It seemed like a good idea at the time...

Gabriel has a t-shirt that reads, "It seemed like a good idea at the time" and tonight Michael demonstrated just how applicable that shirt really is for little boys. Warning: This post contains gross and yucky details.

In the last day we've noticed that Michael seems to either be coming down with a cold or is experiencing allergies, as he has had a runny nose and is sneezing a lot. He is pretty good about letting me help him blow or wipe his nose for him but he doesn't seem to be too proactive in taking on the nose blowing/wiping himself.

Tonight, as I was trying to fold clothes and iron Jarrett's work shirts, I was watching the boys play like typical boys in the front room on the carpet. Gabriel was lying on his back while Michael sat on top of him and they were laughing hysterically about something. All I heard was "Don't try to marry me? I don't want to marry you!" coming from Gabriel's mouth. To get a better understanding of what was exactly going on, I nonchalantly stopped what I was doing and tuned in to witness the following...

Before I go into that, a little back ground information is important. On the day we went to pick up the boys to bring them with us to their forever home, I took with us two scrapbooks I had made for perspective birth families and case workers, in our quest to adopt. The books are filled with pictures from our past, pictures of our families, things we like to do together, and our wedding photos. Basically these books are the story of us. When we showed the boys the books they were completely enthralled with them asking about each photo. When it came to the pages about our wedding and specifically the photo of Jarrett and I kissing, the boys asked, "Oh Mom, that is when you and daddy got married right?" We answered yes, and ever since that day, when the boys see two people kissing they automatically assume, that that means they are married. (When the boys are 16 and 17 years old, and wanting to date girls, I'm going to remind them of this little rule about kissing).

So, anyway back to the two boys on the floor. With Gabriel, the older brother, on the floor telling Michael, who is sitting on his chest, that he doesn't want to marry him, I realize that the reason why he is sitting so close to his head is that Michael is trying to kiss Gabriel. Now usually the boys will be affectionate and hug or kiss each other on the cheek regularly. As I crept closer to see why Gabriel was so insistent on fighting Michael's kiss, I noticed Michael had something strange right in the middle of his forehead. Deciding it was time for mom to intervene, I walked even closer and said, "Michael what do you have on your head?"

With a plain-as-day response Michael stated, "Boogers Mom" I guess my ingrained girly response immediately kicked in and I shouted, "Gross" at which point Michael decided to show me exactly how and why boogers ended up on his forehead.

We all know which way gravity pulls things and I guess Michael thought that he'd show gravity who is boss. So with the palm of his hand his grasped the lovely mucus running out of his nose, and with a gentle swoop, he simply swiped the snot and pushed everything straight up his face, until he found a good resting stop right at the top of his forehead. I can just hear his brain telling his hand, this is a good solution to your sticky problem. Again, I'm sure in his head it seemed like a good idea at the time but somewhere things took a very wrong turn.

Then, seeing Gabriel's grossed out response, Michael realized he had ammunition to play with his big brother. As he sat on Gabriel's chest, fighting to give him a kiss, it became clear to me that Michael wasn't trying to give his love, and show is affection with his brother, but instead, he was trying to pass his forehead display onto his brother's face. Isn't that nice?

After putting together the pieces, I can assure you that the game of "getting married" was quickly ended. As a little girl, there were many times that I played "Wedding day and getting married" but in my entire youth, actually my entire life, I've never played that game the way my two little boys played tonight. I don't think we'll be playing that game ever again.

Although, as I think about it tonight, for a three year old, I do have to give him credit. Not wanting to take the time to stop playing to mess with some silly nose, and knowing that he had better not put his deposits on any furniture or carpet, I guess he did what seemed to make the most sense at the time.

Oh the stories we'll get to tell about them when they are older and easily embarrased.

Until the next time,
Angie

"Mom, Jesus gave me money!"

The boys are attending Vacation Bible School this week. On Sunday night as we tucked them into bed, we told them that they are finally ready to go to school and that tomorrow morning we would be able to take them to Vacation Bible School. Gabriel was so excited he hardly went to sleep, and Michael, just like he always does, went with the flow as long as Gabriel was okay with it. Even though the boys are willing and excited about the school idea, I still woke up on Monday morning with a bunch of nerves making a nest in my stomach.

