The Pages

Halloween 2010!

2010-11-08T11:54:00.000-08:00

Tinkerbell!

Halloween was a blast this year! We left for Dad's (Grandpa's) on Friday...a few days before Halloween and immediately upon getting to Chelan, we went over to Tiffany's where she had a bunch of vegetarian food for us, and then on to pumkin carving! After dinner, however, I left and went back to my Dad's (yes, at 7 p.m.) and went to sleep. I left Myan in the capable hands of Tiffany and Evony and Dad went back about 9 and picked her up. I was sooo tired from the week of work, and being that Tiffany is my best friend, she didnt' mind that I was at her house for bout 10 minutes before I said, 'I'm leaving Myan here, and I'm going to Dad's to sleep.' Gotta love good friends!!

We got the girls (Evony and Myan) in their costumes and hit the streets of Chelan. For the first couple of blocks, they were quiet, shy---- the last 3 blocks of town? They were running, yelling, singing, dancing -- having so much fun!

Dad and I were amazed at how many people were out on the streets of Chelan. One person told me that their store had 1200 kids come to it! That's a LOT of trick-or-treat(ers) for the small 4 block town of Chelan. It was a little claustrophobic. It was great fun, though, and the girl's had a blast: That's what Matters!

Getting Ready To Head Downtown...Still a little curious about the night's events...

Grandpa and Myan -- collecting candy

The Girls!

On the 3 blocks where they thought there were IT!

After -- at Gramps house....showing off her loot!

Girl's Day!

2010-10-25T08:41:00.000-07:00

Myan asked to put on her Halloween costume for our Spa Day! She took it off before Lee got there, but she had good intentions!

Myan and Auntie Lee -- after our make-up makeovers. Two of my favorite people!

The Three Girls - after make-up and a perfectly relaxing day on the king size bed with nothing but snacks, OJ (for Lee!) and good talks...

Myan and 'her' dog, Jonah. No, Jonah didn't get the spa treatment makeover.....But Myan does dress him up in her shirts, so I'm sure he didn't feel left out. :)

My cousin Lee came up yesterday to hang with Myan and me...we had so much fun! We laid on the bed with some Glueten-Free candy, some OJ and had Girl Afternoon. We had such a blast. Lee and I laughed, talked about old times, talked about new times and the future, cried a little, had a makeup makeover and just relaxed. It was the most amazing afternoon, and I'm so lucky to have Lee in my life. Even though she's my cousin, we grew up (along with all of the cousins) so close that it's like having more brothers and sisters. I wouldn't trade my cousins for anything in the world! Thanks for the wonderful day, Lee. I love you!

Dad's Visiting!

2010-10-25T08:36:00.000-07:00

Dad came to visit for a week -- to hang with his perfect grand-daughter and his almost perfect daughter! We had such a good week, chilling out, making dinners, going out to dinner and just playing with Myan. She follows 'Gramps' around like a shadow -- and I love every minute of it! (and so does he!)

Here is a pic of Myan and Gramps at the playland toys at the mall. She takes a while to warm up, but once she gets going, she has a blast!

First Day of Preschool!

2010-09-16T07:01:00.000-07:00

Myan's first day of preschool was yesterday. She was a trooper! She looked a little worried when we dropped her off and kept eyeing us to see if we were leaving. We stayed for 10 minutes and then told her that we'd be outside waiting. We waited for 10 minutes (while Lanny paced around and tried to look in the windows) and then we went back in to let her know that we were leaving and would be back after school. She wasn't thrilled, but I walked her over to the teacher (Miss Naomi) and she sat back in the circle.

I called Lanny at 2 when he picked her up and he said that her words were, "It was Fantastic!" and that "I had fun!"

When I got home and immediately asked her about school, she slapped me in the side of the head (twice) and the only answer I got when asking her anything about her school day was -- a fart sound. Apparently she wasn't (and didn't) going to tell me anything about school.

In bed last night, when she was too tired to defend herself from my questions, she did let me know that she wanted to go back.

Mission Accomplished!

At the Park

2010-09-05T12:17:00.001-07:00

Saturday Outing!

2010-09-05T12:11:00.000-07:00

Last Day of August

2010-08-30T07:39:00.000-07:00

Myan lives in her swimsuits; I don't know what we're going to do in the winter.... Here is her latest pose! We had such a great weekend. Spent Saturday goofing around and Sunday Auntie Lee came up and spent the day with us. I got some fresh cut flowers from Lanny's yard -- couldn't resist - they're so beautiful! (thanks to his landlord). Lee and I got a bunch of stuff packed up from Mom's studio -- not the most fun thing to do, but Lee was a trooper and I can't thank her enough for her love and support. Oh, and you should see her belly! The twins are taking over ;)

Franklin is Born!

2010-07-21T15:04:00.000-07:00

Last night, Larnie gave birth to a beautiful baby boy: Franklin Severson Raught. He was born at 5:48 p.m. - 6 pounds - 19 inches.

Julia texted me at 7 a.m. yesterday to say that they were at the hospital. About every 2 hours, she kept texting me updates -- Mom's at 3! Mom's at 7! I left work at 1:30 -- went and picked up Myan -- missed a ferry - finally caught the 3 o'clock ferry - and arrived at Swedish Hospital in Seattle at 4. While I was trying to find a parking spot at Swedish, Julia texted me: Mom's at 10! She's ready!!! I texted back that I was trying to find a parking spot!

Myan and I got upstairs and saw Julia. I ran into Larnie's birthing suite to give her a kiss and let her know that we were there and then Julia, Myan and I went back to the waiting room to talk about the days happenings for a few. We went to the cafeteria and got something to eat...went out for a smoke...and went back up to the waiting room.

About 5:30 Nick (Larnie's boyfriend...and Frankie's Dad!) came to the waiting room and say to Julia -- they're ready for her to push! So, Juj jumped up and ran out. About 20 minutes later...Julia came back to the waiting room. I assumed that they were still laboring -- or they were waiting for some odd reason -- something -- but then Julia handed me her iPhone and there was Frankie lying on the cleaning table. WHAT?? HE'S HERE?? I could NOT believe it. Julia left literally 20 minutes before that -- and came back with ... a picture...of Frankie OUT of the belly! What a surprise!!!

Julia stayed with Myan for a minute while I ran in to give Larn a kiss and to kiss Frankie. I then left the room so they could do whatever it is that they have to do -- clean up, I presume -- and went back to watch Myan so Julia could go be with her Mom.

We hung out until a little after 10 p.m. -- Larnie and Frankie were then moved to another room and we were all settled in. Larnie was in great spirits -- said that it was virtually painless. She only did NINE pushes and little Frankie was out. NINE! Amazing work, Larn. And, thankfully, the little guy was -- well, little!

A new life is with us now . . . another member of this odd clan that we call family. I can't wait for them to get home so I can sit on Larn's couch and hold the little peanut.

Myan's Day Out!

2010-07-19T08:06:00.001-07:00

Myan's pose when something's not quite going her way.

Myan got to spend an entire afternoon with Nicole (Aunt Nikki) my longest/dearest friend here on this side of the water. While I was out in Seattle with Julia kicking up my heels to celebrate our birthdays - Myan got to spend an afternoon being spoiled (I'm assuming) and getting to hang out with Nicole. They spent the day at the park -- and from the pictures that Nicole took -- it looks like Myan was on cloud nine! Myan told me when I saw her the next day that she's going back to Nikki's tomorrow. I asked her, 'Did Nicole say you could come back?" She said defiantly, 'YES' as if to say -- I don't have to ask, it's a standing invitation. We'll leave that up for Nicole to decide ;)

I had a wonderful night out with Julia and Myan had an amazing day out with Nicole. I didn't have to worry or think about Myan as I knew she was in great hands! That's such a blessing....However, if Myan doesn't stop talking about Nicole and how much fun they had -- I'm not sure if I'm going to send her back ;)

Catch Aunt Nikki!

Hello Lovely!

I'm not sure this is sanitary ...

Myan doesn't like noise!

I'm outta here...

Not sure what she's doing, but I love this pic all the same!

Swaggerin...

Here Ducky, ducky, ducky...

Lovely, quiet picture...

A Star is born!

Precious...

Waiting for ducks...

Talking back to someone...I presume

Duck feeding!

Julia and Jenn's Birthday Evening!

2010-07-19T07:15:00.000-07:00

Juj and I went to Seattle on Saturday night for a girls' night out. It started with the ferry...then a taxi ride to the Seattle Center for dinner at the Space Needle (compliments of Dad/Grandpa!). The food & service at the Space Needle restaurant was absolutely amazing. The dinner was so, so good. I recommend it to anyone. A little pricey, but the view is stunning and the food is honestly amazing.

From there, we jumped in another taxi and went to 6th Ave to my surprise b-day gift for Juj - the Grease Sing-A-Long. They were passing out 'Pink Lady' pins and 'T-Bird' pins and posters! There were so many girls dressed up in the Pink Lady jackets, it was so cute. The sing a long was hilarious -- the whole audience was cheering, singing and having a great time. The whole audience cheered when Mr. Travolta came on screen and 'BOOOO'd' when the opposition showed up. Rizzo by far got the most cheers -- throughout the entire movie!

I did fall asleep once...in honor of my Mom I assume -- but Juj woke me up for the last song and said that I only slept for 15 minutes or so. I'm 38 -- what is happening to me!!! #$)%&

It was a beautiful night -- just the two of us - catching up, goofing around and just enjoying each others company. What a wonderful, magical night with my beautiful niece and friend, Julia Rose Bryant Page Garcia. ;)

4th of July!

2010-07-13T10:43:00.000-07:00

Dad and Myan at the Golf Course!

Myan and I went to Chelan for a 5 day vacation for the 4th of July. The 2nd of July was Dad's last treatment, so Myan and Dad took the bus (I followed in the car) down to Wenatchee to the clinic. She loved riding the bus and Dad said that she was on very good behavior while riding. (It could have gone either way -- so I was pleased to hear that!)

We hung out at the house on Saturday -- went to the park and just hung out -- and played lazy all day. Myan and I got to see the fireworks over Campbell's from Dad's front sidewalk - so that was extremely easy for me! It was a nice warm up of firework action for the next night when we planned to go out on the lake shore and watch the Manson fireworks.

We did go golfing while we were in Chelan -- Dad drove, Myan sat on his lap -- and we 'played' the first 9 at the Chelan Golf Course. I haven't played in ... well, 15 or so years -- but I legitimately bogeed #5 which was a par 4. Yes, yes I did. Not bad, you say? You're right!

