to swim and we're gonna like it - darnit! Stay tuned for more summer fun!

Best Parenting Book - EVER

2010-04-16T06:58:00.000-07:00

Gar and I are self-proclaimed Love and Logic fanatics - and proud of it. It is a wonderful way of parenting but you can't just use one source for your parenting ideas and that's why I picked up this book. It was also recommended on a blog that I often frequent. Anyhoo - this book is very helpful and I have really benefited from reading it.

Spring Clean Day Two

2010-03-16T14:23:00.000-07:00

Today's nap time had me in the kitchen cleaning from ceiling to floor. I clean the kitchen every week so it wasn't too big of a deal but every time I deep clean a room I feel the need to move furniture around - and the kitchen is no different. Such a spring clean a few years ago resulted in the microwave being put up in the cabinets - I wasn't sure how Gar would feel about it but two years later and we're still cookin' in the cabinets.

I was pleasantly surprised to find a book of stamps not yet used and countless notepads - I curse the day I sent money to Environmental Defense Action Fund. I love what they stand for but ever since I sent money to them (to get a free tote bag and bumper sticker) I get weekly mailings for other environmental agencies - and along with those mailing - address labels and notepads. Oh if they only spent the money they use on the notecards, stickers, address labels, gift tags, water bottles, and the mailings themselves - those poor polar bears would still have their ice (I'm kidding of course). But how much money are they spending on these things.

Another thing I realized while cleaning the kitchen - I have too many appliances - I have a steamer, a citrus juicer, four coffee makers (don't ask) , a waffle maker, toaster, crock pot, dicer, food processor, blender, and hand blender - do I really need all of these. For sure we have to have the steamer - that thing pays for itself (my baby is picky about his carrots) - but a citrus juicer really?! All of these things are taking up so much space and they are not being used. So am I going to get rid of them - certainly not - I'm going to find new uses for them so that they finally earn their keep.

Tomorrow - we're on the the pretty room!

Do you heart Zappos, too?

2010-03-16T07:43:00.000-07:00

I am the happiest little shopper EVER. Soon my oddly

small feet will be wearing these proudly.

Two Posts in One Day?!

2010-03-15T15:00:00.000-07:00

Today is our first day of SPRING BREAK!!! We slept in, of course, and then had delicious pizza with some good friends. At said lunch I was scolded (nicely) about not updating my blog more often so I'm doing it twice in one day and promising more in the next few days.

K-Bug and I are determined to have a whole week of fun fun FUN! We're hitting the zoo, Hobby Lobby, the library, having friends over to play, and we're having our first sleep over ever (more to come on that one). But what do to during nap time you ask? Well Momma's cleaning. Each day I'm taking a different room and I'm dusting, washing, vacuuming, and organizing it. Today was the TV room and we definitely got off to a rocky start. Our laundry room (read closet) is in our TV room and the washer's on the fritz. I was super bummed and not at all excited about having a repair man out but he'll be happy to find out that the room is immaculate - no dust to be found there my friends. I just pretended I didn't have LOADS of laundry and I cleaned anyway - I will not be stopped in my spring clean efforts.

I always think I'm going to find amazing things that I've lost when I clean and be super excited about it. Today I found the following objects - three hangers under the ironing board, a picture frame, my high school journals, a pair of Gar's socks, and our poodle's favorite chew toy. I don't know which of those things I most excited about. K-Bug was very impressed with my mad cleaning skills!

More tomorrow as I take on the kitchen - I wonder what I'll find it there!

I read good! Warning - could contain spoilers.

2010-03-08T15:24:00.000-08:00

I read - A LOT! People who know me (or are friends with me on Goodreads) know that I read at least five books month now - pre K-Bug I read two to three books a week. I often read so much that I forget the books I read the previous month. Though I have read some of the "heavy-hitters" or classics since graduating I have focused on leisure reading - mostly romance novels, popular fiction, and recommended books by my mom. I have not read a true classic in years.

