Thanksgiving 2010

I have been really bad about keeping this blog updated.  It's been a little crazy with the holidays.  I thought I'd catch up on the happenings of the past 3 months.  We took a trip to Kansas for Thanksgiving.  We had so much fun, and it was so nice to spend some time with my parents.  We took Kylie with us, because she really misses grandma and grandpa.  We drove to their house and we could not have asked for better weather for that drive.

Us and mom.  We spent Thanksgiving Day at my Aunt Linda's house.  We had lots of food to share.

My Aunt Linda on the right and my Aunt Denise on the left.  Me and Aunt Denise have an amazing bond.  I really have looked up to her my whole life.

We played Mad Gab.  First time I ever played.  Let me tell you it was super fun.  It was great.   When we were kids, my grandpa always had M&Ms when we would come to visit.  Now my parents have this little guy filled with M&Ms waiting for grandkids to come and eat them.

Just before we left for home Dad made us homemade cinnamon rolls.  They are/were so yummy.

Halloween 2010

3rd Annual Pumpkin Carving Contest with the V's

Last night was our annual pumpkin carving contest.  We all gathered at Mom and Dad V's house for pumpkins, food, and family time.  Here I'm working on my second masterpiece. 

It's picture above.  I usually do just one, but the pumpkins at the pumpkin patch were so Awesome!! I had to get 3.  Which means Paul only got to carve one!!  Pretty sure he didn't mind.

Paul's creation!!

Jen and John are about to be new parents.  Pretty sure she is ready for baby "V" to get here, just like the rest of use.  The anticipation is very intense!!

Tim usually dances around and takes pictures.   Alex and him are dancing in this picture.  

Michelle is SUPER creative and she is working on her entry!!

And the WINNER is  Ryan!  For the second year in a row he has won.  

Blog

I did a lot of work on the blog today.  There is still much to do, however, I got some of the pages updated.  I also posted a letter to our birth family.  It is a very personal part of us.  We hope all that reads it can feel the love we have for everyone involved in this process.  I'm also excited I figured out how to make a slide show.  We love this new adventure we are embarking on, our family is also very excited!!!

Visit #3 Complete!

We have completed all three home visits with our Amazing Case Worker Julie.  She is such a sweet person.  She really knows how to calm my nerves.  The good news is that in about 3 weeks we will be approved and our profile will go "live".  I have butterflies in my stomach.  I wonder if that is the same feeling our birth mom will feel when she first feels the baby move in her tummy?  We started our process in January, getting things in order.  In May we were sealed in the Denver Temple, a necessary step to turn in our application.  On July 9th we officially turned in our application.  So approximately 3 months to from that day in July.  We are so blessed with amazing family and friends, who have been so supportive.  What would we do without you?  I'm not really sure and glad I don't have to find out.  I will finish the pages on this blog soon I promise.  The pressure is on, and work great with deadlines.  Goodnight!  We love you all for the roles you play in our lives:)

Families are Forever

Families are Forever!

I was thinking today about my trip to Layton, UT last month for the Families Supporting Adoption Conference.  I had time to slip away to Salt Lake City and walk around temple grounds.  It's there that I had time to reflect on the fact that this was the place my Forever Family started.  This is the temple I was sealed to my parents for time and all eternity.  They always had the courage and strength to do what was right.
It is so beautiful and peaceful there!  I had time to really sit, ponder and pray about this path the Lord has provided for us. Through the miracle of adoption we too could have a Forever Family.  It is there that I was assured this is the journey the Lord wants us to make.  We pray nightly that our birth family will be guided to us.  We love them more than words can express.  We are thankful for them, and pray that they will feel the love of our Heavenly Father as they make this difficult decision.

Adoption: Its about LOVE