Some Sweet Sugar!

Two years ago a little ray of sunshine was born!

Josie is now 2 years old.  She had a great birthday and loved for us to sing to her.  She loves; books and to be read to, coloring, being outside, all animals, kicking a ball and swinging. Oh and did I mention coloring?  That one needs mentioned more than once.  She LOVES it.  She is also getting pretty good at puzzles.  She dislikes loud noises such as the lawn mower and planes.  She loves sweets but really doesn't like to get her hands "messy".  She imitates almost anything we say.  Actually I just told her "at the table missy" and she called me "missy" right back.  Little Stinker!  She is sweet, cuddly, sassy, funny, and ornery all mixed into one terrific package.  We love you Josie! 

These are some pictures from her birthday but her party is yet to come. 

Wesley

This morning I asked Wesley what he wanted for brekfast and he replied "I want; chicken, broccoli, squash, and..and...and.......celery! and that is all!! I have no idea were that kids puts all his food. 

 

This is where Wesley had decided is the most comfortable place to watch a movie. We have tons of seating but he says the coffee table is more comfortable.  I don't get it!  Notice the 2 guns.  Those are for "just in case".  He is such a funny guy! 

Wonderful day at the Pumpkin Patch

We had a wonderful day today at the Pumpkin Patch! Chad was out of town and a good friend of mine's, husband was too. So these 2 Mama's decided to load up all 7 of our kids and had a great day enjoying the beautiful weather, our kiddos and each others company.  For having children ages 8, 6, 4, 4, 2, 1, and an infant it went so unbelievable smooth and we all had a great time. 

                                        Look who's showing off the tiniest piggy tails ever! 

Ok so for real there is no way I would ever sell the dynamic duo, even on their worst of days, but it was cute and they wanted me to take their picture. 

                                Tyler playing laser tag.  One of his highlights

The phone call

One year ago today we got "the phone call" that will forever change our family. When we began the adoption process, we were told that it would take about 18 months. Our dossier got shipped to Russia on Sept 23, 2010 and we got "the call" on Oct 14, 2010. Chad had just gotten home from a business trip and was here with the boys while I ran errands. As soon as I got home he immediately went to sleep. I soon realized we had a message on the machine. I had to repeat it about 10 times. I just couldn't believe what they were saying. "We have a referral from Russia, would you like to look at her file".  Wow was I ever suprised!  I woke Chad right back up and it didn't take long for us to call them back and say of course we want to see her "like yesterday". She was absolutely beautiful and of course we wanted to go see her. 

 We were told by people that saw her picture that she looked sick in her eyes.  We now know that she just had the look of a child that has never known a family's love.  That is the same sad look we saw in all of the children. 

Our biggest worry was "how will this affect the boys". Well, it was a crazy winter with 3 long trips to Russia but I am so very happy to say that this (below) is how it affected the boys. Yes our youngest showed some jealousy and needed extra attention but that is the normal with youngest children any time there is an addition. They are all totally head over heels for their sister.

                                             All 3 boys are wonderful big brothers

Just because she is so darn cute!

A fellow blogger and adoptive mother told about this cute Russian Dress she found on Etsy.  I knew it was a must have for Miss Josie. 

I finally caught that awesome bed head on camera.  It has already gotten longer so it's not nearly as crazy now. 

My favorite word that Josie says right now (beside Mamma) is ChooChoo Train.  She just says it so darn cute.  She talks all the time and repeats so much of what we say.  She is just a little sponge. 

This is how my helper shops!