You Know You're An Adoptive Parent When...

1. The fact that there are 143 million children without a parent to
kiss them goodnight has made you lose sleep.
2. You realize DNA has nothing to do with love and family.
3. You can't watch Adoption Stories on TLC without sobbing.
4. The fact that, if 7% of Christians adopted 1 child there would be
no orphans in the world, is convicting to you.
5. You spend free time surfing blogs about families who have
experienced the blessing of adoption.
6. It drives you crazy when people ask you about adopted child's
'real' parents.
7. You have ever been 'pregnant' with your adoptive child longer than
it takes an elephant to give birth. (2 years!)
8. You had no idea how you would afford to adopt but stepped out in
faith anyway, knowing where God calls you He will provide.
9. You have ever taken an airplane ride half-way around the world
with a child you just met.
10. You believe God's heart is for adoption.
11. You realize that welcoming a child into your heart and family is
one of the most important legacies you could ever leave on this
earth.
12. You know what the word 'Dossier' means, and you can actually
pronounce it!
13. You have welcomed a social worker into the most private parts of
your life.
14. You shudder when people say your child is so lucky that you
adopted them, knowing full well you are the blessed one to have
him or her in your life.

-Author unknown

Can't all of us adoptive partents relate? I know I can. Thanks Julie for sharing this with me.



Sophie left and Sage right spontaneously trying out their lip gloss, check out those kissy lips :)

First time at the Zoo for S & S!

They were so excited! They were attending Madelyn's 4th birthday party at the zoo, but she got sick last minute (poor thing, we felt so bad for her and her sis) and we were already there so we decided to stay. The kids enjoyed the large marble ball rotating in the water at the entrance.


Sage patiently waiting for lunch, love that serious look on her face when she is anticipating something special.

Sophie mesmerized by the monkeys, and Sage behind, being a monkey. She had to take off her glasses to check out every detail! Nick was such a proud brother showing and teaching his sisters. (The boys were a big help- they were thrilled to show their sisters everything, and with all the walking, I didn't rent a wagon, I really appreciated their help!)

Some of their favorite animals were... the African Elephant (they wanted to pet it :), the White Crocodile (only ten in the world), the cute baby Giraffe (6 mths old, they kept saying "hi" to it), the penguins cruising in the water (they were concerned about the bandaids they saw on their wings, they were all tagged, looked like a bandaid :), the zebras (they signed all the animals they saw, they like the Zebra sign) and of course- the Monkeys & Gorillas!

Watching the Monkeys, Sophie in sunglasses.

Measuring Up, Trevor's about the size of an Orangutan

The famous Lion drinking fountain. This is a favorite picture because I have one of each of my boys when they were about this age, with their head in the Lion's mouth getting a drink. Wish I had time to find them and scan them in.

They had a great time and can't wait to go again! Hopefully when Madelyn is feeling better and when Paul can join us (he had to work.)

Bare Feet, Flip Flops & Football...

Sophie and Sage doing their homework. They ask to do homework every day. They also quickly correct me if I say they go to pre-school. "It's just school mom, not pre-school." After all, they are 4!

The girls found my red nail polish and asked to get their nails painted, cutest little flip flop feet! I'm just glad they asked and didn't paint it themselves, as independant as they are. We're thrilled it's warm enough, barely, to wear flip flops!

Trevor had another good game, and this time they didn't freeze. A big change from last weeks game. Way to go Sun Devils!

Trevor's biggest fans!!

A glimpse of our week...

I'm getting a little behind with my posts... To catch up, here's a quick glimpse of what Sophie & Sage and family have been up to...

Our little dancers! Sophie & Sage were so excited to start dance again today, they asked every few minutes if it was time. Last summer see here was a big step for them when they took dance and had their first performance. This class is just right for my girls, it's only once a week twice a week before performances, instead of 4 or 5 that I so often see (overkill at this age). They are performing at Disneyland in July- optional, we'll see. The great directors were so happy to have them back and the girls picked it right up again. Sophie has pony tail, Sage in pig tails.

They didn't want to cancel the first game of the season, so here they are playing Flag Football in the snow & frigid weather. Although there was a lot of shivering going on, they did great and had fun. Way to hang in there Trevor! Hard to believe it was in the 80's yesterday, today was low 30's, go figure.

This is what you do when you really love your sweety & sons. Hang out in the desert- dust, sagebrush and all, and shoot guns that you're a bit afraid of. I actually enjoyed shooting skeet (even hit my share) and did good at the long range shots with the scope, but those dang mid-range shots. I really was aiming for the target hon, your new target stand just got in the way- owe you a new one :). Notice the only good view, the beautiful lake behind us. The girls had a great time exploring the desert and collecting skeet with Trevor. I admit, it was kinda fun.

Enjoying the awesome Jazz Game, favorite game dinner, and ending up in the Living Room for great piano playing (Danny & Tevor) and loud, I mean beautiful, singing (Girls). Glad you could join us Danny & Lindsay, Go Jazz!

Sage white, Sophie pink, proud of their new haircut (just a trim). Considering the famous orphanage shaved haircuts they had about a year in-a-half ago, their hair has really grown. I've noticed some breakage from wearing it up so often, so they're wearing it down now, it's very cute but can get pretty messy.

Since I'm usually behind the camera, Paul took these.

Fun times, Good friends

I'll have to make it thankful Saturday, since I didn't get to it on Thursday...

Doesn't get much sweeter then this! Sophie and Sage cuddling to their bunnies from Grandma & Grandpa. They've named them "Hopper" & "Thumper" and have slept with them since. They are now fully clothed and go everywhere with us, although they wait in the car:). Thanks Linz for the delicious Easter cookies, what a treat to find on our porch when we got home, you're so thoughtful!

Thankful for the Easter dinner and fun visit my parents treated us too since we were gone on Easter. It's often hard to find the time to get together, but it is soo nice when we do. I'm grateful to have loved ones closeby.

And for good friends like Adyson. Sophie (blue) was still napping while Sage & Adyson were playing, then they all had a great time together. They enjoyed jumping, sliding, and being the 3 princesses on the enchanted swing, and, of course, taking care of "Shadow" their princess kitty. They can't wait to get together again.

I'm thankful for Spring, although it's still too cold to do much outside, won't be long.

I'm thankful Nick got the job he wanted- Boondocks! He was getting a little worried and started searching elsewhere, then they called. This was his first interview and the job he wanted most. He'll start next week, Congrats Nick!

I'm so grateful for our new prophet, President Thomas S. Monson! We sustained him today. It's so comforting to know, even if we lose a great prophet, Our Father in Heaven watches out for us and has prepared another. I know Pres. Monson is called of God and will do a remarkable job!

I've enjoyed staying in touch with others through blogging and the wonderful people I've come to know!