They say it's your birthday!

Happy Birthday McKaden!
How in the world did you get to be THREE already?! It seems that we were just having your first birthday party - we were all jet lagged from our long journey to China ... seems like yesterday. And now you are three - doing all those three year old things that amaze me everyday. You are such a special child, created to be in our family and to bring us much joy. This birthday was special as Nana and Papa were able to be here to celebrate with you [and Auntie Di for the cake!] I can hardly believe that it has been a year since Grandma and Grandpa were here for your last birthday ... what a blessed kid, grandparents for your party every year! This year you wanted a ladybug cake that Nana and Mama did their best to create for you


- you got a basketball hoop that is your own size!


a scooter that you can ride around on


bowling pins


AND you own ladybug "farm"! How cool is that?

Am I Thankful?

More than words can even say ...

That I wake to a sunrise that has been painted for me, by my amazing God!


That I am married to a man who is passionate about God, me, family and life!


For our Thanksgiving blessing, born on Thanksgiving, in China, 2004!

And for our friends and family that bring us many blessings. The list goes on and on as I sit here, looking out my window at the sunrise painted for me ... I AM Thankful!
ps. also thankful for our little Max ... NEW pictures to come SOON!

Disneyland Dreams

What a great time we had at Disneyland! We had this trip planned long before we knew about Max, so decided to do it anyway. Just think, next time we go, we will have TWO kids! That kind of makes me tired thinking about it! Anyhow, we had a great time celebrating McKaden Day- two years since she joined our family- and our pre-basketball trip. We had three days at the parks this time and thought that was just the right amount of time. Mac's favorite rides where the tea cups and anything that spins. We also found that - shhhhh, don't tell anyone ... that this is a GREAT time of year to go. There were so few people at the parks that we were able to go on rides over and over ... sometimes not even having to get off the ride! Mac also loved seeing Mickey and Minnie. What a great time ... I wonder how long before I can talk Mark into letting us go again ...

Two Years Ago

Two years ago I was both excited and anxious to become a mother. When that door opened and McKaden was brought into that tiny room, all things changed. From the moment that she was placed in my arms I felt at home - like it was right. She has brought us so much joy ... words cannot describe. Today is McKaden Day! Two years ago she joined our family and we have not had a dull moment since. Look back to our posts from November 2005 to see just how much this little one has changed. We love you McKaden Joy!

Leafing Fall

Fall is quickly heading out the door ... where is time going? We have tried to enjoy these last few weeks of cooler weather, bright colors and the quiet before the busy holiday season. Here are a few shots for Mac enjoying autumn in all it's glory. The other girls are her cousins, who is absolutely adores!

Halloween Collage

A Buggy Halloween

Once again Mac wanted to be a ladybug for Halloween ... we did get a new costume for her - even though she still fits in the 12-18 month one from last year. She loved her Noah's Ark party at pre-school and the Halloween party we had at our house. We had a fun time with her other pre-school aged friends and their parents. There was food, story time/arts and crafts [Thanks Christy!] and indoor trick or treating!! I would say that it was a very good Halloween for her.