HIS Amazing Grace

Christmas JOY!

2009-12-18T12:26:00.001-08:00

This is Hal and I last Saturday. We weren't sure how she would react to the tree, hence the "corral". While I was *trying* to put up the ornaments/garland last friday she was right behind me trying to take them off and pushing me OUT of the corral. Little Turkey! But, this week Halle went to her "Auntie's" and didn't touch ONE tree or ornament. So, the corral has now been taken down and she hasn't touched our's once since then. What you can't see in this picture is her reaction....she is in total AWE of this tree and it's sparkling lights and "pretty" decorations. I was explaining to Hal about the star on the top and the lights and the ornaments. She is soaking it all in....I can't wait for her to open up her gifts and spend time with her family! We have a book that I bought for her last Christmas that tells the story of Baby Jesus and Christmas. We have been trying to read that to her and singing lots of "Jesus Loves Me"...and she's working on saying "Jesus"...He is the Jesus for the Season....please, let's not forget that. It's so easy to get caught up in everything else. But, he truly is the reason!!

Fetching the Christmas Tree!

2009-12-08T20:08:00.000-08:00

The weather was beautiful yet oh so chilly on Sunday, but...we needed our tree and Grammie needed her's....so off we went. We all bundled up really good, but...Mommy forgot Halle's gloves.....She could hardly move anyway! But...boy did she look cute. We would have more pictures, but...she decided she would rather be *running* around and not hanging out with Mommy & Daddy. We did manage to get some pictures with Grammie and while Hal was chillin' in the Ergo on Mommy's back!! Don't you love Halle's new hat that her Nana made for her!!?? It's so cute!! I promise to post some pictures of our Christmas tree and decorations soon.....

60 degrees and SUNSHINE!

2008-04-11T17:56:00.000-07:00

For so long now it seems we have had January weather in April. GRRRRR! This did not make me very happy. I was so excited to leave work this evening and not have to wear a coat...and I had a short sleeve shirt on today. Did I mention I was wearing flip-flops? I was!! That was for my friend Amy, she would wear them in the snow if she could. Love you Am!! I believe my love of flip-flops may have come from you! And I thank you for that...I truly do! I drove out of the parking lot with my window open. Thinking....spring truly has arrived. The smells of spring met me as I drove home. Fresh cut grass, spring air, but...the one I hate the most....POOP! Sorry, I had to say it. I live in a farm town and let me tell you...the smell can get pretty bad. I don't think I'll ever get used to it. The birds are chirping outside and I'm so ready to wash my filthy, dirty car. Hopefully, tomorrow will bring more sun and we can get that done!!!

This CRAZY Weather!

2008-04-18T22:19:00.001-07:00

I can not believe this. Today is April 18 and it snowed today!!! How crazy is that? I believe our Washington weather brought us a little bit of everything today. I saw it snow, rain, hail & even sunshine. Remember when I posted that spring was here last Friday? Well...I think it's gone. It's currently a mere 40 degrees right now. SHEESH!! I actually said I didn't like snow today...that is so not like me. But, seriously, enough is enough. I suppose it's all because of global warming. Well.....I hope wherever you all may be the weather is better than it is here. I think I'll go back to Lake Chelan...it was a balmy 60 degrees and it wasn't damp there......that is so nice. I was there this week Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday for a work conference and trust me....I would have loved to have sat on my little deck outside my room for much longer. But....we all needed to get back to real life. {Sigh}

Yogurt Body Butter

2008-09-28T16:48:00.001-07:00

Ok, so I had to share with you this AMAZING new product I just got from Garden Botanika. Did you know you could still get there products online? I absolutely love their stuff and still wish the store was here, but...the internet works good for me too. The Garden Botanika "truffle" lipstick is still the only one I use, and I've used it for probably more than 10 years! It's the only brown lipstick I can find that doesn't turn pink. I love it. They also have a great deal for Garden Club Members. You pay $15 for a yearly membership and get 15% off of every order every day and lots of other cool deals. BUT...the biggest reason for this post is the their new Custom Fragrance Yogurt Body Butter!! IT ROCKS!! I tell ya, when I saw this I jumped at the deal and got my favorite scent: COCONUT!! It's light and whipped...kinda like yogurt, but...smells so great! It's keeping my dry skin hydrated....try it...you'll like it too!

Fun with Halle...

2009-07-20T19:36:00.000-07:00

Because my posting has been SLACKING lately...I thought I'd share with you what's been happening around our house....in PICTURES!! Enjoy!

This is Daddy & Halle...she LOVES it when he plays his guitar...and frankly, who doesn't??

A WHOLE lot of mess...this is "Halle's" cupboard in the kitchen....

And...when she tires of that...she goes to another one...she needed a BIGGER teether!

Mommy & Halle...sporting her mousie towel for Mor Mor!

