Okay. So that was our trip to California. Thanks for having patience with all the posts. A shout out goes to Chay (Joe's cousin) who introduced me to Slide.com for the cool slide shows. I LOVE them!
Disney Land really is magical. Some how all your worries are left at the gate and for one brief moment in time, you can relax and be a kid again. It's okay to ride Peter Pan or Mr. Toad's Wild Ride without having any children in tow. It's okay to swing through Tarzan's tree house and duck in the caverns of the Indian Jones ride. And yes, you can even cat-call to lonely flowers on pogo sticks. What the heck! It's Disney Land (and I promise they'll wink back!)
Monday, June 9, 2008
California: Jeopardy Daily Double
Name the person featured in the picture below...
The correct answer is... Who is Kelly Nielsen wearing green tights?
The correct answer is... Who is Kelly Nielsen wearing green tights?
California: Disney Dreams Parade
I love this parade! I thought I would tire of it but everytime we go it feels magical. We always sit down on the back side of the castle on the path to the Matahorn. Serious, the characters get rockin' awesome close! And it is so fun to see them interact with the kids in the family.
Side note: the rhino from Lion King got so close he scared the pee right out of Sarah... literally! Jiff was the excited recipient of that gift, hehe. Bless her heart! Let's just say she now has blackmail for Sarah when she gets older!
Side note: the rhino from Lion King got so close he scared the pee right out of Sarah... literally! Jiff was the excited recipient of that gift, hehe. Bless her heart! Let's just say she now has blackmail for Sarah when she gets older!
California: Pixar Parade
Watch out!!! You will get wet!!! This parade takes place in Disney's California Adventure. It was short, but fun. Perfect for fidgety little ones. I love that the floats and characters get so close! Best is to get there about 1 hr in advance so you can get super good seats.
California: The People
Okay. So here is my first go at a slide show. This one is all about people. I had so many pictures I didn't want some endless stream of visual vomit. I really like the slide show, so I hope you do too!
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Happy Anniversary!!!
WOW!!! Flowers
I'm taking a little break from California. I have a million more pictures, but I want to put them in a slide show and I am not sure how to do that yet. So instead, let me catch up on a few other things! Joe randomly bought me flowers awhile back. They were gorgeous!!! I loved them. A fresh spring boquet from The Window Box in Layton.Joe, I really do love them... even now that they are dead and gone. It was such a sweet thought and for no reason other than you love me (and knew I was having a rough day). Well, I love and appreciate so much the flowers!
And don't notice that some of the flowers are wilted. I didn't think about taking a picture until I had almost killed it!
California: Us
And, of course you know us. I loved being in sunny Cali with the love of my life. He is so much fun and the anchor in the storm I call my life. Oh, and he is right sexy (said with scottish accent)!
California: Jake & Nat Burns Family
Jake and Nattalie are one in a million! They are so much fun to hang out with and have been such a support to us. First with my concerns regarding infertility and then we our desire to adopt via foster care. They are awesome!!! The little one is their son, Cooper. He is their little miracle baby after they had submitted papers to adopt. And SO adorable!!! He has the bestest smile in the whole world. When he smiles, it is like the sun becomes brighter (no jokes... try it sometime!).
California: Jimmy & Marla Burns Family
Jimmy is Joe's older brother. He and Marla have been great friends of ours since I first met Joe 7 years ago. They've helped us through many a tough time.
Jimmy [Upper-left]
A HUGE sports nut! Also has the kindest heart. He may look gruff, but he is a squeeshy teddy bear.
Ashley and Sarah [Upper-right]
Ash in white and Sarah in pink. Both girls have endless energy and can sleep like the dead. Ashley loves dancing and Sarah is really good at sports.
Charlie [Lower-left]
He was born all boy! I uses his Dad's tools, climbs ladders in a blink of an eye, and can fix anything (or he thinks he can). The best is when he smiles!
Marla [Lower-right]
She is an avid runner and just completed a marathon! (Or maybe it was a 1/2 marathon?). Anyway, she is amazing! She set her goal and went for it. I love that about her... and she is an incredible mom! Rarralicious!
Jimmy [Upper-left]
A HUGE sports nut! Also has the kindest heart. He may look gruff, but he is a squeeshy teddy bear.
Ashley and Sarah [Upper-right]
Ash in white and Sarah in pink. Both girls have endless energy and can sleep like the dead. Ashley loves dancing and Sarah is really good at sports.
Charlie [Lower-left]
He was born all boy! I uses his Dad's tools, climbs ladders in a blink of an eye, and can fix anything (or he thinks he can). The best is when he smiles!
Marla [Lower-right]
She is an avid runner and just completed a marathon! (Or maybe it was a 1/2 marathon?). Anyway, she is amazing! She set her goal and went for it. I love that about her... and she is an incredible mom! Rarralicious!
