2:49:50

So the race was on Saturday. My friend Shannon and I woke up DARK and EARLY Saturday morning, at 3:45 a.m. to drive to Providence, Utah where the race ended. We got on the bus at about 6:15 a.m. after we found mrs. r at the last second! YAY. And there we were, driven 13.1 miles away from the finish line, 13.1 miles away from our cars, our families, with the only solution, to run/walk/crawl back...

Here is Shannon crossing first. She had only ever run a 10K...so that is six miles, she kept saying that she would have to walk, have to walk...as I as walking/limping...I never ever spotted her...she smoked us and crossed the line first in our group. Way to go Shannon!
Next to cross was mrs. r she is STELLAR...I was so proud of her for finishing...and watching for me to finish...she ran up to me and made me bawl a little...saying, "You did it!" "Look at your family, look at your kiddies!" That did it...
So, here we all are...tired, beat...but done! And alive.Our hott matching tanks...

And the discrace that all there was at the finish line for those left over runners...(almost three hours) were orange slices, water, and some gatorade. Seriously. I almost bawled, I was SO hungry.

My little family went to Einstein Brothers for breakfast before the long and tiring drive home. I just wanted food, and my bed the rest of the day. I jacked up my ankle somehow...hope it gets feeling better soon...ow.

It was so great to spend the day with people that I love, people that I care about, doing something that is important...something I thought I could never do, so happy I did it.

As for that marathon? Gosh darn it, I forgot all about this wonderful workshop I signed up for that is the same day. I'll have to think about doing another one...

All the training comes down to this...

We had our annual physical exams. Don't get all excited...LUCKILY for me I didn't have to complete "the" exam...I got lucky and get to wait a few more months...YAY!

But it was an exam complete with blood work and urinalysis to make sure I don't have cancer, thyroid problems (dang it...wish there was some excuse this weight is sticking), or high cholesterol. Luckily (again) for me everything is A-OK! For this I am thankful. Our doctor was SUPER kind to me. He was VERY encouraging, he said my weight is great, my blood workup is great, and to just keep up the RUNNING! He encouraged me to try to run a marathon...he is just so impressed with what I have been accomplishing, he just said I need to drag Hubbs out with me more often...

So, anyway, tomorrow is THE BIG DAY!

Got my amphipod, my gu, and my new running shoes...and of course my HOTT homemade tank...ready to go. Pictures to follow.

Love you all, thanks for the encouragement, can't wait to see how many hours it takes me. (Pretty sure it will be at least three!) That is my goal anyway.

See you at the finish line!

Be Aware.

I have been debating for months and months as to whether or not I should blog about this particular situation. Some things have arisen today that tell us that this person is NOT in anyway who she claimed herself to be, and with the announcement of our being chosen by our a birth mother, this person who shall be known as "C" has begun attacking me, my friends, and is saying very hurtful and untrue things for whatever reason. I hope that if you have been one of the people targeted, and that this person has e-mailed you, that you will feel comfortable to come to me, to e-mail me, so that we can discuss further and talk through what is happening. I appreciate those of you who have come forward to tell me about these e-mails and this contact from this person. For this reason I feel it is very important to share these things I am about to share with you. Hopefully this way, no one will have to hurt the way our family has been hurt, and continues to be hurt by those who are untruthful and dishonest and are just out to hurt people like me and my husband, and others hoping to adopt. Stick with me, it is worth it.

Firstly, an article from the Someone's Missing Handbook, Making Your Adoption Happen, A Finder's Guide for Families who are Hoping to Adopt.

Internet Safety--Adoption

Avoiding Online Fraud Adopting a child can be one the happiest occasions in your life. In order to have a positive experience, you must take some precautions, especially when using the Internet. The likelihood of fraud is greater unless you take proper care.To protect yourself, consider the following points:
Due to your strong desire for a baby, you may be vulnerable to online scams and unreasonable requests that are not in your best interest.


Always choose an ethical path for your adoption, which is not necessarily the shortest or easiest path. For instance, some states require birth father notification before a court approves an adoption to occur. In addition, all states dictate that adoptions are subject to finalizing court custodial decrees prior to a couple crossing state boundaries to return home with the baby. These laws can cause inconveniences to adoptive couples but are required. Other ethical issues may also surface that call in to question the best interest of all parties to the adoption. For example, a birth parent may request that an adoptive couple pay for inappropriate items, services, or procedures that have nothing to do with support through her pregnancy. Couples are strongly encouraged to abide by the laws and ethical practices of adoption.
Protect your privacy. In online profiles, don't mention your employer, salary, home or work phone numbers. Invite birth mothers to call your adoption cell phone number if you are in possession of one.


Don't make a hasty decision, no matter how anxious you are for a child. Don't over commit to anyone until your caseworker has had time to check out the situation.
Money should only be given through the agency. Do not give money directly to the birth mother. The agency will approve expenses and disburse funds directly to the appropriate person such as a landlord, physician, or utility company.
The most common form of fraud involves someone who accepts money from an adoptive family knowing that she will never place a child for adoption. She may promise a child to several families, collecting money from each.


Be cautious with anyone who contacts you directly and prefers to work only through you. A woman who is sincere about adoption will provide you with specific contact information and she should respect your request that she talk with your caseworker.

Additional Red Flags

The birth mom wants to bring the baby to you. She may say this to get you to buy a plane ticket for her that she can cash in later. Most true birth mothers want you to come to them.

The birth mom is not available by phone or the address is not verifiable.
She does not provide proof of pregnancy or other requested documents. She seems to always have a reason for not sending you identifying information. She may have a sudden miscarriage or hospitalization when you ask for too much information.

She does not want you to contact anyone else concerning her pregnancy. She will not give you real names or numbers of doctors.

It's rare, but has happened: fraud not for money, but for attention or to inflict harm. In these cases the birth parent is not pregnant at all. She may be desperately lonely and in need of psychological help. She wants to talk intimately with someone and knows she can find emotionally fragile adoptive parents who will care about her. Her victims are manipulated into longing for the child. The game lasts only until she is asked to document her pregnancy or to meet the agency caseworker.

Birth Mother Scams

In the middle of the night you may receive a call from a woman you don't know. She has put off her decision to place the child for adoption until the last possible moment. She is in the hospital and going into labor.

Ask her to tell you the name of the hospital and her doctor. Give this information to your caseworker who can call the hospital maternity ward to verify the woman's story.Some homeless birth mothers are truly in need of assistance. You will want them to be safe and, if the law allows, the agency may provide them with services that include housing assistance. Your caseworker will verify their story before spending any money.

