7 months

Happy Independence Day!

We started the celebration by going to a San Antonio Missions Baseball game with John, Maddie, and Eli on July 3rd.  The weather was pleasant;; We had great seats; It was $2 Tuesday; The home team won!  Couldn't have asked for a better kick-off to celebrating USA!

The 4th was filled with yummy BBQ food, family Farkle game time, and just lounging around chatting.  It was so laid-back and enjoyable.  Thank you John and Family for joining us.

 

Maddie and I made our own version of this Patriotic Poke Cake and she had the brilliant idea to put a star on it with blueberries outlining it.  We were so proud of ourselves when it was all said and done because it was looking a little scary there for a while :)  So we documented our success by taking lots of pictures :)

We have enjoyed living near the military folk for the last few years due to Mark's jobs on Army posts.  It has truly given us a deeper appreciation for the sacrifice they and their families make.  We appreciate our great country and the freedoms we enjoy daily.  I love how the spirit of patriotism is almost tangible on days like this.  What a great holiday and reason to celebrate!

 GOD BLESS AMERICA.     

Father's Day

 On Father's Day, we were able to get together with my uncle John and his kids since they live in San Antonio too!  (Crazy how that worked out!)  I wanted to make the day special because it's Mark's 1st Official Father's Day.  We went to church and then had a big brunch complete with pancakes, whip cream, and fruit.  We also had eggs, sausage, Chocolate milk, and OJ (thanks John!).  We had great conversation with our visitors as it seemed like there was a lot to catch up on from life in general and to find out about the area as well.  They met and held the baby and we just hung out for a laid-back and nice afternoon.   

Mark opened his gifts that evening.  We spoiled him with a desk fan for work, a couple of ties, a lock for a "gym locker," and many new pictures for his office.  I'm now realizing that they are all work-related things but that's what was on his want list.  :)   For dinner, we had some yummy Greek Gyros.  Mark has been in to Greek food lately.  I'm still learning how to make it.

Mark is a fantastic father.  It has been a joy to watch him interact with Jax.  Mark is very good at getting Jax to laugh super hard.  I don't know if it's the tickling or the rough-play but I think it's adorable and we have several videos of it. :)  Mark is kind, helpful, caring, and a hard worker.  I love his ambitious spirit and how much he loves spending time with the family.  

YOU ARE A ROCK STAR, DADDY!!!!  HAPPY 1st!

Made It!

Hi Folks!!!! We are officially TEXANS!  I am now wearing cowgirl boots with a hat daily.  :)  Actually, it's pretty HOT so I stick with flip flops and a pony tail.  Mark is enjoying his job and trying to get through the "first week at a new job"  learning curve.  He anticipates learning a lot from his coworkers and new tasks.  We are all happy! 

Ta ta for now.

6 Months

Firsts

 While on our house hunting trip, Jax had a few "firsts."

 First swimming pool experience--  I think he liked it!  He splashed with his hands and seemed to enjoy jumping up and down in the water.

First time sitting up by himself for an extended period of time.

Started saying "bah, bah, bah, bah" over and over. I was laughing at myself later that day because my heart was just swelling with pride for my son making a simple noise. :)

The big move happens next week....stay tuned.

Mother's Day

Mark totally scored on making my 1st Mother's Day wonderful!  He gave me a new paper cutter, nice ironing bored---I mean board (ha ha), and a mattress cover (I ruined our other one by putting it in the dryer...oops).  We also had a delicious breakfast of crepes with exotic fruits and fresh cream from our goat, Bill.  Mark is getting to be quite proficient in his grilling skills and cooked up some yummy chicken shish-kabobs for dinner. 

I was again reminded of the miracle of adoption on this special day.  I'm so thankful to our birth mom and birth grandma for their selfless sacrifice.  Being a mother to my son has truly given me more joy than I ever imagined.  Every time I look at my son I just have to smile!

I also thought of the wonderful women in my life who are excellent examples to me of righteous mothers and exemplary women.  THANK YOU!