I recently re-watched the movie "Jane Austen Book Club" which is based on a book. I decided to read the book but I wanted to read all of Jane Austen's books first. I've read Pride and Prejudice and LOVED it but I have not read her other books. Last week I started Persuasion. Usually I average at least 100 - 150 pages a day but when I stared this book I was only reading about ten to twenty pages at a time. I kept thinking - this is hard! I've had to slow way down to understand all the clever sultelness of Austen's work. Because I've slowed down I savor it more - I care more. Will Anne end up with Captain Wentworth? Will her sisters ever stop being so snarky? I love it! I cried at the end because I was so happy and so relieved for the characters (although the sisters never really get their come uppins (sp?).

After enjoying this book so much I decided to take more time in picking my books and take more time in reading them. I want this year to be filled with books that last a long time for me - ones I remember for years or even read again.

Are there books that you know that you will remember for years and years?

Sparro's Anyone?

2010-01-29T09:50:00.000-08:00

In our quest to save money and be healthier we are cooking at home every day. We haven't gone out to eat since January 8. We decided to treat ourselves to a night out this weekend. Gar and I have had a great time trying to decide where we will eat and we pretty much have it down to two places. Gar, in a moment of crazy, suggested that we go out for a few beers after dinner. My reply - Are you insane - do know how expensive that is? Apparently I've gone a little too far with frugality because that night I dreamt that I was trying to talk Gar into going out to eat at the mall - the MALL? I think we can do a little better than that.

Part of saving money and cooking at home is not getting burnt out on it. You have to find a good balance of challenging meals, easy meals, and going out occasionally. This is a hard journey and we are having fun but I can get a little intense about things (just ask my brother about when I decided to go Green).

Does anyone have a suggestion for a dinning out experience? We are looking for affordable, unique, and fun!

Thanks!

Recipes!

2010-01-14T14:18:00.000-08:00

Recipes promised - recipes delivered.

First one is really easy - we love grilled cheese and recently we've been adding ham to our grilled cheese and it's delicious!!!! Its more filling and more protein.

Second one is also super easy. Every Sunday we cook the largest chicken we can find at the grocery store (usually 4 or 5 lbs). Half of it goes with Gar for sandwich meat for the week and we use the other half for entrees during the week. Here's one that I love. I uses this amazing pot that I will keep FOREVER. Its beautiful and works wonderfully. You can also roast your chicken in it.

Chichen Noodle Soup

2-3 cup of Chicken chopped up into bite size pieces

2 32 oz of Chicken stock - I use low sodium

2 handfuls of carrots chopped up

2 celery stalks chopped up

could shakes of garlic salt.

Put all that in the pot and bring it to boil and then to simmer.

In another pot I make the noodles - any kind will do but I like the big curly ones.

After the pasta is done I throw it in with the soup.

Easy right?!

Now - to make the soup go a little longer, I often serve it over mashed potatoes - its delicious!!!!

I'm wanting recipes from other people too!!!

Frugal Living - Week 2

2010-01-13T14:30:00.000-08:00

So here we are at Week Two of my goals and so far I'm doing pretty good. I haven't been to the gym yet BUT I did write down all the classes that take place before Gar goes to work and I've got a good idea which ones I'll go to - Yoga here I come! I've made all our meals at home - except for Gar's wonderful parents who took us out to Sabor last Friday and my wonderful parents for making us chile rellenos on Saturday (I should also mention that Gar fixed us breakfast Sunday). K-Bug and I have had tons of fun crafting and Gar and I have had fun watching our Netflix movies. I've learned, in the past two weeks, that part of living frugally is being willing to take risks and my friends, risks have been taken.

Monday night I was super jazzed about this recipe from Martha Stewart. I've never used a broiler but I didn't think it would be too hard. When Gar got home from work the pork was still cold in the center - not good. I'd already made the pineapple-avocado salsa and my mom had given me some left-over rice from her yummy chile rellenos so I turned the oven to bake and made bean burritos instead. Lesson learned - always have a back up! The next night we had the pork but it wasn't a big hit. It had a lot of brown sugar, cinnamon, and such on the outside and my normally very complementary husband came up with "interesting flavor" as his assessment of the meal.