YUM-O....Mango Pomegranate fruit bar....what a great treat!!

Our Journey -- Part 1

2008-04-10T20:42:00.000-07:00

Some of you who may not know us very well may not know about our journey through infertility. I just wanted to share that with you, the readers of our blog, our friends and family. I was just thinking how I couldn't believe it had been three whole years since we started this whole TTC (trying to conceive) process. Wow!! It seems like it was just yesterday but, it also seems like it's been ten years not just three. Aaron and I were eager to start a family after we had spent about 1 1/2 years as a married couple. After about a year and many charts (sheesh...don't you just love taking your temperature every morning???), many appointments with my Naturapath, many tears and much prayer we decided to seek help from an OB/GYN. She put me on Clomid, an oral fertility drug that is taken during the first part of your cycle to help with ovulation. OH, I forgot to mention I wasn't ovulating very often on my own. The first month....I ovulated...HOOORAAAYYY, but...Aaron was out of town...not so good for babymaking. The second month we conceived and all was well! I didn't feel too sick, we were excited, I was reading "What to Expect When You're Expecting" we told everyone we could think of. I was so **sure** nothing was going to happen. I arrived to my first OB appointment eager and full of anticipation, without Aaron. They took some blood work, I filled out a lot of paper work and then we started the ultrasound. Imagine my dismay when the Doctor pronounced, "Looks like you're having a miscarriage". What??? She hands me a box of kleenex, I don't cry, I'm in HUGE shock. So many thoughts running through my head, my Mom hadn't had any miscarriages, aren't they hereditary? No. I really need my husband, where is my husband? We have to tell all these people. What do we say? How does one handle this? I collected my thoughts and listened to the Doctor explain that there was a sac, but no heartbeat and we had a few options to induce this miscarriage. Oh great! Just what I wanted to hear. We could wait it out and see what happens on it's own, not so great...I was thinking this was going to happen while I was walking down the street, getting groceries, worshipping at church. Not the best option and certainly not convenient, but...when is a miscarriage? I could use some medication (Misoprostol) that would cause my cervix to soften and start contracting. This would be uncomfortable, but I could do it at home. I would be given pain medication and instructions. Third option was a D&C. Nope, didn't want to do this. I left the office still in shock. My first call was to Aaron, he immediately left work to join me. My next call was to my second Mom, Marj. She works with me and is a longtime family friend. I explained the situation through tears and said I would not be in for the rest of the day. Aaron and I grieved that day. For the baby that would not be born in December 2005. We cried, oh did we cry. We just looked at each other and held each other and prayed. And tried so hard to remember this "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" Jeremiah 29:11 We called Aaron's parents and went to my parent's house. They prayed with us. We went home and tried to move on. I cried for at least a week....at home, at work, in the car. My husband was my rock. We prayed some more and I used the medication a week after my appointment. The Doctor had told me there was a chance this wouldn't work. You're kidding me right? This needed to work....more prayer. Late on a friday evening I used the medication. It worked. I started contracting about 20 minutes after I used it. Oh my word, the pain. If this is what labor would be like I would definitely need the epidural....I used the pain medicine and more ibuprofen. Aaron ran from our bedroom to the microwave heating up my rice bag. My dear husband. Oh how I love him. Our baby passed from my body and into Jesus' arms. I recovered and 1 1/2 months later I was pregnant again. I started spotting a week after I took the test. Ectopic pregnancy suspected. Blood draws weekly. Ultrasounds and more Doctor's visits later I was sent to the hospital to await a shot of methotrexate. Actually, two to be exact, right in the 'ol butt. I had a new found respect for my Dad who was going through cancer treatment and needed to get shots like that monthly. Don't look these drugs up on google...they're scary. Trust me. I waited for two hours, I'm not kidding. How exasperating. The only place I could get the medication was at the hospital. Later I found out that wasn't true. I made sure to relay that message to my Doctor's office. I could not believe I was going through this again. I had been trying to call Aaron through all of this...come to find out he was in Sudden Valley and had NO cell service. Figures. I got the shots and waited. They worked. And, our second baby passed from my body and into Jesus' arms the very next day. I was done. So done. I sat in our newly purchased glider rocker (in the newly appointed nursery) and cried....for all we had lost. For our baby that would not be born in our birthday month and possibly share one of our birthdays...for the second Mother's Day that I would still not be a Mother here on earth. Only the peace that passes all understanding got us through. Aaron was so optimistic...things will go better next time..let's keep trying. As I mentioned earlier, my Dad had cancer and later on that month we moved him to a nursing home. My Mom could no longer care for him at home. One day I was visiting him and he looked me straight in the eye and told me we couldn't quit. How could we turn him down? He hadn't given up. His body had been through hell and still he pressed on. When he had nothing left he clung to Jesus. And...so that is what we did. The next couple of months we spent focusing on us and Dad..he was terminal. My Dad passed away in November 2006. Before he passed I was able to give him this very important message, "You're a Grandpa now...take care of my babies for me." And I'm sure he's doing just that.

