6 Pages In Our Book

Fourth of July In Utah

2009-07-06T15:54:00.001-07:00

PARADE

Not sure where Ella wandered off to...

Family Picnic

Bridger and Hunter give their Uncle Clint the worst time about being a University of Utah and Indianapolis Colts fan...so we decided to have a little fun with him. If you look closely at the cake-the second line says "Clint loves Tom." We laughed so hard and asked Clint how his "new relationship" was going. He took it like a good sport, but said we were all going to get food poisioning.

Daddy and Ella

BOATING

Bart and Clint trying, then failing to stay on the tube with a girl at the wheel-Go Cherise!

Aunt "Scaredy Cat" Cherise and Ella

The kids outlasted the adult

Kaylee, Hunter and Bridger

Being ever so humble, Bridger won the contest of who could stay on the tube longest

Goofing Off

Bridger wake boarding

Hold Onto Every Moment

2009-06-14T20:47:00.000-07:00

Today, my dear, sweet husband challenged our family to keep better personal journals. Since it has been 4 1/2 months since I last posted anything, I guess that would make me a horrible journal keeper. The challenge is on and although, I continue to stalk my favorite blogs, I have been really slack in keeping my postings up to date.

Summer is in full swing. Time is slipping away faster than I could ever imagine. Just trying to enjoy my beautiful children.

My friend took these AWESOME pictures of my kids...they made me cry. Thanks Judy-you are so talented!

Ice Skating and Chick-Fil-A

2009-01-28T12:08:00.000-08:00

Ella loves to go to her ice skating lessons! Her teacher Miss Jennifer, who happens to be a local news reporter for this station, is awesome. Ella has made some great friendships in this class, one of which is a girl adopted from China, named Delany. What are the chances that I sign Ella up for an ice skating class and she meets a girl adopted from China, her age and lives only a few miles away. I couldn't believe it! I love that Ella has a new buddy that she can identify with. After lessons, we all went to Chick-Fil-A for lunch. Of course, Ella's favorite part was the ice cream!

Life

2009-01-27T17:15:00.000-08:00

Yes! I know that I haven't posted in a while-I been told by many. Some have called my blog "lame and pathetic; in need of resuscitation." I needed a break-so much was going on in my life-some being caused by these cute little faces.

Adopting an older child comes with so many benefits, but it also comes with past memories-memories of a life you took away. A five year old does not have a real clear understanding of the big picture of life. I have had more conversations with Ella about "forever families" than I have had reading her books. Some days, I spend the whole day telling Ella that we are not taking her back to China or to live with a new mommy or daddy. Some nights, she still wakes up screaming. How I want her to understand she is home. I know this will come with time, but it breaks my heart and exhausts me emotionally.

All the while, I have been trying to finish up a few college classes. I went to college for three years before I got married so I have been on a quest to finish. Some months, it is not a quest, but an obsession...I get so wrapped up in just finishing that I loose site of other things going on around me. I have decided that going to college as a mom is like trying to win the lottery-nearly impossible. It takes me one year to finish two classes online. I finally decided that I would go back into the classroom this fall and finish up with an education degree. But, I think all day kindergarten is probably on the chopping block due to state budget cuts, so Ella will be home at half day. No way I can go full time to school. I have to remind myself that it is not my time to finish this goal-being a mom is my number one priority. So, here's to starting back to school full time in the fall of 2010...or 2011...2012.

Life is rather cluttered-you just muddle through and try to put a smile on your face, be positive and find joy around you. I have so many blessings-Life is Good!

Fall Break in California...or as my kids call it Cal-leee-fornnn-yaaa

2008-10-18T13:57:00.000-07:00

2008-10-01T13:26:00.000-07:00

Don't worry that children never listen to you; worry that they are always watching you. ~Robert Fulghum

Everyday before Ella goes to preschool, I let her sit down and watch 1/2 hour of television while I clean up around the house. She always picks Pinky Dinky Doo. For those of you who are not familiar with Pinky Dinky Doo, the show is interactive. I usually hear Ella talking/screaming out answers to questions or singing along. Today, all I heard was silence. So, I come downstairs to this

I asked Ella why she was drinking a Diet Coke. She looks at me and says:

"I want to be just like momma."

Yikes! I have been trying to stop drinking pop, especially Diet Coke, but once in a while-a girl just needs a caffeine boost. After today, I think I'm good. I'm done drinking Diet Coke in public. When and if I need a lift-I am so in the closet drinking my Diet Coke.

And if anyone is up tonight between 10-3 am, call me-I'll be up with a child bouncing off the walls.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-09-24T14:56:00.001-07:00

Blogging Deep Into The Night

2008-09-15T11:08:00.000-07:00

Ella has been recovering from pneumonia and her sleep schedule is a little off again. Last night, I was up with Ella quite late and she said something that I did not expect. She asked if we could look at her "computer friends."

We adopted Ella when she turned four years old and knowing that she would remember her time in China I wasn't sure what to expect. In the first few months upon coming home, Ella had some pretty awful night terrors in which she woke up begging to go back to China and her nanny Jenny. I would sit and talk with her until she calmed down enough to go back to sleep. I have at times, sat with my daughter, 2 in the morning, in her closet, looking at orphanage pictures while she sobs. I know this is all normal and I try my best to comfort her own feelings. I never want to tell her that what she is feeling is wrong, but what I have tried to do is explain the situation. On the day that Ella left the orphanage, her nanny told her goodbye and explained to her that her momma and papa (baba) were waiting for her. Ella has told me many times "Jenny say bye-bye to Ella." My heart breaks knowing that Ella had to leave someone who loved her so much. I decided a few months ago that I would involve Ella in blogging. I want her know that she is not alone in leaving an orphanage to live with a family. I try to relate Ella's experience with what I can show her on the blogs. Ella LOVES to sit on my lap as we look at different blogs and talk about how all these girls said good-bye to their "Jenny's." I show her how happy these girls are to have a mommy, daddy, siblings, grandparents-whatever the situation may be. I tell her that these little girls on the computer are just like her. They left China because their momma and papa loved and wanted them so much. I always try to make it personal; she is your age, she goes to school like you, she has the same name as you, she has toys like you, she has a family just like you.

