The Christian Crew

I have tried to write this blog post at least 7 times in the last 10 months. It's truly the hardest thing to start and really to finish. WHY? Why is it so hard ? Well, because what I'm writing, living and understanding is, that not everyone is going to like what I'm going to say.... And That's Fine with me (now). But 9/10 months ago my skin wasn't so thick and my journey was still in the exploration stages. Anyways, Here it is... I left the Mormon Church I so dearly loved. And so did my whole family. There, I said it! (sound the trumpets of judgment now) Many Outsiders ( non-mormons)  have said : " Who cares! Thank God above. We've been praying for you, It's your Journey and I wish for the best for you" ( apathy or general Love) Most Mormons generally respond with things like :  ( these are what I've actually heard) "You are going to lose your kids, your family. "You are following Satan. Your opinion is BS. You lis...

I remember when Brielle had her 3rd birthday and the party we threw at our home with a bunch of her little friends, her birth family and all her grandparents from every side that could be there. We make a fun cake and large bounce house was inflated in our living room! There was FUN in the air but, also a lingering feeling of " OH CRAP- it's about to get REAL!" In our original placement agreement- we would terminate contact in person with Brielle's birth parents except for pictures and letters/emails/ blog at 3 years so, She could have a NORMAL life! Our heads and our hearts couldn't wrap around the idea of never seeing our NEW family ever again- or Keeping Brielle from knowing her birth family, in person. What kind of selfish people were we? Well, I think when we made that agreement- everything was just so unknown and new (and Yet Kara and Kyle agreed that this would be okay with them.:/) After our tiny girl dug into her presents and the last pieces of...

We are...... SO BLESSED living up here in the Mtns of CO! The kids are growing like weeds ( Especially Brielle, our oldest!) and Its currently April and we have 2 inches of snow on the ground! But, it will melt and give moisture to some of the most gorgeous wildflowers!!! SO, Updates... DUSTIN IS GETTING MARRIED! YEP, He has found the gal for him- SARAH! She is amazing and I am so Happy for the two of them. She is a Special needs teacher who works with children from hard circumstances which makes her job even tougher but- She loves her kids and what she does. She has a heart of GOLD and Dustin is a lucky man! Between the two they own 2 homes and are very smart with the choices they are making in life! I know they will find happiness and success together. GAVIN will get to be the cutest ring bearer Ever and the girls will make some fine Flower girls too! SO, for us currently there is a bit going on... We are remodeling the home we bought and it seems like there are people...

SO... (drumroll please) WE BOUGHT A HOUSE! YEP, we did it. Sorry for the lack of pics right now- you will get them soon! We found a place up in the Mountains of CO and we are LOVING IT! Though we haven't moved in yet- every time we visit it- it feels a bit more like home. We did demo on the house last friday and i sledge-hammered the kitchen tile today and we have had lots of help to get it to the 89% completely demoed phase. There is still more stone to remove from the fireplace and more flooring and tack strip to remove but, WE ARE SO CLOSE! Next is gas lines ran to the kitchen, upgraded and new furnace and HVAC stuff, some plumbing and electrical work then THE GOOD STUFF- new floors, new paint, new counters, new appliances, new doors , new trim etc... We are however doing some RECLAIMED projects too ( another day i'll talk about it). Today, the Rainbow play set got installed in our yard ( did i mention it's 2.4 acres?) G-man also locked the KEYS in our car! Luckily...

I can't believe he is already 7 months old... There went the Summer too.   Next week the girls start school . Both will be in Full day and we love our school! Aria got Brielle's teacher and we couldn't be happier about it b/c she is fabulous and an award winning as well! I had good intentions to post more and if it was my business- it would take more of a priority but, it's not right now. I still plan on having some great and informative posts once things slow down again ( if they ever do). Anyways, we have had fun doing swimming classes, playing, splash park, floating on the clear creek and much more. So sad that my friend moved back to Idaho again but happy for her family! Im looking forward to FALL and all it brings. Lots of visits, a couple weddings, another Trip to Disneyland & the Beach, school days and dance, piano and gymnastics classes for the girls. the boys and i will enjoy the parks, library story time, gym classes, biking , grandma Leslie, ...

New Years Resolutions are all about making great changes, committing , and resolving to correct the things that are off in your life! So, what are YOURS this year? Are they about your physical body? Using your talents more? Being more charitable? Accomplishing big goals in your work or life? Sometimes we set goals that are just out of our control all together and we get disappointed when they don't happen! As far as adoption goes, we can't control all that much of the process but, Here's a few things you can .... If you think your agency has forgotten you... GET in their face - in the most helpful and least obnoxious way possible - volunteer with outreach programs they might have, join FSA or similar adoption focused groups and get to know your adoption manager. They won't forget you if are around all the time. And when you are doing good things for others- good things will come your way too. It's true! ALL 6 of the couples that are highly involved on the FSA boar...