Snow!!!

We got some snow this morning! It wasn't enough to cancel school or to sled, but it was good enough for a snowman. The snow was beautiful to watch this morning. It was so cold! Rodney used the van and took CW to school. Sawyer and I stayed toasty warm inside. We picked up CW from school and he had already made a big snowball. He walked home (with Sawyer and I driving beside him) so he didn't have to lose his masterpiece! At home we built a snowman with the snow that was left. The boys got Natalie (preteen next door) and her friend to come and check out their cool snowman! Then my little players went to jump on the trampoline with "the girls". I get ditched so easily these days. They finally got too cold and came home for food and warmth. The three of us then sat on the couch and read more of the chapter book CW's school is reading. It was one of those sweet, quiet and rare moments that I absolutely adore. Funny how even just a little snow can create such fun memories. Thank you, Lord, for the gift of being a mom.

Skype Session

We got to Skype with Peter today! He called us mom and dad! I can't stop smiling!!! Phynnily was able to show us and read to us the final documents that US immigration has requested. The final pieces!!! The documents were exactly what we needed and it is a miracle that Phynnily got them because the whole Malawian government had been on strike. Phynnily is truly a blessing to our family. I am so thankful God put him in our lives. This adoption would not have been possible without him. He is getting the birth certificate with Peter's parents names on Monday and sending us all the documents. My hope is at full capacity! I just know Peter will be home soon. I love him so much and my heart is sick without him here. But I know "joy comes in the morning"! Our joy is coming and I can not wait!!!!

Mo So with JoJo

On Friday my BFF's at My Brother's Salsa invited me to come give them a consultation on social media. Ashley named it Mo So with JoJo (more social media with Jo Ann). I have decided to make it the name of my future consulting firm. :-) I just showed them how to do Instagram, pointed out some blogs that might help their business and gave my thoughts on their website. I am by no means an expert, but when someone offers to pay you in salsa, you become an expert! ;-) We had lots of fun and Mrs. Helen cooked us lunch. I sure hope they ask me back again! It really is the best salsa around. When I was a Senior in high school I had to have a fish bone removed from my foot (don't ask) and Mrs. Helen had Ashley bring me a goody basket. She had made me some of her "homemade salsa" and I have been hooked ever since! I believe soon the whole world will be hooked! :-) Thanks MBS for such a fun and delicious day!

And we got nothin'

So the great winter storm wasn't so great. They didn't cancel CW's school but KDO for Saws and I was canceled. We were freezing all day. We even picked CW in the after school car line. Too cold to get out of the car! The boys decided to put the middle seats down in the van. It is interesting isn't it??? That night we did nothing except all 4 lay on the couch and watch Toy Story. If it is going to be this cold I need some snow!

The Curse of the Sled Continues

Well talk about a snow day bust! The snow started about 10 am and it was beautiful. It was coming down hard and fast, even sticking! Sawyer and I helped my dad get a new dresser for my mom then hurried home. I was sure they would cancel Carter Wayne's school. We didnt want to get stuck in the snow! South of us it was worse and schools did let out. Here the snow stopped and began to melt. By the time school was over there was only enough for a little snow ball fight with the Tate's. I went to the grocery store to stock up yesterday for the ice coming tonight. We canceled small group at church and I rearranged some plans I had for tomorrow. Well, we just watched the news and it looks like we won't get anything. We have the most awesome sled and we have yet to get to use it! Maybe next year when Peter is finally here we will get a big snow. Can't wait to see what he thinks of snow! So we shall see if the ice comes... I won't hold my breath.

A lazy Sunday

This afternoon we ate lunch at my parents' house. Man, have I missed my dad's grilled steaks! Now that my parents are here we will finally have family Sunday suppers again. I so missed those when we moved. Carter Wayne was so excited that the "love blooms" he planted at Nee Nee's house are sprouting. Nee Nee and CW filled the bird feeders and put out food for the squirrels. Such a great grandma! The whole family then headed out to help mom find a new dresser. We struck out, but the boys did find a massaging leather couch they wanted. They are such little men! The day ended with Rodney, the boys and I having a movie night. I love these sweet fellas! You just can't beat a restful Sunday.

