Weekend Happenings...

First of all, thanks to everyone who's participating in the adoption linky party for Sophia. This weekend she had a birthday sleepover and loved every minute of it. She got a couple new purses, a cell phone and her very own camera...

so basically she's a mini me!!

This adorable shirt is from paperlili, cutest stuff ever.

Soph continues to pull it (and the adorable flame pants) out of the hamper and wear them day after day.

I guess I'll have to sneak a wash in while she's sleeping tonight.

Sophia also got a beautiful quilt from her aunt Amie

and this adorable embroidered animal print blanket from Megan Freeman...so sweet!

It's official...I'm a taxi driver! Who knew I'd spend the majority of my thirties in my Yukon, carting kids around to ortho & doctor appointments, sports and school. I guess it's a 'no brainer' but really until you're the one doing it, you can't fathom what it's like {insert cursing myself for getting rid of my XM radio}. Love the kids, and being a mom, but the amount of time in the car feels like such a waste of time...I can't help but think of all the great books I could be reading or the amount of calories I'm not burning.

So yesterday at church, Jaxon fainted while passing the sacrament. I think he liked it a little too much...all the attention; waking up with a doctor, dentist, a vet and fire fighter at his aide.

After a morning at the doctor's office, lab and pharmacy, I'm pretty certain it will be the asthema (that we thought he'd outgrown). Fingers crossed it's something minor. 

Now I'm off to throw in another load of this

and then head to swim lessons.

Happy Monday!!!

xoxo,

our 'bundle of joy' turns four {adoption linky party}

that's right it's true.

she's four

and there's nothing i can do about it.

motherhood is a tricky thing.

we love them with all our heart,

care for them with all our might

knowing - that one day,

 they will spread their wings and fly.

*******

my prayer for sophia is...

she'll know how wanted she was,

the joy she brought

and oh how much she's loved!!!

happy birthday

 to my one and only sweet baby girl...

sophia isabella

Help me spread the message and miracle of adoption by joining the linky party (open for 7 days), or leaving a comment. As Sophia said to me when I got home from Blissdom, "Girls need moms!"...melted my heart.

Halloween 2010

Halloween was really fun this year for several reasons.

First, because this little lady was SO EXCITED to dress up as 'nose wipe' a.k.a.{Snow White}

second, because the boys are still young enough to love dressing up,

and also because for the first time in our marriage, Kimball and both dressed up!

Ever since we learned about Cleopatra in history I've wanted to dress up as her for Halloween.

I think she was the first true diva and the story of her relationship with

Julius Caesar is fascinating!!

We went to our church's costume contest/pot luck dinner.

Did some trick or treating, carved pumpkins,

roasted pumpkin seeds, 

watched Dial M For Murder, Psycho and The Birds...

all Hitchcock classics. 

The boys also went to their friends little party,

and I got a taste of what life with a teenager feels like...

let's just say, I'm not a night owl so the late nights will be minimal.

Oh and I turned thirty-four

which wasn't so bad since all year I'd been thinking I was already 34.

Twelve Years Old

Twelve short years ago we were given the biggest surprise ever.

You have been such a sweet blessing,

thanks for choosing us

and most of all Jaxon,

thanks for being

YOU.

Happy 12th Birthday!!

Soph Turned 3...Seven Months Ago!

In the craziness that was February, I somehow failed to post Sophia's birthday pics.

We had a great day hanging out...just the five of us. We went to lunch at Red Robin, the Phoenix Zoo and then had cake and opened presents back at the house.

This adorable tutu was made by my friend Darci. You need to order one, she did a great job and was so fast getting it to me, and the best part is, her prices are so reasonable!! Soph LOVED it and wears it all the time.

The back is adorable, too bad I was so busy that morning I was a little wreckless with her hair...pay no attention to that crooked part, or the obnoxious pink bows!!  ; )

Sophia has changed our lives forever, we love her more than we can say! Thanks for taking great care of us all Little Mama.

It's happening again...

It's happening again,

Kade's turning a year older

and there's nothing I can do about it.

He is so excited to be eight

he can hardly stand it!

In a few weeks we'll be

traveling to Utah

where he'll be baptized,

surrounded by his grandparents,

aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He's made his wishlist,

he's planned his birthday meal,

now it's just a matter of waiting...

