Complete

One year ago today, our journey to Analise was complete. Today is the day she came home to the Sooner state!


Our first family photo.

One Year Ago Today...

...our lives were changed forever. I arrived in Guatemala to finish our journey in bringing Analise home. The past year has gone by SO fast. She is full of life and allows us to fulfill our dream of being parents.

I have never posted these pictures before. They hold the first few moments that our eyes met and our hearts bonded forever.

Christmas Cards

OK. In our recent moves, I have misplaced my address book. So, could you all please email me your addresses please!!!

Email me at rednite713 at yahoo dot com

From The Archives

I was perusing through photos from the last year. I found this series of photos from last Christmas. I don't even remember taking them but I love them so much!!
Only 47 days until Christmas!!!
Have you started shopping yet, all done or waiting until Christmas Eve???

Trick or Treatin' w/ Daisy Duck

Analise was the cutest little "quack" in town! She had so much fun walking up to everyone's homes. She actually tried to go into a couple! Too funny.

After the very first house she pulled a sucker out of the tote. She had no idea that it was a sucker. She just liked the stick on it!

She pooped out after about 5 houses and demanded to be carried in between stops. This is her say "cheese" face.

Checkin' out her loot.

Gettin' ready for her first "tanny"(candy).

She REALLY enjoyed her first Trick or Treatin'

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Adam/DaDa

To the man I love and the Da Da who rescues our little Frecklefoot.

HAPPY 35th BIRTHDAY!!!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

MY FIRST PINK LEMONADE SUCKER!!!
Trick or Treating Pics This Weekend

Little Miss Con-junk-tiv-eye!!!

Yep, today we received the blessed news that our child has pink eye! UGH!! I feel so bad for her swollen, goopy eye. It looks painful. On top of that, she has another ear infection. The doc thinks it is due to fluid build-up which is due to the allergies. If you live in Oklahoma and don't have allergies of some sort you must be superhuman.

We did find out that she has grown 1 1/2 inches in the 6 weeks!! CRAZY! She is now 26.5 lbs. and 33 1/2 inches. Just perfect if you ask me! Oh, you didn't ask? Well, can I help that I love my child!!

Just for kicks, here is an up close look at Bull tongue!! You know you like it!! HA!!

Just call me "Kat"

I never do these things but I found this one interesting. Never have I found one that described my personality so accurately. If you want to know me, really, read the list!! CRAZY!!!

Your result for Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz...

You Are a Katharine!

You are a Katharine -- "I am happy and open to new things"

Katharines are energetic, lively, and optimistic. They want to contribute to the world.

How to Get Along with Me

• * Give me companionship, affection, and freedom.


• * Engage with me in stimulating conversation and laughter.


• * Appreciate my grand visions and listen to my stories.


• * Don't try to change my style. Accept me the way I am.


• * Be responsible for youself. I dislike clingy or needy people.


• * Don't tell me what to do.

What I Like About Being a Katharine

• * being optimistic and not letting life's troubles get me down


• * being spontaneous and free-spirited


• * being outspoken and outrageous. It's part of the fun.


• * being generous and trying to make the world a better place


• * having the guts to take risks and to try exciting adventures


• * having such varied interests and abilities

What's Hard About Being a Katharine

• * not having enough time to do all the things I want


• * not completing things I start


• * not being able to profit from the benefits that come from specializing; not making a commitment to a career


• * having a tendency to be ungrounded; getting lost in plans or fantasies


• * feeling confined when I'm in a one-to-one relationship

Katharines as Children Often

• * are action oriented and adventuresome


• * drum up excitement


• * prefer being with other children to being alone


• * finesse their way around adults


• * dream of the freedom they'll have when they grow up

Katharines as Parents

• * are often enthusiastic and generous


• * want their children to be exposed to many adventures in life


• * may be too busy with their own activities to be attentive

Take Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz at HelloQuizzy

Happy 20 mths. to our Sweet Analise

Analise and My Parents - X-tra Snippet

Here are some shots I took of Analise and my parents. It was so much fun capturing these moments!!





X-Tra Snippet
A Current Picture of Me (On Vacation)
I have literally been workin' my tail off. Long story short - I have lost about 20lbs. and 5% body fat in the last 2 months...I hope to soon share the story with you about my journey.

I miss my community of blog pals. I still read all of your blogs but find it difficult to comment, post, build a house, work the horses, clear the land, etc. etc......

Cameo-I did get your email about the girls families and would love to talk to you. Can you email me your phone number. I'm so sorry I haven't responded sooner!!!

MUCH LOVE,
Shannon

All Grown Up

The toddler train is coming way to fast. My baby isn't a baby anymore....

Relaxing in the Mountains

Well, we are here. I will end Cameo's pain and anguish. I will reveal where we are on vacation. We are in Colorado, nestled in a nice warm condo, deep in the Rocky Mountains. It is so beautiful and relaxing. Today we just chilled out and took a short drive to the Rocky Mountain National Park. We spotted several elk.

There isn't anything like standing in the shadow of a mountain and seeing a herd of elk walk out from the trees. The big bulls always bugle for attention from the females. I love it!

Here are a few pictures of the past couple of days. Tomorrow we head into the park again for some backpacking!

On our way to Colorado we stopped by to see our herd of Texas Longhorns. The next couple of pics are of Analise and I out in the pasture.


Analise and Daddy by the Fraser River.

Analise placed just so in the tall grass. Isn't she so beautiful?