As we arrived at the church and got them checked in, the time had finally come for them to leave my hands and go into the hands of a VBS school staffer. I was nervous and almost teary-eyed to see them go without me, but I put on a strong front and said "Have fun boys and make sure to listen to your teacher". They were only going to be there for 3 hours, I should be able to make it at least three hours without Jarrett or I being by their side. With every step Gabriel and Michael bounced with a strut down the hall to their classroom, and just before they walked in, they turned back and yelled with a wave and a smile, "Bye Mom!" Everyone else dropping off their kids laughed because they yelled loud enough for everyone in the whole place to hear.

Thankfully, their cousin Alicia is their Bible school teacher and they are in the same class. When I think of two close brothers, I now have a vision of Gabriel and Michael. For so long they were each other's sole protectors and only cheerleaders. They have come to rely upon each other for safety and security it is hard to imagine one without the other being right in tow. So, for their first experience in school, we thought it would be best to put them together.

On Monday late-morning when I picked them up, each of them came running out to greet me and said, "Mom, I like school, can you bring me back after lunch?" Well, honey I can't bring you back after lunch but I can tomorrow morning. Gabriel then retorted back, "No mom, my teacher said I could come back after lunch and have more fun." I guess he didn't realize I know his teacher is and we talked before they did. Nice try Gabriel, I like the excitement though honey.

On Tuesday when they woke up Gabriel's first question was, "Mom, lets go to school now" Honey, we should probably eat breakfast, take a bath and change from our pajamas before taking you to school. Thankfully he agreed, but couldn't wait to get out the door. On Tuesday when I picked them up they were just as talkative and excited about all that they were learning. When I asked them what they do at school Gabriel replied, "Mom, we learn a lot about Gog'd" (aka God) as if I should have already known the answer to my silly question.

Yesterday, when I got them up and ready for school I asked them to sit on the couch and read some books while I quickly showered and got dressed. After what has become my 5 minute getting ready routine, I checked on them to see to make sure they were okay. I peered around the corner to see that they had gone and picked up their Bibles, which were sitting by the front door and were both sitting on the couch, completely engaged in the stories inside. When I asked what they were doing they said, "Mom, we are reading about Gogd. You mean God right Gabriel? "Yes Mom, that is what I said."

And what has to be one of my favorite memories from this week's Bible School happened yesterday late morning when I picked them up. Gabriel and Michael had been given small prayer coins with a Bible verse and a pray on each side. Their teachers must have told them they shouldn't lose them and that they were about Jesus. Arriving right on time, and not my normal 5 minutes early to get them, the lobby of the school was filled with other parents. The greeter at the front saw me and went back to get Gabriel and Michael. Just like the two days before, the boys came cheerfully out of their classroom, but this time, instead of walking, they sprinted down the hall while shrieking at the top of their lungs, "MOM, GUESS WHAT?" "Hi Gabriel and Michael" I said in a quieter, calmer tone. No change in volume or excitement on their end, "MOM, JESUS GAVE ME MONEY!" and immediately punched their arm out toward me to show me their precious coins. By that point everyone in the lobby, and probably everyone else in the school had joined in a chorus of laughs. I have to admit, it was pretty funny and I couldn't resist joining in on their excitement. They went on to tell me (and everyone else on our way to the car) that Jesus gave them money because he loves them. I just love how little minds work.

This week has been a very exciting time for the boys as they went to their first school. I will forever remember the excitement on their faces as I pick them up each day and how excited they are each night as they say their prayers and talk about going to school tomorrow. Tonight, we will get to go and watch their Vacation Bible School performance. I haven't decided yet if they are going to be shy and refuse to sing or if they'll be those kids in children's performances you see on America's Funniest Home videos, that shout the words to the song and make the whole event about them. We'll see, but one thing is for sure, either way, they'll have more than just each other cheering them on as they take the stage.

Until next time,
Angie

To Infinion and Beyond...

To my boys...
You guys are into Toy Story. With Toy Story 3 coming soon to a theater near all of us, Buz Lighyear, Woody, Jessie and the rest of the gang seem to be all around. When you moved in with us, one of the first movies we watched as a family was Toy Story. Daddy and I had never really watched the whole movie but now we are just as addicted to it as you are.

We have Toy Story 3 fruit snacks, Toy Story pajamas (well Mom and Dad don't but you do), Toy Story coloring books, figurines; we even have Toy Story 3 cereal that you want for breakfast, lunch and dinner. With all of this Toy Story business around our house you can imagine there are a few lines from the movies that you like to repeat over and over. Just one of those lines is the infamous Buz Lightyear line of "To Infinity and Beyond" What is so cute, at least to me, is that you Gabriel think the line is, "To Infinion and Beyond" And Michael, after you heard Gabriel say it a few times, you follow right in line and repeat it just the same... "To Infinion and Beyond" I'll have to get you on tape but for tonight if I were to describe you saying it, it would go something like this...

