Elliott House on The Old Road

New Blog #2

2010-06-07T15:11:00.000-07:00

Ok. Sick of a private blog! Please visit my new site. I will be closing this down soon. www.moment4milk.blogspot.com Come visit!

New Blog

2009-03-18T16:54:00.000-07:00

Hi guys!
After careful thought, I decided to set up a private blog. I know that can be a pain but I think that it is a good idea. If you would like to read my blog then shoot me an email and I will put you on my list ( after the comittee Ok's it. Hee Hee) Even if I don't know you and you are a friend of a friend, just email me and let me know how you have heard of my blog. Thanks so much! Sorry to make you work for it! I'll try hard to make it worth it!

email your request at mkmusic@msn.com

Sissy Got Stuck in the Grocery Cart

2009-03-10T18:55:00.001-07:00

Content where she is at.

Ivy trying to push the cart with her in it.

Matt pulling her out.

It was really quiet so we started to look for Sissy. We found her stuck in the toy grocery cart. The more she tried to get out, the more stuck she got. She was just happy to be there.

Grandpa Elliott

2009-03-10T12:57:00.000-07:00

Grandpa Elliott was down here for the Shepard's Conference at Grace Community. It was a fun but fast week. He got to see Sissy for the first time. We will miss him!

Great is His Faithfulness

2009-03-02T13:47:00.000-08:00

Court was interesting today. We were in there for about 2 minutes. The Judge did not get the Psychological evaluation of the Grandparents from the DR. so that is put on hold until April 9.

The Grandparents applied for the same De Facto Parent Status that we did. They were denied and he granted it to us. That doesn't mean a whole lot but we are able to get "a little " more information and we can now talk in court.

So...basically everything stays the same until April 9. So, we have to still let them have her every weekend. I sat with my birth mom for about an hour and a half while we were waiting and talked to her.

Thank you so much for your prayers. Keep praying!

Psalm 19:21

2009-02-27T08:21:00.000-08:00

OK, I had a mini breakdown moment of again begging the Lord this morning. I was dusting the girls' room and sissy was laying in her crib. When I moved to her side of the room she jumped up and reached for me. My plan was to leave her in bed, but I couldn't resist! I picked her up and hugged her tight. Tears immediately came to my eyes as I squeezed her and begged the Lord yet again to make her mine.

We ask you to pray again for court coming up this Monday. Alot of stuff could happen and we could lose her again. We have also applied for what is called "De Facto Parenting" and the Judge will rule on that also. (That is kind of confusing but you can google it. It just gives us a few more rights, because right now we have none.)

My Pastor, Scott shared this verse a couple of weeks ago and it has really helped me in my thinking. "Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand." It doesn't matter what anybody tries to do, what we all think...Sissy where be where she is supposed to.

As you know, this year the Lord is getting me where it hurts, my family and kids. I am learning to hold them with loose fingers as God is the one they ultimately belong to. I think, at the end of this year will Ivy still be any only child? Will we have 2 kids or 3? Only God knows, but I know that He is faithful and good and that will not change even if I didn't have any. I'm working hard at living what I say that I believe. Please hold us in your prayers this coming Monday and I will post an update.

Elmo /Ivy

2009-02-20T17:00:00.000-08:00

This is what Ivy was wearing when I went to pick her up from Lynn's house today. She let her keep it so Ivy went to visit her dad at work like this. She is still wearing it.....so cute!

Ivy's First Trip to the Dentist

2009-02-11T10:52:00.001-08:00

Princess crown for her princess clean teeth.

Counting her teeth.

Cleaning them.

Dr. Rose says no sugar bugs!

Chuggin' Along

2009-02-03T12:32:00.000-08:00

I know people have been wondering what has been going on with us so here is a little recap.

Matt was gone to Palm Springs for his annual LDI trip. He was gone for only 3 days but it was good to have him back. He let Ivy take his work cell phone last night (against my better judgement.) He thought what harm could she do? Ten minutes later we couldn't find the phone, Ivy (of course) didn't remember where she misplaced it. We kept calling it and it would sound so close! Finally Matt was fishing it out from under the oven in the kitchen. I took pictures of him crawling on the floor with the broom and 2 little nosey girls jumping on him. But I am banned from putting them on my blog. My stomach muscles got a good workout from all of the laughing.

As most of you know, Matt and I switched churches in December. We left Grace community after about a year of praying about it. It is closer to home, our closest friends all go there, but most of all, we had such a big desire to be used more in the local church. We were really beginning to become convicted that we have gifts that the Lord has given us and we weren't using them as much as we would like or should. There are so many things that we miss about Grace but we have loved Placerita Babptist so much! I sang on the worship team this past Sunday , along with my first solo for Special Music. I was so thankful to the Lord for His goodness in guiding Matt and our family. Matt is in the orchestra and taking a theology class on Saturday mornings and we have biblestudy 2x a month 2 minutes from our house.

Ivy is loving preschool! She begs me to let her ride the bus! I explained to her that it is hard enough for me to let her out of my sight to go to preschool but I draw the line at letting a 3 year old ride the school bus. I am not cutting those mother/daugther strings for a long time! It has been hard on her to know that Sissy is gone on the weekends, but it is a good opportuinity to teach her how we take our desires to the Lord and let Him decide.

Lastly, something that I have always struggled with is being too much of an open book. I always share the good and the bad. (aka. Fat Mommy) but I guess that I figure that I don't really have much to hide. The Lord has taught me more about discretion over the last 10 years (mainly through my husband.) and I would like to think that I have learned to be more receptive to the Holy Spirit's wisdom. In saying all of that, I have been convicted over how much I am sharing/going to share about my current/possible future adoptions. I truly have always had good intentions in doing so, I LOVE the prayers being given on our behalf...and please keep them coming!!!! However, the part that I have been convicted about is sharing facts about other people's lives that are not mine to share. Trust me, I never meant any harm in doing so, I was just didn't think it through like I maybe should have.

I am still going to try and talk about court dates, etc. coming up because I believe that I need your prayers but I want to above reproach.

Thank you for your love, encouragement , and prayers. I'm thankful for it all.

Morning Conversation

2009-01-28T13:25:00.000-08:00

The other day, Ivy, came into our bed to snuggle and our conversation went something like this....

Mommy: Ivy, do you think I am pretty?
Ivy: ,Ummm, Nah.
(The bed started to shake as Matt was trying to suppress his giggles.)
Mommy: Ivy, do you think Mommy is pretty? (I thought I hadn't heard her right the first time.)
Ivy: Nope (with a smile on her face)
Mommy: Why don't you think I am pretty?
Ivy:(really serious) Because of the yucky stuff.
(Now Matt was dying laughing in bed!)
Mommy: What yucky stuff are you talking about?
Ivy: Right there. (pointing to my cheek...I didn't even have a pimple on my cheek!)
So I did what any mother would do in that situation...I started to fake cry and tell her that she hurt my feelings. She started to get a little upset.
Ivy: I think your pretty Momma.
Now....that's what I thought!

Ephesians 3:20

2009-01-25T13:43:00.000-08:00

" Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us."

As I sit down to blog, I have put a picture up of my 2 beautiful girls to look at. They remind me of this verse. I think of the stories of how God allowed them to come into our lives and I am thankful, humbled and blessed. Each one of their stories is such a great testimony of God's goodness in my (and Matt's) life. As if I would even dare ask the Lord for more.....

When the verse says "...far more abundantly than all that we ask or think..." I couldn't have imagined that He wasn't done with Matt and I yet but that is exactly what has happened. I wish I could share every detail but I can't, I will however share the important ones in hopes that we can all pray together and as I detail through my blog, we can all share in the excitement.

Things with Sissy are far from over, our next court date is March 2 and we are still praying that the grandparents are out of the picture, that they won't take her on that date and the weekend visits stop. However, someone that is very close to Matt and I, someone who we love as much as our own family, someone who (rightly so) wants to remain anonymous, sent us an email last Saturday and asked us to adopt her baby boy (due in June). Now....we would normally say "Are you crazy? We are going through a lot with Sissy." But this is someone who we feel like we shouldn't/ couldn't/wouldn't say no to. I know that this person had an appointment to abort the baby and I prayed daily that she wouldn't. She said that she wanted to but that Matt and I were heavy on her heart. We told her right away that we wanted the baby but we would have to pray about it because we have no money to adopt this baby! (That is why we went through the foster system to get Sissy, because it was free.) I fought right away the thoughts of being anxious about the money, knowing that the Lord has shown me with both of my girls that all things are possible through Him.

Matt and I began praying, called our shocked parents, called our adoption lawyer, talked to Sissy's social worker to see if we could do it. In the first week (through some really sweet and generous friends and family.) We have almost $3,000. We estimate that it is going to cost about $10,000. With that money coming to us in less than a week, we felt that we could call our birth mom and tell her that we would adopt the baby. I got the sweetest email from her afterwards, saying how much she was in tears at our response and overwhelmed by the love that Matt and I have shown her. We have only been able to email but we are both excited to talk on the phone.

Prayer Requests: Needless to say that one request is our finances for the adoption.

Our 2ND request involves Sissy. It is against the law to have 2 adoptions go on at the same time. That means Sissy needs to stay in foster care until the baby's adoption is final. (The Judge could take her out of foster care and move it to adoption at any time.) But now we don't want that. We want her to stay as a foster child in our home until the baby is adopted and then have her move to adoption. That is really possible as the court takes forever in terminating parental rights.

