A Cute Angle Family

Serious Picture OVERLOAD (No, Seriously! And random!)

2012-02-06T15:34:00.001-07:00

So don't worry, I don't consider myself a "blogger" anymore, I mean, how could I?!? I haven't written or posted anything consistently in forever. This multitude of pictures dates back to August 2011! And boy there are A LOT of pics!

Pre-First Haircut at The Roose

Ezra did such a great job and honest to goodness loved getting his haircut for the first time! He loves Ashley though and is super comfortable with her. It was so awesome that Timmy could be there too! He's such a great dad! And LeAnne took some awesome pictures! (I was video tapping the grand event.)

And who coulda thought that this kid coulda gotten any cuter??? But he DID!

The Caped Crusader... getting ready to carve pumpkins for the first time!

We had so much fun carving our pumpkins and playing with the gunk! I love that Easy Love wasn't afraid to dig right in!

Christmas Eve & new PJ's!

Santa brought E bomb presents this year! A motorcycle & work bench!

{Early} Christmas morning at LeAnne's & Ben's. The kiddos made out like bandits! Spoiled a bunch by Gram Cracker & Grandpa Angle!

Seriously I have like 13 pictures of Tim from Christmas mornings exactly like this one... This will be the first one that he's holding a rake while he's sleeping, however!

Christmas day was a little crazy for us... Phoenix in the way early morning, home to change outta PJ's and load up the rest of our presents, and then off to my Dad & Jenny's for the rest of the day. Ezra wasn't even aware that Santa even came to our house too! As soon as we got home that evening we showed him his loot! He ran straight to the bike and hopped on!

Backwards at first :)

But it took him seconds to figure it out!

Then he ran over to his work bench and grabbed a hammer. He knew just what to do!

But then of course it was right back to the motorbike! Just like his Daddy!

Getting ready to go outside to play!

He's such a worker!

Outside has to be E's favorite place! He wakes up asking to go outside, "Peeze" of course!

He's got a good arm...

...watch out, Daddy!

We love when our friends Joey & Raynee & their kids come to play!

This was them ALL DAY!

Yep, he just had to test out.

We spent New Years Eve just the 3 of us this year (we had a mini celebration the night before with friends). It was such a great way to ring in the New Year! Ezra LOVED the fireworks!!!

At the dirt bike track.

Of course he had to have his bike ready to ride too!

I love these pictures of Timmy's dad & Ezra. So precious!

He sure does love his grandpa (ALL of them!)

That's pure emotion right there! Playing with the mud scraper!

So as you can see by the like 50+ pictures, we've been busy having lots fun! And Ezra's growing like crazy! More to come soon...

Oh This Has Gotta Be the Good Life

2011-11-23T13:16:00.002-07:00

In my regular fashion, as of late at least, I've yet to post anything in over 2 months. But in light of Thanksgiving - which is tomorrow! - I thought I'd share a few things I am most thankful for.

I am truly grateful for:

Sleeping every night next a man who says, "We'll figure it out" when I come to him with worry or concern and who kisses me good morning EVERY morning (at 430 am :))

Our son Ezra and everything that he is and has brought to our lives

Getting to spend my mornings, days and nights wrapped up in my sweet son and little family

For moments of pure bliss and contentment: watching Ezra play in the sprinklers, reading to him as we rock and cuddle, laughing with him as he dances to (any) music --- this list could seriously go on & on

Family who loves us and is here for us... Who cherish and adore Ezra as much as we do and shower him with love constantly

For the eternal nature of families - especially my own

And I will forever be grateful for longing & faith, the feeling of renewed hope, selflessness & sacrifice--for our cherished Alicia & Trent, and our adoption journey--it has molded me into the person I am.

So much to be thankful for!

So proud of himself after playing in the water

One of my favorite times of the day! I LOVE walking into his room in the morning to his sensational smile!

New kicks! He obviously thinks they're pretty rad!

Practicing his stealth ninja moves before Halloween! He was playing the piano and realized that there was things to play with underneath the bench too!

