Christmas Pictures

We had some great days this past week but we have also had a few rough days. In fact, today we are doing something that we were hoping we would not have to do. We are helping my brother and his boys pack up their house so they can put it on the market. They are going through a rough time right now and I would ask that you would pray for them. I will post more about our week later but I do not have time right now. Here are just a few of the pictures from our three Christmas'.

Christmas Pictures

Christmas Pictures

Goodbye To Maggie

Well yesterday was a very sad day for our family. Yesterday afternoon we had to make the decision to put down our beloved dog Maggie. I have been posting the past few months that we have been having several episodes with her and we were not sure what was going on. We were not super concerned because she would feel bad for a day and then be back to normal. I took her to the vet a month ago for that itching problem but there was not any other problems that we knew about. Well a few days ago she started acting sick again but this time she was a lot worse. She was vomiting and had blood in her urine. Her belly was swollen and she could barely walk or breath. Monday night she looked so back that I was sure that she would be dead when I woke up Tuesday morning. So I actually told her goodbye before I went to bed. Tuesday morning I got up and she was sitting up on her blanket wagging her tail when she saw me but I could tell that she was not any better. Jeremy took her to the vet because I knew that it was not going to be good. The vet looked at her and could tell that whatever was wrong with her was not going to be an easy fix. She wanted to run a bunch of tests but we did not want to spend the money when we knew it probably would only end in the same outcome. We did agree to have some blood work done on her. When the blood results came back it showed that her blood count was so low that she would need a blood transfusion if we had decided to treat her. The vet concluded that she either had cushings disease or a mass in her stomach. The vet believed that Maggie was probably bleeding internally. SO with a very heavy heart we decided to end her suffering. The vet assured us that she would have done the same thing. Jeremy was going to come back and get me but I could not go and see Maggie. I do not think I could bear to see her that way. So Jeremy came home yesterday afternoon without our sweet dog. I know she was a dog and I know some people think that I am taking this too serious, but she was more than a dog to me. I have lived with Maggie almost as long as I have lived with Jeremy. We got her a year after we were married. She has made every move with us. She was my baby when my chances to have a baby was taken from me. She was a bright spot in my life during all those months of cancer treatments and waiting on Sam. Every day for 8 years she has been a creature that I have taken care of and loved. Today has been very hard especially while I am in the kitchen. The past few years she has stayed in one of the rooms sleeping most of the day but when I was in the kitchen cooking she was right there at my feet waiting for something to fall. I have not picked up food off the floor in 8 years because I knew Maggie would be right there to clean it up. I know this will get easier but wow I had no idea it would hurt this much.

Well on a happier note, we had our Christmas this morning with the kids. I will try to post some pictures and more details tomorrow.

Pictures with Santa

OK so I have 3G coverage tonight so I thought I would go ahead and post the pictures with Santa. This man in our church plays Santa all the time at Christmas and he is pretty amazing. He almost makes me believe there is a Santa Claus:) Those of you that know Jeremy know that he is a pretty straight talker and that also applies to Samuel and the issue of Santa being real or not. Our take on the Santa issue is that we tell our kids that he is not a real person but it is OK to have fun and pretend that there is a Santa but I do not think Sam believes Jeremy when he tells him Santa is not real. So last night we left right behind "Santa" and Sam saw him going into the church. 'Santa" took off his hat and Sam said, "mom, why did Santa just take off his hat? I am starting to think that he is not really Santa or maybe Santa actually dresses up like a man." He then was convinced that he saw Santa's sleigh parked on the roof of the church. His imagination is amazing and whether people think the whole Santa thing is good or bad I love seeing the twinkle in my little boy's eyes.