California: Dupape Family
Jiff (Jenifer... don't ask me about the nickname. I have no idea) and Harry were ever alusive! I have tons of their backs and sides, but no good ones of them together. So, if either of you see this, send me a better pic so I can update this blog. The following are their kids... our nieces and nephews from Washington. We were so excited they came!
Hot Lava: Ian
You'll note how much he has grown since the photos in an earlier blog. He is now a champion wrestler and a heart throb with the ladies. He'll be here in July, so let me know if you want to set him up with someone cute!
The Sexy Sisters: Lindsay & Taylor
Little hotties! They are so much fun to be around! They, too, will be here in July, but hands off! They aren't even sixteen yet!
Never a Dull Moment: Ryan
Ryan is always ready to joke and have fun! He was so great to be around and sparked many an interesting conversation!
Oh So Cute: Little Malorie
I am sure she wouldn't want me calling her little Mal. When I first met her she was only a toddler was super quiet. Now, almost a young woman, she has so much to say!
California: Random
The rest of the trip was just a series of trips to Disney Land, which really is the happiest place on earth! We spent lots of time together and a part. Joe and I took a few moments here and there to be alone. But mostly, we were one HUGE family. Even Jiff and Harry (Joe's eldest sister and husband) brought the kids down from Washinton. It was great having everyone together and spending much needed time with our nieces and nephews. My next few posts are just going to be a million pictures of everyone. I'll try and let you know who is who as we go...
Tram pictures are always fun! I love snapping a few shots as we race through the backlot, which is also a wind tunnel.
Tram pictures are always fun! I love snapping a few shots as we race through the backlot, which is also a wind tunnel.
I also love getting close ups of people holding hands. I think it is so special. This is one of Grandpa Burns (a.k.a. Dad) holding little Sarah's hand. I love all that it represents about love and generations... you know... the gushy girl stuff. Anyway...
California: Charlie's Scare
On our second day in Cali we attended the Orange County Swap Meet... another Burns' family tradition. We bought some great shirts for Joe and a swim suit for me, which turned out to be a flop when I finally tried it on at the hotel. (Joe... are you paying attention... you were right. I should have waited. Chalk that one up to stupid tax!)
All went well that day. It was nice and relaxing until late that night. Charlie woke up around 12:30 am crying because he had a fever and had thrown up all over himself. I felt so bad for Jimmy and Marla. What do you do when all your little one can do is cry? He can't tell you where it hurts or what is going on. I think they had him calmed down and resting by 1:30 am, but he was up again just a while later. It has been so long I can't remember the exact times. Just the emotions.
A couple hours later Jimmy came and woke Joe up (who, amazingly, was asleep the whole time!). His news? Charlie had stopped breathing. We ran into the bathroom to find Marla crying while holding a lifeless and blue little body in her arms. What do we do?! Joe took Charlie from her and just rubbed his body, encouraging him to breathe. I was sent to help Jimmy call 911.
Dear family and friends... I have learned NOT to call me when it is an emergency. I am better suited to stress situations that we have time to think through. In this case, I just kept staring at the phone wondering if I needed to dial 9 before I dialed 911. Thankfully Jimmy has his head on straight. I only provided that address to our hotel as he talked with the operator. I am sorry, Jimmy. I kick myself that I didn't do better... that I didn't keep my head. Next time I'll know... just dial 911!
Before the paramedics arrived, Charlie started breathing again. (Sigh of relief.) After the medics did arrive, they checked him out anyway. Turns out he had gone into a fever induced seizure. There was nothing we could have done differently. He just had to come out of it on his own.
Marriott was wonderful during this time. They sent a worker out to the street to meet the ambulance and direct them to our room. Their rep stayed to make sure we were okay and left his number if we needed anything else.
After everyone left and the adrenaline had worn off, Joe began to cry... as did we all. All we could do was hang on to each other and thank God that our little Charlie was okay. Jimmy and Marla were amazing... keeping their cool and handling the situation so well! And in a day or so, he was back to normal.
I am so glad we have family that we can count on for support and assistance. It is such a blessing to have others to help share our joys and our burdens. I feel that Joe and I are especially blessed to have both our families so close.
All went well that day. It was nice and relaxing until late that night. Charlie woke up around 12:30 am crying because he had a fever and had thrown up all over himself. I felt so bad for Jimmy and Marla. What do you do when all your little one can do is cry? He can't tell you where it hurts or what is going on. I think they had him calmed down and resting by 1:30 am, but he was up again just a while later. It has been so long I can't remember the exact times. Just the emotions.
A couple hours later Jimmy came and woke Joe up (who, amazingly, was asleep the whole time!). His news? Charlie had stopped breathing. We ran into the bathroom to find Marla crying while holding a lifeless and blue little body in her arms. What do we do?! Joe took Charlie from her and just rubbed his body, encouraging him to breathe. I was sent to help Jimmy call 911.