So to all the China Adoption blogs I have lurked, stalked and become a regular customer:

Thank You

Thank You for be willing to open up your life

Posting about the good and the bad

Your impact on my daughter's life has been immeasurable

2008-09-14T22:01:00.000-07:00

You can't depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus.

Mark Twain

What does two water bottles, wire, paddles made out of a shoe box, one ball and a pool table get you?

Homemade Table Tennis

(Apologizing for the bad pics-my normal camera had a dead battery)

I Trained Him Well

2008-09-13T10:38:00.000-07:00

DH went out to do some shopping last night-he told me he was going to a sporting good store, but came home an hour later with a Dillard's bag. In the Dillard's bag was 4 pair of Ralph Lauren dress pants that were each $21.25 marked down from $85.00. A savings of $255.00. I am bursting with pride-I taught him well.

Ella - The Party Planner

2008-09-12T08:50:00.000-07:00

Ella's Fourth Birthday Party in China - November 8, 2007

Ella wakes up everyday and asks "Is it my birthday, Momma?"

To which I reply "No honey, not today."

And then, like every other day, we start the process of planning her birthday party.

We go through the list of people who are going to be invited to her birthday.

We talk about what kind of cake she is going to have.

We discuss the games that will be played.

We mull over the pinata choice.

We take a strategic approach about which princess dress she should wear.

Ella's birthday is not until November 8th, but she has attended many birthday parties since she came home 10 months ago and desperately wants to have a birthday party.

I am sure in her little mind, she thinks that November 8th will never come.

As her mom, I am not ready to have another birthday party.

I can not image that any type of birthday celebration will compare to her last birthday party. We were in China and Ella had only been in my arms for 4 days.

We were wild in love with this child; she laughed at everything and out giggled her daddy.

Our wonderful guide Jocelyn, helped us order a cake.

We were having a group dinner the night of Ella's birthday and I wanted everyone to sing Happy Birthday to our little girl.

I will never forget the moment the cake was placed in front of Ella, laughing at the fire on the candles, singing and watching her blow out the candles.

The moment is one that I will treasure forever.

Being in China-Ella's homeland, with this precious daughter of mine, surrounded by a fantastic group of people, celebrating her fourth birthday and a new beginning.

For me, November 8th will come soon enough.

9/11

2008-09-11T09:37:00.000-07:00

I will never forget the day that I woke up and my heart stopped.

My hearts still stops whenever I see images from 9/11.

The grief and sadness.

The terror and horror.

The unity of the nation.

Three years after 9/11 on a family vacation to New York City,

I stood at Ground Zero with my kids in silence.

As we were leaving Ground Zero, we watched a new shift of police officers arrive for work.

A crowd gathered around; it was the changing of the guard.

A roll call, assignments given out, salutes, remembering those fallen officers.

I will never forget watching my boys watch them.

Today, they talked about that moment on the way to school.

My youngest said "Mom, I am so glad we live in America."

I told him "Me too."

God Bless This Great Nation.

God Bless America.

Homework

2008-08-27T16:12:00.000-07:00

Ok-I am going to be straight up admit it-I was hoping Ella would never come home from preschool with homework. I imagine that I feel this way because she is my 4th child and preschool for me is a place for mom to drop off a child for a couple hours-no homework strings attached. I am ok with providing snack, doing show and tell and even a field trip, but please no homework. Ella goes to preschool 5 days a week and her teacher sends home homework every night. So, my "no homework strings attached preschool" is not happening. Today, her brothers decided to put their scholarly wisdom to good use and help Ella with her homework. What they did not expect was the sour reception by Ella. Although, who could blame a girl when all your brothers tell you is that you are going to get an "F" on your homework because you are not following instructions. My oldest, who has never gotten below a "A" was freaking out. He kept telling Ella that her name was below the baseline, her letters were not straight and asking her, in a very loving older brother way, if she was ok with getting an "F" on her homework. I was cracking up watching this whole show go down in my kitchen as I was explaining to him that Ella is only in preschool-doesn't really count when applying for college. Remind me in 10 years not to let him teach her how to drive.

2008-08-26T18:04:00.000-07:00

First of all, thanks for all of your comments and personal emails about how to help me get Ella to sleep through the night. Ella is sorta doing better-she starts out sleeping in her bed, but eventually ends up on my bedroom floor. I think getting back on a regular schedule helps and at least she is going back to sleep instead of staying up for a few hours. I was beginning to wonder if I would get back to normal...you know its bad when you wake up in the morning and all you can think about for the first hour is getting back in bed that night. Life is settling in a normal routine. School is fully underway, the boys are starting football and Ella starts ice skating lessons in a few weeks. I took some pictures of Ella in her new Livi Lu. Ella loves wearing it and she looks so dang cute (biased mom). Thank you to a very talented Lynn.

2008-08-14T18:13:00.000-07:00

Holy Batman, I can't believe I haven't posted in about a month! Yeah, date night was seeing that movie (I would have preferred to stay home and read my vampire book.)
I have been in a funk these last few weeks. It all started when we got home from vacation a long time ago. Ella has been off her sleep schedule-the vacation really messed her up. Ella will fall asleep for about 2-3 hours and then wake up for about 2-3 hours. It does not matter when I put her to bed, she follows the same routine. She is up at times from midnight to three in the morning. I need help...anyone have a suggestions out there? I have tried everything...I am out of ideas. I just need to her sleep through the night in her bed.
Madison moved out. Wow is that exhausting-getting a teenager ready for college and to move out. Her excitement is contagious, but underneath I am crumbling. I start crying at the oddest moments-not sure if it is the sleep deprivation or the fact that my oldest is leaving. I am having a hard time letting go-letting go of her childhood...it definitely comes way to fast.
On a lighter note, Ella is loving preschool. Our family is WAY into the Olympics, although, we are always Olympic junkies when they come around every two years. My boys asked if they could start fencing classes...hummm! Boys with fake swords-not sure if it is a good mix.
And the MOST exciting news ever, after TWO LONG YEARS-the braces are coming off my teeth on Monday! Yahoo, Yippe and Jump for Joy. Now, I will post more pictures of myself-I did not like pictures of me with a metal mouth =).

Ella says "My China-I love my China."

Pre-school

Ella got to finally meet Sammi (in the pink bow)-she was visiting from CA. Her mom is my good friend Jamie, married to Henry who is Chinese. Sammi is a good combination of her parents gene pool-Chinese dad and blonde hair Caucasian mom.

