tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56289189749034019722024-03-13T13:51:28.998-04:00From Trying to Conceive to Trying to Adopt.....Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455323170666242990noreply@blogger.comBlogger123125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5628918974903401972.post-12103579442745906152011-11-24T10:05:00.004-05:002011-11-24T10:12:05.449-05:00Thankful.....<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#6600cc;">Today is Thanksgiving... I am ALWAYS thankful but, wanted to take a few moments to mention them here. I am thankful for....</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;color:#6600cc;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;color:#6600cc;">My husband</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;color:#6600cc;">My family</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;color:#6600cc;">My friends</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;color:#6600cc;">My job</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;color:#6600cc;">My home</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;color:#6600cc;">My cats</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;color:#6600cc;">My health</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;color:#6600cc;">My blog readers</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;color:#6600cc;">For EVERYTHING!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#6600cc;">But, what I am most thankful for this year is that I don't have to EVER worry if my son J will be leaving.... I am thankful for 2 birth families that finally put their children first and wanted them to grow up in a stable loving home.... I am thankful that I am a FOREVER Mommy because of them.... Without adoption, I would not be a Mom....<br /><br />Happy Thanksgiving!!! Hope you have a great day with your family & friends today!</span>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455323170666242990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5628918974903401972.post-76493834098691288172011-10-23T17:08:00.004-04:002011-10-23T17:13:28.406-04:00Trick or Treat Street 2011!<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD_ayUDzU2agxtwJPm9IEDnhQOzY4dNsggio4myQFofmCNwAv517B9uaYQbNg94zgTx24-XNWadXNvcWw6cwPSxYJ2wfA1wMbNzdmqE7XZJ7SXlgThUHYlbuSzmN2xkIDV-2AKeC5puco/s1600/jtrickortreatstreet11.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666798285610996402" 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/AVvXsEiD_ayUDzU2agxtwJPm9IEDnhQOzY4dNsggio4myQFofmCNwAv517B9uaYQbNg94zgTx24-XNWadXNvcWw6cwPSxYJ2wfA1wMbNzdmqE7XZJ7SXlgThUHYlbuSzmN2xkIDV-2AKeC5puco/s320/jtrickortreatstreet11.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#009900;">Trick or Treat @ the mall!</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#009900;"></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgXBxlauJe7yeWEvuhMRuh9h-JOZKqMpgmGhCE3b1yyksSHMXua5Rpx9KFt0OvEbjT7RBKQk7UAikpS0dtDeo4-Df9eRLLnA28pWkGv6kE0uuT11lo6f_zqirxwCeAD1rikHTWoNcA14s/s1600/100_1419.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666798283464330834" 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/AVvXsEhgXBxlauJe7yeWEvuhMRuh9h-JOZKqMpgmGhCE3b1yyksSHMXua5Rpx9KFt0OvEbjT7RBKQk7UAikpS0dtDeo4-Df9eRLLnA28pWkGv6kE0uuT11lo6f_zqirxwCeAD1rikHTWoNcA14s/s320/100_1419.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#ff6600;">Black suited Spiderman has arrived!</span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;"></span><br /><br /><div align="left"><span style="color:#33cc00;"><em>**** Wow! 3 posts in one day! I'm on a roll now!!!!********</em></span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455323170666242990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5628918974903401972.post-24764211533797102382011-10-23T16:54:00.003-04:002011-10-23T17:07:37.026-04:00Pumpkin picking & playing @ the farm......<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKsBG0NRrBpCN_lbO4Oxfyd0tmRULWpIAa3SIa2n07CDMVip9fsBx1qA7LrHtc3Al41q_uaWCXKw1QXJo68QXoFhB4jH-sXRigxJE4dPoluLVSET4y4pjkl1J3HZxfY3KfhX8RqF86w2g/s1600/100_1379.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666795669372797234" 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/AVvXsEgKsBG0NRrBpCN_lbO4Oxfyd0tmRULWpIAa3SIa2n07CDMVip9fsBx1qA7LrHtc3Al41q_uaWCXKw1QXJo68QXoFhB4jH-sXRigxJE4dPoluLVSET4y4pjkl1J3HZxfY3KfhX8RqF86w2g/s320/100_1379.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#009900;">Proud of his pumpkins....<br /></span><span style="color:#6600cc;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibfX1BwBfjzuv80UF2O9GskqpkV20FkdmzlV9qTOS-R9HxaLNEdTBTZ4WdDZm3_rsUdgdJ-416D-8a7o2_aFZy98GfckiqMpmPwo4a8DLKwx8E2y4a2DUYHFeqQchTeuzBSv4OV7hIrjY/s1600/100_1381.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666795664779991410" 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/AVvXsEibfX1BwBfjzuv80UF2O9GskqpkV20FkdmzlV9qTOS-R9HxaLNEdTBTZ4WdDZm3_rsUdgdJ-416D-8a7o2_aFZy98GfckiqMpmPwo4a8DLKwx8E2y4a2DUYHFeqQchTeuzBSv4OV7hIrjY/s320/100_1381.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;">The apple [or worm depending on how you look at the picture] of our eye!<br /><br /></span><br /><div><span style="color:#6600cc;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieHP3R0jcF5Mg21h7L-E-ySakO8FDtwDuhdEd3zIY0000m_8bdigBKVK4X0egQP88qZxZa8IxR4Tbh41dfFu_X1bNtCaK0a2KN9Hhvjs34gqJMB4EEEcGYKtbiJHs2utsgn35KygNzf-E/s1600/100_1409.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666795063948333730" 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/AVvXsEieHP3R0jcF5Mg21h7L-E-ySakO8FDtwDuhdEd3zIY0000m_8bdigBKVK4X0egQP88qZxZa8IxR4Tbh41dfFu_X1bNtCaK0a2KN9Hhvjs34gqJMB4EEEcGYKtbiJHs2utsgn35KygNzf-E/s320/100_1409.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color:#009900;">Rope climbing!<br /><br /></span><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgihorq9lEHJyrvOy_59RRVqvMwH-5-LKtMX6xe1BhPJ94Jtg5_aMuX7epv3NXGUcCeNyxy9_FvqVhBR5P_Hq40xFCr9RLH9zpwKmXpG9bE2KGxubNOIvLYyRrNXQer-GdCPSzhbRF4bFo/s1600/100_1394.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666795048370136274" 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/AVvXsEgihorq9lEHJyrvOy_59RRVqvMwH-5-LKtMX6xe1BhPJ94Jtg5_aMuX7epv3NXGUcCeNyxy9_FvqVhBR5P_Hq40xFCr9RLH9zpwKmXpG9bE2KGxubNOIvLYyRrNXQer-GdCPSzhbRF4bFo/s320/100_1394.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#ff6600;"> Daddy & Farmer Jeffrey!</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#ff6600;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#ff6600;"></span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="color:#009900;">Today we took our family trip to the farm to play & pick our pumpkins! We had a great time! I love our tradition of going the anniversary of the weekend J came to live with us.... This same farm was the first place we ever took J. I love that we come back here!</span></div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div></div><br /></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455323170666242990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5628918974903401972.post-71074083153623476432011-10-23T16:50:00.002-04:002011-10-23T16:54:31.351-04:002 years today.....<span style="font-family:georgia;color:#6600cc;">Two years ago today a little boy walked into our home and lives and stole our hearts.... I can't belive it's been 2 years since J came to live with us.... Such a handsome little boy that has come so far.... </span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;"></span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;">He asks me quite often the same question & I have to give the same answer:</span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;"></span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;"><em>J: Mommy, why do you love me?</em></span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;"><em>Me: Because you are my son, my wish come true & my best friend.</em></span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;"><em></em></span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;">I started asking him this question and requiring an answer after he asks me. This is what I got:</span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;"></span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;"><em>Me: Why do YOU love ME?</em></span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;"><em>J: Because you adopted me!</em></span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;"></span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;">Good answer son, good answer! Yes, 2 years ago today our lives changed and I wouldn't have it any other way! </span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;"></span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;"><em>I love you JTD!</em></span>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455323170666242990noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5628918974903401972.post-13657901754722965422011-09-05T14:00:00.003-04:002011-09-05T14:29:17.170-04:00A tale of two fishies....<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH2iU6E6YuxiL1HMlSD5B9_FqE3l6wOs7fa9JVzvmcYaNkVNrG055wueyENvWZ4ERztCCZy_AaFUTh0gAfSMCCbMc2-tEgdHf0ZA8l62IQ_i3bhFc3JigIAHXLuJp6OyUzWl_09054mrY/s1600/100E1290.