Mountains and Mountains & Oceans and Oceans

A chance to make memories

2011-02-22T12:07:00.000-08:00

I rarely ever enter contests because I never win however today there is a wonderful contest going on between Tamron and Clickinmoms that I had to enter. It is a chance to win a great lens and I can't pass that opportunity up. If you are also interested in possibly winning this lens, follow the link below and check it out. Good luck to everyone!!!

www.clickinmoms.com/blog/?p=2686&cpage=2

We have a Graduate!!

2010-06-21T11:38:00.001-07:00

I can hardly believe that we are the parents of a High School Graduate! Yes, Mo graduated this year and will be starting college this August. It seems like just yesterday that she was starting Kindergarten. It's funny how when we are young, are parents are always telling us to just relax and enjoy our life because before we know it, we'll be grown up!! We would always just roll our eyes and say whatever, because we didn't see what they saw. Man... I sure wish now that I could go back in time to my childhood days and take my time growing up. Enjoying the little things in life and not wishing everyday that I would hurry up and be 16, and then 21 and then 30! Life is such a precious gift and we take for granted the time we have on this earth too much. I wish that I could push a pause button on our lives so that I can cherish my children's youth as long as possible because one day they will be all grown with children of their own and as I cannot wait to see my future grandchildren, I want them to enjoy the wonderful gift of youth they have. All I know is that the good Lord has blessed me more than I have ever deserved and I owe everything that I have to him. Thank you Jesus for the sacrifice you have made for me and all of your children.

52 Week Challenge Week 2/52

2010-01-27T16:19:00.000-08:00

Well so far I'm not starting this off well at all. I missed what should have been week 2 last week so now I'm posting on week 3 but I'm gonna call it week 2. Yes, I'm cheating but who cares. lol. So.. I have decided that I'm going make some use out my studio set up, since it's suppose to help make me money some day. I set up my lighting, my paper backdrop, my lovely laminate flooring and finally my baseboard and snapped away at the kids for a bit. So far, I think I'm getting the hang of it but have soo much more to learn. There's so much to want and buy when your working with Studio photography and all I want to do is shop!! What I need to do is stay home and shoot! Practice only makes perfect (i hope). Here's are some pictures I took the other night : )

Photo #1 of my 52 week Photography Mission

2010-01-11T20:55:00.001-08:00

So this will be my first time ever doing one of these assignments but I thought it sounded fun and will keep me on my toes about trying to focus more on my Photography. This picture is a perfect example of what goes on at our house every day! These two boys are non stop goofiness. It's hard to have a moment of seriousness in our house with them around. Landon is the most hyper of the two and I'm constantly having to tell him to stop climbing the walls in the hallway with his feet and hands. I'd swear if I hadn't given birth to him that he was part spider because I've never seen anyone climb walls like this kid. Garrett on the other hand would prefer not to climb walls but run around the house in nothing more than a pair of boxers singing to his itouch Ipod. It amazes me how one minute I feel like a UFC referee and the next moment they are cuddled up watching a movie together. Ahhh, brotherly love. There truly is... nothing like it!

Happy Birthday to I Heart Faces!

2010-01-11T15:20:00.000-08:00

I love this site!!! I Heart Faces is celebrating their one year anniversary and every week they have a new photo challenge. This week is "Your Best Face". It has to be a recent pictures taken Dec 09 - Jan 09. This is my first time joining in (although I have been a follower for the last 10 months). Here's my Contribution
This is a picture of my adorable chunky little niece whom I got to see for the 1st time since she was 8 or 10 weeks old. I took alot of pictures of course while she was here visiting but this was my favorite!

I'm Back!!!

2010-01-11T14:34:00.000-08:00

I have no real big excuses for not posting to my blog for the last year except to say that I haven't been very motivated. Although, it is a new year and my Resolution is to blog more and really dive into my photography and learn as much as I can to become a great photographer. I am trying to build my portfolio for my website so I will be offering some free photo shoots for a short time : ) These shoots will include a disk with all your images to which you can print out the ones you want to keep.
Anyone interested, let me know. I'm looking for children and families. (oh by the way, you have to agree to allow me to post your pictures on my website) :)
It's great to be on here again and I am commiting myself to do a 52 week photo project through www.clickinmoms.com. I will taking and posting one picture to my site everyday. I recently found this website and I'm hooked! It's for mom's (there are some dads too) who have a passion for photography to learn from other's, meet friends, and just hang out online. All you photography passionate mothers & fathers out there, you should check it out!!!