Self-Protrait

Going to a "Tinkerbell" birthday party

Referral Day-One Year Later

2008-07-21T20:57:00.000-07:00

"Two roads diverged in a wood and I - I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference." Robert Frost

July 3, 2007 was our referral day. A day that I thought would NEVER happen, but came to life through an unexpected phone call from our adoption agency. In May 2007, I received an email from our agency requesting that each family update their medical checklist and return it back to them by June 30th. All during the month of June 2007, I tried to convince my family to raise our requested age from 0-2 years to 0-5 years for our new medical checklist. My family did not want an older child, but my "mom" instinct keep telling me that the age needed to be changed. I finally convinced my husband to up the age range on our checklist. I called my social worker and told her to go forward with the checklist asking for an older child. On June 28th, our new medical checklist was received by our agency. I expected to wait at least another 4-6 months. When the phone rang on July 3rd (5 days after our checklist was received), I thought our agency was calling to talk about the new age range that I had chosen. When I picked up the phone, I was greeted by Deniece from CCAI telling me that they had matched us up with a little 3 1/2 year old girl with a corrected VSD. I lost my composure because "the call" was not suppose to happen this way. The morning of July 3rd was so un-ordinary...my children were not even in the state-they were vacationing with grandparents. Bart was at work and I was home cleaning. I was so unprepared that all I could say was "ok-send me the email." Deniece sent me the email with the following text "I hope you were able to get your composure back. We are thrilled to introduce this sweet child to your family. We look forward to hearing your thoughts regarding this possible adoption." I called Bart and sent the same wave of shocks through his system as I had just felt. I took one look at the information in the email and knew that she was our daughter. The story of Ella is long; 2 years to convince my husband and another 2 years before she was placed in our arms, but referral day is one that I will always cherish. All along the way miracles happened, doors opened while others shut. People came into our lives that would shape our adoption road. Everything happened for a reason-all in His timing so that we could be led to our Ella. Ella is treasured and loved so much. Our family was not complete until she joined us. I am so eternally grateful for the quite whisperings of the Spirit and even more grateful to have the gospel in my life to give me the guidance I need to do what He wants me to do. Our road was the one less traveled-older, special needs adoption, but for our family, it has made all the difference. We love you Ella and look forward to watching you grow up, spread your wings and soar to the heights you dream of.

“The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all” ~Mulan

HomeSweetHome

2008-07-17T18:50:00.000-07:00

Got home Monday-took me until today to get a month's worth of travel put away. Loving my bed, but not liking the heat. Already missing the summer night's in Utah. Highlights of what I did/learned:
-Why I never learn my lesson about buying the 64oz soda while driving long distances in the car through the desert when bathrooms are scarce? I ask myself why, why, why?
-The boys loved their sports camps. Bridger's flag football team won the championship.
-The boys got to feed some bears-they hid food and then the bears came into their den and found it-Ella was too young.
-Yellowstone is beautiful, although it takes you an hour to travel 20 miles because of wildlife off the side of the road and very slow drivers.
-Very annoying drivers visit Yellowstone-make sure you plan accordingly (I know this sounds mean, but one night because of a very slow driver-we almost missed getting ice cream because the store was closing-the kids gotta have their ice cream-we are on vacation.)
-Hubby taught the boys to fly fish-Bridger catch his very first fish off of a dry fly in the Firehole River.
-Ella does not like wildlife-should have know this one because she did not like the zoo in China.
-When vacationing with friends, put the boys in one car and the girls in another. Boys play cards-girls watch princess movies...works out great for the parents.
-Had the opportunity to attend a wedding in Salt Lake City-a friend and neighbor re-married after his sweet wife passed away from cancer a short time ago. Glad to see him happy again.
-Played in Park City, Utah and rode a roller coaster through the mountains-definitely a favorite.
-Ella loved playing with her cousins. I wished we lived closer to family because I saw the huge impact they had on her-she bonded instantly.
-Got "kidding" kicked out of my brother's house-while I and my SIL's sister, Grace were babysitting. My niece decided to cut off her hair-Ella was in on the planning, but the girls were caught before Ella could get to her hair. I had a total "freak-out" while Grace, who used to be or still is Sister Grace (she is on sabbatical from her convent in the Philippines) remained calm. Grace kept telling me it was going to be OK-nobody was going to get mad. I seriously looked at her and could hear the screaming little voice in my head saying "you are such a nun...we are SO dead." After Fantastic Sam's got done "fixing" my niece's hair, she had a shorter version of the Dorothy Hamil haircut. So Sorry Bro!
-Watched Angel Moroni be put in place on the Daybreak Temple-very cool!
-Visited friends.
-Met for an hour with a mother ready to leave for Taiwan to pick up her daughter-love talking international adoption.
-Picked "wild flowers" in Wyoming to put on Grandma's grave. Still can't believe she is gone-it has almost been six months.
-So much more. We had a blast-made the summer fly by and for some reason this trip brought back a lot of memories. Guess there is something to be said about "going home."

I am working on my story of Ella's referral day...hopefully, I will get that posted soon. I realized that half of my pictures are downloaded onto my friends computer...most of my Ella pictures...I will have to post some others later. I am now off to catch up on blog reading =).

Feeding the Bears

The bear finding Hunter's hidden food

Our friends who came along

Fly Fishing

I know it is small, but who can argue with that smile

LOVE these photos

There is a bear in there somewhere

Bridger found "his" National Forest Waiting for Old Faithful to erupt

Sports Camps-Living it up in the Dorms

Angel Moroni

YeLLowStonE

2008-07-06T23:16:00.000-07:00

Having so much fun...having computer issues...missing everyone in blog-land...unable to check out to many blogs...hope everyone is doing well...can't wait to catch up next week. Ella is having fun getting to know her cousins, but is missing home a lot; she is ready to go home now. July 3rd was the one year anniversary to our referral...the day that changed our lives for the better. How we do love our Ella...or as her daddy does say "the best decision we ever made." I hope to post more about that day because a miracle truly happened.