Today I took a bigger risk. While grocery shopping I walked by the clearance table and noticed that the hair color I was looking at last weekend was on clearance for $2.38. Now, let me back up and tell you - I love my hair. It's my safety net. I may not be thin, but I have good hair. I may not be very nice in the morning, but I have good hair. I may not always pay my cable bill on time but ... you get the idea. Today I risked my safety net and bought that $2.38 hair color. I waited until K-Bug had her nap and I went to work on the color. After rinsing, conditioning, and

blow drying - I looked in the mirror and I really like it. It's a little darker than my natura

l color but it looks pretty good. I haven't gotten my toughest critic's (my brother) approval but I'm pretty sure we're looking at a win.

It's hard not having money to do whatever you want but I'm learning it might be more fun trying new things and knowing how hard you work for the things you do spend money on. I look at our house and our family and I know we have everything we need - we have a cozy house, lots of love, and now - new hair color.

Tomorrow I promise I will have some recipes - I've got some good ones!!!

Recipe!

2010-01-13T11:44:00.001-08:00

Here's a recipe from SAMSTER MOMMY. Looks very good!

Are we up for some changes?

2010-01-10T15:40:00.000-08:00

When Gar and I were contemplating adoption we knew that we would be financially challenged. We are not big savers and we love eating out and shopping - not exactly Suze Orman's model students. We kept making budgets and failing to follow them. Many a night I lie awake with a heart thumping/ sick tummy feeling about money. I knew K-Bug had fully adjusted to our family when I went through our receipts each week and she could look at them and tell me what she ate at each restaurant. Even as we drive around she points and says things like - "I eat chips and salsa there" "We get pizza there" "I eat burger-fries there."

Now that the New Year has started and we see all the spending we did during the holidays - we know changes have to be made. I am writing today to inform my loyal reader(s) about the changes that we are undertaking. I am hoping this honesty will keep me on task and accountable.

Here's the list:

Save money by not eating out except ONCE a month and making delicious inexpensive meals at home.

Go to the gym that I am paying a membership for.

Work at least two days a week (substituting).

Find new ways to entertain our family with out spending money.

OK - there it is. It actually doesn't look that daunting. I have gotten several books (from the library) to help us accomplish this and I will be blogging any helpful hints that I have gleamed.

Here's to a new year and new challenges!!!

Is it that time of year again? Anniversary!!!

2009-12-09T14:58:00.000-08:00

If you have read last year's blog about our anniversary then you know that 1.) we follow the traditional gifts for anniversaries and 2.) we cheat horribly with it. This year is no different. With the crazy busy time of year that we chose to get married in the first place our anniversary usually gets a little lost in the shuffle but, add in a three year old that is just too cute and you've got a marriage problem on your hands. There are nights after we get K-Bug into bed that I sit down and think - Hey wait - wasn't there a rather attractive man I call "Boo" hanging around here somewhere. We really have to make an effort to spend quality time just the two of us - and that's hard when it's the last two hours before our bed time and we can barely keep our eye lids open.

This year is our big number 5 - that's right - we've been hitched for five years. I feel especially lucky because not only are we celebrating it as husband and wife but as a mommy and daddy as well. The fifth anniversary gift is supposed to be wood so during dinner the other night I asked Gar if he "would like to go to dinner with me" for our anniversary (I swear I never thought I could be this lame). It got a chuckle from Gar but K-Bug was not impressed. No gifts this year - just two hours alone at a restaurant that does not have a children's menu - we are too excited. Our WONDERFUL friends Todd and Hayley are watching K-Bug while we play grown-up.

Respectful

2009-11-10T16:49:00.000-08:00

We are working with K-Bug on being respectful and not being so bossy. We even read a book today about it - "I am Respectful." Well - tonight at dinner Daddy and I were talking and K-Bug said, "Excuse me." I said, "What's up baby?" K-Bug responded, "Alligator." Apparently our stimulating adult talk was just not that interesting to K-Bug. She was respectful about it!

I don't feel good Mommy.

2009-11-04T10:01:00.000-08:00

This is what K-Bug told me this morning when she woke up. Now this wasn't new news - I listened to her stuffed nose and weezing all night. Poor little K-Bug has a bug - runny nose (we call it Naughty Nose - we've put it in the thinking chair but it hasn't done any good), weepy eyes, and fussies. Its no fun but what is fun - bed day! We've got movies, pillows, blankets, kleenex, and animal crackers in Mommy and Daddy's bed. We're staying here until we feel better! Thank goodness for Uncle Jarred and Aunt Mimi's video library or we'd be stuck watching the Lion King five times in a row. We did watch the new Tinkerbell movie (a must have for all little girls).