I forgot to take my camera to Chelan with me (I KNEW I was forgetting something) so I just got a couple of cell phone pics. Sad, but true.

Overall, we had a great long weekend hanging out with Grandpa, Tiffany, Evony, Chava, Steph and Dale. It was a relaxing weekend with the benefit of it being cold over in Chelan! No 100 degree weather. It was heaven.

Myan's 3rd Birthday

2010-06-04T07:20:00.000-07:00

Myan's 3rd Birthday was a blast! She finally got the concept of presents and she actually got thru them in a timely manor! We had so much fun -- she was excited for her day and we had a wonderful group of family that celebrated with us. Happy Birthday My Love!

I don't know who's happier...

Grandpa and Myan

Opening gifts -- more toys!!

Auntie Lee and Myan

Bring on the gifts...

Grandpa got her a DVD player...I might get 10 minutes to myself now! Al (aunt Larnie) got the lucky spot of helping open all of the gifts...

Mitchell and Julia playing with baby Eli...

DVD's to go with her new player...lucky girl!

Pinata time! Myan was the only kid who wouldn't hit the pinata...but she went for the prizes.

Julia helping Natty beat the stuffing out of Dora..

The Gang!

Contemplating the last 3 years of life..

Grandpa, Uncle Puma, Me and the Birthday Girl!

Blowing out her candles...

The birthday table..

She wanted Dora....but since I was paying, I went with this.... :)

Dad's Birthday

2010-06-04T07:16:00.000-07:00

We had a great dinner for Dad's birthday -- his favorite - Chinese. Larn, Juj, Lanny, Myan, Dad and Me. I don't know how I didn't get a picture of everyone at dinner (including me!) but . . . must have been too busy eating :)

Myan getting ready for Dad's birthday

Myan and Lan at birthday dinner...

Happy Birthday Dad!!

Dressing Up!

2010-05-25T13:08:00.000-07:00

I found this really cute shirt shopping at the mall -- I'm doing my best to start feeling better and what better way to feeling better on the inside than to feel great on the outside too? Well, here's my attempt! Thanks to Nicole who gave me the great necklace for a present after her trip to Maui last week! I had this picture taken in Rob's old office -- cuz that's where I shine! Honestly, see that glow? It's left over from Rob . . .

I have company!

2010-05-25T07:10:00.001-07:00

Tiffany and Me at the ferry dock in Edmonds.

Another pic of us at the dock.

Evony and Micky Mouse at the mall...Myan didn't want to get that close to him...

Myan and Me posing at the dock

Evony, Sadira and Myan on the ferry.

Tiffany and her family came over for the weekend....what fun! We were so busy running the girls around: shopping, chuckie cheese, the mall, shopping, farmer's market -- but it was a wonderful long weekend filled with memories of the past of thoughts of the future.

Baking!

2010-05-20T07:52:00.000-07:00

Myan baked cookies last night -- start to finish! Her favorite part was using the spatula (like Spongebob does) to remove the cookies from the sheet and flip them onto a plate. Needless to say -- most of them missed the plate!

Showing off the final product!

Ahhh, springtime!

2010-05-17T09:01:00.000-07:00

I got a pool!

The ice cream truck strikes again!

Myan picked out her own swimsuit this year -- she wore it ALL weekend -- she would have worn it to bed if I'd let her....and believe me, she tried!

Yes, shoes go IN the pool...

Uh -- this is quite an outfit, right? Accessories and all!

Mother's Day 2010

2010-05-10T08:33:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day!

Easter 2010!

2010-04-06T07:59:00.000-07:00

Me and Lee -- awe, ain't we cute?

Stop smothering me!

She tried to push me off the chair....I have PROOF!

Natty, Lee, Myan and Sarah

Natty, Lee and Myan -- Happy Easter!

Eric and Lee -- Thankful that Eric's home!

Eli -- finally found a toy she likes!

Sarah smiles!

Easter is sooo much fuN!

Counting the eggs...

What, no more?

I love Easter!

I don't like tiaras...

Whoohoo!

I'm very organized...

Are they still in there?

This is ALL mine!

Hey Look, another egg! I'll show you every one of them...

Here are my eggs...I only hid them 15 times...

My first egg...so proud

Couldn't resist!

Ocean Shores!

2010-03-23T07:30:00.000-07:00

lanterns galore!

Mal & me trying to get our lantern to go...

TC, Mal and Demri -- beach pose!

Kia - dragging her feet...

One of these lanterns MUST go!

Mal and Me -- trying...we thought we had one going up -- but, no.

Why are we clapping? We're not sure either...

Sky Lantern Lighting Time (or, trying!)

Uncle Mont -- walking the beach

Myan confused by the waves.

Laura and Cory - who's going in the water first?

Myan - all a-glow!

Little Kelly - I think she has a pic of me that looks like this!

Beautiful Waves & the jetty where we spread Mom's ashes..

The fam!

Tia and Jasmine!

Wheeeee!

Jasmine and Uncle Mont flying kites

Uh -- why do I have to wear a snow suit?

Core - happy as usual! :)

All Smiles!

Wade - the perfect nephew!

Puma, the water is that way --

oh Happy day!

2010-02-23T07:04:00.000-08:00

Myan and I had a great night last night. I made (yes, I made!) spaghetti and asparagus. I even took pictures -- to prove that I made a meal. Myan said, 'Good food, Mamma.' And, she was right. It was delicious.

After dinner, we painted her nails -- danced in her bedroom to the music of the musicbox that Yaya got her for Christmas -- and -- just had a great evening overall. Until, I got tired. She didn't seem to ... but I sure was.

Oh, right -- after dinner, she took off her pants and pull-up and danced on the kitchen table. I was cleaning up in the kitchen -- heard something -- look around the corner and there she was! Naked table dancing....Yes, I took pictures. I'll get them up here soon!

Chuckie Cheese!!

2010-02-01T09:09:00.001-08:00

Lee and I met at Chuckie Cheese on Saturday to take the kids out for an afternoon of fun. The kids had so much fun -- and Lee and I did too. Chuckie might be an annoying place for some (and at times it is for me too) but it's so easy to be there -- there's no chance of your kid getting away from you (like they do at the mall) and there's so much going on that the kids never get bored!

It was fun for Myan to see the kids again (Noel, Sarah, Natty and Eli) and it was my first time meeting the kids! It was a great afternoon -- I have NO idea how Lee is handling a full time job and 4 kids -- but she's such a trooper, if anyone could do it -- it would be Lee! Here are some pics from the outting...enjoy!

Natty in the tubes!

Myan watching Sarah ride the horse....
Supervising, no doubt.

Myan and Natty -- competition at it's best!

This was their game of choice -- they won some serious tickets on this game!!!

I think Sarah spent 80% of her token on the horse ride...I don't blame her, it looks like fun!

Ah, a ride for Eli. (Myan said that Eli should go on this, but she declined to ride herself)

aaah, January!

2010-01-20T11:08:00.000-08:00

It's already mid- January - where have all my posts gone? Oh, I know -- I haven't done any. The last two weeks have flown by...talking with Lee about her newest addition of 4 nieces and nephews to her household -- trying to keep my job from taking over my life -- trying to be a good mother to my dogs (who have been so neglected lately!) and trying to make time for fun!

Speaking of fun -- Myan and I went to Chuckie Cheese last night to celebrate Mom's birthday,

And, in doing so - since Auntie Lee is busy and can't come up on Tuesday's right now I decided that I would keep a fun Tuesday tradition going and take her to Chuckie Cheese every Tuesday night. They do have an awesome salad bar. :) (and, no, i'm not joking)

Myan learned air hockey -- and I have to say that I'm impressed with her mad skills....After $25 bucks for a salad, one drink an individual size pizza (which is = to about 1 full piece!) . . . and games -- with her tickets -- she got a sucker and some paste on ear-rings. Lovely. Next time, no pizza. The time after that? No drink. :)

But - just taking her out for the night -- letting her see and interact with other kids -- it's worth it!

Julia was at the house when we got home -- she came over to spend the evening with me and just to talk about Mom -- we shared some great laughs and some tears -- very sweet of her to come hang out with her old auntie on such an emotional day....Love that kid

Christmas 2009

2010-01-04T13:50:00.001-08:00

the morning of christmas 09 - myan got up at 6:30 as i was saying 'santa came, santa came' and she ran out to the living room...or, wait -- i guess i was carrying her -- i was hoping that she would run out to the tree, arms raised with a smile on her face...but, no -- back to the story. i carried myan out and said 'santa came..do you see all of the presents?' no reply.

hm..maybe she didn't hear me. 'santa came...do you see all of the presents?' yes, she did, but she wasn't biting. It was so early -- julia, mitchell, lanny and i were all there, up -- waiting for her to run out and start ripping thru gifts. that moment didn't come -- however, once i found her iCarly gift to unwrap (her fav! show) i told her there were more (lie) so that she'd keep opening gifts--and she did! she got a train set some matchbox cars, books, a doll, tap shoes, clothes, more books, a cell phone (fake) candy, gloves, - everything a girl needs to get her through the holidays.

lee and eric showed up about 8 for breakfast and they brought even more gifts! splendid!!! julia and mitchell had to leave at 9 (short stay, huh??) -- but they had to get to mitchell's grandma's house for the day. so lee, eric, myan, lanny and i had breakfast and then opened more gifts -- followed by relaxing and taking pictures. it was a great christmas morning -- nothing like lee and i remember as a kid (those holidays can't be beat) but it was fun to try to start new traditions (of which i'm not sure we succeeded) but -- we tried. it was hard w/out mom being there -- to show us the ropes and bring the ever-present happiness that she brings to all occasions...but we did it, with partial smiles and partial tears. thank god we had full on white biscuits and jam to tide us over.

myan and i caught the train to chelan on christmas day around 5 p.m. we got into wenatchee at 9 pm and then spent the next 4 days on and off sick -- but i wasn't committed to work -- i was on vacation -- so it wasn't that bad -- at least i could sit around and not worry that i wasn't getting paid -- oh, wait, i wasn't -- well -- let's not think about that. we spent a little bit of time with tiffany and her family -- quickly visited uncle etha in tonasket -- saw stephanie's new house -- but spent 90% of our time hanging out at dad's in the warm living room trying to get over the colds. ahhh, christmas!

Steph & Me

Myan & Evony

Dale, Steph and Myan (visiting Steph's new house!!!!)

Steph & Myan

Dad playing with Myan's new toys...

