Would you change anything?

I have a question. If I asked you if you would go back and change anything in your life what would your response be? I have often pondered this very question and I would truly say, I would change nothing. Why? Of course there are events in my life that did not turn out exactly the way I would have ideally planned but look what happened when they didn't.

Prime example, Being able to have biological children. Yes, do not get me wrong that It would have been a wonderful experience. Knowing the feeling of having your babies grow inside you is a wonderful thought. Think about this angle though, If I could have birthed my own children, where would Chanlder be now? And could I love a biological child more than Chandler? Well I cringe to think of the answer to the first question but can definitely tell you the answer to the second. NO, I could not love a biological child more than Chandler. In fact the opposite might just very well be true. I really appreciate Chandler because of all the wait and heartache we went through to get him. So yes I may love him more.

Anyway back to the big picture, All the experiences we have had in our lives good or bad, did we not learn something from them. More importantly did they not make us exactly who we are today? I think so. Ask yourself that very question.

Trip to Hilton Head Island

As previously mentioned, We took a family trip to Hilton Head Island before school started back. We had a good time and got in some much needed rest and relaxation. The highlight of the trip was finding a sand dollar that was alive in the ocean. The Picture above is Chandler holding it. I have never seen anything like it. We of course brought it home and kept it alive for a week in a sand pail.
This picture is of the boys running up the beach to go play Frisbee. I love the shot!

And this is of course the sand castle that we built. We could not use the sand pail at it was occupied by the sand dollar. And the finishing touch is Chandler's signature smiley face that he puts on everything that he creates. I will give him an A for creativity, as ours was the on sandcastle on the beach with a facial expression.

How old do I look part two.

This one does not involve Chandler.

We took a long weekend trip to Hilton Head Island just before Chandler started back to school. On the way home we stopped at the IHOP on the island to grab breakfast before heading home. While sitting at the table we noticed an obviously older couple with threee children around the age of 2 years old and an older child around 14 eating breakfast. The couple was caucasian and the children were all different races. So it was pretty obvious that it was an adoption or foster care situation as all the children called the lady "Mom".

To cut down on stops during our track home I took Chandler to the restroom as we were leaving the restaurant. While we were in the restroom the lady came in with one of the 2 year old children. I started a conversation with her and found out that they were indeed foster parents to all those children, that she and her husband were both in there 60's, and that they were in the process of adopting one of the 2 year olds they had with them. So then the conversation turned to me, and I told her that Chandler was adopted and we were waiting to complete our family through adoption. Well that is when I got the worse response of my life. She said and I do quote "Well you should look into foster care because you do not want to adopt another baby at your age." WHAT??? At that point I asked the lady how old she thought I was and told her that yes, I was still in my 30's. Then I was done with that conversation. I tucked my tail between my legs and walked away. I mean lets talk about the pot calling the kettle black. She is in her 60's and adopting a 2 year old and she does not think I am young enough to adopt a baby. So again I ask you guys and don't hold back with your comments, How old do I look?

July 4th

Our subdivision did something very creative this year, we had a neighborhood 4th of July parade. It really turned out to be quite fun. All the neighbors that wanted to participate decorated themselves, their baby strollers, wagons, bikes, scooter whatever you wanted and we had a parade. Chandler of course wanted to decorate his battery powered 4 wheeler ,so we did and I think it turned out pretty cute. He pulled all of his "Children" (stuffed animals) behind in the trailer so they could show their pride as well. By golly I think it was fabulous and we sure were showing our spirit for the holiday. Our little parade was not the fanciest or the biggest but it was a true proud to be an American moment. The neighbors that did not want to walk in the parade sat at the end of their driveways and cheered us on along our route. They even got candy tossed their way as well.

And of course, Anyone that knows me knows that I had to go the extra mile so I also lined the front of our yard with little flags. The parade crowd really like the extra touch. Next year we have plans to carry on the parade tradition but build on it. Maybe I can influence all my neighbors to line their yards with flags as well. Now if I could only figure out a way to be the one driving the decorated convertible playing "Proud to be an American" loud and proud on the radio at the front of the parade. I think I might have to buy a convertible first, anyone have a convertible for sale?

Chandler is 7!

Can you believe my baby has turned 7 now? For his birthday we had a party at Chuck E. Cheese with his friends the Saturday before his birthday and a family cookout at the pool on his birthday. I would say that it was his best birthday yet. He had a blast at Chuck E. Cheese and well you can not keep him out of the pool these days, so he enjoyed the cookout too. He showed off a little in the pool since everyone had not seen him swim yet. You can definitely say that I have a mom's tan this year, you know the one tan face and chest and white legs. No more sitting out by the pool relaxing, I have to be in the pool playing point person for Chandler to swim to. Oh well at least I am having a good time with my son right?

Vacation In the Smokies

I am so far behind in blogging, so I am going to attempt to catch you guys up on the happenings in our lives. June 6th through the 11th we took a family vacation or holiday you might say to the Smokies. For those of you not from the south, "The Smokies" is The Great Smokey Mountain region in Tennessee.

We had lots of family fun on this trip, we went to Dollywood a few days, swam a few afternoons, but by far my best adventure was Cade's Cove. Cade's Cove is a National Park where you can ride through and see nature at it's finest. The trip over to Cade's Cove was a surprise all on it's own. I being thirty something years old have been to "the Smokies" gazoodles of times but have never experienced seeing a black bear in the wild. This trip over to Cade's Cove I did! I got to see a bear in it's natural habitat. While driving we noticed a lot of people pulling over to the side of the road so we slowed and stopped. There in the middle of a forked tree was a bear cub sleeping. It was only about 10 feet off the road. Once we got to Cade's Cove we saw more bear, deer and turkey. After we rode through the park we picnicked by the creek and Chandler enjoyed the refreshing cool water in the creek.

Candler is Swimming!

O.K., I have a lot to catch everyone up on, but first things first, Chandler is swimming. My baby starting swimming on his own under water on June 13th. That is something to be written in the baby book alright. We have worked so hard on this and over come such a fear of water and now end result, swimming. The amazing thing about is that he just let go and started doing it all on his own, to all of our surprise. I will post about vacation last week soon, but this deserved a post all on it's own. I will try to get a picture up later today as we are going to the pool to practice.

Yes this picture is of Chandler. He is the one in the water of course.