Holiday Update

What a wonderful holiday we had this year. The twenty third, I came home to work and was greeted by a lovely package from my sister in law a santa cookie jar and for Sophia a chucke cheese gift card. She was thirlled. Christmas Eve we woke up and had presents from Frank and I and my parents. It was a great way to split up all the gifts, Sophie receives. After presents, we went to Chucke Cheese and guess what we were the only family their. It was great. My dad and I played ski ball and Sophie enjoyed the place to her self. I ran to Chritfields to find olive nut for sandwiches and ran home to get ready for children's mass. Of course, I forgot Sophia';s wings sitting in the entry way of the house. oops. Mass was great, a bit noisy, but great. Nona and papa met us a church and saved us seats, because we used to be on time people, but not anymore. Christmas eve dinner was yummy, we had soup and sandwiches. We went home and started to prepare for Christmas Day. Frank always makes egg casserole and hashbrown casserole for x-mas day and stella and John come over around 7:00 a.m. to join the fun. This year, we were excited that Nona and Papa came also. Sophia was pleasantly surprised. She ran down the hall and stopped when she saw the tree. When she discovered sky wishes, she jumped up and down.What a great morning. We are blessed to have such a great family.
Around 2:00 we went to Franks moms for a yummy feast of ham and all the fixings. We missed Rita, Brian and the kids and hoping next year they will be able to join us. My camera is upstairs and I have so many pics to down load. I
Many of you know, my husband and I made the choice that I would stay home for awhile. My last official week was Friday. It was sad to say goodbye after four years, but I have to say for being home two days, I have gotten a heck of lot of organizing done. Still alot left, but getting their. I will go back to assist with inventory on the tenth. I hope everyone has a great new year.

REINDEER OF A GOOD TIME....

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM OUR FAMILY....

I HOPE EVERYONE WILL ENJOY A PICTURE OF OUR LITTLE REINDEER...

LOTS OF LOVE FROM:

FRANK, AUTUMN AND SOPHIE...

The Best Christmas Present a Mommy Could Ask For...

I am late on Christmas cards if you would like a Sophie card send me your address...

Very few of you know what I received for Christmas, yes it is huge, yes it is wonderful, yes I am in love with the gift. Are you ready???

Here is the story:

As you all know the adoption process can be long (Corey understatement for you) Hell on Corey...
and expensive. So when the time came to go pick up Sophie, really I could only take three weeks off, that is all we could afford at the time. In the back of my head, I knew sometime, I would be able to take more time off with Sophia, I just did not know when.
As some of you know, I have had a rough season at work.I will leave it at that. It has made me stronger and better at my job and at the end of day just wanted to be home with my baby. So after months of talking about it. Frank sat me down and said look quit your job, stay home with Sophie. I was like, well blah blah blah. Three days later, again, you need to make up your mind. I want to be home with her, but also I like what I do. This is part of me. I asked my two year old. Do you want mama to stay home with you. Of course she said yes. I again said this means less toys and less Mcdonalds. Waiting for a no. I got a response of a life time. Mommy I have lots of toys stay home with me. So folks, I gave my notice and I am going to be a stay at home mommy for awhile. I know, I will get a part time job in a few months, because I know me. But for now, I am excited to have a few months with her.

Also, please take a few minutes out of your day and pray for a blogger pal Corey and her family. What the heck these folks cannot get a break. Bless their hearts. I have never met Corey, but from her blog she is a great person with a great family. Come on people pray hard for them they need a break now..

Christmas a year ago..

The weather is chilly and I am so tired from working this week. I am on my seventh day straight tomorrow at the toy store. I hope everyone is having a great week. I am excited that John and Stella will be home this week. Yeah! Friday my dad aka Bob and took Sophia for her Christmas pictures. Please send me your address if you would like a card. Last night we went to Nona and Papa's for dinner! Yummy very good. Have a great week. Happy Christmas

Oh Christmas is passing me by!

Miss Ham 2007!

Grandpa John's Angel:

Mother, as hse calls me when she is done, I have had enough...

I have been a bad blogger lately and most of you know, I work at the world's greatest toy store, so hint the reason, I have not blogged.


I would like my friend Robin, her mom and family to know, I just read your blog and my family is sorry for your lost and sending prayers your way.


Second: Em are you still talking to me. What a horrible friend, I am! washed my phone (hint ot anyone who has given your number to me) please resend it, yes I washed my brand new cell phone. Three days after my great asst. programed it, sonce I bitched about it long enough and kept handing all the numbers I did not recognize to her.