Rain rain go away!

2009-02-27T09:04:00.000-08:00

Wow, it's been 6 months since I posted last. I'm very dissapointed in myself that I haven't kept everyone up to date with our lives, so I apologize. I can't believe only 4 more months and the school year with be over, It feels as though it just started. Landon is very excited that he gets to go to Kindergarten in September! Abigail is very sad that Landon will not be there at preschool with her any longer but I've explained to her that Landon will be going to school with his big brother. Garrett will be starting 4th grade and Morgan will be a Senior!!! I can't believe I will have a Senior living under my roof. I remember when she was in Kindergarten. : (
I recently had to undergo surgery for a Hysterectomy a couple weeks ago and although the healing process is slow, I have no hard feelings about having it done. I must admit though that I do feel (a little) sadness to know that I will never again be able to bare children. I knew before, that my days of having children were over when Bryan took a visit to the Doctor shortly after Landon was born, but now it's definate!!! I'm thankful that I get to enjoy some babytime when I visit with my 7mo old neice and my brother is also expecting a little girl in March, so I'm sure I'll be set for a while! It looks as though we may be moving again in the next few months. We really enjoy living were we do and the kids just love their schools but we are just really tired of making the drive into Roseville. We do all of our shopping there, our doctors are there, and our families are out that way. Morgan will be driving soon and will need to get a job to earn money if she wants to have a car and I would also like to go back to work on a part time basis and it just makes more sense to move closer to town, not to mention the fact that there is NO where to work here. We have finally had a break in the rain the last couple of days and the kids have been getting to enjoy hanging out with friends and playing at the park. I had to pull out my wonderful camera and take some pictures of them for you to enjoy. I hope everyone is doing well and that you enjoy your weekend! We love and miss you all!

Our Family Getaway to Washington (Papa's and Grandma's house)

2008-08-15T17:41:00.000-07:00

Our family made the long trek to Grandpa and Grandma's home in Packwood, Washington this week. We flew Morgan up a week in advance so she could spend some quality time with Grandma & Papa. She took to wood carving with Grandpa Jerry and is very good. She seems to be good at whatever she puts her mind to. Garrett and Landon shot a .22 caliber rifle for the first time yesterday. It was a proud moment for me as they shot the same rifle that I first shot as a boy. This is Abby's second trip here and she is now proudly proclaiming that she is Papa's little girl. We have enjoyed daily rides on the quads, exploring various remote sections of this beautiful country. Today we rode to the old beaver ponds that I caught fish in as a boy, only to find that they were washed away from flood waters a year ago. Robin has put a large dent in her book and became addicted to Solitaire on the laptop, (thanks Grandma Brigi). I will have to resume a strict workout regimine upon our return home, due to Grandma's cooking. Grandpa and I cut, split, and stacked enough wood to get them through the winter. We have had a wonderful time here. Robin and I feel blessed that we are fortunate enough for our children to have these experiences and memories. We are blessed each day and thank God for his grace in our life.

Fun with Paint

2008-07-13T16:49:00.000-07:00

Mommy has been feeling so bad for these poor children stick inside that she decided to buy some face paint from Silly Farm. They sell all kinds of different paint and other neat items to make up your face and body. I just love their site!! I have a feeling I'm going to break the bank shopping there (and this bank isn't rich). The kids were so excited when our paints showed up in the mail that they were all arguing over who was going to get painted first. Well.. I am not artistic what-so-ever but I watched a few videos and decided to give it a shot. Here are a few pictures of the end results (after of course we had some smudges here and there). Did I mention how hard it is to get little children to sit still?

Summer Time

2008-07-10T18:45:00.000-07:00

I can't believe the school year has gone and now it's summer! It has been unbelievably hot with lots of smoke filling the air for days now. The boys are in swim lessons, which they have canceled the last few days because of the air quality. We have all been couped up in the house for too long and everyone is getting on each others nerves. I have decided to go back to school for the first time in 18 years and I'm nervous as heck. I've always wanted to be a nurse and I figure my time is running out now that I'm pushing 40, so I better get on it! It's been amazing how much the time is flying and these kids are aging. My little Morgan is going to be a Junior this year and will be celebrating her Sweet 16. Garrett will be 8, Landon 5 and Abby 3!! It seems like we just brought her home from China and she was only 11mo's. She is starting to talk so much more now and doesn't hesitate to tell you when she wants something (to eat)! lol. That girl loves to eat!!!