Tiffany, Evony, Chava, Myan and Dad (our christmas on the 27th)

Presents!!!

Trying to keep the girls from taking each other's gifts...not easy!

Lee & Eric -- looking great!

GooooooFE!

Love this pic -- old time farmers, they are.

Lee and Myan

Lee, Myan and me....we're so cute together!

me, lan and Myan

auntie lee and myan looking at hot wheels!

putting the hot wheels in their rightful places...

ah, relaxing...

the girls' christmas photo...we look like we all just woke up -- cuz...we did!

the fam!

so many presents...

ah, ain't they cute?

Tap Shoes!!!

The giving of the tap shoes!

Where to start opening these gifts..myan asks!

Company Holiday Party!

2009-12-21T09:41:00.001-08:00

Company Holiday Party Pics....oooh yeah!

TJ & me...I was actually on the phone with the photobooth owner...having tech difficulties. I'm really not that tied to my phone!

me, rach and nic...

nic and me

we're very serious . . .

Elliott, Katy, me, TJ -- dig those costumes!

me and Damien

Tycho!

testing the Bailey's on Ice

Who doesn't love a photobooth?

Tycho and TJ -- the night was coming to a close

TYCHO!

TJ, Mary, Drew (oh, and me)
Pic below? Yes, that's Drew -- my boss...yep

Birthday Party!!

2009-12-15T08:12:00.000-08:00

Myan and I went to Malynda's on Saturday for Kennedy's 8th birthday. Yes, we actually got out of the house! There were about 20 kids there making cookies, (making a mess!) and running around the house. I asked Myan 'do you want to have kids over for your birthday?' and she shook her head 'no.' hahahaha. That's my girl!

We had a nice mid-morning and afternoon and Malynda's and it was fun to celebrate with Kennedy. Thankfully Kia was there -- so that gave me a little break -- as Myan will hang with Kia.

Vicki and Tim were there for a short time too (they were on their way to Depot Bay, OR) but it was nice to see them and chat while we had the time. I didn't take my camera (waaaaaaaaaaaaa) but hopefully Mal will post some pics of the party on Facebook and I'll steal them and post them here.

Santa 2009

2009-11-30T13:54:00.001-08:00

oh yea!! Myan saw Santa on TV yesterday and we'd seen him at the mall last weekend. So..all day she kept saying that she wanted to go see Santa -- and 'Yes' she wanted to sit on Santa's lap. So we drove to Silverdale (Dad, Myan and me) and here is Myan's 2009 Christmas with Santa pic. Enjoy!

Thansgiving 2009

2009-11-30T07:14:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving Day - 2009. What a relaxing & fun day. We let Costco do the: turkey, dessert & rolls -- we warmed appetizers and other fun foods - we made stuffing and mashed potatoes -- so it was truly a holiday for relaxing. We spent minimal time in the kitchen -- and spent most of our day lounging around the holiday table talking. What splendor! We'll have to try that again for another holiday -- it was fantastic!

Our Holiday Table

Dad and Myan getting in some relaxing time before dinner.

Lee and Myan -- cooking!

Everyone is enjoying the sit down meal. I do love a meal where everything is on the table and passed. No buffets!!!

The Gang

Cheers!

Eric and Lee

Lan and Me

Puma was delegated as 'balloon player'

Lee had surgery the day before -- way to get out of work!

Chillin after dinner

Bad light -- but it was such a cute pic~!

Couldn't resist!

It's cleaning time -- and where did I find Juj and Dad? Chattin . . .

Myan and the car set she got for Thanksgiving.

Myan Left Town!!

2009-11-23T08:14:00.000-08:00

Myan spent the night with Auntie Lee on Friday! Lee comes up twice a week and spends evenings with Myan and . . I must say that when Lee is over - Myan has nothing to do with me -- if I try to get her to do anything she says, "Auntie Lee here' -- obviously telling me that Lee's in charge, so don't even bother. So, I don't!

Myan spent her first night away from north end of the peninsula -- she went all the way to E. Bremerton for the evening. As much as I wondered and worried (a little) I only called twice and I really wasn't panicked or worried -- just normal stuff I suppose.

Oh, and the times that I did call -- that night and the next morning....Myan wouldn't talk to me....'put me down' was all she would say to Lee when Lee would try to get her to talk to me.
whatever.

Of course, Lee let's her color, play with play dough, paint -- messy stuff that I ... uh .. well, you all know me. That's what aunts are for!

Here are some pics that Lee took during the outing . . .

Playing with her newest cousins -- Eric's brother's kids....

Cheesecake!

Staring out the window -- after putting up christmas lights...

Taking over Lee and Eric's bed with Barney....

Myan and her new best friend, Apollo.

ah...

Halloween!

2009-11-02T09:13:00.000-08:00

Halloween 09. What fun! We practiced with her in the living room for at least an hour throughout the day -- saying 'trick or treat' and getting candy from Lanny and me. She knocked it out of the park. She was rrready to go! She got all dressed up, we drove to Winslow -- and -- uh -- well, she never once said 'trick or treat.' I guess I'm not surprised.....and, no one else is either. She did have a great time tho, talking about it on the ride home -- telling Papa and Lanny over the phone how much fun she had ....

Oh, she loves that punkin. . .

Getting out of the car -- ready to roll

Larnie and Myan getting the first taste of candy

Larnie, Lee and Myan -- posing

Jenn and Myan

Larnie, Juj and Myan -- yet more candy

Larnie, Myan and this crazy singin stilt wearin' chap

Yes, i'm having fun.

Free Ice Cream! Yes, that's almost a smile!

The punkin that we carved on Halloween morning

After we got home, she thought she'd dress up in Auntie Lee's costume...

Howdy!

Is this the cutest pic or what???

Candy!!!!!!!!

The Flooring is Almost Done!

2009-10-06T08:03:00.001-07:00

The flooring + base molding is installed in 2 rooms!! They're coming back this morning to finish. Here are some (not so great) shots from last night. Can't wait to move everything back in!! Still a lot of little detail work that I have to do before that - but that's the life of constant upgrading. That, and going broke doing it.

Guest Room

My room. (closet view)

Remodeling s.u.c.k.s.

2009-10-05T11:48:00.000-07:00

I'm having new floors put in all 3 bedrooms -- because 1) i have 3 dogs roaming my house and 2) i have a 2 year old following them.

We're in week 2 of the remodel and I'm going BONKERS. I had no idea that I had SO much stuff crammed into those 3 rooms, Honestly, what is it all there for? I have no idea, but this I will say -- about 3/4 of it won't be going back in.

this is an odd tilting of my bedroom wall -- it used to be floor to ceiling windows -- but it was freeezing in the winter and hot as hell in the summer. so, now it will just be a nice entry to my new bedroom deck and a little window to let in some fresh air. (the 'stripes' on the floor are the molding that i'm painting)

a really dark and awful picture of my CRAMMMMMED living room.

and the walkway is where again?

I Love You, Mom

2009-10-05T08:10:00.000-07:00

I got up this morning -- usual: shower, garbages, fed the dogs, dressed myan, moved the bed (construction zone) . . .

and when i was doing myan's hair -- i got my first ever unprompted 'i love you mom' from my sweetheart...

yes, i cried.

Nicole's Birthday!

2009-10-02T11:04:00.001-07:00

tj and myan before the crowds came . . .

This is Nicole (amt mikki) and Myan last night at the party!

We got invited to a small gathering birthday party last night for one of my oldest friends on this side of the mountains. We had home made mac and cheese (which was the best thing that i've ever eaten) and salad -- wine, beer, etc! We had a wonderful time -- chill and fun. A perfect way to spend a Thursday evening -- even though I was so, so, so tired. Get over it, J! Life is passing you by!

Carnival Time!

2009-09-28T11:30:00.000-07:00

Mom, Myan and I went to the Port Gamble Carnival this weekend. Mom and I spent about 40 bucks on food -- we got one of everything, took a bite and moved on to the next item. It was delicious! (well, some of it)

Here are pictures from Myan's first carnival ride. Thrilled, of course!

is it over yet?

no, i won't touch a duck.

i'm not going to even HINT that i might be enjoying this. and, she wasn't :)

ooo, do i see prizes?

Myan's leaving for Chelan!

2009-09-14T08:26:00.001-07:00

Lanny has to go to Chelan to meet with the water witcher tomorrow -- and since it was such short notice, he's taking Myan with him. I was quite thrilled when I first thought about it-- wow, 2 days alone? suweeeeeet! but, now that it's here and she's leaving today -- i feel sick. he's got my cell phone so i'll be able to keep in contact -- but, i'm a little - lot sad :(

Myan's feeling better!

2009-09-09T11:22:00.000-07:00

The last couple of weeks have been -- well, long. But, I'm happy to report that Myan is feeling much, much better and is back to -- well, back talking! Her gums are still swollen, but the bleeding is all but gone. The house is so much more calm with her feeling better and I think my ulcer is subsiding. :)

Myan's Sick!

2009-09-01T14:36:00.001-07:00

No, I'm not going to show you any pictures -- but my poor little Myan has been through the wringer for the last 8 days. Started off with a 4 day temp running from 101-104 (at it's peak) the entire 4 days. Lots of sleep lost, lots of crying, lots of worrying, many doctor visits.

Visit 1 consisted of trying to figure out the cause of the 4 day temp. Urine tests, urine cultures -- nothing came of it.

The next visit resulted in more 'watchful waiting' and a follow-up appointment with an ultra sound on her kidneys and bladder. Everything came back perfect.

The next visit -- was a result in days of swollen and bleeding gums....serious pain for our little babe. After hours of waiting and finally blood tests (in which everything came back fantastic) we were scheduled with a dentist to take a look at her ever-swelling & bleeding gums.

The final verdict: Mouth virus (also knows as herpes) YUCK!

A call came from cuz Malnyda -- who's a brilliant nurse and a wonderful family member -- who said that Kennedy had also had the 'mouth virus' and she gave me the most wonderful pointers and information. I quickly ran to the store following her advice and since then, little Myan finally slept last night -- BLESSING FOR BOTH OF US -- and today with the mixture of Mylanta and Orajel - she's as happy as she can be with as sick as she is.

The dentist said that this shold all go away by mid- September. I'm hoping for much, much, much sooner :)

8.2.2009 weekend

2009-08-25T08:17:00.000-07:00

Grandpa came over this weekend and we had a great time -- going to the park, making dinner, baking cookies, fixing minor house issues, etc. We got more done (Lanny mostly) on Mom's courtyard -- unfortunately I haven't taken updated pictures yet....but Mom, Dad, Myan and I had a great time sitting around, talking and taking in the afternoons. Here are some pictures from this weekend. Awesome family time!

