tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74687786285105453502024-03-04T23:54:08.057-06:00Rylan's Journey HomeCameron, our oldest, was placed lovingly into our arms as an infant by way of domestic adoption in 2003! Then along came Rylan, our newest and youngest, who jumped into our arms after a 18 months process from Guatemala! Two completely different experiences that forever changed our lives. Our boys, the loves of our lives!Karlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09442566666482739244noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7468778628510545350.post-67330316131595076452010-08-08T08:31:00.003-05:002010-08-08T09:39:02.585-05:00Rylan LOVES to dance!!!<p align="left">Rylan turned 4yrs old on July 15th and he and his brother are the biggest blessings we will ever receive! They continue to amaze me every single day.</p><p align="left">Rylan is very excited about the fact that he is going to 4K this year at school! He'll go 2 full days a week, and will ride the bus with Cameron. He is enjoying Martial Arts classes that he just started and is going to be one of those kids that will be good at almost any sport he tries! He can play football, basketball, golf, wrestling, karate, and he loves swimming! In fact, he holds his breath under water for up to 10 seconds and can already so specific swimming strokes!!! He keeps his eyes wide open and will lunge off a diving board! He is a dare devil and that is something I'm not so sure about. : ) Cameron is going into 2nd Grade, which also blows my mind. He just lost his 7th tooth and is doing incredible. He's had a great summer and has participated in some day camps and swimming lessons. Unlike Rylan, he's not a big sports kid, but he loves the Boy Scouts and being outdoors. He's extremely active and loves helping on the farm. He still loves trains and talks about them every day. I think he's found a life long hobby... or maybe a career?</p><p align="left">I had to try to get some video posted of Rylan! He absolutely loves to dance, and this child can keep a beat! I caught some quick video of him with my camera. This is pretty "mild" dancing compared to how he normally is. He was kind of tired, but still managed to get in to it. He's playing with a toy he got for his birthday from my parents. Now you'll have these songs stuck in your head like I do!!!</p><p align="center"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwsG1FCI65TUh772Ahb8af2wi7QDALwAd-ZoYM4froAaC6J1tD4UU6Eil_AzU_KJmkQOSYykeHV17c1Hr2MAw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><br /><p align="center"><br /> </p><br /><p align="center"></p>Karlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09442566666482739244noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7468778628510545350.post-49880651071270169862010-06-19T07:58:00.003-05:002010-06-19T09:06:31.332-05:00Steamboat Days!<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE7MyXh0jJ88NXfH89hNmPsV8tsBX3ClJ7QNq7bW9tFqj7Qk8JK7TCF58a7T6-fXj_PrqkYuwpRQ0s1fBFAjbzBvsVnQSakFN1e5MR4aag86FAGpHL5Y8MXwmMnArgNYpNCNk1cmCiEvY/s1600/2010,+June73.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484481015826729986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE7MyXh0jJ88NXfH89hNmPsV8tsBX3ClJ7QNq7bW9tFqj7Qk8JK7TCF58a7T6-fXj_PrqkYuwpRQ0s1fBFAjbzBvsVnQSakFN1e5MR4aag86FAGpHL5Y8MXwmMnArgNYpNCNk1cmCiEvY/s320/2010,+June73.JPG" border="0" /></a> Rylan enjoying a ride at Steamboat Days!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYekYkGyoE7QkxPIrkYternMaUTPd0YTBQi4fQKyetXIJ_qWlvFVxKAn-UD1m5jr54AQkIID4Yq7mkJ03xzabcnIb0cxT7trlx-PP5Yv2XfDmD5aS6rmduAgoi9McGXB1vHojn3D7MrgM/s1600/2010,+June80.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484481008734182034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYekYkGyoE7QkxPIrkYternMaUTPd0YTBQi4fQKyetXIJ_qWlvFVxKAn-UD1m5jr54AQkIID4Yq7mkJ03xzabcnIb0cxT7trlx-PP5Yv2XfDmD5aS6rmduAgoi9McGXB1vHojn3D7MrgM/s320/2010,+June80.JPG" border="0" /></a> And we wonder where Rylan learns most of what he does, Cameron and my neice Eryn set REAL good examples for him!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitkixPvX9EjSN5If9j6s14QrEbu5J5YRgAA_Yu4KRS1cT4Pku9fGmvGmKzhEefF7fzHYLU9Ed8C6BUYE8xevPEj0kX2lHju8fGOA9MxJMiGHryeYsI3egzeXpDfcA2dPJlcbPpkt5NCYU/s1600/2010,+June54.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484481001980728722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitkixPvX9EjSN5If9j6s14QrEbu5J5YRgAA_Yu4KRS1cT4Pku9fGmvGmKzhEefF7fzHYLU9Ed8C6BUYE8xevPEj0kX2lHju8fGOA9MxJMiGHryeYsI3egzeXpDfcA2dPJlcbPpkt5NCYU/s320/2010,+June54.JPG" border="0" /></a> Cameron taking part in his first tractor pull in the 7yr old group. There were some BIG kids in this category! He did a great job and was so happy to have participated.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484480983810383954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT0Y8pL7TSZT0qSdCZzxZF4qgKci39hD5IOQNCs9hIx2ajsoGJpouqekiDjfX7bGaAQYkHcyVZRMaKy3TfrHtZNTfjRwTlDSQFxQI5U-mDfs6LgeVn2-DL0fqpu9s525MXbR86SqX-CIM/s320/2010,+June15.JPG" border="0" />Here is Rylan in his first tractor pull too! John is in he green shirt standing in front of him. He was SO excited... but do you know what excited him more?<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484480996254979170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZGQzkaCUQSRLL6odZIZazPzRCZnZH8OuJodo32AX5Z9x9PQnLcAIdKkSLQ2uaTov3m1a2TUFZsuPaqs0QWhf66n5WcLPa1viIlOM6o_LeolSK4sk2-57GW3ltAb0HNjyo9q0Jy2fiZg0/s320/2010,+June28.JPG" border="0" />Winning this 3rd place trophy!!! You should have seen his face, it was priceless! The first thing he said when we walked to to the table to register (that had the trophy's on it), was if he could have one. We explained what he needed to do, and he did it! They put weights on the back of these tractors to make them heavy, and our little power house did it! His age group was 4yrs and under... so some kids were nearly an entire year older than him. I was very proud to have seen him participate, and that he also wasn't fazed having been beaten by a girl who took 1st place. : ) But you know what made me even prouder? It was the fact that when Cameron didn't win one, he was still so proud of his little brother and bragged him up! And then Rylan let Cameron carry his tropy around and he even let Cameron take it the next morning to summer school to show to his buddies!. I have to say, that was my trophy! I am so proud of both of them!</div><br /></div>Karlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09442566666482739244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7468778628510545350.post-87666960877969461152010-06-12T08:38:00.007-05:002010-06-12T11:15:13.943-05:00Schools Out For The Summer!<div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481913880803090322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF0pF12PtHgflfvwIO8lNV849ebVMkwwwnFRLZzP9sehukBuKCx-zjN6zTNLH9ndDKUqZPatrFDAvDpVPjjfaKUD7fZ8f_XKhuPLUbC3vyc1YMAIKc3PoaZgQ9grIdOMRd6H26dFpm2aY/s320/IMG_4015.JPG" border="0" /> I can't believe how fast time goes by. Seems like I never get a chance at much computer time anymore. There is always something to do, or something going on. Besides the fact that I normally go to bed not long after the kids because we're up so darn early!<br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="left">Cameron just finished 1st Grade, and I am so proud of him! The year got off to a rough start. Lots of major adjustments for him, and he doesn't adapt to change easily. But by late October we were on track, and he was loving school. So much so that his last 2 weeks of school he almost dreaded. He didn't want it to end. He has a super teacher and loved all his classmates! The last day of school was even a little emotional! But he's now jumped into the summer routine quite well : ) He's all full-time daycare with Rylan, and it's great! One stop for me in the morning too which I like heaven. I get up at 5am now! We did enroll Cameron in summer school, which starts Monday and goes for two full weeks. It's only for 2 hours but he has some other friends going, and besides getting some help with math and reading readiness, they'll be doing some fun things too! He's looking forward to it (so more running for me during the day). Then in July our County just implemented some really cool summer programs. They are offering two choices, same class in different cities.... and it's all about being a PIRATE! So mid July he'll attend this day camp from 12:30-4:00pm. More running, but so worth it! It's getting his feet wet a little for more things like this. Cameron did complete his 1st year of Boy Scouts and loved it! So he's joined for next year too. We hope to get him enrolled in some summer swimming lessons too. He loves swimming, being outdoors, farming with his dad and grandparents and anything that can get him dirty and stinky!</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">Rylan, well... he's Rylan!!! He's one bundle of energy yet, and still the entertaining kid he's always been! He'll be 4yrs old next month and amazes me daily with his antics. He's sweet, loving, affectionate, and just wants to be included in whatever anyone is doing. But boy oh boy, does he have a temper when things set him off! He is stubborn, just like my dad (even looks like him a bit if you can believe it). He is very excited to be starting 4yr old Preschool this fall. He'll go 2 full days a week, and can't wait to be a big boy like Cameron! Cameron will be Rylan's bus buddy (if I get the nerve enough to send him on the bus). I'm sure we'll take him the 1st week and see how it goes from there. We're also hoping to get Rylan involved in something like karate or wrestling this summer after he turns 4yrs old. He is one solid kid and you should see him move! He's 52 lbs already and can take anyone down! He is all about sports and super hero's. The exact opposite of Cameron. But like Cameron, he loves swimming, the farm, and all the dirt and mud he can get into!</div><br /><div align="left">As for us we're staying busy with our jobs like normal and just enjoying every day with the boys. John and I just took a short trip over Memorial Day to Laughlin/Las Vegas and had a blast! I was also in Vegas last August with some girlfriends and had a good time. We love traveling and have many fun activities and weekend trips planned for the summer!</div><br /><div align="center">Here's some pictures just recapping the year so far. We're off to a great start!</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481894984353895746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgoMsOW0JsN088I8I0y8dEyUTgMhVV536uKXHW6_HtON-OAXKHTlR7FM_hC0DacV3GNzPR6vH49ncZGgS0UcuEn-Agc34QjnO_z6YSQU3SmXooQTqytAc-7MngqsYFV3pa1HEpHRLgLCw/s320/IMG_3892.JPG" border="0" /> This was coloring Easter eggs at my mom's house. Creative kids!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481908961588462194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg11EssjOsX-kglsZMuVfLwOPFSDu8IkLRju6RLV7H6EH-t6lLNvCb0q-vmTcIo1yPp5W_2cNt4uDNXz6bjXB4qO2D1gfXFSBww_e0d8Ot85OQUSFDCO570QB-0Eug3dEcz5RTH3J5bI1Q/s320/IMG_3926.JPG" border="0" />Each year for Cameron's birthday, I take a picture of him with a train from our vacation the year before, and have something made. When we went to Colorado Springs, I has a picture of him standing on the front of a steam engine, made into a pillowcase. For this birthday, I took a picture of both boys standing on the Chattanooga Choo Choo in Chattanooga, TN! He loved them, and they turned out SO cute! Amazing what you can customize!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481916492978776706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDrCbm7qaAhIrC9CatTYfWHlejP907q3VmHUxWyDqrUaO361-h2UJSoO-3Cs4N07k6YJxDBxJh2I41nm6yH7Rn5CpSnVpOwYL2oY06xgj1hEepqBySccyP96aGAOBe0HzLRQuWVOLWcFQ/s320/2009,+Sept+First+Day+School-Vacation+238.JPG" border="0" /></div><p align="center">Here is the picture I used! Poor Rylan, he gets drug around to all these trains. Good thing that he doesn't seem to mind!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481920246802579586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTxrfuE_IM-zaJBIvhnlrnTGS1MuVuhM79akGY9T_H0P9a2zJW8R-d-qq-6XtwdBp3OgOraGH9wSFFVh1lkRVJ4PKjAqbbZL6ltwV7UaTy7UqtxECWf7jrBiY0CQWW-rlm-RHxr87E4_E/s320/IMG_4075.JPG" border="0" /></p><br />Rylan's true passion is Spiderman! Oh yes, he even thinks he IS Spiderman. He tries climbing the sides of walls, furniture, even when we're in the grocery store he's flipping down the isles on his hands and legs moving like Spiderman does - like he's about to attach someone! Hopefully I can keep with this blog for awhile now. I hope so many more pictures to share!Karlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09442566666482739244noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7468778628510545350.post-25185379760221545152010-02-09T21:29:00.002-06:002010-02-09T21:44:22.756-06:00Burrrrr it's cold here!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFVdyB7E4mG3DnoWWSLvZtyfMZ0IYiNYMye7hLavDJmXugtbYqHwYAkz7P2wWT74PAqSlCd_ugTiqjhcAb7ti2SQzLruQhVegqxsfeuLu_84G5MeMpfNvd1AQhPv5v5zyw4UigiV70hlE/s1600-h/2009,+December+025.