Mommy is surfing the web trying to find Christmas crafts that will make good gifts. Here are a couple sites I have found that have cute stuff.

One Pretty Thing

Homemaking Fun

Kojo Designs - this one has a November giveaway for the CUTEST little girls dress.

I Read Good!

2009-10-30T07:15:00.000-07:00

I love to read - I have spent whole days in bed just reading and have even contemplated faking an illness just so I can have a "bed day." Lucky for me, K-Bug shares this love of reading. While many children sleep with a teddy bear or a favorite stuffed animal, my little one sleeps with books all around her. Gar and I often make bets about how many books there will be in her bed when we check on her. (All time high was eleven.)

Our favorite book, "Llama Llama Red Pajama" was given to us by Gar's boss. We often read it before nap and bedtime.

We take weekly trips to the library to check out new books and I'm always on the look-out for books that are fun for kids and adults. Sometimes its hard to find age appropriate books for K-Bug. Here are some recommendations of books we have enjoyed.

If anyone can recommend a children's book that they enjoyed please do!!!

I'm crafty!

2009-10-29T11:57:00.000-07:00

For Halloween this year we decided to give K-Bug another opportunity to wear her ladybug costume by bringing treats to Gar's work. Of course it then snowballed into making our own candy and decorative cones to carry the candies. I can't be entirely blamed, however, because my mom showed me this adorable blog where I got the idea to make Halloween Bark.

This is my bark - it made A LOT more than I expected but it was delicious and very cute!

The cone pre-candy.

Gar holding the cone post-candy.

All my cones wrapped up and ready to go!

K-Bug on her way to hand out candies and turn Daddy's work friends into Ladybugs!

Sweetie and Honey

2009-10-20T13:15:00.000-07:00

Lately K-Bug has been calling everyone "Sweetie" or "Honey" or "Sweetheart." Now its important for you to realize that she only does this when she wants to tell someone to do something or to stop doing something. Here are a few examples;

To Daddy at breakfast "Sweetie, can you eat your eggs?"

To Me when I ask her to go potty "Honey, be patient for your K-Bug."

K-Bug also tells us that she has nice manners after she says "please" or "thank you." Gar was trying to explain to K-Bug that we need to show that we have nice manners and that we don't say we have nice manners. Here's what K-Bug did later "Daddy can I please have some milk. I have nice manners. We don't say we have nice manners we show we have nice manners."

Adoption: Accomplished

2009-10-13T14:55:00.000-07:00

We are now the proud parents of the cutest, sweetest, and most hilarious three-year-old. K-Bug has come into our lives and has made us so very happy. We go to bed each night still giggling about the funny things that K-Bug did throughout the day. We owe everything to our social worker who suggested calling a local lawyer before starting the international adoption that we had previously decided upon. Boy are we glad that we did. The lawyers worked hard and fast on matching us to a birth mom and within months we were flying down to Louisiana to meet our precious girl! I was so superstitious that I didn't want to jinx the adoption by writing about it too soon but now that it is finalized I feel comfortable announcing our wonderful news (to those of you who don't already know of course).

So now that we have adopted K-Bug, I will now post our cute stories so that you can all hear about her cuteness. We just can't thank our family and friends enough for being so loving and supportive of this journey. I thank God every night for bringing this precious little girl into our lives and I am so happy to be her Mommy.

I'm so tired!

2009-06-22T07:27:00.000-07:00

It's official - I'm overwhelmed. When we first got an email from Gladney with attachments I was so excited. I had G print them and I organized them into sections. Then we got another email, and another, and another, and a separate paper on how to organize all the paper work. They suggest putting it in four different folders and friends, let me tell you, the folders are bulging. I have them on my counter and honestly, I don't know where to begin. I'm trying to stay inspired and motivated but I'm struggling to maintain my previous enthusiasm. We are sure in our decision to adopt and this is definitely what we are going to do but its daunting. We've given ourselves the summer to do the paperwork but I'm wondering if that is even possible.

