Our Girls Adoption Journey

Chicago -- Skyler's 18th Birthday Weekend!!

2009-10-14T05:56:00.002-05:00

The weekend of October 9 we went to Chicago, for the long weekend, for Skyler's 18th birthday!! We had a good time, We took with us Jenny, Skyler's friend and Heather, a girl that is like a daughter to us.

Science and Industry Museum!

In the Farming area... Mark was impressed!!
Rachel showing Eden and Heidy how to Milk.... not sure she really knows how!!

In the combine!

On a cow..

The lady on the scarves.. Her outfit showed our muscle system...

A screen that showed any movement you made, this is Rachel an Eden.

Skyler and Eden at the Ethiopian restaurant.. The Ethiopian Diamond, the food was EXCELLENT!!

Heidy and dad there...

Eden eating, notice the fork???

The Sears/Willis Tower

Jenny and Skyler

Up in the tower

The view, Jordan and Rachel's apartment is down there, can you see it???

Silly girls!

Heather

Mark and me

The clear box floor that you can see down!!

Eden and Heidy didn't want to turn over so I could take a picture, they were too busy looking.

Eden finally did

Then Heidy

Skyler and Jenny

Heather and myself

Love this angle

The sign says it all!!!

Taking out Edens braids

The skyline

Navy Pier

Isn't this cute??? Harry Cary and my girls...

Skyler and Jenn

Heidy trying to be Elf

The 4 girls!!

An Ice cream place....yummmm Margie's... the Beatles supposedly ate there!

Skyler thinking about being 18???or the heavenly ice cream???

We took Jenn to the airport and they had statues of the Blue's Brothers so Skyler posed with them!

It was a great weekend!!!!

2nd lost tooth

2009-10-07T19:18:00.002-05:00

Oct 7 was a good day for Heidy, she lost her 2nd tooth!!! She got it all wiggly and then said Mommy help me. I pulled it with very little effort!! She was so happy, they get their name on the board at school, ya know!!

Then Eden wanted her smile taken too!!

I love these two little munchkins!!!

FFF # 50 Sisters

2009-09-11T06:15:00.000-05:00

The sister cats.... the one on the left named Gertie, we brought home from Florida in February. The one on the right, Skittles, we got last May.

Heidy and Eden

Happy Sisters...

All decked out!!

Lost tooth

2009-09-07T21:23:00.001-05:00

Heidy came home on September 2, 2009 and her tooth was really wiggly and she said "look mom", and it was kind of yukky looking so I told her and so she went to the bathroom to look at it and she pulled it out!!! She was already dressed for Gymnastics.
She was so excited!!
She really didn't want the tooth fairy to come that night because she wanted to take her tooth to school. So the tooth fairy didn't. And then the next night Heidy wrote the tooth fairy a letter.... well she had me to write it and she signed it.

Dear Tooth Fairy,
Please may I keep my tooth forever? If you let me do it, I will love you.
Thank you,
Heidy

The tooth fairy wrote back...

Heidy,
Yes you can keep your tooth. My tooth bag is very heavy.
Enjoy,
TF

It was so fun for her!!!

Loose tooth

2009-09-06T10:15:00.000-05:00

My baby Heidy had 2 loose teeth! The two bottom middle ones! She came to me on Aug. 25 and told me!!

See right here Mommy!! Smile with all teeth still!!
I can't believe my little girl has two loose teeth! Just all of a sudden she is growing up! Look at her dimples on her right cheek and on her chin! I love them!! She is just so precious to me!!

The new Heidy tomorrow....

FFF 49 The theme is Friends!

2009-09-04T06:46:00.005-05:00

Heidy and Eden with a bunch of friends!!

Skyler and Eden's first day of school 2009

2009-08-17T21:36:00.000-05:00

Although Heidy had started already, Skyler and Eden didn't start until the 17th.

All 3 girls

Skyler and Eden
Skyler

Eden

Heidy with Eden on Eden's first day

Eden getting ready to go in

With Miss Kelly

Playing dress up

She was so excited to start school!! She loves pre school!

First day of Kindergarten for Heidy!! FFF # 48

2009-08-12T12:48:00.002-05:00

There is no theme for the FFF today so, I used Heidy's first Day of Kindergarten....

Heidy is a kindergartner!! I can't believe it!

She wanted a picture with Eden whose school starts next week.

At her locker

With Mrs. Spencer

In the gym, for prayer service

Heidy getting introduced.

Mrs. Wirth, the principal
I think this smile says it all!! After school.

In front of her school sign.

PCC at the Pool

2009-08-09T20:09:00.000-05:00

Our church rents the city pool to give the community a free swim day. We have food and drinks for them all day too!

Melanie and Keegan

Heidy loved going to the city pool

Eden and Heidy

Eden

Ag Days 2009

2009-08-04T11:37:00.000-05:00

Ag days in our town happens once a year for 4 days. We told the girls we would go up one evening. Here is that evening....

Motorcycles
Big slides

Small scrambler

The Dragon

The Twirl Tubs

The gorgeous moon on the way home.

Driving the Garden Tractor

2009-08-03T19:17:00.001-05:00

Heidy got to drive the tractor! She was thrilled to help her daddy pull limbs around back.

Mark walked the whole way beside her, and it was in the lowest gear possible!

Heidy and Eden!

Here was their outfit, PJs and snow boots in the middle of the summer!!! What can I say, they have style......

Bri's wedding weekend!! FFF # 47

2009-08-02T19:49:00.002-05:00

This is the FFF starting for the fall... but there was no subject, so this is ours this week!!

On August 1, 2009 Bri got married. Milady was in the wedding, so the girls and I drove to Kansas city to attend the wedding and babysit for my precious grand daughter, Berkeley!!!

These are pictures from this weekend!!

Bri getting her nails done.
Berkeley wishing it was her Nanny holding her, but it was mommy!! :)
Berkeley and her Mommy!

Milady checking on Eden who was waiting to get her nails done.

Heidy getting her nails done.

Eden's toes

Heidy's toes

Berkeley

Mommy and Berkeley at the wedding.

Walking in...

Beautiful Bri with her Dad walking in.

Eden

Heidy

Bri and Jesse

Isn't she lovely???

Very beautiful couple!

The day after the wedding

Heidy, Berkeley and Eden

My Berkeley

We had a fun weekend with Milady and Berkeley!! The girls loved spending time with their niece!!

Tractor Pull

2009-07-30T18:58:00.001-05:00

We went to a Tractor Pull and this was the gorgeous sky on the way!

Heidy and Eden eating hotdogs..

One of the Tractors, hold your ears!!

Heidy riding a horse, her first!!

riding rides!!

Eden was skittish at first but she absolutely loved them!!

Sliding down the big slide!!

They had a fun time.

Florida 2009

2009-07-29T08:47:00.001-05:00

Girls on the way!

Maci

Heidy and Eden

Donnie and Maci, Mark and Heidy and Eden

Baby Berkeley came to see us!

Berkeley and "Uncle" Donnie

Aunt Eden and Berkeley

Berkeley and her sucky fingers

Aunt Heidy and Berkeley

I love this one of Maci! Peyton and Heidy in the ocean! Venus Beach...
Skyler with Eden and Heidy
Mark in his favorite position at the ocean
The girls in their cover ups
Maci
The Farmer's kids... Maci, Whitney, Dillon and Peyton
Our kids... Heidy, Skyler and Eden
We went to an outlet mall and it was close to closing time and as we were checking out our girls decided upon themselves to be models in the window of Children's Place. Gina and I didn't know but a couple of ladies came in smiling and talking about the "models" and I ran to take pictures!

Heidy and Eden in their chairs on the beach at Siesta Key
The big and little kids in the ocean.
Daddy and girls showing off muscles!!
Went to Sharkey's on the Pier, the girls wore their pillow case style dresses that I made them.

Of course "modeling" them too
The Farmers....
My favorite of Maci!
All of us!
Mark and me
The girls

I love this one of Skyler carrying them and they are looking back at me.

This is the summary of the trip... all smiles!!!