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436452971767590338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFVdyB7E4mG3DnoWWSLvZtyfMZ0IYiNYMye7hLavDJmXugtbYqHwYAkz7P2wWT74PAqSlCd_ugTiqjhcAb7ti2SQzLruQhVegqxsfeuLu_84G5MeMpfNvd1AQhPv5v5zyw4UigiV70hlE/s320/2009,+December+025.JPG" border="0" /></a> Quite the change for poor Rylan having lived in Guatemala! We've resored to face masks to keep warm here this winter!<br /><div></div>Karlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09442566666482739244noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7468778628510545350.post-65425529029870145622009-12-09T20:39:00.002-06:002009-12-09T20:51:52.951-06:00Goofy Kids!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPOYPTd7ScYu4BvCkEIqWNxxdIU2IhvRz5sFuvZBxQl9Hr5sN-suuW4YaEPNgOfXK98CSQfRP4YQSq3vlKPKTdrVPlRU7cFksR2Xo_2qhgZKCTv6iP1l0kYSMiE5SvE0VutxIpVndSeU/s1600-h/2009,+November+134.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413434153381431218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPOYPTd7ScYu4BvCkEIqWNxxdIU2IhvRz5sFuvZBxQl9Hr5sN-suuW4YaEPNgOfXK98CSQfRP4YQSq3vlKPKTdrVPlRU7cFksR2Xo_2qhgZKCTv6iP1l0kYSMiE5SvE0VutxIpVndSeU/s320/2009,+November+134.JPG" border="0" /></a> Not sure what Rylan was trying to express here, but he kept saying Beefaroni??? He loves dressing silly and acting even sillier!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhQ1upGodadstJk6tnBrybJ1bW4uRuYngU6Ln7a6AJWLPS3_PxvyE3u1AyqPCC3uLZcYr7jPh3eYJVna7EjdsKhDWTZp8VYSnT4VTJtXfIuJaPjhsYeJ224o1u4hhEjvsrc1UpO-FnMc/s1600-h/2009,+November+034.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413434143631122882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhQ1upGodadstJk6tnBrybJ1bW4uRuYngU6Ln7a6AJWLPS3_PxvyE3u1AyqPCC3uLZcYr7jPh3eYJVna7EjdsKhDWTZp8VYSnT4VTJtXfIuJaPjhsYeJ224o1u4hhEjvsrc1UpO-FnMc/s320/2009,+November+034.JPG" border="0" /></a> Well, a train conductor holding Polly the parrot... and a mix of Harry Potter/magician. Hmmm... they must get their sense of dress from their daddy : )<br /><br /><div></div></div>Karlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09442566666482739244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7468778628510545350.post-50089626976415576622009-12-03T18:15:00.002-06:002009-12-03T18:28:19.048-06:00My 1st Grader!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixjOTG1JZTGg2TwqJbxIacNoyumZXowb5zADFMWExFvDbwtIvYk-G4hVcIN1HpncRx9Whn9_Yqm0NDkkCbJQnGEmIcB_Bh_ZI7mb_So4cN3jrCRKNerVy8XOLX4IQrzwws22Eo4hRQJ80/s1600-h/2009,+Cameron%27s+1st+Grade+Photo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411169384648514258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 256px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixjOTG1JZTGg2TwqJbxIacNoyumZXowb5zADFMWExFvDbwtIvYk-G4hVcIN1HpncRx9Whn9_Yqm0NDkkCbJQnGEmIcB_Bh_ZI7mb_So4cN3jrCRKNerVy8XOLX4IQrzwws22Eo4hRQJ80/s320/2009,+Cameron%27s+1st+Grade+Photo.jpg" border="0" /></a> We got Cameron's 1st Grade pictures back and I thought I'd share! I love them! John picked out the background of old barn boards. I wasn't sure about it at first whether or not I liked it, but after we got them back it suited Cameron perfectly!<br />This year he has grown leaps and bounds. He is 97th percentile for height and 55% for weight. He's quite a bean pole! His school year started out a little rocky as he wanted nothing to do with going back. But now... he loves it! He's coming home with 100% on his spelling tests and really giving his best efforts at learning. I can see the independence coming forth and the things he's learning are amazing. I mean, some of this stuff he's learning in 1st grade we did in 2nd or 3rd grade for sure! <br />Life is never dull around our house though. I'm preparing another post of fun pictures of the boys. They love to dress us in the most creative of ways... I'll let your imagination do the rest until I get the post done : )Karlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09442566666482739244noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7468778628510545350.post-41148864898645869552009-10-25T18:11:00.004-05:002009-10-26T06:14:19.907-05:00I'm Still Here!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396685999489273794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKjiaHmmOV9IfusQ_1wEsTnS6FdlJwpSnDHonOt-mqG19VAFK0y1kOrPXKFfi1m7aq0NU1lqBveoJ1ETKNxUhfx-7AoFF6MuDHoJAavr0_6nf9dWniEqbbyE4K-pdGkCjmBrnx6ahbq0Q/s320/2009,+Sept+First+Day+School-Vacation+039.JPG" border="0" /> Cameron's first day of 1st Grade! I still can't believe the time has gone this fast. He's doing a great job this year and has learned a lot. Amazing what you now need to know at that age!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396686021689803826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-I_DmFIDsakqD1tW9XS_NdAA2FL0ZgpDWtb_otGo4k8fqVchZVdWKA5KMGi5z0rvnBamUtvwqhR3aycjSzb5EIOA6qUZmEol440yVne0gbDY0Ezqc5yW0ie9gy4VejlOX8q8x00t3oQI/s320/2009,+Sept+First+Day+School-Vacation+097.JPG" border="0" />A picture from Rock City in Chattanooga, TN over Labor Day. We had lots of fun and always enjoy our family vacations!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR48nJNPwvSjiWK8RhpXjaAI53EYyhRfWVJCvAOe_zmJbaOyW6sheDPlhUMB9W3BpabL35k8PBJI1-DL4YfhFcjdycL6QUmjSaE8gPW7PXYkmyEAP-w7N3VLGM_-zR4L-MJQPAh3ccRDg/s1600-h/2009,+Sept+First+Day+School-Vacation+090.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396686016636659986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR48nJNPwvSjiWK8RhpXjaAI53EYyhRfWVJCvAOe_zmJbaOyW6sheDPlhUMB9W3BpabL35k8PBJI1-DL4YfhFcjdycL6QUmjSaE8gPW7PXYkmyEAP-w7N3VLGM_-zR4L-MJQPAh3ccRDg/s320/2009,+Sept+First+Day+School-Vacation+090.JPG" border="0" /></a> Coolige Park in Chattanooga! We walked over the Walnut Street Bridge crossing the river to this neat park. They had an old carousel the boys rode and I had brought their swim trunks with so they could play in these fountains. They were the only ones there! School was back in session there earlier than us, so it worked out kind of nice!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396686009189213378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzfsb9pPph4tZyGgABCOIyYdrHg7vZCbtxyzlpUwe0NOzjFhfqg6R-CeAiztUKVnwsT7h1YmHQMt2PwbwVnMj4tL69I1yzdD-DVIKvHI2XN5mVK2NaWIs8qWUVAKg4GJFSc1J22V9ERrI/s320/2009,+Sept+First+Day+School-Vacation+061.JPG" border="0" />A picture of me with the boys at the Tennessee Aquarium. One of the neatest places ever!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396686000353160770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitDcsdzyv0hoZNRMqYm5bVOExNsmjI-Q7oHrUEDO0rKvy0UytCrlEwDMbiy0_817D0xtdpgMoMEu5tZPjcw4MTZzFKzOUgishXMxFV60qEGA92bK0mcyyDyK_GD8gHK6EEYlT0LQ-AO54/s320/2009,+Sept+First+Day+School-Vacation+059.JPG" border="0" />Cameron and Rylan LOVED the penguin exhibit! It was wonderful and a neat way to see them up close!</div>Karlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09442566666482739244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7468778628510545350.post-20101351030874844292009-08-21T20:04:00.005-05:002009-08-23T20:12:37.422-05:00Rylan's Birthday Party!<div align="left">Wow, I can't believe it's been nearly a month since I've blogged! The summer sure has gone fast. Cameron starts 1st Grade on Sept 1st! Rylan, if we can get him 100% out of diapers, can start a 3yr old program at our public school too... but that's a big IF right now. He goes when he wants but isn't all that interested yet unfortunately.</div><div align="left">I thought I'd share some pics of Rylan's birthday party. He seems to like so many things, but Pirates are in his Top 5 for sure, so we went with that for theme! As you can tell, he had a ton of fun. We did a picnic at the park and enjoyed a beautiful day! I can't believe my baby is 3yrs old!<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372594772850757842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGAV0VfWfbyXfyMLYZ6d6d7L9qFtUHdSCjbeOWLZj6oZFIKd_7LeguKRYwoJT7kziBMz75jolUlmTESnZTrI8s9OFMxRV7sNCvHzeIAQP7VpcHAmDVtfYvznMh7AsDSypbX5CdtiP7KCg/s320/2009,+July+097.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372594782384224786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGpw8pRW_vM36nURKYmk6PEpeM_R2OvNkfDBd53YA0Kc24whRefOmEP0MfGzS6Z8wwAfgTvgDfC5HNt4DkraEFjJUjOY0mMBzM1nwlJL-FKVkbr35VRGcx4HlEBBl370S3V-s0xBxVCuA/s320/2009,+July+120.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373328840594963170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj2VnogNyQLLH_TWOFukggrNcms8sqyF-ijBkZYqC6GDJq2G2LZXUblSa_-89bMY0jIqfKkxnXWKp-XN4O7r33nMX4GaAcM_NrJWkV5XCuPp20fq4VQzN_5kt4tDOclWjYFtPaUrx3A2M/s320/2009,+July+126.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373328826733738930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLlUHjNuNLd3Z575UKc9nDXrCyM6fFo-O7bNIciZC_YHAyMC4_Usk-6F2WtG16PJZJQr-ts9vvFRA55_9T24qJ5Ui7b5zaaAn2PYGBAxi0CqmoU5Zqnjj6DMJ0jRO5m206ONwqDdnwGeM/s320/2009,+July+128.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373328831438333618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjswY2HcsDfZx7O1QQ50H1FwDuH9JjL_v3tDTqpskpEFmKNc0m7n-NgHmof_d26nDXyrnh5YGdRIJ0RRovw5pyU46hf2tMrMYWz6lMMzCppm8z-Bjew5Y10zNy5MS9Ld7MzYt3pGsCfuKc/s320/2009,+July+127.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372594793135418162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi76f8QBIEC8Mz4Yz7LnyKR8g77mSxYvntFnTWtAUYjrs10jMqRsEy1hkes1i9T7K_hkXnJC_VS3LAohbL8CEY3mn4IN8nHuWhG8bf4hr_sD7LO1uwmU4br0IxQy80ahK6w5tcItdKq5-I/s320/2009,+July+124.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372594760245996914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizyedQQSgO9lY2BfNIQboawfohDA2Fwa-scodfSt9QGwTj4OpIIVBX5xQWEjtsN-yBc3M6NDcnB6zVYEEvpJD-78rxtlonJPW_DkLWRkPf_lgn6ThdJ4cg-ygYdZqycW6DwX7OAKeWhq0/s320/2009,+July+090.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372594802384872354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk-DAWa4L5FKXpWflIAvJ-8O39lwHJKZLfU9-Yppel-VP0DqBFMx-KX1LtdNl2EaxNiu336HLnN9-j6PI9jqNVky8A7VYzBGXJZKmlx-OVcTqiw7Qs59moqJWqK-0MXtWlxtYot_Q5OXs/s320/2009,+July+149.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center">And yes... that is a face full of dirt!!!</p>Karlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09442566666482739244noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7468778628510545350.post-66484041569859229012009-07-18T15:58:00.004-05:002009-07-18T18:29:52.113-05:00More Minneapolis Fun!<div align="center">I wanted to share some more pictures from the trip with my fellow adoptive mom's to Minneapolis! Looking back at the pictures makes me miss the kids and mom's a lot!!! I wish they lived closer so it was possible to see each other more option. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359931943985245026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijTHwpuDiez9ac0Kk5iCSbCG1RWogQwjOIKSCvhhyW1ro1JFZmMrkz7EFj1aG7PGdNqx4KKnu0WwiGw4DNs1xXQp2lQWvbiaJ8NMNXzBzKj9SjDGPgvla7uGCd9lnL31Wecwmu_5I-89M/s320/2009,+June+124.JPG" border="0" />Here are two of the sweetest girls in the world, Lexie and Libby! Instant bonding here!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhysjCDFgfPI3V-ezbXA_3MMJMXHWQs5thiEQNYuEvnxRFLCqqHoOy32A-01fSpJ341UAlGEVqQqsTV87BDV6Kze_DZLA5NDeJpwt4njwvo0arCNBk9nQBe4ZjKmtVEOn8tPnariamuZd4/s1600-h/2009,+June+105.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359931940734665730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhysjCDFgfPI3V-ezbXA_3MMJMXHWQs5thiEQNYuEvnxRFLCqqHoOy32A-01fSpJ341UAlGEVqQqsTV87BDV6Kze_DZLA5NDeJpwt4njwvo0arCNBk9nQBe4ZjKmtVEOn8tPnariamuZd4/s320/2009,+June+105.JPG" border="0" /></a> My son Cameron on the right, with Anna's son Jamison. It didn't take these two long to become two peas in a pod!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy4Bad3IHYcZHBtMSfl3Og_ForGHTLuMFyPl2Ixg4Z8LK9_ICCoE9hhxPF5mzP_njzwey3CknhoAiLcZwTFmDBKwOSIF3g7rGdxfwRRABATxV0Wt-arZeX_oaqN6cMWd5LdDwqetSMB5A/s1600-h/2009,+June+071.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359931933914026994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy4Bad3IHYcZHBtMSfl3Og_ForGHTLuMFyPl2Ixg4Z8LK9_ICCoE9hhxPF5mzP_njzwey3CknhoAiLcZwTFmDBKwOSIF3g7rGdxfwRRABATxV0Wt-arZeX_oaqN6cMWd5LdDwqetSMB5A/s320/2009,+June+071.JPG" border="0" /></a> Rylan and Lexie checking out the horses at the Minnesota Zoo!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf2SbNqCi1HOrQPDplMaGwRLF06GNg-wW7oos4qnRMP-h91flERgnGakuqWTf1fqC_g8hjs4r6qqdd-o5p_1-l7kwVnSB5uYCBbQo0pJkv70gQ0L4s8JuMLPyrHrU4mKlcvCXYkfTrEyU/s1600-h/2009,+June+080.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359931929450819442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf2SbNqCi1HOrQPDplMaGwRLF06GNg-wW7oos4qnRMP-h91flERgnGakuqWTf1fqC_g8hjs4r6qqdd-o5p_1-l7kwVnSB5uYCBbQo0pJkv70gQ0L4s8JuMLPyrHrU4mKlcvCXYkfTrEyU/s320/2009,+June+080.JPG" border="0" /></a> Cameron in the Farm area of the Zoo!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN9ETuna5gPYYi0XgNf4RAnlWkQmKQGshKJNHSlWCr0jtM2kis57-U9ebE11aMXRgMUjUMfUbqPc6u4O5xBuAO9nI_XQW7GDuQLKwcUcTLrscjJcNo9XtBHSQpS5Yj3e9f6hsjnVTrnW8/s1600-h/2009,+June+077.