Today....

Dear J,

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....

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 could've made for YOU!

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!

I love you Lil Monkey!

Happy Easter 2011!

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.

Very Early in the morning checking out his stash from the EB!

J loves bubbles and this year the EB got him a battery powered bubble blower! He loved it!

Trying out his new tool!

His own private egg hunt....

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.....

Hope everyone had a great holiday too!

18 months.....

Dear J,

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!

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!

Love,
Mommy

bad, bad day.... [AKA: RIP Nemo!]

RIP NEMO...

J the proud *daddy* looking @ his pride & joy the day we got him...

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 FIL 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* Nemo].... 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! Nemo 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....

RIP Nemo! We love you! We will miss you!

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....

Ps. 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....

Operation Birthday Party 2011

Spider-man was the theme this year!!

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!

Enjoying a swim at his birthday party!

Back @ home relaxing w/ his new DS game my friend gave him... He loves it!

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 olds 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!

Happy Birthday J! I love you & hope you had a great day!

Happy Valentines Day!!!

This year's attempt to make my guys a special Valentine's Day themed breakfast!

Our 1st handmade Valentine from J [I don't remember getting one last year]

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!

Happy Valentines's Day to all!

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!

2 year ago......

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....

I still think of and miss you everyday MK! I will never forget you!! xoxo