My sister just had a beautiful baby girl and named her Madelayne. Poor girl labored for over 20 hrs and then ended up with a c-section. I felt so bad for her but she was just glad to finally be able to meet her daughter, she was ready for it! There was only one person allowed in the surgery room and I was soo honored that she chose me. It was an amazing experience that I will never forget!! Thank you Lisa, for allowing me to witness such a beautiful event. I just can't get enough of my little Maddie!

Opening Day!!

2008-04-08T15:10:00.000-07:00

Make a postcard - it's easy!

Today was opening day for Garrett. He just loves Baseball and I think this just may be his sport from here on out. His team consists of 6-8 yr olds and man these boys are good! It's amazing how quickly they catch on to the game and can really play an awesome game. We look forward to a great season!!

Easter

2008-03-31T10:29:00.000-07:00

I know it's been a while since I posted and I have no excuse but that I'm just plain lazy. I hope you enjoy the pics.

Another Year come and gone!

2008-01-04T19:20:00.000-08:00

Man.. these years just keep on flying by. It's hard to believe it's now 2008. I was just telling Bryan the other day that I remember when they made that movie that was suppose to take place in 2010 and everything was suppose to be completely different. Flying cards, big theater screens on the buildings downtown and all over. lol! Not quite there yet I guesse. I'm hoping that this year drags by as I'm not ready to celebrate a 16th, 4th, 8th, 3rd, 37th and 34th birthday! We're hoping that you all had a very Merry Christmas!! We wish you a very Happy New Year. May you all stick to your New Years Resolutions! I know I haven't. lol!
Hugs!
Robin

Birthday's!

2007-12-19T23:39:00.000-08:00

I'm so dissapointed in myself! It's been way too long since I've posted any updates or pictures. I told myself when I started this blog that I would try to update it atleast every 2 weeks. But here it is, almost 2 months since my last posting. Shame on me. Truth is... I'm boring. I'm not good at telling about all the good and crappy stuff going on in our lives, so I just don't write at all. Since my last post, we've celebrated 2 birthday's.. Abby and Garrett!! Abby turned 2 years old (I'm still trying to grasp that one) and Garrett turned 7 (my little ladies man)! We had a joint birthday party for them with family and some friends of Garretts. Birthday cakes, presents and a pinata. They had lots of fun. Then we ended the day with a sleep over for Garrett with 3 friends. I really thought we were in for a wild night with 5 boys that night, but it actually wasn't bad at all. They all got along really well and I'm even thinking about trying it again early in the year. lol!
It's hard to believe that Christmas is only 6 days away. Yikes! I still have to wrap all of the kids presents and I'm sad to say that even with a glass of wine at my side and the christmas music playing, I have absolutely NO desire! As soon as I start trying to wrap, I feel ill! Must be a sign that the years are just passing too dang fast these days!

Wishing you all a Very Merry Christmas & a Happy New year!!!!

Can't believe it's already been 1 year!

2007-11-08T20:52:00.001-08:00

It was one year ago that we first held our beautiful girl in our arms! It's so hard to believe that she's been home a year and she has changed so much. We have truly been blessed to be given the chance to parent this beautiful child of GOD's. I can't count how many times, Garrett tells me how much he loves his little sister and how happy he is that we traveled across the world to bring her home. No matter how tuff things may get in our lives or what we may be going through, just hearing him say those words, makes me realize that nothing is more important than sharing that love.

No More Diapers!!!!

2007-10-24T17:20:00.000-07:00

I am soo excited to say that we will no longer be having a need for Diapers! Yes... Abby is officially potty trained at 23mo's old. I went out the other day and bought her a package of big girl princess panties and boy was she ecstatic to see them and couldn't wait to put them on. I never thought I'd see the day where I'd have a diaper free house but it has arrived!

2007 Family Video

2007-10-22T22:32:00.000-07:00

This is a video Bryan made of the family the other night. Hope you enjoy it : )

Ok.. So I've been tagged!