Monday, December 21, 2009

Christmas is near and you can feel it at our house. The kids have been bouncing off the walls and every few hours we hear the question, "Can we open a present now?"Yesterday the kids wore their Christmas outfits to church and I am not sure they could get any more cuter. My mom found the girls' dresses and it came with a matching dress for their baby dolls. They thought it was the neatest thing and Chloe said "baby" about 500 times yesterday morning as she carried her doll around. Last night was our Christmas program at church and then we had a fellowship time at church. The kids had fun and loved that Santa made an appearance after we ate. Emma and Chloe were scared the last time they saw Santa, but they were not scared last night. I had to work today and I have to work tomorrow but then I am off until the first of the year. We are having our Christmas at the house either Wednesday night or Thursday morning and then we are going to Jeremy's parents house Thursday night and Christmas day. My parents and sister will come in Saturday night and then we will be having Christmas with my family. So as you can see we have a busy week ahead but I know we will have such a fun time.

Well before I get going I just wanted to say "Thank You" to everyone that has been praying for my family. Most of you that read my blog do not know all the details of the things that I have been posting concerning my family but I know many of you have been praying anyway. This past week something happened that tore my heart out and some of the people I love were hurting so bad that I could barley stand it. In a 24 hour period the Lord worked a miracle in someone's heart and forgiveness was asked and forgiveness was received. I am sorry that it seems very vague but it was a situation that I do not want to share all the details, but I could not end this post without sharing what the Lord did in our family and I am very thankful.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Can you believe that I am posting two days in a row?? Well I know that many of you have been praying for us and our decision about Sam's school so I wanted to share something that happened today. I went on my lunch break to the elementary school to register Sam at his new school. I was pretty anxious and was really seeking God's peace about this decision. I was at the counter filling out some papers when I heard someone come into the office and call my name. I turned around and there was a lady that I have known for many years standing there. She teaches music at the school and was so excited that Samuel would be going to their school and that she would have him in class. As we stood talking I felt the peace of God come over me and I knew that this was the right decision. It was nice to know someone that teaches at the school who will be looking out for Sam. I am sure once school starts I will realize that I know a lot of people that are connected with the school and I am excited about being more apart of our community. It is also wonderful to know that all three of my children will be close by me all day. I feel like I barely see Sam during the week since they get home so late and he is usually sound asleep when they do get home, so I am excited to be able to spend more time with him. I just see God's Hands and timing in the situations that have been taking place in our lives the past few weeks. It has been a rough year for my extended family and though I have not forgotten how good God is, the recent events have been a reminder of just how good He is to us. Well I have posted a few pictures. We got Sam's school pictures last week and he is such a handsome fella.

Sam's Kindergarten Picture

Christmas Program at church

Pigtails for Chloe

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Our week has been a little crazy all ready. Sunday night was the children's program at our church and my little guy Sam did so good. I was so proud of him. Yesterday was work and then I had a dentist appointment after work. I had a little piece of tooth that broke off because of a small cavity so I had to get that fixed. Work is finally starting to click a little bit better. After lunch I am going to some of the younger classes to fill in for those teachers who take their break. It is during nap time so it has not been too bad except for yesterday and today. They put me in the younger two room and it was like having 10 Chloe's running around. They were out of control! There was another person in the room with me but it was still a little unnerving. I think the person that usually comes in that room during that time has been out sick so I am hoping that she is back tomorrow. We also have a big change that is going to take place in the Riggs' household after Christmas that I am a little anxious about. We have decided to send Sam to our local elementary school instead of him going to school with Jeremy. We have been discussing this for a few weeks because it is really starting to take a toll on Sam. They leave at 6:45 in the morning and school does not get out until 3:45 so they do not get home until almost 5:00. We were going to try to hold out until next year but something happened yesterday that just sent me over the edge. Those of you that know me know that what I am about to say it not at all me trying to be ugly, so please do not take it that way. One of my fears about Sam going to school with Jeremy is that it is kind of a rough school. The kids are rough and the faculty (for the most part) have to be rough with the kids. I was very worried about Sam's tender heart and how he would respond to the people that worked at the school. Well yesterday at school Jeremy went to lunch and walked into the cafeteria to see Sam sitting at a table by himself just sobbing. He had not eaten any of his lunch and was so so upset he was making himself sick. Jeremy asked around to see what had happened and it turned out that one of the lunch people saw Sam with his foot on the seat next to him saving it for a friend and she jumped all over him and sent him to silent lunch. She did not ask him to move his foot because he would have moved it and then she gives him one of the highest punishments that can be given out by a teacher. Come to find out the lady was upset with Jeremy about something so I guess she took it out on my child. Some of you may be reading this and think that I am overreacting and maybe I am, but this just confirmed that we need to send him to school closer to home. The school that he will go to is actually right behind where I work. I can see the school from the back door and I could probably walk there in about 3 minutes. The place I work at also has a shuttle that picks up kids from his school for their after school program, so the days I work later he will be brought to me. I know this is a BIG decision so I ask that you will pray for us and Sam as we make this transition after Christmas.