Treats!!! Everyone came-running..:)

Wonderful dinner that Mom and Dad made...

Family Dinner. A fabulous hour...felt so right. Dad made rice w/ tomatoes, onions, celery and chicken. Mom made a wonderful spinach salad w/ avocado, cukes, onion and her own homemade dressing. It really was a great hour of good food and great family.

Papa and Myan making cookies...

Still making cookies....next time, we're going to make them from scratch!

papa's little helper...

Yes, i know what I'm doing here...

No More Diapers!

2009-08-21T11:21:00.000-07:00

Myan's learning to use the 'princess potty.' Who ever thought that I'd be using words like 'princess potty' and Elmo underwear? Certainly not me! I'm not sure I'm enjoying this phase.....

8.19.2009
running away from the potty

giving elmo kisses

strangling elmo -- apparently he's the reason why she has to now use the potty :)

don't shake the baby!

so proud of herself....

notice...we have to take the tennis balls, the elmo doll and books in with her...

8.17.09

uh -- are you just goofing around or can we get this over with?

Myan Showing Off...

2009-08-21T11:17:00.000-07:00

Myan got some new dresses from AL (Larnie) and she grabbed her purse-- and essentially started strutting her stuff.

Myan Gardening

2009-08-21T11:14:00.000-07:00

I'm scared to get my PUD bill.....she's a watering fool. Course, do we stop her? Nooooo, we just let her keep watering. My ferns are loving her, however.

August 01, 2009

The Zoo!

2009-08-20T15:57:00.001-07:00

Ok, it wasn't actually a zoo, it was an animal farm in manson. but, it was myan's first zoo!

what the?

Falling behind on posts!

2009-08-20T15:52:00.000-07:00

allright, all right, i'm a bit behind. i don't have much time today either, so i'll just add some images! here are the pics from our trip to my dads last month. i re-did his front porch -- it better still look this good!!!

Name Changing

2009-08-14T10:49:00.000-07:00

Please note: I'm giving up my jenniferlynnpage.com website, so i'm moving everything over. It's confusing, i know. I tried to date the back-dates material -- just hoping not to confuse everyone too much!

3/13/2008: Name Update.

As some of you might already know, Nadash has a new first name.

Here is how the story goes:
I chose the name Myan Hydra back in 1992 for my future daughter. For the last 15+ years, I never thought of another name.
Through a long series of events, I ended up adopting from Guatemala. Once the process started, I got nervous about how cliche it would be to have a daughter from Guatemala
named Myan. (Their spelling is Mayan, but you still get the point.) I immediately decided that it was meant to be -- then reversidly decided that it was corny and cliche. My Dad
and I sat at his house one night and tried to come up with other names. We went thru a whole host of possibilities, before deciding on Nadash.
It was an honor to me and my Hungarian family that we decided upon the name Nadash. It was unique and fun and Dad and Kelly and I were very pleased with the name, and we were excited that her nickname was going to be 'Dash.' My Mom, I could tell, wasn't too keen on the name at first, but she grew to ... well, I believe that she ended up thinking that it was a very unique name. (It's almost one of those names that you have to say quite a few times in order to get the rhythm of it.)

For the next months, she was referred to as Nadash. But, every time I called her Nadash, she didn't respond to it, and neither did I. It didn't feel right. It didn't fit her, and it didn't
flow. There was just something missing with the name and the connection and she and I had to it.

I talked to my friend Nicole, and told her of the dilemma that I was in, (honestly, I told her a fake story, because I didn't want her to think that I was bonkers, so I essentially 'tested' the info out on her to see her reaction) and her suggestion was to let Nadash pick between the two names. Lanny suggested this option before, but
for some reason I didn't take it to heart like I did when Nicole brought it up.

Last night, I went home and wrote 'Nadash' on one piece of paper, and 'Myan' on the other. I folded them many times, put them in a bowl, and mixed them up. Not wanting her
to choose the name that ended up on the top, I put one piece of paper in each of my hands and sat her on my mom's lap in front of me. I didn't know which name was on which piece
either, but with her slow and graceful movements -- she looked at both pieces. She waited about 2 seconds and then, with her right hand, she crossed over my left hand and took the paper that was on the diagonal and lifted it up. My mom and I were really excited to see which name she picked. I opened up the piece of paper, and there it was: Myan.

I was a little shocked. At 9 1/2 months, I'm going to change her name? What am I thinking? What will people say?
(side note:) I asked my Mom, 'Will people think I'm crazy?" -- and with a laugh she replied, "They already do." Fair Enough. Let's move on.

The only person that I needed affrimation from regarding her name change was my Dad. He and I had worked really hard to come up with Nadash, and it's from his side of the family, and I didn't want to cause any waves, or have him think that I was eternally crazy by doing this at 9+ months. I called him 5 times in the span of a couple of hours but only left one message. (Until he reads this, he probably doesn't know that I tried so many times...but now he can check his caller ID and laugh.)

I told him what I wanted to do, and asked him what he thought about it. Our family has been though a lot this last couple of months, and I know that little things can send me into a spin, and I wasn't sure if this would be one of those 'things' for my Dad.

When I finally got ahold of him, and let him know that I wanted to change her name, he was without question, so sweet about it. He said that he loved the name Myan and while I was on the phone he went to Uncle Kelly's beloved Oxford Dictionary to look up Mayan, Maya and the descriptions and informatoin about the words/names. I told him that I'd always spelled it Myan in my head, and I was going to stick with that spelling. I wanted it to be just as I dreamed it would be.

And....that's the story of how my beautiful, perfect baby chose her name.
(You might think that it was just a 50-50 shot, but I believe not.)

Myan C.C. Page

Adoption Day! April 18, 2008

2009-08-14T10:45:00.000-07:00

Oooh, this was like no other day I'd experienced. We got up early. We had to be in Seattle at the King County Courthouse at 1:30. I was panicked all morning. Lanny and my Mom were feverishly trying to help me get Myan's things together -- trying to get her dressed, packed -- get all of the paperwork together -- I'm sure that I wasn't much help. No, I know I wasn't.

We got to the courthouse early. Thankfully -- because it took us quite a while to find a parking spot. It was cold -- and windy -- and rainy. Typical weather -- we'd planned for it. I think I yelled at a couple of other drivers, was pacing -- flipping out a bit -- I'm not sure why Mom and Lanny didn't just leave me there -- well, yes, I guess I know why -- for Myan. They were certainly finished with me for the day :)

We got upstairs and found our way to the 6th floor -- or 2nd, or 10th. Heck, I don't know. Besides the fact that Lanny coulnd't make it through the metal detector -- he had a switchblade on him -- (uh -- lanny? a little help here?) .....

Once upstairs -- my lawyer met us in the hallway and asked if I had all of the necessary paperwork in order -- I thought so -- I said -- and we waited.

At 1:30 the doors opened. We went in and sat down. At 1:35, our name was called. What? Us? Already? Oh, no.

We were motioned and moved to a closed door meeting room. Flags, God Bless America -- the works. Oh, and a judge sitting behind his 'i'm looking down on you' desk.

Great. This should be fun.

My lawyer started out requesting to the courts that I be able to legally adopt Myan -- this went on for a few minutes -- she read all of Myan's paperwork, etc. etc....

The judge then turned to me and started firing off questions.
What's her birthday? When did you arrive in Guatemala City?
Are you prepared to be her mother?

As you guessed, I got all of the questions right.
It was a blur--I'll tell you that. I just wanted it to be over with. I'm not sure how long it was (I'm told 20 minutes) and I'm not sure what my answers were (apparently they were correct) but . . . they finally granted me adoption rights and . . . well, we left.

We went back to the claims office so Lanny could get his switchblade (i could go on and on about what a hilbilly move that was to bring it to my adoption day hearing, but i shant)

We then drove to Pike Place Market for a celebration.
We took pictures -- ate -- and got Myan a beautiful hand painted mural for her bedroom to mark the occasion. It was a wonderful day -- in that I got the approval and paperwork.

The rest of it: a little stressful. I don't recommend doing it often.

During the court hearing...Can we get this over with, please!

Lanny, Myan and Me after the court hearing.

Three generations! (right after the court hearing..I look a little stressed, aye?)

Grandma and Myan after the court hearing.

The judge who finalized the adoption, and asked what seemed like

1000 questions...I find out that there were only 15. (101/2 months)

Myan talking back to the judge.

Must have learned that from Uncle Puma. (10 1/2 months)

Pre-Home Pics and Information

2009-08-14T10:23:00.001-07:00

(If You're Interested, the Timeline of Events
is Located at the Bottom of This Page)

Update 11/28/2007
We received an update on your case today. The attorney has received authorization from the US Embassy to do the 2nd DNA test. Once that is done, they will just be waiting for the pink slip!

Update 11/27/2007
From Doctor Carlos Moran: "That I have evaluated Eva of 5 months and 24 days of age and she presents the following statistics: Current weight: 12.11 lbs, Current Height: 62 cm. She's active, with good muscle tone, normal reflex, heart and lungs are normal, normal abdomen, soft, no lesions, strong suction, loud cry, holds her neck, keep looking, make some cooing noises, a little slim but she present a low weight at the moment of the birth. On this visit she received her pneumococcus vaccine and has been reccommded a special diet for her age (which they don't tell say what it is) and is recommended vitamins via mouth." This report was done on 11/19 and Myan was 5 months and 24 days old in these pictures!

Myan @ 5 months and 24 days old. Sporting the headband...

12.11 pounds...of which 2 pounds is cheeeeks!

Update 11/14/2007

From My Agency: We received an update on your case, but not much news. The update just said that your case came out of PGN (which we knew already!) and that the attorney was obtaining the final signature from the birth mother. Once the signature is obtained, then they will move on to the next steps of obtaining the birth certificate, passport, etc.

********* Update 11/12/2007 *********
I am OFFICIALLY out of PGN, and approved! This means that the entire set of paperwork that I have been working on for over 11 months has been approved by PGN (the official Guatemalan Adoption Department)!! Now, I just have to wait for Myan's new birth certificate and Guatemalan Passport to be issued. After that's done, it will be submitted to the US Embassy and they will issue the order for the 2nd DNA test to be done, and once that is completed, the US Embassy will send me a Pink Slip that will have my Embassy appointment date on it. I will then have to make quick travel arrangements so that I can be in Guatemala City on the date that the pink slip has on it so that I can do the final interview with the Embassy and then I can come home with Myan! This is the BEST news, and I'm so happy that everyone can share in the joy with me!

