My Three Kiddo's...A New Journey Begins!

Two Years Ago....and a trip to Florida!

2010-03-29T05:54:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that Danilo just celebrated being home forever...yes, that's right TWO YEARS on March 27th. Time has went by so quickly!
In February we went on a family vacation to St. Petersburg Florida. We thought we were going to the sunshine state, but the high the whole seven days was 56 degrees. We stayed on the beach so it felt even colder. Don't let the pictures fool you...my kids were the only ones in the pool and playing on the beach...no one else was in sight...it was kind of like having a resort to ourselves LOL...in any case we had a great vacation together just wished the weather would have been warmer!

Keeping busy...

2010-01-11T06:42:00.001-08:00

Happy 2010! Life has been pretty busy around here and I can't believe Devin and I just celebrated our second Christmas with Maysa and Danilo. The Mid-west has been completely covered by snow. I think we have approx 24 inches on the ground as of now. The kids have five snow days to make up so far and the freezing temps and ice everyday is a common occurrence. I have booked us a trip to Florida for the first part of February...I have to get our of here before we all crack! Poor Maysa gets shocked at every turn by static electricity, and because it so dry here everyday is a bad hair day. Devin has managed to fill up every night of the week with an activity, and Danilo is taking beginner wrestling. Maysa and I take a mommy and me gymnastics class once a week. Life has been busy, and we are looking forward to a wonderful 2010!
Keep praying for the family's still waiting for their little ones to come home this year!

The Big 10.....

2009-11-04T08:08:00.001-08:00

Several months ago Devin and his Big Brother/Little Brother program selected Devin and his Big to go to the Iowa college football game. Devin has been to a game several times before, but this game was different. Devin got to go on a behind the scenes tour, go on the field and loads of other fun things. If you watch any football I'm sure you know the Iowa Hawks are undefeated 9-0 in the Big Ten and ranked at Number 4 in the country. The Hawks have three more games and they are going to be tough...I have faith we will be taking a trip to the Rose Bowl in January!
Go Hawks!

Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-13T05:14:00.000-07:00

It always cracks me up when Danilo and an animal are in a photo together. He always has this look like he is being forced to pet it. Danilo just isn't a big animal lover, he doesn't dislike them but doesn't react to them either. I guess the good thing about that is he won't be asking me for any pets.

We headed to one of our local Pumpkin Patches on Sunday. The kids had fun picking out their pumpkins. It was so cold!
We had a light dusting of snow last Saturday, and sat at Devin's football game last night and froze as well. Our forecasters are predicting the coldest fall on record...I have this strange feeling we will be trick-or-treating in 20 degree weather this year.

Photos To Share~

2009-09-20T20:35:00.000-07:00

The kids and I have been so busy with Football, Soccer, Gymnastics, Hip-Hop, and church...I decided to squeeze in some early Christmas photos. They turned out great and I can't wait to get them sent out in my Christmas cards in December...He he! The kids are growing up so quickly, and Maysa exhaust me with all of her talking...this girl can talk!

ONE YEAR ~ GOTCHA DAY!

2009-09-04T05:25:00.001-07:00

Above is a photo of Maysa after we arrived back to the Marriott one year ago today with her Visa packet from the Embassy. I can't believe it's been one year already! I remember being able to finally breathe on this day and I finally had my little girl with me forever.

1) September 1st @ 4:30pm Maysa was placed in my arms forever.
2) September 3rd @ 7:00am Embassy appointment No. 17
3) September 4th @ 3:30pm Pick up Visa packet
4) September 5th @ 11:00am Fly home to the US

The year has been wonderful and Maysa has grown up so much. She is defintly not that shy and quite little girl who was placed in my arms at the Marriott. Maysa talks all the time and likes things done her way. She has come out of her shell and brings such joy to all of our lives. HAPPY ONE YEAR MAYSA...YOU ARE LOVED SO MUCH!

Kansas City Fun!

2009-08-18T11:34:00.000-07:00

We took a mini-vacation last week to the Great Wolf Lodge in Kansas.
We had a great time!
Grandma and Grandpa went along to, and they even went down the water slides!
Danilo celebrated his 10th Birthday on vacation....he was so excited to get ice cream and cake at every resturant to celebrate his special day!
Summer has went by so quickly and I'm so glad we were able to get away again before school and all the sport activity's begin next week.