Perfect Day

This Saturday my parents watched the kids while Rodney and I spent the day together. We had do much fun! We went to lunch and went shopping. We got to drive around for awhile. I love Rodney and it was so great to spend time just the two of us. My love tank is full! We picked up the boys and spent a quiet night at home. I am overwhelmed by this family I am blessed with and my heart aches to have Peter here with us. The obstacles keep popping up but we know God is in control and he will bring our son home in His timing. I can't wait!

Happy Valentine's Day

We had a sweet Valentine's Day! The boys woke to new Angry Bird Pjs and candy. We had KDO so that meant parties for everyone! We got donuts for Sawyer's class and for the home school class that CW has gotten to hang out with this week at KDO. It was so fun to see all the little KDO cuties dressed up for Valentine's Day. The boys had a blast at school and came home to their sweet daddy who took off early to bring them gifts. Rodney surprised me with a new charm for my pandora bracelet. It is a sparkly heart to represent him on the bracelet. It is beautiful! We had fun family time all evening. And as a special treat my buddy Sarah and I went to see Safe Haven at the movies! It was a perfect day. I am so blessed to be surrounded by so many that love me and so many that I have the privilege of getting to love! It is a blessed life!

Surprise Party

Last night we went to a friend's birthday party. The boys were so excited because it was a surprise party. Myka and her husband are in our small group at church and they are precious! The boys kept everyone entertained as always. They were so sweet. We got to stay out late since Carter Wayne is out if school all week. We really had fun! Happy Birthday Myka!

I Mustache you a Question...

Will you be my Valentine???

Just me and the Ashley's!

I had such a fun weekend! Saturday I met Ashley P. and Ashley H. at a spa. They got facials and I got a pedicure and a manicure. So relaxing!!! We went downtown to eat at the Press Room where I had the BEST salad of my life. Seriously! We then checked out the little shops downtown and headed out to some antique shops. We went to the mall - to shop some more. We saw the movie "Identity Thief" and it was hilarious!! We spent the night at Ashley P.'s parents' house- it felt like high school all over again! We watched movies and talked and got to sleep in the next morning! Jealous,yet? Our weekend ended with a late breakfast at Mimi's Cafe. I love these two girls so much and time with them always involves fun, laughter, tears and joy! God blessed me with these girls a long time ago and I continue to be thankful for their role in my life!

My Favorite Super Hero- Rodney!

This past weekend I got to have a mini girls' weekend! Rodney picked up the boys from my parents' house on Saturday. The went to lunch and then to Toys R Us! They watched a movie that night and then all three slept in our bed. On Sunday Rodney got the boys ready and all three went to not one, but two services at church! How great is this guy??? They got lunch from McAlister's, which happens to be the boys' favorite place. When I got home they were all relaxing in the den together. Just precious! Rodney is so sweet to let me have time to myself and not make me feel guilty or bad for doing so. I know that is not the case for every woman. I am also thankful for a husband that enjoys time with his kids and actually looks forward to their time together. Once again, that isn't always the case for everyone. I am so thankful for Rodney and I love him so much! :-)

Special Friday

Carter Wayne had a big day last Friday! My parents brought him lunch to school and then took him to the book fair. He picked out books for he and Sawyer. My dad came over to watch Sawyer that afternoon so I could help with the Kindergarten Valentine party. I helped run the valentine bingo station. Carter Wayne loved having me there - so glad I could go. He was very excited to get home and look at all his valentine cards. His favorites were from Ms. Craig, David, and of course- Ashlynd. He said after he gave Ashlynd her valentine she walked over to his table to say thank you. CW: "You know what I said to her, momma?!?" Me: "What?" (His cheeks then turned red and very seriously he began to speak: "I said thank you. " and he then smiled proudly at me. What a sweetie he is but I am not ready for all this! :-) the Friday ended with he and Sawyer spending the night with my parents. Fun times! :-)