Here's hoping my energy comes back so I can rock the paperwork!

Our Sweet Friends!

2009-06-17T06:51:00.000-07:00

Our very adorable friends have just started their blog documenting their adoption journey to Rwanda. We are so excited to welcome them to the adoption world! Hayley and I have been friends since we were in 6th grade and not only do our husbands work together but now we are both adopting. It's like every little girl's dream!!! Now if we only lived next to each other (I don't know about that).

Check it out: Hayley and Todd

Phone Orientation

2009-05-12T10:48:00.000-07:00

Today we had our phone orientation with Gladney - the agency we have chosen to help us with our adoption. We feel super comfortable with our choice - they are very organized and clearly know what they're doing. We now feel fully geared up for a mountain of paperwork but we are not overwhelmed.

Here's a breakdown of the process:

Basically we have 4 parts to the paperwork process: Application, Homestudy, Immigration, and the Foreign Dossier. A lot of the paperwork will be repeated so that's nice but there is still a ton more. I have decided to take the summer off to get our paperwork ready, catch up on some adoption related reading, and finish some house projects (not to mention spending time with my nephews).

After the paperwork is completed and approved then we will begin the matching process (hopefully we will be getting siblings - more about that in later posts). Once a match is made they take the babies out of the orphanage and put them in foster care. The babies will be taken to doctors to have testing done (HIV testing is done twice) and to have a complete medical work up. We then get a picture and the medical information of our prospective cuties.

Then begins the legal process where we wait for the courts to finalize the adoption and FINALLY we go get our babies.

Seems like a lot but we're pumped - we are excited and nervous but we're ready. We'll keep you all updated more often now that I'll be done with school and we'll be doing more.

We're on our way!

2009-04-16T13:24:00.000-07:00

Today Garrett and I signed our loan papers - we are in the money! We also filled out the pre-application for the agency we decided on.

I was taking care of my friend's little girl the other day and I told her that Garrett and Auntie M are going to get babies from a far away land. She asked me why they're not here yet - I told her they are waiting for us. She said that yes they ARE waiting, waiting for her to get big enough to help me with them. How cute is that?!

I'm sure we will have more to post now so be sure to check back.

Wyatt!

2009-03-04T11:04:00.000-08:00

We can't just show Jack without showing the cuteness that is Wyatt. We are at Wichita's new Donut Whole - which has the best donuts! They certainly got Wyatt's approval.

Lots of love!!!

New Nephew

2009-03-04T11:01:00.000-08:00

We have a new nephew! He is very healthy and big (9lbs 5oz big!). We already love him so much and our older nephew Wyatt is coming around to the idea of being a big brother.

New Year, New Decision

2009-01-27T18:34:00.000-08:00

Nearing the end of last year we knew we needed to make some decisions about our adoption process (or lack thereof). We bandied about such words as foster care, international adoption, and Ibuprofen. We spent a good part of our recent vacation to Colorado talking about what we want to do next and we have finally made a decision. Africa, here we come (in ten to twelve months).

We feel like this is what we are meant to do and we are so excited to share this process with our friends and family. Many of you know that this a direction that we have been leaning towards and what a lengthy process this has been to make this decision.

So far we have looked into financing and feel comfortable that we have a few options. We have also chosen an agency and country in Africa (Ethiopia).

Look for more blog posts - I want to keep everyone up to date on this amazing journey.

Lots of love!

From Ashes to Africa

2008-12-14T09:50:00.000-08:00

Check out this book that a couple wrote about adoption in Ethiopia - it is not available yet but I wanted to share it with you if you are interested.

Thanks

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Our Anniversary!