You both bend over at the waist, bend your knees and with a deep breath ,you wind up your voices and shout from the bottom of your bellies... "TOOOOO INFINIONNNNN AND BEEEEEYOND!!!!" To conclude the quote you jump in the air as high as you can just like you are an astronaut being shot into space, or in this case Buz Lightyear taking off.

We are looking forward to the release of Toy Story 3 not just because we are hoping to see it in the theater (for our first trip) but also because you get to go see it with your family back in Iowa. Megan, your aunt, mommy's sister said she would like to take you to see it and you have not forgotten her comment. You frequently ask, "Is today the day we go to Iowa so I can see Megan and Toy Story 3?" Only a few more days boys. And then you proceed to tell me all the names of your family back in Iowa. Megan... and MaeLyn,... and Grandpa... and Grandma... and Uncle Jonas... and (then you ask) who else mom? After I rattle off a list of many many more people you say, "Yea Mom and them too!"

You boys make me laugh and smile. Everyday there is something new that you say or do and it reminds me just how thankful I should be and how truly blessed I am. Whether you are screaming at the top of your lungs, "To Infinion and Beyond" or you wanting to put on my makeup so you can be like me (yet another post), or you coming to me with a sad pouty face and a quivering lower lip, "Mom, I broke fill in the blank and I promise I won't break it again, these are the moments I've been patiently waiting for. I think children truly understand what life is all about and both of you seem to live for each moment and have fun doing it! Thank you Gabriel and Michael for teaching me so many lessons, I think I learn more from you than you learn from me. Just remember when you are too cool to tell your mom you love her, just remember I'll always love you to infinity and beyond.

Good night my angels,
Mom

When I get older...

One of those sayings that I never used before May 8, 2010 was, "When you get older" Now I seem to say it at least 15 times a day.

Gabriel, when you get older you can drive the car or Michael when you get older you can use a sharp knife. When you get older you can go to school, write with a permanent marker, wash the clothes, touch the water heater, go to work, ride a motorcycle, go to the park by yourself... and the list goes on and on and on.

I think the boys are starting to get the message because in the past few days they seem to anticipate what my response to their question is going to be and instead say, "Mom, when I get older... (fill in the blank).

Yesterday, however, I had to laugh because as we were getting changed to go swimming Gabriel caught me off guard with the last part of his "when I get older" statement. I was helping the boys change out of their clothes and into their swimming suit and I said, Okay boys, now that you are changed, mom is going to go change so you need to wait right here. Then, as if he was delivering a very important speech, Gabriel got all excited and said "When I get older I will help you change okay mom?"

At first, I wasn't sure how to respond, but then I thought about it a little bit more and realized, with the circle of life we seem to go through, he might actually be predicting the future. And that got me thinking, what will our lives be like when Gabriel and Michael are older and Jarrett and I are "really old"? I pray that these little boys grow into big, strong, healthy and confident men who are caring, generous and hard-working. I pray that they always keep their sensitivity and wear their feelings on their sleeves (just as they do today). I hope that they always want to give their mom and dad a hug and kiss and that they are proud that we are their family. And I do hope that when We are as old as the dirt, that they want to be there to help us. Whether it be helping us get around to do our normal errands, sitting around talking about the good old days, or helping me change my clothes, I know that when I get older, they'll be just like they are today, two of the greatest gifts God has ever given me.

Good night,
Angie

A Family's First Trip Photos!

The cost of two little boys showing their love and affection with their dad who has just completed a 100 mile bike ride...Priceless!

A beautiful view of Lake Tahoe


And another...

Gabriel, Michael and Mommy on the snow pile, Nana and Papa found for us.

A proud Mom and Dad with their son Jarrett.

Michael showing off the huge pine cones we found on one of our hikes

Gabriel modeling a Team in Training hat at the Inspiration Dinner. Papa is in the background.

Michael (Left) and Gabriel (Right) on the morning of our trip. Can you tell how excited they were?

Nana and Papa with the boys!



Daddy, the day before the race on a practice ride.

I promise, he wasn't doing what you are thinking, he was just about to point to something on the page...

A view as we started our bus ride to Lake Tahoe

Go Daddy Go!!!!!!