Whew! That is alot but we are so thankful for all of the prayers given to us so far across the country. I am excited to blog about this and have you take another adoption journey with us. We will have 2 going on at the same time! I hope it is in His will for us to have this baby and Sissy, either way, we are trusting Him! Love you all!

Happy Birthday Matt!

2009-01-20T12:31:00.000-08:00

Matt, Happy Birthday! I think that you have grown more this year than any year I have known you. Your obvious love for the Lord is etched all over your life, whether it is playing legos for a couple of hours, getting up early to study the Word, changing diapers, challenging me with Scripture, putting others above yourself, giving baths, loving and encouraging your friends, and loving me more than you love yourself...Your girls are proud and thankful to have you in our lives. We love you daddy!

Seriously.....

2009-01-13T18:38:00.001-08:00

Keep praying!

1st Day of Preschool

2009-01-06T10:15:00.001-08:00

Today was Ivy's 1st day of preschool. I had her tested in November for her speech articulation and she was behind like I thought. They wanted her to come to preschool when she turned 3 where all the kids in her class have her articulation problem so they can work on it. She goes twice a week and then a speech therapist comes in once a week to take her out of class and work with her one on one. It is all free through the state and it looks really nice. They do everything that a normal preschool does and I think she will love it.

She was so excited when she woke up and knew she was going to school. It took her awhile to understand that Ty and Jaden weren't going to be there. ( I think she must have heard them talk about school because she kept saying that she was going to play with Ty and Jaden there.) She gladly posed for pictures outside. Then...it started to hit me...my baby is already off to school. I called my mom after I dropped her off (when she saw the playdough on the table she was in heaven!....didn't even really say goodbye.) My mom didn't answer so I just cried a little on her answering machine. At least I still had Sissy in the back of the car. I can't wait to pick her up and hear about her day. I really missed her. Time goes by too fast!

Happy Birthday Hollie!

2009-01-04T08:43:00.001-08:00

Hollie, We love you and hope you have a great day! You are one of our favorite people. We love Our Hollie!

Fat Mommy ...Alive and well

2008-12-26T12:05:00.001-08:00

Is it bad that when I was eating the rest of Ivy's birthday pudding pie and she asked me for a bite, I gave her a bite of just the crust so she wouldn't want anymore? Then...is it bad that I smeared pudding on her face so that when Matt gets home and he is looking for the rest of the dessert I can tell him Ivy ate it?...Janurary 1st is right around the corner!

Christmas 2008

2008-12-26T09:27:00.001-08:00

Hope everyone had a great Christmas. There was much to be thankful for at our house. God is good!

Our Little Girl Turns 3 (Part 1)

2008-12-24T19:29:00.000-08:00

Our Little Girl Turns 3

2008-12-24T19:22:00.001-08:00

God is So Good

2008-12-23T12:41:00.000-08:00

Well...This morniing I took out Sissy's things to the garage and I had all of her things in a box to send, trusting God that He knows what is best for my family. An investgator talked to Matt telling him that today was going to be the day that she goes. Matt walked into the courtroom and the lawyer stood up and said that they all decided that the baby should go to the grandparents. The Judge said," I don't care what you decided. I am here for the best interest of this baby. I think that the grandparents need a phych. evaluation because I wonder if they are in the right frame of mind to have this baby." I guess the grandma has written him so many letters that he is fed up with it and he wants them evaluated. The next court date is March 2. I THINK that in March, they either get her or they are out of the running to have her. matt and I still have to give them weekend visits and give the birthmom visits during the week. (we have not heard from her in 3 weeks).

Psalm 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."

Psalm 62:8 " Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us."

Court Tomorrow

2008-12-22T08:33:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture of Sissy and I the night we got her. August 7,2008

Honestly, I have had a few rough moments this morning. I decided to put all of Sissy's things in a box in case she goes tomorrow after court. I am doing it because I don't think that I will be able to think of everything I need to send and I will just wanting to be holding her anyway. If she stays then she just has some really organized drawers. I'm still praying that she stays but I am also preparing myself for what might happen.

A couple of days ago I told Ivy again that she might leave but I was a little more blunt about it. I told her,"Ivy, If she goes then she is not coming back and she is not going to be your sister." She said, "Why mom? I love her. I want her." I said," Do you know how we asked Jesus if we could adopt her? That we love her and want to keep her? Sometimes when we ask Jesus, He says no.Jesus loves us and wants what's best for us." She thought about that for a minute and then said, "But Jesus told me yes." I didn't know whether to laugh or cry...so I cried. I said," I wish that it was that easy. I hope you are right."

I read Matt part of the book I am reading to prepare my heart. I want to share it. It is talking about how Mary was confused and frustrated with Jesus that He did not hurry and run back to heal Lazarus and so Lasarus died.

" Jesus never seems to do what we expect. When we look for Him to act, He stalls.When we think He should avoid an unsettling encounter with Mary, He seeks her out. And when He is finally with her, instead of giving the councel and explanation we are waiting to hear , He weeps. everything He does catches us off guard and forces us to do what Mary had to do- take a closer look at Jesus. ......in every scene He moved and acted according to His own agenda....God's glory is the governing principle behind everything He does...God's glory and our good are so intermingled that they can no longer be distinguished.....Although it breaks Mary's heart and brings her to the edge of her faith, instead of distancing herself from Jesus, it draws her closer. Instead of weakening their relationship, it intensifies the bond between them. Instead of undermining her faith, it multiplies her reason to trust Him".

I have no doubt that if Sissy goes tomorrow, Jesus will be weeping with us. I also have no doubt that it will be for our family's best. I will never understand it and it won't make sense to me but I trust Jesus. His glory and my good...they are the same. Please continue to pray, I still have hope.

Snoring Sissy

2008-12-16T08:28:00.000-08:00

Ivy has been sick with a flu bug and Sissy was bothering her, wanting to be in her face, so I put her in her excesaucer (I think that is how you spell it). I called my mom and while I was talking to her in the kitchen, I heard snoring in the living room. I went in and saw that Sissy had fallen asleep in it! She was snoring away! Too cute. I took her up to her room and she was a ton of bricks. She was out!

Please remember to pray for our situationwith her. The court date is a week from today. (December 23). I heard yesterday that the baby's lawyer is totally for the Grandparents. Really that means that no one in the court that day is going to be on our side. We made tenative plans yesterday on what we want to do when they come and take her. When I feel like it is all hopeless, I just think that Almighty God is powerful enough to turn this around if that is what He wants to do.

My Pastor Scott did an amazing sermon two Sundays ago. It was on the power of prayer. He asked,"What are you trusting God for?" He talked about Jesus casting out a demon in a little boy that all the disciples could not cast out. He said it was because of their lack of faith. He said that alot of times God does not give you what you ask for the first time because He wants you to keep praying.

He said when faith stops despair enters

When faith stops anxiety starts

When faith stops doubt reigns

He did not promise that just because you pray, God will give you everything you ask for but if God can take a little boy filled with an ugly demon and cast that demon out, He can surely bring Sissy to our home for good if that is His will.

I know that this is an extremely busy time of year. If you remember, please take time to pray for our family. And as this might be our last week with this beautiful baby girl that we have prayed to be our daughter, hold your loved ones tight. We never know how long we will have them! Merry Christmas!

Sissy and Karis

2008-12-12T17:09:00.001-08:00

Ivy's old babysitter Sarah came and watched the girls today. She had a baby that looks like she could be Sissy's sister. Here's pictures of the little friends. Thanks Sarah and Karis for coming today!

Making Gingerbread Houses with Friends

2008-12-11T18:22:00.000-08:00

Thank you Penberthy's, Kostjuk's and LaRue's! It was a fun afternoon!

I Have to Blog About It!

2008-12-09T14:32:00.001-08:00

I have been reading the book, "When Life and Beliefs Collide...How Knowing God Makes a Difference" by Carolyn Custis James. It talks about how your theology (what you believe about God) comes into play when "life" happens. When you have a crisis, you are going to act on what you believe to be true. What you think about different situations is what you really believe. I wanted to quote something that I read today...so good!

"The problems of life cannot be remedied by a pill, even if we wish it were so. Life has a way of crashing down on us without warning. Whether we like it or not, sooner or later all of us end up in the war zone, where life ceases to be tidy and the pain threshold goes off the charts. Women are not spared this kind of active combat, which makes it all the more urgent for us to think through our theology so our views of God will sustain us when the battle begins to rage. Otherwise we will sink in despair instead of standing firm and fighting with courage, determination and confidence in God. "
"A woman's theology can make all the difference in how well she fights the battles that are a part of God's plan for her....When faith is stripped to the bone and all our props and crutches are gone, our knowledge of God-that He is good and still on His throne - is the only thing that kepps us going."

Amen! Preach it sister! These are the same thoughts that have kept me "sain" during the whole Sissy situation.

What are you struggling with? Do you think that in the midst of your trial that God is still on His throne? Is He still in control? Does He truly love and care about you and your life when things are not going smoothly? That is what you need to work through.

It's Beginning to Look Alot Like Christmas (at the Elliott's)

2008-12-07T12:23:00.000-08:00

Cinderella has a Friend

2008-12-03T11:16:00.000-08:00

Tate and Ivy were washing her kitchen toys in the sink, since we all have colds. It started off good, then they got their clothes wet. Then I went out to the garage to get something and came back and they were in their undies! Oh well, I am glad they are 2 and 3 years old. They had a picnic for lunch and watched "Little Bill".
BTW, I had to take a picture of Tate's little crack. No matter what pants he has on, he is always showing it. Got to love him!