This is one of the big bull Elk we spotted at the park. Don't you just love telephoto lenses?

This is what happens when your husband takes the camera! A picture of Elk poop! I thought it was hilarious!!


More of our mountainous adventures tomorrow!!

We've Got A Trail To Blaze

So, we have been really busy and not busy blogging! We leave this Saturday for vacation and super pumped! No promises on pictures but who knows what will happen.

Finally, they have started dozing the trees down on our land. It is amazing to see the change. Here's a little snippet for your perusing.

Analise spent some time at Kya and Jagger Jet's house. We were all celebrating Jagger's first birthday!

Analise also enjoyed her first carousel ride at Casa Bonita. It was one of her Daddy's favorite restaurants when he was little.

Analise and the Water Spicket

We were at a horse show from Wednesday of last week until Sunday. Can I just say, I am tired but recuperating. Not to mention Analise had a double ear infection and we had a family birthday party! WHEW! Here's a short video of Analise discovering a water spicket in the horse barn! Too funny! I just love her expressions!

I remember this day well

One year ago today I wept and wept. I remember it like it was yesterday. It was one of those times where you can still feel it deep down inside. The feeling you don't ever want to feel again.

I received a call from our agency saying we had been kicked out of PGN, again. We were heading towards our third stint in PGN. I know it doesn't compare to some but it was our life and our case. Things were starting to go downhill fast in Guatemala regarding adoption at that time. All I could do was cry and pray, and cry and pray. I allowed myself that day to mourn the 3 months I had already missed with Analise and the the upcoming 2 months of PGN.

I knew all would be well. See, God had made me a promise. Eight years he spoke to me in that still, small voice and said, "She's coming." That's all He said and that's all I had to hold onto. It was God's promise to me so I knew it wouldn't be broken.

Eight years ago, I was working and going to school full time. Eight years ago, Analise's birth mom was 12 years old. Even then, God knew. God knew what was in store for us and her birth mother. I think of and pray for her birth mother often.

Today, Analise turns 18mths. Our baby girl is 1 1/2 and growing too fast!! Her new words this week are juice and cracker. My heart swells with pride every time she discovers something new and looks at me with those big, brown eyes. I'm sure many of you know the feeling.

I remember this day well...because today I shared a hug and kiss with my beautiful little promise, Analise.

Favorite Foto Friday- Yes, she really is...

Yes, she really is this beautiful...


And, yes, she really does have this much personality

First Day of Pre-School

This week Analise started her first day of pre-k. She will be going on Tues./Thurs. for about 5 hours each day. She seemed to be really excited but that didn't last very long...

Down with T-Town

Leaving for School


Getting excited


Here we go!!!


Wait! I'm not sure about this anymore!!


She was upset the first couple of hours. After she had her lunch she felt alot better and enjoyed herself.

PS-I didn't cry but I'm pretty sure I could have though. I could not wait until the 2:30pm pick up time! I was there at 2:10!!!

We're Alive! We're Alive!

Well, moving day has come and gone. Right along with the entire month of July!! Where did the time go? We are moved in to the upstairs of our home. When we left 4 years ago my In Laws moved in to the house. So, until our house and their house is built we are living together. I am glad it is big house and able to hold just about all of our stuff!

Things are moving along but we really NEED our house to sell! We are ready to start building the new one! Please agree with us that the buyer will come soon.

Per request of Candy, here is a picture of the new house. The only difference, we are only getting a two car garage. We are trading off the third garage for an indoor tornado shelter. The shelter will be located in the floor of the master bedroom closet. It will have a sliding door to get into it. If you live in Oklahoma, it's a good idea to have shelter close by!!!

Analise has adjusted well and is enjoying lots of MiMi and PaPa time. She has returned to taking her 2 hour nap which is AWESOME. Her latest things are spinning, opening and closing everything, screaming just to hear herself scream, and my personal favorite is eating spaghetti. She has finally decided that she likes pasta!



I have taken so few pictures this last month!!! Things will soon return to normal in our little corner of blogland. Thanks so much for those of you who commented or emailed me to check on us! I really appreciate your kindness! Farrah, you're a sweet heart, and I can't wait to see pictures of your new bundle of joy when he arrives. We are agreeing in prayer with you!!

We're Alive! We're Alive!

Well, moving day has come and gone. Right along with the entire month of July!! Where did the time go? We are moved in to the upstairs of our home. When we left 4 years ago my In Laws moved in to the house. So, until our house and their house is built we are living together. I am glad it is big house and able to hold just about all of our stuff!

Things are moving along but we really NEED our house to sell! We are ready to start building the new one! Please agree with us that the buyer will come soon.

Per request of Candy, here is a picture of the new house. The only difference, we are only getting a two car garage. We are trading off the third garage for an indoor tornado shelter. The shelter will be located in the floor of the master bedroom closet. It will have a sliding door to get into it. If you live in Oklahoma, it's a good idea to have shelter close by!!!

Analise has adjusted well and is enjoying lots of MiMi and PaPa time. She has returned to taking her 2 hour nap which is AWESOME. Her latest things are spinning, opening and closing everything, screaming just to hear herself scream, and my personal favorite is eating spaghetti. She has finally decided that she likes pasta!



I have taken so few pictures this last month!!! Things will soon return to normal in our little corner of blogland. Thanks so much for those of you who commented or emailed me to check on us! I really appreciate your kindness! Farrah, you're a sweet heart, and I can't wait to see pictures of your new bundle of joy when he arrives. We are agreeing in prayer with you!!