Danilo is off to school~

2009-08-07T06:41:00.001-07:00

Danilo started school on July 30th. He is now in the 4th grade and is so excited to be back. Danilo goes to one of our year-round schools which has been wonderful in helping him with his education. He is still struggling with all areas of his academics, but receives special ESL (English as a second language) help most of the school day. I worry all the time that he will always struggle with school and that it will be hard for him, but he at least has the opportunity to go to school and learn that's far from what he would have received if he was still in Guatemala.

Their is a web~site named www.mayanfamilies.org where you can sponsor a student so that they are able to go to school. It costs as little as one might spend weekly at the grocery store. Please consider sponsoring one of these children so that they have a chance...education is key to stopping the cycle of poverty. Please help one of these children...once you see their adorable photos you won't turn your back.

Sleepy Girl...

2009-07-30T19:35:00.000-07:00

This was a picture of the first time ever, Maysa has fallen asleep in her high chair. She is quite the trooper when it comes to long days with no naps...(we can't always fit them in on weekends) she keeps goin' and goin'. On this day she was was just 100% exhausted...gotta love it!

My poor Maysa...

2009-07-13T19:41:00.001-07:00

Last week Devin, Maysa and I were sitting on the couch and Maysa was standing up on the couch as usual (she has no fear!) While she was standing the couch she lost her footing and fell backwards off the arm and landed straight on her face hitting ceramic tile. We rushed to the medical clinic and thankfully were able to come home after visiting the Dr. She has a concussion, two black eyes, a huge raised bump on her forehead, cut nose and she is swollen everywhere on her face. She has to follow up with her regular pediatrician and a nose specialist to make sure her nose heals as it should, but right now there is to much swelling to determine the damage. Maysa has been such a trooper and tough girl. She has to be watched so carefully to make sure she doesn't bump her forehead again. I think I have slowly recovered from my panic attack/heart attack since last week LOL>I'm so thankful it wasn't any worse!

What a Great 4th!

2009-07-05T17:14:00.000-07:00

We spent Friday evening in the rain (did I say it rained...I mean poured) at The Meadows Race Track and Casino waiting for fireworks. The boys played football in the rain and us grown-ups and Maysa hung out under the canopy tent and back of the car hatches. It was loads of fun even though it was raining. Maysa LOVED the fireworks display and wasn't frightened at all. We spent Saturday at Aunt Sherry's house for a cookout (It rained on the 4th too). Thankfully the rain let up by early evening just in time for us to let off fireworks. The kids played so much they were totally exhausted when we got home. Hope everyone had a great 4th!

Races and Rabbits

2009-07-03T07:53:00.000-07:00

We were excited to find 7 baby bunnies in our sandbox this week. Because we have two dogs we usually never get an opportunity to see rabbits in our yard. They were the cutest things ever and left their nest yesterday. We were able to watch them leave one by one, and Maysa just adored them. She keeps going to the sand box and asking "where are the baby bunnies?"

Devin ran in the Hy-Vee Triathlon on Saturday, and did a wonderful job. It was so hot and he was exhausted by the time he reached the finish line. He won a new bike so I think that helped ease the exhaustion. I'm so proud of him for doing a great job!

Please Pray...

2009-06-30T14:17:00.000-07:00

Please pray for a dear friend of mine and her husband her lost their son Hunter last week. Hunter passed away at 40 weeks due to an umbilical cord entanglement and was born still. The funeral today was so sad and his mother is having a very hard time which is expected. This was her first baby and she was so excited to be a mom after waiting many years to have a baby. Please pray for her and her husband so they may have strength to get through this horrible loss.

Back From the Dells

2009-06-28T16:50:00.000-07:00

We are back from the Wisconsin Dells. We had a wonderful time, but the week went so fast. The kids loved the water parks and spent hours swimming. Maysa loved the water as well...funny how she cries when she gets her hair washed in the bathtub, but will jump in the pool and get her hair wet without crying.
We went to a deer park and got to pet and feed the deer. It was so much fun to interact with these beautiful creatures up close.
My sister, niece and nephew also went to the Dells with us. Five kids and two adults in a mini-van equals lots of fun and a tight squeeze!

