FFF INFO

Here is the FFF Info...
I wanted to share with you all the blog that started the themes to the FFF, so you can go see for yourselves and you can add yours to her linky page if you want to or just check out other people's blogs.

Now, I did not ask permission, but there are so many that go to her blog now... I do not think it is a big deal.

So here you go Kiss the Frog 4 Me.

Fickle Friday

It is "Fickle Friday" because this post is all over the place...

First, in our walk down memory lane, today was the day we got our VISA to bring Eliza home. A rep from our agency just brought it to us and then we spent the day at the pool.

Second, me and my daughter...


Third, for those self- tanners out there... I was in the yard pulling weeds (because you know that needed to be done before I could pack) in a white tank top and it is crazy hot so I was sweating. I had to come in because the sweat marks on my shirt were turning brown, I assume from the self tanner I tried this week... is that normal?

Fourth, can you tell me why this is important to me and why it made me smile this morning? I would link an older post but then it would give it away... you know one of my quirky obsessions...


Fifth, I have pulled some things out to pack... if I get a chance, I will take some pictures for my MESSY FFF.

Sixth, I promise I am not procrastinating on the packing... just had a lot on my mind. (okay, I lied... I am avoiding packing)

BEEP... BEEP...BEEP...

We interrupt this jog down memory lane to ask for packing volunteers. We leave in about 36 hours and I cannot EVEN entertain the thought of packing. Even Baylor is beginning to get concerned at my lack of even dragging out the packing recepticles.
I have the hardest time knowing what to pack for the beach. We usually end of not wearing 1/2 of it because we are in our swimsuits or comfy clothes... but the idea of packing for Me, Bay, Callan, Silas, Eliza (and Brent) just sends me to the Reeces BIG cups.

Back to regular programming.

OH and FFF is Disorderly Conduct or Messy Spaces... not that this is a have to kind of thing, post whatever you want for your fave foto... I just think the challenge is sometimes fun. I imagine mine will be pics of the mess we make packing.

Embassy Day

In honor of our Embassy Day ONE year ago today, here are the pictures that so many of you love. Before going to the Embassy...

And then as a new American...

Gotcha Day

Today is the one year anniversary of our "Gotcha Day", in adoption terms it is the day that refers to the day you take custody of your child. One year ago today we went into a small room in the back hallway of the Westin Camino Real, with tears pouring, and held OUR daughter knowing that we would never have to hand her back again. It was bittersweet! We were so happy the day had finally come, and Brent had not seen her (in person) since she was about 10 days old. But, the grief in the room was also overwhelming. Her foster mom loved her so much and took wonderful care of her. When we got there, Eliza's foster mom's eyes were already swollen and red from the sadness. We could not help but cry with her because we had experienced the hurt in handing her over several time, but we always knew the end would come and we would get to take her home. This was a final goodbye. We do not know if we will ever get to see Eliza's foster mother again. We hope we will. We hope to travel with her there someday and because we still keep in contact some through e-mail maybe we will get to see her and hug her neck for the wonderful woman that she is and all that she gave to our daughter in those first precious 9 months.

So today in celebration of our Gotcha Day, I gave Eliza one of her 18 gifts. We brought home 18 gifts (one for each year up to 18) that we purchased in Guatemala to give Eliza each year in a way to honor her, her heritage, and her country. This years gift was a dress. It is hand embroidered and sweet. I bought it when Eliza was just 10 days old on our first POA/visit trip after we handed her back to her foster mom. We could have bartered for it better, but it sent me into a sobbing frenzy so much so that Brent wanted to get me out of there and the sweet Guatemalan lady thought something was seriously wrong (there was). Here is our photo frenzy... and there were so many more. The arm cross one, is her telling me NO (she did not want her picture taken)... OHHH the sassy girl we are in for!

One year ago today...

Brent and I had gone to bed in the pitch dark of Antigua Guatemala. We had heard of it's beauty but arrived in the dark not able to see anything but the hallway of our Bed and Breakfast. The Sunday morning church bells woke us up at 5AM as did the birds already up singing. We had a tour of the city planned for the day but as we got up just to look out the window and see our immediate surroundings, this is what we saw-


It took our breath away, we had no idea that the volcano was RIGHT THERE. Our tour of the city was amazing, with an amazing man. We saw so much, and fell in love with a city that is forever a part of us. The people were so welcoming and everywhere we went we were treated like royalty. Remember these...

It comes to an end...

Baseball season officially ended last night. It was a tough year for the team (and for Mom and Dad) but Baylor did not seem to really be bothered by all the losses, just that he was doing his best to make plays and hit the ball. He got into a slump the last half of the season with his batting but for a 7 year old, I am really impressed with my boy.

Here he is with Coach Jon and Coach Dad getting his end of the season trophy.


Then you have snack stealer Silas coming out in full support by wearing a full uniform to almost every game.

Add in a little cutie patootie ( also a snack stealer- or at least drink stealer) and you have yourself a fan club.

One the way home, Eliza was showing off one of her new tricks... the sleeping fake-out. It cracks us up.



This week is also very special to us. This time last year, we were on an airplane on the way to get our little girl. This week will be full of memories, thankfulness, praise, and Eliza cuteness.