Well I got a few pictures posted. We are LOVING our Wii and I am glad we opened it early. I also opened my Wii Fit that I got from my parents and I really like it too. Well the boys should be home soon so I better try to figure out what to make for supper.

Friday, December 11, 2009

I guess you can tell that I have not had a lot of time to post this week. I have tried several times to post a few pictures from this week but our connection is so slow and is having a hard time posting. I will try and give a recap of our week. My parents came in Sunday night and the kids were so excited. Monday was Chloe's court date to finalize her adoption so she is officially a Riggs now. Our court appearance was scheduled for 9:00 AM Monday but when we got to the courthouse we noticed that there were a bunch of people in the courtroom at about 8:50. It turned out they were picking jurors and it was going to take a while. At about 9:30 we were told that the jury selection was almost over and that they would open the court with the adoption procedures (there were two other families also finalizing). We got in the court room and the kids were already pretty tired from waiting in the hallway for almost an hour and then the judge called a lawyer up and they opened the court with a divorce situation that seemed to go on forever. So about 10:15 we were finally standing in front of the judge. Because of the judge's schedule we were not allowed to take pictures in the courtroom but did get some afterward in front of the courthouse. We then headed to Cracker Barrel for a late breakfast/early lunch. We then came home and rested and then mom and I (and the girls) went to a few stores Monday night. Tuesday morning I worked until noon. It was pouring down rain but after work I came home and mom and I headed back to Clarksville. I had to get fingerprinted for my new job so I went Tuesday to get that done. We went to Wal-Mart and then headed to Nashville to get Sam from school. Jeremy had a meeting after school so I went to get him. He was excited for my mom to see his school. We also let Sam open one of his Christmas presents from my parents while they were here. He opened his Wii and he LOVES it. We let him open it so he could go ahead and play it and so he would enjoy his other presents at Christmas. He wants to play every morning before he goes to school so he gets up and gets ready without any fight. Wednesday was my first full day at work and then I worked Thursday and today until 2:00. Things are going pretty good. I am finally getting in a routine and the girls seem to be enjoying themselves. Chloe is probably not doing as well as Emma is with this new adjustment. He has not been napping well at school so she is such a bear when we get home, so I hoping that gets better. Well I guess that is about it. I will try to post some more of the pictures sometime this weekend.

Sunday, December 06, 2009

WOW it has been a busy week. I have tried to post these pictures the past few days but they would not post. I will try to give a quick recap of the week. Wednesday morning the girls and I started our new adventure at my new job. The girls did pretty good going to their new class. Chloe was a little hesitant do I stayed with her for a few minutes while she got used to the room. They brought me to my classroom and it was a little overwhelming. The class was pretty much a big mess. All the bulletin boards needed to be switched and the room needed a good cleaning. So I spent most of the morning getting the class room together. It turns out that I only have two boys in the KIndergarten class. I only had them for about an hour on Wednesday. I stayed until about 2:00 finishing up the room. Thursday I taught at PVCS and had another great day. I loved teaching at that school but I needed something more consistent. Friday I went back to the new job and had the boys all morning. I think I am going to like working there but it is still a little overwhelming. I am hoping the girls continue to do well. Yesterday we took the kids to Chic-Fil-A for lunch and then we did a little Christmas shopping. This morning was church and I am about to take Sam to play practice. My parents are coming in tonight and staying for a few days so I am also getting ready for their arrival. Well here are a few pictures of the kids from last weekend.