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648937943274225106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH2iU6E6YuxiL1HMlSD5B9_FqE3l6wOs7fa9JVzvmcYaNkVNrG055wueyENvWZ4ERztCCZy_AaFUTh0gAfSMCCbMc2-tEgdHf0ZA8l62IQ_i3bhFc3JigIAHXLuJp6OyUzWl_09054mrY/s320/100E1290.JPG" border="0" /></a> <em><span style="color:#3333ff;">*new* fish on the left-- <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Redy</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Bluey</span> & *old* fish on the right-- Chaser Blue</span><br /></em><br /><div><em></em></div><br /></div><br /><p align="center"><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx1Ng8wrdef224rDvszPzhGN8aSke8vD3HoGwuxVAbbxuz8Hr5vwhU5ti8dx-nRwYWu-f7wKq1LoB8eBZBtdQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><br /><p><span style="color:#6600cc;"></span></p><br /><p><span style="color:#6600cc;">Before school started last week, J said he wanted another Betta fish. We made a deal. If he had a good first week of school we would grant his wish.... He had a great first week of school [with a few minor bumps in the road but, much better than we expected] so, today we paid up. Above on the left side of the fish bowl I introduce you to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Redy</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Bluey</span>! He now joins Chaser Blue [you know, the replacement fish for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Nemo</span> the one who came up *missing*].... Now I am glad I bought the bowl w/a divider so we can have 2 beautiful fish to watch swim around!</span></p><br /><p></p>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455323170666242990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5628918974903401972.post-78198048372595344792011-08-29T21:04:00.003-04:002011-08-29T21:22:19.061-04:001st day of 1st grade!<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglEZm0nilO-_BBmQLm_6p4FVY9KXB3YryQLq1CQRYnQokzO_jI8wGvs_UFBzSH-VyL0E-igTxC3o_57Nv0hk_UYqNQP8QvfUoCyhFgiZcqAyEYWGd0TbqIiTFQRE11jkghYgs0YZbdBKo/s1600/100_1277.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646452450995197778" 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/AVvXsEglEZm0nilO-_BBmQLm_6p4FVY9KXB3YryQLq1CQRYnQokzO_jI8wGvs_UFBzSH-VyL0E-igTxC3o_57Nv0hk_UYqNQP8QvfUoCyhFgiZcqAyEYWGd0TbqIiTFQRE11jkghYgs0YZbdBKo/s320/100_1277.JPG" border="0" /></a><em> <span style="color:#3333ff;">It's going to be a Super[hero] school year!</span></em></div>
<br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span>
<br />
<br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLYFWv7tGy_BJzSTVo1xRVAHa0DSMS7uxetlUPj_D3xmF-KvfMa-uI0Vf-3BE1Gk5tTsVZ3vXyR6VSakEGsCzv1fsL8VUU0d3LdXOKpuEwMBIhEjPR1jsQ-mNY7K8fQKrFQZk5NwlMGY/s1600/100_1278.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646449166115993074" 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/AVvXsEjWLYFWv7tGy_BJzSTVo1xRVAHa0DSMS7uxetlUPj_D3xmF-KvfMa-uI0Vf-3BE1Gk5tTsVZ3vXyR6VSakEGsCzv1fsL8VUU0d3LdXOKpuEwMBIhEjPR1jsQ-mNY7K8fQKrFQZk5NwlMGY/s320/100_1278.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#3333ff;"><em>Ready for 1st grade!!</em></span></div>
<br />
<br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5WokYv9cxN4k3GE_5nxL8qtDMqW6HxTPgEv1TZS4kGcis270jX57odlqAmzt42L9gTX1ZS3d0zTY_21RE7RQeaXMZn7VrqzI7eCRX0EV46TLBrbAJZm-ANk0shcS7YRSe-mex7v_qPc/s1600/100_1279.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646449159156378418" 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/AVvXsEhD5WokYv9cxN4k3GE_5nxL8qtDMqW6HxTPgEv1TZS4kGcis270jX57odlqAmzt42L9gTX1ZS3d0zTY_21RE7RQeaXMZn7VrqzI7eCRX0EV46TLBrbAJZm-ANk0shcS7YRSe-mex7v_qPc/s320/100_1279.JPG" border="0" /></a><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">My big boy getting on the bus!</span> </em>
<br />
<br />
<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvmEhjw-pwNX31sKdowewXbyTMLBGs6xQUOjlyiF1jRQS0kGPvpKagHvHFOOuhHWTWLSXwDQ7U3PXhzyjj7WD92KWDltfFKwBKLunt56O6W0FSA1SmWg6AOhZgstQRcBsUr5qg5s0_QDA/s1600/100_1280.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646449155425194530" 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/AVvXsEhvmEhjw-pwNX31sKdowewXbyTMLBGs6xQUOjlyiF1jRQS0kGPvpKagHvHFOOuhHWTWLSXwDQ7U3PXhzyjj7WD92KWDltfFKwBKLunt56O6W0FSA1SmWg6AOhZgstQRcBsUr5qg5s0_QDA/s320/100_1280.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#3333ff;"><em>One more pic for Mommy before heading off!</em></span>
<br />
<br />
<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvxtpnVc1oap2drVAm2xw4Vg37m95POpGIgVjiT5_o_VKb3kYPjiaPN0__mfjkCPK5iAgCMvHD_3uN2TBo_9X4BDr6G_PaGq057-D9LBQawJqFXRim1elsgFTaPNoFydKOHoBGhj3RaSc/s1600/100E1282.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646449151244011666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvxtpnVc1oap2drVAm2xw4Vg37m95POpGIgVjiT5_o_VKb3kYPjiaPN0__mfjkCPK5iAgCMvHD_3uN2TBo_9X4BDr6G_PaGq057-D9LBQawJqFXRim1elsgFTaPNoFydKOHoBGhj3RaSc/s320/100E1282.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#3333ff;"><em>Finally home after his 1st day!</em></span></div>
<br /><div></div>
<br />
<br />
<br /><div align="left"><span style="color:#6600cc;">Today was Jeffrey's 1st day of 1st grade.... I have been both excited and anxious for this day to come.... The past 2 yrs he has not been successful in school settings.... Yes, I know we have an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">IEP</span> in place now. Yes, I know it's a different year/school/teacher.... But, I can't help but to wonder how this year is going to be.... We've been talking about school. Jeffrey has been asking 'When am I going to school?' for several weeks now, so I am glad the day finally came!</span><span style="color:#6600cc;"> The school was very nice and let us *visit* one day last week by ourselves since he is new to the school. We got a private tour and we met the teacher & principal while we were there. On Thursday was the school sponsored open house & picnic. My hubby met J & I at the open house. We got to meet the teacher [again] and her 2 aides that are in the room too. We found out there are 5 kids in J's class-- ALL BOYS! We pointed out his name all around the room and showed him different things. Daddy had to go back to work but, J & I stayed for the picnic. It was nice but, we didn't know many people so, we just hung out and had a drink.... His teacher asked him what his favorite subject was... My son's answer-- RECESS! Yeah-- that is my boy! </span>
<br /></div></div>
<br /><div>
<br /><div align="left"><span style="color:#6600cc;">This past weekend we had a hurricane in our area. Irene. I wasn't sure if school would start today or not. But, after a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">pre</span>-recorded phone call from the school yesterday it was official.... My boy would start 1st grade tomorrow!</span>
<br /></div></div>
<br /><div>
<br /><div align="left"><span style="color:#6600cc;">Jeffrey was excited to start school today.... He had a great day! He got all *smileys* which is a good thing! He was excited to talk about his day tonight.... His favorite part of his day? Recess! [imagine that]</span>
<br /></div></div>
<br /><div>
<br /><div align="left"><span style="color:#6600cc;">When we told him he was going to 1st grade J argued w/ me for days that he was: 'Not smart enough for 1st grade!' I assured him he was and that if he wasn't ready they wouldn't pass him on to the next grade.... Tonight as he was going to bed my sweet, sweet boy said 'Mommy, you were right.... I am smart enough to go to 1st grade!' Yes you are my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">lil</span> man! Yes you are!</span>
<br /></div></div>
<br /><div>
<br /><div align="left"><span style="color:#6600cc;">I am excited to see how much he learns & grows this year!</span> </div></div>
<br /></div></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455323170666242990noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5628918974903401972.post-70154182158870407702011-08-21T21:35:00.003-04:002011-08-21T21:53:24.259-04:00Summer time fun... pics.....<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjLrdxKFnHGpNrG_d13wZdkfewDXHTXVdU7i0S9FBqdVTsSTRIiWMA_LO7O8r4QD2NFHL6bdLs3u2Y8QM6JJWhA5tD_pxqm3Y3WCCLv8zbY_uQ36d8R4TYpy0jKBEv6cO-IqOv1HtjnNw/s1600/jbeach2011.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643490423291212866" 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/AVvXsEjjLrdxKFnHGpNrG_d13wZdkfewDXHTXVdU7i0S9FBqdVTsSTRIiWMA_LO7O8r4QD2NFHL6bdLs3u2Y8QM6JJWhA5tD_pxqm3Y3WCCLv8zbY_uQ36d8R4TYpy0jKBEv6cO-IqOv1HtjnNw/s320/jbeach2011.jpg" border="0" /></a> <em><span style="color:#000099;">Beach Day w/ Mommy & Aunt K 8.21.11</span>
<br /></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghn6K3uPQr3tG8v85gpeYNAEopxZ93Ut9rbAVXQuhHPBtMRYssy3dU5tUfWIfUtkLsbStcrJUPdtUjzXRDMR6AM-CpSNlCoRkJajdGRIRIKmnocAoGOGOgg4XR-WyS8-0pGmruAJf3jEs/s1600/100E1190.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643490416768185362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 241px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghn6K3uPQr3tG8v85gpeYNAEopxZ93Ut9rbAVXQuhHPBtMRYssy3dU5tUfWIfUtkLsbStcrJUPdtUjzXRDMR6AM-CpSNlCoRkJajdGRIRIKmnocAoGOGOgg4XR-WyS8-0pGmruAJf3jEs/s320/100E1190.JPG" border="0" /></a><em> <span style="color:#000099;">Inflatable slip & slide for a friend's 6th birthday party 8.20.11</span>
<br />
<br /></em>
<br />
<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrWPBdzBBOE8M1__7Uo4LPw1Ru08XWnWMVOI0rvxgzR4ikIvKn4-Hyf2DR7Czpdre8pczctK5PQCMyHBZ7ovbC8WvxXxplevrdGaWDzHbEzZp6v4aKDcm1Bnp2QSWvxeuBt6mvYPm2Qbs/s1600/jwaterpark2011.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643490419791382530" 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/AVvXsEhrWPBdzBBOE8M1__7Uo4LPw1Ru08XWnWMVOI0rvxgzR4ikIvKn4-Hyf2DR7Czpdre8pczctK5PQCMyHBZ7ovbC8WvxXxplevrdGaWDzHbEzZp6v4aKDcm1Bnp2QSWvxeuBt6mvYPm2Qbs/s320/jwaterpark2011.jpg" border="0" /></a> <em><span style="color:#000099;">State Park Waterpark 8.15.11</span>