Gina and her girls... Me and my girls
Daddy and his girlsSkyler and Dad

Heidy

Eden Eden and Heidy
Donnie and Mark
Heidy caught a crab

Heidy and her pet crab that we let go!!

Eden Our shade!!

Mark, the cook!

Donnie, the cook! The guys did great!!

Heidy

Eden

Heidy holding Berkeley

Eden holding Berkeley

Maci holding Berkeley

The three of them holding her...

Gina and the girls!

Maci
Eden

Skyler

Heidy

Berkeley in her shades!!

Dillon sleeping on the way home!!

The girls slept a lot on the way home!!

My entry way when we unloaded!! This was the best vacation EVER!!!!

Sleep over -- FFF # 46

2009-07-10T06:15:00.005-05:00

The theme is Red, White and Blue, but we did that in the post below, so enjoy both......

Heidy and Eden had a sleep over..... Maci and Madi came over...

They had fun dancing around and doing gymnastics

Congo line..

The four Amiga's
Getting ready to sleep...

We forgot, we want pink milk aka Strawberry Milk.

The next morning, they were playing doctor... Of course Heidy was the Dr. She loves her Dr set and says she wants to be a hip surgeon, like Dr. Loder. We have given her old medicine bottles, old wrist braces, she has her arm brace for when they put IVs in.

They had a blast!! I was worn out from sleeping on the couch in the room with them....

4th of July

2009-07-05T07:12:00.000-05:00

Hope you all had a great 4th of July!

We went to the Farmer's that night and had dinner, hot wings, porkchops and lots of other goodies!! We also made ice cream in a bag. Lots of fun and lots of shakin goin on!!

Here the girls are shakin the ice cream!! They had fun!
My ice cream with caramel syrup on it!!

FFF # 45 Home and a Heidyism on living...

2009-07-03T07:35:00.004-05:00

This week I had to to go home for a sad thing for us and a happy thing for my Aunt Margie. She went to Heaven to be with Jesus. She is fully healed and her old self again and having fun in Heaven, seeing her mom and other relatives and friends she has missed. But most of all she is praising Jesus and will forever. Yes, we miss her, but would we call her back in her present condition, no way!

This is the 10 of us cousins that were there. The 5 on the left are Margie's kids. My brother and I are in the middle and the 3 on the right are my other Aunt's kids. It was good seeing them all!!

This is Heidy asleep on the way. After she woke up she had a lot of questions about my Aunt. What she said last was pretty profound for a 5 yr old. Here was our conversation ....

H: Mommy I like your Aunt Margie's name.
Me: you do?
H: Yes I really do. But why didn't she come back to life?
Me: Well, God has a time for us to be born and live and then He also has a time for us to die and go to Heaven with him, if He is living in your heart.
H: ok . No mommy our body doesn't go.
Me: Honey, the part of our body, the heart and the soul, that loves Jesus goes to Heaven with him. We get new bodies in Heaven.
H: Well, you know when Jesus comes back to town, we will all wake up and be with Him!
Me: Wow Heidy, you are absolutely right!!!

I never heard it put quite like that but the same principle is there. I think she "gets it" more than a lot of adults do!!!

T ball for Heidy

2009-06-24T06:34:00.007-05:00

After Soccer, TBall started. This is the first day, the parade they have every year and Heidy's first game. Eden was too young, but Mady and Heidy were on the same team.

The police leading the parade.
The excited happy T Ball team!!

The game...... playing in the outfield.

batting...

Made it to the base....

And home !!!

She had fun!!! It was a great morning!!

Eden started Gymnastics

2009-06-22T06:47:00.000-05:00

Eden has watched Heidy's class ever since she came home. When the summer session started I let Eden take. This is the first class time.

She was all smiles the whole time!

Madisyn is in her class!!

Walking the balance beam.

She loved it and I am sure she will take MANY more classes!!!

Cheer Clinic 2009

2009-06-21T06:56:00.000-05:00

Every summer as soon as school is out, the cheerleaders at the high school have a cheer clinic for the little girls Grade 6 and under. They do Cheer leading, Dance and tumbling.

This is Eden's class practicing the dance.
We are going to Kentucky , we are going to the fair, to see a senorita with a flower in her hair, oh round and round and round she goes, where she stops no one knows.......
Then on the last morning there is the theme day, Pre school class theme was Hannah Montana. Most of them had no clue who she was, just a few knew, but they had to "dress" like her.

Mady
Heidy's Kindergarten class were Princesses.

There they are together, the Princess and Hannah

The night of the final day, they have a performance for the parents... It is so cute!!!

Eden's group

Heidy's group....

My two cheerleaders!!

Mady won the trophy for Little Miss Cheerleader

Here is Mady, Heidy and Eden!!

The Models...

2009-06-20T07:50:00.002-05:00

The girls were asked along with Mady to model some clothes for an online children's clothes rental company, called, Wow Clothing Club... http://www.wowclothingclub.com/ They are on the page, how it works.

Here are a few of the pictures......

The last one in on the website... and made it to a few TV stations from what we understand..

This is just one.

http://www.wkowtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=10518706

Wee Kare Field Trip 2009 to Miss kelly's Farm

2009-06-14T18:34:00.006-05:00

The whole school went on a field trip for the last day of school on June 1. This is Eden's first time on a bus!! I love all these first time things with her.

Here am I Mommy!!!

Here we are at the farm..... A dairy Farm.

Showing the kids how they get milk

Milk in the big containers

They let the kids look in the containers that hold the gallons and gallons of milk they get from one milking.

They got to feed the babies... Eden was sceptical at first.

Heidy loved it!

Here she is again...

A calf sucking on my fingers..

I was leaning over taking this picture of Eden feeding the baby and ...... The same baby that was sucking on my fingers tried to nurse me .... I never even thought about it when I leaned over to take the picture. I jumped back in a hurry, let me tell you!!!

Getting ready for the hayride.

My two pretty girls!!

Lunch back at the city park
Riding the merry go round

Eden and Gavin
At home ready for naps.....

Hair salon....

2009-06-04T08:31:00.007-05:00

Maci came over to play.....

They destroyed the playroom playing dress up and babies and kitchen BUT that is ok, here is what I caught pictures of.....

Maci getting her hair dyed red...

And no we didn't cut Heidy's hair again, she has that much new hair at any given time!!!

I love the concentration on their faces

Eden was getting her hair dyed gray.. Why Gray??? I have no clue!!!

Look at what Heidy is using for hair dye.... a baby bottle!!

And finally Heidy was getting her hair dyed yellow like Gina's.... That is what Heidy says Gina's blond hair is.

They had a blast!!!! I loved hearing them play!!

Heidy's Pre School Graduation

2009-05-27T21:10:00.001-05:00

OK I apologize in advance, there are a ton of pictures... :-)

It was the Spring program for Wee Kare Pre School.
It was Eden's first ever pre school program.
It was also Heidy's graduation.
It was an important night!!

I laughed, I cried, I was proud, I was happy, I was sad, I was excited and a little anxious!!

A western theme...

Before the program

Heidy's class singing "Our God is an Awesome God" and doing the motions.

Eden's class

Heidy's

Eden's class singing "All in All" and doing the motions.

Eden's class down front singing and dancing to "God is Good"

Giving their neighbor's a hug, he was none to thrilled!!

Heidy's class singing and dancing to a song titled " Wild Ride" in which it says they need to get rowdy!!! I THINK NOT!!!!!! :)

They were line dancing..

Heidy slapping her heels ( in her pink cowgirl boots!!)

Miss Cynthia and Eden

Heidy walking in to "Pomp and Circumstance"

The top row

Getting her diploma from Miss Chastity

Shaking hands with Miss Kelly

And then a hug

"I got it, Watch out world"!!

YESSSS, Oh t'is sweet!!

Flowers from Mommy and Daddy

With Miss KellyWith "Uncle" Mike and "Aunt" Sherry

The family who was there

Eden and Miss Cynthia

This was a great night and the children did so well!!!
The teacher are great, and I sure wish they had a kindergarten!!!!