Screening Your Birth Mother

As a prospective adopting parent, your main worry may be whether the birth parent you will connect with will complete the adoption. The first task is to confirm her sincerity about the adoption. This can be difficult, especially if she is located far from where you live. In your first phone call, find out her phone number and the location from which she is calling. With this information, you may be able to enlist the help of an agency caseworker in her area to meet with her and verify her information.In response to your online profile, you may receive e-mails from people who claim to represent a birth mother. It is best to say, "Great! Have her contact us or our caseworker. We'd like to talk and we'll send you some information you can give her."If this person says, "You can only go through me to reach her, " consider that a red flag and move cautiously.

Please consider these additional tips when screening a birth mother.

Search out her contact name using Google (e.g. JaneDoe@yahoo.com...type in "JaneDoe" on Google.) If the birth mother is using a different name while chatting with an instant messenger program, perform a Google search on this name as well. If you are dealing with a scammer, you may find they they have posted information on other Web sites.

If your contact has sent you pictures, right click on the picture and obtain the picture's file name. Take the file name and perform an "Image" Google search. Some scammers steal pictures off of other Web pages and then send them to adoptive couples claiming the picture as their own. Be very cautious when you use this screening technique as searching some contact images may lead to Web sites that are pornographic in nature.

Some adoptive couples have visited online forums such as www.forums.adoption. com. Couples who have encountered a contact that turned out to be a scam may post this information on these forums. Building a networking relationship with other online adoptive couples can be valuable in detecting fraudulent contacts who claim to be birth parents. Always exercise caution when networking online as information you receive may not always be accurate.

A contact may give you a cellular or residential telephone number. The Internet has many Web sites where you can verify a contact's telephone number. This is called a "reverse look-up" and allows you to type in a contact's cellular or residential phone number to ensure it matches up with the name. Some sites are free while others require payment for use.

Verifying a contact person's state or city in important when screening birth mothers. Web sites such as www.switchboard.com allow you to search by name or telephone number.
One of the best tools to screen birth parents in your LDS Family Services' caseworker. Your caseworker can help you find out and verify information. When a birth parent visits an LDS Family Services office, the caseworker can verify information and pregnancy status.

SO...

Now that this icky stuff is out of the way, I want to tell you about "C". C started contact with us in April of this year. She said she was seventeen, was pregnant, and had initially contacted us through the LDSFS website. Through the course of a few weeks we became extremely close, and eventually she told Hubbs and I that she wanted to place her baby with us. Great, we were excited, thrilled, and if any of you know us, we were going through a really emotional time during all of this, having lost our baby...and really our relationship with C was never one but love and care and concern for her and for her baby...we wanted to help her in any way possible, even if she didn't place her baby with us, we wanted her to get the help that she needed. I'm here to tell you today that C was NOT who she said she was, she was/and is a scammer, and hopefully I can share with you what I have learned so that she will not hurt anyone else, and especially those that I love and care for so dearly as she is currently doing.

In our situation, these are the red flags that we ignored at first...

There was ALWAYS some emergency...she was sick A LOT...always in the hospital, always some problem with her parents. She said her mom had died of cancer a few years prior and that she was struggling with her step-mother.

She was going to run away from home, and come stay with us. When she asked if this was okay and we initially told her it wouldn't be a good idea, she used that to her advantage and made us feel terrible, like we had done something wrong...which we hadn't and we were in the right.

She would NEVER go to the agency and talk to a worker. She was REALLY good about making ME feel good that she wanted ME to go with her (she lived out of state) just another red flag that she wasn't who she said she was and wasn't willing to make things legit.

She had what we believe, to be using a fake name, her Facebook, which she added me to, and then later blocked me from when I got smart, had many many friends from where she said she lived, but guess what? None of those friends ever wrote on her wall. No one ever asked her how she was doing, etc. She didn't have pictures on her Facebook either.

She would never send US pictures. One night and one night only she would trade up tiny pictures over instant messaging, and then one night she uploaded a ton of pictures to Facebook, then mysteriously the next day they were gone...so that I couldn't even show Hubbs. Hmmm. Then as her due date approached, she sent me a picture of JUST a belly, no head...just a pregnant belly, which of course we all know, you can't verify who the person is with no head. Interesting.

We would make plans to meet with her, seven times to be exact, and she would never show up...or some emergency would happen and she would not be able to make it...at least at first she was kind enough to let us know she wasn't coming...up until the fourth time I think...then she just got lazy and rude and wouldn't call or anything for days later.

So, during this time, up until three or so weeks into it, we trusted her, believed her...then we put it out for the world on the blog...when a sweet friend, after reading the post called me and told me to be careful, that the things C had written to us in our little post were some of the exact things another birth mother had written to her. The reference to the baby as "Munchkin" or "Gremlin" both terms which another suspected scammer had used on my friend and her husband....Hubbs and I had been concerned for a few days about C being a scammer...this is when I did some hard core searching and finding to see what I could come up with...

I paid to have her phone number searched...her phone was indeed made out to the name she said was hers, but no valid address. No information could be found on her father or her step mother. There were no people on Facebook or MySpace that matched the names of her sibling...strange and weird seeing how she said they had them...?!

Then I started googling her name...her ID's for everything that I knew...and low and behold eBay...the lovely thing that it is was THE KEY...this C had mentioned to me that she was selling her iPod on eBay...silly silly C...well I noticed that she was using the same id on eBay as she had for her e-mail, for her instant messenger etc...and that she had changed her id in the last few weeks, about the same time she contacted us...hmmm...and guess what her old eBay user id led me to? An accused adoption scammer from New Mexico...and where was this eBay user from? Well none other than New Mexico.

There is a lady, Lynne who runs http://www.adoptionscams.net/ who was an angel and a princess at this time. She helped me find out all sorts of information on C...by the way that is NOT her name...nothing she said was EVER true to my knowledge, she was NOT 18, definitely NOT pregnant, and definitely NOT who she said she was. She was in fact, 32, has a warrant out for her arrest in New Mexico (hope you are aware C) and has been scamming couples like my husband and I since 2004.

I NEVER wanted to hurt C...even when I knew she wasn't who she said she was. I never wanted anything bad to happen to her. I feel really confused right now as to why she is trying to hurt me and my family. Some crazy stuff.

So, now, she has taken it upon herself to e-mail some of my dearest friends in the world and tell them horrible lies and things that she herself said about her own friends, her own family. She is mean, she is nasty...and once she is caught she turns (as has been apparent in the past) and basically turns wicked.

I just wanted to put this out there because I never felt it was my place to talk about my scamming experience, but this person has taken it upon herself to stalk my family, my life, and ruin it for whatever reason. I am not afraid of her. I don't want her or anyone like her to hurt those that I love. So, especially to my friends in the adoption world, be careful...I am so thankful that my friend called met the day that she did...and more than likely C and her H are the same people.