<br />
<br /></em>
<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ7UbZ1e9Xjw7fWXJi3oynMVBQU2ztuI0Vjlf8pa2ntrEaAUEai_UwTAg7QsVja6a9O1EylkJy8tTkTjEvyYJFNcgt8nLRj_yAHodouPiEKHEn9nCkJygN6vpDcpogk1P9C3acZJv5o1U/s1600/jpirateship2011.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643490412392890098" 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/AVvXsEgJ7UbZ1e9Xjw7fWXJi3oynMVBQU2ztuI0Vjlf8pa2ntrEaAUEai_UwTAg7QsVja6a9O1EylkJy8tTkTjEvyYJFNcgt8nLRj_yAHodouPiEKHEn9nCkJygN6vpDcpogk1P9C3acZJv5o1U/s320/jpirateship2011.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#000099;"><em>*Jawbone* Jeffrey on the Pirate Adventure Cruise 8.15.11</em></span></div><span style="color:#000099;"></span></div>
<br /><div></div>
<br /><div></div>
<br /><div><span style="color:#6600cc;"></span>
<br /><div align="left"><em><span style="color:#6600cc;">School is a week away and we have had a busy week trying to squeeze in some last minute summer time fun. On Monday a co-worker & I took J & her grandson that was in town for a visit on a Pirate Adventure cruise. It was so fun to see the kids have a great time! The place we went out of did an awesome job! After the pirate cruise we took the boys to a state park that had a small waterpark in it. Mother nature cooperated so we could have 2 1/2 hrs of fun in the sun before it stormed. We were leaving anyway when they announced they were closing the park for storms in the area. Yesterday we went to a farm/car show in the morning and to a birthday party for a friend's daughter who was turning 6. The rented a blow up slip & slide and the kids had a BLAST! Today my sister came in town for the day so we could take J to the beach. We had fun there then came home and relaxed, got crabs in the afternoon, made s'mores and watched our favorite TV program. J is in bed & she is on her way home but, it was an awesome day! This is J's last week before school. We are going to visit it 2x this week. I am hoping this year will be J's best year & with the special things we have in place he will be successful. </span></em></div></div>
<br /></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455323170666242990noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5628918974903401972.post-83991450616184013022011-07-27T18:14:00.002-04:002011-07-27T18:19:41.157-04:00Wordless Wednesday [almost]<div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQB2kvC0_K-Ur3gUmKxY1MtbvRhh9OKkDMEyo-90j6r9yQJeYs5Qufl9Ns4kq6ofcacyRvMbYEvm5xetiAJht38nKs40aq7COz_I5A6s-_ySuOc5iSsoPGuLIjyys8zu_3Bg8BOZLXsVw/s1600/Momsluckycharm.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634159482452735490" 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/AVvXsEjQB2kvC0_K-Ur3gUmKxY1MtbvRhh9OKkDMEyo-90j6r9yQJeYs5Qufl9Ns4kq6ofcacyRvMbYEvm5xetiAJht38nKs40aq7COz_I5A6s-_ySuOc5iSsoPGuLIjyys8zu_3Bg8BOZLXsVw/s320/Momsluckycharm.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#3333ff;"><strong><em>*that he is!*</em></strong></span></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#3333ff;"><em>A picture of J when we were @ the doctor's office a couple weeks ago [for a well check]... I love that I can still dress him in shirts like this & he doesn't care!</em></span></div><br /><p><span style="color:#3333ff;"><em></em></span></p><br /><p><span style="color:#3333ff;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ps</span>. I know I have been neglecting my blog, and yes I know I have promised to do better... We have just been SO busy lately enjoying life as a FOREVER family & not worrying if J will ever leave... I will come back soon I promise! Thanks for hanging in there with me!</span></p><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><div align="center"></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455323170666242990noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5628918974903401972.post-27579209897488166582011-06-30T21:48:00.005-04:002011-06-30T21:58:46.471-04:00[birthday] Wishes Do Come True!!!!<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjIncwrfN3Vgf5mWXjFEmj5BzKA7K7gvNy1gaeMOMPt33y8oxh2Tx3oUreV6E7Bs3v0hQ7rmsIeIXy5n0Kax1kYfyw9dCa1agQMGQgSEyf7DS5UBej_enb2mZzw1uN1ILYSkCJ8jCAEpg/s1600/100_0804_%25281%2529.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624196554055089890" 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/AVvXsEjjIncwrfN3Vgf5mWXjFEmj5BzKA7K7gvNy1gaeMOMPt33y8oxh2Tx3oUreV6E7Bs3v0hQ7rmsIeIXy5n0Kax1kYfyw9dCa1agQMGQgSEyf7DS5UBej_enb2mZzw1uN1ILYSkCJ8jCAEpg/s320/100_0804_%25281%2529.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#3333ff;">Jeffrey & his *my dad is fly* shirt on Father's Day...</span></div><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><br /><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3tXMnDSEdqyPju3nlxyVnvT-MihbGP8t3bcKdfJ7sOHz6Il8mxqZ5F31druRW5ZlBKccINBqkTAz4N-FUaHozSrbcOXMSYhEQ9-i95MHgEUqt1IafGCXKzOQ45OnnLpSVuyhwI4sStGc/s1600/100_0820_%25281%2529.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624196548291564834" 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/AVvXsEj3tXMnDSEdqyPju3nlxyVnvT-MihbGP8t3bcKdfJ7sOHz6Il8mxqZ5F31druRW5ZlBKccINBqkTAz4N-FUaHozSrbcOXMSYhEQ9-i95MHgEUqt1IafGCXKzOQ45OnnLpSVuyhwI4sStGc/s320/100_0820_%25281%2529.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#3333ff;">Fishing w/ Daddy on Father's Day....</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="left"><em><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#6600cc;">Today is my birthday.... I am 35! For the past several years when my family & friends would sing 'Happy Birthday' to me, in my heart I was wishing [longing] to be a [forever] Mommy.... This year 20 days early my birthday wish for all these years FINALLY came true! I am now the FOREVER Mama to my lil man! </span></em></div><br /><div align="left"><br /></div><em><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#6600cc;">I am sorry I haven't had a chance to write our adoption day story but, my birthday also marks the end of the fiscal year @ work which is a busy time for us... So, we have been busy, busy and then when I get home by the time I get errands, dinner, bath, snack & bedtime done, I am ready to relax! I will try to do it soon [before Jeffrey turns 18!]... For now, here are some more pics of our lil man!</span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#6600cc;"><br />Thank you Jeffrey for making Mama's birthday wish come true this year!!! I love you!</span></em> </div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455323170666242990noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5628918974903401972.post-59522582434357095692011-06-10T15:55:00.003-04:002011-06-10T16:02:12.898-04:00Adoption Day-- Picture Post<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaBENlB1mtjenUiJzQga226ASH31b5vqw2RtW8DfRf5tJcTuKvKqHZWuQ_48HiEFZfBSNKFqoIcVlq2j0bJXQZvLmXArKC9LaqoLctl7D3NX566f4BxJquTb2yqs9GHWie7gwLvh6Xlag/s1600/100_0708.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616682432353444130" 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/AVvXsEgaBENlB1mtjenUiJzQga226ASH31b5vqw2RtW8DfRf5tJcTuKvKqHZWuQ_48HiEFZfBSNKFqoIcVlq2j0bJXQZvLmXArKC9LaqoLctl7D3NX566f4BxJquTb2yqs9GHWie7gwLvh6Xlag/s320/100_0708.JPG" border="0" /></a><em> <span style="color:#000099;">[my new favorite quote! It was on our table @ the party DSS hosted after the adoptions]</span></em></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZRek7w3AMlJnwgV-nKh7-XDKQtyVEYpY6htA9gtueajZc27nXbXMgBBb5XY4RrEwj5zPKyZ4ZnqDCfwmvAkbhen8wCV9RdGbwN_Vxe7MqhHGTz2n6v0HhLzuPzWxUZJZksJX-hou3mQ/s1600/100_0687.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616682420263611394" 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/AVvXsEhGZRek7w3AMlJnwgV-nKh7-XDKQtyVEYpY6htA9gtueajZc27nXbXMgBBb5XY4RrEwj5zPKyZ4ZnqDCfwmvAkbhen8wCV9RdGbwN_Vxe7MqhHGTz2n6v0HhLzuPzWxUZJZksJX-hou3mQ/s320/100_0687.JPG" border="0" /></a><em><span style="color:#000099;">Picture w/ the judge!</span><br /></em><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ynL_Wx8nWWII-K8UHqZAQ9FzwR9CUGVJA-eeFpU9-k_QzAKMwsR4BMRqk0eWls03hy7_9LowW7W46XIfj4Gfm2o7JqlbJCnTlaN0MB6qCpXdCMCAmZeMmpXod_XyG6ImHSifObPpiV8/s1600/100_0684.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616682411651430770" 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/AVvXsEg9ynL_Wx8nWWII-K8UHqZAQ9FzwR9CUGVJA-eeFpU9-k_QzAKMwsR4BMRqk0eWls03hy7_9LowW7W46XIfj4Gfm2o7JqlbJCnTlaN0MB6qCpXdCMCAmZeMmpXod_XyG6ImHSifObPpiV8/s320/100_0684.JPG" border="0" /></a><em><span style="color:#000099;">First official family photo!</span> </em></div><em></em><br /><em></em></div><br /><p><em></em></p><br /><p><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">Today we became a forever family.... I will be back later to post our adoption day story but, wanted to be sure to post the pics today since it might take a day or 2 to get to it.... It's been a WONDERFUL but, busy day..... </span></em></p><br /><p><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">Welcome to the family-- Jeffrey! We love you so much!</span></p><br /><div align="center"><br /></em><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div align="center"></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455323170666242990noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5628918974903401972.post-52532946789747255492011-06-09T20:49:00.002-04:002011-06-09T20:57:20.956-04:001 year, 7 months, 2 weeks & 3 days.....