2008-12-09T13:08:00.001-08:00

This Thursday is our four year anniversary! We decided when we got married we would follow the traditional anniversary gifts. At first the gifts were really easy - we even got creative. The first year was paper, Garrett made me stationary and I made Garrett (and when I say "I" I mean my mom and I) a collage. Second year was cotton - another easy year - and Garrett got me a new pillow and I made him a quilt. Third year started to get a little tricky, leather. We're not big chaps folks so we had to think of something else. I got Garrett a leather satchel and he got me Ugg Slippers (no complaint there). Now this year is silk and we where stumped. We were pretty sure if we got silk sheets I would end up slipping out of bed and we were not in the mood for silk Jammie's. We decided to cheat this year and get watches instead - we figured the watches were shiny and you know what else is shiny - that's right watches. I'm wondering now that we've cheated this early in the gift giving process if we will have a hard time getting back on track. There are some very odd presents coming up and I don't know if we're up to the challenge. Next year is wood, and get ready for this, the next year is candy and iron. I think we'll be OK until the 14th anniversary where we'll not only have to get creative but wrestle with some pretty hefty moral issues - it's ivory.

Are you there baby?!

2008-10-07T10:37:00.000-07:00

I have been substitute teaching this semester and I find myself fascinated by the students. My first experience was at a middle school and I came home that day inspired. I come from a long line of educators and my parents are natural teachers but I guess I forgot how much I like to teach. I gave guitar lessons for a couple years and I loved seeing my students learn something new. My first day I was surprised to find that the students thought I was funny - I guess my brand of humor really reaches teenagers (who knew). Since my first day I found lots of surprises. I was also surprised that there were things I did not know about popular culture. I, for example, was not sure what "brushing your shoulder off" meant, though I had heard it before. I had a student tell me she was brushing my shoulder off. When I went home that afternoon to look it up on the Urban Dictionary.

My biggest surprise, however has been that I look at the students and think - could my child look like you, smile like you, treat others like you? I want so much for my future child and children but right now I would settle for just meeting him or her. When I am sub'ing at the schools I find so many wonderful kids that I just hope have a great family at home. Some of the students are so obviously loved and are secure with themselves. Others are detached and visibly lonely. If you seek those children out I promise they are happy to share with you and are desperately needing that attention.

Garrett and I are so eager to become parents. We have such a great time with our nephew and when he spends the night it is hard to give him back the next day (I'm sure Jarred and Michelle would let us keep him a bit longer - especially when he's teething). Recently we have set a date when we are going to being the international adoption. We are thinking March of next year. We have not given up on a domestic adoption but we want to have options as well.

Well - that's it for now - hope everything is going well with everyone!!

We are off to Texas in a few days!!! My very first trip there and I am so super excited.

Adoption Portfolio!!

2008-08-18T17:46:00.000-07:00

Hi! We are excited to share our adoption portfolio with you. It was truly a labor of love for Garrett. I am so pleased with the outcome. I think you can really see how much love we have in our life.

Thanks!! Just click the link below.

Our Adoption Porfolio

Is there something wrong with me?!

2008-08-04T13:13:00.000-07:00

Recently my beautiful sister-in-law and my endearing brother told me that they are expecting, again!!! They have the most adorable little boy, Wyatt, who is 11 months. My first reaction was to giggle - both my sis-in-law and brother are hilarious and I can admit that sometimes I'm a little late to the party, but I thought they were joking. Jarred, my brother, quickly gave me a look that said - yep, we're knocked up. Now that the shock has worn off our family is SOOO excited and we are ready to welcome Bundle #2 to the family.

The day they told us we were at the Zoo and I had this odd feeling that I later shared with Gar. I felt this overwhelming relief that I was not going through a pregnancy right now. My exact thoughts were, better her than me. I told Gar that I feel guilty about not wanting to be pregnant. Learning about the problems we had getting pregnant helped me come up with a plan to get healthy but that plan does not necessary include another pregnancy.

I keep wondering if there is something wrong with me not wanting to get pregnant. I have so much more peace now knowing that we are going to adopt. When we were trying to get pregnant I don't think I really enjoyed life. Gar and I have been so happy this summer - vacationing, finishing our adoption portfolio, and spending time with our friends.

I have, just today actually, found a blogger that chose to adopt rather than get pregnant. As unconventional as that choice seems to some, it feels very right to us. I feel so proud of Gar and I for choosing this for ourselves. Perhaps in a few years we may revisit the pregnancy option but right now we are just enjoying the time we have now, together.

Gar has been reading a great book about adoption and he asked if he could post some of his thoughts about what he's been reading. I am excited that we will both be contributing - so I hope we will hear from him soon.