Our Journey - Part 2

2008-04-13T21:40:00.000-07:00

Let's begin where I left off. After I had the second miscarriage the Doctor ordered a LONG line of blood tests for me. Oh joy. If I remember correctly, by the time I was finished that day, I had given ten vials of blood. Not all of the the tiny, average ones. By this time, I knew the girls at Northwest Regional Lab really well. And...can I just say...they were great. But...I couldn't say the same about my Doctor, which is why we made the decision to switch in January 2007. By word of mouth we chose a wonderful Godly, ARNP who specializes in infertility. She is sympathetic, caring and I absolutely love her. I remembering leaving her office after my first appointment, full of hope and so excited and satisfied. I felt like someone finally understood me. That is the BEST feeling. She right away suspected I had Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, but...wanted to have me tested for Insulin Resistance. More blood work for me. This is the glucose test that all you pregnant women dread having....you get to drink the oh so yummy drink and wait to have your blood drawn. Sweet. I spent my Saturday morning at the lab doing that. My results came back with a **slight** elevation after the second draw. So...it was Metformin for me. This is what diabetics take to regulate their blood sugar. AND...this in addition to Clomid is what helped us to conceive yet again in April 2007. This time I was doing everything right...I was taking a progesterone supplement....taking it easy and we didn't tell anybody. All was seemingly well. We went away for the weekend....I was about 6 weeks along...I woke up that Saturday morning with terrible stomach cramps...my heart sunk. I just knew. That was it. I remember laying on the floor in so much pain...telling Aaron I just could not do this again. I was really done this time. And...so was he. A big thank you to my friend Dena and her husband, Josh. They let us invade their home that weekend and overstay our welcome. We so appreciate them and the way they let us grieve. They took care of us and we are forever grateful. I took a whole week off of work and just stayed home to "get better". It was like reading the final chapter in a book. One that you didn't want to open up again unless you had a big box of kleenex. Through all of this we had so much support from those we love. I found a wonderful website when we first starting TTC. I have been posting there for three years (and I continue to do so to this day) and feel like these women are a huge part of my life. They all know the ups and downs of trying to have a baby and I'm so grateful for each of them. Within the next few weeks we made the decision that would forever change our lives. Adoption....

Nursery Update

2008-09-28T16:57:00.000-07:00

So, just a few picture of the nursery. Here is the crib with the finished quilt on it....the so cute bumper pad and sheet. Can you even believe I got that bumper pad from Pottery Barn...for $19.99!! It was on clearance...and I was so excited. Next is the drawer of all the cute little, tiny socks and onesies...how fun! And then we have the changing table with it's cover and the baskets on the bottom...I looked long and hard for those. Thanks Fairway Country Furnishings for having them...and since I work there I got a very good deal!! Aaron put a shelf up right above the changing table so I can put diapers, wipes and a lamp up there! We're ready....we just need you baby!! We're praying for you and your birthmother......loving you both!! xoxoxoxoxo

Never Let Go

2008-05-06T19:56:00.000-07:00

So....this week my commute increased from 20 minutes to 40 minutes. I was not very happy about this in the beginning....I've known for a few months that the location of my work was changing. But...today, I had a revelation of sorts. I can pray! DUH! I can use those twenty extra minutes and focus on my ever growing prayer list. This morning I put in my copy of the David Crowder Band--Remedy. I love this CD...and so does my husband. We are both big David Crowder Band fans. That is why we were so excited to attend their concert in October of 2007. What a treat! Anyway, I digress...on my way to work I was enjoying the sunshine...thank you Jesus and worshipping with this CD. I just had to share this song with you all....I love it. Now, granted I have listened to this CD many, many times, but....sometimes the words will just begin to minister to you. I so love it when that happens. It happened to me this morning. So, while praying and worshipping with my eyes filled with tears (don't worry, they were open) my 40 minute commute was not wasted. Here are the lyrics:

"Never Let Go"

When clouds veil sun

And disaster comes

Oh, my soul

When waters rise

And hope takes flight

Oh, my soul

Ever faithful

Ever true

You I know

You never let go

When clouds brought rain

And disaster came

Oh, my soul

When waters rose

And hope had flown

Oh, my soul

Overflows

Oh, what love, oh, what love

Oh, my soul

Fills hope

Perfect love that never lets go

Oh, what love, oh, what love

In joy and pain

In sun and rain

You're the same

Oh, you never let go

It just became so evident to me that no matter what God is there. No matter what you have gone through or are going through HE NEVER LETS GO!! Isn't that so cool?? In joy and pain, sun and rain. I think we forget He's there when we're in the sun, but...oh boy, when the rain comes we cling to Him like never before. We need to remember he's there for us at ALL times.