<em><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#6600cc;">.... that is how long my hubby & I have been J's foster parents.... Tomorrow that will all change... We will be his FOREVER parents! We got a call this past Monday morning.... Finalization is on Friday! THIS FRIDAY I asked? Yes, THIS FRIDAY she said.... There were calls to make and I had to request the day off from work.... And I hadn't picked out what we would wear yet! It's been a whirlwind week..... Some of our family won't be able to attend due to the short notice and other prior commitments but, we know they will be there in our hearts.... We can celebrate later because we now know we have a LIFETIME ahead of us.... After tomorrow J will be FOREVER our son and NO ONE will be able to take him away!</span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#6600cc;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#6600cc;">I am so excited.... I feel like it's Christmas or my birthday [yes, I will be 35 in a few weeks and I STILL love my birthday!].... </span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#6600cc;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#6600cc;">Tomorrow my dear faithful friends & followers.... I will FINALLY be able to show you my sweet J's face and tell you his name! Thank you for your support and I am sorry I haven't been showing you much attention lately but, now, I will be able to share my family and our life to you fully and completely! Tomorrow.....</span></em>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455323170666242990noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5628918974903401972.post-40122883072572773082011-05-04T21:33:00.003-04:002011-05-04T21:38:22.966-04:00Today....<span style="font-family:georgia;color:#6600cc;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#6600cc;"><em>Dear J,</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#6600cc;"><em></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#6600cc;"><em>Today was a big day in court for our soon to be *forever family*.... Today I was both happy and yet sad & proud at the same time.... </em></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#6600cc;"><em></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#6600cc;"><em>Pride and sadness because the woman who brought you into the world had to make the hardest decision I am sure in her whole life but, it was the best decision she <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">could've</span> made for YOU! </em></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#6600cc;"><em></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#6600cc;"><em>Happy because this means we are one step closer to you becoming our *forever Son*! I can't wait to get the magical day that I can FINALLY share you with the world and tell everyone you are FOREVER ours!</em></span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;"><em></em></span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;"><em>I love you Lil Monkey!</em></span>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455323170666242990noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5628918974903401972.post-87772408892786446132011-04-24T20:44:00.003-04:002011-04-24T20:58:18.624-04:00Happy Easter 2011!<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglYZjZ0Uw533RMMxmY9x_SDKVzUKAaiVJ797qHz2eQX9gXwnvNXcekfCatbuiqdAojvRb2IZjJNJHVewbeHW2Y2swSLM-GvE9Trw4ei9qze39R8olOvSCo1nG-uAtYkTQrBLRcVkOhyK0/s1600/jeasterbasket2011.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599317634952398706" 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/AVvXsEglYZjZ0Uw533RMMxmY9x_SDKVzUKAaiVJ797qHz2eQX9gXwnvNXcekfCatbuiqdAojvRb2IZjJNJHVewbeHW2Y2swSLM-GvE9Trw4ei9qze39R8olOvSCo1nG-uAtYkTQrBLRcVkOhyK0/s320/jeasterbasket2011.jpg" border="0" /></a><em> <span style="color:#3333ff;">J's Easter Basket this year... The Easter Bunny had trouble getting all that stuff to fit in there! But, EB learned it's lesson from last year and got a bigger basket so stuff didn't have to sit on the counter again this year! See last years post.</span></em></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxzWvo_mZEoHJpwEjoB3_fWQGpQCPj1W4_SJvw0HmcQ4j1fO2B70jAxxUpebnbrsbTzoCjZAckLcxTF1rLgX7gal7VEJm8cSUJ5Z4V6GN5Efn6wKbOvZP8UO0czOI0jDR0BRUN3uiMeZg/s1600/jeasterbasket20112.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599317607297262130" 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/AVvXsEjxzWvo_mZEoHJpwEjoB3_fWQGpQCPj1W4_SJvw0HmcQ4j1fO2B70jAxxUpebnbrsbTzoCjZAckLcxTF1rLgX7gal7VEJm8cSUJ5Z4V6GN5Efn6wKbOvZP8UO0czOI0jDR0BRUN3uiMeZg/s320/jeasterbasket20112.jpg" border="0" /></a><em><span style="color:#3366ff;">Very Early in the morning checking out his stash from the EB!</span><br /><br /></em><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsguariu-sHSp6wbsUor8vPjxv3MuFCj9XefpTOCjiJ6DPLAUFTcLFDA-JKge7wQ4PlwkyxuMqUNTPhOh3bQzCn05YFEMpZbCvZXpJ1B1VT5qcodaoW3xIShEXYD24ANgiyocGvQi1wPw/s1600/jeaster2011.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599317601347707650" 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/AVvXsEjsguariu-sHSp6wbsUor8vPjxv3MuFCj9XefpTOCjiJ6DPLAUFTcLFDA-JKge7wQ4PlwkyxuMqUNTPhOh3bQzCn05YFEMpZbCvZXpJ1B1VT5qcodaoW3xIShEXYD24ANgiyocGvQi1wPw/s320/jeaster2011.jpg" border="0" /></a><em><br /><span style="color:#3366ff;">J loves bubbles and this year the EB got him a battery powered bubble blower! He loved it!</span><br /></em><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHYHYzUuN-4Nwl2tHvyd6zEPawM3Zvtm5Az7YtlBHIgADhvZbV0mHkY0m4eVw1FM3U6Ej4XylYB8B648fAaDUBc3BAX7kl_ibpEF_dXJjBLIQhfWOkyCPWmiJJ15VYpwUPwSc3cfc7uKM/s1600/jeaster20112.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599317598927620370" 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/AVvXsEiHYHYzUuN-4Nwl2tHvyd6zEPawM3Zvtm5Az7YtlBHIgADhvZbV0mHkY0m4eVw1FM3U6Ej4XylYB8B648fAaDUBc3BAX7kl_ibpEF_dXJjBLIQhfWOkyCPWmiJJ15VYpwUPwSc3cfc7uKM/s320/jeaster20112.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#3366ff;"><em>Trying out his new tool!</em></span></div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTkKhnfpcm7YeXFo8KDLwDJC8nVUEb51GiNb5-WiX3tLCtZTCyDnN4pkKOA3HxAVkGdmQ6CDMlkrggpUSts9WRvnsfwjwrgydneSDbBpz4Q8eVKTeom3y8xuj0T8uzyYryHllASJz_Kbk/s1600/jeaster20113.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599317598974402130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 202px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTkKhnfpcm7YeXFo8KDLwDJC8nVUEb51GiNb5-WiX3tLCtZTCyDnN4pkKOA3HxAVkGdmQ6CDMlkrggpUSts9WRvnsfwjwrgydneSDbBpz4Q8eVKTeom3y8xuj0T8uzyYryHllASJz_Kbk/s320/jeaster20113.jpg" border="0" /></a><em> <span style="color:#3366ff;">His own private egg hunt....</span></em></div><span style="color:#3366ff;"></span></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><span style="color:#3366ff;"></span><br /><div align="left"><span style="color:#3366ff;">We had a quiet Easter at home. My MIL cooked dinner so we did go over there in the early evening to eat but, other than that we were at home.... J had a nice Easter.... He was up early though and so I am exhausted and won't be long out of bed myself.....</span></div><span style="color:#3366ff;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#3366ff;"></span><span style="color:#3366ff;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#3366ff;"></span><br /><div align="left"><span style="color:#3366ff;">Hope everyone had a great holiday too!</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div></div></div><br /></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455323170666242990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5628918974903401972.post-89267762681177055542011-04-23T21:29:00.002-04:002011-04-23T21:36:10.357-04:0018 months.....<span style="font-family:lucida grande;color:#6600cc;"><em>Dear J,</em></span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;"><em></em></span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;"><em>18 months ago tonight you walked into our home and stole our hearts.... We didn't know how long you would be with us and the past 18 months have been a roller coaster ride. I love you more & more each day.... I love to see you learn something new and are so proud of yourself! You are a funny lil man too! Always making Daddy & I laugh... I can't wait until I can share more about you to my family and friends. And I can't wait to be able to show your handsome lil face!</em></span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;"><em></em></span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;"><em>So, as you sleep tonight waiting for the Easter Bunny to make his stop at our house, know that I love you and I am grateful for having you in my life!</em></span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;"><em></em></span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;"><em>Love,</em></span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;"><em>Mommy</em></span>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455323170666242990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5628918974903401972.post-65179018197249310732011-04-11T20:24:00.004-04:002011-04-11T20:43:10.587-04:00bad, bad day.... [AKA: RIP Nemo!]