Update 10/23/2007 from Agency
"I received an update on your case today and the file is still in PGN! I know this doesn't seem like much news, but it is good news since the file has not been kicked out of PGN. The typical time to wait in PGN right now is around 8 weeks so we are still on track (this is the 7th week). I may have mentioned this before, but once the file comes out of PGN, we will find out right away. We don't have to wait for the regular update to find out when the files come out. And of course, I will let you know just as soon as I hear the news!"

Update 10/16/2007
She's wearing the outfit that I sent down!!!!!

"Today I have just finished seeing little Eva Maria who has now reached 4 months and has been, form what the caregiver shares with me, doing well in the time since she was seen for the last time on month ago, she is very alert and shows interest in all that goes on around her will listen when talked to and trust sound, especially to the sound of voices, she is vocal herself and will manifest her eagerness and happiness , laughs out loud and giggles a lot, she shows increasing control of her neck muscles and will keep the head very straight in the midline when pulled to the sitting position, also when on her stomach she will lift her head clear from the bed, she will attempt to grab things that are nearby with swiping movements. The caregiver tells me that this little one takes well her formula and is also receiving her ordered vitamin supplement. Upon evaluation today I found her alert and active, appears in good health, her physical exam, besides a runny nose, does not denote any abnormality and her neurological assessment is appropriate for her age, her weight is 11 lbs 14 oz, length of 56.2 cms and head circumference of 36.8 CMS Please find some pictures attached." Best Regards Francisco

Baby Myan, @ 4 1/2 months, sitting up - she loves those pants!

Update 10/02/2007
I received an email from my agency today and here it is:
"We received an update on your case today. The file went back into PGN with pre-approval on September 5th and remains there now."

*This might not seem like much of an update, but as long as I'm not getting kicked-out of PGN, I'm happy that the report is that I'm still in!

Update 09/28/07
I received and email from my agency today and I got new pictures and a medical update! Due to the issues/problems right now with the Guatemalan Government (more in detail in the paragraph 'frightening update' below) my update has been delayed, and so these pictures were taken almost a month ago. She's not wearing the outfit that I sent down, (thanks to my new friend and fellow Adoptive Parent who took my outfit down with her to Guatemala) but it might still be too big for her. Hopefully next month! (Myan is 4 months and 2 days old today, so these pictures were taken at the beginning of September.)

Medical Update 9/28/07:
"I trust you continue to do well, this morning I had the opportunity to review little Eva Maria, she has, as you know, reached 3 months of life and has been the caregiver share with us, doing well in the time since she was seen for the last time for a medical visit, she continues to grow and from what I am told, her development also appears to be showing continues progress, she is a bright little one who shows interest in what goes on around her, will turn to sound, especially to the sound of voices, makes cooing noises of her own and now also smiles socially, she now shows active, symmetrical voluntary movements of both arms and legs and will alternate opening and shutting her hands as well as kicks and pushes with her feet, when on her stomach she will briefly lift her face from the bed. I am told that this little one takes well her formula and is also receiving her ordered vitamin supplement. Upon evaluation today I found her in good health with a normal physical and neurological assessment, her weight is 10 lbs 4 oz, length of 53.5 CMS and head circumference of 35.6 CMS Please find some pictures attached." Best Regards Francisco

Myan at 3 months and 8 days. She's definitely up to something!

Frightening UPDATE revised: 10/01/07
There is some disturbing news coming from the Guatemalan Government today, (9/27/07) stating that after 12/31/07, essentially no adoptions will continue from Guatemala to Adoptive Families. Because Guatemala is going to revamp their adoption system, (which we knew last year) the President of Guatemala has ordered a stop to all foreign adoptions after the 31st no matter what stage of the process you are in. We were told at the beginning of the year that if you had your POA (Power of Attorney) and your I-600 paperwork in, that you would essentially be 'grandfathered' in and the adoption would still proceed. With this new news from their President, it's very concerning to all involved, and frankly makes me sick to my stomach. My agency is working hard to find out more information, and I am writing to our Senators and Legislators to ask for their help with the issue as requested by my agency. Right now, I am 4 weeks into PGN, so I have a really good chance of bringing Myan home sometime in December, and possibly not having to deal with the 12/31/07 deadline that has been issued. However, there's still a chance that my paperwork could get delayed -- but unfortunately there's no way of knowing right now. There are 5,000 children in Guatemala right now that are in the process of being adopted, and I feel for the parents of those children who aren't as far along as others in regards to their paperwork -- should this actually go into effect on 12//31. We need a miracle! We have a strong force of adoptive parents that are fighting to keep the cases that are in process proceeding through, and our agency is working extremely hard to tackle the issue and help every family with their individual case. If I get any new information, I'll be sure to share it.

A prayer goes out to all of the families and children affected by this rash and harmful decision.

Update 9/07/07
I received an email from my agency today and they said that I got my approval from the US Embassy!! This means that my case is now (finally!) in PGN! I talked to another mother who is just got out of PGN, she said that it took about 9 weeks....then there is another 5-7 week wait to go pick up her daughter. I can only hope that mine moves a little faster -- as by her timeline,this would put me out of PGNon 11/09 and then 6 weeks after that would put me traveling right around Christmas. This is the closest timeline that I can come up with at this point, but at the very least -- it's a good guess.

Update 8/15/07
I received new pictures of the baby this morning and her beautiful eyes are open!

Here is her most recent medical information.
Please enjoy the newest pictures!

*This is the info that was sent from my attorney who saw Myan and took the pictures on August 3rd*

Today I had the opportunity to review little Eva Maria for her monthly medical visit, she is now aged 2 months and has been, the caregiver tells me, doing well in the time since she was seen for the last time one month ago, she is much more alert and spends a good part of the day awake, is aware of her surroundings, she will listen attentively when spoken to and makes some initial cooing noises of her own as well as smiles in reply, when on her stomach she is able to lift her face from the bed, she also shows active, symmetrical, mainly reflex movements of both arms and legs. I am told that she takes well her formula and is also receiving her ordered vitamin supplement. Upon evaluation today I found her affected by a cold mainly with a congested nose and a mildly congested chest, her weight is 8 lbs, length of 50.1 CMS and head circumference of 34.2 CMS Please find her pictures attached.

The most beautiful baby ever! (2 months & 3 days old)

Update! 7/10/07
I got new pictures today of the baby this morning. She went to the doctor yesterday -- and her latest pictures and the updated information from her doctor's appointment follows.

I still don't have any updated information as to when her paperwork will be approved. So far, there have been no serious glitches with her paperwork and the Guatemalan Embassy -- and once the interviews are done w/ the birth mother and the foster mother -- my dossier (the packet of paperwork) will be ready to proceed to the higher courts in Guatemala. From there, the paperwork all has to be translated into Spanish and then -- then, it's probably more waiting! As soon as I know anything new, I'll update the site again. My agent says that I should have more pictures next month.

*This is the info that was sent from my attorney who saw Myan and took the pictures yesterday*

"This morning I had the opportunity to see little Eva Maria for her first month appointment, the caregiver shares with me that this little one has been doing well in the time since her first visit with me one month ago, she is now spending more and more time awake and starts to notice her surroundings, will quiet her cry if spoken to and makes normal reflex movements of both arms and legs, when on her stomach she will briefly lift her chin form the bed. I am told that this little one takes well her formula and is also receiving her ordered vitamin supplement. Upon evaluation today I found this little one in good health with a normal physical and neurological exam, her weight is 6 lbs 3 oz, length of 46 CMS and head circumference of 32.8 CMS Please find some pictures attached."

1 month and 3 days old.

Who can resist those bunny ears? She's perfect!

Below are the first pictures of Eva! 5/31/2007.
Eva was born on 5/26/07 weighing 5 pounds and 2 oz. She was 17.4 inches long. She was born in a private hospital in Guatemala City. I don't have any additional information about her yet -- but hopefully more information will be coming soon from my agency. 6/21/07: I got a letter from my agency and all of my paperwork is now in Guatemala City at the Consulate.
This is FANTASTIC news, I might add -- as it took over 5 months just to get the paperwork finalized and sent. My agent said that we're now ready to get the DNA testing done -- and I need to look back at all of my paperwork to see what stage the DNA testing gets done at so I know where I'm at in the process. You'd think that I'd know -- right? Wrong. There is so much paperwork and confusion (not due to my agency!) that goes along with the adoption, that I'm just trying to keep from losing paperwork -- not to mention my mind -- and unfortunately, I'm quite unaware at this time what stage I'm in. Next entry -- I will have found out!

I should be getting more pictures in the next 3-4 weeks. I've been doing so digging, and it looks like the referral-to-home time is at the shortest 5 months and at the longest 11 months. I found one case where it was 3 months -- but I'm not sure how reliable that source was.

3 days old. Most precious!