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359931928741561906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN9ETuna5gPYYi0XgNf4RAnlWkQmKQGshKJNHSlWCr0jtM2kis57-U9ebE11aMXRgMUjUMfUbqPc6u4O5xBuAO9nI_XQW7GDuQLKwcUcTLrscjJcNo9XtBHSQpS5Yj3e9f6hsjnVTrnW8/s320/2009,+June+077.JPG" border="0" /></a> If you look closely at Libby's face (pictured with her mom and brother) you'll see she's crying in terror of the goats!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359912583706627202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg650KZPDoUgxfJ5noiXFRm0Qh64Au5cMh4Y2IXyglic4GO5HyEueZjyExKpvoaMpwnwlH_JtYQixfDUup7LWGeDZ_OlCkhAXMGflIxt3Tz69WQd_F2ucNnE3WbmipmM9s2EOZWkFYAm3Y/s320/2009,+June+074.JPG" border="0" />Kayla loves animals and it was hard to tear her away from her new buddies!<br /><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhub5z0YLy6EBcpIdx8Z7IrTXSph4VjsSpbKqRd-z3j5JALEWriN6gzovlmPR3K0vnxrxjx4761lnRsVI75PE9IHEY1Lh_8TQ5-V8W2Q6bMaUyRnQYT8ADYCGktmUSf3wR6nM4ZMbE5rCo/s1600-h/2009,+June+064.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359912579598717666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhub5z0YLy6EBcpIdx8Z7IrTXSph4VjsSpbKqRd-z3j5JALEWriN6gzovlmPR3K0vnxrxjx4761lnRsVI75PE9IHEY1Lh_8TQ5-V8W2Q6bMaUyRnQYT8ADYCGktmUSf3wR6nM4ZMbE5rCo/s320/2009,+June+064.JPG" border="0" /></a> We had to make a stop at the park in the zoo where I caught Rylan doing what he does best... climbing up a slide instead of going down it!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaddxsHNugYnCztgZJGnsEHj1nfnJxLkLa5b2VMrDhEhaM9XffLmaAWohoc_BL1DA4lEOd1R3CJiBIOU2SQh54R74OxrmkCodeKQD8mNdh0C7lUTyRPnPRySClpjyp-EPDplwhEDke5FI/s1600-h/2009,+June+065.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359912571848269234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaddxsHNugYnCztgZJGnsEHj1nfnJxLkLa5b2VMrDhEhaM9XffLmaAWohoc_BL1DA4lEOd1R3CJiBIOU2SQh54R74OxrmkCodeKQD8mNdh0C7lUTyRPnPRySClpjyp-EPDplwhEDke5FI/s320/2009,+June+065.JPG" border="0" /></a> Our little Lexie having a good time! This girls is SO squeezably cute!!!!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0yEpC7km2tvFHllkbIzrBDQZ7tX0NUakF05TgZhPgypyHbxVgkVQIN-U9hSVOD6Mz6jkZgSIph7l8Mq1LharAaGPh89LRv0Qwc8xnUj3y8C9Ua90DubZE3Wr7ZMltc-pmWMipd7-qjp0/s1600-h/2009,+June+061.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359912567891893778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0yEpC7km2tvFHllkbIzrBDQZ7tX0NUakF05TgZhPgypyHbxVgkVQIN-U9hSVOD6Mz6jkZgSIph7l8Mq1LharAaGPh89LRv0Qwc8xnUj3y8C9Ua90DubZE3Wr7ZMltc-pmWMipd7-qjp0/s320/2009,+June+061.JPG" border="0" /></a> I love this picture of Libby. I started messing around with the color because the background was dark and this is what I got, a gorgeous little princess!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1bxImUftCCU4_82Tf5810htT-YjBQpCKQ2JlUgxBUDXdFw83Qo_X5JJau-TRVLqwQY7Ho8IbWdzmCJ6q24h-WzS_jZfxSejMZSdUOZaFO2udrUZX7dDgz9tjh8celh6bOLKC9_SSCv3Q/s1600-h/2009,+June+047.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359912559338153922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1bxImUftCCU4_82Tf5810htT-YjBQpCKQ2JlUgxBUDXdFw83Qo_X5JJau-TRVLqwQY7Ho8IbWdzmCJ6q24h-WzS_jZfxSejMZSdUOZaFO2udrUZX7dDgz9tjh8celh6bOLKC9_SSCv3Q/s320/2009,+June+047.JPG" border="0" /></a> Wow, there not moving for once! They were all checking out the wolve exhibit!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Karlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09442566666482739244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7468778628510545350.post-72322657140854251902009-07-15T20:41:00.002-05:002009-07-15T21:04:19.052-05:00Happy 3rd Birthday Rylan!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358870531661179410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 253px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJ5Ycz3Sv_ebF9jeV6Vj0K-a0U0buD2Ep6atG1-QzydE2lfU0XjJcu6aY8FJuznIxvJSL2mkONXdjrmwuSD7Y1pvJsWVJ1EBlyna7r78CFC-cKIH5VuPlmN7UGV_3a6f8EUjcGDn8q24/s320/5-23-2007-030.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358870548162808050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 317px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg01YXNfa317Z3B2LZcX_0Z2nCSHPrydsN8WcL-Y5GiizDOr4sK7136wmWIuR6y6DWTSYqbSURnjlmvAQytk2rOZ4ZiOU3WiA4C3QD-OVzKnabNN7QrFovUrGp6qMeEzrdkUyUVKsjZ770/s320/2009,+June+145.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358870524196280802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 216px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidkGbWxLGs2QBv8nt-VlFZm1h0949NH0XphXEsvmP0X5c-w2tcdb28ZoMEAKLAN6beH3STnt_LeUI6L9xjbQ3edX3DSCswopCuGgtBAXkdZsw14Jh59iYbC7pEz3eHNkY1Q8EB1VKo8oM/s320/579979-R1-00-26_001.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358870548533114722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_mXYJ1UAvXAs-4ZDM4AjqSn3bqWAkXc4_QFfvTvG5N4jGnuqDCMX37nbP6LqL-R6_qUysjpJLh6peRrs94v8IEa7MwSAKq0vbn_sWw2wAalV799DOZPLW6OXgskYMjyWBua55-yavhnw/s320/2009,+April+144.JPG" border="0" />Happy Birthday Rylan! You will always be our baby boy. We are so incredibly blessed to be your parents... and there are no words that can even come close to how we feel about you. Simply put, we love you!!!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358870538302769714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkhShM8xFT3yjg2Ijq0q__9Ue7dL5kXABjlwUzhyphenhyphenkUHpEI9ptCgj2OGiw87bOzQX164uGHXk3jKPwW5MmPp6Vf5HFd0ulRpvEvc-akpFNOFBtTN0lXGuVsSqwArziriNcmleWQyLfc-qc/s320/5-23-2007-082.jpg" border="0" /> <div><div><div><div><div> </div></div></div></div></div>Karlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09442566666482739244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7468778628510545350.post-80098694310053621782009-07-03T09:00:00.004-05:002009-07-03T17:31:21.675-05:00Someone Call Security!<div><div>This last weekend a reunion took place that was nothing short of a miracle... and what seemed like would never happen! It was a reunion that's been talked about since the collapse of our "agency" during our Guatemalan Adoptions in April 2007. After receiving that horrible news, we found each other via the internet. From then on out we've stayed in close contact and there hasn't been a week that's passed (or rarely a day to be honest) where we haven't emailed with one another! It's amazing what turned out to be the hardest time of my life, was one of the best too! We came together as a source of support to one another. To try to figure out how we were going to get each and every child home to their families. We talked about our lowest moments, our fears, our love for the kids, and our broken hearts. The love and admiration I have for all of the mom's and their kids is something I can't put into words. A couple of us had never met one another... and a couple in brief passings or visit trips in Guatemala. </div><br /><div>I have several posts of pictures I will do, but I wanted to start with one from the first couple hours we were at the hotel with the kids warming up to one another! We were waiting for Michelle and her daughter Lexie to arrive. And oh yes, it was only a matter of time before we had security calling our rooms with a noise complaint at 6pm! With 4 mom's and 6 kids... we were surely out numbered the entire time! In all seriousness the children played together well, and bonded instantly! And I know that I was so happy to see them all. They are the most beautiful children and have the most wonderful mommies! I really hope to make this an annual event!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353683959649168338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxIN6Cgl0EKaRVMHQ1Cw2eWHaP1IvNYUX21PSrky0lZhuZD9ZrzDxg0yN0XOfhwARh35tQ5cevnfOXLuvy0aXjHKGlUxdGbSXzkdUuWEDlgtKIYGQajRV_ktt1BhOY8_J_OWl5g-Z74HI/s320/2009,+June+028.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div align="center">My oldest son Cameron and Anna's daughter Libby running from the closest in hysterics!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353683954337875122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn4IG72zPkNCJxatJ81pvWDJ6VcYAVB_dXq5uaaMLYxImETbx4QDN-NPyUrLPu1rXwkACCKKJhyphenhyphenVu_S1B7UXIpoktUAb8wV1ExE2gGYS_uqU_QXjC-0c9wEVWB5WqJJ56hSXrVmzrUhsA/s320/2009,+June+027.JPG" border="0" />Umm hmm, looks like a ring leader here! More screaming and laughing!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3vaj9Cn3a9S7ZlnIGHsVQW-X81pXGK0KTtm5If6dYJEGFR05ClNPud4LMfynbZj2XPtHGL82OEPSTIuIcNsjsrVudPc89fl2vN7O5if1WFrd5uDFRJkHAFQzaZciTMtrovKpHFjrzS54/s1600-h/2009,+June+025.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353683945937745906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3vaj9Cn3a9S7ZlnIGHsVQW-X81pXGK0KTtm5If6dYJEGFR05ClNPud4LMfynbZj2XPtHGL82OEPSTIuIcNsjsrVudPc89fl2vN7O5if1WFrd5uDFRJkHAFQzaZciTMtrovKpHFjrzS54/s320/2009,+June+025.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here comes Sonja's daughter Kayla out!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353683944008043266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVc3QaBi_DgWjPf8lq29E-a_b_YmiDPdjt5_7QOi6qKn_FZG6zRBYSs0royfjKuU_HFRCSTJkuT_WuJKzbetGTCeHS3txazR8e0WwVA1FtuxutfDNgvd0a9LLqrwRQAJD7tfC5CkwoDRk/s320/2009,+June+023.JPG" border="0" />And my youngest Rylan, not to be forgot of course!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353683935581063954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPrv-FywdOjGJ6m2D0rwkr00T1vhCBZyl37nm_sbKTPil5NAMYTNPJbhVlIvzSOsrLM_J7pjlok4Sb0jKw6DZSQz3bbDyKHvvXOA8mapopHOarrCeVGRN5-Nkyx7EsDQti3ARQkJE8G0I/s320/2009,+June+022.JPG" border="0" />Isn't that a gorgeous smile, full of mischief!? </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354231197540594162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVr6OXP-KZ8R4m4ILGdc6ljYCZmfyt-2Vhof-5tLeFIZ7z-7M8brYxG9eEvNZbztUZz2DyqMMqz3uvuNBVMLD_9IZWERVQH49AEuWEUNjkImeEwgNxWwVPSXwpmNBORxBsajWZGM-oLbI/s320/2009,+June+030.JPG" border="0" />How many kids can you fit in a closet and what did you do with Anna's older son Jamison?<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354231181689065314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDfe0Q6kmfcwih789ioS1DjnJjXwro4YXlwMCDfqe5i_-9_41YeFosZ8rH8DCbtbvwxAOBLSHJqpcYXa30kqYoO8DK9jHb3sGfCqN2TQY3cXzEOGz74ubj2ibxR4zG9THz7ek9a5WBwug/s320/2009,+June+033.JPG" border="0" />Double Trouble!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Stay tuned because I have tons more pics... after Michelle and her daughter Lexie arrived!</div></div>Karlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09442566666482739244noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7468778628510545350.post-28455080229910501682009-06-20T14:08:00.003-05:002009-06-20T15:10:54.704-05:00Kindergarden Graduation!I am still amazed that we have a graduated Kindergardner! I have to pinch myself just saying he is now a 1st grader! Cameron's been out of school for just over a week. He's off to a good start this summer. He's in a program that is very active. Lots of swimming, sports, and other fun activities. Some days you can tell he is so tired that he can barely handle any more! It's just what he needed though. A good place for all that energy! Rylan is still in an in-home daycare. He gets really mad each morning because he can't stay with Cameron but we told him it's "Cameron's summer school". That's helped him cope with his disappointment in not being included. Cameron is in the youngest group in his summer program, so it will be a couple years before Rylan can stay. <br />Rylan's doing great too! His words are coming more and more! Just today I counted 5 words he used in a row. Now, the words he used were "mom, take picture my butt". Oh yes, a proud mother here!!! We've been outside most the day playing in the water and mud and just enjoying this gorgeous day! So he wanted me to photograph his naked toushie! That's my boys!!! Running around naked in the country!<br />Both kids are doing great though! We have a few minor tiffs here and there, a few minor melt downs with some little people trying to assert their independent opinions... but over all much better than even a year ago! Listening skills are always "in progress" in our house, but we do follow through on consequences much better than we had... and that's made a world of difference. I truly believe endless threats are what cause out of control kids.<br />Anyway, hope you all are enjoying your summer's too! We have lots planned. The first trip is just next week. I'm going to meet some wonderful friends that were a HUGE support to me through our adoption experience with Rylan. We all used the same agency (if you can call what we had an agency)... We've talked every single week, sometimes daily, for over 2yrs now and most of us have never met one another. I am so excited to meet these ladies and their beautiful children! I hope this is one of many, many visits in the future. I'll be sure to post pics when we get back.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349491610412990130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMXitVSFKcWqwSNkiectHMwFKoFG0aCYnY5NMy9eeuMOn0nKumtCsBJZDvCNBvwLPEWRZ5YYRHr6e_8KjN9dJC-XSM9u-8TqdG-B0jkXW_yI_sW8xpAKTL2HeKNPEMZ9mqSmTRo1s68PA/s320/2009,+June+008.JPG" border="0" />Cameron is in the bottom row, far right. The most handsome little guy in the class I might add! They gave several cute performances before we had some cookies and refreshments in the lunchroom! I choked back tears the ENTIRE time. Especially during the slide show!!!