Bath Time

2008-12-01T19:10:00.000-08:00

Thanksgivng at Rob and Dawn Iverson's

2008-11-28T15:13:00.000-08:00

Not Much News

2008-11-24T16:31:00.001-08:00

Ok...Sissy is crawling alot! I find her in the most interesting places. She also is drooling like crazy! I think she is getting more teeth because she has a runny nose, drools and doesn't sleep very well. I think that Ivy takes pain better than her. I didn't know that my camera would capture the drool hanging off her chin. Sorry!

I had the DCFS social worker come today. She told me that the grandparents have not been doing what they are supposed to to get the baby back. That is unbelievable to me. They want a different way of doing things than what the Judge has ordered. So...they will either get her on December 23 or it will be drawn out again. Wouldn't it be funny if the Lord used the grandma's stubborness to let us adopt this baby. I still think she is leaving us but you never know. Please continue to pray. I ran into a lady from Colorado last night who said she reads the blog and has been praying for us. That means so much!

Prayer Request

2008-11-21T07:55:00.000-08:00

I know that I have not been updating about our fost adopt situation lately but there really isn't much to tell. We have been giving Sissy to the Grandparents every weekend and then picking her up on Sunday nights. The birthmom has made more of her visits. (One visit she confirmed, she didn't come to and I had loaded 3 kids in the car to take her. I had hit my limit and went all crazy on a social worker. So...they made ME make another trip back to give her a visit on a non visit day) Every time I go now they question me on if I am feeding her enough (she went from a below normal weight to in the 50% now) and they question why I haven't put another outfit in her diaper bag for when she gets wet. That is what really sets me off. I am taking care of little Sissy as if she is my own and they have the nerve to suggest otherwise! I really do need to pray about my heart on that because I don't want to get bitter. But...this entry is not even about me. While the girls are playing after breakfast, I was blog hopping and found a blog that broke my heart.

The couple is Adrienne and Jim. They adopted a little Russian boy and after 4 misscarriages, they decided to adopted a baby within the US. The baby was born and they got to be with the baby for a couple of days, meet the birthmom and Grandma and they bonded with everybody. Then the birthmom changed her mind and took the baby from the agency. If you read her blog, you hear her excitement of loving the baby with everything going smoothly, her love for her new birthmom, etc. Then you read about their pain. Thier blog address is www.our-journey-to-parenthood.blogspot.com Please pray for Adrienne and Jim.

"Cinderella" Has a Job

2008-11-14T11:48:00.000-08:00

Whenever I tell Ivy to do a "chore". I call her Cinderella,telling her that she needs to work for Mommy. So far, she likes her job. Every once in a while I will say,"Ivy, come put the silverware away." And she will reply,"No thank you,Mommy." Then I'm like...guess again. Here is Cinderella doing her chore and some othere random pics. (Can you tell that I don't really care who sees Sissy now? Cuteness shouln't be wasted!)

The Latest....Sad News

2008-11-07T15:26:00.001-08:00

Court was today. The Grandparents and the birthmom(who wore a man's pinstriped suit) were surprised and annoyed that Matt was there. Basically, they gave the grandparents the baby on weekends (Friday evening to Sunday). They get her every weekend until December 23 (the next court date). Then they plan to take her for good on that date. I am speechless. They want the baby to get used to being at their house which is the reason for the new visiting schedule.

Matt told them that they couldn't have her tonight but we changed our minds. I have to sing at Reese Kostjuk's funeral and I don't want to have to give her away for the first time and then stand up and sing a song for the funeral. I just think that it would be too hard. Please pray about that. I am not sure how to pray about this....I am really at a loss. Gosh, I am so glad that I believe in a sovereign Lord. I know that he has a plan for us in all this.

Cookies for Daddy!

2008-11-06T08:55:00.000-08:00

I don't know why they always show my pictures in backward order. Oh well. Here are some yummy pictures from last week. The Betty Crocker Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies are amazing! * Don't forget to pray for court tomorrow. The Judge will decide if Sissy goes to her grandparents, or if they have to do what DCFS has requested. (That they take counceling and parenting classes.) I have been praying this week that the Grandparents would change their mind and they would leave her with us knowing really that that is where she should be...God has changed the hearts of Kings..right? I will let you know! Also pray for the Kostjuk's. Reese's funeral is Saturday, they are going to bury her tomorrow and all of her other kids have the flu! Thanks so much!

Random Acts

2008-11-04T09:21:00.000-08:00

Here are some funny pictures. I took some pictures of Ivy eating a "tear jerker" sour ball. She said that she wanted it so bad so I said she could eat it if I could take some pictures. It only lasted for a couple of licks....so the only person in tears was me from laughing so hard. Then...the other pictures are from me tickling Ivy to where she got gum stuck in her hair and I had to cut it out! Really...I'm a good mom!

Happy Halloween

2008-10-31T20:37:00.000-07:00

Good News

2008-10-29T10:50:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the delay in my post. We didn't find out what happened yesterday until just this morning. They said that the meeting went really long. I prayed that at the meeting, everyone would see the "true colors" of the Birthmom and the Grandparents. It seems that is exactly what happened. The Birthmom got mad at what was being said in the meeting and she stormed out of the room a couple of times. The Grandparents have NOT been approved yet to take the baby. Their home has been approved but they haven't.

DCFS is going to recommend to the judge that the Grandparents have individual counceling, couples counceling, and parenting classes. The Grandma was not happy about that. She doesn't want parenting classes. The Grandparents also have like 9 fractions against them on record with DCFS. The Judge would have to dismiss all of them. (I think) They are recommending that all of that happens before they can get the baby. So that means the Judge would give them a couple of months to do that....or he can dismiss all of it and give them the baby.

All of that to say...we get her until November 7th. Matt is going to go to court to see what happens. Thank you for praying! Pray that the Judge does not give them custody on that day. Then....there will be more waiting. Also pray that the court will give us permission to take the baby to Washington for Christmas. God is good!
( I hope that this all makes sense.)

Ivy's 2nd "Gotcha" Day

2008-10-27T18:49:00.000-07:00

Today was Ivy's 2nd "Gotcha" Day. That is the day we "Gotcha"...the day we went to court and Ivy officially became an Elliott. Friends stopped by with ice cream and balloons and Aunt Hollie came for dinner. The day started with a card from Grandma and Grandpa Elliott. She had a great day! God is so good in giving us such a treasure of a daughter.

Please pray for the meeting tomorrow between the DCFS social workers and Sissy's grandparents. Pray that she gets to stay in our home and they can see the Grandparents for who they really are. The Birthmom has already called , saying she will be at tomorrow's visit, so we will be making a trip to the valley for that. Thanks!

Date Night with Matt

2008-10-25T22:16:00.001-07:00

Our wonderful friends, Chris and Kaci Metzger offered to watch the girls while Matt and I had a date night. It was so thoughtful of them and it was so great to get out alone with Matt. Our whole date cost $15 for the night because I had gift cards for every place we went. We went to the Americana in Glendale to The Cheesecake Factory and then window shopped. Thank You Chris and Kaci!!!! We love and appreciate you!

Getting Weak and Weary

2008-10-22T17:04:00.000-07:00

I had a visit with the birthmom today. As I walked in the door, the DCFS social worker met me . She said that the Grandparent's home was approved and the DCFS wanted to take Sissy out of our home yesterday (we didn't know that that could happen.) This social worker told them not to do it because she has some concerns about the Grandparents. They are going to have a board metting with the grandparents this coming Tuesday to ask them questions and determine what to do (it is very possible that they could decide to take her on Tuesday.)

I also found out that the Grandma is now going to drive the Birthmom to all of her visits to see the baby. The birthmom said that she has a good relationship with her parents now. (My social worker thinks that they might have no intention of adopting Sissy but wants her out of our home and is going to help their daughter to "appear" to be back on track so that she can have her and they just be grandparents again. Poor Sissy.

Bottom line is that I am tired and weary. They are wearing me out and I feel like I am hitting bottom. It is so good to trust in the Lord knowing that He has everything in control and I don't have to try and run the show like this grandma is. Honestly, I am just getting tired of doing everything by the book, running Sissy everywhere she needs to go, having social workers in and out of my house, loving on her, making sure that I am taking care of Ivy, checking my heart to make sure that I am honoring the Lord....it is enough to wear a girl out.

The Lord brought to my mind Galatians 6:9 " And let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." Bottom line...I WILL NOT ALLOW SATAN TO BE VICTORIOUS IN MY HOME! He might think that he will ruin Matt and I and our family. HE IS NOT HAVING IT WHETHER IT IS MATT, I AND IVY OR IF SISSY IS WITH US TO. The End! ( I am feeling better already.)

Fost Adopt Update

2008-10-21T15:42:00.001-07:00

We just found out that our new court date is November 7th. (That is 2 weeks from this Friday. Fast!) They are going to see if the grandparents are certified and they are also going to open up their old files to see if they are suitable to have her with their past allegations. We are praying that the Judge says that they are not a suitable couple to adopt her. ( They never looked into any of this before because the grandparents had said before that they didn't want to adopt her so there was no need.)

The lawyer told Matt that Sissy shouldn't be taken from us before November 4th. Then who knows after that. It sounds like it is going to all come down to the Judge. Please continue to pray.

Fat Mommy Returns

2008-10-20T15:50:00.000-07:00

Ok...I have told this story to a couple of people and they keep telling me that I have to write this on my blog. Fat Mommy has returned. With everything going on in our lives I have let the gym and Weight Watchers go by the wasteside. Here is a perfect example....