In case you are interesting in this amazing blog I found here is the link: afrindiemum.org

thanks for reading!!!!

A Very Bad Blogger, Indeed!

2008-07-02T18:25:00.000-07:00

What can I say, I haven't been very good about keeping up with my blog. But it all stops here and now (until the next time). We've been out of town and busy with family. Our nephew is getting so big and is more fun to be with every day.

Nothing too new on the adoption front. We are finishing up our adoption book and will be uploading it soon so that everyone can see it. I am so thrilled with G's work!!! He has perfectly captured our life together and the result is amazing! I hope that our prospective birthmother can see the love coming from our book. We are now working on our birthmother letter and our bio statements.

We have both been struggling with what to put in our letter and statements. I want to be accessible and show my personality but it's difficult when the stakes are high. It's hard to convey both a sense of humor and the thoughtfulness that should be included when someone is considering giving you their child.

We are getting very close to sending in our book and then it will be just waiting and hoping. I've been thinking about what I should write about during this time. I hope it's okay if I branch out of the adoption field a little. I don't want to be breaking any blog etiquette rules. The way I see it, our life is going to go on while we wait and I want to share what we are doing during that time. Don't worry though - I won't go on and on about my obsession and very real love of Robert Redford - some of you know about it anyway - it's deep and it's real.

Well - here's hoping you hear from me soon!!! If anyone has any ideas about things we should include in our letter and statements - please let us know!!!

Deep Breaths and Patience

2008-05-08T07:22:00.001-07:00

Garrett is working tirelessly on our adoption portfolio last week and this week amid work projects and home projects. We started by choosing photos that we thought best represented our lives together. We chose pictures of us when we first started dating, pictures of our vacations, our family, friends, and of course our puppies. While going through the pictures I had this strange feeling like "wow, we really do have a great life."

I think its important for us to remember that we started this family and our relationship is the foundation of the family that we are hopefully adding to. The adoption process is long and stressful and I am not one to be patient - I have a hard time waiting for the next issue of Martha Stewart's magazine. It is so hard waiting for our baby but I have to remember that we are going to have the baby we are meant to have.

One thing that is helping me to pass the time is preparing our baby's room. While we, of course, don't know whether we will have a boy or girl we can do a lot ahead of time. I have chosen a gorgeous yellow (appropriately named "Cuddle" yellow) and have been getting the room ready to paint.

This is my first home project that I am attempting to do by myself and I am having to learn quite a bit. First of all - no project can get done in a day. I completely envisioned the whole room painted by the end of the first day. Garrett came home that evening to a very fussy and exhausted wife. All I had completed was washing the walls, sanding the woodwork, and fixing some trouble spots. The second thing I learned, and I think the most important, home projects should not be done in flip-flops. Some of you who know me well know that I love me some flip-flops. I have worn them in rain, snow, sleet and shine. This time the results could have been deadly. I decided to cut the carpet out (we're getting new carpet in a few weeks) so I could sand the baseboards and sliced into my toe with the carpet cutter. Blood was everywhere and I was none too pleased.

Ultimately, lack of patience got me again. I wanted to get the room done and did not want to wait for Garrett to help me and all I ended up with was an unfinished room and a bandaged toe. This week I am trying to take deep breaths and remember - nobody got anything done being impatient and cutting off their toes to spite their face ????

Home Study - Accomplished

2008-04-20T16:17:00.001-07:00

We are happy to say that our home study went amazingly well! We were super nervous but our Social Worker was very good at putting us at ease. Our shy dog - Luka was a little standoffish but she still thought we had great dogs.

For those of you who are curious about the home study process I would be glad to share with you our experience. First of all I should say that we way over did the cleaning. You may be surprised to find out that she didn't look in our cabinets or drawers. If you're laughing right now - I totally deserve it. I cleaned everything. Though I may have done too much I was comfortable knowing that my house was in fact clean.

We first sat down with the social worker for about an hour as she asked us a variety of questions. We were asked about our childhood, family, reasons for adopting, and our interests and personality. As long as you are honest, I think the questions are pretty easy to answer. You are talking about things that you know - yourself and your family - so there's really no trick questions.