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxlMNTGMlyxuk0swpaBRqpk5pgtuJhR6nyYMNfFrqqbw0WHWkOtU6jz-EUEC3FM1JrhhfYc6nFwcg1PYYPXkOYmrWtrAePi5N71fY0p8nXQv-4qWryhebfxu-yNvkfWkstF6Gcunjlkn0/s1600-h/2009,+June+044.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349491606220283394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxlMNTGMlyxuk0swpaBRqpk5pgtuJhR6nyYMNfFrqqbw0WHWkOtU6jz-EUEC3FM1JrhhfYc6nFwcg1PYYPXkOYmrWtrAePi5N71fY0p8nXQv-4qWryhebfxu-yNvkfWkstF6Gcunjlkn0/s320/2009,+June+044.JPG" border="0" /></a>Rylan and Cameron having an "end of the year" photo with Cameron's teacher! Rylan insisted he be in the picture with his brother! He too was really proud of Cameron!</div>Karlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09442566666482739244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7468778628510545350.post-81381491881069532032009-06-03T19:51:00.003-05:002009-06-03T20:14:12.791-05:00National Train Day 2009Oh yes, we celebrate National Train Day at our house! We went to the Amtrak Depot in LaCrosse, WI where they had a little celebration. The depot is not large by any means, but they had cake and refreshments along with door prizes. Cameron and Rylan were pleasantly suprised when they each got a new and free Amtrak hat too at the registration table! They held the celebration so that the tail end was with the actual Amtrak Train coming into the station to load/unload passengers. So we got to watch that, which was really exciting ; ) Adjoined to the depot is an eatery called Train Station BBQ. Yummy food so we ate there afterwards! Nothing is better in our family than a restaurant right next to the train tracks!<br /><div><div><div><div>The boys had a blast and we had fun watching them. How Cameron came to have this passion for trains I will never know. But I can tell you this... I encourage it! It's a great hobby to have and would also make a great profession some day!</div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343273363467270898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOmqjJe7WUcQQZiLOp3PJom8JBspZMYof-gwvLcVR2Rp4J9yHqfDV9nuiVUFzTImYZEFo9qHOx3tLXXNr8gCogydvJOXNpcxP-GxNIdg8snMHKnJNOWiKY2rouxNCl4RNxVQQFFNsZRjs/s320/2009,+May+003.JPG" border="0" /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343273360293643506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzfbUhEF9v50380VasxZQRI_enzkNcer9vIHTx1HhgHDaPqHK5A4jokh-6u9CnGxo28E7NGTP-xmJj3ysztFW6jDxkVySf2IFETyUIaMwLlCmkWdG2NwyPjf1sGbtseMVRce8XYHEvF-k/s320/2009,+May+009.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>In our summer pictures you can actually see my husbands face without all that horrible winter hair he insists on growing each year!!!</div></div></div></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343273373928810050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Iswpdt6KiQCZa0SlpT3yGzqOKkekBqUsR5gcRIslCVBwaePPFSm0Di0o2B3zW1m4yLAEQqlYgXTJ_iLsFBVxEPjk07lzpZabPsOrKy1cd6tdUYjRrk6QeT1Rpn0I8tT6ZmlMHEC0QfI/s320/2009,+May+015.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343273368269775650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSuIxaRcwrtIlBaS6HsDe0EZfywgsLIuF44c8PFdMGI_jEQ60EQFp3uViN6NMNCMDS8VECDC0Gg3oPFihiqD6o9so22t5h3pAbl2ZyG-uI9Myrbpy1YswZmDLa70_ysE0T320SI-lesUw/s320/2009,+May+017.JPG" border="0" />Karlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09442566666482739244noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7468778628510545350.post-51665937731611656102009-05-10T07:48:00.007-05:002009-05-10T09:09:39.387-05:00Happy Mother's Day!<div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334184170080060402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk7Dzoj0BiFa3JzoQYXdBn1Vm8-PZD2aDhXOhmzJuPdjklSqlD0ncJUI6zoQf1BVC1xnGS3hmY9KvT0ycIP1p0qaaN2oMc9CagKe7in1glDKyStMs1V2pfV8RT_NO7GCjzJnPEdSKMWe0/s320/5-16-2007-55.jpg" border="0" /> A view out our front door looking across our yard.... It's one of those moments where you can stand in awe of how gorgeous nature really is. I just loved the picture and because Mother's Day is one of my favorite days of the year, this seemed to fit well with today! I am so incredibly thankful to be MOM!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334184158541699554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic6KklCn_Xp0md-FpadNnZYGx4vn14hvrJy8iFKMX-34FZqIvAPHX7kfDxhijD9xQcPQ-r1iRWZyEkyzbIwFcEW1k0evJGJB3ZkkqvGD9wQeTSDdowWrJF7SZAQpe3QX77B1JUQIDD504/s320/5-23-2007-072.jpg" border="0" />And I know every day how much of a miracle it is that I have Rylan in my life. It still amazes me that we made it through that adoption, along with every other family who used our former agency. The determination of all these mothers has finally brought each and every child home!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334180304044985538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPg_WKFd_LritsYgy1BloWqjuWvQiBTW_6OUnxKMcVifGCu1h9awequcWDSxjqtC3jiTx1HjJPSnjimFbkAB8AE5ea-THieiu8rsgsIJaJWqUVaIpUyQXtMleAAI9EZjZJf3httGA3q8g/s320/2009,+April+144.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334186576628449842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWl-fPhMGl8pi7Jtk1p4jvvXDALn_a1QFBkHEWw0x4rnB9q7zjyNLu8MtWEfaSe3eNfbM6flnLWTQQsLPVzP5uELfFOGrXosfJV3hZVeup12hbBSDMIOkpQ3nvth-h2uA33138x7m7WE/s320/2009,+March+042.JPG" border="0" /> And for Cameron,..... he gave me my first taste of motherhood. It was so wonderful that it brought us to Rylan. His adoption was also a sheer miracle as there were lots and up and downs until we were united forever! I am the luckiest mom ever!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334180307285032578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpC5s8VVwj3dZiNWLTZrcP7_JJoyqnVUAMk1v0ZbFA2Iywn3oO8xa7V75udCjAKUS3Agg_2qg8hDviolNyBntjRYJj3EMxm69BTQfb_DvnkerpoOKJ3bnQSsZ2zzwYWowTftwU_dr8QtY/s320/2009,+April+151.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334184172070069298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiesa9g2zn138kjt3mNjUnqM-NMhdYSOCQEj6rxqzSqI4WtJtAR4rUTXC-IjC4M_WSv9T2PuKONa1bN4_UKqi33NZ4lbOjdqhzVJPZan9owFVXYhNjQHS2n-KK68coA3C7FlxJi4sRWU6U/s320/5-16-2007-21.jpg" border="0" />And I am so grateful for my mom (in the white sitting) and for my sister who is a mom (in white kneeling), and for all the other incredible ladies in my life... some mom's, some not yet! Because even if your not a mom, as a woman you are an influence in the life of a child somewhere. Maybe as an aunt, a cousin, or a friend... all pictured with me in this photo!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigVqJYF76yFDhc95jKlwmv75aryRV2MTwiJv51-15v48z57wk6pg-KKlcVnVlmi2iYIplUnbO-NsguL7LmTa_a5Sz9U2itb6nWerqp5Cra-BFvP_vcUbXF3uANR4X_zf9B0kiLlE7npqo/s1600-h/5-23-2007-077.jpg"></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334188652659204610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUdPeozlgn8ZToX_ocE0Xj7bxQFleIS77NX22LqM0SG0tpT08-rg7QRTyF4AOgZtEFkC8Trjjgn6XqFP3_gXj1EW50Vgeo6FrkEjfsmuyXMGmkoBkEoCE4x-5DDdXqB4rK_6egj94Erm8/s320/2009,+January+Rylan+Adoption+Hearing+284.JPG" border="0" /> And to my mother-in-law (on the far left) and my sister-in-law (on the far right), you have set some real examples of what mothering is all about!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334184165871737698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlZ_xZG1DXLdptJ9VRCS6mEoha2B_dL6db9Y_G1mq6lECaHJEpdqUAMeG6I7crn5c6Xs5uCA4CZub6pk4TFlWRlGbx2RetY_b_JaEQqasvxpBVPOiWQiieCcMGEJqWv1xSHRt9c-fa5pE/s320/Rylan+December+2007+010.JPG" border="0" />And to the mother's out there who have loved our children while we were waiting for them. I wish I had a picture on my laptop I could download of the foster family Cameron stayed with during his adoption process, because they like Corelli were absolutely wonderful! They put their hearts on the line knowing that they were helping to raise these children only to see them leave to their forever families. Something I'm not sure I could ever do.<br />And to the birth mother's of my children. For their selfless sacrifice to bring these children into the world. My kids will always know these wonderful ladies and how much they loved them. I can only hope that they have the piece of mind knowing that we love these boys unconditionally, and them too! Some day, we will find them again to tell them in person!<br />HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all! </div>Karlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09442566666482739244noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7468778628510545350.post-27549340434826893652009-05-03T08:19:00.005-05:002009-05-03T10:16:14.721-05:00Random Pics!Thought I'd share some random photos over the past couple weeks. The boys and I managed to slip in a nigh at Wisconsin Dells with my mom, my sister, and my niece! We got an awesome deal on the room, $39.99, so we could hardly pass it up. It rained the entire weekend, both there and at home... so it was perfect for indoor swimming. We tried one outside activity and took a ride on the Wisconsin Dells Ducks! The kids loved it, even thought it was freezing!!! We brought blankets with for the ride. This "Duck" travels on both land and water and gives you a tour of the area. I so wished I could have got my camera out to take a picture of the most tender moment yet between the boys. Rylan was by the window and Cameron in the middle, I squeezed on the outside of the seat. We were wrapped up under a quilt and about half way through the tour, Rylan started falling asleep. He layed his head on Cameron and just snuggled right into him! Cameron looked over at me to see if I was looking and I just smiled at him and didn't say anything... He sort of raised his eyebrows, but didn't move (or move his brother off him)! Before long, Cameron was snuggling up to Rylan. It was SO cute! There are lots of nice exchanges between the boys but I'd still say not as many as I'd like. They do play without fighting about 80% of the time.... which is huge progress to me! Last summer I'd have rated it at a 30%. Cameron isn't highly affectionate with Rylan though, so this was huge! Almost like the moment I had waited all year to see! <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331607904545638882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyj3OROG6QPjxNzeiWnANgzkunqCWx2nIlqGJ8qfamiDRd32jbWNaTgMN-L4wdb7sgsVV_qbEsuA2m4O42mi9XV5pas3-K6Q7_Hm6g615ovu6cqwcHyG1rwayyetYXQUFI-bYorCsmIvk/s320/2009,+April+128.JPG" border="0" />Here was my niece Eryn with the boys on the Duck. Before we left the station we had torearrange our seating. It goes fast at times so we didn't want to lose any kids out the open windows!<br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQdaIiDn5NuBxi_86eirs4I_gkO98XP5OcAcSFOvEB-WJvWl3oCgF5-s6WElLU1gJDGxwERWHJOJRE6j-PZiUaYbM7laTw_9M60wBlJexGllF0qaRLVtaSHABwRlAv2UbZ1buHdTzi3k/s1600-h/2009,+April+121.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331607906369604498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQdaIiDn5NuBxi_86eirs4I_gkO98XP5OcAcSFOvEB-WJvWl3oCgF5-s6WElLU1gJDGxwERWHJOJRE6j-PZiUaYbM7laTw_9M60wBlJexGllF0qaRLVtaSHABwRlAv2UbZ1buHdTzi3k/s320/2009,+April+121.JPG" border="0" /></a> At the pool, we can always find fun there! All 3 kids love the water and played really nice together!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331607899951251042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh4ezZ6E3U4by9QztGPYJGNuzlOQxoWrOn8T9zM1bWXZwm5F_YNdHezIwiGyhsoxTOJ_OcFr1VUElIgjJkaUtTwZIEZYuc1AvjIPqCGiM3nRp5UyHgUMMSMkGFNp73kcoZEJ6ieksNYIk/s320/2009,+April+112.JPG" border="0" />Brotherly Love, YES!!!!<br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331595641544400018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDH_N_nSj-L4tH_FEcg605N8TxxfCkyfe8hOC4ArF-Tzy5nlCZzwPFYD9NCP7DRKJfEkdYbLjOAHYF31siUFJ-uQEQ5XHVVKTkN2Xk45tnw2mQZLW9w9Qq-e_jw7IKk2MjVMGUmV6DbEo/s320/2009,+April+142.JPG" border="0" /> Sunday when we left the weather cleared long enough for us to stop off at this little railroad. We'd been there once before and Cameron loves the place! It's a miniature railroad and the train wasn't running, but the owners were nice enough to let us look around. Tourist season and most activities in Wisconsin Dells don't start until Memorial Day Weekend.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331595635308944834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheMvuRpQYahM_biO_4zEex6a4bFSSiJ5f4j1ntYIRamqrcEhA-rAvSRmLAEzF2VDt7UcBZTsvtlKnXVjmwFdaLAw173wMOwyEFiRB7rBOgmjQkMIo3McR73_gxWXwU6kERb-VNhSb0ovA/s320/2009,+April+150.JPG" border="0" />More hands on looking and touching!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331595630251052322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFeU7P8rPoyQCw5yffgSdb1Tv3Wm1g2K5mXuCZDUfh3QbVvqJCUe5UJA8y9lBv1TLhmLQiXIBrkX_nrq8UI5eIK7OE26dqrX9NZUpe7X2uJALAzJ7ohCtGfD_QW04Rj3fQvjMxEcRqR-8/s320/2009,+April+148.JPG" border="0" />He's turning from cute, into handsome!