Happy 3rd Birthday Sophia

 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine...
Ephesians 3:20

Three years ago our prayers were answered.
We were led to our 'bundle of joy'...
our precious daughter
Sophia Isabella.

Adoption is truly a miracle.

Click on the collage to enlarge.

Words can't describe how much we love this little lady...

Happy 3rd Birthday Sophia!

To read our adoption story click here.

If you have one of your own leave a comment w/ your blog/link, I'd love to hear it.

October Happenings...

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Well I have a lot of blogging to catch up on. October was a fun month. Not only was it Halloween and my birthday, we went to Minnesota again to see our friends and their awesome Vikings NFL team. The Vikings beat the Ravens, it was a nail biter...fantastic game. I got lots of great pics in the tunnel before the game. If it weren't for my lack of experience with my new camera they'd have been even better. I was the crazy lady in the purple hat stalking the players. Such a blast!! Thanks again Tammy and Darrell for showing us an awesome time. I hope I didn't embarrass you too much acting like a paparazzi.

I'll admit I may have been a little too close for comfort on this one...I know I felt a bit awkward. "Hello Mr. Allen, I know you're trying to focus and get psyched up for a game...don't mind little ol' me."

Darrell and Favre.

Adrian Peterson, super fast...love him!
One of my all time favorites...Brett Favre. He's having a fabulous season and only gets better w/ age. :)


Jared Allen leaving the field...such a fun player to watch. He also lives in Arizona.
Kimball, Tammy and Andrea at the tailgate party after the game.
Dropping my niece Sam off at the airport. She flew in from Utah to babysit our kids.
For my birthday we did the craziest thing...we dressed up in funny costumes and went door to door asking for candy. Yip, my birthday is on Halloween so you know how that goes. The fun thing I did this year that made my day was I ran a 5K. It was the first race I've ever done and I really liked it. I ran the entire time and finished in 30 mins or so. I was happy with my time considering I didn't do much training. I definitely want to do more. Next year I'm going to dress up for it, many people had crazy costumes, tights, tutu's etc. SO FUN! After that, Kimball and the kids took me to my favorite place for breakfast. Sophia had so much fun, her and I dressed up as witches and she still (a month later) is saying "Please Haa-ween Mom". A sugar high isn't easily forgotten.

Another October 'high' was the U2 concert. We got some sweet (front row) tickets from our friends and will forever be indebted to them. Fergie/Black Eyed Peas were awesome as their opener. All I can say is WOW. What a great show! Note to self: Never wear heels to an event where you know you'll be on your feet for 6 hours straight. Seriously, I already had 4 bleeding blisters from running...what's 4 more? I hope you enjoy all the pics of our very eventful October!!
I think everyone should see U2 in concert at some point, AMAZING! Thanks Adam and Andrea!!!

My 10 Pounder!

7 Years ago today I met one of the sweetest, snuggliest, lovable boys ever to walk the earth! We celebrated Kade's big day by having some of his friends over for cake and ice cream, then we all went and saw Harry Potter #6. It works out good because book #6 is the read for their book club this month.


Kade is such a hoot to have around. He has the funniest personality, dancing, singing and entertaining anyone who will watch. He's smart, helpful and kind hearted...he'll make an awesome husband someday but for now, he's all mine. HAPPY BIRTHDAY KADE!

Senorita's Second

I can hardly believe Sophia is 2 years old. She was all smiles when it came time for presents. What a difference a year makes. Last year I had to help her, this year she ripped one open before it was even time.



I got her some Pretty Pony's because those are a classic from my childhood. I'm slowly getting her all my favorite toys. She has a Cabbage Patch Doll, I still need to get her a Strawberry Shortcake Doll, Rainbow Bright and a Care Bear...I'm trying to pace myself but it's hard. I just LOVE having a little girl!!
Last year she was afraid of the candle, this year she couldn't wait to blow it out.
She kept puffing but it took a little help from her dad.

We just had a low key night, we figured this was the last year we could get away with it and we were still trying to recoup from the Super Bowl bash.

We love you Sophia, you are a big bright star in our family and we can't imagine it without you.