Smiles....this is all she would give

2009-06-21T07:27:00.000-07:00

After a two-hour session....Devin and I were in the background tossing Elmo in the air and acting like monkeys trying to get Maysa to smile.
I love candid shots, but we were working so hard to get a few of her smiling.
This is what we were able to get and I love them all....which means I ordered them all as well LOL.

My Girl.....

2009-06-20T20:51:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine took about 70 photos of Maysa in May and I spent most of May and June figuring out which pictures I wanted to order. Maysa is not a fan of having her photo taken at all, and we go from a smile to a candid shot in one second. I hope she out grows this before her senior pictures LOL
Here are a few of my favorites.
Enjoy!

Busy...

2009-05-27T13:36:00.001-07:00

Well May has been a busy month for us and June is even crazier. The boys activities are beginning to wind down...just in time for our summer activities to wind up. We have a family trip planned at the end of June to the Wisconsin Dells which we all are looking forward to. So now I'm off to pick up Devin from pre-season football practice...will it ever end?!

Happy Birthday Devin!

2009-05-16T04:31:00.000-07:00

My oldest Devin turns 12 today. Devin has been so wonderful this past year with Maysa and Danilo. It was just mom and Devin for 11 years and over the years Devin became very spoiled to say the least. He has adjusted wonderfully as an older brother and is great at sharing mom. Devin has really grown up to be such a special son and I'm so proud of him!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEVIN!

Waiting way to long for their children!

2009-04-28T20:00:00.000-07:00

I'm thankful everyday for my son Devin and that Danilo and Maysa are home. However, my heart aches for the family's still waiting for their children. I can't even begin to understand what they are going through.
I remember when their was so much uncertainty in Maysa's case and I was so stressed, depressed, sad, anxious and my mind and heart were going crazy with all the uncertainty. I honestly don't know how I got through it. I remember sometimes I would just go into a robot mode...just getting through the day was a task and I lived on the computer looking at timeline's, yahoo groups, adoption updates and news.
I have put a list of a few blogs I follow on my links. I know their are more of you and my heart goes out to all of you. I follow these blogs daily waiting to read about any progress in their case's to bring their children home. I believe in my heart that all these children will come home and that they are all so fortunate to have their family's fighting to bring them home.
I think sometimes when ones dreams and wishes come true we tend to forget about those who are still waiting for their dreams and wishes...for those of you still waiting...there are family's who are here still praying and waiting to see your children home with you soon!

Guess Who's Turning Two Today?

2009-04-22T06:14:00.000-07:00

My Maysa turns two years old today!
She had a party on Saturday at Jumpin’ Jacks. I was a little unsure if she would jump on the inflatable’s or not...well let’s just say it wasn’t a problem...she loved it!
Maysa now says she’s two while holding up four fingers...she loved opening up her presents at her party and would hand them back to the people who game them to her...after a few more gifts she got the hang of it.
I’m so thankful that Maysa is home and we are all together to celebrate her 2nd birthday!
Happy Birthday Maysa!
We Love You!

HAPPY EASTER!

2009-04-12T14:34:00.000-07:00

We had a great day at Grandma and Grandpa's! The kids played football with their cousins, hunted for eggs and came home with to much stuff as usual. The weather was cold and windy as it is every Easter...we still had a great time.
Happy Easter to you all!

OK...had to add some more photos

2009-04-11T16:56:00.000-07:00

I forgot about this Easter Egg coloring thing...ugh
The kids reminded me about 3pm that we needed to color Easter eggs. So I ran to Target to get eggs, boiled them and then stressed that someone was going to spill or make a mess. We did pretty good this year, except Devin had a blowing out-an-egg accident. So now just when I had nothing else to do this evening, I get to wash shoes, pants and my kitchen rug--Yeah...LOL.

Gettin Ready for Easter Sunday

2009-04-11T12:58:00.000-07:00

Maysa had a practice run looking for Easter eggs at daycare. It's amazing how quick she understood what we were doing. She hasn't ever tried much chocolate or candy...she loves it! I had to hide her Easter basket so she wouldn't have any more tantrums. Easter Sunday we will go to Grandma and Grandpas for lunch and more egg hunting. More pics to come!