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331591484515754370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe39a73zdPNtoQGep6SZJOhZMK1mCAFoKsmHOgtgpnU-ug_Krz9JMm0hILFjYL1GCseqNN0VMDckwxql8uw5g0TVns1qoVVJslwu6iWXGb2keNn4iHdtpb2DWkjqd-gv93LmGpLbtUbuA/s320/2009,+April+020.JPG" border="0" />An Easter Egg Hunt at my mom and dad's!<br /><div><div><div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331591484345692850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-UN9sb12yPQJaOAoqXoWRzcaxyh1e8zJ_egtAnnsW5z-HxRplRygYURfhc9jjFXKStBOU0Qnobj2pLKQJLBwMFs6yM9DbcIagoPA7idHFNPKrEicyE6QYWXPuVGXQ6EjXDfwq1wClgu8/s320/2009,+April+006.JPG" border="0" /></div><div> My dad giving Rylan some encouragement during the hunt! It didn't take long for Rylan to catch on to finding goodies in the yard!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331591490394550674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMDiFRrpuhGrUSz0tjc9tyluX7zvS-Vpq2URc37wffQXGPjJoNLpM79A1MvprkByB-TaexKdikOMaRnwlt6gQSqPXGcQAdh3nu7B5nm5gdxHJHY8cfdygO2FQYgTS-JhDwhuOA5iaKVwQ/s320/2009,+April+027.JPG" border="0" />My mom and dad have this wood tiled floor they've wanted to replace for awhile. The tiles come loose the kids are always ripping parts of it up and putting it back together like a puzzle. Well, after Easter dinner we gave them tools and let them go at it! The next day the floor was getting replaced with laminate wood. The kids has a blast and made a good demolition team!</div></div></div></div></div></div>Karlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09442566666482739244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7468778628510545350.post-44463513830358356972009-04-30T19:53:00.004-05:002009-04-30T20:17:13.666-05:00Sugar Overload!<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpw2WBCQ3cHnPJ1RTjEqCBUNgqYep_obh3p35HLhOLXsNDNzW39Sruv_Eoqe7V4UU5-oEGr_gVw2ZtCbwLb9mqMPViqzzbShyphenhyphenvXWv8xNjiN8TT5c6Y1UIq9_nIB1UG3Fjc88GVTfpVRes/s1600-h/2009,+April+Cameron%27s+Birthday+249.JPG"></a><div><div><div>This is what you get when you have WAY too much fun at your brother's birthday party! We had all you can eat fresh popped popcorn and blue-rasberry snowcones (we rented machines).... there is no telling how many snowcones he polished off. Throw in the cake and 3 helpings of ice cream I "heard" he was fed. Then one huge pinata that he got plenty of candy from (and ate an unspecified amount while we weren't looking). This is what we had at the end of a fun-filled day!!! I thought these pics were hillarious! You can see that little sparkle in this boys eyes... and this isn't just the sugar. That's all the timE1<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330655714645797634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLTbUXZ_VgTFkKQNCta19ehbe7KWFubWpJ4hPmBN19UvKjr_9PU7bSrXb6KvGb9KIWOVXmnsFgv8TXsExDEUO9mdLC3xYf1V3jltHMvNOXB04ACdkK6i_9ET4y7WXXeLnSBoGHGzaPrS8/s320/2009,+April+Cameron%27s+Birthday+247.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330655715453128658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4LntsMFTCxJ-tAPK_ZQhT2sWR1v3vcBw90APq8gYOvxGbSMOkSn3us-UzsgQxFJht-OjlqDwKzZxYx7kTVjQCGZ92FnJ9vk2FNzhKBXq6pAWhor4LRwksDTFuWG89QNs3DuMs-hVcXpQ/s320/2009,+April+Cameron%27s+Birthday+249.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330657284440802354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC15V1GBh7sqRRUaT_SzD3AbfX2inAu4OJKXPtW4_Kr5NXhIZDNwgtmF5Zj5XJQUcTbV5gdL4oImZP-f7SeMdJAJd-cPRChWZrUKorJp8wW3DqbwJhjIF6DhM1aEPR8ckjeoH57nstFUs/s320/2009,+April+Cameron%27s+Birthday+248.JPG" border="0" />Karlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09442566666482739244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7468778628510545350.post-25338391043040497902009-04-12T11:11:00.007-05:002009-04-12T12:40:15.181-05:00Happy Easter<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323848571667656850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbJqZZMhRWeXDZh0L-PZ5wwhvuIBdMTMN1Vmf9WLpQiDoqUiQBRa4USGlbpTjIwllG3wZh067Gb_WjN1GAPQL2WUmJhHxhX1zxqIuoIsclJHo1-0PHmlHRTnA95kKfFyBezvYqmAhyphenhyphent7Q/s320/Easter+188.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323859238449310690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQuqlHrC9pmxJ5CqYIhTetMc2EOQFRdA4oATDKxZ9nTQiDAhjgJiACqKlNYZvzEl_ieie0bLVF_bPo7lreXQjyUO9Obbyf8rnQLr5SkH_hEhMV8j7PoBPsZ5O1mgY4Q4CmZg_jT224JI8/s320/Easter+204.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323859234433268626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7pZolJOOYOo_hqJ2eAhJIzymA2wG9ZZ__PrIToiI2N1GwSNVtIQmxenbsSsk1_8JHXjw4BASOJYetAxv3V0jrqbRE-8uv-yXaZoDiCdQWwBZELzOZ7ruVjQvQ2Uwh-bOSp0FZjT9cex4/s320/Easter+210.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323848580802951298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVxikR7G9QQWEFgOy2PXO4odS2CHeUZ7oWh7DE8Vv66DsEm0GJ_1RP0MpRJXw3Cc7Kpg3w_C_bX0HfokUhRPjALv0x8GmH239YfXMNKPQMAoqkoZ7RuFZD0RBXjBz5rWelNCuBlqLtHY8/s320/Easter+191.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323848578048595586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNLvdpCqsvNg68_rGpklryx_nn87y0ernvBdBNfxnxRgaJFkGJo5y6oaoerFrDcuy3M2qhW0hgeC7BJ6z5eoL6h8xCg7i8AeA72j5iABsri7h_THjxZQwPSlcN0Wg_-RiO7PsydjsY37g/s320/Easter+190.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323848565450181618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhiD3lkn-ngJU6qUa5aiX_NJN9ZVYMI9UGoxET5WPw0FgHYRS-HN5ISw-IaHy1EV5jfF8OZOKLSydfKEbWWu-zgJVYRionZ7k56YtAum78vJCo9H3D6jpbKnPrJ2G_OwRn8DQUK4Z2SlA/s320/Easter+181.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323859246254542498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFjEUVZQYuvU8SrbQyxInM9AjeXUxj99eHsmoWAPXkRvJVV3-UVyeNujdnRYKT7g01xFzC8xlsLuTsjwE8TaEiDHBMSnBHN_Me_B4ImLr5ECkGRm0TEgEXJBCo68-TmKbRM0HIYrHCoGA/s320/Easter+230.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323859244596801538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPT_FnKPZ1Vv-hDNq5bQvVBFyAaavX3od9uygHPRB1zReM6oGT65NZwqydOyTftao0f4GAZqdYZsIkQ7Dlf8SiuNOra-EmI5SRsM73EPTNzx4_6SVGuUO3iyu8hUPyg0WxbxDg0g9i2E/s320/Easter+219.JPG" border="0" /> <div><div><div><div>Just wanting to wish everyone a blessed Easter! Last night we colored egss with the boys and it went rather well. Rylan started off with a tantrum of some sort that I'm not sure even yet what it was about. Eventually he scraped himself up off the floor and came out to the kitchen. Once he saw what we were doing, he loved it! Both kids did a nice job on the eggs, and NO spills! We have a couple cracked eggs... but hey, I expected that. Today we started off our morning with Cameron first jumping into our bed hollering "Happy Easter"! Rylan, whose normally an early bird and up by 6-6:30am decided to sleep until 7:15. Cameron had a LONG 1/2 wait for his brother to get up, but once he did, they were SO excited about the Easter Bunny having been here! Once again, there was no shortage of candy, but the good ole Easter Bunny gets more and more crafty each year! This year some of the eggs were filled with quarters, dimes, nickels, and pennies! There were also small gifts like art supplies that Cameron loves and some hot wheels cars that Rylan loves, not mention a few cans of silly string! Way to go Easter Bunny! These were some very happy, non-sugar high, kids!<br />We're off to my mom's around 2pm for dinner. Turkey and all the trimmings, yum! Then to John's parents for dessert. I have one more day off work tomorrow... YIPPIE! Althoug the boys and I will be going to the dentist for their first appts. I can't guarantee that will be a good time. More pics to follow on that!</div></div></div></div>Karlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09442566666482739244noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7468778628510545350.post-85411432105417403762009-04-04T06:51:00.006-05:002009-04-04T08:55:14.731-05:00Happy 6th Birthday Cameron!Wow, I can't believe my guy is 6 years old today! I couldn't sleep last night as I kept dreaming about his birth. I think I'm having a hard time on this birthday because it's a transition from a preschooler to elementary aged boy! I can see him growing up so fast, yet am thankful he needs me yet in so many ways. You won't find me rushing him through these years. I enjoy every moment, even the "pull your hair out" days!<br />Let me take you back to the days leading up to Cameron's birth. We met his birth mom when she was over months 8 month pregnant. She had picked us from a book of waiting families wanting to adopt. When I received that call from the adoption agency telling us a birth mom wanted to meet us, it was like a rush I've never felt. So many years of unsuccessful pregnancy and loss came down to that moment! Just a short couple weeks later, we were at her school meeting her, her mother, and her social worker. She was just 14 years old. John and I were so nervous that we could barely contain ourselves! Once we met the family, we hit it off almost immediately and conversation flowed well. At the end of our meeting birth grandma invited us to a doctor appt birth mom had scheduled. We were able to meet her doctor and were introduced as the baby's parents! The doctor was very receptive and we were so excited. Cameron's birth mom was very shy. I thought we'd be sitting in the waiting room while she had her appt, but she allowed us in the room.... but we did leave during the "exam". She didn't know what she was having, which was even more exciting! During the exam the doctor let us hear the baby's heartbeat, which was the first time I'd ever experienced anything like that. I couldn't help it, I cried and was barely consolable! It was then that Alicia told us that she intended to have an abortion, until she heard the heartbeat early in her pregnancy. It just wasn't the right option for her. I give this young woman all the credit in the world. She carried this child for 9 very long months, gave birth, and made a responsible adoption plan that would allow her to go on with her life, and for this baby to have his. I can't imagine the ridicule she faced at school for this. The responses she might have got from strangers as she told them of her plans. People not understanding how she could so this. She had a sense of peace with it but that didn't mean it wasn't hard....<br />Around 11pm on April 3rd we'd received a call that Alicia went into labor. The weather was horrible, there was a sleet storm. They told us we didn't have to come....but this was something that I wasn't about to miss! John and I packed up and got out of the house before midnight. The trip normally would take about 3hrs. That night, it was well over 5hrs of driving in the worst conditions ever before we arrived. We checked in at the hospital desk and took a seat. It wasn't but 5 min before we were ushered back. We stood outside Alicia's hospital room door and watched as our son entered the world! All 8lbs 13ozs of him!!! The nurse whisked him away to clean him up and brought him out to us. I was frozen. She extended her arms to mine and said "congratulations mom and dad, you have a new son"! More crying.... I'm crying now! It was incredible! I got a hospital bracelet to enter the nursery and we were put in a room next to Alicia with the baby. She completely trusted us. John fed him his first bottle, I did his first diaper. We would go back and forth from room to room to visit with Alicia, yet not spend too much time in there with the baby. She was feeling uncomfortable and we could tell. We gave her space and we gave her alone time with the baby. When it came time to do the birth certificate, she told the nurse that we would be naming him. And so we did, Cameron James. Although we felt certain that this adoption would go through, there is alway that possiblity that something could happen. We had issues, that's to the say the least... but Alicia never wavered from her decision. She knew this child was meant to be ours. And so the story goes... you all know the ending!<br />So today not only do we celebrate the incredible birth of our child, but we honor his birth mother, Alicia. Without her, we wouldn't have this amazing little person in our lives. She gave us the opportunity to be parents! She will always have a piece of our hearts.<br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320815918325529202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7q30eTnokWhHVe2282XNU0GmrWcDGU1r1du-q_Pp9WPMDuBVHeE3Rb8bosUHgwVnW_qfnhWbzd4KrQaeba-pnUJ56SdZeWl5mWT0-4IAimbGCTIGUgV7hN3xT1Z1ZfMR_qjHnaUG9Mpk/s320/2009,+March+036.JPG" border="0" />Cameron, immediately after he was born... what a bundle!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320817955055820498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ3zvhoJo0SDo-90iHip5nosz35GPUFQdsPyHZx9NAHqbhZuEeeXEztI6LZ7lGksfTfhAy-xtCdwalOU-g2060v-2rmwbxR_xZSPwMarm5OzUn9RuAntrM1GqAjYRIciBasybxiVdv7rA/s320/2009,+March+041.JPG" border="0" />Bathtime! Even then he knew how to "cover" himself!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320817953599557522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPcfpkTBUD3NjojBfZBcxsvKi4QTVtOuXzDon0AFeRpJx5MbbwkmdwOKNA08baL7PnkVo52cRse0B3P_h-4H5FNd0FirHqy0fvggzcKvjPI7pNf-EZNJOhyi8tUTb7UjeuNSzpOHXju8c/s320/2009,+March+039.JPG" border="0" />Proud Daddy!