After the questions she wanted a tour of our house. We showed her the backyard, the family room, and where the baby's room will be. One thing I read that was helpful is to start baby proofing your house. Social workers like to see that it's something you are thinking about and its also just a good idea. We have some pretty silly dogs and I wouldn't put it past them to go around licking light sockets.

The whole process took about two hours and we felt really good about it afterwards. I have to say that I slept so well that night knowing that the home study was done and that we are definitely on the road to adopting.

Thanks,

mindy

"She goes around in circles 'till she very, very dizzy..." - Cinderella

2008-04-09T18:39:00.000-07:00

This week we are preparing for our home study. A social worker will come to our house and look around to see if it is conducive for a loving and healthy environment for a child. We've been cleaning like crazy - all the nooks and crannies. Even the dogs have been cleaned - and they better keep it that way (now if we can only get Garrett to clean up - just kidding). There is a lot of pressure put on the home study and I have been trying to relax but it's very stressful. I try to remember that of course our house is kid-friendly my nephew comes over, our friends' kids come over, and I even let my 23 year-old brother come over. I guess this is just the first official step we are taking towards the adoption - the no-turning-back step - and there's a certain amount of stress to that.

Part of the stress of the home study is - how far is too far? Vacuuming, dusting, mopping all seem reasonable. Scrubbing the baseboards, washing the walls, using a toothbrush - maybe that was my step too far. I actually told my mom that last week was the deep clean week and that this week was for regular cleaning. Only a truly odd person has different definitions of clean. Those of you who know me well know my sick relationship with cleaning. I asked Garrett if we could make coffee for our home study - he said that was fine. The muffins and fresh cut flowers he thought might be too far. I have to remember - this isn't a brunch get-together with friends (so I guess having music in the back ground is too much?).

So, here's hoping I don't hand wash the covers of our books and Windex each of our CD cases. I just really hope every thing goes smoothly and that we get a good report.

Wish us luck,

mindy

Let's start at the very beginning.

2008-03-31T18:42:00.000-07:00

So - I should probably explain the reasons why we have decided to adopt. I have always thought that I would eventually adopt but I wasn't sure when. After going through a really awful miscarriage I had this overwhelming feeling that now is the time for us to adopt. My doctor's are optimistic that I can become pregnant again but Garrett and I have decided that it would be better for me to focus on my health. So while I am getting ultra healthy with low-carb diet, almost no-sugar (listen, everybody needs a cookie now and than), and working out on a semi-regular basis, I have had a lot of time to think about what life has planned for Garrett and me.

Last post I briefly talked about the peace I have found from this decision. Ever since we have made this decision I have felt so calm and for the first time in my life I have faith. Faith that everything is going to happen exactly how it is supposed to happen.

Our desire to adopt comes from our love of children and our ability to give a child a loving environment that they might not have a chance of getting. We also feel that we have the time and the energy to give the process of adoption the attention it deserves. Spending time with our adorable nephew has also shown us how ready we are to have a child in our life. While our pregnancy was unsuccessful, it did prepare our hearts for a child and we both feel like that our child is waiting for us, waiting for us to find him or her.

We have been doing a great deal of research and have read some really informative books. Ultimately we would like to adopt an infant. In our research we have narrowed our choices to three options. First, we are pursuing private adoption domestically with a lawyer that shows our portfolio to birth mothers. Second, we are looking into an international adoption in Ethiopia. Finally, we are considering foster-adoption where we would adopt a child that is currently in foster-care.

Well - that pretty much covers the why's and how's. We are so excited and really feel like everything is falling into place.

Thanks for all the support and love,

Mindy

Welcome me to the blogosphere!!!

2008-03-25T19:08:00.000-07:00

Hello Hello! I have decided that it is time for me to have a voice. Although my friends and family will tell you that I have never seemed to have a problem with voice, I feel now that I need others to hear me as well. My husband and I are officially announcing that we are actively pursuing adoption. This blog will help me chronicle our journey for our family/friends and for

those who are just curious.

I'll get into the specifics later but for now I will just say that some things in life come with a peace that is profound and should not be ignored. Our choice to adopt has given me this peace and I would love to think that I could share that with others.

Thanks!!