Last week when we went to court, Aunt Hollie came over to babysit (Thank You Aunt Hollie!) She brought Ivy a donut ( my favorite donut to be exact.) When we got home the girls were sleeping. When Hollie left, I went in the kitchen and noticed that there was over half of Ivy's donut sitting there. I thought to myself that surely she didn't want the rest...really that's not what I thought but I did think that she would not remember the donut tomorrow for breakfast so I ate it.

I went to wake Ivy up from her nap. I said, "Ivy you can get up now." She jumps out of bed yelling,"Donut Donut. Ivy eat her donut!" I panicked and told her that I ate it. She started crying really hard. ( I felt terrible!) So I quickly added, "You know that fudge bar that Daddy has been saving in the freezer? (The ones that are so big that she never gets to eat one.) " Do you want to eat that all by yourself?" Of course she said yes through her tears. So...Matt was out a Fudgie Bar after his dinner all because Fat Mommy had no self control.

...I know...I am ashamed of myself...

Blog Hopping

2008-10-17T19:51:00.000-07:00

Ok...I always tease Wendy about finding new blogs and now I am guilty! I cannot stand watching cartoons with Ivy ( there are only a couple times in the day when I let her watch them) so I have gotten on the computer. Lately, I have found the best blogs on home and hospitality. Tonight I found such an encouraging blog on being a mom, homemaker and especially a mom raising godly girls. Please check it out. It is listed under the blogs I like (The Wise Woman Builds Her Home). You got to get excited about blogs that make you eager to clean your house, be a better mom, and live as a godly example to your family. I have found so many Christian ones out there. Gosh, I want to be the kind of woman who can write blogs like this. Enjoy!

Results from Court Today

2008-10-15T14:26:00.000-07:00

Well...we are back from court. We didn't even go in and see the judge because they settled everything that they needed to before we got in there. The bottom line is that the aunt wasn't even looked at because they haven't even proven that the birth dad is the father so they wouldn't give Sissy to her AND she did not get a favorable report when they investigated her. HOWEVER......

The maternal grandparents (the ones we are in contact with) decided to adopt Sissy. They are doing it because they are afraid that the birthdad is going to come and take the baby or any of his relatives. They said that they can't live with that and to make sure that doesn't happen, they are going to adopt her. Basically, if they don't get certified to take her now...they lose their chance. Then if any body in his family comes forward and he is proven the father, then she would be taken away. The birthfather talked to them on the phone and said that if he finds out that Sissy is with anyone other than family, he is going to come and get her. (He is a drug dealer and violent.) I guess he physically threatened to hurt Matt and I (to her). They are so afraid that anyone in his family will get the baby, that they said they can't take the chance.

Matt and I talked to them afterwards where I asked them straight out what they were going to do. She got teary eyed and said," Kelli, I know that you and Matt are the best home for this baby. But I believe that we are the 2nd best home for the baby and I can't have her go to the other side." I started to cry a little bit and she kept saying that she was so sorry. I asked her more questions and Matt said that I was really gracious with her, which is good because I was really trying to be. I wanted our Christian testimony to shine through. We told them that we understood why they were doing it. I think that they are weary knowing that they have a long life ahead of them....18 years.

Here is where Matt and I have a tiny spark of hope.....They have to be certified (their home) and they also have a "mark" against them in court that needs to be erased. It has something to do with an altercation they had with thier daughter when she was a teen. I think that if the Judge doesn't wipe their record clean, they can't have her. BUT they are all (every one working on the case) acting like they are not going to have a problem being certified....but God can do a miracle!

On Friday, they are going to set a date for next month when the homestudy needs to be done. Then they will go to court. If it is approved, they will move Sissy to their house.

Matt and I are continuing to trust the Lord that He has His hand in all of this. Of course, I don't understand it all but I think that He wants it that way so that we keep our dependence on Him.

Thank you so much for your prayers and support. i woke up today thinking, we are the only ones walking in there with the Lord on our side. It was sad to see the Grandparents living in fear, with out hope in their Savior. Although I get scared, I know that He has a plan for our family. Matt and I will not let Satan destroy our family and testimony in this! We are still holding out hope for a miracle and please continue to pray for such but whatever the outcome, our Savior will see us through!

Ephesians 3:20 " Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us."

Court Tomorrow

2008-10-14T10:59:00.001-07:00

Please remember to pray for Matt and I as we go to court tomorrow for Sissy.

Psalm 62:5,8
"For God alone,O my soul,wait in silence, for my hope is from Him. Trust in Him at all times, O people: pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us."

Who Knows What's Going On?

2008-10-09T16:29:00.000-07:00

I had the DCFS worker come to the house today. As usual, she didn't know too much. She did tell me that the birthmother has been talking to lawyers all along telling them that she would like the baby to go to the birthfather's family. She thinks that would be a good idea without even knowing them. I think she doesn't have a good relationship with her parents so she doesn't want them to have a relationship with her daughter.

I asked her to find out if the aunt wants to adopt her and she said that she would try to find out. (She has talked to the investgator before and never thought to ask that question.) To me, that answer would tell alot.

I just found out that the investigator does not have a good report about the aunt, BUT I also found out that now one set of the grandparents are interested in her. I don't know if it is the ones that Matt and I know (I think they would change their minds if they were afraid they were going to lose her to the other side of the family) or the birthfather's grandparents. I will let you know if I hear what the investigator says.

Please continue to lift this up in prayer. Less than a week to go until we go to court!

New Information

2008-10-07T10:32:00.000-07:00

Sorry that I haven't updated in a while but there really hasn't been any news to tell. I just had a visit from my social worker. She gave me some more information....not really the news I was hoping for.

The aunt has been certified to take another child (Sissy) and she does want her. They are unclear if she wants to adopt her or not. But it looks like they might recommend that the aunt gets her.

They still have not done a DNA test on the birthfather like he wants. My social worker was trying to push for it. Saying that it would be a shame to move the baby and later find out that this baby isn't even related to the aunt. Everyone says that he is the father ( I think that he proubly is too) but the birthmom was an alleged prostitute so...why aren't they making sure?

The investigator was supposed to come out and see our house and has not done that yet. I think that he thinks that she is going to go to the aunt so what is the point? The hard part is that we can make phone calls but we can't make them do anything.

I asked my social worker when they would take the baby if the court decides with the aunt. She said it would proubly happen that day.

That is where I need to rest in the Lord. He knows what will happen. I still have hope in the Lord that He can do anything....and if He decides to take her, He will bring Matt , Ivy and I through. Please continue to pray for October 15th. Thanks

Ivy!

2008-10-01T14:53:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of me cleaning crayon off the wall, floor and crown molding. I wasn't too happy. I thought that Ivy had learned her lesson after this but the next day she was coloring all over her breakfast plate. Guess who is going without her crayons for a while!....I was so mad that I decided to put an extra picture of us on so that you really do know how much I love the little buger!

P.S. Sissy isn't doing much better. We took her to the park today where she went pee pee all over Wendy! Ugh! Can I take my girls anywhere? I did have a good laugh at that one!

No News is Good News? (Update for Fuzzy)

2008-09-28T13:00:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who asks about Matt and I. My friend,Matt (a.K.a. Fuzzy)kindly let me know that I need to be writing the latest. There isn't a whole lot to tell. I will say this. I have really studied Philippians 4 :6-7 this week. " Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

That verse has really rang true in my heart this week. I did what the verse said and I truly believe that God gave me peace this week. All of our circumstances didn't change but God gave me an unexplainable peace with it all. I still can cry about it when people ask me but I know that He is in control. I know that He loves Sissy more than Matt and I. I am praying that God does a miracle and leaves her with us, but I also believe that His ways are higher than ours and He knows what is best. I have been so thankful for everyone's encouraging words. Please continue to pray for our court date October 15th.

This last week our birthmom called to confirm that she was coming for the visit. I put all 3 kids in the car and we drove the half hour to get there....then she never showed up. So..we all came home.

Matt had a great talk with the maternal grandparents this week. They are also concerned that the baby will go to the birthfather's sister. They wanted to know what Matt and I mean when we say that we would have an open adoption (with them). It was a good talk and they are feeling comfortable with us to ask us questions. I would love to have a realationship with them in the future and have them come to know the Lord.

I don't know anything else about this aunt. I know that she is certified to take kids because Sissy's bio brother is in the system. All of this doesn't look great for us but God can do anything. I really think that He doesn't want us to know much more than that so that we keep our eyes focued on Him and that He is in control.

Siss is laughing alot now and (I think) is going to start crawling anyday now. She is such a good baby. God has been so good to us with that. We will keep enjoying her as another week brings us closer to October 15th. Please also pray that if she is going to leave us that we will find out that day so that it is not dragged out any more than that. Thanks so much!

My 36th Birthday

2008-09-19T08:31:00.001-07:00

Through our busy life, people who know me know that I always find time to celebrate my birthday. Thank you to all who sent me birthday wishes.

Continued.....

2008-09-16T14:02:00.001-07:00

I was having my Quiet Time with the Lord and I was going over a sermon from a couple months back from Pastor Philip De Courcy. With the struggles that we are having, and so many of our friends ( we are praying for you Kostjuk's, Iverson's and Castro's!) I thought I would jot down some things that spoke to me.

"In trials, God is up to something you can't get your head around. Don't waste your sorrows. God brings Easter's out of Good Friday's."

