Adoption Update

So, Mike and I went to Lawrenceville on Wednesday to talk with the facilitator we want to use for domestic adoption. I had a splitting headache then entire day so the meeting didn't help. Wow. What a lot to think about. What is better-"what you don't know can't hurt you" or "knowledge is power?" With Talia, we know nothing. With this adoption, we might know more than we want to know. So, after a couple of days of my own pity party, I am better. We have our first fundraiser on Saturday at Grace Methodist Church on Harbison. Selling jewelry Bren and I are making and some beautiful scarves Tracy's mom made.

Mike Jr's Softball game

This was over 3 weeks ago...Forgot to add it.

Wendy came for a visit! It was awesome seeing her again.


Mike's at bat.....


All the kids attack Granddaddy...

Halloween Festivities at the Heinen House

Dylan's costume was so good it scared Avalon. (See below)


Still not liking the werewolf...


I love fun camera weirdness.


Going on the hay ride for trick or treating.

End of Phase 1 of our Baby Sign Language Class

Joy sings to Edgar

Regina is busy taking notes on all that is happening.

Lilly is always attentive...

I read to Edgar, Regina and Edgar's sister.

Pearly Shells...

Talia works the hoop....

Go, Nona. Go, Nona. Go, Nona.

How much is that doggie in the window?

My niece is the CUTEST thing! Talia and Elias were playing with their Halloween costumes early but they wouldn't stay still for the camera.

Happy Adoption Day Party

Talia's been with us 3 years! Yippee! The actual date we brought her out of the orphanage was October 12, but we couldn't celebrate until today.
Nona and the kids
Tia Julie taught Talia and Elias to do the hoe down dance to the hamster song.
Talia plays with the dust mask that Poppy wears so he doesn't get sick from the cats.

Adoption Update

So, we have definitely decided to pursue domestic adoption. We are going to use a facilitator in Georgia that will refer us to agencies and lawyers all over the US in "safe" states (safe meaning better protective laws). So we go on Oct. 24 for our first meeting. They SAY most couples bring home a baby in 3-12 months! 3 months! Wow. That would be interesting. At least I finally have a plan. I am to collect 30-50 pictures that are action shots and that describe our life.

Country Adventures Part 2

Poppie came with us...Fun.
Pumpkins!
Talia playing with fire (okay, so she's really roasting a marshmallow...okay, she's really sticking it in the dirt.)
New friend.

Country Adventures with our Adoptive Family Group

Mary Claire from daycare was there! Fun!
Talia wanted on the big horse. No fear.
Brushing the donkey with other kids from AFG.
Lyn helps Talia drink from the fountain.

I'm singing in the rain!

Is there anything better than playing in the rain?
This was what I got when I asked for a smile. Girls!

Oct 3 Walk for Life

The annual First Ladies' Walk for Life. I walked before I had breast cancer. My friends and family continued the tradition, creating a team for me after I was diagnosed. Since I've finished treatment over 1 1/2 ago, I don't feel it needs to be about me. So, my boss Debbie and I created a team for another district employee, Min. The coolest part was her brother coming from California to suprise her. Min Wins!



















Talia and Granddaddy


The view that usually makes me tear up (which is not an easy task). So many people coming to walk to end breast cancer.


Mom and Wendy and the kids. Wendy came all the way from Alabama to walk. She rocks! And yes, there are 3 kids crammed in one stroller and mom is pushing our stuff.

Oct 2 Gymnastics

Say cheese! (I need another word so I don't get this face!)
Poor Ms. Lisa-Today was Parents with Cameras' Day--A small room full of already hyper children hyped up to delerium because all the parents were in there, too, with cameras.
This is 5 seconds after Talia said "I'll do it myself."
Hi, mom!