Timmy is such an amazing Dad... and he has a pretty dang good ninja voice (but ask Ezra, I read the dog book better-my barks are bomb!)

Being silly at Great Grandpa Angle's!

He loves riding the tractor with Daddy!

Trunk or Treat--- we are a family of NINJAS! This was Ezra's first experience with a lollipop-- he loved it!

I LOVE that I am blessed to be able to love on this stinkin' adorable boy ALL DAY LONG!!

He had a blast carving our pumpkins!

He's such a ham bone! I LOVE that he's so goofy! Always grinning!

I love that he loves to read! He just goes in his room and opens up a book, then he'll bring it to me and hold it up - that's my cue to sit down, plop him on my lap and open up book after book!

Ezra is an outside kid for sure. But as of late (when it's in the 80's), the sprinklers are his passion! It's so amazing seeing that smile and hearing the glee in his voice!

He loves his lawn mower! But luckily he's a pretty good sharer with his cousin and other kids that come over to play (it's their fav too!)

Like I said, this has seriously gotta be the good (great) life! This kid lights up my world.

A Little Something

2011-09-09T08:18:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I’ve obviously been a major slacker when it comes to blogging this summer. It’s actually kinda sad. I’ve avoided posting on our blog out of fear of not doing justice to the amazingness of our summer experiences (and not having time to sit and recount it all)... but come on, a little something is better than nothing right!?! So I’m going to resume stalking my fellow bloggers (this makes me happy to think about), post a little something about our summer (sparing a lot of details), and let go of the self-imposed guilt (the worst kind possible) of ignoring our little corner of the web.

So here goes with the condensed version of our very busy and AMAZING endless summer.

June was a month of firsts again for us! Last year we spent about half of the month of June in Indiana as very new and estatic parents. This year we were blessed with the opportunity to have our sweet birth mom, Alicia, come stay with us (the first in person visit since saying, “See ya later” last June.) It was such an amazing (here I go with that word again) experience waiting for her to de-board her plane and watching her walk towards us. It was SO GREAT to wrap my arms around my favorite woman in the world! (I wish I could hug her right now actually.) But the best memory I have of that moment, is the image of the love written all over Ezra’s face when he saw her.

Our visit was great, busy (pretty typical of us), but GREAT! Sparing all details, we did a lot of things while Alicia was here, and I think she got a taste of our life (too bad it was June and sweltering). She also got to witness me in my borderline fanatical, over the top, partying throwing mode (not necessarily a good thing). We were blessed to have her here with us to celebrate Ezra’s first birthday, something that I know will be very important to him knowing as he grows up. Everyone knows that the worst part of visits with those we love is the leaving and going home part. All I’m going to say is true that!!! We love our Alicia so much and are so grateful she came to stay with us this summer, I love that I can go in our guest room and sit on the bed and know that she has been right there.

Oh and I just thought I’d squeeze in a minor detail of the summer... I managed to sprain both of my ankles pretty hard-core redecorating that same guest room (in anticipation of Alicia’s visit.) Oh and I colored my hair (like all of it, and dark) for the FIRST time! :D

Shortly after Alicia’s visit (like 3 days), I headed off to Girls Camp with the AMAZING young women of my Ward. Oh how I love spending time with them at Camp LoMia! It was fantastic as always! Timmy went to Geranimo the day after I got home and hung out with the younger boys at scout camp. (I definitely had more fun!)

In July we were blessed with the chance to go on Trek with our Stake as a Ma & Pa. Talk about a life-changing, spiritually enriching and testimony building experience. WOW! I was genuinely really nervous about going and being “in charge” of 12-13 teenagers all while pulling and pushing a loaded down handcart for like 20+ miles in 3 days. It was unlike anything I’ve ever done before (and I’ve been on lotsa campouts and trips with the older scouts!) I loved the kids in our family, strike that, I LOVE the kids in our Trek family. The girls were so strong and kind and helpful and the boys were so strong and sensitive and giving. I honestly can’t wait to do it all again! Let me just say that being away from Ezra for those few days was HARD! We missed him so much and talked about him non-stop. He missed us too, for like 2 seconds! He LOVES being at Grandpa & Grandma’s!!!

