The Q...

I wish I was able to post more pics...I am having trouble uploading... These are a few from the "Q" this afternoon...Nordonia Hills Basketball Practice held at "Quicken Loans Arena"... I hope all is well:)

Let's Celebrate...

The Big Re-Adoption Day, that is, by going to Chuck E. Cheese's!!! A few pics from the FUN:)

Ana's Re-Adoption

I apologize to my family and friends that it has taken me this long to Blog about Ana's Big Day - The finalization of our adoption.

I know, you are asking why we had to re-adopt her if she's already home, but it's a very long and complicated story, and I really don't like to bore people.

I'll just say this: The Guatemalan Government, USCIS, The State of Ohio, and Summit County all have different requirements and it was necessary for her final legal name change and tax purposes.

Other than that, I continue to be "swamped" like every other Mom out there. The kids are doing great. Ana has become offically "DoodleBop" CRAZY!!! I'd call her one of their biggest fans...Yep, and she's only two. She calls them "du-bobs," and sings and dances all around the house...

OH, to be two again...

I hope all is well, and if I can't find time to Blog this week, Have a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving:)

11 Years Ago...

Eleven years ago, I was getting my hair and nails done. I was pulling on the girdle and hose, putting on my the dress and placing my vail. I was getting married.

My Mom and Dad were alive, the sun was shinning, and the fun was just about to begin.

It all started at the Condo. Two limos pull into the driveway as my family and I are taking formal pictures to remember the day. Of course, I question why there are two limos instead of one (?), but now realize that they did not have limo-buses back then...

Next, Holy Family Church in Stow. I was sooo nervous. I messed up my vows and I ordered Alan to put my wedding ring on, of course, the wrong finger.

After the ceremony, we were off to the nearest Hardee's Drive- Thru for a snack, then to Portage Country Club for more pics. Danielle was playing the piano, the boys were being boys, and the excitement of the moment had us ALL laughing and carrying on like a bunch of young kids.

From there, we made a "Cameo" at Nancy and Vince's place and arrived at The Ramada Plaza Hotel in downtown Akron for the reception. Oh, what a reception...

Buffet Dinner, Mid-Shelf Liquor, DJ, friends and family made the evening extremely memorable for Al and I. Lionel Ritchie sings "Dancing on the Ceiling," WELL, WE WERE DANCING ON THE TABLES:)

I will continue to take these memories and hold them close to my heart. To celebrate, Al and I are going to Mario's International Spa this afternoon to get pampered then out for a nice dinner, ALONE WITH NO KIDS:)

It's amazing how these little one's can change you...

Happy Anniversary Al.

I hope all is well :)

To My Friends and Family...

I really do not mean to get "sappy" in saying what I feel, but Mindy and her courage to Blog abour her own and her families political views has truely taught and inspired me. Mindy, Kris, Alec and Kayla...thank you for teaching me it's okay to speak my mind.

To the rest of the wonderful group of NEO Guatemalan Families, I look so forward to seeing you at the X-MAS Party. Mindy, I swear I am working on it:) Gina, Joe, Christian, Tara, Curly and Babies, Cindy and Camille, Holly, Carrie, and everyone from our special group of friends and families, please know that you have been such an incredible source of support to me through some of my hardest days of International Adoption and the loss of my Father. Furthermore, for those I have not met, I look forward to building a lifetime of relationships with you and your children.

To my own family and INCREDIBLE friends- you know who you are - thanks so much for listening. Schlegel, Kathleen, St. V-M Alumni who I have not connected with in many years, Aunt Debi, Tim, Denise, John, Danny and Aud... For the past year you have listened to me rant and rave about the daily pressures of life. Please know that your listening ears mean the world to me:)

Honestly, the best advice I have ever been given was by my Aunt Debi at such a moment of vunerability and weakness in my life. She told me..." The Rest is Still 'Unwritten'." Thank you Aunt Debi for being so much like Mom...

I am still searching for my camera...I have turned this house, Tim's place, and my car inside out to find so I can post pics of the kids...NO LUCK:( I guess I have to go get a new one. I'll post pics when I can.

I hope all is well:)

Another Crazy Week...

Wow, what a week. On this past bitterly cold Monday, Tim and I went to to The Cleveland Clinic for a follow up appointment. From there we dropped off scripts and went grocery shopping at Big Bird. He's doing very well and sends his love.
He's offically settled into his new apartment and the pictures I ordered to make his place look "Homey" just came in yesterday. I'm a girl, have to spruce the place up a bit. Tim, just wait until Denise and I show up with a Christmas Tree and decorations:) Tough, you are going to listen to the ladies of the family!:) Denise, you know I am proud of you. Stay strong girl, and know that you have MY support.
I spent the rest of the week preparing for St. Barnabas' MOMS EXPO and T's school Halloween Party. I am working with vendors willing to exhibit thier small buisness products and services to benefit our group and our church. Anyone interested in helping, please contact me.
Other than that, nothing else new. Unfortunately, my camera is MIA and I have no pictures to post of the week the kids dressed up and all the Halloween festivities . I really wish I could to share pics with MY friends and family... Oh well, guess I have to go and drop money I really do not have on a new one... Welcome to the middle class.
I hope all is well with everyone, and when I find my camera, or find time to go out and purchase a new one, I'LL POST...