Funny story: Last night it got REALLY cold here so I put our dog cage outside on the deck and put a bunch of old blankets and towels in the cage and on top of the cage to give the cats some shelter from the cold. This morning both cats were in the cage snuggling up with each other and Sam looks out the door and says, "Look at the cats mom. Are they trying to get some kittens?" He is so funny.

Tuesday, December 01, 2009

Tuesday, December 01, 2009

Well I made a HUGE decision yesterday. I have decided to go back to work. I have been struggling for a few months now and have called several places looking for something that would fit me and the girls and be worth my time. I saw an add in our local paper this weekend for a part time position that a local childcare center. I called yesterday morning and found out that the hours were from 8-12 and it was for a new Kindergarten program that they started this year. I was really excited about that because I love teaching Kindergarten, but I did not think that those hours would work for me because I knew I would have to pay so much for childcare for the girls. The director/owner of the center called me yesterday afternoon and said that she would really like to meet with me and could work out something for me to bring the girls with me. I did not want to get my hopes up because I have heard several places say that they would give me a great deal for the girls and I had actually applied at this center a few years ago when I only had Sam and the deal was not so great. So I agreed to meet with her and I could not believe the deal she gave me for the girls to come with me every day. I was really impressed with the center and I think I will like working there. I am actually going in the morning for my first official day but I am not starting my regular schedule until next Wednesday. I already had some things going on this week and we have Chloe's court date next Monday, so I only working in the mornings tomorrow, Friday, and Tuesday. I actually taught today at the Christian school and I am teaching Thursday at the Christian school. So, I guess yesterday was my final day of not being employed. I am struggling back and forth with guilt of not staying home but I really feel like the Lord has opened this opportunity for me. I would ask that you pray for the girls and I as we make this transition.

Thanksgiving Pictures

We do not have much going on today. The girls and I are going to stay home and I am trying to get motivated to get the house cleaned up again. I finally got the pictures taken at Thanksgiving to post.

Sunday, November 29, 2009

We had a great Thanksgiving. My parents came into town on Tuesday. Sam was supposed to go to school Tuesday but woke up complaining that his stomach hurt. I got him some breakfast but he still said his stomach hurt. He was whining and carrying on that Jeremy told him to stay home. Sam got in bed with me and slept for a little while longer. He got up and was just running and acting wild. I told him that I thought he said his tummy hurt and that he should have gone to school because obviously his tummy did not hurt. He then responded, "Well mom, I just did not think it was fair that I had to wait to wait to see Grandma and Grandpa, and besides I already know my ABC's, lower and upper case." I wonder how many times he is going to use that to try to get out of school. Wednesday Jeremy and I went to the chiropractor and Sam kept asking us how things went at "choir practice" when we got back. We all went to my brother's house Wednesday evening and stayed the night. Mom and I made Thanksgiving supper and had a great time with my brother and nephews. We played the Wii most of the day Thursday and Sam beat all of us at the bowling game. I put the kids down for a nap Thursday afternoon and they were so cute. I got a picture of Sam and Chloe holding hands. Well the sweetness wore off when after about an hour and a half my nephew Kaleb brought Chloe to me upstairs and she had gotten into a ink pen. I guess she woke up before the other two and decided to climb unto the desk and get the pen. She ruined her shirt and pants and got ink all over her blanket. After that incident I decided it was time for us to go home. Friday mom and I went shopping but we did not get up early. We went in about 8:30 Friday morning. Jeremy kept the kids so I was able to get most of their Christmas shopping done. Friday night we all went over to Jeremy's parents to spend time with all his siblings and their family. His brother and his family were in from North Carolina. My parents left yesterday and then we put our Christmas tree and decorations up. I think I am going to have a harder time keeping Chloe out of the tree this year. She is just into everything and wants the one thing she is not supposed to have. Yesterday she tore the pages out of two books and I caught her hanging on the dresser drawer after she had taken all the clothes out and threw them on the floor. Anyway, this morning was church and now the kids are taking a nap. Sam has Christmas play practice at 4 but I think I ma going to try and rest for a little bit, but before I do that I have a couple funny things that Sam did this weekend.