In the midst of all the youth trips and activities, we also spent some time in Prescott with friends, went swimming a lot (Ezra loves swimming), spent lotsa time with family and just plain hung out! Timmy and I even went on a couple actual dates (the first in like 12 months).

In August, Ezra got his first haircut! I was a little sad at first, but it was so fun and he did so great!!! He already needs another one!

I feel like I’ve overlooked or failed to mention a bunch of things, but oh well right! We have been blessed with some amazing emotional and spiritual experiences this summer. We’re so grateful for the great memories we’ve created!

So I think I’m ready to welcome Fall! No more guilt... Well at least not about our blog!!

Oh and we obviously did a lot of LAUGHING this summer too!!! :D

Back to May

2011-07-28T14:39:00.000-07:00

So I have a lot of updating to do! Not that a whole lotta exciting things have been happening around here, but man I have a lot of pictures! These are from a busy weekend back in May. We went to my sister's grad school graduation in Flagstaff, to Prescott to be with our dearest friends for a bday party & baby blessing, and then back down to Phoenix for our nephew Harper's 2nd bday party! Lotsa FUN!

These pictures are random... at my dad's celebrating his birthday, swimming at Andrea's and just hanging out... May way FULL of FUN!

Busy Might Be an Understatement!

2011-06-20T07:20:00.000-07:00

Okay so this is gonna be a very short post... with shockingly only one picture of our ONE year old! Oh don't worry, more to come in the next week or so (after I get all the pics everyone else took). But yeah, we've been busy! Timmy with scouting camping trips & work, me with redecorating (kinda a lot... gotta love spray paint--again, I'll post pics soon), enjoying a much anticipated visit from Alicia, our sweet boy's birthday and then birthday party (who woulda thought you could put so much effort into a 1 year old's party!?!)... um what else, oh 2 sprained ankles, getting ready for Girls Camp (I'm leaving in like 20 mins), another scout camp for Timmy coming up onThursday, Father's Day, baby blessings.... yeah I'm TIRED! :D But in a VERY good way!! How blessed we are!!!

I love this picture (Sadly I barely took any, luckily other s took some though). He LOVED his cake, and I loved watching him love it! So yeah, it's been a blessed busy for sure!!! (And we've eaten A LOT of cake!!!) :D

We’ve Come A Long Way {Baby}

2011-06-02T21:15:00.002-07:00

(Disclosure- It's technically his birthday on the East Coast... and this post is pretty dang long)

So I’ve been a pretty inconsistent blogger as of late. I don’t really know why, maybe because I’m just lazy. It’s most definitely not because I have a shortage of pictures of our gorgeous boy to show off, instead, it’s probably more because I don't feel like I have anything profound to say lately.

I also think I’ve kind of been dreading this post, which is pretty crazy because to be completely honest I don't know if I ever truly believed that I would be a mom, even though I desired to be so with all of my being. And here I am on this glorious day, a mom to the most amazing and handsomely charming (and flirtatious) ONE YEAR OLD miracle baby boy! CRAZY RIGHT!?! Ezra is one year old today!!! I honestly don’t know whether to be super excited about the little boy that’s he’s becoming, or cry at how fast the past precious and long awaited first year of his life has flown by---I mean, I seriously spend all day, everyday with him, and I still truly feel like I've missed things, and I fear that I may have taken time for granted.

I remember the day that he was born like it was yesterday. The nights before were down right nerve-racking... we packed up a bunch of clothes & baby gear not knowing how long we’d be away from home (and our family), arranged everything business wise, made sure our house was clean, took our dogs to Timmy’s parent’s. You get the point - we did all of the things we thought we needed to do to get ready to meet a boy that we’ve loved dearly long before we knew him.