Vacation

2008-06-20T22:13:00.000-07:00

I am heading out tomorrow for a three week vacation, well only a few days will actually be "vacationing." I am going up to Utah to visit family and take my boys to a few week long sport camps.The "vacationing" part comes in when my hubby will fly up and join us over the Fourth of July weekend...we are going to YeLLowStonE. I am so excited to get somewhere that has clean air, beautiful scenery, waterfalls and lots of animals. I love YeLLowStonE, my kids love it and my hubby really LOVES it. One of the days we are there, he is going fly fishing on the Madison River...the same river we named our daughter after. She has the middle name of Brooke after the Brooke Trout. Can ya tell my hubby is a huge fly fishing fan. The rest of the time I am going to hang out with family. We do not live around any family so it is going to be a treat to see cousins, grandparents, aunts and uncles...looking forward to it. I am going to try to post some pics of YeLLowStonE...hopefully, we see a big 'ol bear. =)

Swim Lessons?

2008-06-19T17:59:00.000-07:00

Ella finished her swim lessons today. Bart called to see how the last day of swim lessons went. My response "the same as the first day...she sinks to the bottom like a brick." She looked so dang cute in her swimsuit trying to learn how to swim with her class that I guess I can't be too upset that Ella didn't learn a thing.

Thoughts and Prayers

2008-06-16T14:08:00.001-07:00

Say an extra prayer for this family and their brave little girl Ellie.

Sniff Sniff

2008-06-10T19:50:00.000-07:00

Last night as I was putting Ella to bed, this was the conversation that ensued:

Ella: "Momma, I want to read Ballet Kitty."

Mom: "OK"

Ella: "Momma-I read book myself. I a big girl. No momma read book. Ella read it."

Mom: "OK" (Standing there stunned)

Apparently, I have been demoted from story teller to story listener.

Little Miss Independent read the book almost word for word-of course, it was in her "I spoke Mandarin for four years and am just getting this English language down" words. We said prayers and I tucked her in and got sad that she is getting so big. She is growing up too fast (I have repeatedly stated this fact about all my kids.) When someone figures out how to slow down time-please let me know.

I Had To See It To Believe It!

2008-06-08T20:47:00.000-07:00

White Swan Hotel-November 7, 2007 - One day shy of her fourth birthday

Home - June 8, 2008 - Seven Months Later

Ella is growing like a weed-6 inches since we came home. That is like ONE HALF OF A FOOT in seven months. I had to do a side by side comparison. In China, our kids asked us to post a pictures of Ella next to Bart so that they could get an idea of how tall she was. Tonight, I made Bart and Ella pose once again in the same dress and gasp out loud when I saw the difference. Not only has she grown, but her face looks so much different...she looks her age of 4 1/2. In China, she looked like a toddler, but in reality she had just turned four. Not only has Ella grown, she is developing so quickly-I am amazed at how much her little mind soaks in. As a mom, I think she is the smartest and most beautiful little girl on the planet and I love to watch the stages of her development. So blessed to have our Ella Bella =).

"Found In China"

2008-06-06T17:58:00.000-07:00

I had the most awesome lunch on Wednesday with a local waiting mom-Donna. She brought with her this DVD for me to borrow. I watched it last night and was so moved by the production that I am going to order it for myself. The documentary follows several families as they return to China with their adopted girls to gain some insight of where they were born. The most moving moments came when the girls visited their orphanages, finding places and caregivers/foster parents. I was not prepared for the emotions-I cried, I missed being in China and I ached for my own daughter, Ella. Bart and I have always known that we will take Ella back to China. I feel that it is very important for her to know as much as she can about where she was born and raised for the first 4 years of her life. This documentary talks specifically about when it is the appropriate time to make that decision which surprised me. I always thought that Ella should be older (18-19 year old range) , but the experts suggest taking her back to China when she is 10-12 year range. I was struck with the honesty that each adopted girl talked with when discussing their own personal feelings about being adopted by Americans and their birth country, China. I highly recommend watching this documentary to any parent that has adopted or is in the process of adopting a child from a foreign country. Thanks again Donna who brought this to my attention...I had so much fun meeting you and I have my fingers doubled crossed that your referral comes soon-you will make a great mother.

Championship Baseball Game

2008-06-06T14:38:00.000-07:00

"Sports do not build character. They reveal it."
Heywood Broun

Well, it was a night to remember-the showdown in the deseret between the Angels, who came into the game with the best winning record against the Mariners, the team with the second best record. The final score 8-9 with the Mariners pulling ahead of the Angels in the bottom of the six inning. These were two evenly matched teams and the game was a nail bitter to the end. One team would go up a run, then the next team would come in and score 2 runs and at times the score would remain tied. The stands were filled-standing room only-parents, siblings, relatives and friends cheering on the boys. So much fun and even though we lost-we are not hanging our heads over second place. The boys on our team fought all the way until the end, they never gave up and that is something to be proud of. My husband, who was the Manager and his two phenomenal Assistant Coaches had a great time. It has been amazing that even though our team was put together through a draft process, my husband could not have picked a better bunch of boys (although this one gave us a few headaches). These boys are kind, hard working, considerate and come with the most awesome set of parents. The mothers of the team have all remarked at how sad it is going to be to break up this "dream" team. Half of the team will be moving up next year and with the draft in place-no one is guaranteed a spot on any team. So Angels-Thanks So Much for an an incredible season.

Lining up before the game-waiting to get their name and number announced

Bridger on first base

Bridger batting

Hunter batting and he looks so small-he is the youngest player on our team, but is right in the middle of the team as far as statistics go-I am so proud of him for hanging tough with the older crowd.

Trophies

Watching the balloons released into the air (sorry to all environmentalist out there)

Look, I Have Pig-Tails!

2008-05-31T20:35:00.000-07:00

We are patiently waiting for Ella's hair to grow out and today we were able to pull most of it back into pigtails (do people still say pigtails?)

Splash Into Summer

2008-05-29T14:38:00.000-07:00

A bunch of girlfriends gathered here with our kids to start the summer off right. Two days of lounging around the pool-my kids playing with their friends, ordering enough pizza to feed an army, having 8 boys in my room at 10:30p.m. deciding to go "Ghost Hunting"-can't beat that!