Easter Bunny

2009-04-04T21:37:00.000-07:00

ONE YEAR AGO...EMBASSY DAY!

2009-03-24T19:40:00.000-07:00

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

I can't believe that it's been one year since Danilo's Embassy appointment!
Time has went by so quickly and Danilo has grown up so fast.
I remember anxiously and impatiently waiting for each and every step of the adoption process to be complete.
Time ticked by so slowly with so much uncertainty.
I can remember not wanting to paint and prepare his room until I was certain all cases would be grandfathered in under the old adoption laws.
I couldn't even get excited until I was in Guatemala waiting in the hotel lobby for Danilo. Once I saw Danilo I could finally breathe.
I made this video for Danilo in celebration of his homecoming...so many people tell me he is a lucky little boy, but I feel I'm the lucky one to have him for my son!

Spring Break week...

2009-03-17T06:48:00.000-07:00

The temp's are finally on the rise and we are enjoying every minute of our 70 degree weather!
Devin went to San Antonio this week with Grandma and Grandpa and is having a wonderful time going to Sea World, The Alamo, Rainforest Cafe' and loads of other fun things. I'm sure this is a great break for him especially since he has went through as many changes as we all have over the last year.
Danilo is at spring break camp this week. He is going on field trips and is having a blast with old and new friends. I have come to realize that Danilo is just one of those kids who needs to be kept busy all the time even during school breaks.
Maysa has been enjoying time playing outside and going to the park...oh yeah and buying and trying on her new spring clothes. I have posted some pictures at least what I could get...Maysa is so stubborn when it comes to having her photo taken!

Understanding...

2009-03-02T09:29:00.000-08:00

Although it’s hurtful and frustrating to say but I have several(almost all)extended family members who have never seen or acknowledged Danilo and Maysa's arrival into our family. I try not to get bitter, but it has been really hard especially since Danilo will be celebrating his one year homecoming the end of March. I can't figure out why people are the way they are and expect you to bend over backwards for the birth arrival of their children but they can't do the same? I came across this poem on someones blog---although I still don't understand why their is no acknowledgement I can feel better in reading that it's their 100% loss that they choose to be the way they are.

YOUR CHILDREN ARE YOUR CHILDREN-
BIOLOGICAL, ADOPTED, OR BY MARRIAGE...THEY ARE YOUR CHILDREN!
REGARDLESS OF RACE, CREED, COUNTRY, OR SPECIAL NEEDS...THEY ARE YOUR CHILDREN!
IF OTHERS DO NOT ACCEPT THEM, THEN THEY HAVE NOT ACCEPTED YOU.
IT BECOMES THEIR LOSS AND THEIR ISSUE, NOT YOURS

A trip to New Mexico

2009-02-25T20:43:00.000-08:00

We all took a family trip to New Mexico last week.
We went to visit my Aunt, Uncle and Cousins. We had a wonderful time and the kids were really good on the trip.
The weather was in the 70's and sunny.
My cousin and his wife drove to New Mexico from Arizona to surprise us and meet the kids. I hadn't seen some of my cousins for 16 years.
We are happy to be home safe and sound, and I will be spending the next few days getting the kids and myself back on schedule.

The Happiest 11 Year Old....!

2009-02-02T07:17:00.000-08:00

This is what the most excited 11 year old looks like after his favorite team the STEELERS win the Super Bowl!
Maysa is already for game day!

Most big brothers would buy their sister's toys for Christmas...Devin buys his sister Steelers clothes.

Well we tried to get a family photo...Danilo was being a stinker and show off during the game. He likes the idea of watching the big game, but then doesn't sit still or quite long enough to watch it.

STEELERS DAY!

2009-01-18T10:36:00.000-08:00

Today is the big AFC play off game to see if the Steelers get a spot in the Super Bowl.
Devin is a huge fan and we are all here to support his team (He is dressed in Steelers clothes from head to toe)!
However, Danilo would rather spend his time playing out in the snow and God knows we have plenty of it.
GO STEELERS!

Please keep this little girl and her family in your thoughts!

2009-01-11T20:10:00.000-08:00

I wanted you to know about Abby.
She was adopted from Guatemala.
At three years old, she was diagnosed with a high-risk, aggressive form of Leukemia. Certain genetic complications have put her chance of surviving the treatment at about 20%.
I am praying for her and her family. Would you please pray for them too-

You can find more about Abby by clicking on her photo that is on the right side of my blog.