Our Daughter!

2008-11-14T06:24:00.000-08:00

It is with much joy, and trust me....lots and lots of excitement...and right now tears that I give you all this news. Yesterday at about 11:50am our adoption agency called us with "the call". The call we'd been waiting for...for a very long time. I'm counting all those months, well, actually years of trying to conceive. They all ceased to be when I received this call. We have a baby girl...we have named her Halle Grace. She was born on September 26 in Tyler, TX and from birth has been in a very loving foster home. She weighed 5lbs and was 19" at birth. She's little and oh so cute!!! And...we love her so much already.....in fact, I woke up this morning just needing to get up. Trust me that doesn't happen very often. I know that will be changing in the next few days. I needed to come here to the computer and blog about MY DAUGHTER!! All our fears have been put to rest, we'll except packing and doing all of that....what to bring? For me, for her? For Aaron, just kidding...he usually takes care of all of that for me! So many miracles happened for us yesterday. Halle's birthmother wants to meet us and have an open adoption...we are so excited about that. We want to know this incredible woman who sacrificed so much and gave our daughter life. So...we will most likely leave on November 19. I know...that's soon....but of course, nothing will seem soon enough. My heart just ached this morning as I thought about holding her for the first time. What it will feel like...ahhhhh!! I can't wait. More than that, I can't wait to see Aaron holding Halle...I'm sure buckets will be needed for my tears. It's a good thing God takes care of those for me!! We do have a family we can stay with in Texas....praise the Lord. AND...we are actually really looking forward to being there. The agency doesn't require we stay in Tyler which is good...we have always wanted to go to Austin and we'll stay near there. We may be gone over Thanksgiving, but...we'll be here in spirit. And...I just want to say what's really on my heart. My Dad, passed away two years ago on November 25. He would be so excited for us right now and you know what....I think he can see this from heaven he's looking down and saying "Well done, Ape (that's what he called me)....you made it. You persevered...you didn't give up.....you prayed and had faith.....be blessed! What great way to remember this time. Now will always remember being with Halle on November 25. So...please continue to pray for this new Mommy & Daddy as they transition to life with a little one. We know everything will work out, but...there are so many details to take care of as we travel, leave work...you know...all that stuff! Pray for the birthmother and the foster family...I'm sure it won't be easy for them to see Halle go! Give us strength and grace. OH...one more thing...if you'd like to see a picture of her. Please post your e-mail address in a comment. I can send it to you then. BUT...we can not post it on a blog, facebook or myspace. That's what the agency has asked and we need and want to follow the rules.....

Blessings to all of you from this new family of THREE!!!

Just because

2009-11-20T11:16:00.000-08:00

I should be making cookies, folding laundry and cleaning my house, but...I'm not! Because for a few weeks now this has really been on my heart. Often I will think of something I want to post about and mull it over for weeks on end. I want my posts to be meaningful and really want to express how I'm feeling, but...sometimes, it just doesn't come out right. I'm hoping and praying this will not be one of those times. Just recently, two very good friends of mine have delivered new babies! Because I love them and their families I have made meals for both of them. Also, recently I have become acquainted (through Facebook) with a sweet gal I graduated with who, like me, has experienced loss in her life. She and her husband have also experienced infertility, with her most recent loss just months ago. She has quickly become someone I treasure corresponding with. You see, when you've gone through infertility and loss you gravitate to others who have been through what you have. They are the ones who understand what you have been through and why you feel the way you do. This gal, let's just call her "A" and her husband have also adopted a daughter. We have a huge connection there as well. A few weeks ago,"A" congratulated me for being able to make meals for my friends and spend time with them and their new babies. I thought about this and wondered how it could be such and accomplishment? I quickly realized that "A" was where I had been at one time. I would never have been able to do this when I was SMACK in the middle of our TTC'ing journey. It hurt...and it hurt A LOT! I couldn't even look at another pregnant woman without hanging my head and crying!! Jesus took that from me....He mended my broken heart and gave me a gift! I shared with "A" that it was when I gave my infertility over to Jesus that I felt free....and after sharing this with Aaron he reminded me of something else. When the focus is taken off of oneself it is so much easier. And, to be very honest with you...it is so healing for me. Not to mention the snuggles I get...who wouldn't like snuggling with new little people?? My Jesus has given me a gift....that is serving & giving! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to make meals and bake for others. I would spend my life savings (right now that's not much) on others. Not only is that gift God given, it's been passed down through three generations. My Mom is the very same way, and her Mom, my Grandma Rose taught her this gift. I'm thankful, very thankful for these women in my life. I wish my Grandma Rose was here today...she would love to see this in action!! So, "A", I hope you don't mind me sharing this. I'm praying Jesus blesses you with an unexpected gift...I'm praying you'll get to the place where you can spend time with others who are pregnant and love on their babies....you would do an incredible job!!

