911- We will never forget

Just a quick post to remember those who died during this terrible tragedy and the heroic men and women who worked to help save those they could.

Graceful Entrance

Well she's done it, our oldest is a big girl and in kindergarten now. She did great going on her first day. No tears when we left. She has an amazing teacher and will have a great time this year!
We love you Grace and are so proud of you!

Grace walking up the stairs to school:


Outside her classroom door:


Getting settled with her cubbie:

Happy Birthday Alex!

Alex had his 2nd birthday party this weekend! It was so much fun and my little pirate had a great cake made by Grammie B! Arrr Matey!

A Very Happy Birthday

Saturday was my birthday- I turned 29 with 9 years experience! ;)

It was a great day. We had Chad's family and my mom and dad over and had a BBQ. Grace got to do slip n slide races with her cousins and Chad's dad even bought us all lottery/powerball tickets for that evening. Nobody won that lottery but I felt I hit the jackpot with great company and some pretty nice presents. Even Alex's birthfamily remembered my birthday which was especially sweet.


But my favorite gift of all was this song from Grace: (you'll need to hit play and then immediately hit pause and let it really buffer before you hit play again to see the song without it stopping part way through).

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Huge Supply of Thankfulness

Today we went to Walmart to purchase Grace's school supplies for the first time ever. I know many parents cring at the thought of back to school shopping- the crowds, the expense, etc. But not this lady. I was so proud and thankful to be able to partake in this mundane annual event I took my camera and my flip camcorder. Its true, we probably looked pretty odd snapping pictures of our girl throughout Walmart, but 6 years ago we didn't even know if we would be able to have this possibility. And though it has been a rough ride, thankfully our prayers were answered when Grace and then Alex came into our family.

So instead of grumbling about the APS list, or that people were scrambling for supplies, or the fact that we had to buy the extra large Elmers Glue because all the small ones were sold out, I will simply be thankful that we have the opportunity to do this and say a silent prayer for those who's greatest wish is just to be a parent.


Grace's snazzy new shoes she picked out specifically for back-to-school, "kindergarten style"



Daddy proud of his big girl



Mom excited for Grace and Alex cheering for his sister



First pass on the school supply isle



All done and feeling like a big girl!

Working on the blog!

That's it. trying to figure out a good template...

Forget the Puppy, I want THIS for Christmas!

I can't say enough about the Youth Ranch Grace goes to, Galloping Grace Youth Ranch. She has learned so much there about horses, responsibility and being grateful.
We have made a lot of friends with the volunteers there. These people are truely made from Gold. We love them. One of our favs is Steph who works with the kids and horses.
Recently we went to her house to say hi and to pick up a wonderful child's rocking chair her Great-Grandma Grace had. In process we got to spend time with her horses.
Here is Grace hugging on one of the mini's. She's in love. Of course, one of these now tops her Christmas list!



We love Ms. Steph. She rocks. Didnt get ruffled - even when Alex tried to crawl under the fencing into the corral. ;)

"A" is for Alex...and Activities.

Well I am finally learning the secret to surviving Toddlerhood with the big "A"- and that secret is "Activities!" This little buddy needs constant things to do to keep him (and momma!) happy.

Today it seems was a turning point, my little buckaroo was all smiles and giggles as he helped me put away the dishes (we have finally given him access to the kitchen, gulp) and then he did his first ever craft day with big sis.

Here a few pics of my picasso. He managed to keep most marker drawing confined to paper and legs!

Durango, Thomas the Train and Traveling with a Two Year Old

We went to Durango this past weekend. All in all a fun but always an adventure when traveling with one under two. The hotel was Alex's favorite part of the vacation, specifically opening and shutting ALL of the doors (Sorry to our neighbors!)



Maybe a future photographer???



Here we are- a family shot after a long night(Alex wanted to go home and Grace was too excited to sleep). I think we all look pretty good after no sleep!

The Paperwork Blues

As we move to a new adoption agency we have to update our homestudy. So much paperwork. We go in for a discussion of what this will mean. This is one of the hardest parts of building our family through adoption. We pray that we will move through this final step in our family building swiftly. Its been a long, hard journey.

Knock on the Noggin'

No pics today. We went to one of our favorite places yesterday as a fam, a local youth ranch. Grace got to ride her favorite horse, provided she did her chores (clean up after the horses, crush cans, etc.). GGYR is a pretty amazing place- all non-profit, ranch stuff for the kiddos - what a great experience!

Unfortunatly while we were there I receive a bit of a boo-boo. Chad and Grace were scoopin' poop from the horses (after a wonderful ride!) and I was watching Alex in the playhouse "saloon". Alex decided it was great fun to run out of the saloon- full speed-toward the porch and lower step. His full speed is like superman warp speed in a toddler body. He, of course, did not realize what he was doing but I raced after him.

"Alex!!!" I cried- and promptly hit my head on the saloon door on the way out in an attempt to get Alex. Stars- I saw stars! They were pretty and pink and sparkly! It seems I was going at my own mommy 'warp speed' and didn't realize the saloon door was actually about 4 inches lower than my head. Thus a huge goose egg resulted. I don't believe GGYR ever anticipated me or Alex or our antics of leaving the saloon. I'd better be careful next time...and limit Alex's interactions at the ranch until after he is 2 1/2!

Of course, Grace could not be persuaded to stop scooping so there I sat in the saloon with my goose egg and my 2 year old and my father who came on the trip saying "You know, the door to my shed is low too, that is why I have a sign that says 'watch you're head!' on the way out! You should really watch where you are going, Jenn." Gee...thanks dad I never thought of that as I barreled toward my son!

Great day but bad bump. Chad says if I wear my wedding Tiara around he wont even notice it. Great idea. Can I be queen of the house for a day w/ no chores???!!! Ahhh, such is life!