Over Due

I'm sure you've all been worried that we failed to celebrate Easter this year.  Here is some proof...to put your minds at ease, now that Independence Day is right around the corner.  Wasn't Easter like 5 years ago?!

Alive!

Wow. I have completely fallen lame in the blog world.  I blame it all on my iPhone.  Getting that thing totally shook up my regular world of technology.  I'm still trying to find my new groove, and I'm not the greatest with change...I got my phone like 8 months ago.  But today is the start of a new week with new goals and I am getting my blog on!

There is nothing huge to report.  Life as usual.  Working the yard, riding bikes, working in the yard, going to the park, visiting the zoo, shopping garage sales like a mad woman, working in the yard, prepping for a little camping trip, continuing to fail in the dinner department...can't plan dinners/weekly menus for the life of me, checking adoption profile statistics and adoption email religiously (no news yet), counting down the days until Tom and Annette come home (19), counting down the days until we set sail to the Eastern Caribbean (32), stressing about leaving my children for said vacation, working in the yard, swimming, trying to enjoy exercising (also failing), missing friends who have moved (please come back!), and...last but not least...working in the yard!  Life as usual.

I'm so happy that summer is here and excited for all that it brings.  Our monthly schedules are filling up fast!  Carson and Cade are darling as ever.  They are learning and growing so much and are anxious to start their swimming lessons.  They ask daily when their birthday is coming and are trying desperately to understand the concept of time.  Carson asks a million questions a day (not even slightly exaggerating...spend 10 minutes with him and you'll understand).  He is extremely affectionate and wins the heart of every person he meets.  He is incredibly smart, yet still won't sleep in a bed!  Love him more than words.  Cade is still dressing up regularly and is just as stubborn as I am.  We tend to butt heads from time to time, both determined to never back down!  Too much alike I tell ya.  He is a mad man on two wheels and loves to show off his sweet skills.  He is a natural leader and always amazes me at his innate ability to lead and influence others.  He loves to tease and play games.  Once you give him a little time to warm up, he is sweet as candy.  Love him more than words.

Is June really almost half way over?  Time needs to slow down.  I can't seem to keep up.  No pictures for today.  I'm only in the beginning stages of dancing my new groove.  But...I'm feelin' it!        

Fathers and sons x 2

Sad fact. I have not attended a Fathers and Sons campout in Boise prior to this year. I took our boys to one in TF two years ago. I'm not sure what happened last year. In the spirit of making up for lost time, we squeezed in two Fathers and Sons campouts this year. Our stake had an activity a few weeks ago, but we called an audible and camped at Huszar's place. We had a great time and even slept a little. This past weekend was our ward activity which I attended with our boys. We had a great time and got to test out our new tent. We ended up having some rain, lightning and thunder in the evening which added to the overall experience. Mom really likes it when we go camping.

 

Muddy buddies

Do they make seat belts for camp chairs? I'd buy some restraints if they're available.

Here's the new tent. We pitched it without the rain fly since it was such a clear sky. I got to put the fly up at 12:30 when rain drops woke me up. We stayed dry after the fly went on.

How I feel about...Motherhood

Yes.  I think it's safe to say I had a good Mother's Day.  Fabulous actually.

Hmmm...All of April in Pictures.

Timberline boys basketball made it to the finals for State.  One of the boys' favorites from our ward is on the team.  We headed to the tournament to show our support.  Go Wolves!

The boys have been earning a trampoline!  This sticker chart made my the Dad adorns our fridge and is about 15 stickers away from full!  To say that they are excited is an understatement.  They have done well to earn their stickers and I'm one proud Mom!

These two are good Dads to their dogs.

Carson and Cade LIVE on their bikes.  They rode the "pedal bike" until in could be ridden no more.  The front wheel split beyond repair.  RIP Pedal Bike.  You served us well.

Easter cookies.  I thought of this all by myself last minute.  I'm now patting myself on the back!

These two (especially Cade) are very much into dress-up and make believe.  They spent their day in my shoes with big ol' purses.  Sometimes its painful to watch your children act like you.  Talk about a reality check!

These three cute cousins were acting like a train at Grandma's.  Cade was the engine with a flashlight nose to lead the way.

I just love this street.  It is miles long and leads right to our street.  It is lined on both sides with these trees...they bloom white and pick.  Spring and Fall are the BEST!

Friends and the Zoo.  Birds in the nest!

Stopping to smell the roses...er...look at bugs!  Bike rides wouldn't be complete without bugs.

Cute friends after preschool.  This was during their Dr. Seuss week.  They are wearing Hortin the Elephant ears.

I love you green smoothies.  You get veggies and protein in my boys without them even realizing!

Ready to hike Table Rock!

Daddy go-kart and little boy go-kart (courtesy of the Easter Bunny).

Lots of go-kart rides happening here!  Come on over and take a spin.  You won't regret it.  I think Shane's top speed is 40 MPH.  A little scary.  I'm sure a helmet will save him in a fiery crash, don't you?!? 

Carson continues to stash his stuff anywhere and everywhere.  I don't even want to know where all our hidden treasures could be.  But every time I find some, it makes me smile.

Sharing the Good News

These past few months have been life changing for us. They have been filled with lots of ups and downs, prayer, excitement, peace, prayer, prayer, prayer!, more ups and downs, and more peace. Clear as mud? I am in a place I never thought I'd be and it is wonderful. At this point in my life, there is no doubt in my mind that a loving God is aware of me and His guiding hand is felt regularly. I am deeply grateful for His love and plan of happiness.

That being said it is time to spread the good news. We are hoping to adopt. I get emotional even typing it. My heart is full. That is they only way I can explain the way I feel. Our profile through LDS Family Services should go LIVE in a few weeks. I can't even believe it. The mounds and mounds of paperwork is daunting and has consumed me completely for the past 2 months. But we are through it and it feels amazing. Then the waiting begins. There are so many unknowns and we are doing our best to throw all of our expectations out the window because of the reality of the situation. Most couples wait and wait and wait and wait some more. All the while we are holding onto our hope. How can anyone let go of hope? It is what makes life wonderful.

I believe whole heartedly that we are doing the right thing, whatever that means...regardless of the outcome. I am excited at the chance that might be given us to share our love and add another member to our family. In the meantime, we will be sharing our story and getting the word out...in hopes that it might lead us to our miracle. You never know who it might reach. I have created a new blog that is adoption specific. It still may receive some face-lifts but it's close! If you're interested, take a look and share it if you are able.

Click HERE

Faith is a beautiful thing. I have been reminded that we must take steps into the dark before we see the light. As we have done this and continue to do so, our faith only grows. As we move forward, without fear and nothing wavering, we are blessed and strengthened. This, I know for sure.