Timeline at a Glance:
1/01/2007: Joined my agency, Commonwealth Adoption International
1/03/2007: Chose China as my country, found out the don't accept single-woman applications anymore
1/16/2007: Read all the literature I could find on Nepal and Guatemala adoptions
1/16/2007: Chose Guatemala!
1/18/2007: Signed the contract with CAI
1/25/2007: Started the Dossier paperwork
2/26/2007: Started the CAI parenting class
3/01/2007: Received info from CAI regarding Guatemala entering the Hague Convention in 2008.
Notice said that cases in-progress would be 'grandfathered' in.
3/20/2007: Home Study Completed!
3/28/2007: Completed parenting class
5/14/2007: Went to Seattle to Homeland Security office for fingerprinting
5/16/2007: Got all Dossier documents State Certified in Olympia
5/20/2007: Sent all State Certified documents to SF to get Authenticated
05/26/2007: Eva's Birthday!
5/31/2007: Received a call from Traci (my agent from CAI) that they had a referral for me,
Eva Maria Paz Gutierrez.
5/31/2007: Received the first pictures of Eva and her first medical update.
06/04/2007: Accepted the referral of Eva Maria!
06/04/2007: Sent Dossier packet to CAI.
06/06/2007: Received and completed the Power of Attorney
6/13/2007: Dossier was reviewed by CAI's program director, and got sent to Guatemala
6/20/2007: Request for DNA testing is in. File is in Family Court in Guatemala
7/05/2007: File is still in Family Court. Interviews with the
Birth mother and Foster mother scheduled for July 9, 2007.
7/10/2007: Received 2nd set of pictures and medical report
7/19/2007: DNA testing is done
7/24/2007: Michelle takes my clothes and blanket to Guatemala with her to give to Eva
7/25/2007: File released from Family Court and submitted to PGN
7/31/2007: File kicked out of PGN -- needed 'pre-approval'
8/15/2007: Received 3rd set of pictures and the medical report
8/20/2007: Received the Travel Packet!
9/06/2007: Received my pre-approval notice from the US Embassy. File submitted back to PGN
9/13/2007: Received an email from CAI that said that
'families will be able to complete their adoptions as long as they filed their
I-600A and have a POA (Power of Attorney) registered with Guatemala. I have!
9/26/2007: Received sad email from CAI stating that:
We understand this to mean that Guatemala will stop processing foreign adoption cases - beginning
January 1, 2008, no matter what stage of the process you're in.
9/28/2007: Received 4th set of pictures and medical information
10/02/2007: Received an update that my file is still in PGN.
10/24/2007: Received update that my file is still in PGN. This is week 7. Most files come out in week 8-9.
11/12/2007: OUT OF PGN & APPROVED! (2 months and 7 days)
11/14/2007: Received update that they're getting the final signature from birth mother - then obtaining passport and birth certificate.
12/13/2007: Received my Pink Slip from the US Embassy with my appointment date in Guatemala City. My appointment date is December 21, 2007 at 7:15 a.m.
12/14/2007: Booked my flight to Guatemala City & Hotel.
12/18/2007: Flew to Houston, then to Guatemala City. Arrived with my Dad in Guatemala City at 10 p.m. Received Eva due to 'other circumstances' that night at 10:45 p.m. What a day!!!
12/19/2007: Remained at the hotel with Dad and Eva for 2 more days.
12/21/2007: Embassy Appointment over! We're going home!!!
12/22/2007: Flight home day: Eva is now a US Citizen.
The most wonderful day of my life!

Father's Day Weekend

2009-06-22T15:51:00.001-07:00

Julia's Gradation & Party

2009-06-15T08:29:00.001-07:00

Julia showing off the diamond tennis bracelet that her
Dad and Nicole (stepmom) got her for Graduation.

Myan, Juj and Jenn

Juj excited about her new MacBook!

Juj and her Dad, Mike.

Juj and Puma -- all smiles!

Jenn & Lee

Juj's little brother, Mateo. It was a long party, and he's doing what the
rest of us want to be doing at this point! Lucky kid.

Larn and Juj...

Juj opening her 'treasure box' from GmiGrande -

the graduate...

Grandpa Ed and Juj

Eric, Lee and Myan

The most beautiful cake, and actually deelicious!

Dad, Puma's friend, and Puma

Mom and Lee -- stylin

Robin!

Larn and Dad

Juj and her adorable brother

Papa and Myan sharing a quiet moment (of which there were few!)

Julia's Dad giving the toast!

Dave (Juj's Uncle/Larn's bro) and Mom

Laura and her cousin, Becca! (hahah)

Myan :)

Mitchell (juj's boyfriend) and Myan and Juj

THE dinner to beat all dinners. Juj's Dad put on this
wonderful meal -- he's a chef -- and now we know why!
Absolutely delightful meal . . . we were impressed!

Puma, Juj, Mitchell and Puma's friend
No idea why Puma's the only one in the light.

Nicole, Juj's Dad, Mike, Juj, Jenn, Myan

Myan's Swingset!

2009-06-02T13:48:00.000-07:00

Myan was going to get a whole playset for her 2nd birthday -- but that still hasn't come fully together. What she does have, however is her own swing! (wiiing, as she says) Here are some pics on her new swing in the backyard!

Myan kept saying 'no,no' to pictures. I asked her to 'give me the look' and of course, she did. She can't resist giving 'the look.' I believe that she thinks that she's putting a hex on people with this 'look' and sometimes -- I think she may be right. Little angel.

The Swing.

Happily chewing gum (which Dr. Molly said 'no more of) on her swing.

oye god. I almost forgot about this find. I found this little rocker at an antique shop for $30 bucks. Can you believe it? It's so cute and retro and classic -- I just love it! And, thankfully, so does Myan.

Julia's Graduation Pictures

2009-06-02T13:42:00.000-07:00

honestly, could be be any more beautiful?
she's the most amazing woman on Earth
and I'm so proud that she's in my life.

My Baby is 2 Years Old Today!!!

2009-05-26T07:36:00.002-07:00

Myan's 2nd Birthday Party! She was all dressed up (in the dress that Chava (Tiffany's husband) got her -- as he doesn't think I put her in dresses enough -- but it ended up being a darling summer dress perfect for her special day. We played outside -- tried to get the swing up (finally did it!) and had a wonderful time with family and spending yet another milestone moment with Myan. She's such a joy and a wonderful daughter and I am so blessed to have her in my life. Her second birthday was casual (because that's how she asked it to be) and it was pure joy for us to see her smile as we sang happy birthday to her over and over. Enjoy the pics of her 2nd birthday! Love to everyone who came and who sent gifts (auntie jan and uncle mont!!!)

Myan's waiting for Her guests to arrive!

Her cake table -- with Tinkerbell as the theme.

Myan and I sharing a precious moment -- well, it was to me! She probably wanted to get down and eat cupcakes or play with Tia.

Al and Myan. All smiles!

Myan sitting in the chair that Al (Larnie) and Tia (Julia) got her.

Jenn, Myan and Dad....apparently we weren't ready for the picture.

Ahhhh. PAPA!

Giving Auntie Eeee kisses...

The Grandkids and Grandparents . . picture perfecto!

Nothing gets a smile like cake and ice cream!

Tia and Myan. The two loves of my life!

Al and Myan. WhooooooHoooo!

mmmmm ...... cupcakes!

Opening presents in her new chair.

Three generations --

Blowing out the candles. Well, I was....

Waiting in the backyard -- there's got to be more presents....

Smiling with Auntie Eeeee!

Evony Comes for a Visit!!!

2009-05-26T07:36:00.001-07:00

Tiffany and I are so blessed to have two beautiful girls so close in age. It's an absolute joy to watch our girls together and it's a miracle how our lives have turned out. I think I speak for both of us when I say that everything is now as it should be.

Myan and Evony playing in the back yard.

Jenn and Tiffany posing. . . looking gooood.

Tiff's beautiful family: Evony, Tiff and Chava.

Evony swimming -- Myan not partaking...no matter how much coaxing!

We are family!

The only time they were touching and not hitting one another.

Chava and the girls...

ah, two little sweet hearts...my heart melts to see them together.

My BFF (yes, I'm 12) forever!

Rest in Peace, Justin

2009-05-22T10:51:00.000-07:00

Justin was a character -- tons of energy -- a school teacher's nightmare I'm sure -- but he was a great friend to our family and a loving and loyal friend to my brother for the last 25+ years. We had fun times -- great holidays -- and serious belly laughs with Justin. We'll miss you, friend.

Justin and Sheva

The Weekend in Chelan

2009-05-20T13:18:00.001-07:00

After going to McCall, we spent 5 days in Chelan. It was hot (high 80's) but other than that -- we had a great time! We took Myan to the city park every day and tried to get in some time bonding time with Evony. It was a wonderful weekend and Myan was so happy to spend a week with Papa. Here are some gorgeous pics from our week in Chelan.

Mom met up with Rosanna and Sondra - she had a great time chatting it up with her long-time friends in Chelan too!

Myan and Evony .... BFF's!

Evony...I'm scared of that look...

Myan playing in the dirt at Papa's -- he's building a new deck,
which made way for lots of dirt playing!

Chava and Evony at the Park.

Myan -- having a blast on the swings.

Evony and Auntie Jenn on the slides...

McCall Vacation

2009-05-16T18:20:00.001-07:00

McCall Bound! Ahhh, what a trip. We had so much fun - ok, the traveling wasn't sooo much fun, but once we got there and got settled in -- it was a blast to see the family. I didn't get in as much pinochle as I would have liked....but we did swim, hot tub and . . . eat. What else could we ask for? Here are some pictures from our trip.

Family Picture!

Malynda and Me...I love this shot!

Mom and Puma...

Mom! Action shot!
******************************************

Our trip to McCall started out driving to Chelan to see my Dad and then going to Tonasket to pick up Uncle Etha to take him to Franks memorial in Repbulic. Uncle Etha told us stories on the ride to Republic about every house, barn and fence that we passed on the way. He knows that country like . . well, he just knows everything about it.

I also got some pictures of Uncle Etha and all of the kids! Lovely background for the pictures, if I don't say so myself....

Myan at the park in Spokane on our trip.

Reagan at the park!

Myan at the hotel in Spokane -- eating ice.

Larn & Juj's N'awlins Trip

2009-05-04T15:12:00.002-07:00

oooo, they went to the New Orleans Jazz Festival - they did! On a RedEye flight on Thursday night. Concerts...a few sleepless nights.....cruizin' thru the streets of downtown New O. I got some pics on my cell phone...and until I hear the whole story -- this is all I have!

Yardwork!

2009-04-27T10:28:00.001-07:00

This weekend (4/25 and 4/26) Mom and I got a ton of yardwork done. Now that the house is painted, we really wanted to get the rest of the yard semi-finished. Puma and 3 of his friends (Josh, Ed and Mike) came over on Saturday and did about 5 hours worth of clean-up with me. It was fantastic. They got 4 loads of brush taken off and a load of garbage/recycling hauled away. I went plant shopping and got some ferns and other greenery that will grow under my cedar and fir trees (well, that's the hope anyway!) . . .

The yard is looking great and Mom's patio is fantastic. It's now fully fenced and Myan and the dogs can roam around the entire backyard and then come to Yaya's for a visit -- all while safe. We love it. I'll post some pics tomorrow.

Auntie Lee Saves the Day!

2009-04-23T07:56:00.001-07:00

Lee said that she was going to start coming over on Wednesday's after work to spend time with Myan (and to give me some time off).

Last night, Mom made a wonderful dinner (a wonderful salad and rice) -- but unfortunately Lee got held up at work so we ate without her. She called and said that she wouldn't be coming.

However, about 6:45 she showed up -- and Myan was thrilled! (so was i!)

Lee played with Myan and read her books while Mom and I cleaned (which i like to do, so don't feel badly for me) . . .

