Friends

You know your friend is a true friend when:

-you don't care if she sees you without make-up

-she goes into your fridge to get something without asking you

-she brings you hot tea and your favorite bagel when you are sick

-she goes to the chinese restaurant to buy you oranges when you are sick (because she insists they have the best oranges)

-she loves your child

-she cries when you cry

-she remembers the 5th of every month (the day of our LID to China) and prays for Kate on that day

-you don't feel like you have to clean your house because she is coming over

-she encourages you to be the best wife and mom you can be

-she loves you- even on days that you aren't all that loveable

The Lord has blessed me with some amazing friends these past few years.  Friends that have really loved me like I was part of their family.  I am so very grateful.  Being a stay-at-home mom is the best job ever- and even more fun when you have such amazing friends to "do life" with.  Thank you girls- I love you all!

Here are some pictures from today.  One of my friends, Keri, came over with her two (soon to be three) kids for lunch and a play date.  The kids found some leaves in the back corner of our yard and had a blast.

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day from our sweet little guy!

Mmmmm- look what Daddy made for breakfast!

Look mom- it's a heart pancake! (and yes- mom still makes me wear my Christmas pajamas)

I love heart shaped pancakes- this is awesome!

Let's see if it tastes as good as it looks.

Oh yeah- it rocks!

I mean- this pancake is awesome!

Disney World- Day Three- The Marathon!

So the real reason we went to Disney is so Brian could run his second marathon.  He did fabulous- taking 30 minutes off of his time from last year!!!!  It is so fun to be there at the finish line and watch everyone finish.  Half of them looked like they could turn around and run another marathon, and the other half looked like they were going to pass out at any moment (Brian was in the first group- by the way).  But every one of them had the same look on their face when they crossed over the finish line-a look of pride.  What an amazing accomplishment!  We are so proud of you baby!  

Here is Brian (in all gray) inches away from the finish line.

The shirt we made for Brian

My favorite picture from the day

All that hard work, and Daddy didn't even get to wear his medal...

but he doesn't look like he minds too much

A proud momma and her son

Needless to say- Brett LOVED Daddy's medal

Even after running 26.2 miles, Brian still carried Brett on his shoulders.

3 Years

Last week we "celebrated" 3 years since we started the adoption process for Kate.  When we started the journey, we thought she would be home by the end of 2006- and now here we are in 2009 and still years away from bringing her home.  Thankfully the Lord blessed us with the wonderful surprise of Brett to keep us busy and filled with joy until we can one day bring our daughter home.  Waiting is hard- but I know that it will be worth the wait in the end.  We love you Kate, and can't wait until the day that you are in these pictures with us!

Jan.29th, 2006

Jan. 29, 2007

Jan. 29th, 2008

Jan. 29, 2009

Disney- Day Two

We spent day two at Disney at the Animal Kingdom.  Brett loved the safari and the petting zoo- but his favorite part of the day was the Mickey Mouse ice cream treat that we gave him (and yes- I let him eat the whole thing!).  

Loving on Nana

What is this thing- you mean you are really going to let me eat this mom?

I better take a big bite just in case you take it away

Ma and Daddy Bob eat one too

Disney World- Part One

We had such a wonderful time at Disney World.  Brett LOVED it.  He rode every ride that he could- including the Goofy roller coaster- which was his favorite.  And he really, really, really loved Nana, Ma, Daddy Bob, Daddy, and Mommy all being with him for several days.  The only thing he did not- and I mean really did not- like was the characters.  He loves Pooh so we stood in line for almost an hour to get his picture taken with him.  You can see from the pictures below that he was not a fan.  Poor guy!  Needless to say- we didn't stand in any more lines for pictures with characters.  Thanks Nana, Daddy Bob, and Ma for going with us.  We had such a great time!

Waving hello to Mickey at the airport. (and yes- that is a "leash" that he is wearing- and if you have met my sweet boy you know why he is wearing it- that boy can run!!!!)

Family picture at the Wide World of Sports

The Magic Kingdom with all the grandparents

and with mom and dad too

This is what my poor dad looked like the whole time- he got put in charge of the camera- and carried it the whole time we were at the park.

Waiting to see Pooh and Tigger- not so sure about this

Brett loved Pooh and Tigger from the back...

but not from the front!

Don't let him near me Daddy!

Blowing kisses to Pooh

Winnie the Pooh ride- he loved this ride and asked to ride it over and over again

Driving with Daddy- this was Brian's favorite ride with Brett

Riding on the carousel 

The Goofy roller coaster- I can't believe that he liked this ride.  The only time he cried all day was when we had to get off this ride.  He kept saying "More, more, more".

Taking a ride on Daddy's shoulders 

The teacups- how cute is that little guy!

Relaxing with Dad after a long, fun day