* We have this CD with Bible verse songs and there is a song that says "and the peace of God that transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your mind in Christ Jesus" well Sam sings "and the pizza God..." It is so cute.

* Friday night Samuel was reading a Bible story book and he saw there was a story about Samuel. He was so excited that his name was in the Bible. He brought me the book and asked me if I knew that his name was in the Bible. I told him that I did know and that I named him after the Samuel in the Bible. I asked him if he wanted me to tell him the story and he said yes. So I put him in my lap and I said that Samuel's mommy, whose name was Hannah, could not have a baby so she prayed to God and asked Him to give her a baby. God answered her prayer so she named her baby Samuel because he was a gift from God. So I continued to tell him that I could not have a baby so I prayed to God and he sent me him. I told him this sweet story and I was teary eyed and my sweet child looks me in the eyes and says, "His mommy's name was Hannah. You mean like Hannah Montana". I just had to laugh.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Busy, busy weekend and busy, busy week. Friday I subbed for first grade. I wish I could say it was fun but it was actually kind of stressful. Friday happen to be Character Dress-up day at school and it was the last day before their Thanksgiving break. SO, the kids were completely CRAZY!! I made it through the day but determined I did not get paid enough on Friday to handle another day like that!! Friday night was the lock-in. I made it until 2:00 and I probably would have stayed later if I had not had a little incident at the first house. The first house we went to was way off the road Their driveway was gravel and muddy and a series of several hills. Well when we were leaving I started up the hill and my tires were just peeling out and I could not get up the hill. The van started rolling back and I thought we were going to end up in their pond. The more I tried to get up the hill the more the tires peeled out and the van was going all over the place. I finally got rolled back into a safe place but I was in a bunch of wet leaved and mud. The dad at the house had to get his tractor and pull me out. I was so upset that I decided to call it a night. I know most would not get so upset (I do not mean mad, just shaken up) but I really do not like to drive and I went into panic mode when I did not know what do to. So I got home at 2:30 and went to bed. I woke up Saturday about 11:30 and discovered I had two huge fever blisters on my lower lip. They are finally getting better today but they have hurt all weekend. I got the kids from Gran and Papa's and when I got home I noticed that Molly was not in the yard. She was way down the road with another dog. There was a place in the wire fencing that had been cut. The thing probably has been cut for over a week and when I started thinking about it there were several times the past week that I thought she came from somewhere outside her underground fencing. So I ran up the road to get her. She came to me but would not follow me back to the house. She wanted to follow the other dog. So I had to pick her up and carry her home. I was about to pass out when I finally got her in the house. We had some extra wires so Jeremy was able to fix the fence. Saturday night some girls and I went to see a movie and had sooo much fun. Sunday was church and then our Thanksgiving meal at church Sunday night. Yesterday was trying to catch up on things at home. I had a dentist appointment yesterday morning. I had one little cavity so I have to go back next Friday. The girls and I then made a quick trip to the grocery store and then back home to clean some more. Today my parents are coming in so we are getting ready for them. Sam woke up this morning saying his stomach hurt and so Jeremy let him stay home. I do not mind that he is home but he is so hyper today. He was whining about something he could not get to do and I told him that he should be at school. He then says, "Well mom it is just not fair that I have to wait and see Grandma and Grandpa, and besides I already know all my ABC's"

Thanksgiving Dinner at school

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Well I do not have much time to post because I have so much to do around the house and some errands to run after lunch. Yesterday was a pretty good day. The girls and I went to Sam's school for their Thanksgiving dinner (lunch). The dinner was not very good but it was worth the trip to see Sam's smile when he saw us waiting for him in the hallway. After lunch I brought sam home with us and I was able to spend a little time with him playing games and coloring. Last night was church so the kids got to bed later than usual and the girls actually slept in past 7:00 this morning. Today I am getting the house cleaned and trying to make a dent in my laundry. Since I started subbing one to two days a week I have gotten behind on the laundry, so today I am going to try and catch up. I am subbing again tomorrow and then we have a lock-in tomorrow night for the youth group. I am going to attempt to stay all night but I am not sure. The kids are staying at Gran and Papa's tomorrow night. I think it will be a lot of fun. We are actually doing a progressive lock-in in which we are going to several different houses throughout the night to do different activities. Saturday I will probably be sleeping most of the day and then some girls and I are going to see the "New Moon' movie that is coming out this weekend. Well here are a few pictures of the kids "camping" out last weekend.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Monday, November 16, 2009

I have been trying most of the day to upload the pictures from Emma's party but they will not post. I thought I would go ahead and give a recap of the past few days and try again later to post the pictures, so here we go.