2007-09-11T21:50:00.000-07:00

Well... this is my first tagging I've received so please forgive me if I'm not all that terrific at it, but I'll sure try.

You have to post these rules before you give the facts.1) Players, you must list one fact that is somehow relevant to you life for each letter of your middle name. If you don't have a middle name, use the middle name that you wish you had.2) When tagged, you need to write your own blog post containing your own middle name facts.3) At the end of your blog post, you need to choose one person for each letter of your middle name to tag. Don't forget to leave a comment telling them that they're tagged and to read your blog.

L: Love... I had never experience real love until I had children. That never ending heartache at the thought of losing them kind of love, the would do anything for them, even give my life kind of love for them.

E: Eternity... I want to spend the rest of my eternity being the best Mother and Wife I can be, so I pray each and every day that our Father in Heaven will grant me the patience I need to make it to Eternity!

E: Every day... I pray that GOD will continue to bless my family and friends and watch over all of his children.

So, I am tagging David (davidkawada), Jeff (Electic Family), Kathy (My Sugars). Do me proud guys!

Oh my... that time has come!

2007-08-27T19:41:00.001-07:00

First Day of School Year 07-08

2007-08-27T19:41:00.000-07:00

I Can't believe how fast the kids are growing up! Mo is now a Sophmore and already asking me when she gets to start learning to drive. I don't think I'm ready for this at all! Garrett is in 2nd grade and probably the youngest child in his class being that his bday was on the day of the cut off when we enrolled him in Kindergarten. We took our chances in starting him early and it paid off. He's actually done quite well in spite of his age and we are very proud! Landon started Preschool and has been so excited.

Out on the boat!

2007-08-05T19:40:00.001-07:00

We recently went boating with some good friends of ours on their boat and had a great time. We left Abby at home with Sissy and just took the boys this time. They had a blast. They got to be pulled through all the wakes on the big raft behind the boat. It was soo cute to watch them out there so little and yet so brave. Garrett even got thrown off a couple times when the raft got going to fast over the wakes. I admit, I was kinda nervous and so was he at times but he was tuff and kept going back for more. Landon got to go with Daddy, since he's a little to small to go on his own but he was just as happy as a clam to be out there with the big boys. Here's some pics of their adventure. They can't wait to go do it again.

Sorry it's been so long since my last post...

2007-08-05T19:40:00.000-07:00

She sure does love to be in front of the camera

She looks so grown up in this picture

They really do love eachother
(of course when they aren't fighting)

Mommy got tired of the fly away hair and had to

give Abby her 1st haircut!

(yes, I know.. Nana is not gonna be happy)

Wild, Wild West!

2007-06-23T11:30:00.001-07:00

This weeks Family FotoFun Friday Challenge is Wild, Wild, West. I had to dig down deep to find these pictures. Most of them are pretty old. It 's neat to see how little they were and how fast they've grown in the last few years. My babies are growing up!! Waaaahhhh!

New Bed

2007-06-18T10:36:00.001-07:00

I've been contemplating about getting Abby her own "Big Girl Bed" for the last couple weeks and of course everyone who knows me will agree that when I get the idea in my head to do something, I won't rest until it's done! So here we are with a new bed and happy girl for the time being. Last night was her first night in her new bed and although she refused to climb in without some coaxing when it was bed time, she did fall asleep and stayed asleep in it all night. Whew! I figure we'll see how the next few days go and if she becomes more accepting of the new bed, so Mommy can send the crib away for good.

2007-05-25T11:36:00.000-07:00

yes indeedy it is!!!

Just pictures

2007-05-24T20:30:00.000-07:00

Just some Pictures I wanted to show off : )

2007-05-11T10:44:00.000-07:00

Dear Abigail,

It's only been 6mo's since you have come into our lives but yet it seems like you have always been here. We always knew that we would bring a special little child into our hearts and lives, to give a home and family to and here you are. Just as beautiful and lovely as we could have hoped for. You are truly a blessing to us from our GOD above and we thank him every day for allowing us to be the ones to raise you into a loving, caring and happy child. Since the day we first held you in our arms you welcomed us into your life with smiles and joy and continue to show us love and trust every day. Your brothers adore you and although they drive you crazy with all their kisses and hugs, you still can't wait to see them first thing when you wake up in the morning. Your Jie Jie (big sister) Morgan thinks the world of you and can't wait to show and tell you all the wonderful things that life holds. She's already told me that when she moves out on her own (of course we hope that won't be for atleast another 7 years) after college, that she wants you to come live with her. Thank you for being our daughter.

