Mud and Soccer

McCall is a fantastic soccer player. She is so fast that her team mates call her "JET". Her favorite time to play is when it is raining. Here she is after a game last week...wet and muddy!

She loves it so much.

GO DEVILS!

Here she is cleaned up and dry!

"GOTCHA DAY"

Eight years ago today we all got up early to get to the airport. We sat at gate D8 signing papers and pacing the floor. I was emotionally exhausted from the week before (most of you know I spent 5 days in Hawaii waiting for our daughter to come…but left without her when arrangements didn’t work out) and hoping it would finally work out. I was so touched by all the family and friends that came to welcome our daughter to our arms.

As I watched the plane pull up I felt my stomach turn to knots! The agency handed her over to me and I was so glad she was here safe and with her forever family. The first time I looked into her eyes I knew she was meant to be ours.
My heart was full and my family complete. Thank you Callie for being my girl and for coming to my life! We love you “Bubs”!!

Spring 2005

First Day of Pre-school 2004

April 2009

Just the other day, I was informed that I would be a mother,
Yet it isn't me that will carry the baby, it is another.
The love I feel for this woman is extremely unique;
I don't even know her and we can't even speak.
How can I thank her for such a sacrifice?
How can anything I do ever suffice?
I hardly know about her feelings or fears,
but I can guess the extent of her tears,
For my eyes flow with tears of my own-
When I think of her with arms empty and alone.
I wish I could convey to her the time I have spent crying,
Knowing that she feels like a part of her is dying.
But what would I say to someone so alone?
How would I gain her trust for this baby she has grown?
I wish I could know what she is going through
So I could help her do what she must do.
Does she know how much she is on my mind?
Does she know that I am truly kind?
Does she know that I love her for the baby-
that she is so faithfully, entrusting to me?

We have the BEST daddy!

The first man a little girl falls

in love with is her dad!

Jeff letting McCall paint his toe nails...something

she looooves to do!

(The finished project. cute huh?)

The other night I found Callie and Jeff both quietly reading in our bed. It was too precious not to get a picture of. These are the moments that make me smile!

WICKED- The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz

This weekend we had the chance to see WICKED (The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz) at the Capital Theatre. I knew a little about the story, but not all. It was really fun and interesting. The girls laughed through most of it and after said it was one of their favorite plays. Even Jeff got into it. (I heard him laugh as well.) If anyone is going plan on having a fantastic time….and for those of you not going…get tickets and GO! You won’t regret it.

DOG GONE IT...WE LOVE OUR BINDI!

It has been almost 3 years since we got Bindi (and most of you thought it wouldn’t last. HA!)…she has really become an important member in our household. Feels like another kid at times. She is always happy to see us, never judges us when we have a bad day, and wants to be with us ALL the time. Her favorite things are to run with Jeff and she always wants to chase her ball.

WE LOVE YOU BINDI!

THE CONTAINER STORE!! Can it get better than this?

While in San Jose we drove by "The Container Store". WOW! I was like a kid in a candy store. There were organizational items for storage, closets, office, kitchen, garage, travel, hooks, bath and even organization of tiny boxes for your littlest treasures. Jeff thought I was out of my mind as to how excited I was...but I took my time and soaked it all in.
Can’t wait to go back!!

Our visit to California

The kids had off a whole week for spring break so we decided to go and visit Jeff’s family in California. (San Jose, Monterey, Capitola and Santa Cruz) We haven’t been there in about 6 years so it was great to catch up and see everyone again. We stopped in Reno to see my family too.

Carla and "Katie Blue" the chihuahua

McCall at Capitola

Callie at Capitola

Aunt Terri

Lianna, McCall and Callie playing in the shower.

The Winchester House
Mom and McCall (at the Winchester House)

Callie with cousin Rene (and her pet "dragon")

Keeping "Katie Blue" warm on the boardwalk

My friend Majo came from Carmel to visit us at Monterey
Aquarium and have lunch.
Great to see you again.
Callie at the Winchester House gardens.
Carla and Aunt Lupe
"The Family"
McCall, Jessie and Callie "doing hair"
Jeff and Cathy
Rene and her partner Liz
The girls were fasinated about picking fresh lemons off the trees.
Visiting baby Kayden