"There is such a thing as a good-bad. Man means it for evil-God means it for good. God can turn any circumstances into good." Gen. 50:20

"Don't ask God "why?" ask God " what?" What do you want me to do now?"

"Flexibility and faith go hand and hand. Life is 10% what you make it and 90% how you take it."

" God's Soverignty will not answer all your questions but will relieve your anxiety."

" There is never a missed moment in life. God ordains it all."

Fost Adopt Update #11

2008-09-16T09:24:00.000-07:00

Alot has happened within the last 24 hours.

* They switched the birthmom visits back to Chatsworth. The BM's phone has been disconnected so they can't get a hold of her so they are waiting for her to call.

* An aunt (on the birthfather's side) has come forward and says that she wants baby Sissy. She is having her home inspected to see if it is OK for the baby. She has 2 of the birthfathers other children so she wants this one. She is only the LEGAL GUARDIAN of those kids. The judge has said before that he wants Sissy in an adoptive home but that doesn't mean that he won't change his mind.

* Grandma (who we have visits with) told the lawyer that she wants Matt and I to adopt the baby. I(She has never told us that before) I think that she feels with us, she can see or know the baby but if that aunt gets her, she proubly won't ever see her.

* There is a court date OCTOBER 15. They may say that the aunt gets her on that date. Matt and I are going to go. Please pray that we get to keep Sis and this aunt will for some reason be dismissed. Pray that Matt and I will continue to trust the Lord and that we will find joy in His will.

Fost Adopt Update #10

2008-09-11T14:30:00.001-07:00

I hate to keep using bullet points but I feel like I don't want to leave anything out.

* On our visit this week, Matt told the grandparents that we would not be setting up visits on the weekends. Grandma seemed upset but Grandpa understood. We told them that we would drive to the Northridge mall every other week to help them out. (our social workers thought we were being too nice.)

* We went to a support group on Monday night. It ended up being with a bunch of Christians. There were prayer requests and prayer. Only one lady was getting really phychological. We heard alot of things that we didn't like about the DCFS but we needed to hear that they mess things up for you more than they get things right. They gave Matt and I some good pointers. It is once a month and we get resurtification credit for doing it so why not? Everyone was really nice.

I had a visit with another social worker this morning...( I know...It is alot!) She is the one who doesn't really know too much. She didn't even bring anything with her that had to do with our case....just a pad of paper...so when I asked her questions, she didn't know anything. She did tell me that she told the BM (birthmom) that if she didn't do what she was supposed to, that we were ready to adopt the baby. (She still hasn't done anything and that was a month ago.)

* She also said that they (DCFS) called the alleged birthfather for something and he called the BM really angry saying, tell them to not bother me again! So, I really am not too concerned with him. He wants nothing to do with this baby.

* Right now, the only thing I don't feel good about is still the Grandma. I think she might think that her daughter is going to pull through. If is is over a year to 18 months and the birthmother is not doing anything and Grandma really sees that she might go into adoption...she might pull out all the stops then to get her, AND she proubly would get her. I don't trust her...BUT I TRUST THE LORD! He knows what is going to happen and I remind myself of that everyday. Isn't all of our children in His hands? Please keep us in your prayers.

* Side note...Little Sis is such a happy baby, loves Ivy, smiles all the time. Lifts her head up to look all over the place. Ivy gets her face down to her level so they can just stare at each other while Ivy makes her laugh. She is a blessing in so many ways. She is easy to fight for. I can't wait for the day to come (hopefully the day comes) when I can put pictures up of her beautiful face.

It's Not Always as It Seems (Update #9)

2008-09-04T09:42:00.000-07:00

Just when I think things are slowing down.....Here are some facts.

* The birthmom did not show up to any visits this week here in town. She called to say that she would not come to our town because it is too far. That might work against her or the court might say I have to drive to Hollywood 2x a week. Pray that I don't have to do that. The county wants her to make an effort to see the baby but the court might not see things that way.

* Last night was the first visit with the grandparents. They were nice and brought her clothes. They now get UNSUPERVISED visits with her so it was at the mall. BUT, they are complaining that it is too far to drive and they want to visit her on weekends down by them. I am upset because the county says that it is up to us so I feel like they are going to talk about it with me every week until I change things. My question is...Why am I doing all of the driving when it is their grandchild? I am doing 3 visits a week on top of social worker visits!!! I am really praying about this one.....

* The grandma also is not thinking that she is getting fair treatment from the county so she has contacted a reporter and a laywer....but she has said 2x in court now that she doesn't want to adopt her. I am so glad that I believe that God has everything in control and mapped out the way it is going to go already. I am really clinging to that. Then...it doesn't matter what happens, it is all in His control. That is what I think on when I fight being anxious....which happens often.

Thank you all for your encouragement. I keep saying that. I remember Tracy D. telling me that her daughter was the most prayed for little girl in the whole church when they were trying to adopt her. I hope that I get the chance to share that with BGE someday. It means so much that you love her already.

Small Victory (Update #8)

2008-08-29T08:43:00.000-07:00

We got some great news last night. as you might have guessed, this week was absolutely crazy! I started work, took the baby to alot of extra appointments, had my own social worker visit and then started the visits with BM (birthmom). It was a hectic week. I was not really thrilled to drive down to Chatsworth 2x a week for visits. I would be gone 3 hours one day and 4-5 hours another day...just on the visits.

Well...our socail worker told us last night that they moved all of the visits to Santa Clarita because there was no room in Chatsworth. That is what we had wanted all along. The birthmom is not going to be happy because she said it was too hard to get up here. The DCFS (Department of Child and Family Services) said that if she wants to see her child then she needs to make an effort. The grandma is not going to be happy either. I get alittle concerned that this would put a fire under her to get certified herself....but again who am I to know the Lord's plans.

I am so thankful for the Lord that He gave us a little breathing room. I would do anything for this little girl, even if it spent 2 days in the car. But the Lord knew it would get old for me, Ivy and Tate (Ivy's friend that I watch on those days.) God is so good. Even in the midst of the trial He still shows His love and concern for us.

Fost Adopt Update #7

2008-08-27T15:31:00.000-07:00

Well, I dropped Ivy off at wendy's and Matt came with me to drop off BGE at the visit. We weren't really prepared for what we saw. When we got there, We were brought to a room to drop her off and Matt and I walked into the room and thought that we were in the wrong room. We thought that there was a man sitting there waiting but it was our birthmom. Dressed in all black, those big earrings that stretch your ear out, tattoos,reeking of smoke and a baseball cap. I said "Hi,....( name). I stretched out my hand to shake hers and Matt did the same. She did not act like she wanted to shake my hand and she was acting like she had already decided not to like us. It was time to hand her over. That is when I wanted to cry. BGE looked beautiful and peaceful and I was handing her over to a masculine girl who scared the day lights out of me. Even then I started to pray. She called BGE "Mommy".
I got a little shaken when I got to the car. Begging the Lord already to spare her from that life and make her ours. I was thinking..she has went from Sunday at church to this? reminding myself that the Lord loves her more than me. Please continue to pray. This is just the beginning and we haven't even had visits with Grandma yet. It makes me thankful for my salvation. I could have grown up in a family like that but the Lord plucked me out of darkness. These visits remind me of what darkness looks like. Please continue to pray.

Fost Adopt Update #6

2008-08-26T13:42:00.000-07:00

Wow! Where to begin....Matt and I went to a meeting today to talk about the situation with BGE. Here are some of the things that we found out.

*Grandparents got mad at the fact that they got an hour visit a week with the baby. (they wanted more) so she said that they were going to become foster parents and take the baby.

* They said in court that they did not want to adopt the baby (they could change their mind)

*They have had allegations about them come up over they years (but the social worker said they could still be foster parent certified)

* The birthmom has not done one thing the court has told her to do yet or been to any scheduled meetings to discuss it.

* I take the baby to her first supervised visit with the birthmom tomorrow. (They think she might cause a problem because she is mad that her lesbian girlfriend can not be in the room...even though they plan to get married.)

* The judge we have has been favored to side with the biological family.

*In 6 months the birthmom proubly won't have her rights terminated but they with take away her help for getting services. (she will have to do it all on her own...she is not even doing it with help.)

*It will proubly be a year before they terminate parental rights.

Prayer Requests....

*That Matt and I will be a testimony to the people that we are in contact with so that they see a difference in us and come to know the Lord.

*That birthmom doesn't make trouble tomorrow or she doesn't even show up..and that her girlfriend won't show up. ( I am a little scared and I am praying for safety for the baby and I.)

*That Grandma won't make any more trouble and that she really decides not to adopt her.

* That Matt and I won't get caught up in the drama of it all but consontrate on loving our baby and giving her the most love she has ever felt in her whole life.

Thank you to all of you for your prayers and encouraging words. I told someone this week that I have had a good week and I attribute it to all of your prayers. God is so good and I am resting in the fact that He is in control.

Proverbs 16:9 "A man's heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps."

Paula Deen Dessert

2008-08-25T15:52:00.001-07:00

Ivy and I made a yummy dessert for Daddy while Sissy (BGE) looked on. It was fabulous!

1 20 oz. box Duncan Hines Chewy Fudge Brownie Mix (plus ingredients to prepare)

8oz. pkg. of softened cream cheese

8 oz. can of crushed pineapple, juice reserved

2T. sugar

2 bananas, sliced in lemon juice to prevent browning

1 cup fresh sliced strawberries

1cup chopped nuts

chocolate syrup for drizzling

preheat oven to 350. grease 15 in. pizza pan

prepare brownie mix according to box directions. Pour onto prepared pan. Bake for 20 min. or until done.