WARNING #1 - ELLA HAS GROWN 4 INCHES SINCE WE BROUGHT HER HOME-ALL HER CLOTHES ARE TOO SMALL-INCLUDING THE SWIM SUIT THAT I BROUGHT...SHE IS SHOWING OFF A LOT OF SKIN =)

WARNING #2 - MY BOYS STILL WORKING ON THEIR TAN-BEWARE OF BLINDNESS =)

Madison's Graduation Theme: "The Death of a Dream Makes One Become A Devil"

2008-05-26T11:22:00.001-07:00

A Sun Devil that is. An ASU Sun Devil. Arizona State University-Home to the Sun Devil. The biggest party school in the nation (too bad for them she does not party.) More on ASU below.

In the history of the Gilbert Public Schools, it has never RAINED on graduation...until 2008. Not only did it rain all day-the wind blew and it was COLD. The school scrambled to figure out what to do about graduation because the ceremony was suppose to be in the football stadium. The principal decided to bring the graduation inside the school. Unfortunately, with a graduating class of 676, there was no room for everyone to be in the same place. So the kids were in the auditorium and the families were scattered throughout the school watching the ceremony on a big projector screen. I watched my daughter graduate from High School while sitting on the floor in the gym. Here is the low-down from Graduation Day:

Madison's favorite restaurant-Gecko Grill

Family Pictures
Our lovely spot on the gym floor (I was thinking "un-freakin-believable")
Auditorium before the students entered
Students entering for graduation ceremonies
First speaker
Second speaker
Third speaker-Class Valedictorian
Principal
Choir
Ella getting bored and playing with lip gloss-676 names are a lot to get through
Somewhere in the next few pictures there is a black blob...that is Madison getting her diploma

Our Graduate
Ella wondering what that "funny hat" was

Aunt Trisha and Aunt Cherise
Grandma and Grandpa
Best friend - Hannah

All in all graduation ended up being OK. The students loved the fact that they had the whole auditorium to themselves...just them to celebrate what they had accomplished.

Madison will start at ASU in the Fall, but not after letting go of a dream that she has had since 9th grade. ASU was the LAST place Madison wanted to go to school, but she applied there anyway as her back-up school. She was accepted into one of the nation's most prestigious Journalism School...the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism in the Broadcast Journalism division. Out of 1100 students that applied to the program only 275 were accepted. Based on her GPA, ACT score and class ranking, she was also awarded a full scholarship for tuition and books. Madison has always dreamed of going to BYU and majoring in Musical Theatre-a passion of hers. She has decided to take a different road-the one she thought she would never travel and give up her dream of attending BYU. She has slowly come to terms with the fact that she could not pass up this opportunity at ASU. This Fall, The Cronkite Journalism School is opening up a new facility in downtown Phoenix that was partly funded by CBS. This school is as high tech as one can imagine and the opportunities are endless. She will be in the nation's 5th largest media outlet learning from the best in the field. A CNN anchor left his job to come teach at this new school. As she will have to say goodbye to friends that are leaving and put her "Broadway" dreams on hold-we know that she will be successful going down this path in life. But, as parents who spent a lot of money for voice lessons, we are hoping she can find a job SINGING the evening news =).

There Are Moments In Life When

2008-05-23T15:20:00.000-07:00

your heart stops beating and you can't seem to catch your breath...I had two moments like that yesterday.

Steven Curtis Chapman's family experienced a horrible tragedy. Maria, their youngest adopted daughter from China was hit by a car in their driveway and killed. The Chapman family has dedicated their lives to children around the world, especially the orphans of China. I pray that through their faith they will be lifted up and given comfort. Our thoughts go out to this family, especially their son who was involved in the accident. Please keep this family in your prayers.

http://www.stevencurtischapman.com/

Here are two songs that I LOVE by Steve Curtis Chapman:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=demRHgul2Zk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLYxtuC0oRk (the song playing on my blog...if you want a good cry watch this whole video & explanation-grab a tissue)

Madison's Graduation-My first born is done with High School...stopped my heart for a moment. I will post later about the details.

2008-05-20T21:31:00.000-07:00

I'll be back soon. Family in town, Madison's graduation and Ella running a 103 temp is taking me out for short break =).

I'm Starting To See A Pattern...

2008-05-19T18:32:00.000-07:00

These handsome sons of mine have developed what I would call shape blindness-similar to color blindness, but instead of not being able to see colors, my boys are not able to see shapes, especially any circle shape. My boys have several chores around our house and one of them is feeding their dog, Jack, our Goldendoodle. Every time they fill up Jack's bowl, this is what I walk into my laundry room and discover:

I asked my boys in a VERY loving tone:

"What part of the bowl is too hard for you to get ALL the dog food into?"

They responded:

"What (total blank stare on their face)...we always get the dog food into the bowl."

I walk them into the laundry room and ask:

"Then why is there always dog food on my floor?"

They respond:

"(Blank stare again)......................um, I don't see any dog food on the floor."

I point out the dog food.

They respond:

"That's, like, only 10 pieces of dog food Mom...whats the big deal?"

The big deal is that whenever someone walks into the laundry room and SMASHES the pieces of dog food, I have dog food crumbs everywhere...and then it dawned on me that I have had this conversation many times before with them about the

and why they can not seem to get an exact aim into the round circle. I have decided that my boy's track record is about 95%...95% of what needs to get inside of a bowl will make it. Cereal in a bowl, dog food into dish, and you know what into the toilet. It is just a boy thing and I do love my boys because they just crack me up!

The Computer, Friends and Church

2008-05-18T20:16:00.000-07:00

My computer has been in the shop for the last 4 days-I can't believe how much I am dependant on my computer and how much $$$ they cost to fix when they die.
Ella had a really fun play date last week with her friend, Julia...they posed at will when I brought out the camera. These girls are definitely NOT camera shy and I couldn't resist posting some of the pictures =).
Today is Sunday, the day we worship. Church was amazing today...it was our Stake Conference-the twice a year meeting that all the wards in our Stake meet together to be instructed by our leaders. When I walked into the meeting, I was overwhelmed by the youth choir that was singing. They sounded like angels and I was immediately humbled by the Spirit. My husband was ask to give the opening invocation and I was humbled even more when he asked, in he middle of his prayer, for comfort to be given to those that were suffering in the aftermath of the China earthquakes. I appreciated him so much for his continued prayers on behalf of the people of China. Our leaders talked about remaining steadfast in this difficult and trying world, being faithful and fortifying our homes against the temptations of Satan. I always love to come home from church feeling uplifted and with a renewed sense of duty to be a righteous mother and wife.
We had the privilege of watching Madison graduate from Seminary tonight-a beautiful meeting. Madison, along with two other Seminary graduates, was asked to speak at the commencement. As a mom, I was in awe of this daughter that I raised, just listening to her testify about the things she knows are true and right, brought huge tears to my eyes. Now, we look forward to Graduation this Thursday. I am having a hard time wrapping my head around that fact that my first born is graduating...I think I might be the only parent that is going to stand up at Graduation and shout "I OBJECT." I personally think she needs to go back the ninth grade and repeat High School because she grew up way to fast! Family is going to start trickling in on Tuesday so our week should be busy, but fun.
I have been told that my blog is getting closer to being done...I am so excited for the finished product. Enjoy the Ella and Julia cuteness.