Eden's Readoption 5-27-2009

2009-05-27T14:19:00.000-05:00

Sister's forever!!!

Of course, they wanted to dress alike....

After the readoption was over, it only lasted 15 minutes!

Everyone! Our family.. Judge Shaner.. Bill, our attorney and John, Eden's attorney.

FFF # 44 This week is Favorite photo....

2009-05-22T06:24:00.006-05:00

This is probably my favorite picture in recent history!!! The day in the airport coming home from Ethiopia, in their big sister / little sister shirts!! They are truly sisters!!

But, Mady has stayed with us since Sunday. He dad got his new pancreas, after getting his new kidney 3 weeks ago!!

So the girls have had a blast.... All we needed was Maci and they would have reminded me of pictures I took a long time ago.

This is how they came to the table for dinner. Cute little dress up girls, huh?

Eden's Dedication and Mother's Day

2009-05-16T14:07:00.010-05:00

We had Eden dedicated on Mother's Day! What better day could there be to do that?? There were several of us parents, who had little ones dedicated. This was at our 9:30 service.

Shhhh, we are praying...

We had a gentleman to come up to us and told us that he was studying, in his quiet time, about how we are adopted into God's family, through the death and resurrection of Jesus. He said when we walked up there with Eden and Heidy came up to, that he started crying, knowing that we loved those kiddos like God loved us and adopted us. He almost made me cry!!

After church, we went to Kentucky to my sister in law and brother's house. They had our family over and also her family. We had great food, a good time with everyone and the two little gals got to ride the 4 wheeler with their Uncle Mark. ( Yes, my brother and my hubby both are named Mark) Skyler didn't ride because of the surgery on her broken nose!!

Flying kites with Daddy....

Riding trikes....

And trying to ride the little jeep...

The two "gruff" dads...

Heidy on the 4 wheeler, Just so everyone knows, I am NOT a fan of them!!

Waiting her turn...

Eden's turn!

It was a great day!!! I am thankful to be the mommy of 5 great kids and 2 wonderful in law kids and one very special, beautiful, awesome granddaughter!!!

FFF # 43 Blooper is the theme...

2009-05-15T07:03:00.002-05:00

Not sure these are really bloopers, but if they went out with that lipstick on, it would be!!!!

Heidyism on family looks..... and boyfriend issues

2009-05-13T11:25:00.004-05:00

Heidy was lying on the couch winding down before bed and she called me in there,
"Mom it is important, come here please"

"Yes Heidy?"

"Mom did you know you are cute? And I am cute and Eden is cute but Daddy is hot! And Skyler is cute and Rachel is cute but Jordan is hot! And Milady is cute and baby Berkeley is cute but Chad is hot!"

"Oh so all the girls are cute, but the boys are hot????"

"Yes"

"Well, ok Heidy, thanks for telling me!!"

And then she told me that a little boy at pre school, Isaac, asked her if she would be his girlfriend. I asked her what she said, she said "I said No, I have a boyfriend, named Jason." And the Isaac said " Oh my gosh" I don't know if it was a disgusted oh my gosh, or a surprised one. Who knows!!

She called her daddy and told him too, and he said, "Well, Heidy what do you want me to do about this?" Heidy replied, " I think you should talk to his Daddy!"

To her that is the answer to everything!!!

If you all remember Jason is the 23 year old that she has had a crush on for over 2 years!! She saw him on Easter and he called her sweetheart and she was THRILLED!!!!! She told me over and over that he called her sweetheart!! He is a great guy to put up with her crush!!

The car that Skyer wrecked on April 29

2009-05-07T08:22:00.003-05:00

Skyler had a wreck, while following her dad home from Nashville. Mark saw it all from the rear view mirror!! She hit water and hydroplaned, and spun around from the left lane through the right lane and hit the guard rail and spun around again and hit it again!! Thank God she wasn't hurt at all!!

I am thankful that she traded cars with Milady before she left Florida, because I think that "Herman" the Rendezvous would have flipped!! So, that is another thing to be thankful for. But we are sad at the demise of "Pearl" , the 1997 Toyota Avalon.

My kids name their cars.

Last Soccer game of the Season....

2009-04-28T08:33:00.001-05:00

The last soccer game of the season, Mady got her first goal! Yeah Mady!!!!!

Heidy in action

Another goal... looking pleased as punch!!

This is how Eden preferred playing in the game....

She finally got our there but was putting her arms in the shirt and playing in the grass..

Heidy, Eden and Mady

With their trophies!!

Lunch with Friends.....

2009-04-26T08:34:00.001-05:00

We went to eat at Mike and Sherry's house for lunch and Noah and Josie were going to be there to see the girls.

It was a gorgeous day so we ate outside. The kids had their own special table.

Josie

Eden

Heidy

Noah

But the wind was really bad and the unexpected happened.... The plates started flying, loaded with food!!! Poor Josie took the brunt of it.... she wasn't hurt, just had baked beans on her forehead.

So we made them a picnic on the ground and all was well......

And we had a great time visiting with Mike, Sherry, Shawna, Brian, Lisha and Joey!!

First day of Pre School

2009-04-24T11:26:00.000-05:00

Well, when she went with me to take Heidy to pre school last Thursday, she wanted to stay.... So she did, for 2 hours!! She loved it and has gone ever since for a few hours a day. She even sang her ABC's for them!!!

This is what she made today, for some reason she wanted 3 eyes on her cowgirl hat!

Soccer Girls

2009-04-22T16:50:00.006-05:00

The girls are playing soccer. They are on the same team that Heidy was on last fall. Mady is on our team, well her daddy, Justin and John are the coaches.
Getting ready to play!!

Mom it is muddy at this goal!

I MADE A GOAL!!!!!!!!!!!

So proud!

This is how Eden plays so far....

Or like this...

And this....

Heidy made three goals this game!!! A hat trick, it is called! It didn't matter to her that two of the goals were for the other team, and one was for our team!! She was so super excited!!

Yep, 3 !!!! And so muddy!!!

She had a blast!! And loves soccer! I hope Eden starts liking it.

FFF # 42 Wet.... is the theme

2009-04-18T10:04:00.003-05:00

The theme this week is Wet.... Well these girls were wet last night during their bubble bath!!
They love playing in the bathtub!!

I am not sure what they were trying to do!!

Easter 2009

2009-04-16T07:28:00.006-05:00

I love this series of pictures of the girls. The had dresses kind of alike, it was too cool to go without their wraps, but Heidy's was sleeveless and Eden's had little cap sleeves.

Sisters....

Closer sisters....
Ok Eden here is what we will do.....

Smooches!!!

Here are all of us..

left to right

Jordan, Rachel, Me, Heidy, Mark holding Berkeley, Skyler, Eden, Chad, Milady.

We are kind of going up hill and it looks like Milady and Chad are really tall, but they are the same as Jordan and Rachel.

The newest family, Milady Chad and Berkeley

Eden's basket

Eden with her basketHeidy's basket

Heidy with her basketBerkeley's basket

Milady with Berkeley and her basket

We had a great Easter with our kiddos!!!

Heidy's 5th Birthday and Welcome home Eden!

2009-04-11T18:02:00.001-05:00

My little Heidy turned 5 years old on April 10. I can't believe it!!! It being Easter weekend, all the kids were home and so we decided to have a Birthday Party for Heidy and a Welcome home party for Eden.

My two beautiful nieces, Raylynn and Cassie Jo

Mark and his parents and Milady and Berkeley

Eden and her Uncle David

The girls with their cakes... My mom made all the cakes.

Close ups of the girls cakes. All of my kids have had clown cakes as their first cake from Nannaw. So Eden was no exception. Heidy wanted a flower cake. One big flower, and that is what she got, of course. And it was PINK, her favorite color!!

I was getting things ready for the party and looked out and Eden was just staring at the cakes, I wonder what was going through her little mind.

Heidy was born on Mark's moms birthday. And Mark's birthday was on the 6th, so we had cakes for them all!!

Mom and I cutting cakes.