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320826434112518834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhupNKMqXb_U2dHlXlW2gQDV6sMeYJEI-rtoqCHiq80zLNLeDtqU0U6Rp7JhvXCUn_ri8NKD5OwtAXBair8xf-tYh-ORPx_NM4y4Jemr5N8hM26u9Sq6PYnKvigi9CUjQMnicelk0q97VQ/s320/2009,+March+031.JPG" border="0" />Daddy and Cameron all decked out in their Harley Davidson gear!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320819225397927154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgimyjy8QtBNJFJVqplCVCO6Gt3LWa6kd3pGbJvO7PeFinDlJ2TtVnJ10jHFvkmMkH0U9zad7WvPpl0yzH5X5dmKw1PpaYwytMmGNHjyeonC6BMoDenxwra7NAXRyrkV53UJm_Kr2HeqeQ/s320/2009,+March+045.JPG" border="0" />Some of my favorite pictures of Cameron were taken in this pumpkin patch!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320823272301260530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGzSfB3_4KrfN2pEa50cEWPyFy7DsTPyajbMgeHffS2VGuI5e_mWDNk544EmdLQwRyAZ2vJu-QTJkQ_OEXIquXruGWqy8mv2aeEZqBhcx5d2yNH1trbIOxWHUYn4Kmu8-peW53NMq9j04/s320/2009,+March+046.JPG" border="0" />He still loves daddy's boot!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320826430780832034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwZF7-cD0sCJVsEm9urJqDwKwtIe7iVvONU1am0BzP1lsOjshJKK0HWxHIQkwzHdxdOOvfRB_w3FlZY7qRmGiGTNN_aiRIUZCdfYTygP3KdwVmc8vcfG0Q77OuPXKvA47IgE8y52Ms2hA/s320/2009,+March+048.JPG" border="0" />Adoption Finalization Day - Dec 2003<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320823276223492258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD4KBZo_7AVvC4PO0nakbnBebBv9M8rJ8wtxaJlOopCjQm4RrBA0IlKeh1PWVSvkSnF1zrenQ_QRCyMTYcYu6kDthq3QYy56fJ19pzpALfoqvLRIiJ7QOIT8VkIOFygzilRh1SWi_C5Fo/s320/2009,+March+047.JPG" border="0" />Christmas 2003! What a happy boy!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320823276611262210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX_w3PB0T8UrtYeuFJyfzW_XwlnSuApqRBCEJeSnDIaZFfjZZQUnbxqO4NxreHmVSZy1rtBpPcGYcV7j2fMIZcfILB1mAu-UFmjpu05QMpgr7jUY2bf2VyYMrY4zMl3ZdnibgsOzKISno/s320/2009,+March+050.JPG" border="0" />Swimming Classes when Cameron was about 2yrs old!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320826433143476242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjER5_zw0tgmrimF7wGhyphenhyphenw7QhAtGunNSZYhH64WDymeJJMCJf0KfwEXrrvfjFZ83cDXTmTqc9Cy9eGnwCdS_qZizDEtGqizaD9xHNjRjgO-KdTXMfx576SDEhjV7QwCzLEzQuwgVaTomY0/s320/2009,+March+030.JPG" border="0" />Mother's Day pictures at 3yrs old. I cherish this picture!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320832482787718866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirO0cA_1FQkDgBj7ZJ2QPZC6XEstW_DA6qr7Boh1S9pZ7YOCdAMlhICGhlRW9053Z09aja9HVxy7BN1R_s4ISQEbonEdW9ql53qo0oMmhdBF7lVrlNajBhtp_3ckJCfsgn-f55vo49KX8/s320/2009,+March+028.JPG" border="0" />John and I holding on to our BIG boy!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320832483153585138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-VkKRXKomEgFOHCif2-XJH85xprazVfstXHhd-F7ax2TSAB0MYBAstFBKcqrBK7_P31tQCzYJdD0i9QQfVikUhqGn2d6GMtx0zpLgdjvgvKdxo8F9esYiySD2mBck81DDzEs5E7CQII/s320/2009,+March+035.JPG" border="0" />He loves his trains!!!<br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Karlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09442566666482739244noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7468778628510545350.post-79986720710652813172009-03-22T10:52:00.002-05:002009-03-22T10:56:46.721-05:00St. Patty's Day - From my mom!<img style="VISIBILITY: hidden; WIDTH: 0px; HEIGHT: 0px" height="0" src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bHQ9MTIzNzczNzA4MzUzNyZwdD*xMjM3NzM3MTM*NjU5JnA9MTkxMTMxJmQ9MzYxJm49YmxvZ2dlciZnPTImdD*mbz1kN2NlYjhhYTAxMTI*OGM*YjhlNDNmNGE2OGUwODA*Mw==.gif" width="0" border="0" /> My mom sent me this! Cameron and Rylan thought it was hillarious! It's me and both boys of course with my sister and my niece. Enjoy!!! <div style="WIDTH: 425px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #e9e9e9"><object id="A988398" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="319" width="425" data="http://aka.zero.jibjab.com/client/zero/ClientZero_EmbedViewer.swf?external_make_id=" service="sendables.jibjab.com&partnerID=" quality="high" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" wmode="transparent"></object><div style="MARGIN-TOP: 6px; WIDTH: 435px; TEXT-ALIGN: center">Try JibJab Sendables® <a href="http://sendables.jibjab.com/ecards">eCards</a> today!</div></div>Karlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09442566666482739244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7468778628510545350.post-70675017688983538582009-03-18T12:15:00.003-05:002009-03-18T12:26:04.309-05:00The Caped Crusader!<div><div><div>Not only does Rylan think he's a warrior, but he's now our caped crusader! We like to call him "Super Teddy".... Not only does he have a new "Super Hero" cape (courtesty of his daycare mom's toy box) he found the perfect teddy bear winter hat to match! He flies around the house waving his cape doing some pretty snazy moves! No one better get in his way as he takes his job very seriously! I couldn't get him to smile for pictures. He was SO serious! This is where my kids are very different. Cameron owns nothing with a super hero on it. I mean that! He's never like them. Looks like we'll be buying a few new toys for Mr. Rylan soon. Maybe these he'll get to be the boss of for once!!!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314579790228413954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlF876u8JgX4g930q2y4QjCckNgwVhO4zp5tkaRRwoA846p6twhzs4OFy3M9MwtRo3RUgWjobEH8PyrD3tPNbvUaSuL3TuCJbgMZWWXZtFyUCjffb4qkbCCyjUKdZFs7iB4_pTSr-b42I/s320/Ebay+12-08+035.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314579787342525106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Q9OtRy9POEu1j9IqJvtyPVXqOaF_jRjqrEhibouHDZPKmI_nRhEh52t5nfTwezTzJVokKc5LhKwIj3RVVyptpbIkCWTW5cjBBSFerXE5mlzzE-Kj-FQLyay5_MtAhspavC3lTia2zFk/s320/Ebay+12-08+034.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314579774692980450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG704aFl_32rvUbyCOaR9jVlzC-L9jVmrRYUXgDJnJ1_UHCWil8cH_aXbUvtjBPhxhi9bDWhiUVeE7Hb9zez7T-1svi4D7e4Ty-KZ4vHJaWc8aTqcx7NAP_GiLPaWTyGTPWZCWdtAXIvM/s320/Ebay+12-08+033.jpg" border="0" />Karlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09442566666482739244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7468778628510545350.post-32740928820336015392009-03-11T17:15:00.000-05:002009-03-11T20:03:00.650-05:00Nearly a Year!I am amazed that we're approaching a year since Rylan came home! I thought it was time for me to share some pictures from his life while he was living in Guatemala. On my visits in both May and December 2007 I left several disposable cameras, along with some that I sent in packages with friends who were visting their children. I realize how lucky I am to have some pictures during the time we missed with him, but in another way... it makes me pretty sad to look back on how they live their every day lives. It almost makes me feel ashamed of complaining about the small things in life here. March 20th we entered the USA with our son, a day I will never forget! But the journey didn't end there... it has only begun.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312049611800261298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 216px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid2v206-c90kSIa3-K5lVSIy6lkJpWkGscvDuc0pcFkqOZsZu6CY9vBoOs13xY0vb-mYzA4sU7wKrb01hlCDmYOtVDUXEO81z1sQRuLyxI3I76cKyxoM7ay1_eoLbL5EoZ5ZR_XkhZ7Gs/s320/12-10-2007-22.jpg" border="0" /><br />The above picture is Rylan in the bath/shower. Notice the mold growth surrounding him. When I saw this picture I was sickened. I wanted to seriously go and scrub and disinfect it! I felt sad. Sad that this is their normal. Not only is this not healthy for a growing baby, it's not healthy for anyone.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311326118242832594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 216px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZoDY0-L4WrW8UNbIwkl1aV41-ZC8qusEM_hSQwHvfVh23Uswi-8fMz42393Rqr1LkxeHCE64GeefzvU9tKSirgfQvaWAMegledGknA5mbfDLT4BqUE7jYKaauRSPnm-SdBHRjdE1J360/s320/12-10-2007-17.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311326125738558882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 216px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ema-nNrVTi3TD5Vt9bDhSP5pU6RgnnvBo5AaBWuJzUYbcYxQjHg-XBtC0EmbAFBBZtf3Ye9dHwcqo0onEucxG7x1TYVeUOM1AhpJ3G_74VaCkTUVtw7haLPw2kycSb1MrPDiADPS0Hw/s320/12-10-2007-23.jpg" border="0" /> <div>Here they took photos of Rylan playing with some of the toys we sent over. His foster mom worked at a school, which I think was more of a daycare, so we sent several boxes over for all the children to share. That felt SO incredibly good to do!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311326108796751410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 216px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbPwcUl_6bdA7w2VRgn6I1BnWmxd1cP9pB65WN9Ir8p7uDHqKHlkN864TSJsaFg_Od6G9AXq9R58vdSM0f_C3ezUECG11RrxVc78iVxRwPNs7aDGLGjxvNkwpG-axJ89dPRB3Ulousavo/s320/12-10-2007-02.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311321326826955314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 216px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg52pESzBqYGWkQIUR7N26-FoaRpNfu3zLRFY-D95THN9sdX-Q6C1vsv5yNu6KqW0RlNg9b4rXcLS5MJpOYFR0fHNW9jtPtxm816yuZyo4RQGRE-A7I1q_h9AzhUeGScTp_JmejgSkEwX0/s320/682464-R1-037-17_017.jpg" border="0" />And here they were showing us in the clothes and footie pajamas we sent over. We appreciated their effort knowing they were using all we gave them!!! Even as much as I notice Rylan, I notice the backgrounds in these pictures. Not good living conditions most of the time.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311321305270411506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 216px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkYbf-mf85mlSwUstxkKgeKkhROvffE36hF2NAjcTmT9m__7dhIGqiD3jOIAk9Xtv1Tji1qx2wfluGeJui85vpvbWY3O3lB6A_mGbQQRzegUk0dA0dcglEUDQzEJan6fmebs1oGA-bkt0/s320/682463-R1-017-7_008.jpg" border="0" />This is the bed Rylan slept in, which was a playpen in foster mom's bedroom. It was extremely dirty and falling apart....<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311321315983644498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 216px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeUc32in30SP-W0cgwvu9bVirQXCOSEEhPlXGn3q0b-R5rAbrQ0u84VwhXS5iOzv9OjSY_AN0n8BNANRBpwQnAIfduQNNdg9MrijbWh0QTP-NYQowC82g_QSauCOLBu2lFRzRcsG4F16c/s320/682463-R1-055-26_027.jpg" border="0" />And in the playpen with Rylan was the lawn mover he LOVED! I took this over on my visit in December 2007 and he pushed it everywhere! We never saw it again, same as all the clothes and toys we sent... but I don't care, I'm sure they got put to use somewhere! I left happy knowing some other children out there were using everything we brought over.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311321324047973906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 216px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivVkF055AA4Ium4c6k-Re2m3nuhH4FR__LEJVT4EMHo8GQ3J5WImqCJUbeL-LUq7-gFCvJ3X7uKSmUHnmV25hfjYIowkOawmPKZ1qESOqIW8ZY70LrK_lGbDFbeJ6-bZrMfaRhOYsX98c/s320/682464-R1-007-2_002.jpg" border="0" />Happy boy no matter what the circumstances! Looking back I see major malnourishment and a child who was also in desperate need of a cleaner environment. I had noticed no use of his legs at 10 months old on my first visit and that his color was pale. He would eat, and eat, and eat 24/7 while I was there! After just a day or two together you could see him improving. I'm not by any means saying the foster mom was neglectful. Unfortunately she did the best she could with what she had. Thus explaining why I left a suitcase (literally) full of stuff during both visits in May 2007 and December 2007 and sent other packages and money as I could! It is a 3rd world country and standards of which they live their every day lives are way different than ours. Our foster mom was considered to have average wealth there, here she would have been well below poverty limits. Babies for the most part can't be put down on floors to crawl because they are dirty or made of dirt. They don't brush their teeth or have dental care. The doctor is only used in a near death situation. And food doesn't come easily. Babies are fed beans and coffee leaving their growth stunted. None of it intentional, that's just how it is. An d this is for the average family. Imagine the families living outside in the mountain areas! You couldn't even begin to dream of how difficult life is for the majority of people there. You have to see it. And when you do, it forever changes your life. I'm thankful to have changed the life of one child, and seen the lives change for many more. I don't believe one bit that this is where it ends.... I can feel it just starting!