Cheerios...

2009-01-03T16:11:00.000-08:00

mmm...what's Maysa eating?

Maybe if I wait long enough she will share her Cheerios

Nena begins to inch her way in...

Nena is going to make her move

Maysa says no way and seeks refuge with big brother Devin

Nena finally gives up

Nena and Maysa have become best buddies over the last few months. Maysa loves to torment Nena with her snacks and feed her from her highchair. Most of the time Maysa never shares with anyone, but her friend Nena. During the Cheerio stand-off Maysa said "NO NENA" plain as day...it was the first time she has put two words together.

Christmas 2008

2008-12-27T07:24:00.000-08:00

We have so much to be thankful for this year...I love my kiddo's so much!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2008-12-24T12:50:00.000-08:00

Myspace Graphics, Christmas Graphics at WishAFriend.com

I'm so excited and thankful that Danilo and Maysa are home forever and will be celebrating their first Christmas with Devin and I this year.
We will go to Grandma and Grandpa's tonight to celebrate Christmas with aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Then we will return home and wait for Santa...I can't wait to see Danilo's face on Christmas morning!
I wish you all a wonderful Christmas!
My heart and thoughts go out to all of the adoptive parents who are waiting to bring home their precious gifts from Guatemala!

O' Christmas Tree....

2008-12-12T07:08:00.000-08:00

Christmas is just around the corner and I have so much to get done, but just don't feel like doing it at all!
I use to have all my shopping done and wrapped by the first weekend in December, along with lots of baking and decorating the house...I didn't even put lights on the house this year!
Going from one to three kids in a year has been a big change in my life. I'm so thankful to have my children home but can admit I'm emotionally and physically exhausted!
Well... at least we have the tree up and it's beautiful!

Yeah......for re-adoption day!

2008-12-04T19:36:00.000-08:00

Danilo and Maysa were re-adopted today under the Iowa adoption law. The hearing went great and now off to more paper work...I have to wonder if the paper work and fees will ever end...ugh.
Now I will be getting them each a US Birth Certificate with their legal name change along with their Social Security cards...gotta have that for taxes.
Maysa is already a US citizen, but I will have to submit for Danilo's certificate of citizenship.
It was a great day!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-28T08:00:00.000-08:00

Maysa with her spoon ready waiting for her Thanksgiving meal...this girl loves to eat!

Say, "Happy Thanksgiving!"

Maysa loved playing in this box with mommy's empty wine bottle

Devin and Danilo with their cousins after a game of football

Isn't she the cutest!

Danilo and his first turkey...he said, "It's just like us and has two legs"

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving yesterday!
I can remember sitting at the table last year looking at empty chairs wondering if they would ever be filled...It was pure joy this year seeing Maysa and Danilo around the Thanksgiving table...as if they had always been seated their.
We have so much to be Thankful for this year!

So Thankful....

2008-11-12T20:06:00.000-08:00

Maysa is pretty reserved, but in the last few days she is really becoming much more independent and did I mention silly!
She is defiantly more silly with her brothers around and she loves to copy everything they do.

I also wanted to post how thankful I am that Maysa and Danilo are home forever!
I still continue to read blogs everyday and I'm so saddened that their are still so many family's waiting to bring their children home from Guatemala.
There is a little girl named Kinsey and a little boy named Max along with a few other blog's that I check almost daily to see if their is any progress in their case's.
I don't know how their parent's are getting through the waiting and uncertainity...and it angers me that these adoptions are being held up way to long when these children need to come home.
I know the frustrations and helplessness you feel...and sometimes I feel bad for posting how wonderful everything is for me, when I know the waiting and wanting is pulling at your hearts...I hope reading other family's blogs and updates of completed adoptions will give you hope that your children will be home soon as well. Keep the faith and keep fighting!

Two months Home

2008-11-05T05:17:00.000-08:00

Maysa has been home exactly two months today.
I can't ever imagine not having her in our family...it feels as if she has always been here. Time goes by so quickly!

Happy Halloween & Happy Birthday Grandpa...