Be aware...

Thoughts.

Photobucket, I hate you today. Blast you and your maintainance, when I was all sorts of ready to post new photos to my photography blog and to here. You'll have to settle for the stupid tiny blogger photos. Sigh.

Today has been a long day for me. Lots and lots of thoughts are going through my mind. I just want to take refuge in these spirits:

I have been reflecting a lot upon the last six months of our lives. I feel like it has all been a dream. A very painful dream. I have been greatly humbled this year. I have fallen onto my knees in prayer more than ever before. My testimony has grown by ten fold, and my love and desire to be with my family forever has increased in ways I cannot even begin to explain.

Training for a half marathon has given me ample time to be alone, to reflect, to ponder, to heal. At times I have found myself very angry, angry at myself, at my body for failing my tiny baby. Angry at the people around me who I have allowed to hurt me. I recall a few months ago writing about how I would never let someone control how I was feeling, or how I dealt with what was being thrown to me. How easily that has been forgotten, I need to recharge my spirit and remember that I am the keeper of myself, I can choose to be happy, or I can allow each and every wind to toss me to and fro. This is not always easy. I have a tender heart and an even tender spirit. I fear disappointing those around me, even to my detriment. I am trying to love unconditionally, but at the same time, put myself first, which is hard, and feels painfully prideful, things I don't tolerate well. These are just some of the thoughts that have gone through my mind while I pound the pavement. Time that has helped me to heal, but time that has made me realize I am not where I would like to be within myself.


I love this man. I know I already told you how much last week. He is my rock...he is my best friend. He is my guardian.

It is two a.m. and I am rambling on and on...just thoughts.

ADOPTION YARD SALE PART TWO!

you are not going to want to miss this.it's our BLOWOUT SALE!everything MUST go ...or go to D.I.

Lindsey & Leisha and I have been frantically sorting, labeling, organizing and dejunking ...again.It is going to be huge. You won't want to miss it and the best part about the entire thing is that all of the money that we make from the yard sale will be going towards our adoptions.
WHEN:
Saturday, August 16th
8am-1pm
WHERE:
4152 South King Arthur Drive
West Valley, UT (about 4152 south 2885 west)
look for the "Adoption Yard Sale" signs along the way, you can't miss them
WHY:
-to raise money for our adoptions
-to spread the word about adoption
THERE ARE SO MANY FABULOUS THINGS WITH THE BEST PRICES:
furniture.(toddlers beds with matching night stands, matresses (twin & queen), kitchen table & chairs, indoor/outdoor chairs & cushions, cradle with cute bedding, china hutch, etc.)
clothes.(.25 cents to $2.00 OR kids clothes - fill a bag for $5, adult clothes, fill a bag for $2; tons of kids shoes too)
baby stuff. (car seats, strollers, baby carriers, swings, bouncy seats, tons of clothes, etc.)
CD's, DVD's, & VHS tapes (including Living Scripture sets)
scrapbooking supplies.
dishes and kitchen items. (crockpots, bread maker, pressure cooker, etc.)
art & frames.
books. (most .25 to .50 cents!)
toys.(tons of different toys, cheap. Grab bags for $1.00. Little Tykes table and chairs, Hokey Pokey Elmo, etc.)
electronics.(TV, VCR, keyboards, mouse, radio, cordless phone, etc.)
bedding sets.(for toddlers & adults, quilts, bed skirts, throw pillows, sheets, etc.)
We've had so many people donate items to the cause. Thank you for that to each and every one of you! Come and support us and help make our adoptions happen! And who knows what little treasure you might find while you are there! Happy Yard Sale-ing it everyone.
Visit The Adoption Blog:www.joinourfamily.blogspot.com

Him.

I've pretty much had him on my mind for the past few days. Constantly. He is my hero and my shining star.

As he was leaving for work today, I just looked at him and reveled in the fact that he is MINE. He looked so great in his work attire. I just love his dark hair and his glasses...oh the glasses.

He makes my heart skip a beat...

I am so blessed.

I love you sweetheart.

I am so VERY proud of you!

Thank you for being our hero. For saving us from scary spiders, from meltdowns, and for always being our strength.

We love you!

Tired.

We got home late last night/this morning. Ick. Like three a.m. late. I am tired.

I'm thinking of something really good to post. It's just that my brain is not working right now.

I've sat here for quite some time thinking...

I finished Breaking Dawn. Meh. If you finished it, what do you think?

Howdy!

****Edited to note that not ONE hour after writing this post, in Breaking Dawn, the author uses the term "freak show". It is about half way through the book. Seriously she used the term FREAK SHOW to describe one of the characters. Just so you know. I could be an amazing author too. Oh and don't you know it...i will totally write about this book when I am done with it. My top thoughts right now are "What the 'H'? Fer reals."

So we are away for a few days. Visiting family. We had a long drive yesterday. It feels so good to be away, to be with Hubbs' family, and to not have to worry about laundry, dishes, schedules, work, and all the other obligations of life.

It is nice to hug the kidlets all day...cuddle up close at night and watch movies...all the good things that seem to get put on the back burner sometimes.

I started reading the last book in the Twilight series. I read it all day yesterday. I never thought I would blog about these books. I'm not one to really follow the 'trends'...so when the books started becoming popular, it took me some convincing to start reading them. I have to say, I really didn't get into the first book much, and honestly it took halfway through the second to get me REALLY into them. Now, I am halfway through the fourth and final book, and I'm not so sure how I am feeling about it. I wish I could do all sorts of spoilers...but geeze. That is all I will say about that for now. Just wondered how others were feeling about it?

I had another freaking weird dream last night. (Pills? Exhaustion? Stress?) I'm holding out for that movie deal that Lace promised. LOL. So, last night's dream was a freak show. (I attribute it to reading Breaking Dawn.)

Anyway, we are off for a day of fun and excitement. Holla! And hopefully a nap. I am beat already and it is only nine in the morning!

My dream last night...

...was so utterly graphic I cannot even share it.

But it was a doozy.

Training...really righteous and totally gnarly.

So someone asked what the training for this "half marathon" was. Well, I have been following

THIS PLAN

It is for a novice. Considering I am a novice, meaning I have NEVER EVER EVER ran more than a mile WILLINGLY...this was the perfect way to start.

If I can survive this...I may attempt this. I figure I am halfway there, so I might as well try, even if I have to crawl my way down.

But that means I will need to do this. And well, to be honest, that 20 mile run on my own is a little freaky.