I remember stepping off the plane (love First Class by the way--my Dad & Jenny ROCK!) and feeling the Indiana humidity (at 2 AM) suck the breath right outta my chest. I remember waiting for our rental car (half-way thinking that we were kinda stranded because we HAD to pick it up by a certain time...hello it was 2AM I don’t blame ‘em!) During the waiting (which we had grown somewhat accustomed to in a weird way over the years), I think I may have lost like 4 pounds in water weight (unfortunately I’m a sweater). I remember stopping at the gas station and grabbing drinks (and snacks) for our hour drive to Terre Haute (my favorite city in IN!)

I remember checking into the hotel and carrying in an empty car seat/carrier.... we got losta looks and comments regarding this fact (one of which was a a lady at the luggage check-in part in Phx who didn’t charge us for ANY of our bags even though we had four and 3 were over weight.) Props to her!

The next day went by relatively quickly, only because we were able to spend it with Alicia & Trent... that day was sadly the date of my last pedicure :( But funnily, my toes are the same color that the were then right now (I have changed it MULTIPLE times in the past year!) I remember trying to soak up this time that we had with Alicia. We hung out most of the day and ate a yummy spaghetti dinner before heading back to the hotel to (NOT TO) sleep.

The day that Ezra entered our lives is a day that I will never forget. I hope to hold on to every single memory, but know that time time literally steals memories from us. We got to the hospital early, and Alicia & Trent were already there waiting in the parking lot. I remember asking Timmy, “Is this really happening?” It was raining a little, sprinkles mostly. It is a pretty weird feeling walking side by side into a hospital with a woman who knows that her baby is also your baby, and not truly knowing what to do, what to say, where to stand, who to look at. I think the four of us had no idea to what to expect in the hospital that day.

The six hours that we were in the hospital before Ezra made his debut kinda flew by , but I was in NO physical pain or discomfort, so maybe that had something to do with it. I remember the awkwardness and almost animosity we felt from some of the hospital staff just prior to Alicia going into full fledged labor. But as we walked back into her room, after being asked to leave by a social worker, it was impossible to not feel the Spirit. There was so much tangible love in that room. Again, unlike anything I’ve ever felt in my life.

The moments before Alicia started pushing were kinda a blur, there were losta people and bustle, but above anything else, I remember holding our brave birth mom’s hand as she brought our son into this world. I remember looking at her face and trying to remember everything about it. I remember telling her I loved her how courageous and strong she was. I counted for her as she breathed, so softly I think that only her and I heard it (and for those of your who know me, know that one thing I am not is quiet!) I remember the look on Timmy’s face as Ezra started to crown and the astonishment & adoration of his expression.

I didn’t see Ezra physically enter this world (Alicia’s Dr. was really tall and had her propped up super high and draped really well), but I FELT him enter this world. I recognized his sweet spirit instantly. The Dr. held him up and he looked around alertly & quietly, and I swear he looked right at me. He looked exactly how I imagined & literally dreamed he would. He was ours. He was hers. It’s an unexplainable moment.

Because Alicia is so very selfless and truly wanted us to bond with Ezra from the beginning, she allowed Timmy to be the person to cut his umbilical cord and gave me the gift of not only holding him first, but putting on his first diaper and beenie on and allowed me to be right next to him from from the absolute beginning. It was so hard to leave his precious soul that we longed and waited for for years on end, but being by our dear Alicia’s side was so important to me in those moments. I remember holding her and thanking her for the experience she graced us with that morning. I didn’t want to let her go. She was our angel, our angel of hope. I’m forever grateful for Trent for capturing all those precious moments through pictures. He’s such a noble man, and we’re glad he’s ours (and Alicia’s). Both of them gave us our heart that day. The next few hours (and the 17 days following his birth), after his birth were filled with kisses, nuzzles, tears, soft spoken words & text messages. :D ALL of our family & friends from all over couldn’t wait to see this sweet boy who had stolen our hearts.

The next five days were the most emotional of my life, it was truly unlike anything we expected. We were given so much (every feeding, diaper change, bath...he NEVER left our room, which was also Alicia’s room) by our amazing birth mom. I hope to never forget a single moment of those days. Placement day was probably the hardest day I’ve experienced thus far. My heart literally broke for this woman who we loved unlike any other human being, but at the same time, we were made complete in a divinely way. She gave me my heart the day she placed that boy in my arms and said, “Here you go Mommy.”

