Daddy's Kids Cuisines

For preschool this year, Madison received a little "yearbook" from her teachers. The title was Kid's Cooking" In it were pictures of all her friends, and they asked each kid "what is the best thing you mom/dad cook and how do they cook it?" This was what Miss Madison had to say:

"Daddy goes to the store and buys 10 Kid's Cuisines. They go in the refrigerator. He uses a microwave. He picks out the dinner I eat. I like nuggets best with corn, pudding, and spaghetti. It cooks for a ling time and stops. He has to turn it on again. When it stops, it's done and I eat it hot."

Some of these responses are so funny. I know this is a book we will keep forever.

Happy Mother's Day!

I always wondered why we just take one day out of the year to honor our mothers. I mean shouldn't everyday be Mother's Day? After all mothers do hold the most job titles of anyone -doctor, cook, teacher, psychologist, the list goes on and on. I am so grateful for my mom. She has taught me so much, and I would not be the mother I am today if it was not for her. So, thank you mom for putting up with me and being there when I needed you most. I hope you honor your mothers not just today, but everyday and pray for them and thank God for what they have taught you.

As I celebrate being a mother of two today, I look back at this time last year we never even thought Ellie would be here. Well 6 months ago to the day a phone called changed our lives forever. We had no idea. So here is the story of Ellie:

About 8 months ago we received an email from our social worker that was sent out to several families. The email told us about a white female and a black male that were due in October and where given the baby up for adoption. The birthmother had done drugs and was incarcerated for 3 months and had just been released. They would be showing profiles to him and her this week and needed to know who would be interested. Also, we had been informed a week earlier that the little boy Dan and I were adopting and the mother changed her mind a day later was being put back up for adoption, but they wanted a home with no other kids ( we were once again very hurt). Anyways, back to Ellie. several weeks went by and I just figured they had picked another family. Well I went to work on Monday and about 11 my cell phone rang and it was the social worker and she reminded me of the situation and that the baby had been born and tested positive for cocaine and opiates and they needed to know if we were still interested. I had to call Daniel and we had to make a decision right away. Oh, we didn't know about her because she is actually 1/4 Cherokee Indian and they had to have a tribal council to approve her adoption. Well obviously we decided to go for it, after all they were just showing our profile to them. WRONG! They had actually picked us, and wanted us to be the parents of their baby girl. To make a longer story short, we were told to come pick her up the next day. So we spent our last night of sleep putting up a baby room.

As many of you know the drugs made it a very difficult transition for our family. There were nights we would put her in the car at 2 and 3 am and drive around to get her quiet. We cried a lot, and learned to have more patience because we had to. Today she is perfect. She is one of the best babies and I could not have asked for more perfect kids.

Funny Tuesday

We have been cooped up in the house due to rain for the last few days. I came downstairs to get Madison breakfast the other morning and there was a big spider on the floor (I was going to take a picture of it, but I can't fathom looking at it again). Of course I took the broom and squished it, and just about then Madison started crying "But Mommy God loved that spider". Yes Madison God does but Mommy doesn't.

After that we had some thunderstorms. I absolutely love stormy weather., but unfortunately at the first thunder clap Madison was screaming and running to hide. I found her crouched up in the corner between the computer chair and the wall. I kept asking if she was okay and she refused to come out. After a while I didn't hear anything from her, so I went to check on her and this is what I found.

Poor thing has fallen asleep!

No Way Out!

After a long day at work, I came home to a nice surprise. In our mail was a copy of Ellie's adoption decree. Meaning that by order of the court she is officially ours, and we accept full parental responsibility for her.

Are we ready for this????

DUNKED!

This is what happens when you let your daughter try to dunk you in the dunking booth!

She runs up and hits the button when no one is looking!

A Nice Mini Vacation

Dan was out of school for Spring Break this week, so we decided to take Madison to the beach. Since we have been married we have never really took a family vacation by ourselves (it has always been with one of our families). My parents graciously took care of Ellie, so we could have a nice quiet vacation. Without Ellie we were able to take Madison out and just enjoy ourselves without having to worry about 3 hour feedings or naps. The excitement in Madison was priceless and it was one of the best trips. We took her to Ripley's aquarium, and even though it was chilly and windy, we even let her swim.

Even though we were only there for 4 days it was plenty for me. I don't know how people stay so long at the beach. I get so homesick. I missed Ellie so much and was ready to get back to her and my dogs.

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter!

The resurrection gives my life meaning and direction and the opportunity to start over no matter what my circumstances.

Remember to celebrate the true meaning of Easter the ressurection of our Lord Jesus Christ!