Another Anniversary

Three years ago today we got up early, had breakfast and headed off to the courthouse. It was a chilly morning, and honestly we really didn't know what to expect. We arrived and found our lawyer who walked us through what would be happening, and then waited. It seemed like forever having to sit there with the boys... keeping boys entertained and quiet at the same time!

Some adoptive families are able to go to the courthouse and share this day with many other adoptive families, but in the county where we finalized that isn't how they do it. Inside the court room there were no other families waiting to have their names forever joined, instead there were men and women looking to get out of tickets and whatnot. And we weren't the first to go, we had to sit there and listen to a few of these before we were able to walk before the judge and make a public record of our pledge to our new family. The judge pictured here was a lovely woman. One of her first comments was how much she loved finalizing adoptions, and even commented on how handsome the boys looked! The whole event is somewhat of blur, the realization was quite overwhelming... as you can tell even the boys seem a little unsure of what all was happening. And what seemed like a flash it was all over. We had a few pictures taken, and then we were out in the lobby again with our attorney finishing up the details of when we would receive new birth certificates and our copy of the records.

Looking back at the pictures it seems so long ago... most of the time it feels like they have been with us from the beginning... I guess, though, things didn't begin until they came to us!

He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will... (Ephesians 1:5)

Well... if everyone else is doing it...

You Are Strawberry Ice Cream

A bit shy and sensitive, you are sweet to the core. You often find yourself on the outside looking in. Insightful and pensive, you really understand how the world works. You are most compatible with chocolate chip ice cream.

What Flavor Ice Cream Are You?

You Are a Comma

You are open minded and extremely optimistic. You enjoy almost all facets of life. You can find the good in almost anything. You keep yourself busy with tons of friends, activities, and interests. You find it hard to turn down an opportunity, even if you are pressed for time. Your friends find you fascinating, charming, and easy to talk to. (But with so many competing interests, you friends do feel like you hardly have time for them.) You excel in: Inspiring people You get along best with: The Question Mark

What Punctuation Mark Are You?

Sweet Deal

Some of you may be familiar with Heidi Saxton, Mommy Monsters Inc., and her work as a blogger and author. After reading a recent post of hers, I submitted to read and review her new guide Raising Up Mommy! And wouldn't you know it (I certianly didn't expect it) that she still had a few spots left for reviewers!!! I should get my copy shortly and at her request I will be posting my review on March 16th!

I'm truly looking forward to reading it, and sharing it with all of you guys!

Jason Kidd

Well, I was not a fan of the Harris for Kidd trade, and still believe that we needed depth at center more than this. What will be do in the playoffs against Shaq, Marion, Duncan, Bynum, or Yao when Dampier gets in early foul trouble? And to hear Dirk talking about his relief at having some "leadership" on the floor... Ummm, hello, you're the league MVP, for goodness sake, you should be the leader. But hey, if it makes him relax and play better, it's a good thing.

And I have to admit that it sure is fun to watch them lately, isn't it!? Not only does Kidd bring a lot himself, he seems to have energized the whole team, and they're playing more adventurously even when he's not on the floor. Good stuff. We'll see how far it takes us.

I'm also relieved that George's maneuver resulted in a much more fair deal, in my opinion. Hassel was a good player, but I'm happy to have Stackhouse and George still here, if only because they are two of MommaLlama's favorite guys. (Stackhouse bought his mommy a CHURCH!) She desperately wants to win the "Take Stack to School" contest. Wouldn't it be awesome if he came to a homeschool group event? I can imagine that on Channel 5 - "NBA player participates in Stations of the Cross with local religious fanatics."

Good question

These boys think I know everything. And usually when they have a question, I either know the answer, or can make up a reasonable one. But today, Bobcat stumped me:

"Why doesn't the bubble in the level pop?"

Hmmmm... I thought for a few minutes and, you know, all I could think of was, "Good question!" I know it's trapped in there, and I suppose it has something to do with the consistency of that liquid stuff in there, or surface tension or something. He shook and shook that thing trying to "pop" the bubble, and when he was done, I gave it a whirl.

I'm thinking their questions are only going to get more intelligent and difficult from now on.

Spring!!!

The camellia blooms are our first sign that spring has sprung at Casa Llama. There are also some tulips beginning to peek through, and the iris foliage is getting perky. By the end of the summer, I'm usually quite happy to park the mower and enoy a few months off from the yard work. But I'm definitely ready to start up again by this time.

Bobcat was my assistant in the yard today. We pulled weeds, spread some weed killer and fertilizer, tuned up the mower, and repaired the fence in the back yard. Last year, four of five fence posts along the side fence rotted and fell over. Last week, the fifth took a dive. So we dug and dug and dug and dug, dropped in a new post, and nailed everything back together. Bobcat practiced nailing on an extra board while I made an embarrassing mess of the actual fence. I'm glad it's in the back yard, or I'd pay to have it torn down and done properly. Let's just say things don't quite line up exactly right. But it's good enough, and I'm sore enough that I don't plan to put any more effort into improving it!

Here's Bobcat helping to mix the quick-crete and water. Yes, our work zone was dangerously close to that thorny rose bush. And yes, we have battle wounds.

And just for fun, here's Bobcat jammin' to some Veggie Tales praise & worship on my iPod. Those headphones may be just a bit large on him, but he loves it.

Huh?

Bubba: Daddy, how old were you when you were a little boy?

Me: Ummm... Huh?

Bubba: Were you six like me?

Me: Yes, but I was also every age.

Bubba: Huh?