So on Ezra’s first birthday, I want above anything else for him and everyone else to know that he is loved & cherished beyond measure, “To the moon & back,” I tell him. And so is our Alicia. We wouldn’t be us, the Tri-Angle’s, without her. Ezra was always meant for Timmy & me, we just needed to have faith in our Heavenly Father’s timing, and wait for our dear Alicia to be lead (we also think he waited so that he could be here when sweet Jayne made her debut too :D).

So Happy 1st Birthday, our dear Easy Love. We love & adorable you more than words. We hope that we can bring you a fraction of the happiness in your lifetime that you’ve brought to us in this (very) short year.

We love you always & forever,

Dada & Momma

p.s. We love you too Alicia & Trent, more than you will ever know

I'm a total Slacker!

2011-05-16T12:47:00.000-07:00

So I've been slacking A LOT when it comes to blogging, but I'm trying to "Turn over a new leaf," that's a saying right?!? Anyways, I'm just gonna post some, well a lot actually, pictures that I've taken over the past month or so.

Us at the World Wildlife Zoo with Andrea & her kiddos Lauren & Austin (Ezra loves hanging out with them!) I love this place! I use to go as a kid, but it's SO MUCH cooler now! Definitely gonna have to get season passes!

Easy getting out the toy we got him for Christmas, but did get outta the box til like March.

He's so dang handsome!

Don't worry, no button batteries in this remote I promise!

This is love!

Heading out for a walk to the park

At the park on my birthday... he was pretty stoked about the sticks.

I kinda love that they're caught in both his shoes!

He's coming to get me!

He tried to scare Timmy!

Lauren came to hang out with us in the morning before she went to school on Thursdays because Andrea had early classes in Phoenix. I don't know who liked it more, Ezra, her or me!

Us & LeAnne a few days before Lyla's debut!

I love his expressions!

Ya think he likes his walker ? (or having his picture taken for that matter!!!!)

Grandpa (Timmy's dad) & Ezra at the hospital the night sweet Lyla was born.

She looks great right!?! She looked like this after she was in labor too!

Ezra & grandpa (my dad) playing... Bella & Maddie wanted in on the fun too!

Ridin' the horsey!

Easy seriously has the best bed head EVER! And after every time he sleeps! I love it!

The Easter Bunny came! (And the candy was for Timmy!)

And really all he liked was this yellow plastic egg...

Oh and the grass.

Ezra pretty much didn't feel like going to church on Easter (I think he wanted to stay home and play with his egg & eat the grass!) But seriously! He looks so dang adorable right?!?

This Mother's Day was my first as a mother. It was an amazing day... kinda bittersweet, but my heart was full of gratitude for our Alicia all day.

We hung out with Timmy's parents & LeAnne, Ben, Harper & Lyla at our house (we celebrated with my mom a couple days before and my Dad & Jenny the day before), and ate yummy food!

And there was CAKE!

Last Monday was Harper's actual birthday, and LeAnne wanted to do something fun, so we met at the McCormick Train park.

Ezra had a blast playing with Harper and being outside.

I don't know if he loved the carousal, but he seemed to like it enough (tho it almost made me sick).

So as you can see, we've had a great last few weeks! The next few are gonna be even better! Stay tuned! :D

Droid Doesn't but iPhone Does...

2011-05-16T12:11:00.000-07:00

So, I'm a pretty jealous person, I'll admit it. And I am VERY jealous of Timmy's iPhone... not jealous enough to let him buy it for me at full price (like Verizon even makes that a possibility), but jealous nonetheless, and I can't wait til July 22nd! So here are a few pics from Timmy's bomb phone (the droid takes horrible pictures!)

Ezra & Harper playing at Auntie Lee Lee's. They LOVE hanging out!

Our sweet boy one Saturday morning... so happy!