We went to the mountains and Daddy conquered them! This past weekend we ventured on our first family vacation to Lake Tahoe and what a wonderful trip it was. We had been telling the boys for the past several days that they were going to get to go on an airplane and then watch Daddy ride his bike up and down the mountains. There were so many highlights of the trip I'm afraid to say it but, here is your warning, this is going to be a long post.

Last week I spent a great deal of time trying to get organized to get ready to go. I have to admit that I was stressing a bit about taking Gabriel and Michael (aka: Two full-of-energy boys who don't sit still for one minute) on an airplane where they'd have to sit for almost 2 hours without screaming at the top of their lungs and restrain themselves from touching buttons. The obsession with touching buttons is a whole different post so back to the vacation. I checked the Lake Tahoe weather forecast daily and I think packed and repacked for them at least 4 times. I got Daddy's stuff together and helped the boys practice their cheer for the big day. Thanks to my friends Janelle and Tara for the tips on entertaining kids on an airplane, they really helped!

As Friday came, we were all excited about taking our first trip, that was until we realized how much crap, oops, I mean stuff, we had to take with us. As Jarrett and I looked at the pile of 4 suitcases, 1 toiletry bag, a bag of entrainment items for the boys, a camera/video camera bag, a suitcase of biking equipment, 2 car seats and final bag of misc items, waiting to be carried by two people, we both decided we needed to make some adjustments. So I guess that means we probably packed and unpacked, reshuffled things around 5 or 6 times. We ended up condensing down to 7 items. When it was just Jarrett and I traveling as a couple I had no idea how easy it was.

When we arrived at the airport and got checked in, it was wonderful to see the boy's eyes light up as they looked up close and center with a monster sized jet. Michael screamed, "Mommy it's a airpane!" (not airplane, airpane) Gabriel said, "Ooooh, wow, Dad are we going on that?" I had told the boys that if they were good, quiet and sat still on the airplane that the nice pilots or flight attendants would give them a pair of wings that means they can fly at anytime. My story seemed to work because from the moment we stepped foot in the terminal the boys asked me about every 10 minutes, "Mom, I was good, can I get my wings now." We boarded the plane and just like perfect angels the boys hopped into their seat, grabbed the safety instruction pamphlet and studied it like a priest studies a Bible. Jarrett and I were convinced no one has ever read those pamphlets from cover to cover. We were proven wrong. Note to Southwest Airlines: Your safety instruction manuals are a hit with 3 and 4 year-olds.

As we taxied down the runway and started to take off the boys, I told them to hold on and that we were going to go really fast. It was cute to see them put a death-grip on the armrests and lean forward as if that was going to help the plane take flight. When we got into the air both of them cheered, "Yea!" It was wonderfully exciting to be able to experience their first airplane ride with them, in fact it was so exciting that when we landed all of us forgot to ask the flight attendants for their wings. It was a mistake I made that I would be gently reminded of all weekend.

We flew into Reno and then boarded a bus (or what Michael and Gabriel consider a school bus) for an hour and a half bus ride to Lake Tahoe. For anyone who hasn't visited Lake Tahoe, let me just say, you should definitely add that destination to your bucket list. It is the most beautiful place I've ever seen. The drive from Reno to Lake Tahoe was breathtaking with views of the deep-blue lake, snow-capped mountains and trees that seemed 300 feet tall. Absolutely beautiful. The boys watched in awe for the first 45 minutes before deciding to take in the rest of the views with their eyes closed.

When we arrived at our hotel and checked into our room we realized it backed right up to a snow-capped mountain and the view of the lake. There's a picture below that just doesn't do it justice. For most of the day on Friday we spent relaxing and talking with Jarrett's teammates from the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. They truly are some of the most selfless and generous people I've ever met. One of Jarrett's teammate's, Jaime has completed this 100-mile bike ride for the past four years and has raised between$35,000 and $45,500 each time for cancer research. As a wife of a cancer survivor, I find it hard to put into words how much it means to us that people give so much to help others in this way.

On Saturday we were excited because Nana and Papa (Jarrett's parents) were joining us in Tahoe to watch Daddy on his big day. When Nana and Papa arrived we all went to the inspiration dinner where we learned that 1200 riders through the LLS Team in Training had raised more than 8 million dollars for cancer research. One rider shared the story of his son who was diagnosed with Leukemia at the age of 3 and has spent the last 2 years or 730 days straight taking harsh chemotherapy drugs and steroids in order to "beat the bad guys" as his son said. Thankfully he shared that his son was down to less than 2 weeks left of his treatment and was slowly getting better. With tears in my eyes I looked down at 3-year-old, little Michael who had curled up on my lap and fallen asleep. I remember thanking God for being so lucky and for giving me so many blessings.