Heidy eating with Grandma and Grandpa.

Eden eating with Pappaw.

Baby Berkeley on Mommy's shoulder. Isn't she a doll???

Nannaw holding Berkeley with Milady and Pappaw looking on.

Aunt Shelley blowing bubbles with the girls.

Eden loves bubbles.

Eden holding Berkeley.

My brother, Great Uncle Mark holding Berkeley.

We had a wonderful day for the girls. It was busy, chaotic, hurried, and fun! After everyone left that night it was just our kids there and us and that was wonderful too. I loved having everyone home!! I miss them all living somewhere else. God has blessed us and we have great kids with special in law kids, and a gorgeous grand baby!!!

FFF # 41 Favorite picture is the theme

2009-04-10T15:24:00.007-05:00

My very favorite picture lately is this one.....

Or maybe this one..

Or maybe this on..

Or this one.....

Ok maybe I couldn't choose just one!!!

Meeting Nannaw and Pappaw

2009-04-08T09:19:00.000-05:00

Eden got to meet my folks last week and they all fell instantly in love!!!
Eden is the type of kid that is quiet until she gets to know you and when she does she really comes to life and is all smiles!! She loves her Nannaw and Pappaw!!

Red Lobster was good too!! :-)

2009-04-07T22:25:00.003-05:00

This child who has been home from Ethiopia for 10 days, has been saying a few words but tonight in the car was saying "Shashemene", which is the area where she was born. We then asked her to say "Ethiopia" and she did.

BUT the most important thing she said was in Target while she and I were walking down the aisles, out of the blue, my sweet daughter said.... "Mommy, I love you" I melted!!!!! I fell in love with this little girl more than I already was!!!

This was her first sentence!!!!

FFF # 40 The Beach... Our Park

2009-04-03T07:11:00.005-05:00

The theme this week is the Beach. We didn't go anywhere like the beach for Spring break, because we just got home with Eden. But this is her first outing to the Park!! Looks like she had a blast, don't you think?

Heidy climbing on the jungle gym
Belly swinging

Mady climbing the pretend rock wall

Blowing bubbles

Climbing up to the slide

Heidy going down head first

Yeah a lot of fun!!

Another one of Mady

The girls had a blast and were so tired afterwards!!!

Visit with Maci

2009-04-02T17:12:00.003-05:00

It was a rainy day and we decided to visit Gina and Maci.....

3 beautiful girls from 3 great continents

Heidy did a handstand to a bridge.

Finally Introducing.... Our daughter, Eden

2009-03-30T11:26:00.012-05:00

Referral pictures.... August 2008 a 3 1/2 yr old girl named Eftu

After three court dates, we traveled to Ethiopia on March 21 and got to get Eftu we will name Eden Louise Eftu on March 23, 2008. 3 years to the day that we got Heidy in Guatemala!!

She warmed up to us very quickly! This is the same day!

The first night!

She loves hair bows, and sunglasses and sippy cups!! Heidy is posing!!

Eating injera!!

Great sissy friends, on the way home in the airport!!! In their "Sister" shirts!!

First bath at home! Love those dimples!!!

Riding bikes at home!!

While we were there, we stayed at the Ethiopia Guest house, there was another couple there getting their son, Biruke. They are Meggan and Tim. Very sweet couple. They and Jordan and Rachel went out to a drop in center and saw and helped with some children there. God has given them the heart to want to help the Ethiopian people like we do. We were blessed to meet them!

We are very blessed to have the opportunity to be Eden's mom and dad!! Thank you God!!

Surprise.....

2009-03-20T14:53:00.000-05:00

There is a surprise coming soon......

The cats

2009-03-16T10:19:00.003-05:00

As some of you all know, we had to bring Milady's cat home with us, because she tried to jump on the baby. Out cat Skittles and her cat Gertie have fought each other and then they have ignored each other and now they have moments that they actually get along.... So I thought I would show a picture of them together. It isn't a great picture but they were together, under the rocking chair in our room. Aren't they cute??? Gertie is on the left and Skittles on the right.

FFF # 39 "Then"

2009-03-13T16:50:00.006-05:00

The theme this week is.... Then....

This is Heidy's referral picture.

This is Heidy now....

FFF # 38 Favorite February Foto

2009-03-05T08:02:00.004-06:00

She is 1 month old and SMILING big!!
Below is Berkeley and Mommy!!

Jordan took these for me, while they were visiting Berkeley, Milady and Chad!!

I love them!!

Compensated by Heidy...

2009-02-22T07:32:00.006-06:00

Gina and I were in Walmart with Heidy and her daughter, Maci. They wanted to ride in those double carts that have the plastic seats for two kids.....

They were in them and we were in the hair aisle and we heard Heidy say "Come on Maci, we need to get compensated." And Gina and I started laughing and I asked Heidy Compensated? Yes Mommy compensated. She explained, sort of. She meant Situated..... That girl!!!!

FFF # 37 "Fake out" Smiles

2009-02-20T08:53:00.003-06:00

Heidy is the master at fake smiles....... She clinches her teeth and makes her lips disappear.....

Heidy and Maci both had "good" fake smiles here.....

Close ups of Berkeley....

2009-02-18T17:06:00.002-06:00

Just a few close ups of parts of Berkeley!! She is precious!!!

Taught Milady to sew....

2009-02-16T11:22:00.003-06:00

I taught Milady to sew while in Florida. She made this pillowcase style dress for Berkeley, it is a little big, but we wanted it to fit this summer. Milady did a great job!!

FFF # 36 Theme is Love.....

2009-02-13T20:05:00.000-06:00

The theme is LOVE and let me tell you, this baby is LOVED!!!!

LOVE ........

FFF # 35 "Melt" is the theme....

2009-02-06T21:09:00.000-06:00

I am sure when Sarah decided on MELT as the theme for this week, she wasn't talking the Melting of the heart, But..... that is the mode I am in, with a new granddaughter!! So here ya go....

How can these not melt your heart......

First bath...

First camo...

Snuggles with mommy...

So precious.....

Did your heart melt like mine does or is it just a gramma thing????

Home!!

2009-02-03T07:47:00.005-06:00

HOME!!!!!!!!!!

Berkeley update.... Praise Report!

2009-02-01T15:20:00.003-06:00

This morning Milady called us and told us that Berkeley was in the room with them! She is out of the NICU after being told yesterday that it could be up to a week that she could be in there!! God is good! She is nursing well and may even get to come home tonight!! This is awesome news. They will do another blood test tonight and her "Bili Rubin" count is down then they can go home!!

Thanks for praying!

FFF # 34 "UP" More Grandbaby Pictures and Update

2009-01-30T21:08:00.000-06:00

This is me UP on cloud nine!!!! I am holding my grand baby, Berkeley Ryland, but don't look too close to me we had been up since Tuesday am with only bits and pieces of sleep and it was about 11:00 here on Thursday am!!
This is her on the scales!!! Look at that weight!!!

My beautiful grand baby after getting cleaned up!!! And then...

The next morning they took her too the NICU because she was having labored breathing and they wanted to monitor her. They also found a heart murmur, but they think it is the valve at the back of the heart that will close on it's own. If not there is meds they can give for that. She is also now jaundiced too. There are a few more issues, but I'm asking you all to pray for Berkeley and us.

Thanks!

My brand new grandbaby!!

2009-01-29T11:33:00.003-06:00

Berkeley Ryland was born at 9:33 this morning!! She is beautiful. She weighed in at 8 lbs and 15.5 ounces. She was 23 1/4 inches long. Milady and Chad and Berkeley did wonderfully. She had 37 hours of labor though and is very tired, we all are.

There is nothing like seeing your grandbaby be born. You cry because her mommy is hurting and then you cry when she is born and then you cry when she is getting nursed for the first time.... It is all so emotional, I can't put it all into words!

But it is the best feeling in the world in the world!!

FFF # 33 "New" Is the Theme

2009-01-24T08:09:00.004-06:00

No Picture, ( I posted those a few days ago) but a prayer request..... We are waiting for our NEW grandbaby to be born. I was hoping I would have pictures for this post of her....