You have to understand that I HAVE to take walking breaks. Which means that I am not "running" the ENTIRE time I am out. I do however try to beat my times from the previous day or week, which means that as time goes on, I am running more and more. I have a longer endurance, when really all I could run at first was MAYBE half a mile without feeling like I was going to die when I first started this journey.

Also, I hate to keep hashing this...but I have not lost a SINGLE pound or a SINGLE inch. Haven't. Really. I have actually gained...ready for this? FOUR pounds. Muscle? Maybe. Am I happy about it? Not one bit. It is quite discouraging for me. I started this journey with the hopes of shedding a few inches...and it has been almost two months and I am just feeling yucko when I look in the mirror.

BUT, I am happy with the person I have become. I happy that my body is doing something that I never gave it credit for. And for that...I am SMILING!

Good luck you guys...you should try it. I think you'll digg it. And it is radical.

Dood, seriously...some stuff:

The dreams? They won't quit. Seriously? SERIOUSLY!!!

I could start an ENTIRE blog about the dreams I am having. Maybe I should...maybe I could make money off of them and people could theif them and make them into made for tv movies or something.

For instance, the other night, I SWEAR I was dreaming for hours. I had this dream that this birth mother Ami...yes in my dream her name was AMI with an "I" had chosen our little family. Upon meeting Ami and her incredibly well to do family, she informs me that she cannot stand my "1985" lingo...of "Dude" and she asked me to never say "Dudette" or anything from the eighties era ever again. She was really nice about it. I just felt really, really sad. Ami was six months pregnant, and we went with her to the ultrasound. She was having a boy...but for the life of me now I can't remember what we decided to name him. We went through the motions of meeting her family...etc...etc...I got the feeling that she really couldn't stand us...yet she loved us all at the same time. Then, I was awakened and who knows what happened after that.

So strange...and so funny. I am going to write them down for all of you to enjoy.

Also...WHY after I make the decision to quit photographing weddings, do I feel I just shot one of my best weddings EVER? Um, ya I hope that the bride and groom think so...cause there is some amazing stuff I've had to make myself STOP editing. LOL!

And quit already with the RUNNING compliments. I don't post for you to compliment. (Although I WILL admit that it keeps me going...because I HAVE to finish this race...because you are all counting on me to do it!) Seriously, I am a strong believer that almost anyone can do it. You just have to work up to it. It IS mental...and it sucks. I basically hate it...don't know WHY the heck I am doing it...right now it is just working for me....so I keep at it...maybe not forever...but for now it is a part of me.

Not Good.

Sigh.

Today was not a good day.

I messed up royally.

I almost hate myself.

I am so confused.

I wish I were smarter, keener, listened better.

I feel like throwing up.

I feel like I am not worthy.

I wonder if I am?

I wonder what I should do?

I wonder if I am strong enough.

I wonder what Father in Heaven wants from me?

I wonder if Satan is working overtime on me?

I wonder if these tears will stop.

I wonder if I can take anymore?

I wonder why He thought I could handle this?

I wonder if I can.

I feel like a failure.

I am so so so sorry.

Let's talk about a few things:

First: I want to thank Crystalyn for helping me shoot a wedding on Saturday. She has officially made me DETEST my Nikon D200 for it's noise factor...as I have been editing her version of the reception photos, I am officially hating my camera body. For that I must shed a tear. Thank you Crystalyn, and blast you and your Canon noiseless goodness.

Second: Thank you to everone for the compliments and encouragement. I would be the FIRST person to say, "I could NEVER run a marathon!" "I am SO not a RUNNER?!" "Never going to ever EVER happen!" Guess what? It is happening, thoughts keep going through my mind from my good friend Mrs. R. "You will be amazed at what your body can do!" I scoffed when she said that to me when I was making the decision to become a runner...and now, now I am telling you world...that you would be amazed at what your bodies can do too. Does it hurt? HECK YA...is it always fun? HECK NO! Sometimes, do I hate every bloody second of it?! YES...but sometimes, sometimes in those quite moments when I am pounding the blacktop, I am one with something I have never felt before. I have learned so much about myself, what I can do, and it is spreading into other aspects of my life...for this I grateful.

Third: I will make a post unto itself, for if I do not, you will not continue to read, and what I am about to tell you is very important...

Third:

I have debated for quite some time as to whether or not I should write about this. I have had the fear that if I do write this, that people may not understand, and worse yet, that it would make everyone, and even myself realize that I am not perfect, and sometimes I cannot do it alone.

I have felt this more than ever before today.

I am taking an anti-depressant.

There, I said it. I have been taking one for about four months now.

And you know what? I have never been happier.

I have never felt so FREE, so anti-anxious about EVERYTHING, so on top of the world.

How long had I been so down? How long had I let myself believe that I could take care of how I was feeling all on my own? That it was MY choice if I was happy, sad, depressed, anxious, tired, etc? YEARS more than likely. Definitely since a year after my marriage when I was diagnosed with Endometriosis. Seriously? SEVEN years of blech? A weight has been lifted off of me, that I hadn't realized was hanging onto my shoulders. I feel light. It is hard to explain, but it is real!

Wanna know how I realize how much better off I am with this tiny kiss of an anti-depressant than without? (This has happened ONCE before) But today, I was sitting on the couch for most of the morning, STRESSING about EVERY LITTLE thing I had to do. Stressing about the laundry, spending time with my kids, EDITING A WEDDING I FINISHED SHOOTING LAST NIGHT?! (Crazy right? Why should I be stressing about THAT?) etc...etc...I kind of went so far as to have zero desire to make dinner, and talked my husband into going to Arctic Circle. That is how you know I have reached a low point. Then it hit me. I have forgotten to take my medication for almost FIVE days. FIVE. Duh. I realized at that moment how much it is helping me to be a better wife, mother, sister, friend, and PERSON.

So I tell you this because, more than likely I will stay on these little lovelies for as long as they are helping me be a better wife and mother. I feel like my family is now the center of my life, instead of everyone else and their happiness or what they have thought about me. In a way, I am thankful for the horrendous post-partum depression that had me in it's vice, for without it I would not have had the courage to ask for help.

My husband was THE KING of, "You don't need pills to make you happy...to help you get through hard times." Now he is THE KING of, "Can you stay on those FOREVER...PLEASE?!" He is a believer, and so am I. I can't wait to find me again, after these blasted pills take effect once again. Can't wait.

8 Mile

Photograph Courtesy of Heather. Thanks Heather!

Eight mile. Isn't that the name of a movie starring Eminen? Ya, ya it was.

What else is it? How about the number I ran today. 8. Eight. Oito...as in I ran eight friggin' miles today.

I know, I know, I can hardly believe it myself. My legs and knees are feeling it. My tired self is feeling it.