Remove and let cool.

Beat cream cheese, sugar and pineapple in a bowl. Use pineapple juice to soften mixture (if needed). spread it on cool brownie. Arrange banana and strawberry slices on the cream cheese mixture. Add nuts and chocolate drizzle. Refridgerate. To serve, slice like a pizza and enjoy!

Paula Deens's Banana Split Brownie Pizza

2008-08-25T15:42:00.000-07:00

To Matt

2008-08-22T13:43:00.001-07:00

Matt, I was just sitting here thinking how in love I am with you. I am so lucky to have you as my husband and to have a person like you in my life. I was thinking about the life I have with you.

You might never have a son to raise like you desired but the love you have for all your girls is overwhelming. Any girl, me, Ivy, Sissy would be blessed beyond measure to have a dad/husband/example of you in their life. You are a man that will be hard to compete with as they get older. What a blessing to have you as their dad. You are more than I deserve and I am so in love with you.

Fost Adopt Update #4

2008-08-20T16:26:00.000-07:00

I am not sure what was supposed to happen in court today but DCFS recommended that the grandparents not be given the baby and the court agreed. I think that means for just right now but that is still a victory. One of the social workers said that she thinks that the grandparents are not going to get the baby, even if they want her. She said that the birthmom might want her but she has ALOT to do if she wants to get her back.

I know that alot can change but I feel like the Lord gave me a glimpse of hope. We will keep right on trusting in Him. Little Sissy is all smiles and trying to goo goo ga ga at us. She is so precious and we truly love her already. I asked her today if she wanted me to be her mom and she smiled. I think she wants to keep me!

Please continue to join us in prayer.

Baby Diego

2008-08-20T08:20:00.000-07:00

I don't know if it is her new brown sister or she is watching too many cartoons but I asked Ivy to take her "very caucasian" babydoll out of the baby swing so that I could put Little sis in the swing. I said, "Ivy, what is your baby's name? You are her mommy and you get to name her." To which she replied,"Diego". I said, " you want your baby girl to be named Diego?" And she said yes...Ok well...Go Diego Go!

Fun Day at the Woodward's

2008-08-18T11:48:00.000-07:00

Saturday, Matt and I wanted to get away as a family and we called the Woodward's in Bakersfield and invited ourselves up. Boy did they spoil us! Stacey had a yummy lunch prepared for us when we got there. As the kids slept, Stacey and I went shopping while Gabe and Matt watched the Olympics. Then they got a baby sitter and we took the baby and all (the grown ups) went out for a yummy dinner. We came home, gave all the kids a bath, put the girls in the car and headed home. It was such a fun, relaxing day and fun to show off BGE without all of the drama down here at home. Stace, I am still thinking about our great day. Thank you for spoiling the Elliott's and showering us with so much love.

BGE Update #3

2008-08-15T12:56:00.000-07:00

I just got off the phone with the grandma and the Lord answered a prayer. She had called because she heard that I had taken the baby to the Dr. (without any insurance again so it cost another $100....for them to tell me that she had a cold.)

We got to talking and I said that I knew that she has some big decisions coming up about adopting the baby. We started talking about open adoption and how we had an open adoption with Ivy and how wonderful I thought it was. She asked me if this was my first time as a foster parent and I said that we were looking to adopt again. I said that we wanted to adopt this way and that we were waiting for a baby to be permanently in our home. I told her many times that I was not trying to talk her into giving us her baby and that she had to make that decision on her own. I said that whoever Matt and I adopt that we would hope to have an open adoption. I did tell her that if the birth mom did not have her life straightened out, we would not be giving our kids contact with her but we would be open to the grandparents. I emphasised letters and pictures and occasional visits. I did say not all the time because we need to be a family.....I told her alot more but she seemed interested in what I had to say.

I told her that Matt and I were Christians and that we had been praying about their decision and that I was not trying to talk her into not adopting the baby. I just wanted her to know what life could be like for her.

I don't know how she took all of it. I am just going to pray about that. (Join with me in that.) She had to get off the phone fast because she had another call and she gave me a genuine thank you. We will see. I just feel really good, like I did my part and now if she decides to adopt her then there was nothing else I could or would do. Thank you Lord for that opportuinty. I still fight my heart wanting to be anxious but God gave me a little desire of my heart today. He is so faithful and good.

BGE (baby girl elliott...you'll catch on!) has a bad cold but I am loving her and she is loving me. This is just the begining of the ride folks. I am tired all ready. God will see me through. Thank you for your prayers.

Fost-Adopt Update

2008-08-14T20:52:00.000-07:00

We finally heard about what happened in court on Tuesday. It is pretty much what we expected. Let 's just say that this is not going to be an easy road for the Elliott family...but not impossible for God.

The birthmom has 6-18 months to "get her act together." She has twice a week visits with the baby (she has to call to set up the visits with our social worker and she hasn't even called yet.). She has other things that she needs to do.

They asked the Grandparents if they wanted to adopt the baby and they said that they were not sure. They are going back to court next week to discuss it further.

They also will contact the birthfather and his family to see if any of them want the baby.

Matt and I (and our social worker) feel like if any one is going to get the baby it is going to be the grandparents. I wish that they would know that if Matt and I adopted her then they would have some sort of contact with her. I think they think that is it "all or nothing". They either have to adopt her or they will never hear about her ever again.

Please pray that they get a chance to know that Matt and I would be willing to have an open adoption. (pictures, letters,maybe visits)

Pray that we find out more of the grandparents hearts on Wednesday and what they are thinking.

Pray for our emotions and that we honor God through everything that comes our way.

Pray for BGE (baby girl elliott) as she is sick right now(bad cold)...that her insurance card will get straightened out so that I can take her to the Dr. tomorrow.

Matt and I are so thankful for your love and concern for us. God is so good.

Baby Girl Elliott

2008-08-10T07:40:00.000-07:00

Daddy and his girls

Wow! What a whirlwind couple of days we have had! Thursday was my first day back to work and during my lunch break, I got a call about a 3 month old caucasian baby girl. Matt and I decided to take her. I left work, got Ivy, went to Target (to get formula, etc.) and went to clean my house before she got there. She got to the house around 6pm. and imagine my surprise when I opened the door to find a beautiful milk chocolate brown girl ( Half Russian (white) half African American). I wish someone would have video'd my face when I saw her. It makes me laugh now. Then I got her and when I went around the corner and showed Matt and Ivy...Matt did the same thing I did. His eyes popped out of his face!

She is so beautiful! When she got to the house, we didn't know anything about her schedule, when she sleeps, eats, etc. I started out a little schedule for her and she has been perfect. She sleeps through the night and eats all of her bottles. She is a very content little baby.

Her grandparents have been taking care of her and they have done a great job. I talked to her Grandma a couple of nights ago and she is really upset and sad that BGE (baby girl elliott) is gone and she really wants her back. That really stung my heart because I want to keep her and they very well could get her back.
I just prayed while talking to her that I would think of her and not myself and try to console her that we were taking good care of her. (she doesn't know that we want to adopt her ). Matt and I know some of her story but we don't know what happened to make them take her out of the home. It has something to do with the birthmom.

They go to court on Tuesday to set up a plan for the whole situation. It could mean they set up visitation for the family, it could mean they tell them what they have to do to get her back. It could mean that they say she stays will us for a short time, long time....we don't know. There is always a possibility that she will be ours forever, which of course that is what we want. I know it sounds confusing but even we don't know what is going to happen. We have just been focusing on loving her and praying that God's will be done. ( The court did put her in fost-adopt and not just foster care so they saw a possibility of her being taken out of the home for good and adopted.)

Ivy has had a couple of jealous moments but she has done great with her. Matt and I have been loving every minute with her. I have had big highs and lows. I am working on not letting my mind go to the "what if's" . My friend, Erika called me at just the right time and encouraged me to think on the simple...not make it so complicated. The simple is that God wants her in my home today. She wants me to be her mom today. That is what I am grasping onto.

Here are some quotes from Jerry Bridges book, "Respectable Sins" that I have been thinking about.

"Whatever your circumstances, and however difficult they may be, the truth is that they are ordained by God for you as part of His overall plan for your life. God does nothing, or allows nothing, without a purpose. And His purpose, however mysterious and inscrutable they may be to us, are always for His glory and our ultimate good."

" We can resign ourselves to circumstances we know will never change but still harbor in our hearts a smoldering dicontentment......it is neither in resignation nor submission but only in acceptance that we find peace."

Please continue to pray and when I hear what happens On Tuesday, I will let you know.

My new hair cut

2008-08-02T16:13:00.000-07:00

I got my hair cut today and I thought with my short hair I would look more like Ivy...What do you think?

Soccer Camp '08

2008-07-30T08:27:00.000-07:00

I don't have a kid old enough to go to soccer camp but going to watch our friend's kids play is a highlight of summer. We have been going since Ivy was born to cheer on Ty, Jaden and Gavin. It is fun to see everyone from church and just sit and visit while we watch the kids. As you can see below, Ivy has warmed up real nicely with her future husband (arranged marriages people.)....we need to talk about the smooching. It was also a treat this year that my friend Tracy was there and had a daughter at camp. It's been fun.

On a side note....I haven't been really good at blogging lately. I will try to do better. Alot has been happening in the fost adopt world. Nothing really to share yeat and Ivy is still my only child. We have said yes a couple of times to take a child /baby and it hasn't panned out. We have also said no a couple of times. That can be hard on the soul when your desire is to have another child in the home...But...God is good and I know he loves and protects our family. Thanks for your prayers.