My daughter, Milady, is now 3 days over due with her first baby. It is a girl..... Berkeley

Would you all please pray that the baby is ready and will be born soon. Milady is getting to the "Come on, PLEASE Berkeley" stage. She takes walks, does squats, eats spicy foods, bounces on a huge Pilates ball ( thanks Kelly), even jogged a little, does ALL the things that are supposed to help labor to start. Heidy even begs Berkeley to come out!! Heidy wants to see her NEW niece.

I know she will be born when God wants her to, but most importantly I want her to be healthy and Milady to have an easy labor.

Would you please prayfor our NEW baby and my daughter? Thank you so much!!

Heidyism on Giving Birth

2009-01-19T23:49:00.002-06:00

No baby yet, but here was the conversation tonight....

Milady... "I need to go pee." and left the room

Heidy... "Don't pee Berkeley out" as Milady is leaving the room.

We all died laughing and wishing IF it were only that easy!!!

Milady's Birthday

2009-01-19T09:30:00.003-06:00

Saturday the 17th, was Milady's 25th birthday. We were hoping she would have her baby that day, but it didn't happen. Chad planned a birthday lunch for her, with some friends here. He had pink balloons for all of them to put under their shirts so that Milady wouldn't feel alone!!

What I want to be when I grow up.....

2009-01-18T09:04:00.003-06:00

Last night Heidy was praying, and said "I'm not a teenager God, but when I get 6 or 8 or 7 or 18, I will be" Not sure why she prayed about that.

I was telling Milady that this morning and Milady asked Heidy what she wanted to be when she grew up....

"Heidy what do you want to be when you grow up?"

"An Octopus" ... Heidy then said "no I am kidding... I want to be a Dora that turns into a Mermaid. I'm not telling this for fake."

Then Milady and I talked about what all of the kids wanted to be when they grew up...

Jordan -- A Paleontologist
Milady -- An Aerobics Teacher
Skyler -- A dinosaur
Heidy -- An Octopus or Dora that turns into a mermaid.....

Am I doing something wrong????

No baby yet........

Heidyism on Drinkng on the Way to Florida

2009-01-17T07:26:00.004-06:00

Here is the scene......

Heidy and I are eating breakfast in the hotel on the way to Tampa. We are sitting in a booth with a wall with windows beside us.

Heidy asks me, what is in there
I tell her the Bar.
She said, Oh where they sell cokes.
I said, yes and beer and things like that.
She said oh **** likes beer.
I said she does not, but she likes wine sometime.
Heidy then said, **** likes her secret recipe!!

I cracked up!!

I asked where she heard that, she said she made it up......
to my knowledge, she has never watched the Walton's and that is the only place I have heard it!!
No pictures this week for FFF because no pictures on this laptop yet!!

FFF # 32 Baby it's cold!!

2009-01-09T07:40:00.004-06:00

This winter we haven't had snow. It has been cold but not really snowy! This picture was last winter and Heidy is eating an icicle.

Here they are getting ready to play in the snow. Skyler was threatening me with a snow ball!!

Christmas Day 2008

2008-12-26T12:02:00.001-06:00

Our Christmas tree

We begin every Christmas with someone reading the story of Christmas from the Bible. This year Skyler read it.

Jordan and Rachel after opening their presents.

Heidy showing off her Paints!

For 3 years Skyler has asked for something and this year we decided to give it ...... a family vacation... (like the Griswalds.... I hope NOT) , to Disney this summer. She got to announce it! She was really excited. We will ALL go this June or July!

Heidy and Mark put together her Beauty Salon. Skittles had to help. But she was taking a moment to look at herself in the mirror!

Doris stopped by to see us and give us a gift. How sweet, she is leaving the 30th. We loved having her in our home last year.

We really missed Milady and Chad, who had to stay in Florida since she is VERY pregnant with their daughter to be born in January!!!

Christmas Eve 2008 Part 2

2008-12-25T03:40:00.000-06:00

After our service tonight at chruch we came home and the girls got to open their one package, which is always Pajamas.

Christmas Eve 2008 part 1

2008-12-24T15:30:00.000-06:00

Tonight we went to church and the kids that were there sang and a young man from our church that is in college spoke. Here are a few pictures....

Christmas pictures with Maci 2008

2008-12-20T15:48:00.000-06:00

We try to do this every year. Heidy and Maci are best buddies!!

FFF # 31 theme - HO HO HO --- Seeing Santa and Heidyism......

2008-12-17T15:38:00.013-06:00

On Friday the 12th Wee Kare Pre School went to sing Christmas songs at the bank. Heidy was fine through the first couple of songs. Then it happened, she saw HIM!! Then she twirled around as fast as she could, looking for a place to go. Miss Cynthia, the pre school director, got her and was holding her until I got to her. She told me that Heidy was looking desperately for a place to hide, until she grabbed her. When I got her, this is what she looked like.....

Poor girl!! I felt sorry for her!! She buried her head in my chest and never looked up!!

I videoed the rest of the program even though Heidy wasn't in it. As soon as it was over, I sat her to the side, because we were sitting on the floor, so I could get up and as soon as her feet hit the floor she ran under neath the refreshment table that the bank had set up!! ( A friend took this picture)

The Heidyism....

After we were all done and getting our coats to go back to the preschool, I had Cynthia to hold Heidy. I then snuck over to Santa and talked to him ( I knew who it was) I told him that Heidy was terrified of him and Santa told me it was ok that several kiddos were scared of him and it was ok. I told him that she had said if he didn't have a beard she would sit on his lap, and that I would ask if Santa would shave his beard off for her to sit on his lap and he said YES he would!! When we got in the car to go back , I told her that I talked to Santa and that he wasn't mad that she was afraid of him, that it was ok. Then I told her that he said he would shave his beard off if she would sit on his lap, she was floored, He would do that for me??? She asked that about 3 times. But she said she wouldn't sit on his lap anyway.

Then my sweet little girl told me I was the "bestest mom in the whole universe" for talking to Santa for her and finding out he wasn't mad that she was afraid of him.

I love this girl!!!

FFF # 30 -- No Theme -- So ... Decorating the Tree

2008-12-12T07:03:00.003-06:00

These are a few pictures of Heidy helping decorate the tree.... She had fun. We have a "charlie brown" tree, now. We have had a 9 ft FULL tree for years and I was kind of tired of it a couple of years ago and got this one and I LOVE it!!

Concentrating!
I love this one of her...

Here comes Miss Nosey Rosey.... Skittles.
See, Skittles is helping!

This is an ornament that my Grandmother gave to me when I was about 12 and it has to go on my tree every year.... There were 6 of us grand daughters and my grandmother bought a set of them, a 6 piece set and gave each of us one. I found that out as an adult, when I saw a set in an antique store. But I love it.

First school boo boo

2008-12-11T08:51:00.004-06:00

They were at play time, Heidy was riding a toy that you lay on your tummy on or you sit on and she did a chin plant on the floor!!! Of course, this was a day I wasn't there! Miss Kelly put ice on it and held her until she stopped crying, which they told me wasn't long!

Poor baby!!! I felt so bad for her, but she is tough!

FFF # 29 Theme -- anything we want -- Thanksgiving Feast

2008-12-05T08:51:00.003-06:00

Heidy's pre school had their annual Thanksgiving Feast for the kiddos.... This year Heidy's class were Indians, but they made Pilgrim place mats. Here is the turkey we made for the kids to eat. They also had applesauce and mashed potatoes and corn and a special dessert. They loved it!!

Here is my favorite little Indian!!Another picture of her.
It was fun!! A cute thing that Heidy said at Thanksgiving when we went to Mark's folks, where we had Christmas... She kept asking Carlette, my great sis in law, when the feast was, not dinner.

FFF # 28 Thankfulness -- Thanksgiving 2008

2008-11-25T18:30:00.004-06:00

Today we had the privilege of doing something we haven't ever done. We got to help at our church with the Thanksgiving Community Dinner. It is for people in the community who don't have anywhere to go or don't have a way to come to get the dinner, we deliver and also for the workers. We usually have Thanksgiving dinner at our house but when Milady came home for her shower we had our family dinner then.