Long about mile six I was wondering what the "H" I was doing to myself by running? Who does this to themselves? Well, apparently I am, and I do.

When I hit mile three this morning, this song came on my iPod. The words just struck a cord in me. I began bawling on my run this morning. Yep, as I ran through the ghetto...I was crying. Here is the song:

I love Alanis Morissette.

I have heard this song almost everyday for the last month, today I just listened to the words, and I felt like this is how my life is. I'm just plugging along, hoping and wishing that the next step I take gets me where I want to go. Don't we all kind of "fake it til we make it"?

I know I do...and just like with so many things in my life, I am going to keep on doing it...until I am really doing it, until I am all that I want and hope to become.

Maybe even a runner.

Hopefully all the other things that brought me to my weeping knees today. Ya those things especially.

Audrey Woulard Workshop Spot for Sale-September

I'm posting this for my good friend Crystalyn...if anyone is interested, drop her a line!

One spot for sale to attend Audrey Woulard's (completely sold out) workshop September 20-21. I am no longer able to attend (soooo sad, this is one of the last ones she has scheduled at her loft).If you want to drool over her amazing talent check here.

Feel free to email Crystalyn at: crystalynsblog [at] gmail [dot] com or comment on her blog if you are interested or have any questions about the workshop.

Sometimes I wonder...

...how anyone can recover from loss. I have been out of the blog loop for a few weeks since my newly acquired schedule. So I have been a really good girl and haven't been spending all of my waking hours on the Internet. I hadn't regretted that decision until today, when I read this:

Marc and Megan

Even though I have been through a similar thing, I don't understand it. I don't comprehend any of it. I wish I could understand, I wish I had all of the answers, but I don't and that frustrates me. I feel sick, I feel confused, I wish I knew WHY?! WHY!?

I just ask that you pray for them. Pray for them to have strength and courage, and peace and HOPE! I love you Marc and Megan. My hearts are with you. I'll make sure to ask that Elli and Emma can play with Peanut!

Loves and prayers.

I'm back.

There is so much to write. I am SO busy. I have a headache...I have lots to do. I miss my blog. I miss you guys. I'll see you tomorrow!

Guess who I met today?

AND...





We even got to make our own special DVD with Mr. Grover! Ahhh, can't wait to watch it! He even called me Kimmie. I heart Grover. WOW. It was kind of emotional. Abby Cadabby's 'friend' and I had a nice long teary conversation about how much the Muppets have done for our society, how much joy they bring to people, of all ages. To see something like this up close was amazing...and something I will always cherish.

In San Francisco

This city is AMAZING. I wish I had access to uploading photos from my camera. Alas, I didn't come as a true "BlogHer" prepared with all that jazz. I am excited to meet new people tomorrow and learn some good things.

It has been SUPER fun to see Casey again. I missed her personality, and I am amazed at her whit and charm, and how many people love her. She is truly in her element. It makes my heart smile.

Coming to San Francisco is a dream come true. Places I have only dreamed about going to in my life are coming to fruition. It is truly breathtaking to travel somewhere you have only seen on postcards or on television and movies. To be here, to feel the breeze, smell the smells, taste the food. Today I saw The Golden Gate Bridge. I rode the Subway. I got stuck on public transit with Moosh in Indy. It was a fun day, and I am happy.

Pregnancy Loss. Miscarriage.

I have about a million things I want to blog about. For some reason today this is taking priority.

I got a call today from a really old and a very dear, dear friend to me. See, she and her husband found out about three months ago that they were expecting twins! TWINS! How wonderful right? Well, yesterday, the found out that one of the babies did not make it. This is a deep and a profound loss as these babies were miracle babies conceived through IVF.

Hearing this news pained me deeply. I talked to her of my deep sorrow for the pain she is feeling, and for the undoubtable lack of significance that will be shed on her at this time. Because she is still pregnant with one beautiful tiny life, she fears people will forget that they began as two lives...and that is hard for her to handle. I told her how sorry I was, and it pained me to hear her say, "Oh it is okay." To which I replied, "NO IT ISN'T!"

So for me, I'm here to talk about what to do if you know someone struggling with pregnancy loss, no matter what stage of pregnancy, and how to help them, what to say, what not to say...none of this is gospel. It is just my take on stuff that I have gone through and the way I feel now. I will be completely honest and say that I never took "miscarriage" so heavily in the past until I lost a baby of my own. I was probably like most of you...or some of you, when you hear someone had a miscarriage. "Oh that sucks." "You can try again!" "You still have two beautiful children." And the list of well meaning thoughts goes on and on. Here are some things that have been on my mind constantly for the last little bit and especially today as I thought of my sweet friend.

When you talk to someone who lost a baby...tell them how much it stinks! How unfair it is! And if they try to tell you it is okay...tell them it IS NOT okay...and let them feel anger. Be there to listen to them if they want to talk, and respect the desire to be left alone if that is what they want. With that being said, you can do the following whether they are wanting to be surrounded or left alone. Just do it!

Do send a card in the mail.

Do send flowers.

Do make dinner.

Do offer to watch children so the couple can go on a date.

Do give giftcards to Blockbuster and a tub of popcorn.

Do bring Baskin Robbins.

If the person wants company, do their dishes...do their laundry...do vacuum....do something.

Husbands:

You have had a loss too, do talk about how you are feeling with your partner.

Do hold your partner when she throws things at the wall.

Let her throw her fits and tantrums.

Do hug...a lot.

Do support your spouse if she needs a little medication to help her through the loss.

There are a lot of things not to do. I'm not sure how to handle them because everyone is different. My biggest suggestion is trying not to lessen the loss. Allow someone to grieve. I am a very spiritual person. I believe every living thing has a spirit. I believe that these tiny lives have a spirit the second they are conceived. It is a loss. It is real. The feelings are tragic. Most of all be a true friend.

I know I am so thankful for mine during our struggle. I can honestly say I am healed and happy because of the love of so many. Hope this can help you help someone else.

Drumroll please.....And the winner is:

Comment Number 20!



ls said...
I came across your blog from a comment you left on Lilli's blog. Lilli is my sister-in-law's best friend and a friend of mine, as well. I started reading about the time that you had your miscarriage and I was touched by your story and have come back now and then to keep posted. I appreciate your honesty and I am so impressed with your humility.I'd love to be in the contest-- we haven't had a real family picture taken since before my baby was born (and he just turned one two days ago).
Friday, July 11, 2008 9:03:00 AM



Thank goodness for random number pickers, otherwise I would be giving away 51 Sessions.

"Is" drop me a line at: kimsueellen[at]gmail[dot]com.

This was totally awesome you guys. Thanks again for your participation!

