Thursday, October 23, 2008

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

Sunday, October 12, 2008

All Grown Up


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

Monday, September 22, 2008

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!!

Thursday, September 18, 2008

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.

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

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!

Sunday, August 24, 2008

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.