China's Earthquake

2008-05-13T23:29:00.000-07:00

I have been saddened by the events that have unfolded in the aftermath of the earthquakes that hit China several days ago. The destruction, loss of life and injured is mounting. Families have been torn apart. I read that in one town alone 80% of their population might be lost. After spending two weeks in China to adopt Ella, I fell in love with the Chinese people, their customs and ideals. They are a people who are deeply rooted in family. I owe so much to a country that is allowing us the privilege of raising one of their special little girls. In a world that witnesses so much turmoil on a daily basis, I have a special place in my heart for China and it's orphans. Please join with our family as we pray for the people of Sichuan Providence and for the orphanages that have been effected by this natural disaster. Below is a link to two incredible charities that deal exclusively with Chinese orphans, please visit their site if you are interested in a donation or an update about the situation.

http://www.halfthesky.org/journal/?p=88

http://www.lovewithoutboundaries.com/earthquake.cfm

Swim Fun With Friends

2008-05-13T14:09:00.000-07:00

Ella was invited over to her friend's Julia and Emily's house for a swim party. Julia and Emily's mom is Miss Rhonda, Ella's preschool teacher. Ella got an extra treat that week-swim party with popscicles and 3 days of preschool. Thanks for a great swim day.

Mother's Day

2008-05-12T15:47:00.000-07:00

I had a stomach thing going on yesterday. On Mother's Day. The last time I got sick was on Easter. Hopefully, this is not some sort of holiday sick pattern developing. I was so bummed because I did not get to go to church and watch my kids sing. I heard Ella was so cute and funny. Next holiday, I am starting on extra Vit C before the sick bug hits me! Besides a bunch of hugs, kisses and cards, I got this book. I am a huge fan of Steph*anie Mey*ers and her "vampire" series and I heard this book is awesome. I also was able to finally finish watching Bleak House - my Masterpiece Theatre DVD set that I have had for a month from Net*flix. If you are ever bored and have eight hours to spare-watch this series...it was excellently produced. I was so happy to finally put those dvds back into the mail and now I can await the arrival of Jane Eyre. With stomach flu aside, I loved Mother's Day which started out on Saturday night. Bart took me out for a pre-Mother's Day double date with our good friends, Sarah and Troy. We went to dinner and to see Iron Man-which ended up being pretty good...not sure if it was the movie or being giddy about being on an actual date with my husband-its been about six months.

We won't be doing this much longer. Ella reminded me of that today. After returning some items to a store, I put Ella in her car seat, she yells "hot momma, car to hot"-I am thinking-oh dear, you have NO idea how hot it is going to get, 95 degrees is nothing. Ella told me on the way home that she wants "Mr. Sun to go bye-bye." Some days I can relate.

Kids Are Not Honest...They Are Brutally Honest

2008-05-09T20:19:00.000-07:00

Hunter came home from school today and promptly handed me my Mother's Day Card that he made in school. Hunter is ALWAYS my child that can not wait to give me anything. I get my Christmas, Birthday, Mother's Day cards/presents as soon as he can physically give them to me. I have always thought this was so cute and I have always made a big deal out of his thoughtfulness because he is my only child that will write all the "lovey dovey" stuff to me. Well, today the tide shifted in a BIG way. Hunter told me that the teacher told the students to pick 5 things about their mother and write them in the card. Hunter wrote:

1-Right Handed
2-On The Couch Alot
3-Not Yelling
4-Angry Sometimes
5-I Love You

I asked him-What exactly did your teacher tell you about how to pick the five things you need to write about your mom. He told me that the teacher said he had to write five TRUTHFUL things about his mother. So, here is the conversation that ensued:

"Hunter, when do I ever sit on the couch?"

"Every morning when you are too tired to get up and get breakfast for us-you just sit on the couch and tell us to get our own breakfast."

"Oh Yeah, I guess I do that, but how come you said that I don't yell, but I am angry sometimes."

"You always get angry at me when I tell you that parents are not suppose to control their children, but you try not to yell when I can tell you are mad."

I was trying not to bust up laughing because you never know how your behavior is going to be interpreted by your children. But, since we are being truthful-I am not a morning person and my kids love to pull the whole "I heard one time in church that parents are not suppose to control their children" speech on me. Hunter-Thanks for the "truthful" Mother's Day card-I will work on my mommy behavior...I Love You!

LIF*E (The Good And Bad)

2008-05-06T19:15:00.001-07:00

*SW is coming on Friday for our six month post adoption report-I have to admit that I got a little nostalgic for China yesterday. I was missing our travel group-I miss seeing everyone we spent two weeks in China with...I wish we lived closer. I still can not believe that Ella has been with us for six months.

*I finally found Ella a preschool for next year so I can check that off my list =)

*My allergies are so bad that I am in non-function mode even though I have to function. My body is so tired that I just want to stay in bed. It takes me until about 5 p.m. to wake up-not sure if my allergy medication that I take at night has something to do with it, but I am getting nothing done. Every time we start into summer, I get really grumpy about the fact that I live in AZ...it NEVER rains to clean out the air. The wind has been really bad lately just stirring the junk around in the air (notice what it did to my pool umbrella.) By October, I change my tune and love living here.

*The ugly side of Little League reared its head against my husband last night at our baseball game. My husband, who is the Manager of my boys team, had our one and only "problem parent" scream obscenities, throw equipment in the dugout and proceeded to unleash his wrath by telling my husband what an "idiot coach" he is. Mind you-our team is in first place in a Little League division that is extremely competitive. This dad is mad at my husband because his 12 year old son is not getting enough playing time. Well, his son stinks at baseball and doesn't deserve the positions he gets to play anyway. Can you tell I am in "Mother Bear" protective mode? Waiting for the Board to make a decision on this dad's discipline and the sad thing is we have the cutest baseball team with the most awesome parents except for this one dad...why does that happen.