<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgniJYU15MBDLC5D_NIVtjeunNVM3QY1oomvl-Dg5fVIToon5H_3W2ZZi530HP3Pq_0w40svgDRj7iT5owPn8J4qAM1dazzbU1bOOsbIzaI5WZo5Hcr5dTE_pWxR-EF1iFVDn2XKKK3Sm0/s1600/nemo1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594487595027518322" 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/AVvXsEgniJYU15MBDLC5D_NIVtjeunNVM3QY1oomvl-Dg5fVIToon5H_3W2ZZi530HP3Pq_0w40svgDRj7iT5owPn8J4qAM1dazzbU1bOOsbIzaI5WZo5Hcr5dTE_pWxR-EF1iFVDn2XKKK3Sm0/s320/nemo1.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong><em> <span style="color:#000099;">RIP <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">NEMO</span>...</span></em></strong></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#000099;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilUYMJJmUycOmgKEP__d5bPTg8xtrZgv00RzFNfT36H0ZskdrAWZBGM2Qr3gpNUq-AMjIJKYzeRgHaoV0IrYUQljbM0X5l9TiOlnQy89Z3MnkXA6BXd5A1N7mU1c66TkjRYUvDmwZSkjg/s1600/jandnemo1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594487591498288706" 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/AVvXsEilUYMJJmUycOmgKEP__d5bPTg8xtrZgv00RzFNfT36H0ZskdrAWZBGM2Qr3gpNUq-AMjIJKYzeRgHaoV0IrYUQljbM0X5l9TiOlnQy89Z3MnkXA6BXd5A1N7mU1c66TkjRYUvDmwZSkjg/s320/jandnemo1.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong> <span style="color:#000099;">J the proud *daddy* looking @ his pride & joy the day we got him...</span></strong> <span style="color:#000099;"></span></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="color:#000099;">Today was a bad day. A very, very bad day..... The day started off rough as I couldn't find my keys when I was getting ready to walk out the door for work. My hubby & I looked & looked until we both HAD to leave for work.... All I could think about was where they could be. I used the valet key for my car then realized when I went to search my car AGAIN at work that the only way to get in my car is to have the key remote! So, called my hubby and my wonderful <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">FIL</span> brought me his key. My hubby got home first as I did some errands since I didn't have a key to get in the house until he got home... I am in the check out of the store and my phone rings... One of our 3 *precious* cats ATE J's fish! We usually keep his room door closed when we are gone but, I guess in our rush to look for keys and get out the door we forgot and one of the cats [we think it was our big boy Chase] decided to have a snack! We had to tell J when we got home and I promised to go get him a new one tomorrow right after work. I felt so bad. J did pretty good at taking the news [especially since we promised him a *new* <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Nemo</span>].... He kept telling me all night-- *Mommy, I am not mad at you* *Mommy I am not going to punish you.* *Mommy, I still love you!* He was such a big boy! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Nemo</span> was a reward from J's caseworker for something she gave him to work on.... I feel so bad that his first real pet has perished so soon.... </span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#000099;"></span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#000099;">RIP <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Nemo</span>! We love you! We will miss you!</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#000099;"></span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="color:#000099;">Oh and by the way.... My keys-- the things that started this bad, bad day off.... They are at the grocery store... My hubby is on his way to go get them now..... After tearing the house, car and yes- trash apart... I finally called the store & they were there.... </span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#000099;"></span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#000099;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Ps</span>. I am sorry I haven't blogged in a while but, life has been SUPER busy.... We had an important court date last week but, it was postponed until next month.... </span></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455323170666242990noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5628918974903401972.post-12618501436488772612011-02-20T20:13:00.002-05:002011-02-20T20:25:03.290-05:00Operation Birthday Party 2011<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgfIdnpJZxEAofL_0dHKwEfmoJraciZ3jWoz8Fh_Vhn2_xXEZ9Ma0-qxN1hiBJ9SKgzQxVOe9aTZy2fVSHgVeMHvw4qxNv9k40AnulGUx0ByE7R3_oKIsPlmzU0OdavBLHlikf7AZs89A/s1600/j+6th+birthday+cake.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575945237489496434" 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/AVvXsEhgfIdnpJZxEAofL_0dHKwEfmoJraciZ3jWoz8Fh_Vhn2_xXEZ9Ma0-qxN1hiBJ9SKgzQxVOe9aTZy2fVSHgVeMHvw4qxNv9k40AnulGUx0ByE7R3_oKIsPlmzU0OdavBLHlikf7AZs89A/s320/j+6th+birthday+cake.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#3333ff;"><em>Spider-man was the theme this year!!</em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlx6hy6FnuF6Aq9xoyM5Dcf85jM7cwaVabn5884TfgzVkFdB4xxPmIFp-WUujX_TPCB1lqLwHuBpHx4Yhjdjte0N9A-OaJJsNp38A1vKGZngS9uNKrd870NGLXEI80F_WXsBX7XSqRaug/s1600/birthday+boy+shirt+2011-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575945236225638578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlx6hy6FnuF6Aq9xoyM5Dcf85jM7cwaVabn5884TfgzVkFdB4xxPmIFp-WUujX_TPCB1lqLwHuBpHx4Yhjdjte0N9A-OaJJsNp38A1vKGZngS9uNKrd870NGLXEI80F_WXsBX7XSqRaug/s320/birthday+boy+shirt+2011-1.jpg" border="0" /></a><em> <span style="color:#3333ff;">I saw this shirt on a blog I follow and *had* to have one for J's big day! Thanks Lisa for letting me know where you got yours! Everyone [including J] loved it!</span><br /><br /></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBtozQ8134ZnaErB-oOhVIosdZHGdy_YXTLFSKmFIgXPqx8BHqhT57i1eqV9uYHoKGVkMxDyWReATWJjD_xRFlEcUDrI-sbBfoSqxeCgFytZGWrhUsn63_TxQY6a2rw9nrjgYwPp5gFoQ/s1600/j%2527s+pool+birthday+party+2011-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575945234544172482" 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/AVvXsEiBtozQ8134ZnaErB-oOhVIosdZHGdy_YXTLFSKmFIgXPqx8BHqhT57i1eqV9uYHoKGVkMxDyWReATWJjD_xRFlEcUDrI-sbBfoSqxeCgFytZGWrhUsn63_TxQY6a2rw9nrjgYwPp5gFoQ/s320/j%2527s+pool+birthday+party+2011-1.jpg" border="0" /></a> <em><span style="color:#3333ff;">Enjoying a swim at his birthday party!</span><br /></em><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp9owiobwBONmr9LoNNthrBYUZ6w-O506xOWxfl6EvPyHfDA6c1RTcmlGo56UtRUXb-yJCo3rSw1kX-prCkJ8a_BCa8R_Hw84d_LDie1j1p8hvfth4dXqXv0tSW3TF1KzjEdGYw7eBM4U/s1600/j+and+new+DS+game+2.20.11.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575945226568211122" 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/AVvXsEgp9owiobwBONmr9LoNNthrBYUZ6w-O506xOWxfl6EvPyHfDA6c1RTcmlGo56UtRUXb-yJCo3rSw1kX-prCkJ8a_BCa8R_Hw84d_LDie1j1p8hvfth4dXqXv0tSW3TF1KzjEdGYw7eBM4U/s320/j+and+new+DS+game+2.20.11.jpg" border="0" /></a><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">Back @ home relaxing w/ his new <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">DS</span> game my friend gave him... He loves it!</span> </em></div><div><em></em> </div><div><em></em> </div><div align="left"><span style="color:#993399;"><em>We decided to have a *real* birthday party this year for J & some friends since we didn't get to do something like this last year for his birthday. Since he has a winter birthday I was trying to find something fun and different to do for him. A friend of mine suggested a pool party @ the Y. My hubby liked the idea and plans were set in motion... Due to 5-6 yr <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">olds</span> not being able to have a concept of time/days I decided to keep the details of J's party until 2 days prior. He was so excited when he found out he was having a pool party! The party went well. We swam first then headed to the party room for pizza, presents, pinata & cake [in that order per the birthday boy's request!]. Several kids & parents stated it was a fun time and one child told his Mom *it was the best party he had ever been too!* That made me feel good! I had a lot of help [thank goodness] and people just pitched in to help! J had a good day! I have to work tomorrow which is his actual birthday but, we partied up today!</em></span></div><span style="color:#993399;"></span><br /><span style="color:#993399;"><br /></span><div align="left"><em><span style="color:#993399;">Happy Birthday J! I love you & hope you had a great day! </span></em></div><br /></div></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455323170666242990noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5628918974903401972.post-14734731977831669582011-02-14T21:09:00.003-05:002011-02-14T21:31:01.260-05:00Happy Valentines Day!!!<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcaT0fzNfYqh9MNwPLHOCtt7xlUHUlVeK72UlBS8hBfA19IpRiU6dXVqX5QpX9dfvcZvL0C4IPac2nbI76HiWXhMROqt7M1BfjP6nPlkXxXaRY6IYYKfJ796JbOahiuR71ja3a42lc_Ug/s1600/2011vdaypancakes.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573736012743546962" 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/AVvXsEhcaT0fzNfYqh9MNwPLHOCtt7xlUHUlVeK72UlBS8hBfA19IpRiU6dXVqX5QpX9dfvcZvL0C4IPac2nbI76HiWXhMROqt7M1BfjP6nPlkXxXaRY6IYYKfJ796JbOahiuR71ja3a42lc_Ug/s320/2011vdaypancakes.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>This year's attempt to make my guys a special Valentine's Day themed breakfast!</em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#cc33cc;"></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhou3vxr_fyHtSeHi25rs7WmQSzDcTD-Vsbp1TITOnLbZl3ZkoVdZgfZCFY_OkTaXh9oI5OMjZo1JhyXPXoo3oHJn7T08C5Z1xR9OBY4THH1-SMeOEM1f2zcSmbfTKbkCBSGb380dj9cS8/s1600/valentinesfromj2011.