Easy love wanting to go outside and play with Roosty & Izzy

The Gila Valley Temple - Timmy took the older boys to compete in a BSA triathlon in Thatcher (p.s. Timmy beat the boys!)

Ezra's favorite part of the day, BATH TIME!

Helping Dad at a job... instead of laying the sod, he's eating it...

He's literally eating it, see the drool?!?

My boys on a hike. I LOVE this picture so much!

Timmy's had a few late days, and the other night he called & asked that I not put Ezra to bed so he could hang out with him longer.

So they wrestled, drank outta a cup together (yes, that's water not drool) & Ezra wore Timmy's (nasty) bandana around... he loved it.

Our past weekend was a pretty busy one. By the time we got to Joey & Raynee's after a full day, Ezra was so tired, but was holding on strong (he was seriously the best kid there ;-)). He couldn't get enough of the attention.

And seriously, what boy isn't happy with a cowboy hat & NERF gun bullets?!?

And this picture holds no significance to me at all, but I had to share it. I mean, come on, I honestly think that my husband might be the only boy to take pictures of port-a-potties. Gotta love him!!!

Just to see him Smile

2011-04-04T08:19:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had the best birthday EVER. This picture says it all! Need I say more? :D

Faith & Infertility

2011-03-31T09:57:00.000-07:00

Thanks Brittany (from Que & Brittany's Adoption Journal) for posting an excerpt & link to the "Faith & Infertility" article from the April issue of the Ensign and a link to the poem "Just the Same". Love it!!! I've been meaning to get online and read it (because I left my Ensign in my friend's car!) I'm so glad I stalked you today! :D

Here's some excerpts that hit home for me:

“I finally realized that infertility wasn’t a punishment,” Angie says. “Once I was past the point of anger and bitterness, I was willing to hear the Spirit and receive direction about what we were supposed to do. Of course, that comes at different points for everyone. Infertility was my refiner’s fire. My faith was strengthened through those difficult years.”

“One of the gospel principles I’ve learned to appreciate through our experience is that Heavenly Father has a plan for each of us,” Dave adds. “Sometimes we get caught up in the one-size-fits-all mentality, and we feel that our lives should look like other people’s lives. But that’s really not true. Everyone has different trials, and Heavenly Father is aware of those. If we are humble enough to follow the plan He has for us, we’ll be happy.”

Valerie Hochheiser agrees that relying on and trusting in the Lord is crucial. “I learned that we had to do everything in our power but then ultimately turn it over to Him,” she says. “Sometimes that means letting Him tell us which direction to go. Other times it’s a matter of choosing a direction and letting Him confirm the decision."

“I have learned to trust in Him, to follow the Spirit, and to feel at peace because God’s plan is the one that will benefit me the most,” Brad says. “There’s more to life than we can imagine.”

Brenda agrees. “His gifts are the best gifts,” she says. “He loves us so much. What I would have planned for our life would pale in comparison to what He has given us. We need to trust and know that He will give to us immeasurably. What He has in mind for His children is better than anything we could ever design."

He is truly the best gift! My love for him is immeasurable. We have been blessed in unimaginable ways through the miracle of adoption, and I'm so thankful to know that He has a plan for each of us. How grateful I am that he is a part of my foreverest! (My other dictionary submission picture Alicia :D)

Okay we might actually have a problem...

2011-03-30T14:06:00.000-07:00

And when I say problem I mean obsession, and when I say we, I mean me. I have an obsession with having our pictures taken, especially lately, and especially professionally. It's like I have this constant feeling that things are too good to be true and that we need to capture every moment possible. So here's yet another post containing a grip of pictures taken by Miss Pamela of eCompass Photography (love her). These ones are with my Dad Jim, step-mom Jenny, brother Patrick, sister Jessica, and Timmy, Ezra & me. This session was actually right after the one with my mom & Randy, so it was a long day for our Easy Love, plus it was so cold! Lotsa great shots though anyways! I mean seriously, what better way to start it off then with this amazing (and hilarious) shot of Timmy! Anyhow, these are my peeps!