My best friend

2009-11-11T20:11:00.001-08:00

Just yesterday I received the BEST message on my cell phone. That was from my BFF Jess! She just told me she was thinking about me!! I loved that...she also said she despised Facebook...that's because all her dear friends don't post on their blogs anymore because of it!! So, in honor of my dear friend I'm going to try and do better. She and I have been friends since we really didn't know we were friends. We grew up in the same church, in the same nursery doing the same silly things...we are six months apart and were in the same grade in school. Even though we live in the same county, we don't see *nearly* enough of each other. Living at opposite ends of the county just doesn't work well. She is an AMAZING Homeschooling Mama of four kiddos, Jake 9, Savannah 8 and twin boys, Honor & Justice that turned 1 in August. We have seen each other through lots and lots of ups and downs in our lives. We went shopping for training bras together, ok...I already had mine I just went along to give moral support....stole road signs together...I wasn't in my right mind...my boyfriend and I had just broke up, that's my excuse...wore more make-up at age 12 then we do now...gotta love the bright blue & green mascara....went along with all the fads including stirrup pants and long sweaters as well as matching shirts from the "Cube" to start off our high school years. I remember riding in her blue Chevy Luv to a District Basketball game and scrounging through her ash tray for enough change to buy two "Cheeseburger All-American" Meals. She has been with me through the death of my Dad and my infertility and she was one of the first to call me after learning about Halle Grace. She makes me smile and challenges me in my faith. She knows how to put me in my place gently, when I most need it. She has loved me through ALL stages of my life. Jess is one of those friends who could move away (she did right after high school) for years and when she comes back....it is like she's never been gone. You pick up right where you left off!! I can count on her to eat my Snickerdoodles, Mac-N-Cheese & Monster Cookies. She also got me in big trouble, I had to make dinner for a week, when I was in High School. I said our dinner looked like dog food....she told my Mom I said dog *poop*...not so good!! AND...guess what I still love her!! I love her so much I had to dig up this picture of her and I on her wedding day.....I wish I had a picture of the two of us together now! We're going to work on that....I love you Jessica Mary!!! Thanks for reading my blog......xoxoxoxoxox

Wordless Wednesday--Soooo CUTE!

2009-11-04T12:15:00.000-08:00

Our TEXAS Adoption Journey - Part 2

2009-10-12T12:03:00.000-07:00

I had to go back and see where I left off. We had just received the phone call from Christian Homes and received the pictures of OUR daughter...Halle Grace. We made the necessary calls to family members right then and there at Aaron's work. I asked my Mom is she was ready to be a Grandma...she wasn't sure right then, I insisted she better figure it out....she now had a Granddaughter. Aaron's Mom cried.....as did almost everyone I talked to that I called. I called Miss Dena right away with the news...I knew she would want to know. Those moments I will treasure forever. I love all the enthusiasm we got from each and every person who loves us! I did go back to work that day, but...I don't think I got very much done!! Everyone at work gathered around as I pulled up the picture of our daughter....oh...it was so cute. We spent the next week preparing to leave for Texas. I washed more pink clothes than I had my WHOLE life. Everyone wanted to shower Halle with gifts. Grammie & Auntie Amber went shopping and bought practically a whole wardrobe. We packed our suitcases and really didn't know how long we would be gone. Aaron could only stay for a week so, we were praying we would be back in a week with Halle. AND...that would be Thanksgiving Day. During this time I contacted a friend of mine, Rachel. A friend I had only met over the internet through an infertility website I have posted on since 2005 when Aaron and I had begun the long journey of trying to conceive. Rachel lives very near Austin, TX and had offered her home for us to stay in. We chatted on the phone and it felt like I had known her FOREVER! If she lived here or I lived there we would so be friends forever!! We took Rachel up on her offer. The plan was this. We would fly into Dallas (we used air miles and could only fly into that airport)...drive to Tyler, stay there for three nights and drive to Austin to stay with Rachel and her family for as long as we needed. Wednesday night before we left neither Aaron nor I could sleep..we were so excited! Our flight left at the crack of dawn...5:40am...but, that didn't matter we were too excited. We arrived at the airport, empty infant car seat in tow, faces aglow. I can not tell you how many people asked about that empty car seat. It was a good lead-in for the story of Halle. Our flight to Texas was uneventful...for that we were glad! We arrived in Dallas and made our way to the rental car counter. Can I just tell you how glad I was to have my husband with me. He is so great with all of this stuff and had it planned out. We finally got our car and began our journey to Tyler...first stop..."Sonic"...at the time we didn't have one near us and we couldn't wait to experience that. We arrived in Tyler after a small detour. Well, this city has a two *loops* in it...everything is on a loop...kinda confusing, but...we finally found our way to our hotel. A Marriott of course, Residence Inn I think. It had a small sitting area, table & chairs and little kitchen. We we got into the room the "Pack-n-Play" was already set up for little Halle. That night we ate dinner at "Chili's"...that's another place we wished we had here. We just don't have one close enough! Aaron and I immediately noticed the Texas hospitality...we have NOTHING like it here in Washington. I wanted to take our waitress home with us!! HEHEHE! We wanted to get a good night's sleep as the next day we would meet Halle, her Birth Mom & her foster family. How does one prepare for that?? Well, we prayed a lot! AND...I didn't eat much breakfast the next morning...I was way too nervous. I spent time on the Hotel's computer the next morning updating this very blog and my Facebook status....the clock on the computer was wrong and I only had minutes to pack Halle's diaper bag and get to the car....and we were off to the agency to meet Halle Grace.....