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573736010361157122" 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/AVvXsEhou3vxr_fyHtSeHi25rs7WmQSzDcTD-Vsbp1TITOnLbZl3ZkoVdZgfZCFY_OkTaXh9oI5OMjZo1JhyXPXoo3oHJn7T08C5Z1xR9OBY4THH1-SMeOEM1f2zcSmbfTKbkCBSGb380dj9cS8/s320/valentinesfromj2011.jpg" border="0" /></a> <em><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Our 1st handmade Valentine from J [I don't remember getting one last year]</span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#cc33cc;"></span></em></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left"><em><span style="color:#6600cc;">Today is Valentine's Day.... My hubby & I worked.... J was @ school.... My hubby & I spent our Valentine's Day evening getting our taxes done.... Plus side, it was nice and quiet in there b/c lets face it-- not many people are going to get their taxes done on the day of love.... For us, it was our only night *free* to get it done and we were anxious to see what was in store for us this year.... We were pleased so it turned out well! When we picked J up from my in-laws and came home we looked at his valentines he got at school today.... The valentine made w/ love pictured above fell out of his bag and he handed it to me and said 'It's for you & Daddy!'.... My hubby does a great job picking out cards that mean a lot to me but, I have to say this is one of my faves now too!</span></em></div><div align="left"><em><span style="color:#6600cc;"></span></em> </div><div align="left"><em><span style="color:#6600cc;"></span></em> </div><div align="left"><em><span style="color:#6600cc;">Happy Valentines's Day to all!</span></em></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><em><span style="color:#6600cc;"></span></em> </div><div align="left"><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">Ps. In 7 days J turns 6 yrs old!! We are hosting our first children's birthday party this Sunday! It's a pool party but, J doesn't know yet! I can't wait for him to find out!!! I hope I can get everything ready in time!!! I am procrastinating a bit! Pics will be posted as soon as I can!</span></em></div><div align="left"><br /><br /></div><div align="center"></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455323170666242990noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5628918974903401972.post-60218787664910995252011-01-28T22:16:00.002-05:002011-01-28T22:21:09.540-05:002 year ago......<span style="color:#330099;"><em>2 years ago today I lost my friend.... 2 years has gone by and sometimes I still don't believe it's true.... 2 years since we said goodbye.... And I still really, really miss you! Sometimes I wonder what life would be like.... If that day you hadn't been taken away.... But, then I realize that you are never far away... You will always be in my heart.... and my thoughts.... </em></span><br /><span style="color:#330099;"><em></em></span><br /><span style="color:#330099;"><em>I still think of and miss you everyday MK! I will never forget you!! xoxo</em></span>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455323170666242990noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5628918974903401972.post-84782355844219657792011-01-28T22:06:00.003-05:002011-01-28T22:16:09.591-05:00Monster Trucks 2011!<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCjjiAfez7ZDIMMRuREPKJC-GKjJhc_LQRcQZJ92aKIcQ3_CAt64EXVeTdW6trg_n6BwAcG7bRVG1g-tL36kOuF-9PMrVKqBARQAgNy5bOKWoxHohCLNIocHpvWzvBp75j4uWPLSQnZkQ/s1600/tomandjmonstertrucks2011.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567439405257101858" 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/AVvXsEjCjjiAfez7ZDIMMRuREPKJC-GKjJhc_LQRcQZJ92aKIcQ3_CAt64EXVeTdW6trg_n6BwAcG7bRVG1g-tL36kOuF-9PMrVKqBARQAgNy5bOKWoxHohCLNIocHpvWzvBp75j4uWPLSQnZkQ/s320/tomandjmonstertrucks2011.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#000099;"><em>Buddies!!! I love them! </em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGJwAPkMtA1J4rRL4onYbfc1A7Ex23SiHSCiK8hm-GEZrw7SjjJXUQ4qAqFaT43tHcpfq20PTsG5kNvUBmf8yk-F31jcr7Z99YZ1ffkmw67N2KFCHJlxeCdFYYGzYKlwJnAX5mg5fKFxo/s1600/monstertrucks2011-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567439403809752242" 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/AVvXsEiGJwAPkMtA1J4rRL4onYbfc1A7Ex23SiHSCiK8hm-GEZrw7SjjJXUQ4qAqFaT43tHcpfq20PTsG5kNvUBmf8yk-F31jcr7Z99YZ1ffkmw67N2KFCHJlxeCdFYYGzYKlwJnAX5mg5fKFxo/s320/monstertrucks2011-1.jpg" border="0" /></a><em><span style="color:#000099;">Side by Side!</span><br /><br /></em><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_9QMPOfWdPC4a7DOiwm0pe3E2-IwrxgLiomww5G8d_aP7uRUDALGU5qet5SYh2_sqGYQz2_J9x2JV81sY3SFsvXO6lNMGCMWuDqzc5efAgLKC7qU37ZJHBE5Fx7Nu2fbPoK2vNHZw0zs/s1600/monstertrucks2011.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567439399595072450" 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/AVvXsEg_9QMPOfWdPC4a7DOiwm0pe3E2-IwrxgLiomww5G8d_aP7uRUDALGU5qet5SYh2_sqGYQz2_J9x2JV81sY3SFsvXO6lNMGCMWuDqzc5efAgLKC7qU37ZJHBE5Fx7Nu2fbPoK2vNHZw0zs/s320/monstertrucks2011.jpg" border="0" /></a> <em><span style="color:#000099;">After jumping together!</span><br /><br /></em><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglkhoJ6TtU74yyQR6SBQTWLOfISXdu5fasLolnnxS-ufUhvcYpuqNSowmTI9Hlo6zDnAArhrC1MCc6YXHXvXQPdcjDnZRCr9eUO6vgAsI211O-EA9kTpjr2iGUwAdvR-LsXP3oUWTDCWw/s1600/monstertrucks2011-3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567439393347199426" 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/AVvXsEglkhoJ6TtU74yyQR6SBQTWLOfISXdu5fasLolnnxS-ufUhvcYpuqNSowmTI9Hlo6zDnAArhrC1MCc6YXHXvXQPdcjDnZRCr9eUO6vgAsI211O-EA9kTpjr2iGUwAdvR-LsXP3oUWTDCWw/s320/monstertrucks2011-3.jpg" border="0" /></a> <em><span style="color:#000099;">Solo jumper</span><br /><br /></em><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjusBDBI3ZDP2woLQxNvN2EQ-foGNkRUdNkX7vKX5tnmQoNLxpHiW2STHGfi139W7KcSHpjcnRFoVzZdl9Uhqdbq5t_3WYxTzFoyiRsrq_8V1yXIvOMUGXz0vYDBjhmkXQjtg9CsMx9WCQ/s1600/monstertrucks2011-2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567439392483273698" 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/AVvXsEjusBDBI3ZDP2woLQxNvN2EQ-foGNkRUdNkX7vKX5tnmQoNLxpHiW2STHGfi139W7KcSHpjcnRFoVzZdl9Uhqdbq5t_3WYxTzFoyiRsrq_8V1yXIvOMUGXz0vYDBjhmkXQjtg9CsMx9WCQ/s320/monstertrucks2011-2.jpg" border="0" /></a><em> <span style="color:#000099;">Mud Boggin'</span><br /></em></div><div align="left"><span style="color:#330099;">I apologize for my absence.... I know I owe a Christmas update since it's been a while that I have posted anything.... I will try to do an end of 2010 recap sometime soon but, wanted to get these on too.</span></div><span style="color:#330099;"></span></div><div> </div><div align="left"><span style="color:#330099;">Last year my sis & I took J to the Circus. This year, my hubby & I decided to take him to see the Monster Trucks.... J has been looking forward to it all week.... And-- because we are still in *new* parent mode we decided to go on opening night.... When they start at J's bedtime.... He FELL ASLEEP after seeing the first couple of jumps! Yep..... Our lil man slept right through it..... I got some cute shots of him sleeping w/ his earmuffs on..... Everyone that walked by stared at him because I don't think they could believe it!</span></div><span style="color:#330099;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#330099;"><br /></span><div align="left"><span style="color:#330099;">When we woke him up to come home.... J said he had a good time! We just laughed inside.... I guess he thought he saw it all!</span></div><span style="color:#330099;"></span></div><div><div align="left"> </div></div><br /></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455323170666242990noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5628918974903401972.post-8053950828317588262010-12-24T20:38:00.003-05:002010-12-24T20:40:48.055-05:00J's Christmas Program 2010<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtFHHTt_Fgn991Cr_DsNSh70KZHUIeDXBi1azoRsF_E-DRZc5V4-I-3lP7x00apViDvXgcrzDAToLmgxO-Glv3qzrrardWa8sNCSvN5rp5-GRTNKvFqb6SunUR2wTSoL_ZGPz5r_huoHs/s1600/jchristmasprogram2010.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554428367276775346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 238px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtFHHTt_Fgn991Cr_DsNSh70KZHUIeDXBi1azoRsF_E-DRZc5V4-I-3lP7x00apViDvXgcrzDAToLmgxO-Glv3qzrrardWa8sNCSvN5rp5-GRTNKvFqb6SunUR2wTSoL_ZGPz5r_huoHs/s320/jchristmasprogram2010.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#3366ff;">I attended J's Christmas program this past Tuesday. He is in this pic but, my camera is out dated and doesn't zoom very well.... I did get some close ups later in the program but, can't post them of course.... I was such a proud Mama! It was a great program and they recorded it so, I will have a copy to keep and show family members that couldn't attend.</span><br /><br /></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455323170666242990noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5628918974903401972.post-60783970837588454402010-12-24T20:29:00.003-05:002010-12-24T20:36:35.756-05:00T'was the night before Christmas.....<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMtNIMF7AyX2OcyIyFv32SXcWsXhzDLH-6deTgnVwfs-x90MzegSD5zJa9OE28iexGZoNcruf9w0_UjYKKbZTYUytQFn1LY6n2yWcj6Jbmngmdz38wHFcGp7WucA20mj1fXVuyYka0haA/s1600/j%2527schristmaspjs2010.