Getting things ready!!

But today we all helped. Heidy even drew pictures for each table and added them to the decorations. She made sure we saw them!

Heidy, bless her heart wanted to help so badly so she asked these ladies, who don't come to our church and she didn't know, if she could show them to a table. They said yes and then, she came and got her plate, and went and asked them if she could sit with them. They said yes. I was serving food and could just watch all of this, so this picture was when they were getting ready to leave. Skyler did get her plate and go sit with her too. The ladies told me how sweet she was and how much they enjoyed the dinner because Heidy ate with them. They said she just made the lunch for them!! It was so sweet of them to tell me that.

This is Heidy and Megan resting...

This is Skyler resting in between working!!
Today is Thanksgiving and it was such a joy to help at the church!!! I loved it. Skyler and I got to take home a couple who were the sweetest people!! They had gotten a ride there but needed a ride home. It was so easy being Jesus to them!!

Here are a few things I am thankful for.....

I am thankful for my husband, Mark, who for 28 yrs now, has put up with me, who is a Godly man and though a little quiet has many words of wisdom!! He has been a wonderful dad to the 4 children we have now and will be one to the little gal who will someday soon, we hope, join our family!

I am thankful for my kids, all of them, and for the two that have spouses, that they are all Christians and following Him. I am thankful for the two that are still home and for the one who will join us!! They are all special in their own right!!

I am thankful for friends and family who care about me and whom I care about. I am thankful for the "butterfly "gals (You know who you are, I love you!!) I am thankful for blogger friends, all of them, some I have been able to get closer to than others, but love you all!!!

I am thankful that for a short while I got to be part of an agency who has now brought home several children from Ethiopia. Even though that is over now.

I am thankful for many more things, but if I listed them all I would take up the whole blog!!!

God is good and greatly to be praised!!

FFF # 27 For Crying out Loud!!!!

2008-11-21T07:45:00.004-06:00

Heidy doesn't like Santa, last year her pre school went to sing at the bank. She saw Santa come in the complete opposite side of the bank and started screaming and running in the opposite direction. A friend got to her before I did and picked her up. When I got her she was still screaming and buried her head in my neck!! You can't see her face, but trust me, there are alligator tears!!!

FFF # 26 Blowing Kisses....

2008-11-14T10:18:00.002-06:00

This is from a couple of years ago!! I love this picture!!

100 things.....

2008-11-13T07:28:00.006-06:00

A friend did this on her blog and asked friends to do it, I am doing the same....... I added the 100th one.... It is fun, you do it!! You will see how blessed you are.....

All you need to do is copy and paste and highlight the things you have done, on your blog...
Bold the things you’ve done and will admit to:

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii ( 2 times)
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity (Can we ever do that?)
7. Been to Disneyland/world (both)
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child (Yes and Yes doing it again, thank God)
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty (it was closed to climb in while we were there)
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train ( I have been on trains in Europe)
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill ( I called it a mental health day)
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb (not a lamb but a new born pony)
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon ( are you kidding????)
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person ( a goal of mine)
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language (trying right now, Amharic))
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied ( We are alive and healthy, so we should be)
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone Rock Climbing (Mine wasn't a very big rock... )
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal in a restauraunt
44. Visited Africa ( yes and going back!!!)
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris (only the second tier... they wouldn't let us go to the top, it was windy.)
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling (snorkeling)
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie (home videos)
56. Visited the Great Wall of China ( I am jealous of those who have)
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen (not a soup kitchen persay, but our Church's Community Thanksgiving meal)
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Gotten flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp (Dachau, as an adult and I bawled like a baby)
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar (didn't like it)
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London (it is awesome)
77. Broken a bone (my big toe)
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book (My oldest daughter and I want to write one)
81. Visited the Vatican ( Mark has, but not me)
82. Bought a brand new car ( but I don't think I will ever again)
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible ( like 2 times when I was younger)
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury (was supposed to but it was settled out of court)
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby ( yes, 3 of them)
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Been on a Mission trip

I have been truly blessed in my life!!!

FFF # 25 Family

2008-11-07T07:33:00.003-06:00

I don't have a current family picture, but please scroll down to get caught up on our busy life.... There are a lot of family and friends and fall pictures and Heidy's haircut !!!

God bless you!
Debbie

Baby Shower for Milady

2008-11-02T14:01:00.001-06:00

On Nov. 2nd our church had a shower for Milady. It was a wonderful baby shower!!

My mother made and brought the cake all the way from Kentucky!!

My baby girl, Milady, 6 1/2 months pregnant with her baby girl!!

Opening gifts and this one is from my mom who is standing on the right.

Opening more gifts....

A picture of the whole group!!

She only got to take a few things home in a big suitcase we brought for that purpose, because they had to leave for the airport right after that. The rest I will take down when I go in January. She was so pleased and surprised by how many were there!! She loved her gifts!!

Halloween 2008

2008-10-31T11:51:00.001-05:00

Introducing.....

Miss Pink Princess Heidy!!! Isn't she lovely???She was making me a princess too....

This is my favorite one of Heidy!! Milady put on her make up.

These two, Milady and Rachel are Pirate princes, they looked like Pirate wenches to me....And Milady looks like she got into a little trouble with a mean ole Pirate!!

The 3 Princesses....

Donnie and Maci...

I LOVE this one of Maci, I didn't even plan this picture to be so good, but I love it!! No cropping or anything done to it.

Mady and her mommy Jennifer and Justin, came over after Trick or Treating was over!! The girls both had on brown pjs.

Not a great picture of Heidy but it shows her hair.... Not sure about the face she is making!!

Heidy and her Locks of Love

2008-10-31T10:17:00.001-05:00

Milady (in the grey top, in the back ground) wanted to get her bangs cut. So I called Melanie, a friend of mine. And she had time, so we went and Mil got her bangs cut and Heidy cried, she wanted her hair cut too. We had been talking about it, and so I said ok.......

First she got it washed like a big girl, she loved that!!

Measuring how long we can cut off. We started out 8 inches, but it is finally a 10 inch ponytail!!
Cutting!!!!

Heidy was so happy!! Here she is with her ponytail!! We are sending it to Locks of Love.

Melanie (dressed for Halloween) , is styling it for Heidy...

Here they are, the two girls with new "doos". Milady's hubby Chad was with us.

Melanie and Heidy.... Melanie was not really happy that we came in on Halloween, when they were dressed up!!

Isn't she a cutie with her new hair cut?? We think so!! Thanks Melanie!!

Fall Harvest Party at Preschool 2008

2008-10-30T07:05:00.001-05:00

Heidy's preschool had their Fall Harvest Party, everyone was supposed to dress up as a farmer. All Heidy had was jeans, cowboy boots and a cowboy hat. So that is what she wore.

Her whole class, You can't see the cute pumpkins, on the window because we had to shut the blinds.
Eating cupcakes, Maci was with me since, it was a Thursday and I babysit her on that day.
Heidy's big fake smile.....

Getting ready for a hayride, look at Maci's face, we forgot to clean her up, I did as soon as she got off the hayride!!

Dress the Scarecrow game, it was so cute watching them do this....

They had a great time. I am thankful I get to go to things like this with Heidy!!

Fall Festival 2008 at our Chruch

2008-10-26T13:36:00.001-05:00

On Sunday night the 26th of October, we had our annual Fall festival at church!! The kids can dress up and so can the workers, it is really cool. I was at the photo booth, taking pictures!!

Miss Heidy dressed up in her Princess outfit.... But half way through she had it all off but the leotard and pants....

The nurse and the sleepy gal.....
The Freudian slip......

The tattoo momma and Superman...

The hick.....

And Darth Vader...

From the church roof top, No I didn't get up there but Derrell did!!

Was a fun, but COLD night!!!