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311323598414277074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyxk7Z51sgmRP797sbrjsIT7O3aTW4lf9B3L8c2uIuC7N4FR_HrU8BKoUg2TOtIhGuAakB4oMOZlLS4bwiXqtRXQsy7ExfN3J6tU7CsfgdUgrNIbmzECpOAtBTiss2QA00mUXgRXotjeA/s320/5-23-2007-102.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>Our first photo together in May 2007 during my incredible visit! I still can't describe the pain that was left in my heart the day I had to leave him. It was horrible... yet I left so happy! Doesn't he look a million times better on this last day of our visit together!?</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311322405013641298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWO9CgqONncDXt-gLwII6UMkmJ0SMIgEONfM0Bk8u68QmlvX5kWLcHdcP7vJau5p_5zJDKmu2RJXCOlfUI7tm_PPK7Gvo4cdWut1Ay-vWip_RIOT_9JkuOyAX6NMWX4aB8jNr73G24eyw/s320/5-23-2007-025.jpg" border="0" />All cleaned up after being dropped off by foster mom and the attorney's assistant during my first visit in May 2007. Already he looked at me with those big dark eyes begging me to take him home! I kept wondering how I could get away with smuggling him back!<br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311322413882178898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOYiXI2ca6gjiiJ7VAk1pwyvMt8uLdbf_Dy97CUBYsV3V2Rpb7k_WDlsf3_y1lgAW5-I1US9KGIBAG1xv4VFYZRHRqkBieJx-La4Ge6Vp5JdDu2PP6y-coooB5tdRJ8CKyhlKGZSCXGlc/s320/5-23-2007-054.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>Rylan enjoying the jumper in the baby room at the Marriott Guatemala City during our first visit in May 2007. His little legs at 10 months old had barely any muscle tone at all. It was obvious he hadn't been given the chance to use them.</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311326095237564546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhIH-V2LTsbrLuynlvLKkAp0m1MNzd3QUS-JPudVFwr595HIzV_h67VrMM2OHym3Hl1tBVtG07eYo4w9-Ut4ejEZi8Af6DU7Ol_kzAlAPWTZ4ODmcX9Zabej5hJvl8TYyOXQzy59_mPDw/s320/Christmas+-+Guatemala+2007+006.JPG" border="0" /> December 2007 visit out by the pool enjoying some much needed and nutricious food... french fries! Yum Yum!!!!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311326102065123714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 293px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh08KNE8NVkUeLCbQuWQ_ZE4jsUh-R7spR15zfEi0Lt-zfBxutJitk8RLDgUC9iL_okAr_C7peM6w1N4drHRXnDN_l_P7L2XF5grtah4Zm0BxCS0JsPdX1dZK_7BfY9hmeM6o1Q4YZvjCI/s320/Christmas+-+Guatemala+2007+038.JPG" border="0" />Rylan during my December 2007 visit just before Christmas. He was such a happy little boy. even then! By this time, he was walking when I came...<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311322397642176642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMlETKQ8AVXmy5t_dA3RkhyphenhyphenD3TSLgZKfDo5hDuA8erIXsv4uJEeYk4eSBZyA9MifpWSHbNrhy3s1VPcdabEkH_7e1FliqN9GMnRObINCaoNGfUK-nMFdasKpgL0qGsXI2v0QDCdHp8u7w/s320/5-23-2007-016.jpg" border="0" />Some of you may remember that I traveled with Sonja, who lives near me and I was able to meet before we even considered International Adoption. We also met up with Anna, another family sharing the same agency as both of us. We met her in Dallas, and flew onto Guatemala together. All of us meeting our children for the very first time! May 2007, Kayla (Sonja's daughter) on the left, Rylan in the middle, and Libby (Anna's daughter) on the right. I adore this picture....<br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311323591655401842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinU6yAVxWjzatAyUA7Gnh1m_3N1XrWEQv6hzvcUzKGTurWTRhyphenhyphen_N4_dZi84YwFbeEJoB4zxXmAdp5YpIgMiGkfxhhLV58s5EEROoMRA8EX3i_BZgy1oFlnxNVjIw9vrMbxXQq0-krtbw4/s320/5-23-2007-077.jpg" border="0" /> This is Anna is with Libby on our first visit! Look how tiny Libby was. As you can see from the picture below, being home with her momma has made all the difference in the world! What a cutie pie! I think I will be shocked going from seeing her as a baby to seeing her for only the 2nd time in person as a toddler! I can't wait Anna!!!!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311863095476499298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 112px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBsXqujW8PZvCQzyOd7IlsxbxYNWDcqms-UO4yjerz24uAbT7CLbQAEZR01-EbStEmjigYIUIugNEPEV6D2KR_G41vwN002STb4E3lkMhJfhLfOQYnYdF4HO1I_4Ovy8JpTi4u93If62I/s320/Libby.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311323586384360418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8cjBsRmNodBFQ8xLmRG_2hQNJGtgeYpQ8eITYQYVBl7_n9j3v4YbunGCrPlWCSIJLP9ibo9r0TpEwLnRcRQpL_nfx-eAdLYSdUG4xY82bT_8hms8U2-5vkVVJYoiJyeNLjAP6OYr8zF8/s320/5-23-2007-070.jpg" border="0" /></div>And above is Sonja with Kayla on our first visit, the first time mother and daughter met! Kayla's a gorgeous little girl with a spunky personality that we love! She's now home and a thriving, happy, well-adjusted little girl, as you can see from the photo below! We get the pleasure of making plans to see one another on a regular basis!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312058931394643138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlw8S2lycSZIEEqe3IRiPanMpihkszx0ZNI_T4zdZZlux07UFYK5cu1Zsiei4C9T9q5OZSnp1B-Qxs-L70t4hemwPt96HeF6rneaBRLJQiPeRx89BhtQ0mk8JzTMZjlaPv5I3dKOOUbPk/s400/2008,+March+Pickup+Trip+287.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312057748400209906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 301px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhewtrZU1P6BlnITT45pbRPlGtwMesj-q2E_6Zm7dqxz3Bquqw0-TFd1y8rXTU2ppuaWjmmhApYfmlaJPeLbVkBavxMoaYPrLO4lQGmvF15JUztUgJ-vpWxDbkWFecT1e3c83XXeFO7HQs/s400/Michelle+Fisher.jpg" border="0" />And here is my cyber friend Michelle! We've never met, but have known each other for 2 years! What we thought was the worst news of our live,s our agency collapsing and being exposed for fraud, ended up being just the start of some of the best days of our lives! Little Lexie is gorgeous and I can't wait to meet them both in person! From the photo below, you can see how she has blossomed as well.<br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312061746633620658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 301px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj74ib5jfgFYojofoWQy1oMmQ3WeMAsx6u8AKJcyH8uCyKzix0HgKLl-wpYaSTsUvmusHTk6bGUKeKUO3Gks5Y79CyLGglJ8SRzu9MhjkYZ92gRfQ8HDA-FEyV3OCkPC6vHxz6lWyZ-W5M/s400/Lexie+Fisher+Home.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312063818218612802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 255px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 191px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWK_r3KK94bMkda_6ub4NJB77l4pRBeVd9n-Ka13GhDfu9i9rADF_XxoxCH9q91wU14erWgBaV8qMjVV7IVdmSNrpansgz7VT7VFU6Y8U63QlBwJeV6xSVY8KU-EkO6mpZdHKdyhK76Zs/s400/Abbie.jpg" border="0" />And above is a referral picture of the newest member of our "family" to make it home, Abbie! Her family started the adoption process just 3 months before us, and this sweet little girl just came home..... yea!!!!!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312063823356714914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkcgHUAn1ai-YDs_Wu_Tt9n_1Nj8HZIXR35SljaE0kvdFV8hyFqb6JCrsrDiyMUyC7bkB923udu_BCI2i79j9HG9c6eOPEDYtKY-dZMM2tDqD2g-rzZR71DnRPHecXwsQiaieFwGO_iro/s400/Terri+and+Abbie.jpg" border="0" />Here is Abbie and her momma just last week on the plane coming home. I think Terri is going to have a Diva on her hands! She is such a doll!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312063820092045634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0kVunoemBGkvTzuuL3gTD6KPZvK_wxk-hhjcWFdy9qv6HUU0BEw_TRAGWAyHRGS1PGlsfm-8LJzAMaykxrXzOc1fis4rhsKtgz_n607OpNLwf1W8VvYJXWNFuGM_79DwPl8G2hUXFT0A/s400/Abbie+and+Isaiah.jpg" border="0" />I had to put in a picture of Abbie once home, as she joined her little brother Isaiah who was also born in Guatemala! I think these two are going to have some fun together! Congratulations again Terri and family!!! </p><p>There were several other families from our agency that we met over the course of our adoptions. Lisa, Wendy, Paula, Dixie, and so many others! All incredible, all courageous, all determined. I didn't want to post pics of them without permisssion. I knew the other above were fine with me doing it ; ) </p><p>What an amazing past couple of years for all of us! Thanks ladies for always being there for me, especially on the not so good days. You all are incredible mothers and friends!</p>Karlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09442566666482739244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7468778628510545350.post-70657049546651093642009-03-07T11:58:00.004-06:002009-03-07T12:07:55.000-06:00Warrior Rylan!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4l74C04QPCtJdxQUEHEuzftMc32NWRYbGMK2bq7Ojj814jQ4mFZPImC5cIEg-PoI17yMwm2w6IuXdhVz70yIm8Z7xT92tBWjZoOzl8eSutozKOcYJDvLUMuKsMwss0-64AjMEseA1ziU/s1600-h/2009,+Ebay+434.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310508954074655186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4l74C04QPCtJdxQUEHEuzftMc32NWRYbGMK2bq7Ojj814jQ4mFZPImC5cIEg-PoI17yMwm2w6IuXdhVz70yIm8Z7xT92tBWjZoOzl8eSutozKOcYJDvLUMuKsMwss0-64AjMEseA1ziU/s320/2009,+Ebay+434.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHUWZwSkAWl9i-vQQ9w2MVIcCbXc9QcJV677_VqiUr1VUlHi-3H6gycGYu6CVeQEmY7q9xUjgOODkr6qwxG8fcZ2rM8V06StgATkXwZgZawzrd5fjyTrvdWTkml4yiuS53VJlh8VODtKU/s1600-h/2009,+Ebay+433.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310508942568500226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHUWZwSkAWl9i-vQQ9w2MVIcCbXc9QcJV677_VqiUr1VUlHi-3H6gycGYu6CVeQEmY7q9xUjgOODkr6qwxG8fcZ2rM8V06StgATkXwZgZawzrd5fjyTrvdWTkml4yiuS53VJlh8VODtKU/s320/2009,+Ebay+433.JPG" border="0" /></a>Rylan runs and flips through this house like a force that is not to be reconed with! He is one solid kid. He is always making karate like moves (and yes, sometimes on others). He even imitates the sounds and arm/hand movements! Now, we don't really get into watching any movies like that. None of us are karate experts. No clue why he does it, only that I am convinced he is going to be one power house of a kid! Short and stout!!! That is the one difference in personality I notice between the boys. Cameron is trains, trains, trains. Rylan, he has found a passion for trains too, but he likes a variaty of things more than Cameron ever has. Like monster trucks, being a warrior, and sports! Interesting watching these two develop their like and dislikes. </div>Karlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09442566666482739244noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7468778628510545350.post-48558120507961065722009-03-01T07:56:00.005-06:002009-03-07T12:11:52.563-06:00Fun Pictures!It's been awhile since I've been on to blog. Seems like when I'm on lately I'm working on Ebay! I've been back to selling again and trying to deplete my stock.<br />Since Rylan's accident with the stitches we've been pretty much worry free and healthy again! We are so looking forward to spring coming and being able to spend more time outside. The winter is getting long and drawn out. We had another snow storm this week and school was dismissed early one day. That left one little 5yr old smiling from ear to ear! I picked him up off the bus with Rylan and we got to spend an afternoon home in our pj's! Now that's living!!! I guess winter comes in handy for something once in awhile.<br />Cameron's really looking forward to summer break from school. This year he'll go to the YMCA and he seems very excited! Little does he understand that in the fall we go back to the same routine of daycare in the morning and then a full day of school in 1st grade! I'm also not going to be the one to tell him right now that he'll be doing this for oh.... about 11 more years at least! The weeks get long for him, but he's doing great! It's amazing how much he's learned. He is also growing SO tall. Most people think he's 7 or 8 yrs old. I think he's going to tower over all of us in this family.<br />Rylan continues to learn new things every single day. He's very active and spunky and shows is independence a lot! Talking still seems to be a bit delayed from where he should be, but he tries. He is just way more interested in jumping, rolling, and all that little boy rough play! He is a stalky little guy and I think will be built like a brick house as he grows older!!!! He is a joy to watch though. He is very comical and you can't help but laugh at him. The life of the party!<br />Both kids together are doing extremely well. We have our moments and more of them than I'd like really... but a vast improvement in the past year! Yes, a year!!! Rylan will be home almost 1yr on March 20th. Amazing!!! The two kids believe it or not do share some very tender moments at times. Rylan adores Cameron.... he really does. He is always trying to kiss or hug him and copies everything he does. For the changes these two kids have been through, I am very proud of them. We are very lucky parents to have such amazing, healthy, happy and well adjusted boys! Did I mention though that they EAT us out of house and home. I'm not kidding. It's non stop! WOW!