Sophia news:



She can say her abc's missing h and I but hey she is doing well...

She counts pretty well thanks to nona and papa's ten little indians song.

She is mocks everything I say.

Potty training is at a stand still... Long story and we will start fresh in 08!

She is a happy loving child!

We had a sad loss Gomer died the fish. He had a good 9

month life for a gold fish. We are going to buy gomer's brother.

BaBa Bunny was MIA for almost two weeks and Fern I cannot get a hold of Beryl.. Ba Ba was a gift from my grandpa's counsin and Sophie was given baba in the hotel lobby at the marriott. Love at first sight. What a long 2 weeks with out the rabbit. We found him in my pillow case. After tearing the house apart for week and half, we found the rabbit.

SOPHIA'S TURKEY DAY!

my dad (larry) aka Bob; me, sophie, Frank, and mimi (mom)

I am innocent!


I love this candy....

I am officially on a sugar high...

I hope everyone had a wonderful Turkey Day. I was concerned that Frank would have to work, but all is well, he was able to spend the day with us. Everyone slept in. Sarah called and told me about the big sale at K-mart, so I ran over real quick and found something for Frank for Christmas. The Family tradition since 2004 is to go the Campbell House for Lunch. Very good as usual. Sophia found the cakes and candies and well it was holiday, so she enjoyed. We went home watched football and yes went through the black friday ads. Of course, I was at work at 3:00 a.m. so Frank and my dad was my black friday shoppers out with a list.

First, Emily what is that on your blog about yeah Tenn. Hello! lol

Second. Julia, I can not post a comment on your blog for some reason, yes send me tickets.

Corey, I am thinking of your family everyday. You are all in my prayers.

Krystal you are a brave women. I saw you black friday. My hat goes off to you girlfriend.



Third:




Uggh is getting christmas pictures really this difficult. To the lady at sears. Hello, my appt. was at 6:30 at 6:50 you finally had me fill out the sheet and yes at 7:15 with a 2 year old having a melt down we left with out even stepping foot to have photo's and if I remember correctly, you did not even say hello. So we took Santa pictures and came home. I am thinking mommy will take photo's this year. Yes, I have become a scrooge. Christy, how much does it cost to join your club???

Our Wedding

Our Wedding 2002!

Sarah aka Baby Ross's Mommy! Jamie aka like my brother...

J, Sarah, Me, Frank, Dawn, Don
Rita (Frank's sister)
Clarissa (J's daughter)
My dad
Exchanging rings
Let's Eat Cake

Dancing at Sunset...



Happy Anniversary Frank!

I love you!

Now or Never!

If you know me you already know, I am not prompt, I never break a promise, it may take me 10 years, but I will not break a promise. Right, Aunt Nancy! I like to call it disorganized, organization. I put my foot in my mouth quite often and I can be what does Frank call it a bit of a spit fire. I forgot , I forget any important date such as birthdays, anniversayr etc. So with that said, enjoy the Halloween Pictures. But before lets catch up.

First, I keep up with several blogs. One family, I keep up with is out of pgn and for some reason cannot bring the cutest little girl home because of b.c. and MiXco will not release it. I hope, I have this right. I just want you to know, I am praying for your family, your little boy, little girl and twins also in Guatemala. And your venting post, good for you.

Second:

Thank you to the kind man at no name is better in this case.

Yes, I went to purchase donuts for a meeting this a.m. I went last night at 10:30 p.m. because honestly, I did not want to drive out of my way at 6:00 this morning. If you cannot accomdate 8 dozen of donuts through drive through my suggestion is to post a sign. My second suggestion is this, if you cannot accomdate me ask me nicely to wait, do not have some teenager tell me to get out of my car and wait in line behind 75 kids that just got off a school bus. Once again thank you because see above if you know me I hate mornings, I do not smile before my diet coke. So after getting up at 5:00 to go to Kroger to buy 8 galloon of milk and more sunny d than a group of people should drink in the morning to find out Kroger does not have donuts your wife listened to my great complaint and gave me four dozen and a diet coke for free. P.S. I was very nice to her. P.S. yes kind lady, it was my husband who gave your husband the bird last night. I do apologize, but you were not the only one who worked an 11 hour day yesterday...

Second:

Frank and I had one of those shake your head and say what are you thinking my dear people. Where in the name of god is your manners. We are out to eat and this woman I am assuming only knows one word in spanish keeps telling the waiter who clearly speaks better english than most of us por favor and keeps talking in english. What the hell! I wanted to hit upside the head and say he understands everything you are saying. Good god lady, stop making a bloodly fool at of yourself. Oh should I add por favor, because everyone could hear you the 15 times you said it, not always in the right context.