Soccer Camp

2008-07-30T08:11:00.001-07:00

11 Years with Matt

2008-07-20T14:33:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was my 11 year anniversary. We went to the Americana in Glendale, saw a movie, shopped, ate at the Cheescake Factory and had a great time together. Ivy had a fun filled night and sleepover with Aunt Hollie. Matt got me a Paula Deen Cookbook that I had been wanting and he wrote me the most beautiful note that made me cry. I am so grateful to be married to this man. We both agreed that the next 11 years will be even better.

Beach Day with the Rickards

2008-07-15T15:54:00.000-07:00

Our Answer

2008-07-14T15:21:00.000-07:00

Matt and I heard that we are not getting the 2 boys. We don't know who they are going to or any details. And so....we keep waiting. Now we are back in the system. Thank you all for your prayers. Even though we don't know why the Lord does what He does, we are convinced that He knows what is best for our family. We will let you know as things happen.

Psalm 147:5 " Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; His understanding is beyond measure."

Steven Curtis Chapman

2008-07-12T07:44:00.000-07:00

I hope that you have been reading his blog that I put to the right. Yesterday was his first concert back. I prayed for him and his sons all day. There was a play by play of his concert last night and it sounded so powerful and amazing. He changed alot of his lyrics. Including adding a new line to Cinderella. I encourage you to read about it as it is a great reminder of what is true and important in this temporary life.

Also, it shows when the Chapman family is going to be on TV and in People magizine. I already have it all on my calendar. I can't wait to see how the Lord is going to use them to His glory. Please check it out. It is a good reminder to keep praying for this hurting family.

Today in the Day

2008-07-10T07:16:00.000-07:00

Ivy and Spunky (Christmas Day, one day old 2005) Perfect reminder of God's faithfulness and love to Matt and I.

Today is the day that social workers in a different county are deciding if we get the 2 foster boys. We don't know if we will hear from them today but they are supposed to have their meeting today. Matt and I have been praying that if they are not meant to be ours then they won't pick us. Please join us in prayer and we will keep you updated.

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

Cherry Delight

2008-07-08T08:24:00.000-07:00

Ok...so I told you that I made my "summer dessert" the other day. I make it every summer, all summer and then we don't eat it again until the next summer. My friend, Heather, used to make it for me all the time. I know people have proubly had some variation of it before. It is so easy that even Ivy helped me.

Cherry Delight

8oz. cream cheese

half cup sugar

2cups Cool Whip

half cup cherry pie filling

graham cracker crust

Beat cream cheese and sugar until creamy, then add cool whip. Blend.

Put in graham cracker crust. Top with cherry pie filling ( You can use another pie filling or I have eaten it with sliced strawberries before.)

Refrigerate for 2 or more hours. Enjoy!

*Most of the time if I am going somewhere. I double the reciepe. I just divide the mixture into 2 pie crusts.

Busy Week

2008-07-05T07:46:00.000-07:00

The kitchen I painted.
The bulliten board I made.

Happy 4th of July weekend! We have had a busy week. I painted our kitchen and it took me 3 full days. Poor Ivy. She watched alot of cartoons.

We did make some time for swimming and...yesterday we took her to her 1st movie....."Kung Fu Panda. The first part went really well because she loved her popcorn, candy and Sprite....then in the middle of the movie she started to yell "Ivy all done!" So I took her out while Matt enjoyed the movie....but then she wanted to go see Matt. We tried that a couple of times and then I let her run around outside until Matt was done. It was not my funnest experience with her. We got in the car and she started crying because she wanted to go back to the movie....oh well. We had to try, right?

Today we are heading to our friend's Trent and Shalane's for dinner. I made a yummy dessert that I will share later.

Tomorrow is my parent's anniversary! Happy anniversary mom and dad!

Yeah! The Week is Over

2008-06-28T11:59:00.000-07:00

Whoo! Mommy is tired! A miracle did occur around Thursday and Ivy has been going potty in the little potty chair. She had one accident because we had waited too long to take her once. We are still waiting for her to tell us when the Big #2 is coming. I had two of those accidents today. One was at Starbucks so mommy wasn't too happy. She is doing way better than I thought she would do. I am thankful that the hard part is over. I also love looking at her little bunnies in undies!

My wonderful husband started a blog of his own. It is to the right under "Blogs I Like"...there is only 1 post but I am excited to hear his thoughts on things.

Enjoy your weekend!

Happy Birthday Ash!

2008-06-27T07:02:00.000-07:00

To my sweet friend Ashley,
Your testimony to me of strength, endurance, faith and love has meant so much to me this year. You have strived to honor God in the face of trials and tribulation. I pray that your next year brings you extreme joy. I love you. Have a great birthday!

Fost Adopt Update

2008-06-25T15:39:00.001-07:00

We got a call today from our matcher. She let me know that she submitted our names to be considered to take the 2 boys I heard about. It is not in LA County so they do these adoptions different so they need to chose us. (The Agency, not the birth mom.) We will find out after that. The meeting is July 10. (They pick 2 families in case one says no.)

I am going to be kind of general in the details but here are some:

The birthmom is 17 and in the foster care system herself. (This is good in the fact that she won't have any relatives trying to get the baby.)

The birthdad (same for both boys) has already had his rights terminated in court.

The boys are 26 months and 7 months old. They are pretty much on track where they need to be. They both have asthma and exema (Spelling wrong). One is getting tested for allergies. One is potty trained (YEAH!!!!!!) and the other one sleeps through the night until 4am.

The birth mom has waivered between wanting the kids and not. She just gets visits and they haven't went well. The boys are in a foster home right now.

I would like you to pray that if these kids are not meant to be ours then we won't get picked. I want the right child/children for our family not just any children. It would be a clear sign from the Lord if we weren't picked. If we are, then we will find out more info. and have big decisions to make. Please pray for us.

Our matcher said that she is going to stop actively looking for a child for us until we hear about the boys....unless the perfect one comes along...here we go!

False Alarm

2008-06-25T09:26:00.000-07:00

As I was writing my last blog, Ivy started to yell poo poo! Poo Poo! I said, Good girl, run to your potty. As she was sitting on the potty. She kept pointing by the toy box, saying poo poo. I looked over and there it was! In a pile like a dog. I wanted to die.....Just when you think it can't get worse......

Getting Better

2008-06-25T09:04:00.000-07:00

Okay...we might be turning a page in the potty training chapter. As I was thinking of giving up yesterday, (after 3 accidents) Ivy went in her little potty twice! Then she got a litle excited. This morning she didn't have any accidents and then she went in her potty! Yeah! I was on the phone with Wendy and Ivy showed me and I started to scream in the phone. I hope things only go up from here!

Potty training part 2

2008-06-23T16:43:00.000-07:00

4:39PM FIRST PEE PEE IN THE POTTY TODAY! PRAISE THE LORD!!!!!!

Not Our Best Day (Potty Training Day 1)

2008-06-23T16:14:00.000-07:00

start of the day with fresh undies.
she has never done this before but she chose to wet her bed right as I was getting the undies out of her drawer
Her 8th pair of undies today. (9 potty accidents. One was a poo poo that I stepped in and it was sticking to my foot. )
Bored and Playing
Mad that she wasn't getting any M&M's. Gotta go...another accident! Pray for me....By the way, I took everyone's advice. I have been setting the timer every 25 minutes and we sit there for about 10 minutes. I am still in my PJ's from this morning!

Long Time, No Blog

2008-06-19T21:07:00.000-07:00

Well....Sorry for the delay. Alot has been going on at the Elliott house. My parents were here for 11 days. (Pictures to follow soon.) My mom and I did Disneyland, My dad remodeled our bathroom and did many home repairs. (none of which was planned before he got here.) We house sat for Rob and Dawn Iverson....anyway...it was jam packed! Tomorrow one of my best friend's ,Kelli Iverson, is flying in because we are giving our friend Ashley a girl's weekend for her birthday. June is just flying by!

I got a call that Matt and I have been officially certified for foster- adoption! We met with our "matcher" tonight. (She is the lady that calls us if we match with a child/children that fits our description....and then we can go get them or meet them! It is crazy! Now we can get a call any day. I told her that I was scared and she said that I just need to "Jump". and take a leap of faith. She said, "You're a Christian right? So pray about it and Jump." I wanted to cry when she said that. I told her of my fears of the child being taken away. She said, " What if the Lord uses you to love that child for a while because they needed you." She said to be as cautious as we can (with the information that we are given) and then jump.

We also changed our description of what child we would take. We said any race, but if the child was African American, we would only take siblings. Then she told us that she just got a call about 2 boys (ages one and two) they are white boys and they live in a different county. She said that she had a whole paper on them and she was going to go home and see if they fit our description. Holy Cow! I was like, we just met you at Starbucks and your telling me about 2 boys already? I really don't have my hopes up about them but we will see.

Keep us in your prayers! I will keep you posted!

Breakfast

2008-06-03T07:42:00.000-07:00

This morning I got Ivy some cereal and I ran upstairs to blow dry my hair. I told her before I left to not make a mess. (Sometimes out of boredom she likes to smear her milk all over the table. I haven't figured that out yet because she gets in trouble every time.) I came downstairs and looked at the table and there was nothing there. I was thinking, "Great! What couch am I going to find all of this under"....so I asked her where she put her bowl and spoon. She said "In there" and pointed to the dishwasher. I thought No! This can't be true. I said, "Let's go look." Sure enough the spoon was where it should be and so was the bowl. THERE IS A GOD! I said'"Good job Cinderella." (That is what I call her when she does work around the house. ) Now...if I can just teach her to floormate the floor!

