The Ring Bearer

Does that mean Noah is Frodo???? Sorry... Just a little Tolkien humor. :)

Here are a few more pictures from the wedding. Noah did an amazing job carrying the rings and we were all holding our breath. This was our last adventure on about a month long vacation. Little boy was exhausted, a little grumpy, and I think I had seriously lost control of him the week before while we were still in Utah. So much to our relief and utmost joy... He did GREAT!!! Sweet little guy. Just think. The next time I'll see him in a tuxedo will most likely be his junior prom. Or singing in the chamber choir. Either way I'll be so proud. BUT let's get through kindergarten first, shall we?

Noah and the cutie-pie flower girl Olivia

Openness

Four years ago this month Kevin and I came in contact with a remarkable young woman. She was so sweet and beautiful and we loved getting to know her more and more with each email and phone call. She is loving and courageous beyond her years and a few short months after we first met, she changed our lives forever. She delivered a perfectly healthy, strong, and angelic baby boy... and I became his mother. We love her beyond expression and hold her in our hearts and as part of our family for always.

I have yet to publicly post any pictures of Noah's birthmother, Jillian. I don't know why I haven't. I've had her permission for awhile now. But now I just can't resist! We had the privilege of attending her wedding over Labor Day weekend and it was a beautiful moment for us and for Noah. Here they are together:


We so loved spending time with Jillian and her family while we were there. I won't post any wedding pictures because that's for the BRIDE and her new husband to do. :) But it sure was a beautiful day and we will always be glad that we could be there with her.

I found the following poem about a year ago, and I think it's so beautiful. I hope that Noah knows just how much he's loved by so many special people... and that we came together because of him. :)


The Legacy of a Child in an Open Adoption

Brenda Romanchik

Once there were two expectant mothers.
One carried and cared for you beneath her beating heart.
She became your Birthmother.
The other carried the hope of you within her.
She became your Mom.
As the days passed, and you grew bigger and stronger,
Your Birthmother knew that she could not give you all you needed after your birth.
Meanwhile, your Mom was ready and waiting for you.

One day your Birthmother and your Mom found each other.

They looked into each other's eyes and saw a friend.
Your Birthmother saw the life your Mom could give you.
Your Mom saw how much your Birthmother loved and cared for you.

They decided that what you needed was both kinds of love in your life.

So now you have two families:
One by birth, the other by adoption.

And you have a home where you can get:
Your questions answered,
Your boo boos bandaged,
Your heartaches soothed,
And much needed hugs.

And a place where you can find:
Answers to your questions,
Your image in the mirror,
A part of yourself,
And much needed hugs.

Two different kinds of families
Two different kinds of love
Both a part of YOU.

You know your little boy is getting BIG when...

.... He gets a brand new "big boy booster seat!!!!" And can use the regular seat belt like Daddy and Mommy.



AND....


.... He starts preschool.



With a brand new totally awesome Buzz Lightyear backpack.



.... Sniff..... Sniff Sniff...... (I'm okay, really)..... Sniff....

Squirrels know best...

It's going to be a BAD..... B-A-D winter.

The signs are here and undeniable. It's the first week of September and the Fall winds are already here. But more importantly, nature has given other signs as well. The mosquitoes are gone. GONE. The corn has changed prematurely. The fields are ready to be cut down already. This shouldn't happen for another month or so.

But the next sign chills me. All the nut trees are BARE. Already. Every walnut and acorn has been scrounged and packed away by the critters. When in doubt about the coming weather, trust the survivalist animals around you. In this case, the squirrels know something we probably don't!

As my friend Tina says, who happens to live about 45 minutes from the nearest grocery store and encountered 15 foot snow drifts last winter, it really gives new meaning to the idea of food storage. They're thinking seriously of buying a snow mobile for this winter just in case their little son gets sick and they have to get out.

Welcome to 'Braska!!!! Does anyone know where I can buy some firewood? Just in case....

Siblings

While we were in Utah, we spent some time with Kevin's sisters and their families. Good times BBQing and playing at a few different parks. We also got to see beautiful little Maeli, Noah's cousin. She's such a sweetie and is at the stage where she's really going to give her dad and mom a run for their money! Of course we had to play some wiffle ball, and take some silly pictures. Jordan, we so wished that you and your girls could have joined us. :)

Oh Ma Goodness.....

..... Oh Ma Goodness.

There's nothing like the first experience with a Krispy Kreme donut. Fresh and warm, right off the assembly line and just delightful at 8 am.

NOTE: You know, I've noticed that all I ever document in our blog is Noah partaking of chocolate frosting, lollipops, donuts, cookie dough, etc. I just want to put out there that I do offer my son fruits and vegetables as well... and sometimes he'll actually eat them. :)