We love you Abigail,

Hugs and Kisses... Mommy, Daddy, Morgan, Garrett & Landon

Reunion Time

2007-04-30T10:36:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday we met up at a great park with 4 other families that we traveled to China with and had a wonderful time! It's amazing how much the children have changed in just 5 months. They all grew hair (lol) and looked absolutely adorable. All the kids (even the bigger ones) seemed to really enjoy themselves. We originally planned to head over to Fairytale town after the bbq but it was much to relaxing for us big kids sitting around in our chairs underneath the shaded trees and the kids were occupied so we figured they wouldn't notice the difference (expect one mind you... Garrett).

We can't wait for the next grp get together!!

Changes

2007-04-17T14:59:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that when we traveled to China to pick up Abigail she was only 11 1/2 months and today she is 16mo's already. Time has gone by so quickly it amazes me. She has blossomed into such a beautiful child not that she wasn't darling before but her personality has really come out along with her toddler antics and tantrums.

She has truly grown to love her brothers considering when she first came home wouldn't show them any affection and cried if they tried to get close to her. Now she will go to them for hugs and kisses and smiles when they come into the room. Morgan (sissy) has always been her favorite next to daddy and I come last. lol!

I posted the pictures to show how much she has changed.

Hope you all have a great week!

Pet's

2007-04-13T13:27:00.001-07:00

This weeks Photo challenge was "Pet's". We have many of them. I guesse living in the country has made us a magnet to animals. We have 7 dog's and 3 cats, oh I can't forget about the fish. We raise beautiful Golden Retrievers, Chocolate Lab's, and Vizsla's. We are expecting 2 new litters of pupps in June and the kids as always can't wait to play with them. Anyone interested in a Chocolate Lab or Golden Retriever are more than welcome to leave a post on our blog. These pictures are of our recent Vizsla litter and have all found their new homes. They have the best personalities and are so loving.

Easter

2007-04-13T13:27:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a very Happy Easter. My plan failed at having Easter at our house so we decided to go over to Bryan's Mom and Dad's. It was nice and the kids had a good time. They had an easter egg hunt that yielded lots of candy and money. Of course the boys couldn't wait to spend their money so I took them to the store the next day. Garrett bought a Pirate costume and Landon got a big spongebob bouncy ball and a battery operated blower and don't you know they are fighting over each others toys. You'd think I'd learned my lesson by now and made them get the same thing, but nooooo! This is the very thing I get mad at Bryan about because he will go to the store with one of the kids and let them pick out a toy and not get the other anything (absent mindedly) and then they fight over that one toy for days,until they get bored with it of course. Abby seemed to enjoy herself, playing for atleast an hour straight with a big basket of plastic eggs. It was Papa Bill and Grandma Jan's first easter with all the great grandkids. They just moved back to town from Southern California and it's great to have them finally here.

Spring Dresses

2007-04-09T10:27:00.000-07:00

This is my first time participating in Donna's FFF photo challenge (http://2happy.typepad.com/. I've been procrastinating every Friday and never get around to joining in. This time I decided I couldn't pass it up. So here's my little angel in her pretty Easter Dress.

I hope you all had a terrific Easter Sunday!

Camera's

2007-04-08T09:17:00.000-07:00

I just got a new camera and I absolutely love it!!! (thanks to Donna @ http://2happy.typepad.com/)

It takes beautiful pictures and I'm sure that they would be even better if I knew how to take them right.

I have been playing with it lately and have taken countless pictures of the kids that have come out very nicely. These are just some of my favorites. Of course it helps when you have photogenic kids too. I on the other hand am far from photogenic, that is why you won't see me in too many pictures. lol!

