My Family

This is our Christmas card photo. It was a bit windy that day but it turned out great. Can you believe that was taken in December? Welcome to AZ. We have to drive 2 hours north to play in the snow but I don't mind a bit. No shoveling driveways or getting my car out of a snowdrift. What's the flip side? Well, summers of 110+ Oh well, that's what pools are for. =-)

Update

We got new pictures of Max! I just cannot believe how cute he is!! I am sad missing out on time with him. Hurry Serbia Hurry! Our documents have been sent to the Orphanage Ministry Officials to get Max ready for the adoption and approve us. The international adoption attorney is still out on paternity leave and won't be back until January now. But, at least they sent everything to the orphanage without waiting for him. So, what now? Who knows? One month, two, three? We are ready whenever.

Today is my daughter's 6th birthday. (With Max, we will have 3 December birthdays!) She is so excited and is telling everyone, "Happy Birthday!" She is such a ball of energy and has never met a stranger. I know she is going to light up when they sing to her at school today. Happy Birthday Tia Bug!

Bittersweet day

Today is my oldest son's birthday. (Wild Angel #1) He would be 9 today. It is hard to believe I would have a nine year old! He passed away when he was 13 months old from pneumonia. He is the one who opened doors into a life we never knew we could have. He is the one who required the most care and yet always had a smile. It was a great smile--you know, the kind that just lights up a room. Every year I buy Christmas flowers to put on his grave on his birthday. It never gets easier. I am always fighting tears in the check out lane wishing the flowers were for anything but a grave. This morning I went to the cemetery while my kids were at school. I started for the cemetery feeling good about the day. My sister called on my way there and we began to talk about how much we missed him and what he would be like now. That was all it took for my waterworks to start. I am happy knowing he will never have another surgery (he had 15) and knowing he is with my dad and others we love. But, oh how I miss him! I don't really know how I survived except to say the sun kept coming up everyday and I had no choice but to function. I was given a lot of strength through the first few months thanks to everyone's prayers. He brought so much joy and love into our home. He is an amazing person and I can't wait to see him again. Happy Birthday Braxton! We love and miss you!!

Isn't he a doll?!

I am finally able to put Max's picture on our blog! Now you can see how adorable he is. He will fit right into our family. He is ll months now. I am sad he is growing up without us but I know I will still be privileged to his first steps and many more firsts. That is something I will treasure. I am just happy to share him with you.