Thursday- Emma had her three year old check-up. She did just a great job at the doctor. She weighs a whole 25 pounds and is 35 1/2 inches long. She is tiny but she is growing right on track. She had to get one shot (2nd dose of Hep A, I think) and she got the flu vaccine. They were out of he H1N1 vaccine for her age so we did not get that one. She also had to get her finger pricked to make sure she is not anemic. Chloe also got a seasonal flu shot and the H1N1 shot. After the doctor we picked up a $5 pizza fro Little Caesars and then came home.

Friday- The girls and I stayed home all day. I got my house mostly cleaned and worked on the laundry. When Jeremy and Sam got home we had supper and then headed out to Pleasant View Christian School's Tip-Off. They were having a Father/Daughter basketball game and Jeremy was playing as the father for one of our girl's in youth group. The kids (and Jeremy) had fun. Jeremy was asked to play in another game against the Varsity boys. He asked me if he could and I said yes not realizing that they were going to be playing a 30 minute game. Chloe was getting fussy and after I ran out of all the food I had she was really in a foul mood. We got home later and was hoping the kids would sleep in a little on Saturday but that did not happen.

Saturday- Jeremy worked on a 15 page paper that he had due on Sunday. He actually went somewhere else Saturday night to work on the paper. I can't imagine why he thought he could not get it done at home:) So the kids and I went to Wal-Mart to get Emma's cake for her party and pick up a few groceries. While we were out we rented the movie "UP" for the kids to watch. Saturday night the kids camped out in the living room and watched the movie. Chloe went to bed and Sam and Emma continued the camp out in Sam's bedroom floor. Well Saturday evening my back started hurting a little bit but not too terrible. I went to bed about 10:00 and the pain in my back started to become unbearable. I tried every thing and it would not quit hurting. I laid in the floor, I got on the couch, I piled pillows all around me but I could not get to sleep. At 3:30 Sunday morning I got into Sam's bed and finally fell asleep. At 6:30 the kids woke up and were ready to go. I was feeling a little better but then when I got up and started moving around it started hurting again.

Sunday-Well I did not go to Sunday School because I was still hurting and I was so tired I could barely stand up. I got ready and made it to the church service but I felt like someone was punching me in the back and then they would stab me. I somehow made through the service and then came home to get ready for Emma's birthday party. I was so exhausted but Emma had a wonderful time. Some of our family and friends came over and she got some very cute presents. Uncle Jacob and Aunt Lynsey got her this cute Tinkerbell night gown. I think I am going to have a hard time getting her to change when she wears it. She actually got it a little wet last night right before bed and she had a complete melt down when I made her take it off and change. I was tired but it was a nice evening. Everybody left about 4:00 and I got things cleaned up and then just laid on the couch. I took 2 Tylenol PM's and got to bed at 8:00 last night. I slept until 7:00 this morning but when I woke up Jeremy was still asleep.

Today- OK so Jeremy and Sam usually are leaving the house at 6:50 so it was a complete panic that Jeremy had over slept. Sam, however, was awake and playing in his room. He said he woke up at 633 but he did not come in our room in hopes that he did not have to go to school. We all scrambled and they got out the door at 7:15. The girls and I went to the bank and to the grocery store this morning. I also went to three different Redbox things to return our movie and all of them said that the machine was too full to accept any movies. I was pretty aggravated. We came home and the girls had lunch and then went down for a nap. After their nap I had an eye doctors appointed and then I drove 20 minutes away to another Redbox just for it to say that it was also too full to accept movies. So I called Redbox and they are not going to charge me and gave me vouchers for two free rentals. We are now home waiting for the boys to get home. Tomorrow I am subbing 4th grade so Emma will enjoy a day at school. Wow sorry for such a long post by that has been our life the pat few days. My back is feeling better but not 100%. I have been doing some stretches and hoping that that will help. I will keep trying to get the pictures posted.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