2008-10-31T11:59:00.000-07:00

The kids had a blast last night trick-or-treating and it didn't take long for Danilo and Maysa to get the hang of it.
It was also grandpas birthday!
I love the picture of him with all of his grandkids.
Now, I'm on official candy patrol making sure no one eats to much candy and gets a tummy ache. They ended up with so much...and I have to make sure they don't over do it...or sneak it!

Activity wind down...

2008-10-27T07:58:00.000-07:00

Danilo finished up his last Soccer game on Saturday. He loved going to soccer and playing with the kids....although he spent most of his time going the wrong direction, or falling on the ground..LOL!
In any case he had a great time and can't wait to begin a new sport.

Devin just finished up football season yesterday. His team the "Cowboys" were in the playoffs for first place, but were defeated by the Raiders and took second place in the league. Although, he is bummed out for the loss he can't wait to play again next season.

So what does this mean for me? That I will be driving less and I will actually be able to begin cooking for the boys instead of going through drive thru Windows. Devin will no longer have four days of practice a week and a Sunday game day. Danilo won't be having practice's and I can finally sleep in on Saturday mornings without getting up for 8am soccer games. Maysa will be spending less time in her car seat. Don't get me wrong I love watching my kids play sports, but it's nice when the sports begin to wind down a bit for all of us to have more time together as a family. They still have Hip-Hop, Break dancing, Gymnastics, Church and what ever else they will be signing up for next week. Whew!

Oh, and I had to sneak one in of Maysa...we are still enjoying Indian summer!

PUMPKIN PATCH...

2008-10-18T21:04:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Gotta' Love This Weather...

2008-10-11T21:09:00.000-07:00

Here it is mid-October and our weather has been wonderful!
It's been between the 70's and 80's with a light breeze since summer ended.
Maysa has so many summer clothes and I'm so glad she is having the opportunity to still wear them. I was worried with her coming home in September we would go straight to the cold mid-west fall and winter.
Maysa is so wonderful and she loves to play outside, hopefully I can't get the boys to stand still long enough to get some photos of them over the weekend!

New Friends

2008-10-06T13:19:00.000-07:00

Maysa has finally made friends with the dogs and cat!
Whew...it took a while, but looks like she's going to be an animal lover!

A New Journey Begins...

2008-10-01T06:21:00.000-07:00

Wow...what a year!
Danilo joined our family March 27, 2008. He is such a wonderful little boy who has brought such joy and spirit to our family. He is very inquisitive, stubborn, head-strong, affectionate, loving and very silly! It's amazing how well he has adjusted and how quickly he catches on to everything, especially English. I was able to visit Danilo's foster family in September and see where Danilo lived for four years after being a child on the streets of Guatemala. The experience of seeing where he lived has helped me to better understand where he came from and how truly fortunate we are to have him in our lives and away from such an uncertain future. I know there will be many more challenges ahead for him to overcome over the years, but we are a family and we will work through our problems with love an understanding!

Maysa, who I refer to as my BABY GIRL, was welcomed home on September 5, 2008. She has just turned 17 months and is on the go! She is loving, sweet, and did I say beautiful! It's a good thing she has two older brothers looking out for her. In just a few short weeks we have seen her transform from a shy natured little girl into and active, stubborn, smart, and loving child. Maysa is full of life and loves to copy everything we do. She loves to play outside. take a bath, listen to music and dance. She is a great sport when going to her brothers many activity's and is always their to lend a scream or a clap. We are so excited to have her home!

My Devin...he's 11 going on 16. He is the best son that a mother could ask for. He is affectionate, caring and unselfish. He began this journey with me in July 2005 and has been anxiously awaiting for a new brother or sister for well over 2 years. Devin is thrilled to be a big bother and enjoys sharing his zest for life with his new brother and sister. Devin is so understanding about sharing his mom and has begun to be a great positive influence in Danilo and Maysa's life. Even though Devin is only 11 he has shown great maturity and strength through this uncertain adoption process.

I can never put into words how thankful I am for my family and my three kiddo's along with having the opportunity to adopt. I hope and pray everyday for the children in Guatemala that are still waiting for their forever family's.
I'm so lucky and fortunate to be able to share my life and heart with all three of my children!
Our adption journey is over...and a new journey of a family begins!

Stay tuned for "My Three Kiddo's Updates".....