Dear Mr. Scale:

I ran 21 miles this week. And you treat me like this? I no longer trust you. You sick, sick man.

One more day!

To enter!

See post below. It has been SO fun getting to "meet" some of you! I'll have LOTS of fun posts in the coming week. Thanks for the great ideas, the compliments, and the inspiration. I'm back in the game!

Kiss, kiss!

Blog Worthy.

I'm feeling a little bloggily challenged.

Why do you guys come here?

What do you want to see more of?

What can I give you?

You guys want a give away?

Should I give away a Free Session--no Session Fee and an 8x10?

Okay.

First things first. Leave me a comment, answer some or all of my questions and I will pick a winner at random. (Please tell me you are entering the contest though. I will only draw from those wanting to enter.)

You do not have to live in Utah. *However* you have to be in Salt Lake to have the session. If you are an out of stater and would like to participate and think you'll be in the great state of Utah within the next six months. Play along.

If you don't want to enter the contest, that is fine...but I want to know who you are! So, for two days only I will allow anonymous people to comment. My purpose in this is to see who is out there that is actually reading this. (Please be nice.) In other words: DeLurk...but for heaven's sake leave your name. Tell me where you are from, how you came upon this blog. I'd love to hear from you!

Also, ask questions, give me something to blog about. Can you tell I am feeling un-blog-worthy?

I'm so EXCITED...I just have to share!

My sister-in-law...who is really my SISTER just started a blog! I am so stoked people!

She is the sweetest, kindest person I have ever met. She is the best mother, the best cook, and a mean scrapbooker. I love her. She is so inspiring.

Go welcome her into Blogland! And try her recipes...you'll never regret it!

Welcome Anna!

Happy Birthday America!

I'm always a little late. What can I say?

Our little fam went to Vernal on Thursday to go "horseback riding".

We got into Vernal at about 11 p.m. on Thursday. We all spent the night at some very interesting motel. It was very clean...but very...interesting. We woke up bright and early to catch the local parade. I sat by this lady who was a local, and it was so great to see how much small town pride she had. She knew like EVERY person in the parade, it was great.


The icky motel. It was clean...it was just...a motel. Yick.

Loved this little perfect capture.

She is TDF.

He hurt his elbow and was EXTREMELY upset. We found bandaids and all was well.

Love this photo. Definitely sums her up.

Perfection. Jothy is one cool dude.

Hubbs. He "loves" having his photo taken. NOT!

My mother-in-law who does love to have her photo taken.

All better.

We rawk in our shades.

A family photo? It has been a LONG time since we had one of those!

The fly over during the parade. Really one of the COOLEST things I have ever seen. Wow.

This just wreaks of parade. The flag, the little boy...the blue and red shades.

Then we drove around for four hours trying to find hubby's parent's "friends" place. Bah...we never did...so we went home with no horses ridden.

It was fun nevertheless, to spend an entire day together. To be a family and not feel any stress for one day. Beautiful times.

Dear Scale:

I hate you. Therefore I will not accept what you have told me today.

See you next week.

These make me happy...

Remember that yard sale we had?

Well, I finally found the camera that we had to borrow to take photos of the event...because THREE photographers didn't bring their awesome digital SLR's. C'mon...we had good reason, right?! Right?!

The three girls stayed up until 1 a.m. getting stuff for the yard sale complete. I don't think any of us really slept. We met at 5 a.m. to put the stuff out. By 7 a.m. we had everything put out and our first customers started coming. It was rock out until 1:00 p.m. It was a beautiful day...it was hott, but fun. We were able to meet so many people connected to adoption. I think we all walked away with about $400 each. It was well worth it for the exposure and the opportunity to teach others about adoption.

Ron and Jessica came and got in on the action by selling drinks and treats. Buy one get one free!

We are dorks...but you already knew that!

At least we are cute dorks!

Ron and Jessica in matching T's. Love it.

We labeled EVERYTHING wth our adoption blogs.

Mr. R. in his adoption best.
Mounds and mounds of good stuff.
Mrs. R.
The Ladies. Leisha, Me, and Mrs. R.
Family Room anyone?

Our adoption pass along cards, and profiles.
Toys and more toys.
"The Man Table" Way to go Mrs. R. for creative selling. You should be in marketing.
All stuff Baby.
And and ENTIRE scrapbook table!

It was such a fun event. It was great to spend the day with our friends from adoption. Guess what? We had so much stuff we are going to do another one. Stay tuned.

Thank you to everyone who reads this blog who attended. It was a success because of you too!

LeGo LaNd

When I was in Chicago, I picked up some Legos for Jothan and Emmaree. I had forgotten how much I loved them when I was a little girl. My brother and I would play for hours and hours. We had the Lego Castle and the Lego Firestation. It was so fun to be able to play and imagine, but most importantly, to be able to do that with my brother.



So, it has brought me back so many years watching Jothan and Emmaree play Legos together. This afternoon we were playing Legos. Joth had built this "superhero" but he wasn't quite staying together. So, he and I worked hard to build a better superhero. Well, then of course, we have to build a monster for the superhero to save us all from. Here is the conversation that followed.



Me: "Here Joth, I finished the monster."

Joth: "Oh wow Mom! He's SUPER!"



Just like that...a little Lego magic and I get the word "super" out of him.



Even Emm got in on the action...making of course...a baby.



Emm: "It's a baaaaybeeee!"

Can't Sleep.

It is an insane hour of the morning. I took a REALLY long nap "yesterday" afternoon, I think this is my problem. I wanted to ask you guys:

Do you ever have really vivid and intense dreams?

I wouldn't consider myself a dreamer. I dream on occasion, (well enough to remember I suppose). It is very rare and few and far between. This last week though...EVERY night I have had INTENSE dreams. I wake up feeling EXHAUSTED, like I need to sleep the moment I awake.

The dreams have been about a lot of different things. Some were about LJ...some were about his mom. Others were about work...last night I dreamt we had a baby...and I kept losing the baby. (As in...where did I put the baby? Why isn't the baby in the crib...even when the baby was in my arms...the next moment the baby was gone.)

I know this probably seems really easy to decipher. I am probably just dreaming out the stress of the last little while. Honestly? I haven't been more at peace and happier in a really LONG time with my life. I just don't get the dreaming. A week people. Every night. Has this ever happend to you?

I heart Moosh in Indy

I got a phone call from Moosh in Indy last week. She called to ask me if I would go to BlogHer with her. She won this AMAZING contest where she made quite a nice sum of money.

So, she called to invite ME to hang out with her for four days. ME. I am REALLY excited. I have never been to San Fran. I know I already heart San Fran.

19 days.




Thanks again Casey.