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554426600750246354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMtNIMF7AyX2OcyIyFv32SXcWsXhzDLH-6deTgnVwfs-x90MzegSD5zJa9OE28iexGZoNcruf9w0_UjYKKbZTYUytQFn1LY6n2yWcj6Jbmngmdz38wHFcGp7WucA20mj1fXVuyYka0haA/s320/j%2527schristmaspjs2010.jpg" border="0" /></a><em> </em><span style="font-size:85%;"><em><span style="color:#3366ff;">I kept up my *tradition* I started last year and bought J *Christmas PJ's* to wear tonight... This was the only shot I got of him that I can post for now! He was super excited to be going to bed!</span><br /></em></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#6600cc;"><strong>.....and all through the house the 5 1/2 yr old was asking to go to bed starting at 6:30pm..... He also warned the parents to go to bed early because if we were still awake then Santa wouldn't bring his presents.... </strong></span></div><div align="left"><span style="color:#6600cc;"><strong></strong></span> </div><div align="left"><span style="color:#6600cc;"><strong>I love seeing Christmas through a child's eyes again this year! I am probably just as excited to wake up tomorrow morning and see J's reaction to the stuff we got him for Christmas...</strong></span></div><div align="left"><span style="color:#6600cc;"><strong></strong></span> </div><div align="left"><span style="color:#6600cc;"><strong>Merry Christmas to all & all a good night!</strong></span></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455323170666242990noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5628918974903401972.post-83642020593104745492010-12-05T21:05:00.003-05:002010-12-05T21:17:29.950-05:00O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree......<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbzd_KH7nJscU-lvDwhZwJDqkExHqcbc4oigf3dZhjo8o7Ajp9oOJd31prRCSbHWq9viT3TjvZJrWOdBNt5AvHH9g0vUnJhz2coI0ycsYmEl1iI6BbhMIriDfzia3xetM6-p9ottHuLdU/s1600/christmastree2010.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547385104896023362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbzd_KH7nJscU-lvDwhZwJDqkExHqcbc4oigf3dZhjo8o7Ajp9oOJd31prRCSbHWq9viT3TjvZJrWOdBNt5AvHH9g0vUnJhz2coI0ycsYmEl1iI6BbhMIriDfzia3xetM6-p9ottHuLdU/s320/christmastree2010.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#3366ff;">Our *new* Christmas tree....</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#3366ff;"></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8KT0n5krje3GpC7J24TdIRhozT0eenpcob8neoTYltO8Qsx8BmbV84DJ9RYfBZ0JRHNtlwoncdwWW0ZASeDxqsLUUmTKKGlFOreq6djqJnsg1sRW0oNRAiqZAc5r35kxeQePbp6CdJGs/s1600/christmastree20101.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547385102382753522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8KT0n5krje3GpC7J24TdIRhozT0eenpcob8neoTYltO8Qsx8BmbV84DJ9RYfBZ0JRHNtlwoncdwWW0ZASeDxqsLUUmTKKGlFOreq6djqJnsg1sRW0oNRAiqZAc5r35kxeQePbp6CdJGs/s320/christmastree20101.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#3366ff;">Spiderman-- I mean J helping decorate our tree!</span><br /><br /><div align="left"><span style="color:#6600cc;">The last several years I have always tried to put the Christmas tree up the weekend after Thanksgiving while my hubby is hunting.... But, our tree was a bit shabby last year and so my hubby *refused* to put it up again this year.... Someone from his work offered us their old tree and my hubby accepted it... After all, it was bigger than ours.... Well, it's bigger alright! And it was not pre-lit.... But, we had enough lights already and it wasn't too bad to put them on.... So, yesterday I had a special helper to decorate it-- SPIDERMAN! I thought it was cute and couldn't resist snapping some pics!</span></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><span style="color:#6600cc;">We went *Santa* shopping this week for J and except for a few little things, we have him done... Whew! Operation Santa Clause was a success! We got the Criss Cross Crash I mentioned in a previous post as well as a few other requested items and a Penguin Pillow Pet! I think J will be pleased on Christmas morning..... </span></div><span style="color:#6600cc;"></span></div><div align="center"> </div><p><span style="color:#6600cc;">Although I can't go into details let me tell you.... J is processing A LOT of stuff right now! Some of the things he has been saying [mostly good!] we are like: "What the.... How does he know that???" We try not to say too much around him or where he could possibly hear but, he is a smart boy and I think he just *knows*.... I am hoping the things we are hearing/seeing will be helpful in another couple months when we need it!</span></p><p><span style="color:#6600cc;">For now, we will just count down to Christmas..... 20 days!</span></p>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455323170666242990noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5628918974903401972.post-85197607297070527232010-11-25T17:19:00.003-05:002010-11-25T17:47:13.487-05:00Thanksgiving......<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7-bu0pSoyWmwPQNSzpCQDs6pNh0VY3MDN4ph2EBSMzp95jzbt9WhmkVrA44WiLeuKXtBFy6p1y6gZWOWPnGH7e4F5xT91IVLiht3Lap9VBTs-Nw7y_eXVlrsNy43BiI46rTAAHMrROFU/s1600/jmakingbrownies2010.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543617577779025602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7-bu0pSoyWmwPQNSzpCQDs6pNh0VY3MDN4ph2EBSMzp95jzbt9WhmkVrA44WiLeuKXtBFy6p1y6gZWOWPnGH7e4F5xT91IVLiht3Lap9VBTs-Nw7y_eXVlrsNy43BiI46rTAAHMrROFU/s320/jmakingbrownies2010.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#3366ff;">J mixing the brownies after assisting me with counting and measuring the ingredients out...</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#3366ff;"></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz0Q3jHYYeo-v-mGZTjh-4ic3WoPYmjD3-6OxDRoHMqSYunPGihQfwBSfuS2F5wB6inlBsw5gIg1Doy6MGSNNvLMw1X0PAcAZlqNG5WSgicE_-TVxrhBqASuomN55DLKrbZuLtYwHy75s/s1600/jwatchingbrownies.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543617560459499010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz0Q3jHYYeo-v-mGZTjh-4ic3WoPYmjD3-6OxDRoHMqSYunPGihQfwBSfuS2F5wB6inlBsw5gIg1Doy6MGSNNvLMw1X0PAcAZlqNG5WSgicE_-TVxrhBqASuomN55DLKrbZuLtYwHy75s/s320/jwatchingbrownies.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#3366ff;">J checking to see if the brownies are ready yet.....</span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSAFfOtGQoNNxmsBuOBg6njeSurV5KiSOVzkJ_ymldgncmk2aDZnJqG3fBi-iAZrP3vwFqfjfn_7qC1NRkrk-lKGDvd-q81vokZhHpkXLRBXt3u_hqrYNyGN5idRIH8s5NiJzGBHkpj30/s1600/jsturkeyhat2010.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543617534292823634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSAFfOtGQoNNxmsBuOBg6njeSurV5KiSOVzkJ_ymldgncmk2aDZnJqG3fBi-iAZrP3vwFqfjfn_7qC1NRkrk-lKGDvd-q81vokZhHpkXLRBXt3u_hqrYNyGN5idRIH8s5NiJzGBHkpj30/s320/jsturkeyhat2010.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#3366ff;">J's adorable Turkey hat he made at school.....</span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh69F4tcMfjRdeKlS2eXM5BfoOAUR5hB7Ccwt2LIpLtU3PFWWyx8bmfsz5MjL2XzMraUiKnrWXqSvchHd-tJ0GXwn57xl_OWyZrmYLlj7Ze0yxTHUqGxuvn6CSkUhI-H7AkpfqGe1JdXl8/s1600/jwearingturkeyhat2010.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543617524413652674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 238px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh69F4tcMfjRdeKlS2eXM5BfoOAUR5hB7Ccwt2LIpLtU3PFWWyx8bmfsz5MjL2XzMraUiKnrWXqSvchHd-tJ0GXwn57xl_OWyZrmYLlj7Ze0yxTHUqGxuvn6CSkUhI-H7AkpfqGe1JdXl8/s320/jwearingturkeyhat2010.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#3366ff;">Wearing his Turkey hat and playing @ my in-laws waiting for dinner....</span></div><span style="color:#3366ff;"></span></div><div> </div><div><span style="color:#6600cc;"></span><div align="left"><span style="color:#6600cc;">Wow! Thanksgiving again? Sometimes I feel like we celebrate a holiday/birthday and before I can turn around again it's back again! Last year I hosted Thanksgiving.... This year my MIL offered to host.... My sis & Mom and their boyfriends came in town too.... I am thankful for my MIL hosting this year because I have to work tomorrow..... We did some cooking too and I am exhausted after doing those things this morning! We had a nice day.... </span></div><span style="color:#6600cc;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#6600cc;"></span> </div><div align="left"><span style="color:#6600cc;">I decided to make brownies for the non-pie dessert since I am not a pie person.... I decided to use it as a teachable moment for J and asked him if he wanted to help.... We did it *step by step*, he counted eggs, watched me measure the liquids, poured the ingredients in the bowl and helped stir it up... It was fun! He was proud of himself and beamed when I told our family that *he* made the brownies.....</span></div><div align="left"><span style="color:#6600cc;"></span> </div><div align="left"><span style="color:#6600cc;">Tonight when we got home my Mom's boyfriend called me to say how impressed he was with J's behavior this year and that my hubby & I have done a remarkable job with him this past year.... It was so nice to hear that because as I have said before being a foster parent [probably a parent in general too] is a thankless job and to have someone take time to point out that WE have made a difference in J's life was so nice..... It's been a tough year but, things are going very well right now and we are really starting to live as a family..... </span></div><div align="left"><span style="color:#6600cc;"></span> </div><div align="left"><span style="color:#6600cc;">So, now to what I am thankful for:</span></div><div align="left"><span style="color:#6600cc;"></span> </div><div align="left"><span style="color:#6600cc;">I am thankful for my husband-- we have had so many ups & downs in the 11/6 yrs we have been together/married and we are still together and strong.