Daddy's Pick...

2009-10-04T12:39:00.001-07:00

He calls this one, "Two Brown Bears"....seriously how cute is this? Hal was using her bear for a pillow!! This bear was used in our wedding and now Halle gets to love on it....

So Sweet!

2009-09-27T11:52:00.000-07:00

Just a sneak peek at a birthday pic! This is for you Grammie Mary!!

Happy FIRST Birthday!

2009-09-25T17:04:00.000-07:00

Miss Halle -- 1 year old

Tomorrow is Halle's first birthday...I seriously can't believe it! WOW! She has been with us for 10 whole months. In a way it seems like just yesterday we arrived home from Texas. BUT...in other ways I feel like she's been ours FOREVER!! This little girl is the light of our lives. She brings us so much joy and LOTS and LOTS and LOTS of laughter. So, here dear sweet little girl is your birthday letter from Mommy!!

Dear Halle Grace,

Mommy can not believe you are going to be one tomorrow....the time has flown by!! I was telling Daddy just the other night that I can hardly remember what it was like when you were so tiny. When you came to live with Mommy & Daddy you were about 9lbs...now, you weigh 20lbs and you are so looooonnnnnggggg....you get that from your Birth Mommy! Words can not express how much I love you little girl...I will NEVER take for granted that love. I will kiss your cheeks until you grow too big and won't let me any more and, just for the record, that's going to be a long way off!! You sweet brown girl fill Mommy's life with smiles, laughter and so much fun. I love, love, love that you love music just like your Mommy & Daddy. Dancing is one of your favorite things to do! And you have more rythmn than either one of us has. You face life head on with no fear though we're not sure if that's good or bad, but...I'm going with good. This would be the reason that tonight you got your very first bloody lip. For the same reason, we're pretty sure it won't be your last. We're working on saying some words right now and I seriously, never want to forget how you say "dog". It's the cutest thing....you have to concentrate really hard and then at the end you don't get the whole "g" out but, lots of spit comes instead! You little girl could charm the socks off anybody...the checker at the grocery store, Grammie's friends at the bank and more than anything your Daddy!! You love your Daddy so much and that makes Mommy so happy...I love to see your face when you see your Daddy after he's been away at work. You use your ever so speedy crawling skills and get to him as fast as you can. You follow him EVERYWHERE...and even wait outside the bathroom door for him. Your Daddy waited a very long time to have a little girl like you, Halle Grace. There are so many things I don't want to forget....like how you get so excited when we come to get you out of your crib, I sometimes think you might jump right out you're so excited. Or, how you tip your sippy cup back so far when you're drinking you almost fall over...you makes us laugh sweet girl! And all the silly games we can play with you and your blankie. We can get you giggling so hard....But, my most favorite thing of all is snuggling with you sweet girl. I rocked you for just a *little* bit tonight before you went to bed...I was remembering when you were so tiny your feet hardly made it to my waist...and you'd tuck your legs up with your little bum in the air. Now your legs are so long they hang down to my knees when I'm sitting. But, just like kissing your cheeks...I will rock you until you won't let me anymore! Halle, Daddy and I pray that this year will be one of wonder and delight for you. That your little brain will retain lots and lots and you will learn more and more. We pray our Jesus will bless you baby girl...that He will keep you safe and away from harm. But most of all we pray that when the time is right you will ask Jesus into your heart to be your Lord and Savior. We love you Halle Bear....you truly are a gift from God!!!

xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Mommy (and Daddy too!)

Miss Halle -- Two days old

From a pumpkin....to a bunny!!

2009-09-11T10:18:00.001-07:00

I was thinking about fall today...and Halloween...which led me to think about a costume for Halle. I remembered that Auntie Lisa had given us cousin Eden's costume of a bunny and wanted to see if it would fit!! Guess what...it does PERFECTLY!! And seriously, have you seen a cuter bunny?? With that little brown face. She LOVED having the costume on...she was so silly and crawling EVERYWHERE...I could hardly get a good picture of her. AND...in comparison...we have a picture of Halle last year at Halloween...thanks Mary Lynne & Robbie!! We're so glad Halle got to spend the time with you all!!!