We have been up around here since early this morning. Samuel fell asleep on the way home from school yesterday and stayed asleep until 4 o'clock this morning. He usually falls asleep and sleeps for an hour or so when he gets home and then wakes up, but last night he did not want to wake up. We tried several times to wake him up but he was so tired. We put him in his bed (which usually wakes him right up) but he continued to sleep. So at 4:00 this morning Sam was at our bed needing something to eat. So he ate a bowl of cereal and then got in bed with us. At some point he got out of our bed and got the girls up. At 6:00 all three kids were roaming around the house. I put Chloe back in the the bed and put Emma in our bed. Neither girl went back to sleep so we finally all got up. Well after the girls nap we are going to a few stores and the Emma has her 3 year old check-up this afternoon. Well Gran got the girls these play hair accessories and the girls love them. There were some plastic hair rollers with the toys and when I came in the room the other day Emma had managed to roll Chloe's hair up in them. She just grinned and thought she was the queen. I was surprised that Emma was able to get them in her hair. Well I am still working on my laundry so I better go so I can get it done before I have to go.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Emma seemed to have a great birthday. She went to lunch with Gran yesterday and then we went out to Logan's for supper last night. We were going to go somewhere else but she wanted to go to the "peanuts" place. She opened her presents from us and my parents when Jeremy and Sam got home. She got a Dora scooter from my parents and we got her a Tinkerbell doll. I got her a little cake that we brought to Logan's with us to eat. Today we are just staying home until church tonight. Well the kids slept good again last night so I think me switching their rooms is going to work out fine. There was one little situation with Chloe last night. It was about 10:00 and Jeremy and I had just gone to bed when we heard this thud and then Chloe crying. I ran into her room but I could not find her. I could hear her but it was really muffled. She has fallen head first in between the wall and the bed. I could not tell where she was because only her little feet where sticking up. I felt bad but the only way to get her out is to pull her up by her feet. I guess Jeremy had moved the bed away from the wall yesterday to get something and it was not pushed back against the wall. She cried for a little bit but she finally went back to sleep. Well here are a few pictures from last night.

Emma then and Emma now

Tuesday, November 10, 2009 HAPPY BIRTHDAY EMMA!

Today my sweet Emma turned 3 years old. It is hard to believe that she is already 3! She has grown so much the past few months and it is becoming clear that she is not my little baby anymore. Sometimes I will be holding her in my lap and it is still hard to believe that she finally made it home. One of the hardest things I have ever had to do was wait for Emma to come home. There were times in our journey with her that felt hopeless and the heartache was too much to take at times. Emma finally made it home and I was not sure what I had gotten into! She was so stubborn and was so different from Sam that our parenting skills were really put to the test. Now all that waiting and all those difficult days seem like they never happened when Emma smiles at us or we hear her laugh. She really has become a sweet little girl and we can not imagine our life without her. I am not sure if I have ever mentioned this but Emma has a biological brother that was adopted about 2 years before she was born. The other family was contacted and whatever the situation they chose not to adopt her. It is amazing to me that God has chosen our children for us and He works through all the details to bring them home to our arms. Emma is a very special girl and we love her so much.

Well we do not have much planned for today. Gran is coming in a few hours to take Emma to lunch. I am going to finish getting my house back together. Yesterday I decided to give Samuel back his room. He is getting old enough now that he needs his own space. Emma and Chloe are back to sharing a room and Sam has his own room again. I am a little nervous about how they are going to sleep with the new arrangements, but they all slept good last night and the girls are napping together right now. So, I worked all afternoon getting the rooms switched and it was so much work. We are going out tonight for Emma's birthday. We are having her party on Sunday. Well the girls are waking up so I better go.