</span></div><div align="left"><span style="color:#6600cc;"></span> </div><div align="left"><span style="color:#6600cc;">I am thankful for J-- Seeing the progress he is making and hearing his sweet voice saying things like: 'Mommy, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">you're</span> the best. You know why? Because you always take care of me!' or 'Mommy! I LOVE YOU!' He melts my heart.</span></div><div align="left"><span style="color:#6600cc;"></span> </div><div align="left"><span style="color:#6600cc;">I am thankful for my family-- we might not see each other too often but, they are always in my thoughts.....</span></div><div align="left"><span style="color:#6600cc;"></span> </div><div align="left"><span style="color:#6600cc;">I am thankful for my job-- I know there are so many out there without one that even on the *tough* days [which aren't very much but, you have them w/ all jobs!] I am thankful that I have one.</span></div><div align="left"><span style="color:#6600cc;"></span> </div><div align="left"><span style="color:#6600cc;">I am thankful for my friends-- I have real life friends, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">cyber</span> friends, and foster care friends.... each one of them have a different role in my life and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">some days</span> I don't know if I could make it through without them..... Some of my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">cyber</span> friends whom I have never met in person are closer to me than my real life friends!</span></div><div align="left"><span style="color:#6600cc;"></span> </div><div align="left"><span style="color:#6600cc;">I am thankful for our men & women in the armed forces-- they risk their lives so that we may live the way we want too and many of them aren't with their families today and that is a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">sacrifice</span> too....</span></div><div align="left"><span style="color:#6600cc;"></span> </div><div align="left"><span style="color:#6600cc;">Finally, I am thankful to you-- my blog readers.... I still don't know if I am very good at this but, reading your comments make me feel like what I write makes a difference!</span></div><div align="left"><span style="color:#6600cc;"></span> </div><div align="left"><span style="color:#6600cc;">I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving!</span></div><br /></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455323170666242990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5628918974903401972.post-91922121193897645012010-11-21T20:23:00.003-05:002010-11-21T20:35:44.466-05:00Catching up....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwHgDihBC3NW5_7ZkOD6ZVQe26IkWctYPOMDJb4qiWVuHKwFJ0kkG2iKHqGoT-rLNjunrWZPZIQAU0-a656auFuXCFqxATygluVniwkwzyE2Gd__hzTZeLuTP0v_dfwMh0IvqPPtNhOP0/s1600/NationalAdoptionDay.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542179693188521010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 246px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwHgDihBC3NW5_7ZkOD6ZVQe26IkWctYPOMDJb4qiWVuHKwFJ0kkG2iKHqGoT-rLNjunrWZPZIQAU0-a656auFuXCFqxATygluVniwkwzyE2Gd__hzTZeLuTP0v_dfwMh0IvqPPtNhOP0/s320/NationalAdoptionDay.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#6600cc;">I am still here... Sorry I haven't blogged in a while.... Not much blog worthy going on right now.... Just busy w/ work, school [for J] and appointments.... Things are going really, really well right now... Each day I see J growing closer & closer to my hubby & I. He is really such a sweet boy... We got his school pictures a couple weeks ago & I really wish I could post them because they are A*D*O*R*A*B*L*E! We are gearing up for Thanksgiving. My MIL is hosting it this year so, I get to relax a bit this year.... </span><br /><div><span style="color:#6600cc;"><div><br />Other than that, J & I attended the Adoption Day Celebration our local DSS hosted yesterday. It was nice to hear the inspiring stories of those who have already adopted. I hope that next year we will be one of the celebrated! J's sister's former foster parents were there and have just this week finalized the adoption of their infant. </div><div> </div><div>We are looking forward to celebrating another Christmas w/ J in our lives too... He is already talking about the main thing Santa is going to bring him..... So, I think Santa needs to get on it so that he won't be disappointed.... This is all he talks about: <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Hot-Wheels-Criss-Cross-Crash-Track-Set/14689690">http://www.walmart.com/ip/Hot-Wheels-Criss-Cross-Crash-Track-Set/14689690</a> even sings the song all the time... So, we need to get it so we are not scrambling at the last minute.... It's going to be fun again shopping and preparing for him! I can't wait! I am going to decorate again this year w/ J while DH is out hunting.... I think it will be J & I 's tradition to decorate together the weekend after Thanksgiving!</span></div></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455323170666242990noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5628918974903401972.post-52746630959880939592010-10-31T20:34:00.002-04:002010-10-31T20:43:43.258-04:00Our 2nd Halloween together......<div align="center"><span style="color:#33cc00;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHA8xULTaKZR5XX9Ht6Nq7XTAYsw3Zz6rIB_Mu2HavwncWttV2N6sRRo1PDHExFhyI9ibPKL_ZTsPLODNgUpq1cHJpUkse0_pSNnZqnEkQh91EVkWjiwpt8gGXegfPzNtfZD5D9wjI3XI/s1600/Jasbatman2010.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534373750092023458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHA8xULTaKZR5XX9Ht6Nq7XTAYsw3Zz6rIB_Mu2HavwncWttV2N6sRRo1PDHExFhyI9ibPKL_ZTsPLODNgUpq1cHJpUkse0_pSNnZqnEkQh91EVkWjiwpt8gGXegfPzNtfZD5D9wjI3XI/s320/Jasbatman2010.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#33cc00;">J's 3rd costume of the weekend! Dark Knight Batman!</span></div><div align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLyfG2rrdTq51X11YUWS0Qiibd4Duu3LlAEMyDwVpH8pG3uzenVWK68x-m2qCx0JVXmCmEFNbGAjEjM0pgJSj-7OYGO9-r43nyYeLanmGZ4aDc9MBEY7BKw57IUjOP0FNTd2-rGDfG8C0/s1600/Jsjackolantern2010.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534373752292752082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLyfG2rrdTq51X11YUWS0Qiibd4Duu3LlAEMyDwVpH8pG3uzenVWK68x-m2qCx0JVXmCmEFNbGAjEjM0pgJSj-7OYGO9-r43nyYeLanmGZ4aDc9MBEY7BKw57IUjOP0FNTd2-rGDfG8C0/s320/Jsjackolantern2010.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#33cc00;">The Jack-o-lantern J designed all by himself [but, I carved it and I am not a good carver!]</span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoVONt2jh14rFC9eU_23vLXOug2IZXy-zvnfl_2xpvQmwA97c8cJbagIGj_ThwdLRsVxY4Rn7phV5wfooWx8S6nIEOKZC2ZYwPPgG6YBlunhOoVihdTtZiwg8coo2kjYhfVCnRlkCrTm4/s1600/jtrickortreating2010.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534373745853577906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoVONt2jh14rFC9eU_23vLXOug2IZXy-zvnfl_2xpvQmwA97c8cJbagIGj_ThwdLRsVxY4Rn7phV5wfooWx8S6nIEOKZC2ZYwPPgG6YBlunhOoVihdTtZiwg8coo2kjYhfVCnRlkCrTm4/s320/jtrickortreating2010.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color:#33cc00;">Trick or Treat!</span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS2P_N_Fr-AiNF0qg07TchCWomIKWR45bnOR3UQxTH6DsxJbFrE568_oIbWrvoeag9rNRD3MImKFwb4ej10bIc49jt7UKeOLCU6M12Uk0hrYSQghhOsTfLFgUYwA_DvBorM39QbE1_5dY/s1600/jhandingoutcandy2010.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534373742477195682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS2P_N_Fr-AiNF0qg07TchCWomIKWR45bnOR3UQxTH6DsxJbFrE568_oIbWrvoeag9rNRD3MImKFwb4ej10bIc49jt7UKeOLCU6M12Uk0hrYSQghhOsTfLFgUYwA_DvBorM39QbE1_5dY/s320/jhandingoutcandy2010.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#33cc00;">Handing out candy after he was done his trick or treating!</span></div><span style="color:#33cc00;"></span></div><div> </div><div><span style="color:#ff9900;"></span><div align="left"><span style="color:#ff9900;">Today was our 2nd Halloween with J in our home.... Wow! Now instead of all firsts we are starting our seconds with him! As I stated in an earlier post the *original* costume of Spiderman ended up being a little snug on him so, we went and got a new one and I think it's just as cute as the other one! He loves to dress up as his super heroes so, they will get much use I know so, I didn't mind! He got tired out easily [probably doesn't help that our neighborhood doesn't have a lot of participation so, you have to walk several houses to get one or two that have their light on....] So, when he was done we went home where he helped give out the treats! Such a big boy!</span></div><span style="color:#ff9900;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#ff9900;"><br /></span><div align="left"><span style="color:#ff9900;">Hope everyone had a very HAPPY <span style="color:#33cc00;">HALLOWEEN</span>!</span></div></div><br /></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15455323170666242990noreply@blogger.com1