Fun at the Park

2009-09-11T10:01:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, September 6, we celebrated Great-Grandma Benner's 80th birthday!! WAHOOO!! I asked her how it felt to be 80...she said, "Not much different...I still feel with my hands!"...what a jokester! We are glad we got to spend some time with Grandma, the Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. We were at the the city park which made it lots of fun for all the kids. AND..the rain held out until we were leaving....PHEW! Halle especially loved Lisa & Matt's puppy Hixson. If she could, she would hug every dog she sees...I'm so glad too. I was scared of dogs for a long time and I don't want her to be like that too! After we had lunch, cake & visited we took Halle down the park to "play" and have an impromptu photo shoot. We needed some pictures for her birthday invites. She loves the swings and slide...in fact, she was crying because I went down with her. SHEESH!! Can you say: strong willed?? That's our little girl!!

Let's just call this....BED HEAD!

2009-09-09T19:56:00.000-07:00

Just a little fun in the morning.....or this could have been after her nap! Either way...she's got some DO!

Vacation...summer...oh...nine...

2009-08-28T09:50:00.000-07:00

I actually can't believe that at this time last week we were in our car traveling to Billings, Montana. WOW!! What a loooooonnnnngggg trip. We left our house last Thursday at 4:45am. YEP...that is mighty early. I scooped Hal up from her crib while she was still sleeping...she woke up when I put her in her car seat, but...fell back asleep. Halle was such a super duper trooper. We drove to Missoula that first day and had many stops along the way. That was a good thing...both Hal & Mommy & Daddy needed to stretch and get our of their seats. Can I just say hotels are EXPENSIVE. Even not so nice ones. We are very fortunate that Aaron's Auntie Joy works for the Marriott and we are able to receive a "Friends & Family" discount. BUT...not all towns have a Marriott and sometimes, because of availability, they can't offer that discount. SO...all that being said, we were not able to stay in a Marriott that first night in Missoula. We stayed at the "Days Inn" in downtown Missoula. I warn you all.....NEVER EVER stay there. It reeked...of must and mold and our dear sweet daughter woke up with a barky cough in the middle of the night because of the must and mold. Not to mention the fact that there was NO parking and a really nasty lady reeking of alcohol, came up to Halle and touched her while I was holding her.....SHEESH! AND...continental breakfast, my foot....it was NOT! We were very glad when we could leave that place and head to Billings to meet up with the rest of Aaron's family. His sister, Heather, was getting married on Saturday in Billings. I think I need to mention part of our drive....through Bozeman to Billings. It was raining....SUPER HARD....I was driving at that time and could not even hear Aaron talking to me in the car. Not my idea of fun. I was praying hard as my wipers were swooshing ever so quickly...the fastest they would go. We arrived in Billings around dinner time and were whisked away to visit with the Hirschi's (Shaun's family, Heather's now husband) at their house.....and eat some yummy dinner. We got back to our hotel in time to relax a little by the pool before Miss Halle needed to lay down for the night. Thanks so much Auntie Joy....this hotel was not lacking and it was beautiful and had everything the "Days Inn" didn't. "Residence Inn-Marriott"....was the best! A full breakfast buffet in the morning with an eating area. We shared a suite with Aaron's sister, Andrea her husband Guy, and their two boys, Bryceton & Kai. It was a lot of fun! We really enjoyed sharing that time with them. Hal goes to their house every Thursday and she loves her Auntie, Uncle & those silly cousins....that was very evident!! Heather and Shaun were married on Saturday....that's about all I have to say about that. By 10:30pm we were ready to get Halle back to her bed...she was 3 hours passed her bedtime and we were all cranky and tired. We stayed in Billings until Tuesday morning and then made our way back to Washington, slowly. We stayed with my favorite Youth Pastor and his wife, Lowell & Tami Hochhalter, in Missoula on Tuesday night. We had so much fun catching up with Lowell, Tami, Courtney, Carson, Lacey & Allie. We had yummy ice cream with fresh huckleberries. YUM-O! AND...Lacey & Allie fought over Halle. I loved that!! AND them....I babysat for Courtney & Carson when they were little so, this was so much fun for me!! Wednesday we spent some time with Lowell, Lacey & Allie before we left fo Spokane. Upon a recommendation from Lowell, we stopped off in Alberton, Mt at this so cool used bookstore that has over 100,000 used books. They are all stuffed into a small space, but...I had so much fun. AND...bought 4 books for $14. I needed more reading material for the car ride. Lunch that day was at Silver Dollar City it was so yummy. We checked into our hotel in Spokane in time to take Hal swimming for the very first time. She LOVED it, but...it did take her awhile to get to that point. Dinner that night was at the "Old Spaghetti Factory" one of my favorite places. I was disappointed...the service stunk and we had to wait for 1/2 hour to get our table. Not to mention the fact that I ordered WHOLE WHEAT spaghetti with my white clam sauce and didn't get it. Guess what?? We got my meal for free! AND...Hal loved the spaghetti with brown butter & mizithra cheese. On Thursday we spent some quality time with Aaron's Great Uncle Merle & Great Aunt Joanne. Can I tell you how much we love these people? Merle is Aaron's Grandpa Craner's brother...we miss Grandpa and Uncle Merle is a lot like him, so we treasure the time we get to spend with these two. We had a great time visiting and Uncle Merle made Miss Halle the sweetest little chair that says "Jesus loves Halle" on it. How cute is that?? She really likes it too! We were able to surprise Cousin Nancy & her husband Terry who were bringing their daughter, Joy to school at Eastern by stopping by and inviting them all to eat with us. Dinner was at "Zips" drive-in, courtesy of Uncle Merle. Such a good choice...the milkshakes were so yummy!! The night was not finished so we headed back to Merle & Joanne's for some more visiting. This is becoming an EXTRA long post, sorry about that. On Friday we arrived in Wenatchee for Aarons' friend Bob's wedding to his sweet bride Jessica. Yep, another Jess in our lives. We so loved spending time with Bob, Jess & their son Micah. BONUS....Josh was also in the wedding so, he, Dena & the kids were there too. Jess' family showed us wonderful hospitality and kindness and Bob could not have picked a better family to be a part of. This family loves the Lord with passion and it is evident. I so love seeing this in people!! Saturday was the wedding and it was wonderful. They could not have chosen a better location for an outdoor wedding. It was in the backyard of some good friends of their's in Monitor, WA. The river was flowing behind the bride and groom. Very appropriate for them and so peaceful and cool for all us! My husband looked so handsome in his chocolate brown slacks, white button down shirt & TIE....yep, if you know Aaron you'll hardly believe it!! Sunday Jess' family, The Flick's, provided a WONDERFUL brunch for the wedding party and we headed home after that. We tried to make it quick, but...did stop for a box of peaches and some nectarines on the way home....and ice cream at DQ...Hal loves ice cream too! Here are some of my favorite pictures I may add more in another post! ENJOY!