Pumpkin Patch 2008

2008-10-20T12:33:00.000-05:00

Last year the Pumpkin Patch trip was cancelled due to rain, but this year the weather was gorgeous!!!! I am so glad I got to go and ride the bus with Heidy and take pictures!!

The bus we are riding

Excited about the bus ride!!

Searching for the "just right" pumpkin..

Found it!!!

Helping Daisy find the "just right" one too!

They found it!!

The whole pre-school altogether.

Here it is Mom!!

Finding pumpkins is hard work...

In front of the big Turkey!

I am this tall!!

This is Heidy's class with Miss Kelly.

Max and Heidy eating the sack lunch we had to bring.

It was a fun fun day!!!

17 year old Skyler -- Today!

2008-10-14T22:33:00.004-05:00

My daughter Skyler is now officially 17. She told me this morning she wanted me to cook dinner, so I did and then this afternoon she told me that she wanted a Dairy Queen Cake. So.... that is what she got.... she didn't give me enough time to order one so she got a jungle theme. She loved it.
See? It's my cake and I can lick this if I want to..... ( sung to the tune of It's my party) She is one silly gal!
I can't ever get her to be serious in a picture!!!

I can't believe the child, that was the last one I gave birth to, is 17 years old.

She is a great girl, and I thank God for her and pray that she has a wonderful life!!

I love you Skyler!!
Mom

FFF # 24 Homecoming and Visit from Ana

2008-10-10T09:49:00.006-05:00

A couple of weeks ago was the homecoming dance....

Skyler decided to go with a group of girls. Here are a few pictures...
Rachel, Skyler and Haley
Charlie's Angels.....
Heidy and Skyler

Ana, who was our exchange student 13 years ago from the beautiful country of Mexico, is still like a daughter to us! She married a young man who is from 30 minutes from us, but they live in Indianapolis. She came to visit for the weekend. She has given us two beautiful grandsons!! Andrew is the oldest and Alex is the baby. We have gotten to know part of her family in Mexico and part of Tim's family too. We love her and her special family!!
Heidy and Andrew being silly playing in the back of Skyler's El Camino!!

This has been our fall so far!!

New Outfit.....

2008-10-07T08:44:00.004-05:00

When I was young, my mother taught me to sew. I rarely used that knowledge. But I have an awesome sewing machine my dear hubby, Mark bought me!! A Bernina and a Bernina serger. And now I want to help a friend with raising money for her adoption. So I made this. We will sell the outfits on a website she is in the process of making. ( formerly The Thread to Mylee) We also sell bows and handmade stamped cards. We will have specialty twirl skirts for little girls and pillowcase style dresses and some of them like below with the jean combo. I will be creating more things for Gina as I go, in fact we already have a Halloween skirt. If any of you decide you want something, just let me know. I could still get you the Halloween skirts SOON!! They are adorable with some tulle on them too. I will try to get pictures of Heidy in one this afternoon.

This outfit, without the shirt under it, but with a bow is $40.00

FFF # 23 Summer Memories

2008-10-03T10:29:00.015-05:00

This week was your summer in a picture. Well, I couldn't do one.... so here goes...

In Florida

At home in the back yard
With Lilly and the new kitty Skittles

More back yard

First time to drink out of the hose... I remember doing that as a child and I wanted Heidy to do it...
Vacation Bible School with Maci
Riding on a boat with cousin, Shannon.

4th of July
Mission trip leaving for Mexico (Skyler in funky pants and green shirt on far left)

At Nannaw and Pappaw's house with cousins and friends. Cory, in red, adopted from Russia 11 yrs ago and Lance, in blue, adopted from Kazakhstan 4 years ago.

Cleaning up at Nannaws -- Destiny was not happy she couldn't get in the tub too.

Ready for church with their babies

The princess of the pool

Dillon and Heidy

Dillon and his little sissy Maci

Wednesday Night Church at the Park

Our Pastor
Swimming in Branson, Missouri

Dr. Heidy fixing Mady up!!

In Florida again
And finally one of the best things about this summer was finding out I am going to be a gramma!!!

It was a great sunmmer and yes, I left a few things out, but can't tell everything...... yet ;)

Heidyism..... Mojo

2008-09-28T21:12:00.004-05:00

Ok funny story... My hubby flew to Rhode Island to see a client this weekend. Some friends came over tonight and after all of them left, but Gina and Donnie, Mark told us this story...

While he was at the hotel this weekend, he was in the business center (he doesn't own a laptop yet) catching up on emails for work. There was another guy in the business center and he hit on my hubby!!! He said he started out Hi, and was all trying to talk to him and wouldn't leave him alone. I am sure Mark left the business center very soon after that!! And then on the plane ride home a woman hit on him!! He didn't give us all the details, but said he felt very uncomfortable in both situations!!

Gina said, " Wow, Mark you had your mojo goin on!!"

Heidy piped up and said "Yeah, Dad you had your mojo goin on!!"

WE CRACKED UP!! Like she knows!

My 50th Birthday

2008-09-25T09:08:00.005-05:00

Last week was my 50th birthday, as most people know. Well, my dear hubby, Mark, decided to take me to New Harmony Inn in New Harmony, IN. He surprised me with the trip and had a massage scheduled for me and reservations for dinner and then gave me my birthday present.... a beautiful bracelet.

This is the card he gave me!!! :)

This bouquet is from my son Jordan and his wife Rachel, who wrote in the card, they "wanted to put black roses in the arrangement but apparently the Floral Companies didn't think that was nice" I loved what they sent me!!

Skyler stayed with my friend, Camilynn, and Heidy stayed with my friend Gina and Maci. She loved it... Here is an excerpt from their blog....

HEIDY SPENDS THE NIGHT.....
My friend Debbie called yesterday and asked if Heidy could stay all night tonight because her hubby Mark had planned a "Date" for them at New Harmony. Of course I said it would be okay. Maci loves it when Heidy comes over to play, so I knew she would be thrilled that she was going to stay all night. Heidy arrived around 4:30 pm and informed me that her mommy and daddy were going on a date. When I asked her what she thought they were going to do on their date she said "I THINK THEY ARE GOING TO KISS!" And then she covered her face like she was embarrassed. She then pointed her finger at me and said, "THAT IS OUR LITTLE SECRET, OKAY!" I laughed and laughed at her! Some of the things that come out of Heidy's mouth are just hilarious. Or as Heidy says, "HIWARIOUS!" Heidy and Maci had so much fun together! They jumped on the trampoline, had a tea party and played dress-up. We ordered a pizza for supper and then they took a bath. I made a bed on the living room floor for them to sleep on. I popped them some popcorn and they both laid down and watched "Daddy Day Care". It wasn't long before they finally pooped out! I took a few pictures of them, but every time I tried Heidy turned her head. Except for the ones in the bathtub.
They were asleep by 9:00 PM

Heidy had fun!! Mark and I had fun, and yes, we did kiss :)

It was a great birthday!!!

FFF # 22 Theme -- Hope

2008-09-19T07:41:00.005-05:00

This week the FFF theme is hope.... I kind of did that earlier in the week with our granddaughter's sonogram picture.

This week was my birthday, and unless you want the whole world to know how old you are, DON'T tell a 4 year old. Heidy had a dentist appointment and an allergy doctor appointment. She got great reports at each BUT she told them all that it was her mommy's birthday and her mommy was 50!! She also had soccer that afternoon and gymnastics that evening. So my birthday was all about Heidy!! :) Here are pictures of her soccer game, where she made her first goal!!!!!!

This is her team!

Of course, Mady is on her team!!

This is the game, Her team had to wear the colored jerseys this time.

Racing for the ball...

The last picture is right after her first goal!!

She was so excited!! We were too, we cheered and cheered!!

Told you she was pregnant......

2008-09-16T07:09:00.003-05:00

Here is my daughter Milady carrying my granddaughter, Berkeley. She is 20 weeks in this picture.I love this one of Heidy and Milady.

Introducing Miss Berkeley
Of course I had to get her a couple of outfits..... A girl needs clothes...
We went to eat with a friend of theirs. Heidy made a new friend, Rayna.