I ended up going to bed at 10 and Myan was up sleeping with Lee in the TV room. I woke up at 6:10 -- no Myan. I could hear her already up with Lee -- and I just layed there with a smile on my face . . . aaaahhh, what a night! I feel like I had a week off -- I feel renewed!

Thank YOU Auntie Lee. What a gift.

Myan's First Swimsuit

2009-04-22T07:58:00.001-07:00

Yaya went shopping yesterday and got Myan her first swimsuit. Check her out!
(ok, please hold -- i just showed the blog to Aunt Larnie (al) and she said that in fact, this is not Myan's first swimsuit. And, Al's right....she did get Myan swimsuits when she was 8 months old --I think Tia tried them on Myan but I don't believe that she wore them outside...hell, I don't think I let her go outside until she was a year and a half -- so, just to clarify, this is the first swimsuit that she's worn outside.

Getting ready to put the suit on. She might have had pie before this picture was taken . . .

Painting is Done!!!

2009-04-21T13:57:00.001-07:00

I can't believe that the house is painted (they have to come back today and finish a little trim, etc.) but overall, the house is done and it looks absolutely beautiful! I'm so happy with the color (and the fact that the house is now all the same color doesn't hurt) . . . Mom loves it too -- we're in heaven. We can't wait to work on the yard this weekend in the front and in Mom's courtyard now so it's all fixed up for spring and summer.

Mom's Courtyard. The new paint really shows off her doors. Lovely!

The shed now matches the house. How cool is that?

No paining started yet!

2009-04-20T08:16:00.000-07:00

The painters called on Saturday and they didn't come over to prime the house. They should be showing up today to prime. I took pics of the house this morning before I left and I'll take some when I get home -- assuming they showed up to prime! tick, tock . . .

My Princess

2009-04-17T08:05:00.000-07:00

Bailey Rain Page

I just had to share this newest photo of my other baby. She's been such a trooper thru all of the changes from the last couple of years (with Myan taking over the house and my time). I can't wait to spoil her this weekend while Larnie has Myan!

Last Night

2009-04-16T11:49:00.000-07:00

This was Myan about 4:45 p.m. last night -- playing outside -- her FAVORITE thing to do in the world. She's got on her sandals, sun glasses, capri pants...the whole 9 yards. She's in heaven.

What you don't see pictured is from 9-10:30 p.m. when she wailed and screamed and cried that she wanted to go 'outside, outside' -- hell folks, I was cold and tired too and I wasn't about to start a tradition of going outside to play in the dark -- no matter what Papa says!

So, enjoy this picture -- and then remember that -- some pictures are worth a 1000 screams!

We did end up calling Papa about 9 so Myan could say 'happy' to him. (Papa's birthday yesterday)

And, we did end up going down to Yaya's house about 9:30 as Myan insisted that she wanted to see Yaya . . . .(we have to go outside to see Yaya...of course!) However, once we got down there, she just cried harder.

A little Gripe Water later -- she was fast asleep . . . rounding 11ish.

Dad's Birthday Dinner

2009-04-14T08:32:00.001-07:00

Dad's birthday dinner was casual -- with good conversation, great food and wonderful family. I'm not sure if he got everything he wished for -- but I'll just guess that having his grand-daughters there was enough of a present for him. Now, if he'd just take his littlest grand-daughter home with his next time he leaves -- that would be the ultimate present! (for him, of course)

Easter Sunday Brunch

2009-04-14T08:21:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, Dad and I started a huge Easter Brunch about 8:00 a.m. Thankfully Lee and Eric showed up early and helped us get moving a little faster. We had a wonderful brunch and put out eggs for Myan again in the back yard so she could do a 'family' hunt. She had already figured out that you could open the plastic eggs and find candy inside! (she didn't get that the day before)

Our Family Easter group: Mom, Dad, Larn, Juj, Nicole, Puma, Josh, Lee, Eric, Myan . . .and me.

It was a wonderful gathering and we all had fun sitting around, talking and blowing bubbles for Myan. Enjoy the Pictures!

Easter Saturday

2009-04-14T07:37:00.000-07:00

We had such a fun Easter weekend. On Saturday -- we went to a small Easter Egg hunt at Messenger House (on Bainbridge on the water, no less!) and there were only about 10 kids in Myan's age group hunting for eggs (as opposed to the hundreds that showed up at the park) -- it made it so much more fun for her -- as I know she would have gotten overwhelmed with the huge crowds down at the park hunt. Julia took pictures, Dad and I helped Myan find eggs and Larnie and Mom found a perfect spot on a park bench to watch and cheer.

Glorious Weekend!

2009-04-06T15:09:00.000-07:00

Myan got her toenails painted by Tia. Myan's showing them to me all the time, she loves them! She holds her feet up and says, 'Tia, Tia!' (meaning Julia, Julia!)

Here are the pics of Myan from Sunday morning LYING in the

dirt pile (which is soon to be a veg garden) . . .she just laid there -- for close to an hour.

Here is a picture of Lanny's 'wheatgrass/juicing' station.

He's very proud of it and asked me to take a picture.

This weekend was fantastic. Saturday -- Mom, Lanny, Myan and I spent most of the day outside -- goofing around -- watching Myan play in the yard. It was a great 70 degree day and it was soo relaxing.

Sunday? My best day of the year so far. I was supposed to attend an artichoke party -- yes, you heard me right, artichoke+party, at Larnie's. I called her at 10 a.m. and asked if she would mind if I passed the party -- yet sent Myan. I know, classy!

Mom took Myan about 2 to the party (where Tia painted Myan's toenails!!!) and I got to watch a Woody Allen movie (Crimes and Misdemeanors) from start to finish -- only stopping when I wanted to. How sweet it is. . . was, rather. Then, I cleaned off the patio furniture and Lanny helped me take apart the dishwasher and I cleaned all of the parts. Doesnt' sound like a perfect day -- probably -- to anyone else -- but to me? It was heaven.

There's no 'end' in this weekend . . .

2009-03-16T15:38:00.000-07:00

What a weekend. It started out with a rough Friday at work. Immediately after I got home, there was Myan, my pups, Lanny, my Mom -- all to greet me -- so immediately I felt more relaxed. Well, I think I did. You'll have to ask them if you're not going to believe me.

Friday night was quite tame. Larnie and Julia stopped by to hang out with us for a while -- but they did forget to take Myan back home with them to spend the night. I'm not sure how they could have forgotten her -- but we'll chalk it up to -- lack of sleep on their parts.

Saturday morning rolled around slowly and when I finally got upright (around 8:30) I got dressed (barely) and my Mom and I worked on sorting her boxes from storage. Piles for Goodwill, Piles to Keep, Garbage. I took a truckload (partial) to Goodwill on Saturday morning. On Saturday afternoon I took a load of garbage (of mine) out as well. Lanny came over early -- thankfully -- so he watched Myan while Mom and I sorted.

Sunday morning. This is the power-cleanin' day. I cleaned, sorted, lifted, packed, vacuumed, laundered -- I was SuperJenn. Oh, did I mention paint? No, I didn't. I also painted. I'm trying to get the loft done as much as I can (clean up, removal of unnecessary tools, and painted) before my Dad shows up on Friday to finish the trim, etc.

My office and gym are giong to be done soooon! Isn't that what I always say? Well, I'm sayin' it again.

Time to run. Hope you had as eventful of a weekend as I did. If not, I wish I were you.

Vacation!

2009-03-11T08:51:00.001-07:00

I took 3 days off to take Myan to Chelan to visit Papa and so I could: see Tiffany and Stephanie, catch up on old times, let Myan play with Evony, relax, eat, enjoy.

I got snowed in and couldn't come back the day I was scheduled -- but other than that -- everything went smoothly. We went out with Chava and Tiff for meals -- hung out inside (it was 18 degrees!) and watched house hunters (my dad and i love that show) but spent most of our time watching Myan be her adorable self.

It was a nice, relaxing vacation with a few of those 'uh-oh' moments thrown in where I saw old classmates of Kelly's.

Myan and I took an afternoon and went to visit Uncle Etha in Tonasket. I didn't tell him I was coming, I thought it would be more fun to surprise him. What 97 year old doesn't like a good surprise?? Myan was very shy at first, but then started playing little games with Uncle Etha and at the end gave him one of her famous hugs. I hear that anyone who talks to Uncle Etha on the phone is hearing all about Myan now. Looks like I'm in the running for most favored niece!

It was fun being back home and wondering what/if it would be like to move back there. Still not sure -- but I think that Myan would love it -- I would love the fact that she'd be safe and that the community would be watching out for her -- but I'm still not sure if I can deal with that damn cold weather -- no rain -- and the hotter than hell summers. Time will tell . . .

Didn't get too many pictures while I was there for some reason -- probably because my camera was frozen :)

Myan & Evony -- straight faced and a little frightened on the slides.

Papa and Myan -- eating ice cream -- probably around 8:30 a.m. :)

Uncle Etha, Myan and me. Such a fun visit. And Uncle Etha has some stories! No, seriously, ask him about the healers in the Philippines.

Myan at the park in Chelan.

what? more ice cream??

The first time I tried putting Myan on Uncle Etha's lap for a picture.

aaah, sleeping at Papa's.

Pinochle! and Family

2009-02-27T17:16:00.000-08:00

Cory, Tristan, Jasmine and Reagan took a week long vacation and came over. We had so much fun while they were here. Unfortuantely, it was the last week of the month and it was impossible for Larn or me to get any time off and Lee was working full time as well, but we got in some quality and amazing time with Core and the kids while they were here.

Myan had soooo much fun with her cousins and it was touching to see them all together again. We played some friendly games of pinochle ... .

Puma and I lost -- and were still in the hole. Yes, the hole. I think we actually gave up.

Mom and Cory won some games --

But the REAL news is: Julia w/ her partner Cory (shocking, huh?) got 1500 pinochle!!! Yeah, yeah.....big moment for them. I think someone cheated. Either way, I did take a picture of their win -- and some of the kids as well! Enjoy!

Roller Skating -- Again!

2009-02-26T11:01:00.000-08:00

We went back to skate night -- at Skateland in Bremerton. Cory, me, Myan, Tristan, Jazz and Reagan. We didn't see Larnie anywhere. Cory & me, 4 kids under 6. Uh, this isn't going to work. We called AL (aunt larnie) and told her to get her a** down there -- she said she was on her way. Auntie Lee showed up -- and w/in 5 minutes of her our arrival inside, she got her purse stolen. 15 minutes later, she found it in the bathroom garbage -- most contents removed.

Nice start, huh?