Mommy & Hal enjoying a breakfast burrito on the pass

Sleeping Beauty...she did A LOT of this

Daddy & Hal...reading a book during our lunch break

Getting pretty for Auntie Heather's wedding

Smiles for Uncle Aaron

Shopping at Cabelas, in Billings, MT

Isaac & Halle, sharing a moment and Puffs!

So cute!

Halle with Jess' nose!

My Handsome Hubby & our sweet daughter...note the tie!

Halle...all tuckered out after Bob & Jess' wedding!

Wordless Wednesday--Look at Me!

2009-08-26T12:44:00.000-07:00

Home Sweet Home

2009-08-26T12:37:00.000-07:00

We got home on Sunday after being gone for TEN days...that's A LOT...especially with an almost 11 month old daughter who is ALWAYS on the go. So, I've been thinking about our home and what I appreciate about it.....here's my list in no particular order:

Two-ply Charmin toilet paper

Two bathrooms

The yummy smell of candles burning....

We each have our own bedroom & separate living areas

My fridge is there whenever I need it

The washing machine and dryer...they have been used A LOT over the last three days

Our computer

The cozy, at home feeling I get here

The paint colors we've chosen.....

My husband and daughter being here with me...

OH...it's so GOOD to be home....now if we just lived a little closer to where we really want to be! Patience is a virtue....

VACATION!!!

2009-08-12T20:39:00.000-07:00

PHEW!! We are leaving tomorrow for Montana....Aaron's sister, Heather, is getting married on Saturday and we are making a road trip out of it. We won't be back until August 23. We have another wedding to attend on August 22 and Aaron is a Groomsmen in that one. We are visiting friends and family along the way and can't wait to spend some time together without all our chores looming over us!! We'll have pictures when we get back.............

HIS Amazing Grace

Christmas JOY!

Fetching the Christmas Tree!

60 degrees and SUNSHINE!

This CRAZY Weather!

Yogurt Body Butter

Fun with Halle...

Our Journey -- Part 1

Our Journey - Part 2

Nursery Update

Never Let Go

Our Daughter!

Just because

My *best* friend

Wordless Wednesday--Soooo CUTE!

Our TEXAS Adoption Journey - Part 2

Daddy's Pick...

So Sweet!

Happy FIRST Birthday!

From a pumpkin....to a bunny!!

Fun at the Park

Let's just call this....BED HEAD!

Vacation...summer...oh...nine...

Wordless Wednesday--Look at Me!

Home Sweet Home

VACATION!!!

My best friend