New Looking Blog

2008-06-02T19:52:00.000-07:00

Does everyone like the new look on my blog? I like it but it has been a pain! It erased alot of what was on my blog (accidently)and I have tried to put things back from memory and it has been hard. If you were on my blog roll and you aren't now it is because I cannot find your address. If you could give it to me again that would be great! I need to think twice before I think I am a computer whizz.

Please pray for Matt as he heads to Washington tomorrow for the funeral of his Grandma. Since we were all just there a couple of weeks ago, Ivy and I are staying home. Although I hate to be without him. I am glad that he can go be with his family.

We"ll Miss You Granny Jackson

2008-05-31T12:21:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago, Matt,Ivy and I flew up to Washinton because Matt's Grandma wasn't doing very good and in case something happened, we wanted to see her again. We are so glad we did because she passed away this morning. She was one of Matt's favorite women in the whole world! He loved to call and talk to her about life and sports. They had such a special bond. I cried as we were leaving as I watched him say goodbye to her.

I think back to when I first met her about 12 years ago. She would always give me little presents and she loved to shop with me. I remember that she had bought me a sweater and I had tried on something else. I came out in it and when I went back inside I heard Matt telling her that she couldn't get it for me because she already got me something. I kept hearing her say" But I think she needs it." She Loved to shop with me!

Whenever we talked to her about our friends, they became her friends too. Todd and Ashley, Mike and Wendy...she prayed for you and your families every single day. When she died today I thought "Who is going to pray for Reesie like she did everyday?" When we showed her pictures of Reese this month, she sat and cried. She said "I feel like she is my own because I pray for her so much."

I will remember all of the times she made me laugh, how I used to push her wheel chair really fast in the mall, how she would cry with you and pray for you so earnestly. How happy she was when Ivy entered our lives. She had the BEST snacks. Matt has so many memories from his whole life with her.

The last memory he shared was when he was in church when we were up there. He brought his trumpet and he stood up to play it in church. He said," I am going to play a song that my Grandma used to sing to me when I was little." He played "Trust and Obey". That was the last time she was in church.

In a world where you hear about so many people turning their back on their faith and being known in public for some sin they have commited. Betty Jo Jackson was known for TRUSTING and OBEYING her whole life until the end. Will we be able to say the same?

"Trust and Obey for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus. Than to Trust and Obey"

My Ivy at Play

2008-05-29T08:56:00.001-07:00

She said that she was going to take a nap.
Wake Up Time!

Happy Birthday Dad!

2008-05-27T07:23:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Dad (aka. Poppa):
Wish we were there to celebrate with you. (even better yet, I wish you were here so we could celebrate with your favorite Jamba Juice, In and Out, and Stonefire!)

Thank you for the great dad you have been to me my whole life. We all love you. Can't wait for you to come out here! Have a wonderful day! 11 more days! Yeah!

Sea World

2008-05-26T11:13:00.000-07:00

We took our summer vacation early, going to Sea World with the Penberthy family. It was our first time and we had a great time. We stayed in a beautiful hotel, Marriott San Diego. Our rooms were right next to each other so we would put the kids to bed and then go out in the hallway and laugh, read magazines and eat. It was really fun. We would just forget that our kids would wake up early and we had spent the night in the hallway goofing off and they were eady for a fun packed day!

We spent all day Saturday at Sea World and then went to the Hard Rock Cafe for dinner. The next day we went shopping at the mall, ate lunch, more shopping at the outlets and then came home. It was a fun trip!

Side note....I cut Ivy's hair. It turned out a little short! Oh well, it will grow.

Second side note....Happy Birthday to my favorite nephew Mason. We love you and loved your magic trick (see Gorsh blog below). I wish I could be there to kiss and hug you. You're the best!

Happy Belated Birthday to one of my best friends in the whole world, Kelli Iverson! I wish I was there on your birthday. We WILL celebrate soon. I love you!

No She Didn't!

2008-05-22T15:19:00.000-07:00

After the Hard as Nails episode, I thought Ivy had learned her lesson. Last night Matt and I were watching American Idol and I saw that Ivy wasn't there. I called her name and she came downstairs and went straight to Matt. Matt said," I think you need to go see Mommy." ....black eyeliner....enough said.

By the way....Matt came home last night and said,"Hey Kelli, I found out a new way to tell that my wife is spending money." I said," You read my blog?"......see my last post. Busted!

Baby Goes Vintage

2008-05-21T15:55:00.000-07:00

Ok....as much as I would like to talk about my chubbiness of my last post. I needed to tell you all about this amazing sale. If you have seen the pictures in Ivy's bedroom, you have heard me talk about the online store, babygoesvintage.com. They sent me an email awhile ago and said that they were going out of business. I got an email today saying that everything is 75% off. They have the cutest stuff. I see the same stuff at the celebrity hang out, The Juvinielle Shop, (I know I spelled that wrong). I saved so much money today! It is a sale you won't want to miss. After talking to Ashley, I had to go back and order a rug. Please comment if you buy something. I want to partake of the joy of your purchase too! You NEED to punch in "a75off" when it asks you for any discounts or promotions. Enjoy!

Fat Mommy Returns

2008-05-20T19:26:00.000-07:00

Some things never change.....You know your name is "Fat Mommy" when your eating a sucker and your daughter walks in, so you quick eat the sucker and then give her the stick to suck and chew on....I know...you don't have to say it

......I'm ashamed of myself!

Hard as Nails

2008-05-16T07:48:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I was taking a shower. I heard Ivy getting into my bathroom cabinets. I called out to her and told her to get out of there and I heard her take off running. Something told me her running meant that she was up to something. I got out and smelled a familiar smell but I couldn't put my finger on what it was.....until she came running around the corner with my "Hard as Nails" fingernail polish. A closer look showed me that she had put it all over her cheeks and lips. (She was pretending to put her makeup on with a makeup brush like her mommy.) I was shocked. ( If you know Ivy lately...I don't know why I was so shocked!)

It took forever to get it off. Everytime I thought that I got it all, some would peel off later that night. I thought that it was going to ruin her perfectly soft cheeks. She got ****reminded**** not to do it again. Oh...sigh...Kelli I. maybe Ivy and Ben will get married. We just have to hire security to sit across the street 24/7....I love her!

Washington Trip

2008-05-14T18:13:00.000-07:00

We took a quick trip up to see Matt's family and Grandma Jackson, Mother's Day weekend. We had a great time. (Fat Mommy was in full force when they pulled out something called "Poke Cake"). Here are some pictures.

Elliott Look-alike Meter

2008-05-09T07:45:00.001-07:00

This is so funny! Tracy, you have to do this!

MyHeritage: Family tree - Genealogy - Celeb - Collage - Morph

Fost- Adopt Update

2008-05-07T07:34:00.001-07:00

Here is the lastest. We thought that we were all done but they found out that we need to have an extra set of finger prints done for the FBI. It is a pain! This step takes the longest so I have no idea how long it is going to take to get certified.

I was going to get frustrated but then it occured to me that my baby isn't ready for my yet. If they were, I would be certified. It is so reasuring to know that God already knows who my children are. I just have to rely on His Providential control of our situation.

Here is Jerry Bridges definition of God's Providence. "God's orchestrating all cirumstances and events in His universe for His glory and the good of His people." So basically, He is in control of it all. That gives me comfort.

One thing that makes me sad is that with fost-adopt, something bad needs to happen for the court to take the child away. I don't want any of my kids to go through that....but again God is in control! I will keep you posted!

Top 5

2008-05-06T07:43:00.000-07:00

I was tagged by Tracy. Here it goes.....

5 things under $5 that I couldn't live without: (this is hard!)

lip moisterizer
nail file
Diet Coke
Deodorant
gum

5 favorite movies:(this is hard too!)
A Walk to Remember
Pride and Predjudice (new one)
Save the Last Dance (hee hee)
....I'm stumped......

5 baby names I love but wouldn't use:
Gavin
Ruby
Ava
Jesse (boy)
Jillian

5 songs that I could listen to over and over again:
His Eye is on the Sparrow (my favorite song)
In Christ Alone
How Great is our God
One World (Toby Mac)
More Than Anyone (Gavin DeGraw)

5 people who have influenced me in a positive way

Matt (my honey buns)
Terry Pagach
My Pops (dad)
My friends
Tom Patton

5 things always in my purse

gum
wallet
lip gloss
hand sanatizer
sugar free candy for Ivy

5 moments that have changed my life forever:

my salvation
moving out to go to TMC (Iowa to California)
my wedding day
seeing Ivy for the 1st time
being done with infertility

5 obsessions I have now

blogging
Ivy
Carmel Frapachinno Light at Starbucks
biographies
adopting

5 places I would like to go

New York City
Isreal
Hawaii
Savannah, Georgia
Nashville,Tennesse

5 kitchen tools I can't live without

knives
cups
silverware
microwave
fridge

Happy Birthday Wendy!

2008-05-05T07:42:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday my dear and faithful friend. You are one of my favorite people in the whole world! Thank you for always being caring, giving, loving, loyal and fun to me and my family. I love you! See you tonight! Kelli

My New Canon Camera!

2008-05-02T08:26:00.000-07:00

I tried to do a slideshow but it wasn't working so here are a few pictures from last night. Mike Penberthy's home. Yeah! Let the summer fun begin!