Tomorrow I am going to hunker down and watch Masterpiece Theater's presentation of Cranford-nothing can lift the spirits like a turn of the century story set in the English Countryside. I love Jane Austen and growing to love Elizabeth Gaskell.

"Gotch Day" Six Month Anniversary

2008-05-05T17:46:00.001-07:00

Where has the time gone? We are celebrating Ella's six month "Gotcha Day" anniversary. Six months ago, a beautiful little girl kept sticking her head around a door to get a peek at her "momma" and "pappa." She was so curious to see us that her nanny kept telling her that it was not time and would bring her back around the door. I will never forget that moment when she was finally brought to us-I knew that she was our daughter who was born a half a world away. Ella has certainly brought so much joy into our home and we are so lucky to count her as one of four wonderful children. We Love You Ella!

Princess Party

2008-04-30T12:49:00.001-07:00

I finally got around to updating My Adoption Website-check it out for more pictures:

http://www.myadoptionwebsite.com/ourjourneytoella/werehome042408.htm.

Ella attended her first Princess Birthday Party for her friend Ivy. I can only say that the excitement level was off the charts. She had a so much fun at the party and keeps asking me when her birthday is and what kind of party we are going to have. Unfortunately, she will have to wait until November.

"Love Without Boundaries"

2008-04-23T20:28:00.000-07:00

Update-I have a few bids in on a couple of items-wish me luck because I keep getting out-bidded-lots of good stuff on ebay.

Ella-My Heart Baby

I know that my blog is new and not reaching too many people, but I am posting this information because my Ella is a "heart baby." Love Without Boundaries is holding its annual "Born in My Heart Art Auction" April 24-29th. All proceeds go to help orphans in China that have serious heart conditions and who are in need of surgery. My Ella was born with a hole in her heart...VSD in medical terms. Ella was not abandoned until she was 5 1/2 months old. I truly believe with all my motherly instincts that Ella's birth parents could not afford her heart surgery and gave her up to save her life. I can not imagine the agonizing decision to give your baby up after bonding for over 5 months. I will be forever grateful for Ella's birth parents for making that decision. Although Ella was able to get the surgery for her heart, she had to wait a long time...almost 2 years after she entered the orphanage at the age of 2.4 years old. Even in a state run orphanage, a charity usually has to step in to help fund any type of surgery. Ella's corrective heart surgery was funded by "Project Tomorrow" and Ella was fortunate enough to be operated on in one of China's premier children's hospitals and by an incredible pediatric surgeon. Heavenly Father has always watched out for her and I know she was blessed with the ability to have this surgery done through this organization. Ella has been evaluated by a cardiologist here in Arizona and her surgery was a success, but the doctor stated over and over that Ella should have had the repair done on her heart much sooner than actually happened. She is healthy, but according to her cardiologist "fought like a solider" to breathe. I already know that my Ella was born with a strong will-she has overcome so much in her little life. Ella is so brave, but it breaks my own heart knowing that she fought so hard to live. If one more innocent child could benefit from this auction-one more life would be helped.

Visit Ebay for details:
http://stores.ebay.com/Love-Without-Boundaries-Store

Read Details from Love Without Boundaries Website:
http://www.lovewithoutboundaries.com/

Subject: Annual Art Auction Begins!"Born In My Heart" Art Auction April 24th - April 29th (Beginning the 24th @ 9:00am PDT) In nearly every orphanage in China, children in need of heart surgery wait to be healed. In an effort to help as many of these orphaned children as possible, Love Without Boundaries began the "Born In My Heart" art auction five years ago. This is an annual event that serves as our special tribute to the miracle of adoption, and also as a fundraiser to help us provide these essential operations to children who need emergency heart surgery. You can help to save the life of a child by taking part from April 24-29. Every penny raised will help to heal precious children and give them the opportunity to grow and thrive, and perhaps even find a family of their very own. So please bid often and bid generously! Auction items will begin to launch at 9am (Pacific) on Thursday, April 24th. Nearly 300 items will be added throughout the day, and the auction will close Tuesday, April 29th (again, with items closing throughout the course of the day). We have some absolutely incredible items this year, all donated by LWB's fabulous supporters! Just a few of the items you won't want to miss are: "Jia: Portrait of Hope" by Leila Ashton: an original oil painting of one of our LWB heart babies, a life-size replica jade burial suit, two giclee prints of "Qi Pan" by Zhao Kailin, personalized digital lifebooks, the most beautiful collection of quilts imaginable (including several "100 Good Wishes" quilts), beautiful paintings (both originals and giclee prints), caligraphy, custom adoption videos, amazing photography, embroidery, gift baskets, jewlery, clothing, heritage items and so much more! You will be able to access our auction from the Love Without Boundaries website homepage at: http://www.lovewithoutboundaries.com/, beginning April 24th You can also play a part in healing hearts by posting about the auction! If you have a personal or family website or blog, we would be so grateful if you would mention this event, as so many children are counting on us for surgery. Help spread the news that lives can be saved! Thank you in advance for helping to make this year's auction our best ever! Love Without Boundaries Art Auction Committee

"Parenting 101" From Ella

2008-04-21T17:56:00.000-07:00

"Children seldom misquote you. In fact, they usually repeat word for word what you should or shouldn't have said." Author Unknown

Ella and I were out shopping today and I decided to stop at Decor Unique to find out how much they would charge me to frame a picture. I gave Ella the old do not touch anything-it will break speech before entering the store. We were in there for about 30 minutes in which, my very obedient daughter did not touch anything. She even held my hand so that her hands would not knock anything over. After getting the price for my framing project, I decided to forget that idea and buy these instead.

As I went to pick up the items off the floor, Ella gets this look of horror and panic and yells at me "MOMMA-NO TOUCH! YOU BREAAAAAK IT!" I stopped dead in my tracks and the phrase-"Do as I tell you, but not as I do" came to mind. I knelt down beside her and explained that momma is going to carry them to the counter and pay for them-so that makes it ok to touch them. She gave me that confused look-like the time I tried to explain to her about not yelling up the stairs to get her brothers attention and then me turning around about one hour later and yelling up the stairs to get the Bridger and Hunter's attention. From my little four year old's point of view-I can only wonder what she really thinks. None the less, I got a good laugh and some decorations for house.