Sophia, Sophia, Sophia: And a bit of Baby Ross.

Trick or Treating!

My Little Nemo!

Trick or Treat, Stella bring me something good to eat!

What's better than candy, money! Thank you Stella!

Grandpa John and Sophie!
John and Stella, we miss you so much. You are the best neighbors anyone could ask for! See you at Christmas... We are counting the days.....

Trick or Treat Nona!

Sophia and her little Net.

HARVEST PICTURES

Kas and Sophie.

Aunt Rita look at me!

I am so far behind on posting pictures it is not even funny. Where to start, things have been hetic the last month. Work has picked up with the holiday season around the corner. My dad had a cancer scare and I went home for a few days. He is fine for now, the doctor feels he has gotten it all, nothing has spread and he will go back in three months. My dad (aka Bob to Sophia) his arriving at our house on Saturday and staying until the first of the year. I am so blessed to have such wonderful parents. My dad is actually going to babysit Sophia until January. I don't think he has a clue what he is about to encounter. She has a line of activties planned out for them. She also told me last night if santa doesn't bring it, Bob will buy it. Oh she is in for a real surprise.

My mom is doing well. She is really liking her job and spoils Sophia rotten.

Frankie and I are good. We don't see much of each other since he goes to work at 4:00 p.m. and gets home at 4:30 a.m.

I wake up at 4:30 and spend a whoppin thirty minutes with him and go back to bed for an hour.

Sophia is awesome kid who is presently in bed (my bed) screaming mom, mom, mom mom mom. She hates to go to bed. I will keep everyone posted and post Halloween pictures this week.

Happy Fall Y'ALL

Kassidy and Sophia!

Ok so, I am at least two weeks behind in blogging photo's. I am bad. One of the reason's, I have a blog is to keep an on line journal for Sophia of her life and also keep in touch with many family members and friends out of state. Hopefully, I will get better during the holidays of keeping track of the memories.

A few weeks ago, Frank and I took Sophia to Boyds Orchard to the Southland Christian Adoption Support Group meeting. Sophia's pal, Kassidy was also at Boyds, with her parents.

I will post more pictures, this week of Sophia, Kassidy and her sis Kylie at the Hallzooween.

DID YOU HEAR THE BIGGEST NEWS!

I HEARD THE NEWS! DID YOU HEAR THE NEWS. SOPHIA HEARD THE NEWS AND SAID YAHOOO! YAHOO! YAHOO!

SING IT OUT LOUD
JUMP UP IN DOWN
SWIM ACROSS THE POOL
GET ON AIRPLANE AND BRING MYA GRACE HOME

SHE IS OUT, OUT , OUT OF PGN HELL!

YAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

LOL TROST FAMILY! THIS POST IS DEDICATED TO YOU!

I MET EMILY ON THE BLOGS, AND WE HAVE BECOME GREAT FRIENDS. I ACTUALLY FEEL SORRY FOR PEOPLE, WHO DO NOT KNOW HER OR HER FAMILY. THE FIRST TIME, I ACTUALLY SPOKE TO EMILY, I E-MAILED HER AT WORK AND SAID CALL ME NOW, SOMEONE WROTE BAD STUFF ON YOUR BLOG. I HARDLY KNEW THIS FAMILY AND I WAS PIST THAT SOMEONE WOULD SAY TERRIBLE THINGS ABOUT HER. WE INSTANTLY CONNECTED AND SO DID OUR FAMILIES. GOD WORKS IN GREAT WAYS.
THEY ARE SO AWESOME AND FUN. FRANK AND TIM MET AND YOU WOULD SWEAR THEY HAVE KNOWN EACH OTHER FOR YEARS. WHAT A GREAT ASSET TO OUR LIVES. WE ARE SO HAPPY FOR YOU GUYS, CANNOT WAIT TO MEET MISS MYA AND OF COURSE SOPHIA NEEDS A TORI FIX. LOL

KEEP ME POSTED AND SOPHIA WORE HER NEW BENGAL OUTFIT TODAY! THANKS AGAIN. WE LOVE YOU GUYS.

I have been a bad blogger

First I want to apologize to everyone who reads my blog for not updating. It has been a crazy end to summer and a crazy beginning of the fall season.
Sophia is doing well. She is a happy two year old who is getting into everything. She makes me laugh on a daily basis and I will be honest not looking forward to the holiday season with work.
She is talking up a storm. I have pictures, but I have been to busy to download.