"We are shaped and fashioned by what we love."

-Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

More Family Pictures

2011-03-30T13:04:00.000-07:00

I have no words for this post, I mean come on, it's another post with tons of pictures, pictures of us-we're so vain! I am so grateful for Pamela Dancil (of enCompass Photography) for capturing these moments with my mom Cindy, my step-dad Randy, brother Patrick and Timmy, Ezra & me. Love them all!

One of life's greatest blessings is the love of a family!

He loves his Auntie Jess!

2011-03-17T12:26:00.000-07:00

Ezra is one cherished little boy! Especially by his Auntie Jess! She loves on him something fierce (and him on her as well).

He's so stinkin' cute!

Pickles & Puppy Dogs

2011-03-11T11:45:00.002-07:00

So I'm not totally sure why we thought it'd be a good idea to give Ezra pickles right now, let alone a whole one considering he only had like 5 teeth at the time. But really, we just wanted to see his expression! :D (Is that totally mean or what???)

The best ones came after I put the camera down! He'll seriously try anything! He loves food! So we're house full of foodies!

And I think the only thing he loves more than food is Capone.

Capone is so great with him, he lets him climb all over him, tug, pull, whatever.

He tries to zerbert him all the time!

Ezra's one happy kid! But if he's ever not happy, Capone (or Izzy or Roosty) can bring a smile to his face! I love that he's a dog person!

Dirt

2011-03-02T11:36:00.000-07:00

His dad is such a boy... so proud of this "first".

Yeah, the "first time he ate dirt" first.

Yeah, he likes to eat dirt.

Silly me, I thought he'd only wanna eat dirt when his dad was around...

Haha, nope, it's like his favorite thing to do outside now! :D

He seeks it out, dirt, dirt & more dirt! How's that saying go???

Springtime was here... (and now summer is upon us!)

2011-03-01T11:05:00.061-07:00

So I have seriously been such a slacker when it comes to blogging (Sorry Alicia!) I won't list all of my excuses, but I will say that the death virus took over our house for practically the whole month of February. Luckily we are all healthy now (knock on wood). But at the first sign of Spring, we took our floor playing outside to the grass in our backyard.

Ezra loves being outside! Obviously, I mean look at that smile! (I think this might be my submission for "gorgeousest" Alicia! :D)

He's also a crawling fool! Busy, busy!

In fact, when he finally decided to show his dad that he could crawl for reals, it was Capone that enticed him, not Timmy (or me trying to bribe him with food). Ezra loves our puppies!

Now we can't get him to stay still! He's always on the move!

I love being a stay at home mom! Getting to spend literally all day with our sweet boy is such an amazing blessing! I'm so grateful for Timmy for working so dang hard so Easy & I can play all day!

And boy do we play!!!

Besides rolling around in the grass, we swing on our swing set, throw the ball for the dogs... stuff like that.

I don't know if it gets much better than this...

Our life with Ezra is so much more joyful & amazing than I had ever dreamed.

Oh this kid's Expressions!

2011-01-25T10:49:00.001-07:00

Okay, so seriously, I know that every mom thinks that their kid(s) are the cutest ever (and they kinda get annoyed when other moms say the same things about their kids), but I'm being real... Ezra is seriously the cutest dang kid EVER!!! :D He has the BESTEST smile(s)!

He also has a hatful of other amazing (and hilarious...maybe only to me) facial expressions!

(yep... that's drool--Easy's a teething machine! He's got six and cutting 3 more!)

If only we could hear this thoughts while he's making all these faces!

I LOVE...

2011-01-24T15:29:00.001-07:00

his eyes

his heart melting smile & contagious laugh

watching him experience things for the first time...

and the look he gives me when he loves it

his perfectly content & happy & curious personality

Yeah, this is love - he is LOVE!