Yipee

2008-04-21T08:55:00.000-07:00

At the crack of dawn this morning our phone rang...it was Ella's doctor. He was so excited to let us know that Ella's Lead levels are DROPPING so quickly and that she is so close to normal levels that she DOES NOT have to have any more blood tests done! Woo Ho is an understatement. I am just so glad that I do not have to put her through the blood draw issue, but to know that she is getting healthier than what she was in China makes me so happy. I guess the gallon of milk products we made her eat everyday really did work. I told Ella the good news...she looked at me with the biggest smile on her face and said "No more owies." Yes sweetie-no more owies.

Linda' Blog and Terrorism

2008-04-19T09:41:00.000-07:00

So I was cruising through my normal blogs and stopped by Linda's blog to read up on her adorable kids daily activities. I read the most awful story on her blog about terrorism in her own neighborhood. The things people do in the name of "good works."

http://journeytolila.blogspot.com/

Blogging Help

2008-04-17T18:19:00.000-07:00

Does anyone in blog land know how I would make it so that I am informed by email if any one's blog that I follow is updated with a new post...so I do not have to manually check every one's blog? I am such a blogger/computer illiterate. I know hardly anyone even reads this thing, but if just one person could help me, I would be SO happy.

Let's Get The Lead Out, Babe!

2008-04-16T21:20:00.000-07:00

Ella had her blood drawn today for the 3rd time since November. When we brought her home from China, she had an extensive medical check-up in which blood work was done to test for every kind of medical disease known to man. Ella's LEAD level came back quite high and we have been monitoring the level every two months. The last blood draw showed the level dropping which is good news. Ella knew exactly what was going on as soon as I drove up to the building. As usual, Ella was the center of attention in the waiting room. I was asked the usual questions...where is she from, when did you adopt her, did she speaks English, was she in an orphanage. Everyone in the waiting room "ooohhh'd" and "awwww'd" over how cute she was. Me, being the way biased mother agreed with every single comment. I thanked her fans as we left the room. She was so brave and only cried a little bit when the techs drew the blood...poor thing. I hated holding her when she was scared and in pain, but these things need to be done. After it was all done, I told Ella that Madison and I were taking her to lunch for being so brave. Nothing sooths a "Boo Boo" like Mexican food. Check back for an update when I receive the lab results.

"Momma...picture Ella...I say cheese"

2008-04-11T15:56:00.000-07:00

Ella loves to have her picture taken-on a camera, cellphone, video recorder-you name it and she wants to pose. Enjoy her cuteness.

Happy Birthday Madison-Sorry, No Political Elections To Vote In Today

2008-04-09T19:13:00.000-07:00

Today was Madison's 18th birthday. Happy for her and mostly sad for me. This birthday has been hard on her Dad and I. She is no longer a child or teenager and will soon be off to start her own life. But, as Madison's humor always shines through, she has informed us that she is an adult and can do the following:
-get a credit card
-buy things off the television
-go skydiving
-vote in an election (her father is so proud)
-buy a pet at Petco
-get a gym membership
-buy Dry Ice, Spray Paint, Cough Medicine
-check herself out of school
-sign safety waivers
-buy cigarettes
-go to clubs
-rent a hotel and
-as her bother Bridger informed her today, buy beer in Mexico

(the last four are Ha Ha's)

Madison is as gorgeous on the inside as she is on the outside. She is kind, caring, loving, talented and beautiful. She always strives to do the right. She is an independent girl who was born with a spirit of self confidence. I am in amazement that Bart and I have had the privilege of raising this righteous daughter of God. We Love You Madison. Happy 18th.

Pre-Birthday Preparations & Panic Attacks

2008-04-08T18:48:00.000-07:00

Madison, my first born turns 18 tomorrow. I am not taking this very well. Panic attacks, sobbing, wailing and in total denial. So, today in celebration of this monumental birthday, I took Madison to her favorite restaurant in Scottsdale to drown my sorrows. We had delicious food at The C0unter After, we ran down to the Sc0ttsdale Mall to visit the R0cky M0untain Ch0ch0late Fact0ry. Madison hates cake, so we always get her Birthday Fudge. Yum Yum. I have enjoyed watching my sweet Madison grow up, but this birthday is taking me down.

Addiction

2008-04-08T15:19:00.000-07:00

I have some serious blog designing issues. I am addicted to changing the blog every five seconds (according to Madison). I have decided to hire someone so that I can put my energy towards other addictions.
If you keep seeing the blog changing, Madison would like you to call me and tell me to get away from the computer.

No Nap Momma

2008-04-07T15:36:00.000-07:00

I rarely give Ella a nap because she is 4 1/2 and the whole nap thing messes up her sleeping schedule. Ella has been behind on her sleep-we were out late Friday and Saturday nights so she went to bed way past her bedtime and got up the next morning at her regular time. Sleep deprivation has set in. This afternoon, I was done...I broke down and put Ella on her bed and told her to go to bed. She was confused about why she was going to bed in the middle of the day. She lasted about 2 minutes before getting off her bed. I told her that she needed to go "night night" and she immediately started to cry. Broken hearted cry. Ella told me "No Night Night Momma-No Night Night Momma, Ella play with Momma." Since my mother instincts tell me that she needs sleep, I put her back into bed and told her not to move and to close her eyes and take a nap, although I almost caved and let her stay with me. Not even 60 seconds later, she was out-sleeping like a baby. Yes, I know that she is going to be up later tonight, but what do I care-I will be at Traffic School until 10 p.m.

I am sorta getting to it...

2008-03-14T14:57:00.001-07:00

After Spring Break, I swear the blog will be up and running. I finally found a website to help with wallpaper, etc. For those of you who want to see an update, go to our website that we used while in China.

http://www.myadoptionwebsite.com/ourjourneytoella/

Second Time Around

2008-02-28T17:46:00.000-08:00

Now that we are home and settled, I am starting a new blog. Being computer illiterate-this might take some time. In the mean time, enjoy a few pictures of the most adorable, perfect little girl a family could ask for.