On a personal note, I ask for all my blog pals to say a prayer for our family. Life has away of sneaking up on you and someone once told me when it rains it hails, when it hails everything goes to hell. We will all be fine, but it would be nice to know everyone has thoughts and prayers in our direction. (Sophia is fine) do not worry about her health or well being. Thank you to my loyal friends and blogger pals, you are all like family.
I will post pictures later today.

BUSY, BUSY, BUSY, SEASON IS COMING! OH WAIT IT IS HERE!

Looking at her treasures.

She loves nature, we have given her a box called the treasure box

she puts all her treasures from her walk in the box by the front step.

Grandpa John's Cutie!

Hello blogger friends. It has been awhile. Why you ask, well I work at toy store and believe it or not the holidays are getting close. Deadlines for bookings, invites to be sent, travel, travel and more travel in my future. No complaints, I love my job. I have great flexibility and the best store director and dm a mom could ask for. This week, I went to Youngstown, Ohio a 5 1/2 hour trip. No more about me, this is Sophia's Blog



First: Miss Sophie says Thank you Tim and Emily for the Bengals outfit. She looks so cute in it. I promise pictures this weekend.

Sophia looked at me last night and said mommy you are my best friend. I almost cried. Actually, I think I did. I take after my Aunt Nancy.



Second: Sophia made her first long distance phone call all by herself today. She called counsin Di in Illinois. I guess she hit her name on Mimi's cell and called her.

Third: Sophia is counting really well. English and spanish. I am so proud of her. I asked her tonight, what comes after eight. Mommy nine.

Sophia is getting so big and her vocabulary is great. We are really proud of her.
This weekend is Oktoberfest at the church. I am so excited. I am dead on feet tired. I have more to post, but I am going to sleep.

Good night.

Region 4 This is what you have been waiting for... I hope you are not disappointed.

EMILY SENDING YOU A BIG SMILE... I AM SURE MYA IS DOING FINE.

I know better than forget to post the cuteness. Miss Em this is for you!

I thought this picture would get region 4 in the jolly holiday season.

Region 4 this is what you have been asking for! The pictures did not turn out as great as I would have liked. Please do not hesitate to telephone me with any questions on the set up. When you receive the books, you will understand so much better. Talk to you all on Monday a.m.

Refreshment Table: Napkins, you cannot see the plates, red and green bowls with starlight mints, cups for punch, punch bowl and at the side coffee maker and you can see the blue top is the coco mix. I hope this help The paper in front of the cake is nutritional 411 AND YOU MUST HAVE FOR LEGAL REASONS....

Jean: I know you are laughing right now. Because you know how much of a perfectionist I am and this lopsided cake is driving me nuts. I usually use Kroger because they give you nutrional information. See Below

This is a great way to display all your labels! I feel personally it looks a bit nicer. You can do what ever float your boat. The border is on page set up lay out on your computer.

Preschool Raffle Prize. The shoebox displays the name of the raffle, with the items being raffled off. This protects us, so noone state another prize was in the raffle selection.

FOOTBALL WEEKEND AT OUR HOUSE!

EATING GOOD FOOD, STAYING UP PAST MY BEDTIME, HANGING OUT WITH MOMMY AND DADDY!

PRICELESS!

I CAN'T LOOK THIS IS GOING TO END BADLY, I JUST KNOW IT! HEY MISTER! DID YOU SEE THAT PLAY! HEY TURN AROUND AND TALK TO ME DARN IT. HELLO, I AM CUTE ASK EMILY!

DADDY AND MISS SOPHIE:

LAST NIGHT WE WENT TO CHEDDARS TO WATCH THE U OF L AND UK GAME. GO BIG BLUE! YES WE WON AND IT WAS SO SWEET. WE HAD A GREAT TIME. MY MOM, LYNNETTE AND DUANE MET US AND SOPHIA WAS AWESOME AT CHEDDARS FOR THREE HOURS..

IF YOU NEED SOPHIA TO TAKE A NAP JUST THREATEN TO TAKE FOOTBALL AWAY FROM HER AND SHE IS OUT IN A MINUTE.

TODAY WATCHING THE COWBOYS WITH MY WITH DADDY. EM I THINK WE NEED TO GET SOME ORANGE ON THIS GIRL! WHAT DO YOU THINK. PAPA WILL LOVE THIS, MOMMY TAUGHT SOPHIE HOW TO SAY I LOVE THE REDSKINS! HEHE (DADDY NOT SO HAPPY) MOMMY THOUGHT IT WAS GREAT.