Dear family and friends... I have learned NOT to call me when it is an emergency. I am better suited to stress situations that we have time to think through. In this case, I just kept staring at the phone wondering if I needed to dial 9 before I dialed 911. Thankfully Jimmy has his head on straight. I only provided that address to our hotel as he talked with the operator. I am sorry, Jimmy. I kick myself that I didn't do better... that I didn't keep my head. Next time I'll know... just dial 911!
Before the paramedics arrived, Charlie started breathing again. (Sigh of relief.) After the medics did arrive, they checked him out anyway. Turns out he had gone into a fever induced seizure. There was nothing we could have done differently. He just had to come out of it on his own.
Marriott was wonderful during this time. They sent a worker out to the street to meet the ambulance and direct them to our room. Their rep stayed to make sure we were okay and left his number if we needed anything else.
After everyone left and the adrenaline had worn off, Joe began to cry... as did we all. All we could do was hang on to each other and thank God that our little Charlie was okay. Jimmy and Marla were amazing... keeping their cool and handling the situation so well! And in a day or so, he was back to normal.
I am so glad we have family that we can count on for support and assistance. It is such a blessing to have others to help share our joys and our burdens. I feel that Joe and I are especially blessed to have both our families so close.
California: In-N-Out Burger
It is NOT a trip to California with Dad Burns unless we eat at In-N-Out at least a dozen times. You just plan on having it for lunch or dinner (sometimes both) everyday. But they have awesome food, so that is okay! I practically lick the cartons! Above is everyone waiting for the food on our first day. Following is what is left over (Joe made me stop at eating the napkins.)
California: My Nieces
This blogger thing is weird... I write things in order of happenings but my beginning ends up at my end. Oh well... maybe if I did the super blog it would all stay in order. Or maybe I am too OCD. We'll just keep doing it this way.
Anyway, I had a lot of fun photographing my nieces, Ashley and Sarah. It was so cute to see these two sisters holding hands and doing everything together. I think this is how sisters should be (sorry, Suzanne, for not being this for you). I am sure they fight, but... in that moment... they were just two friends sharing the excitements of California.
California: The Beginning
So, yeah. Joe and I attended a Burns Family Reunion in California back in April and I decided I had better get to adding it to my blog. Hehe. I was an awesome trip!!! I have never had one that has been so relaxing and almost drama free. (Anytime you get extended family together there is going to be at least a little drama). But really, it was fantastic! Thanks go to Mom and Dad Burns for providing the opportunity by opening up their timeshare to all of us. We appreciate you!!!
I was gonna try and divide this up into days (as best as possible) so it's not one super blog, but I am realizing dividing into "parts" will be better as I am not quite sure what happened which day. BUT, I do have pictures, WAHOO! (Thanks to Mom Smith for letting us borrow her camera!)
Here we are at the airport on our way out of town. It worked out so nice to have Jon take us as well as Jimmy & Marla's family. I can't do the luggage pile justice! And if you think this is a lot, check out the next picture of the WHOLE party at the California car rental.
I was gonna try and divide this up into days (as best as possible) so it's not one super blog, but I am realizing dividing into "parts" will be better as I am not quite sure what happened which day. BUT, I do have pictures, WAHOO! (Thanks to Mom Smith for letting us borrow her camera!)
Friday, June 6, 2008
Kids Update
We finally finished all our classes for foster care!!! Wahoo!!! As part of the process, we were required to take 32 hours of training. The classes tried to cover everything from DCFS (Department of Child and Family Services) policy to abuse to grief/loss and more. I can't even begin to describe everything we learned. (In fact, I should probably take the classes again because there is NO way I am going to retain everything we were taught.) I really enjoyed them, though. I feel so lucky to be given such instruction before having kids. I wish these classes were available to all parents... especially those prone to abuse. Anyways, tons to learn. It was difficult, though, learning about the experiences and issues these children face. Heartbreaking. I found myself wondering if I was qualified to do this... could I REALLY help any of these children who come into my home? I still feel so inadequate. But, I suppose, that is okay. I wonder if any parent--whether giving birth or adopting--feels 100% confident in the moment they realize they are truly responsible for another human being. To all parents, I am amazed by you... your courage, your selfless love. But I digress...
As far as the process goes, we're still a few months out before any placement. There are a million and one things we have to do to prep our home for a home study. We also have a couple projects we feel necessary to finish before having any children. Life will become so chaotic after they arrive, it will be best to minimize any stress while we can. I want to make sure our full attention can be given to them instead of worrying about a yard or the basement. I'll keep you posted as we make progress.
As far as the process goes, we're still a few months out before any placement. There are a million and one things we have to do to prep our home for a home study. We also have a couple projects we feel necessary to finish before having any children. Life will become so chaotic after they arrive, it will be best to minimize any stress while we can. I want to make sure our full attention can be given to them instead of worrying about a yard or the basement. I'll keep you posted as we make progress.
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