<br />A couple last notes... A huge congratulations to my friend Terri and her family on completing nearly a 3 year battle to bring their daughter Abbie home from Guatemala!!!! Check out her blog link that is on the right side of mine!<br />Also, a huge congratulations to Sean and Sonja on completing their re-adoption of Kayla! YEAH!!! I am so happy that you have that one last hurddle behing you.<br />And to my friends Michelle and Anna, and Sonja and Terri, I am grateful every day that I have come to know you and the others! How I would have made it through the adoption and the trials after Rylan came home, I have no idea! I can't wait to see you both in June and meet all the kids!!!!! I am SO excited!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308240142683215074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwU1jy4C8uC_2atNLV26yQfnV79CncqMyxOg0tLxXoPijDYIEmqmmdYlAo-uH8NLm5VBjJhnovs6QG72kLQ3kHx8RdJAvxTCMYNYRvD_A_6PIxt9tjxjyC8f3y9widhDtVmIfTRTTsrGc/s320/2009,+Ebay+450.JPG" border="0" />Cameron enjoying baby food, yes, he still eats it! He just loves the Banana Mixed Berries. He thinks it's yogurt and I'm not going to tell him otherwise. Chalk that up to one healthy thing the kid actually eats!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308221985945225346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLf1iRuLapR0-gSGwaGkNH6ZuiiUIm5NJcTYn7M5EkldydhNgfsO-u1qiCFhaYBXtGXJFJKkiGtIXCWgypHa3cAbOIq0Vr4klzXEy7JPEz_R5SEoxdrKyisuRrEh1zK2UJsq5CE044r3k/s320/2009,+Ebay+445.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>And here's our Rylan, Mr. Messy himself. And yes, that is chocolate pudding! This is how Cameron used to eat. A vast improvement for one, and a work in progress for the other!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308221979876116306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkh0CXX00RfXhPO24SZzKpsxT-qHdXr4xDJkKaE0ebE2oAdPLodecGp4U9p6Q99kuotlf_TCvQE1BUQs3BxxRVcJ4rVo3f9PejM5nu24q_SAMeKLfRiTwvw_yRvfIA_kb_84RuCbRP_ng/s320/2009,+Ebay+446.JPG" border="0" />And when you don't use a spoon, this is what how that messy face happens. Or maybe he did use the spoon but decided to try to lick the remains out of the cup?<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308221974792457186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiW8JsYXPRmDHfp46NKsaXIS0pxhBNxlAf3ybA3HNaO1Wnmbpayq3EFzJs81OLXRsX34XcN2wJM1n0CrL5XOAoQquLKLB09Y8XpyLUEWV_mKhdJxgz1u_mCaEAYfqKeJgIarcjp_0gjzM/s320/2009,+Ebay+443.JPG" border="0" />And here is how Rylan came to me with his coat on the other day. Cameron and I laughed and laughed! At least he tried!!!<br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308221966961573106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4nu6VcsAa9_BAAFfcAVJx17q4ZE9nbgf_Kf1Q8MfKFP6WiZzpSoSchXRDT6eVxwkRTfoJZ_K-5T3YEXNEXHlhTZX2qwPkaMvLF8hwnqkTajNDlh6CM1MT2kLd53ekyIW_u2kg44HEOQ/s320/2009,+Ebay+442.JPG" border="0" />Cameron giving us the rear view! John was waiting outside to take the boys in the tractor to plow snow, that's what the hurry was. You know you can't get ready fast enough for that!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308240156074497426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghDJYmj_SbwMoe1cH7o_Runf66sNNQKX7CMSy_QgE0mXXSm9CzXJBGT-m7JAETBuBYR-9dsbB02EKx7bNj4EjryZkA6oCmWhBQipkS7UZ1bMMBfJBBvnNIbWIjEKMchOLtd-ubNU_d8As/s320/2009,+Ebay+477.JPG" border="0" />And here are some pictures from last weekend and John's parents. We had a chili lunch over there (they live 1 mile from us) and the kids got to enjoy some sledding! It was freezing out but that didn't stop them!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308240150238988546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNm3rNq9HVEjVBT7Xb9Rwmp1cBL4sCm4yv4OrMx3HUgqMjzzOmLX3eSDqHnKJ3cLu44ye5gF1OBf3FlqYsTtv-JBVqur3HLQFkaNZpJMaablnfPktHSOzlWyrvGdOz9tTvBJpXFU0xU7I/s320/2009,+Ebay+462.JPG" border="0" />Nope, the cold never bothers Rylan. Coming from Guatemala you'd think he wouldn't have the toughness to take it! Not him though, he's a rough neck I tell you!!! </div></div>Karlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09442566666482739244noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7468778628510545350.post-700837217456331442009-02-15T12:48:00.002-06:002009-02-15T14:01:11.205-06:00Happy Belated Valentines Day & a Visit with Kayla!Hope you all had a nice Valentine's Day! We thought about going out to eat, but knew it would be incredibly busy... especially with it being a Saturday night. However we wanted to do something being it was also my parents 37th Wedding Anniversary! We decided to invite both sets of our parents here and I made dinner. I served a platter of cold shrimp with cocktail sauce and cheese and crackers, then made prime rib, fried chicken, baked potatoes, creamed corn, rolls, and had two pies... lemon and french silk. We also threw in a 12 pack of bottled Bud Light and 1 bottle of wine! The night was perfect! I'm NO Martha Stewart so I was a bit afraid of what I might do to the food, but it was really good! The pies were store bought, so no going wrong there ; ) Anyway, it was the perfect plan. The kids got to stay in pj's and play, while we eat and talked. Nice and relaxing!<br />Last Saturday Sean, Sonja, and Kayla came over to our house for a visit. Since Kayla's been home we try to meet up often so the kids can play. They get very excited to see each other! Rylan calls Kayla, Nina. Not sure how you spell that in Spanish, but Nina in Spanish means little girl. He's called her that since we were in Guatemala in Dec 2007! So cute that the name has stuck!!! Anyway, when he saw their car coming down our road he screamed for her over and over. Too cute! It's amazing how comfortable we feel around these guys. Let's just say Rylan and Kayla most especially share some common personality traits! Between the three kids there was a lot of energy and excitement in the air! They ran through the house like wild indians at times, literally! But I LOVE it! They were excited and who can blame them. We're just happy to not have to be embarrassed around this family! They now know what it's like to parent a strong willed child.... and I think they have a very mild version of that compared to my two!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303101039626205602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4pfpz3Rs29_nzy6YTuQaNQZPV5hSAJp0hyqyJ4LuQG92u2Frkwl3CY5vSbnLIFG9BdOedespWiplPh31WfGCxAlH_HprF_3N4oLz9v1ZvFDGf3Gcqq-22zlyur6KsW6vV7hGTjJ9hPE0/s320/2009,+Kayla+391.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303101044539133842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyrdY4V129aD5Ld8QU0ypZNgxV60wG2sAv5WM3XAkoN-Ucc0cWQ8O9wVYwT31EIxt5P5WgPDlezDMJZl0pzwHCcs86CeBepxtxRfM6vZkZJdUWa-mmpM5jhPg1Snt1iHLM4Qbz-k0cnuM/s320/2009,+Kayla+392.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303101049459707458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrFHQQ2cJTfUpRRL3QQBMcE9yNgOKUGFR3UTxHA-SjmRR0J56m5FicDurTs-4eOxWquPgBlbAtqEDHj-_r299Q-NwMjpAKSc7zNpacqLyNAXJRBlR56T-LL1qcuGcFOD3oej5pjqV5UMk/s320/2009,+Kayla+394.JPG" border="0" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyPmJD-PwSU3WvQFTM7LMixEx6JJsPjpJkyIKOCoBfYxjWKnu2TVIoC8_dctYubSsvPZz4yZ4lNgjGn9Fo2WvpJNHHKMIQf_gY5hdGTHxcM0x8nlG4wIj0lH3zGLnWHph2CBFjyn0E_qg/s1600-h/2009,+Kayla+398.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303101054896437346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyPmJD-PwSU3WvQFTM7LMixEx6JJsPjpJkyIKOCoBfYxjWKnu2TVIoC8_dctYubSsvPZz4yZ4lNgjGn9Fo2WvpJNHHKMIQf_gY5hdGTHxcM0x8nlG4wIj0lH3zGLnWHph2CBFjyn0E_qg/s320/2009,+Kayla+398.JPG" border="0" /></a> The first picture about Kayla was checking out Rylan's stitches! Then they decided they both needed a hug. And they stood still for about 8.2 seconds for a quick picture on he bikes before they headed in another direction! This could explain why Sonja said Kayla slept until 9am the next morning and took a 3hr nap! Oh, and notice Lucy our dog in almost every picture. The kids had FOOD so she wasn't leaving them out of site.Karlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09442566666482739244noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7468778628510545350.post-76259324688512318162009-02-02T09:30:00.001-06:002009-02-07T09:33:52.747-06:00Fabulous Blog Award (a little late!)<a href="http://abbieandisaiah.blogspot.com/2008/12/fabulous-blog-award.html">Fabulous Blog award!!</a><br /><br />Thank you SO much Terri, <a href="http://abbieandisaiah.blogspot.com/">http://abbieandisaiah.blogspot.com/</a>, for giving me this award! It's the first one I've ever received on my blog, so I'm honored! Since I've never got one, it took me quite awhile to figure out how to copy and post it! Hope it comes through ok!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qU10hyL3N5k/STdb9112PMI/AAAAAAAABDo/7loJko-ejl8/s1600-h/blog_award.jpg"></a><br />Now here are the rules to receiving this award:<br /><br />1. You have to pass it on to 5 other fabulous bloggers in a post.<br /><br />2. You have to list 5 of your fabulous addictions in the post.<br /><br />3. You must copy and paste the rules and the instructions below in the post.Instructions: On your post of receiving this award, make sure you include the person that gave you the award and link it back to them.<br /><br />So here are my addictions:<br /><br />1. My schedule. I've seriously become a scheduling freak (hmmm, that's part of my job that's apparently worn off on me). I put everything into my outlook calendar, including appts for the entire family, activities at school, upcoming fun events in the area, etc, etc and check it countless times in a day! Don't get me wrong, I still like spontaneous activities though too!<br /><br />2. Caffeine. I'm an addict! I have to have some sort of coffee in the morning whether it be regular coffee, a Mocha, a Frappe... whatever! In the afternoon, it's a Coke or Mountain Dew normally. I've tried to cut back some, but it's a must for at least one of each every single day.<br /><br />3. My Computer. I NEED it! I MUST have it! I need my email, my internet, my Ebay, my blog, my favorite blogs, my forums, my friends! It's got a bit better since Rylan is home, but still, I need therapy for this horrible habbit.... that I LOVE so much!!!!<br /><br />4. Chocolate. Total must have on a daily basis. Even if it's a small piece of candy. The only thing you won't catch me eating is the disgusting insects covered in chocolate... otherwise, I'm in!<br /><br />5. My kids. I obsess over every detail of their lives for what seems like most every waking moment. I think I'm above and beyond the normal parenting obsessions I think. I'm not over protective, just over obsessed. I want them happy, but I also want them to be raised as good people. Respectful and trustworthy, happy and healthy, proud of who they are. So when I see them with any upset or worry, or anger or fear... I freak out myself worrying about it!<br /><br />Now for the 5 blogs that I think are FABULOUS!!<br /><br />1. - Cammie! I think she is terrific. I had been following her blog for a long time and then coincidentally we were on pickup trips in Guatemala that over lapped one another. We ended up on a tour to Antigua together. She has a beautiful family and I still love following her blog!<br /><br />2. - Wendy! Wow, what a test of patience and faith she has had. She and her family adopted their son through the same agency we used. They started quite awhile before us and just brought him home a few months ago. They also are adopting a daughter whose case was started after their son's. The adoption started off good and then things went bad. They haven't given up hope, nor have the rest of us who are following their story!<br /><br />3. - Terri! Well, your the one who gave me the award so not sure if I can give it back, but I follow your blog the most, since we became friends 2yrs ago! What would I have done without you? We helped each other through some very dark and scary days. Terri and her family also used the same agency as us to adopt their daughter, Abbie. They started a month before us and Abbie is still waiting to come home.... although they are finally near the end!!!! Just a few weeks away and we couldn't be more excited for them!<br /><br />4. - Lisa! I love reading your new blog and following the lives of your children! Your family is beautiful and so is your devotion to them. Lisa and her family also used the same agency as us bringing their daughter home a year ago. They also adopted a son from Guatemala. It's been another incredible journey with the happiest of endings....<br /><br />5. Considered yourself tagged if you read my blog and have one of your own! Now I will ask a favor. If you do read my blog and have one yourself, leave your blog address in the comments section as I would love to follow you! I know I have lots of readers as I get lots of hits on my blog in a day.... so come on out and introduce yourselves!<br /><br />4.Karlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09442566666482739244noreply@blogger.com0