To blog...or not to blog?

Ever feel like your life is full of so much STUFF that you don't know what to write about for fear you will confuse the living daylights out of anyone that comes here? This is going to be one of those random posts...because, afterall this is my journal, and I have been slacking it up lately.

So, I mentioned before we are making some changes over here. I made this HUGE old schedule for our little family. I outlined each and every day and the things that should get done that day. Training for this run has almost killed me, but it has made me NEED to schedule my life, and for that I am thankful. I feel like I am more organized (albeit tired), but we are eating better, getting more sleep, and spending copious amounts of time together that we never have before. That puts a smile on my face.

One of the bigger changes I am making with my life is my business. I haven't wanted to make this official, as I am still trying to get my website up and working....but I won't be photographing weddings anymore. (Holly, don't worry, I still want very much to be a second shooter, quite often as time permits...) Just for myself, in my own business, I don't want to do them anymore. Why? Well, because they just STRESS me out too much, I am not happy doing them. (Don't worry if you have already booked me...I love doing them...but the stress of them ruins me.) Basically, it is hard to explain...but that is why I am selling all of my "wedding" equipment. I just want to invest the money in a different camera body (in the future) and another portrait lens. My specialty will be babies and kids. I still would like to do families, but definitely in a more laid back fashion than I have been doing. I want to photograph the simplicity of life...the moments and smiles that people remember about their family, not the posed perfection...which never really is.

So...I made myself this awesome work schedule. M-F, each night of the week after the kids go to bed, I have something different to do. Mondays are my "blogging" days...Tuesdays and Thursdays are my editing days, Wednesday is my scrapbook day (ooo I am looking SO forward to this one.) Fridays are my work on my website and session days...and Saturday is another session day. It feels SO super good to have this down...and not deviate from it. I have been all over the place for so long, I was feeling overwhelmed. It is nice to say, "This is the night I do this...the work will be done by this day...and our sessions are held on this day." Having a balance has really made me happy. This is one of the best things I took away from the workshop in Chicago. I love that it is stretching into all aspects of our lives.

I'm feeling so happy guys. Even with all the crap that was thrown at us, I will never let anyone else get me down, control me, control my happiness, the way I feel about me, or my life EVER again.

Hope you guys can do the same.

Lenses Anyone?

***Edited to say: "Silly kids...I am NOT...repeat NOT switching to Canon." Amen.

So, I'm making some changes to my photography business. One of them being...well, I'm not saying yet...but I am liquidating some of my merchandise.

Up for Grabs:

Wide Angle AF Nikkor 24mm f/2.8D Autofocus Lens. Used 15 times Max for Weddings.

Retails on B&H for: $309.95

Will sell for: $250.00

There are maybe 3 years on this warranty.

Just thought I would put this out there if any of you are interested, before I KSL or Craigslist it. E-mail me if you want dibbs. kimsueellen [at] gmail [dot] com.

So it begins...

167.8

Changing our Style!

(Too bad these photos suck! They were shot on ISO 100,000,000! I wondered why I was getting such great shutter speeds.)

So, while I was in Chicago, I read this FANTASTIC article in LDS Living Magazine. (Another Guilty Pleasure of mine) Anyway, in the mag it talked about ways to change your life, to change how you feel about your body, about YOU! One of the topics of this article was asking a lot of questions like, "Do you make a list of healthy foods and meals before you go to the grocery store? Do you buy and then prepare the meals for your family?" I thought this was BRILLIANT! I talk until I am BLUE in the face about how I wish I was thinner...how I wish we ate better. Well, I realized it wasn't going to happen unless I MADE IT HAPPEN! I was bound and determined when I got home I would do this with my family.

So, since I was so FREAKING sick last week, I'll admit we ate out a lot and my kids survived on snacks a lot...it was all I could do for a few days to lift my head off the pillow! Last Saturday I went to the grocery store and stocked up on all stuff GOOD. And I have been making meals! Then, low and behold I read this on Tara Whitney's blog! Now, my photos DO NOTHING in comparison with hers...but I have had these "school" trays around forever...wondering what the "H" I was going to use them for. Tara...you are a GENIUS!

Yes...that IS Emmaree eating a carrot! And she ate BROCCOLI. Now, if I can just convince Joth to do the same, we'd be good. Anyway...we totally snacked while we made dinner, and I felt no guilt at only having carbs and protein on our plates. We're rockin' it over here at our house!

By the way...I began training today again for that half marathon that is coming up. Hubby expressed an interest...and now I have him on board! We ran 2 miles...and almost died...but we did it!

Today was a great day.

Post 200

What better way to have a 200th post then by re-posting my 100 things about me. Some of you may remember it...but I have a ton of new readers...so enjoy. Good workshop photos and schtuff to come soon!