Much needed Vacation

2007-04-05T15:26:00.000-07:00

We just came home early this morning (4am) from visiting Grandma Bridgette and Pappa Jerry in Washington. We had such a nice time. It was very relaxing, yes even with 4 kids. It snowed a very light snow twice while we were there which was very pretty but not not cold enough to make it stick. We did some shooting, tried to fish and went on jeep and quad rides, which the kids loved and Morgan didn't want to come home. She was hoping we'd forget her and leave with out her. They have a really neat Koi pond built off the deck of their house and it's full of really pretty Koi. I never knew how friendly Koi were. At least Papa's Koi! You can actually pet them and they will come up to your hand and suction your fingers to see if you have food. It's actually quite cute.
It was the Grandparents first time meeting Abby and there were in love at first site. She bonded very quickly to them also and seemed like she thoroughly enjoyed her self there too! She found Grandma's drawer of measuring cups and spoons and spent the majority of her visit pulling everything out and then putting them all back again, over and over. We've decided that we need to make it a every year or every other year trip from here on out. (Hopefully G & P are up for that. lol)

Don't own it? Your missin out!

2007-03-26T14:28:00.000-07:00

This is a must have for your video or DVD collection. There are a few different tapes on the baby song line. My mother in law introduced this video to Garrett when he was 1 year old and he fell in love with it just as Landon and Abby have now. The music is actually very good and it's a video I don't mind listening to on a daily basis. Something about it just make the kids wanna rock out! I can't even being to tell you how excited Abby gets when I pop this baby in and she hears the music start up. Her little legs can't get her to the TV quick enough and her shaking along with her whole body. It's actually quite hilarious! The pictures on the right are her reaction right after I popped in one of her Baby Song videos. Need I say more??

Spring Pictures

2007-03-26T10:45:00.000-07:00

We recently had the kids pictures done for Spring and for Abigail's 1 year photos. I know waiting until she was 15mo's old is a little long but trying to get 4 kids all awake at the same time, dressed alike and out of the house has got to be one of the most difficult things to do, so of course I put it off. So here they are. Last year at this time little Abigail was still waiting for us in China. I couldn't wait to add her to our portrait : )

My Girls!!

2007-03-22T19:58:00.000-07:00

Here's my oldest daughter, Morgan. Isn't she beautiful?
And here's her Protege, Abigail. Equally as beautiful and as you can tell judging by the phone in her hand, going to be quite the little social butterfly.

A day of amusement

2007-03-22T19:31:00.000-07:00

Took the kids to Funderland over the weekend. After forking over $140 in season passes for the boys, it's safe to say that I have my summer days pretty much planned out now. It's a decent little park with about 8 rides and the kids seem to really enjoy spending time there. Even Abigail rode her first real amusement ride and after getting over the initial "what the heck is going on", seemed to really enjoy it. And hey... when they get their fill of Funderland, we go mosey on over to Fairytale town for some play time on the slides and yellow brick road. It's nice for me because I get to sit and rest every couple feet as the kids go on the slides one after the other over and over. And don't you know they are sleeping all the way home!

Couldn't resist

2007-03-22T19:08:00.000-07:00

Garrett got this goofy looking head thingy for his birthday 2 years ago and the kids all seem to enjoy wearing it. I was expecting a huge protest when I decided to try and stick it onto Abigails head but she actually liked it. This just goes to show that God only gives you the child that matches your family. I'm not quite sure what that says about ours.

Wow has time flown by

2007-03-09T20:46:00.000-08:00

I can't believe Abby is already 15mo's old. It's hard to believe she was only 11mo's when we brought her home and here she is already almost 1 1/2 yrs old. She is changing so much and her little personality comes through more everyday. She is warming up to the boys alot more these days and will even tolerate some hugs and allow them to pick her up and carry her around as long as they don't over do it, then she has to scream in protest to be put down. She's very independant and likes to feed herself. She seems to be a Daddy's girl these days and of course he is eating that up. lol! We are very much looking forward to introducing her to the pool this summer and I can't wait to put all those cute little shorts, tanks and dresses on her. : )

First Post!

2007-01-30T17:23:00.000-08:00

Well.. This is our first post to this new blog. We are still learning this program so please bear with us. We are continuing on from our Online Adoption Journal at www.journeytoabby.com.

Now that we are home with our daughter making us a family of 6, we have decided it would be best to start a new blog about all of our children instead of just focusing on the adopted one. We are looking forward to using this blog as a way for our friends and family to watch the children grow. We hope you enjoy your stay.

Many blessings!