Oh My!

Due to National Adoption month in November and because we were working on our paperwork for placement I've been thinking a ton about adoption. I am not eloquent enough to express my love and admiration for birth parents. I can't really explain how incredible my life is with Madeleine. I worry how she will feel about her life. If she will see it as the blessing I do. I just know that living with her makes me happy. Makes me want to be better. To learn more. To be more kind and forgiving. To make birthdays and holidays a big deal. To love her dad a little more.
This article was in the Ensign the month before Madeleine was born. It is such a good reminder of how precious these sweet babies are.
That's it.

Oh yeah

We are officially approved for "placement of a child"
You can check out our online profile here.

Thanksgiving was delish. Spent with Auntie Kristin, Jordan and Gabriel. Then we went with the Bromgards to cut down our Christmas tree. I think Maddy loved the snow till I smashed her face in it when we wiped out on the sled.

Just so you know

I don't watch award shows like I used to. But... this dress

reminded me of my favorite moment. I still love everything about this, her hair, the yellow dress with red shoes. Plus, she showed him.

Thank you Mana

we dress up with our cousins

we read books, lots and lots of books

we lounge

we eat a lot of cake

we pick apples

Adam: When is it time to get Maddy a real bed?
Me: When she climbs out or we get a new baby.
A: I think it would be funny to see what she does.
M: She'll probably just play and jump on it.
A: You think she'll run and jump in our bed in the morning?
M: Is that why you want to get her a new bed?
A: Yeah. Isn't that a good enough reason?

Yes please

Showing off new boots

A calm moment out at dinner

Cruising around Hyde Street

New Sunday outfit

BFF

Zoo, beaches, sprinklers, parks with the Harbers.


Maddy and her baby.

.
Soccer, shopping, parks, cemetery, junk food, Friends with Aunt Kakie.

Nothing

Maddy and I floated down the Boise river (with our own personal rafting guide, Auntie Kristin).
Maddy folds her arms every time we sit down to eat.
We eat zucchini for almost every meal.
We have several watermelons of substantial size growing in our garden.
I still like to watch Friends.
I'm really excited to go to SLC in 21 days.
I'm prolly most excited to eat french toast at Market Street Grill.
I tried to track down a copy of Twilight this week (unsuccessfully) because I was that bored.
I'm slightly addicted to Insanity.
Boys lose weight a lot easier than girls.
I want to learn how to sew.

I wish my camera wasn't broken

Last night I paid our babysitter in quarters.
Not her full pay but three dollars in quarters. I decided it's better to pay in quarters than be a cheapskate. Is it better to be paid in quarters though?

Why I love my family

They make inappropriate gestures towards my husband.

They act like they are dating.

They let me borrow my Anna.

They have headstand battles with their daughter.

They kidnap my daughter.

*Just to name a few.

Girls Camp '09

We made it through the week at Camp Glenwood.
There were cabins and bunks and pranks and decent food.
I've realized two nights is my limit for camping with a smile.
I'm glad I don't have to think about camp for several months.

This is how Madeleine entertains herself while I do Slim in 6.

We finished swim lessons today. Madeleine learned to kick and splash.
Things we need to work on; blowing bubbles and not drinking the water.
But now we are ready for Mana's house and the beach!

I just made cookies with Corn Flakes

I could make a batch of cookies every other day. They'd all get eaten. So I needed to try something new, but not too new. Can't stray too far from 'the' chocolate chip cookie. So this one has oats and coconut and corn flakes.
Maddy likes 'em.

Is it possible for my 'office' to be transformed?

I know I can't get all that wood. But I love the colors. And the white iron beds with canopies. So summery, breezy, cool. Don't tempt me, I might just try.

Why don't I look this cute when I wake up?

Art City Days

If you are going to be in the Springville, UT area in the next few days check out the Little Bee Craft Boutique at the annual Art City Days. My amazing sister and mom have a booth. They will have letterpress prints and cards and adorable baby dresses and sweet stuffed bunnies and emroidered onesies. Plus lots and lots of other fantastic stuff.

Kate's letterpress

flipper

Nothing like going on a bike ride with husband and Jocko leading the way. Maddy strapped into her seat on my bike and my basket full of peonies to take to my best friend. Just nothin like it.

No, she really, really loves him.

It's that time again!

Not a single photo but...

We ate lots of cotton candy.
We played in a bouncy house.
We played at the park, a lot.
We played with two big dogs and two sweet bunnies.
We gardened.
We ate lots of fresh salsa.
We watched So You Think You Can Dance while eating Muddy Buddies.
We found fabulous wedges at Nordstrom Rack.
We tried to go to the beach, but took a good nap with Dad on the dunes.
We learned how to sleep in the car seat.
We played Hansel and Gretel and left a trail of popcorn through target.
We ate lots of fruit soup.
We woke up a little too early every morning.
We played with our wonderful cousins.

I hate finding a babysitter.

Sometimes I really like where I am in my life right now. Sweet Maddy and I just went for our first bike ride. Got a screaming deal at a yard sale this weekend and have had PERFECT weather to test 'er out. We cruised around some new homes, an older neighborhood I've always liked, we saw some horses and lots and lots of pretty flowers in bloom. Madeleine looved it.
Now she's taking a nap and I'm thinking about the laundry that needs folding and the dusting I still haven't done. So sometimes that's not so fun.

Spring Cleaning To Do

Blinds - can't stand 'em
Dust vaulted shelves - hate bringing in the tall ladder
Pack up winter clothes - need more boxes
Organize pantry - Done!
Fridge - I'd have to clear off my counters first

I'm getting nowhere fast.
I just read about a book that is supposed to inspire you to "clean like the dickens". I'm afraid even yummy smelling cleaning products could not sway me.

Story Time

Bicycle built for two

I've been on the hunt for a good cruiser bike. One that can handle a sweet baby girl on the back. Craigslist has been unsuccessful as of yet. This one is cute
.

Come rain or shine

These two little love birds have been hanging out on my fence all week. Through rain, hail, snow, wind and even a little sunshine.

I still don't like Mac 'n' Cheese

But we all love PB&J

Inspired by Aunt Kakie

Twisty hair and Martha Stewart quiet book. I think Aunt Kakie would be proud of us today.