National Adoption Day

In celebration of National Adoption Day, Elijah, Isabelle, Mimi, Abuela, Papu and myself attended a luncheon which was also the retirement party of Judge Stowe. Judge Stowe was a significant part of our journey to adopt Eli. It is not often that an adoption is expedited except for special circumstances. However, at our initial hearing at 21 days post birth, Judge Stowe witnessed our family, along with the Menchaca family, sitting together in the courtroom taking turns holding Eli. It was then that he announced to our case worker that it is very rare that he experiences such a "true" open adoption situation. We were just that. He agreed to the petition to finalize our adoption three years ago on National Adoption Day. It would have normally been about another four months of waiting. There is not a day that goes by that we are not thankful for the selfless, most priceless gift we were ever given. Mimi chose life and made a sacrifice of which is unimaginable for most of us. So, here is Eli, three years later. Pretty soon he will know and understand everything. But, for now, he was just happy to have balloons and a cupcake!

Halloween 2012

I think Ninjas may have been the most common costume this year and we had three of them! In addition to the sword fighting boys, we had Belle as a ghost princess and Amelia as Cat Woman. Cueter's invited us to their house on Sixth Street which is great fun, as we each bring a dish to pass, as well as some candy to donate to their over 2,000 pieces of candy they go through that night!!!! And, let me just say that it's so crazy on Sixth Street that there were lines down people's sidewalks and Scott and I had to create a system to keep all kids in check. One of us at the line and the other corralling kids before going on to the next house. Not to mention, the extras we picked up along the way! And Tessie! But it's such a social event for the adults too! If you haven't seen someone in a while, you will probably see them there!!! Everybody knows everybody!!!! My fav part: Mary's delicious homemade Mac n cheese and Natalie's exquisite chili!!! I missed out on the pigs in a blanket but oh well. It made for a poor night sleep but it tasted good! Kids had a blast and it was wonderful to see so many great friends and their children. Looking forward to next year! Thanks, John and Mary!!!

All Saints Day

The morning after Halloween consisted of getting kids up 45 min earlier than usual in order to get one Saint Lucy ready for her 8:15 Mass and presentation and one super cute P Dog ready in his shirt and tie to do a petition at the 9:30 Mass at St. Francis. Preston was chosen as one of about 7-8 kids in his school to be a speaker at the high school/elementary school mass. It was a very full house and we are so proud of him! Thank goodness we have all these aunts and grand parents in town to split up and support the kiddos! I went to Amelia's beautiful mass along with Aunt Kate, Mimi and Scott. They were able to go to her classroom after and watch her speech while I went to St Francis church to watch Preston do his petition with Aunt Sarah, Tess, Isabelle and Papu! It was a very nice celebration and many of the children wore crowns to represent various Saints and their lives and sacrifices we celebrate. Each day I'm ever so grateful that our children are part of such an amazing community of children and families in this school system. I cannot be more proud of them and the spiritual growth they've made. Lately our conversations have revolved around their desires to go on a mission trip to help the less fortunate and also to work in a shelter or soup kitchen over the holidays. It couldn't get much better than that. Thanks to our family who got up early to support them! It means the world.