It was a fun week in Florida!!

FFF # 21 -- Our Grandbaby..... ANNOUNCEMENT!!

2008-09-04T21:40:00.003-05:00

No pictures today, yet, I have some, but I have to wait until I get home on Sunday.

We went today for "THE" sonogram and found out that the baby in my oldest baby girls tummy is big for it's age.... 13 ounces. The 84th percentile. Milady is 20 weeks. The baby was sucking, like they do when they are sleeping sometime, on nothing. You could see the little face, all the details. And the perfect little feet and hands!!

Ooooh you want to know what the baby is......

Our grandbaby is.... A GIRL!!!!

FFF # 20 Black and White

2008-08-29T08:48:00.007-05:00

The theme this week is black and white. This is a bunch of different pictures and occasions....

Heidy and her sippy.

At the beach.Skyler, my 2nd daughter and Cassie Jo, her cousin.
Jordan, my oldest child and only son, and Rachel, his fantastic wife of 3 yrs!!
Milady, my second born and oldest daughter and her great hubby Chad, of 14 months.
This is their baby...... due January21, 2009 and next week, we hope to find out if it is a boy or a girl... So far it has been called The Seahorse....

Heidy and friends, Maci and Mady.

Heidy and Mady.
Heidy
My mom and Heidy.
Heidy last summer, this isn't black and white but Sepia tone.

When are you going to Heaven??? -- Heidyism

2008-08-26T20:22:00.004-05:00

Tonight Heidy and I were driving down the road and we were talking about me having a birthday next month, and turning 50. Yeah, 50!! Heidy asked me if I was getting old and I said yes. She asked oh so innocently and in a very small voice, Mommy when are you going to Heaven? I said, I hope not for a long time. She said, I don't want you to go to Heaven yet, you are my best mommy in the whole wide world. And was almost crying. I told her we would pray that I stay healthy and around here for a long long time!! She was happy with that answer. Please pray that with me, will ya!!! :-)

FFF # 19 - Friends with Stuffing

2008-08-22T10:10:00.004-05:00

Today's theme is friends with stuffing... but I chose live friends with fur....

Here is Heidy with her furry friends... Lilly the doggy and Skittles the cat. Lilly has since had a hair cut!!!

Skittles

Lilly
And our beloved Kandi who went to her final sleep in January.

FFF # 18 First day of school !!!!

2008-08-15T09:04:00.006-05:00

Today is the first day of school for the year 2008- 2009!! Skyler is a Sophomore and Heidy is in the 4 yr old Preschool Class and has Miss Kelly.

Here they are by Skyler's 1986 El Camino. or "Unca Mino" as Heidy says. And Just so everyone knows, this is the vehicle that Skyler wanted.

Loving on each other!

At Pre school in front of her Folder where her papers will be every day.
Playing with friends as soon as she got there.

Having A Ball!! FFF # 17

2008-08-08T08:39:00.006-05:00

A couple of weekends ago, we babysat a friends 2 girls, while the parents went to Arizona to help some friends. We had a great time!!

We went to Chuck E Cheese!!

Heidy playing a game
Counting the bunch of tickets!!!

We also went to a wedding.... We got bubbles to blow when the bride and groom came out, so the girls were playing in the bubbles.

Maci was there too!!
Quincie
HeidyThen that afternoon in the pool....

Miss Libby
Josie came to swim too... They decided to take a break to lay on towels...

Quincie...

Libby....
Heidy sat on my lounge chair instead.
We had a lot of fun with the girls visiting us for the weekend!!!

Brilliant Blogger Award

2008-08-06T08:52:00.007-05:00

Becca at http://princessellaruth.blogspot.com/ gave me the Brilliant Blogger Award.....
Thank you Becca!!

1st I have to answer a little questionnaire thingy which is pretty much all about ME! Get excited folks!!!

Then I have to choose 7 bloggers who I feel are BRILLIANT (see list below) and I give them the award. They will post their own answers to the questionnaire on their own blog and they will choose 7 more recipients. And so it goes!

A. Attached or single? Very attached :)

B. Best friend? Not just one, have about 4 ... All for different reasons.

C. Cake or pie? Pie, Strawberry or Pecan

D. Day of choice? Sunday

E. Essential item? cell phone

F. Favorite color? Blue in about every shade

G. Gummy bears or worms? Sour Gummy Worms

H. Hometown? Born in Owensboro, KY

I. Indulgence? Good Coffee, Good Friends and Good Times

J. January or July? July! It's Summer!!

K. Kids? Yes, Son, Jordan, age 26 married to Rachel, Daughter, Milady, age 24 married to Chad, Daughter, Skyler, age 16 and Daughter Heidy, born in Guatemala, age 4 and one on the way from Ethiopia, ( someday very soon, I hope) AND A GRAND BABY ON THE WAY!! THANK YOU, MILADY !!!!!

L. Life isn’t complete without? My faith and my family!

M. Marriage date? June 21, 1980 ... 28 years!!!!!

N. Number of brothers & sisters? one brother, Mark

O. Oranges or apples? Apples

P. Phobias? Spiders, My mom was bitten by several black widow babies when a mommy black widow spun a web and laid eggs in their bedroom. Terrified me!!

Q. Quotes? "You can't change the world for every child, but for one child you can change their world. "

R. Reasons to smile? My hubby Mark's DRY sense of humor, My Kids and Family, having a grand baby!! My friends.

S. Season of choice? Spring and Summer

T. Tag seven peeps! They are listed below......

U. Unknown fact about me? I am named after my dad. His name is Bobby Joe and mine is Debbie Jo. Yes, it is very southern!! :-) And I like southern Gospel Music!

V. Vegetable? Green beans and Corn on the cob

W. Worst habits? procrastinating

X. X-ray or ultrasound? x-ray... it is faster

Y. Your favorite food? I like a lot of different foods.

Z. Zodiac sign? Virgo

Who I am tagging......

Gina at http://www.macichina.blogspot.com/

April at http://pandabearsanddragonflies.blogspot.com/

Jill at http://www.bergmama.com/

Mary at http://www.fillingthequiver.blogspot.com/

Kelly at http://www.thecashcrew.blogspot.com/

Sharon at http://www.babyannamaria.blogspot.com/

Michelle at http://www.dylananddommie.blogspot.com/

Trip to Branson, Missouri

2008-08-05T14:01:00.008-05:00

We didn't take a big vacation this year. So when Mark's brother, David and our sister in law, Carlette and the kids were going to Branson Missouri, we decided to meet them there!!

We decided to go a day early and got to our hotel and Mark and I both could tell, even though it was a non-smoking hotel, our room had been smoked in and they had no rooms to move us to. So, as my sinus filled up and got stuffy from smelling the smoke, we slept and got up the next morning and after breakfast, we drove around and got a different hotel and moved. We found a local hotel that was clean and they showed us the room before we signed anything, which was good. It was a really nice hotel. We got a suite and was very comfortable with everything available.

Heidy and Skyler went swimming, it was so hot outside, I think the hottest days of the year so far!!

You can't see Heidy in this picture but she is in there between Skyler and the dolphin!

The big kids, Bradley and his girlfriend, Casey and bottom row.. Skyler, Cassie, Tiffanie, a friend of the nieces, and Raylynn.

At the Ripley's Believe it or Not Museum.Skyler with the tallest man and the heaviest man on record.
Then we went to the Titanic museum and oh my, it was good! You get the boarding pass of a passenger and you go through the museum and find out if you live or die at the end. It was very interesting!!

We went to "Ride The Ducks" They gave us quackers, to quack at other "Duck" vehicles.

Heidy with her quacker...
David, Carlette, and Mark with their quackers.....
Raylynn, Tiffanie, Casey and Bradley...
Skyler and Cassie quacking away.....

Heidy and me....

Getting ready to go into the water from dry land in the same vehicle.
Heidy drove it in the water...

Skyler drove it too...

We went shopping and while we waited for the big kids, Heidy and her Uncle David, played with an empty water bottle kicking it back and forth.

We had a great time!!!