Sunday morning (Race Day) came bright and early (actually 4:15 a.m.) as the race started at 6:30 and Daddy had to be out and ready by 6:00. The boys, what troupers they were, got up, and listened very well as we asked them to quickly change clothes and start cheering for the bikers and for daddy. Of all of the thousands of people there, I have to admit, I think the boys were one of the biggest hits for the riders. The boys loved to cheer and cheer loudly they did! I had told them to cheer for Daddy and together they came up with the cheer, "GO DADDY GO!" which they repeated over and over and over and over. With their high-pitched voices that seem to screech louder than almost everything else in that mountainous country, many riders joked with us that they could hear the boys for miles. In fact so many people said that, that it made me actually start to question exactly how far their voices echoed.

We were able to meet Daddy and almost everyone else on Team Arizona at the first stop which was about 30 miles into the 101 mile race. It was great to see Jarrett so strong and in his element. The boys were proud and yelled over and over, "Go Daddy Go" and once Daddy had gone by they start chanting, "Go Team!" or "Go Bikers."

As the race went on and we rode along with Nana and Papa in their car we commented over and over how challenging it must be to ride up and down these mountains. We were tired just driving the 100 miles. We were able to see Jarrett at 3 more stops including the lunch stop and he seemed to look so strong and not even winded. I remember seeing him just a short 2 1/2 years ago when he was going through chemotherapy and how he would be tired just from having to stay awake for more than 12 hours. It was a complete transformation to see him now so strong and healthy. Yet, another blessing I have been given.

Gabriel, Michael, Nana, Papa and I are so proud to share that we watched our Daddy, Husband and Son complete the 101.75 miles in just over 8 and a half hours. We couldn't be more proud of him!

As we returned home yesterday, we were sad to have to leave the mountains but we are so thankful for what great memories we got to take with us. Below are just final highlights and a few snap snots from our wonderful first family trip...

* Gabriel and Michael seemed to love pushing the buttons for the Eldigator (or elevator)

* Gabriel couldn't get enough of the mountain and begged over and over for us to take him to the mountains, even when we were at the top of them he said, "Can we go to the mountains?" When we said, "Gabriel, we are at the mountains, were at the top of them right now" he replied, "I told you we could go to the mountains." Then two minutes later he'd asked again, "Can we go to the mountains now?"

*Michael found a way to stick his head in between two metal bars that overlooked the atrium of our 7th floor hotel room. I'm not sure how he got his head through the bars but it wasn't easy or fun getting them out.

* Nana and Papa promised the boys they'd show them snow and make a snow ball for them. Looking at the mountains and how high we'd have to go to get to the snow, I remember thinking, I'm so glad they volunteered to find the snow because I don't' want to hike up that high to get them some snow. I'll wait until winter time and then take them to Flagstaff. Amazingly Papa found a place off the road somewhere where they must have piled some snow and the boys were able to get to play with the snow their Nana and Papa had promised them.

* We celebrated and danced the night away after Daddy completed his race. I used to be self-conscious about dancing in front of others when there really wasn't anyone else dancing. I guess something about making a 3 and 4 year old happy trumps feeling silly and dancing like a fool.

Until next time,

Angie

We're going to the mountains...

This weekend we will take our first family vacation. We are going to the mountains as the boys like to say. And they are correct. This weekend, Daddy will compete in the America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride in Lake Tahoe.

On Sunday, Daddy will complete a 103 mile bike ride around Lake Tahoe and we'll be there to cheer him on. Daddy is completing this endurance event as a part of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team in Training. He has been biking for the past 5 months to train and prepare for this weekend. I am very proud of him as this has required a significant amount of dedication, early mornings and many sore muscles. I know this will be a great challenge and just like he was there for me at the end of my marathons, we'll be there for him.

I think for Jarrett the past several months of training have been therapeutic. After being diagnosed with Hodgkin's and Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and having to fight for his life, Jarrett is now celebrating his health by taking on a challenge he can control. I pray that everything goes well for him and that we can watch as he accomplishes this great feat.

Not only will this weekend be a lot of fun as the boys experience their first airplane ride, their first trip to the mountains and our first family vacation, but we will be celebrating Dad's health. For without him right here by my side, we wouldn't have been able to bring these two beautiful boys into our lives.

Good lucky Dad; we're very proud of you!

Mommy, Gabriel and Michael