Pics! Pics! Pics!

Now that the Holidays are over, life has really settled down. My long, wonderful 6 week vacation is over. I have been back to work now for a couple of weeks. Lucky for me, I love my job so going back to work isn't so bad. I really enjoyed spending that time with girls. Everyday McKinley does something new. She is now smiling, talking, and even giggled a few times. No new updates on birth mom. She is currently in jail awaiting her sentencing on drug charges. Once I find out how long she will be in jail, then I will be able to have a better idea of how this case is going to go. Knock on wood, but so far it looks good!

Abby is growing up so much. She has been writing her letters and showing an interest in reading and writing. She sat up the other day in bed and asked me to help her spell "at". After we spelled it, we talked about other words that you can make with "at". She was so excited. Being a teacher, I love to see that she is showing an interest and seems to be moving along developmentally. I am so proud of her. :)

We are planning our first trip to Disney World this year. It is my favorite place on earth. I can't wait to see Abby's face when we get there. We plan to go in December (I know it's so far away but I need that much time to save...lol). We are also meeting some aunts and cousins there. It should be a great time!

As I update this blog, I realize that I really do need to start doing more...lol Hopefully after Grad school I will have more time to do more and have more to write about. :)

Until next time, Happy new year to everyone!! Hope this new year brings you nothing but joy, happiness, and love! Here are some random pictures for your enjoyment! :)

Life is good!

As Christmas approaches this year, I have so much to be thankful for. I have two beautiful daughters, great friends, an amazing family, a lot of time off work, only 4 more weekends of Grad school, and much, much more. Things with McKinley are going great. She is a really good baby. She has been having a lot of tummy troubles with gas and stuff, but overall she is doing wonderful. Abby is getting so big. I love our relationship. She is so fun to hang out with. I have been very busy with Grad school work, but I am almost done! I can't believe I will have my Master's Degree in 4 months. Then my life will finally calm down a little! Well, time to go feed the baby! Just wanted to give a quick update and of course attach some adorable pictures! I hope everyone has a great holiday season!!

Let's try this again!!

So, ever since Charlotte (Annabelle) left, I have been waiting patiently to be a mommy again. Well, 15 months later, I finally got the call. There is a 4 day old baby just waiting for me to take care of her. I went to visit her tonight. What a doll! She was so alert and curious. She is perfect! I decided to name her McKinley Grace. I have always liked the name McKinley and Grace means "blessing"....well, that is what she is! Please pray for our forever union! This may be a rough road. Her birth mom really wants to try and get her life together, and could possibly get her back if she does things right. I of course am very nervous because I do not want to lose another baby. I am going into this with my guard up but hoping this is forever. Abby is so excited. She did not get to go with us to the hospital tonight but she has not stopped talking about her new baby. Again, please pray for McKinley to be able to stay with us forever and for strength during this long process of foster-to-adopt. Thanks for all your support! I have the best friends and family in the world!!

Grand Lake Vacation

Grand lake has got to be one of the most beautiful places I have been. The weather was perfect, the lake was stunning, and the scenery was gorgeous! My grandmom and two of my aunts came to visit from New Jersey. We decided to spend a few days in the mountains to show them how beautiful Colorado really is. My sister in-law's family has a house in Grand Lake so off we went. Tiff and I decided to take the girls and get a hotel room on Main street. There were just too many people for one house. So, we rented a room at The Inn at Grand Lake and it was perfect. It was across the street from the lake, a park, and many fun stores. This was the first time the girls had stayed in a hotel so they were thrilled! The first day, we rented a pedal boat and took the girls out on the lake. The girls and I had a blast but Tiff was a little nervous....lol She does not like large bodies of water. But she was brave for her daughter!



That night we took the girls to the park and then down to the lake. It was so pretty! It was nice to not have to think about anything but relaxing and enjoying our time with the girls.




The next day we were off to the lake again. Only this time we were with the whole family and we were going on a pontoon tour of the lake. That lake is surrounded by million dollar homes. They were awesome! I would die for a million dollar summer house on the lake. Some people have all the luck! :)





That afternoon we took the girls to the stable and they both got to ride a horse. They were very brave. Abby said next time she wants her horse to run! LOL


The next morning we were off! But before we went home, we went through Rocky Mountain National Park up Trail Ridge road. WOW! What a beautiful sight. I was in awe! Then we spent the afternoon in Estes Park. I love that place! I just had a the best 3 days I have had in a while. No work, no school, no stress. I really need to do this more often!!