Once we got all of the kids on skates...it was time to drag them to the floor. Tristan didnt' like it for the first 2 hours -- but that last 1/2 hour? Oh yeah, he was rockin' it.

Myan sat in her stroller and got pushed around the floor, as did Reagan. Jazz tried to skate, and she actually did quite well -- I think that the kids had a good time. I know that Cory and I didn't get to skate nearly as much as we'd have liked -- but there really wasn't anything we could do about it. In the whole 2.5 hours that we were there -- Cory and I got to take 2 laps together. Not exactly what I had in mind . . .

Cory took some pics -- so, I might get some of the night -- and, well, I might not. Just know that we all looked fabulous, skated insanely well, and won the speed skating contest. Yes, that's all you'll see in the pictures anyway.

Ciao!

Oscar Party 2009

2009-02-23T15:00:00.000-08:00

Larnie threw an Oscar Party on Sunday night and it was smashing! We had so much good fun, food and laughs . . . We didn't get many pictures as we were too busy watching for Angelina and Jen to scrap on the carpet -- we were glued to the TV -- I have a couple of pics that I'll get up tomorrow. Myan was perfect all night, as usual....she clung to Tia (Julia) which gave me a long night of freeeedom!

In other news: my cousin Cory and his 3 kids got into town about 1 a.m this morning and I can't wait to see them tomorrow night. I'll have more updates as soon as I see him. Pinochle!!!

Catching Up . . .

2009-02-19T07:48:00.000-08:00

It's been a couple of weeks since I posted pictures and blogged -- for anyone who's been patiently waiting for updates, I'm sorry! We had a wonderful birthday celebration for Lee, watched Myan delight in a bag of 100 balls that she got from AL, had a beautiful Valentine's Day and got my loft finally dressed up with some new hardwood floors and a railing. What a couple of busy weeks! Here are the pictures from the past 2 weeks to recap our world.

Movie Star Myan

Lee's Birthday!!

Myan's first Valentine's Day -- and first time decorating cookies.

All compliments of Myan's incredible baking skills.

Missing most of the cookies w/ the sprinkles, but having fun nonetheless.

Before Myan started . . .

Lan and Myan!

I have socks!

We filled her crib with balls . . . she's in heaven!

Rollar Skating - Jan 29.09

2009-01-29T08:59:00.001-08:00

Myan's first night rollar skating was perfect! A group of us from work drove to Bremerton to go to dollar night at the local rink. I tried to get on the floor with Myan so she could see the lights and watch the kids skating, but the manager came over and said that she was too small to be on the floor. Serious let-down. However, she did ask if I wanted a stroller. A stroller? She said that they had strollers that could be used on the rink floors. YES, I wanted one. She went and got me one, noticing that I couldn't maneuver my own skated feet and a baby in my arms. I strapped Myan in and away we went! The disco ball was blazin, the music was loud and Myan was dancing (literally out of her seat) and clapping and having the best time. 2 1/2 hours of pure enjoyment for all of us. Auntie Lee met us at the rink (although none of the pics of her turned out) and even though I heard that Auntie Lee took some spills, I never witnessed any. She strolled Myan around the skate floor and I'm sure came all-too-close to something that I'm glad I didn't see!Skating brings back old memories for me of being in Chelan and riding the Boogie Bus to the rink in Wentachee on Friday nights. We'll definiately be going again.

They had a photo booth at the rink. How lucky that I have these great pics of her first skating experience.

Rob and Larnie -- Love it!

One of my best friends, TJ . . . and me.

Rob stealing a cupcake from a kid's birthday party at the rink. Classy, Rob.

Group Photo! Damien, Nicole, Rob, TJ, Laura, Jeff, Rachel and Rich.

mywedding.com all skate

Mom's Birthday Cruise

2009-01-26T08:55:00.000-08:00

January 25, 2009 - We surprised Mom for a birthday brunch and cruise around Seattle a few days after her birthday. The theme was "Mozart's Birthday Crusie" and it was spectaular! We got off the BI ferry and walked to the Pier 56 to load. It was freezing outside, literally, and by the time we walked to board the boat -- we were all chilled, to say the least. We got on the boat and it was all white linens and there was a 4-piece string quartet that played Mozart's music for 3 hours. What an amazing way to spend a Sunday afternoon. We took pictures, ate and listened to music -- our table won the raffle TWICE! We won a classical music CD and tickets to a Mozart symphony in February. It was a wonderful day and a fantastic way to celebrate Mom's birthday!

The picture that they take when you're boarding the boat.
Myan's hiding in the life ring. . .

Myan, Juj, Larn, Mom and me after brunch...waiting for desert brunch to start :)

Juj and Larn getting in some mother-daughter time :)

Walking back to the ferry after the cruise....freeeezing!
It was snowing in downtown Seattle!

Awe. . .

The women!

Juj, Myan and Larnie getting cozy...

me, Juj and Myan . . .Juj's legs are ice cubes at this point . .
but she looks good, so that's what counts!!!

All Myan, All the Time!

2009-01-26T07:56:00.000-08:00

A quiet Saturday in the house of the Page Women. I was working on Myan's baby book and Mom and Myan were playing . . . (january 24, 2009)

I can't get enough of that sweet, sweet face.

Yes, I'm riding my bike, what's it to you?

Having fun with Yaya.

Waiting for someone to pick me up. . .

Myan and Jude -- celebrating life!

The only pic of Bailey and Myan. (Bailey's not her biggest fan)

Angel...

Inaguration Day

2009-01-20T13:03:00.001-08:00

Mom and Me celebrating after Obama got sworn in.

Myan's so happy that Bush is flying back to Texas . . .

Myan and Dad

Three generations celebrating the day together.

Waving goodbye to GWB.

Auntie Lee and Myan pondering the future . . .

Awe, kisses!

We all look a little stunned . . . we can't believe that the Bush reign is really over!

The Grandparents -- everyone had an Obama T-shirt! Myan is now a registered Democrat.

Got this cool shot at the moment that Barack officially became President.

Lanny, me and Myan!

Mom's Birthday 1/19/09

2009-01-20T12:54:00.000-08:00

Mom's birthday!! Larnie, Juj, Dad, Lee, Myan and I took Mom to a mexican feast for her birthday evening. Lee and Juj took her out for fancy hors d'voures and a movie in the afternoon and we all met up later for dinner. We had a wonderful time, casual and simple. We have another surprise for her planned this weekend, but we're not telling her what it is. She'll have to wait until Sunday to find out. I'll definitely blog about it on Sunday night!! Happy Birthday Mom! We love you!!!!!

Auntie Lee and Myan -- closing Yaya's birthday with some well deserved sleep. (oh, and a few apples that she apparently wouldn't let go of :)

Mom and her two Grand-Daughters on her birthday.

Mom, Lee and Myan after birthday dinner. . .

After birthday dinner, we all went back to the house to make our Obama t-shirts. Juj did most of the work -- the rest of us stood around and talked!

Juj making Myan's Obama t-shirt. . .

The Grandparents and grandkids after Mom's birthday dinner.

Mom, Juj and Larn at birthday dinner

Lee, Me, Myan and Dad having fun at birthday dinner

January 17th Weekend

2009-01-19T07:53:00.000-08:00

This was an eventful weekend. Mom, Lee, Myan and I went to Northgate on Saturday to take Lee to a specialty scrub shop to get her some new scrubs for work. We all got her scrubs for her graduation as a PTA! (Physical Therapist Assistant!) Malynda told us about the shop and she was right. We found so many cute outfits for Lee and all together she got 12 different outfits. She's going to be the hottest PTA at work!

Myan dressed up in all of Auntie Lee's scrub outfits and she was lovin' it. She ended up looking like a Jedi matster -- which we all knew she was anyway.

I got my hair cut (yes again!) and this time it was actually done right. I love it!

Dad came over on Sunday and helped Larnie take down some cupboards in her kitchen and then came back and spent the rest of the night with Myan. I got some of the cutest pictures of them together.

Today is Mom's birthday!! We're going out to dinner tonight and then we have a surprise planned for her on the 25th in Seattle. It was a great weekend with family and I hope you all enjoy the pictures from this weekend. xoxojenn

The cutest pic of Dad and Myan.

Jedi Master Myan

Awe . . .

Going outside at 9 p.m. (uh....Papa, isn't it a little late?)

Hugs for Papa

Their favorite pasttime...

Auntie Lee and the Jedi . . .

Little naked baby . . .

My new haircut . . .

Yaya, Myan and Auntie Lee

I'll use the force on you . . .

Adoption Day - April 18, 2008

2009-01-16T13:39:00.000-08:00

The final adoption day consisted of bringing lots of paperwork, driving to Seattle, paying a lawyer a lot of money, and standing in front of a judge to answer questions. I'm sure that I was green with nerves for 3-4 days prior (or more) but Mom, Lanny, Myan and I packed in the car and went for it. We were scheduled for 1p.m at the King County Superior Court House. I was a wreck. Believe me, I'm a little tense always anyway -- but this was more than I could handle -- or so I thought. We got in (after Lanny got jumped for brining a switch-blade pocket knife into Superior Court) and met my lawyer and waited outside the courtroom. When they opened the doors we went inside to wait. Thankfully we were the first ones called, and my session was over within 20 minutes. Apparently I answered all of the questions correctly. I can't tell you what one of them was to this day -- but obviously, I am more than capable of speaking when not thinking. I'm sure this will come in handy as a parent.

At Pike Place after the court hearing . . .

During the court hearing...can we get this over with please?

Lanny, Myan and me right after the hearing.
Myan was the first on the list after lunch, so thankfully we didn't have to wait long.

Three generations! (right after the court hearing..I look a little stressed, aye?)

Grandma and Myan after the court hearing.

Finally.

Myan talking back to the judge. Must have learned that from Uncle Puma.

We took Myan to Pike Place to celebrate and buy her and adoption day gift.

Myan's Room

2009-01-16T07:53:00.001-08:00

These are pictures of Myan's room--I wanted to post them so her foster Mom, Jacqueline and her family could see her beautiful room. Jacqueline and I still keep in touch and I send her updates and pictures. Myan lived with Jacqueline and her family from the day she was born until the day Dad and I picked her up. She was such a lovely spirit and we're so thankful that Myan got such great care and love while she was just entering this world.

Paz means Peace in Spanish and was Myan's middle name when she was born. I wouldn't have changed it -- but to honor my brother and give Myan his middle name, I did without hesitation.

Here is the crib that Myan has never slept in. She still sleeps with me. But, it makes a wonderful changing station.