1. I have two wonderful children and a loving husband.
2. I have a strong testimony of the gospel.
3. I love lounging around the house with nothing to do but spend time with my children.
4. I can’t believe that I am 26, I still feel like I am 16, only a whole lot wiser.
5. I never want to grow up.
6. I can’t believe I was half-way through college with my major as English.
7. I wish I had the stamina I did two years ago when I lost 25 pounds, I would like to find that Kim again.
8. I get migraines a lot and the only thing that helps are Excedrin Migraine, a Dr. Pepper, and a Chicken, Bacon, and Swiss sandwich from Arby’s.
9. I don’t even like soda pop unless it is with said migraine.
10. I don’t believe in judging others.
11. I can speak Portuguese, but I only speak it with my children because I am too shy.
12. My husband is ½ Italian, and ½ Brazilian and I think that is totally hott.
13. I hate talking on the phone.
14. I am painfully shy, until I get to know someone, this makes me appear stuck up.
15. I know all too well what it feels like to have your heart broken.
16. I hate driving in the snow, rain, or heavy winds; it sends me into an anxiety attack.
17. I am afraid of failing.
18. I wish I could have studied art like my mom did. She wanted me to be something more. I regret that now.
19. My husband buys me roses every year on our anniversary. Although, I really like sunflowers and daisies.
20. I am afraid of pumping gasoline, although I am the one that does it most of the time.
21. I am the second oldest of nine siblings, and I only share the same parents with one of them.
22. My maternity wardrobe is better than my wardrobe now.
23. I love newborns.
24. My kids make me laugh everyday! 25. My husband gave me an iPod it makes me feel so happy to listen to it because it reminds me of him.
26. I have been to Brazil twice.
27. My body was ravaged by childbirth.
28. JC Penney is my dirty little secret for buying clothes; they have the best sales EVER.
29. I am so happy we have a Forever 21...FINALLY.
30. I hate all logos on clothing.
31. I want the perfect childhood for my kids.
32. Target is one of my favorite stores on the planet.
33. I went back to school to study what I have always wanted: Photography. 34. I admire my grandfather for so many reasons; it is because of him I want to take photographs.
35. When I was in high school I wanted to be a pediatrician.
36. I like to window shop.
37. I have a weirdly scary photographic memory; it freaks me, and everyone around me out!
38. I like to cook, but hate to clean up after myself.
40. I would like to lose 30 more pounds.
41. I wish we were more financially stable.
42. I don’t watch much television. Except, House, ER, CSI, Law and Order…okay so I do watch a little.
43. I don’t like a lot of noise.
44. I like picture frames.
45. I know that Heavenly Father answers prayers.
46. I am so thankful for what I have.
47. It is hard to share my innermost thoughts with anyone.
48. My favorite place to visit is the ocean.
49. I am totally and utterly in love with my home. I really think I may stay here forever.
50. I always buy my kids a cookie from Mrs. Fields when we go to the mall together. 51. I often feel like a failure at things others say I am good at.
52. I have suffered hearing loss.
53. I don’t have a favorite restaurant. But I like many, Sizzler, The Melting Pot, The Mandarin, and Johnny Carinos (only for the bread).
54. I love when my husband kisses me on the forehead.
55. Losing a baby was one of the most difficult things I have ever endured.
56. I hate ice-cream and I don’t really like chocolate anymore. I thank pregnancy for this.
57. I am so grateful that Heavenly Father blessed me with my children. 58. I'm basically obsessed with blogging. I wish everyone had a blog.
59. I don’t have a favorite food.
60. I suffer from insomnia on a daily basis.
61. I hate clutter.
62. I spend more on an outfit for my kids than I would ever on myself.
63. I hate going to the gym until I walk through the door.
64. I love meeting new people.
65. I love to serve.
66. I hate doing my hair, but love putting on makeup.
67. Sometimes I wish I weren’t so lazy.
68. I only eat healthy cereal.
69. My family is my life.
70. I am thankful I can walk, see, hear, taste, smell, talk, and think.
71. I am afraid of losing someone I love.
72. I wish that I could keep my house totally clean all the time.
73. I hate knickknacks.
74. I wish I were more patient.
75. I love being back in school and learning.
76. I worry about what others think about me. I want to be accepted.
77. I used to be addicted to Oreo cookies, now I abhor them.
78. I love trying new things.
79. I like to vacuum the floor.
80. I wish I had the strength to run a marathon. (Funny...maybe I will someday.)
81. I am terrible at math.
82. Growing up, my closest and dearest friends were guys.
83. I hate sharing food with anyone. This is how my husband knows I love him.
84. I love to see growth in myself.
85. I have been to Connecticut and I loved it!
86. I love the smell of lavender baby wash; I used it long before I had children.
87. I hate a lot of things that I do well at.
88. My last job before becoming a mother was a seamstress.
89. I like to sleep in.
90. Sometimes I eat cereal for dinner because I crave it.
91. I drink skim milk.
92. I want my children to love me as much as I love them.
93. I feel contentment with my life.
94. I look at life differently through my camera.
95. I keep a journal on my computer, like Doogie Howser 96. My guilty pleasure is scouring photography websites on my dial-up connection. Pathetic.
97. I buy toys for my kids because I want to play with them.
98. I really like cars, and think I would like to buy a Lexus someday, but my husband wants a Suburban.
99. I want to travel more.
100. I want to have my family forever.

Wow. I totally had to change some of these. I can't believe how much has changed about me in two years. I think I have grown a lot. Have a great Monday people!

Dear Nose:

I have never been so thankful to be able to breathe out of you.

I'm happy you decided to clear up, even for a few hours.

I think throat is thankful too, she isn't as dry and scratchy and sore from getting all the dry air.

Now, if you happen to see voice, will you tell her that I miss her?

Love,

Kim

Yard Sale it Up!

I stole this from LEISHA!

(Cause I am sick and too lazy to re-write my own.)

People, people, people! Check this out.

I have been busily getting ready for the biggest yard sale I think I may ever experience. My friends, Kim & Lindsey and I have been frantically sorting, labeling, organizing and dejunking every night this week. It is going to be huge. You won't want to miss it and the best part about the entire thing is that all of the money that we make from the yard sale will be going towards our adoptions.

WHEN:

Saturday, June 21st

8am-1pm

WHERE:

4152 South King Arthur Drive

West Valley, UT (about 4152 south 2885 west)

look for the "Adoption Yard Sale" signs along the way, you can't miss them

WHY:

-to raise money for our adoptions

-to spread the word about adoption

THERE ARE SO MANY FABULOUS THINGS WITH THE BEST PRICES:

furniture.
(toddlers beds with matching night stands, matresses (twin & queen), kitchen table & chairs, indoor/outdoor chairs & cushions, cradle with cute bedding, china hutch, etc.)

clothes.
(.25 cents to $2.00 OR kids clothes - fill a bag for $5, adult clothes, fill a bag for $2; tons of kids shoes too)

baby stuff. (car seats, strollers, baby carriers, swings, bouncy seats, tons of clothes, etc.)

CD's, DVD's, & VHS tapes (including Living Scripture sets)

scrapbooking supplies.

dishes and kitchen items. (crockpots, bread maker, pressure cooker, etc.)

art & frames.

books. (most .25 to .50 cents!)

toys.
(tons of different toys, cheap. Grab bags for $1.00. Little Tykes table and chairs, Hokey Pokey Elmo, etc.)

electronics.
(TV, VCR, keyboards, mouse, radio, cordless phone, etc.)

bedding sets.
(for toddlers & adults, quilts, bed skirts, throw pillows, sheets, etc.)

We've had so many people donate items to the cause. Thank you for that to each and every one of you! Come and support us and help make our adoptions happen! And who knows what little treasure you might find while you are there! Happy Yard Sale-ing it everyone.

Visit All of Our Adoption Blogs
www.joinourfamily.blogspot.com

www.flavioandkim.blogspot.com

www.joshuaandlindsey.blogspot.com

I'm a sicky.

Dude.

Mrs. R, Leisha, and I have been yard sale-ing it up the past week. We've gotten together three times to sort...trash...keep...and label all things yard sale goodage.

I have been SICK.

Like, maybe this freaking cold going around sick? Like maybe I have an ear infection sick. Like I have a sinus infection sick. Like, I haven't SLEPT (literally) in the last 48 hours because I have this stinking cough.

Thanks Linds and Leish for making me go to the FREAKING InstaCare tonight.

I'm on drugs. Life it good.

I was pretty sure I was going to die tonight. I think I will survive to see this yard sale through.