Rockin’ IT

Yesterday Gavin and I went rock climbing for the first time since July!  We went to Potrillo Cliffs in White Rock.  We’ve tried, not once, not twice, but THREE times to go there and weather has interfered each time!  So, we finally made it.  We forgot the guide book, and my shoes, out of practice I guess, lol. 

Gavin put me on this climb and I loved it.  He was so encouraging and excited for me.  I ROCKED it!  I was so proud of myself afterward, I got all the way to the top and did a bunch of moves I’ve never done before, very out of my comfort zone.  Since we forgot the guide book I had NO idea what this climb was rated.  Usually I climb 5.8’s and 5.9’s with an occasional 5.10.  Well, come to find out it’s a 5.7.  I was a little disappointed :(  But, I am STILL happy with how I finished something that was challenging to ME, even if it’s cake for everyone else ;)

Next week’s i heart faces challenge is “sun flare.”  I tried it out yesterday because the opportunity presented itself.  What do you think? 

You Capture-Real Life

Sometimes I take a great photo, and in the background are all my piles of laundry, ugh!  This week I have an excuse to showcase those photos ;)

Waking up!  (Note the McD’s cup in the background)

My Downstairs Clutter

Allergies and laundry.

Our new car!

My hideous tile and the trashcan.

Diaper Change

I guess real life can’t always look like this.

I Heart Faces-My Story in Photos-Thankfulness

This is a non-judged sharing week at i heart faces. The theme is thankfulness. There is so much to be thankful for. I try so hard everyday to be thankful for the blessings in my life, and to not take anyone/thing for granted.

I am unbelievably, exceedingly, eternally grateful for my wonderful husband, Gavin. There are few men of his quality in this world, I’ve come to find. He is the most loving, caring, and thoughtful husband and father I could ever hope for. I am so glad we found each other when we did. I can’t imagine my life without him. I’m having such a wonderful time living, loving, and growing with him.

I am beyond thankful for the joy of my life. I’m sure I feel as all mothers do, but my daughter completes me. I have purpose like I’ve never known before. Everything I do, I do to make her and her life better. I love you baby girl, thank you for making me a better person :)

I am thankful for our family and friends. I am so grateful for our loving and supportive families!!! I’m so happy that Brooklyn will grow up being loved and supported by so many, just as I was. Parenthood has made me love and appreciate my parents so much. I am so grateful for the life lessons they taught me and for their wisdom and guidance still today. I am very thankful that all of my grandparents are still with us and that Brooklyn will have the opportunity to know her great-grandparents.

I am grateful for our jobs. I love my job, as does Gavin. Not many people can say that! I am also thankful for our job security. It is so nice to have that stability. I am so thankful for all that our careers provide for us.

For a house that is a home:

For a NEW CAR:

For food, and toys, and comfort. We will never be rolling in the dough but we have everything we need and want.

Before I go on and on, I am thankful for God and all the beauty he’s provided us with. Gavin, Brooklyn and I so enjoy getting out into his great world and exploring.

What are you thankful for?

Our New Journey

Gavin and I have been scoping out new cars for a while now.  Due to our expanding family, it seemed necessary.  Besides the fact that Gavin’s car was on it’s way out.  In fact, it almost didn’t make it to the dealership to be traded in.  So, good thing we bought a new car yesterday!!!  It’s a 2009 Dodge Journey.  It has some great features, like built in booster seats, coolers, and dishwasher safe storage bins under the floor mats in the back seat!  It also got 5 star safety ratings which I’m very happy about!  It doesn’t have the third row of seats, but it will fit two, maybe three, kiddos just fine ;)  I have to laugh a little at my new place in life, and priorities, wherein I am tickled pink with booster seats and safety ratings.  My old new car, I was STOKED that it had a spoiler and a sunroof.

We began a new phase in our life journey yesterday.  We started our adoption classes.  It went very well.  I was interested/surprised that we were one of only two couples seeking to adopt.  Most everyone else was there to foster.

 

The Dream

Gavin and I have long discussed adoption.  With my back injury, it just doesn’t seem feasible that I could tolerate another pregnancy well.  I was in excruciating pain from the onset of my injury at 34 weeks, until I delivered at 39 weeks.  Five weeks.  I can only imagine enduring an entire pregnancy like that, or at least from month 4 or so on….I have to work, I have another child to care for.  So, we had discussed adoption as one of our options.  And then one night I had a dream.

In my dream I was in my classroom, and there was a little boy who was crying because he wanted a mommy. He wanted me to be his mommy.  He climbed into my lap and I kissed him on the head and told him everything would be fine.  I knew his name was Abel.  I awoke with an overwhelming feeling of love. 

I told Gavin about my dream, and thus began our official journey to adopt.  Having worked with CYFD in the past, I was aware of their website and their Heart Gallery.  Curious, I checked it out.  Honestly, I wasn’t very surprised to see “Abel” on there.  It was somewhat surprising, however, to find that he is part of a sibling group.  I spend a lot of time thinking of him, and his brother, and the “what if’s.”  We start our classes this weekend.  I’m excited, and nervous, all at the same time.  Wish us luck :)

Because she asked.

I’ve blogged before about Ava, and her beautiful mother, Sheye.  Sheye is a phenomenal Australian photographer whose work both amazes and inspires me.  Her daughter, Ava passed away tragically in February 2007.  She posted this yesterday asking people to spread the word and pass on this postcard.  I join her in her fight to increase awareness so that perhaps someone will not have to suffer as their family has.  Here is Ava’s postcard.  You can right click and save it and distribute it however you’d like.

 

Sheye also linked to some great sites in her post from friends of hers that advocate pool safety and child restraint laws.

You Capture-Photographer’s Choice

This week’s theme at You Capture is “photographer’s choice!” So, all my photography obsessed friends, get over there and participate ;) These are just some of my all-time favorite photos.