First Day of Preschool!

I never thought this day would come. When Adalyn was born, it seemed like ages before she would walk into Teacher Grandma's house for her first day of school. But, time passes quickly, and I am left a few hours, twice a week, without any children at home... and it breaks my heart. Although Mom is sad, Grandma and Adalyn are very excited. It will be fun watching her learn and grow, and interact with the other students.

Adalyn has also started ballet with Classical Ballet Academy, and is in her friend, Olivia's ballet class. I love watching her dance. She is really good! After watching her big sister, Katelyn, for three years now, Adalyn has already learned everything and will actually do the right step before her teacher even demonstrates! I'm so proud of her!

Life goes on...

So, some of you may have heard that our adoption has been delayed a minimum of one year. We are sad for ourselves and for Kethia. We were looking forward to getting her in the Springtime when everything is beautiful and green, and flowers are blooming everywhere. But, it looks like it may be next winter until she get's to come home to us. This last year has already felt like a lifetime of wait, and it's hard to imagine waiting another year, but we have no control over the situation, and have no other choice, but to be patient.

We are making plans to travel down to Haiti after the 20th of February, and look forward to being with her. Maybe that will be enough to get us through the next year. It will be an amazing adventure, and we are very excited!

We have a great life together...

I love how unique each one of my children are...

Sometimes, a little tantrum is all you need...

A
Adalyn is as cute as a bug, but, sometimes she has her moments...

She says and does the cutest things. For instance, a while ago, I was having a hard time getting She and Katelyn to drink their milk, so I told them that milk made their hair pretty...so last night, Adalyn said, "Look Mom!" and I glanced over at her only to find her dipping her little hand in her cup of milk and applying each little drop to her hair. Now, I know what she was thinking. She thought that it really would make her hair pretty, and was trying to make that happen. Branden and I could not stop laughing.

Adalyn enjoying the snow. This was on the day of her actual birthday. I love her little outfit! She's a sweetie!












Branden's Christmas present from me! He was one happy man, and thought of every possible driveway to clear throughout Utah County. He was like a little boy excited about his new toy, and toting it around with him wherever he went. I loved watching him enjoy his new gift.

































We took Kaden and Katelyn skiing at Brighton, and boy, was it cold!!! It was -4 degrees, and we were frozen. But, as you can see, it was beautiful, and worth it in the end. Kaden is becoming quite the pro at skiing, and with more practice, Katelyn will be just as good.

My first goal for the new year...

Kaden,

I promise to finish your mural by your birthday...whatever it takes! This is where we are currently at, and by April, it will be completed. Okay, buddy?

Love,

Mom

Happy Birthday Adalyn!

Adalyn turned 3 this month, and we celebrated at the "Seven Peaks Ice Arena". My brother, his wife and kids came, along with Branden's brother, Brian, his wife, and kids, and Grandma Pam, Grandma and Grandpa Cope, and Grandma Pulley.

Kaden and Katelyn are great ice skaters, and Adalyn will be when she get's a little older, but she sure enjoyed our help, and felt very important as she skated around that rink hand-in-hand with mom and dad.

We had home-made tinker bell cupcakes (made by me!). I was pretty proud with how cute they turned out. We also had hot chocolate! Adalyn got to open many presents, and had a great birthday. We love you sweetie!!

January 2011

It's a NEW year, which means, a new me! I've decided to become a blogger. I've watched as many of my friends and family have blogged, and have wanted to do it for some time, but time was hard to find last year. So, here I go...

I'm excited for 2011, as it holds new beginnings for our family. We are in great anticipation of our upcoming adoption of 12-year-old Kethia from Haiti. Branden met her last February when he traveled down to Haiti to help with the relief after the earthquake. Little did we know that his journey would lead us toward an adoption! We never anticipated adopting, but, both felt strongly that Kethia belonged in our family. She is a beautiful, sweet, and loving little girl in need of a good home, and we hope that we get to bring her home this Spring. Branden and I will be traveling down to Haiti in February to attend court for the adoption, and to visit our daughter. I am really looking forward to this event because I have not personally met Kethia. Only through spirit, and that spirit is very strong. It will be amazing looking at our world through Kethia's eyes. What will she think when she arrives on U.S. soil, and when she sees the endless opportunities before her? How will she react when she has a real bed to sleep in, and three meals a day? What will she say when she is given endless hugs and kisses by a family who will always love and cherish her? These are constant questions that run through my mind. Although the responsibility is huge, and we have many challenges ahead, I know that what we are doing is right, and that her life and ours will be forever changed. Pictured above is Kethia's room. She knows nothing about it, and we will keep it a surprise until she arrives home!

I look forward to watching my children grow and achieve new things this year. I wonder what funny things they'll say and do each day, and how they will interact with their new sister.


More than anything, I LOVE being a mom. I love my husband, my children, and the life we have together. We have been very blessed. I hope that this will be our best year yet!