"Love is the very essence of life. It is the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Yet it is not found only at the end of the rainbow. Love is at the beginning also, and from it springs the beauty that arched across the sky on a stormy day. Love is the security for which children weep, the yearning of youth, the adhesive that binds marriage, and the lubricant that prevents devastating friction in the home; it is the peace of old age, the sunlight of hope shining through death. How rich are those who enjoy it in their associations with family, friends, and neighbors! Love, like faith, is a gift of God. It is also the most enduring and most powerful virtue."
— Gordon B. Hinckley

We Are Fam-i-ly!

2011-01-24T15:16:00.000-07:00

So I know you're probably thinking, "Seriously, more professional pictures?" But hear me out, we haven't taken family pictures in almost 5 years, and there's obviously been some pretty amazing additions (and one more expected to make her arrival in April!) So who do you go to when you want fantastical photos (and a pretty dang good time taking them)...Miss Pamela Dancil with Encompass Photography of course!!! So once again with the vanity - let it proceed...

We had so much fun hanging out in the park, enjoying gorgeous AZ December weather. The little ones did great too (but they were so over it by the end - so was big Tim!) I have to say, and it sounds horrible, but Ezra is seriously the cutest baby boy ever! We have pictures to prove it! :D

Motorbike Track

2011-01-15T10:19:00.051-07:00

One of Timmy's all time favorite things to do (besides hang out with his ever-supportive wife and dashing son of course) is to ride his dirt bike (much to my chagrin-only because of the dangerousness factor). And he's such an awesome husband to want us there at the track with him! (No seriously he like writes me a sweet little note asking if I'd like to go with him...check yes or no style...LOVE him!)

So while Dad's riding (very safely), Ezra and I hang out... drinking energy drinks and eating cheetos, while getting some experience behind the wheel! :D

He loves hanging out... doesn't matter where we're at, what we're doing, he's just so dang happy.

Finally a picture of Easy Love & Mom!

We thought that the noise of the bikes would scare him, but nope, he thinks the bikes are like the greatest things ever (great, right!?!)

He actually watches & follows the bikes as they pass by.

Other times when we were at Speed World he was unimpressed... and liked just lounging around eating keys! :D

But I always have fun watching him take it all in.

I could stare at this face all day, but I guess I am a little biased! :D

Timmy has fun playing in the dirt.

And catching air (again to my chagrin.)

But I think his favorite part of riding is coming in off the track to this face. Easy is always so excited to see his Dad!

I'm so grateful for such an amazing husband. He's such a great man & dad (if only he'd trade in his dirt bike for something a little safer!)

New Year's Eve 2010

2011-01-01T09:22:00.053-07:00

We love spending New Year's Eve with our dearest friends Joey & Raynee & their 2 boys Tate & Issac. This year was the best we celebrated yet obviously because our sweet Ezra was with us to bring it in.

Prescott was beautiful! We loved that it had snowed!

Kinda nice to be able to get some use outta our winter clothes!

Timmy & Joey were their usual selves. :D

Raynee & I hung out most of the day, did a little shopping and got ready to make a massive amount of tamales. We were actually roasting the green peppers here.

Easy loved just enjoyed life as usual!

Can't get enough of his smile!

The boys literally spent all day outside making a sled run in front of Joey & Rayn's house. It was complete with jumps and everything!

It was so awesome to see Ezra "playing"!

I LOVE my boys!

His face says it all. It was a great day! (Or he could be smiling because he's eating...he's a foodie through and through!)

When the evening came around, the fireworks came out to play...so did "Ninja TImmy"

Issac was seriously enthralled with all of the things he had to light on fire! And I think he liked Timmy's Woodman's Tool (Joey got it for Timmy for Christmas)!

Oh boys...they thought it would be a great idea to light the sparklers off (oh and more of the actual fireworks too) in the house!

Luckily they realized that outside was the better option... but it was chilly!

Tate & Issac loved it! Especially when Timmy danced around in the fireworks!

Shockingly, Ezra slept through the entire show!

We had a great time ringing in the New Year... okay, well that's a complete and total lie actually. About a half hour after we lit all the fireworks, I got totally (and violently) sick with either food poisoning or the stomach flu. I actually rang in the New Year with my head in a toilet, but at least I was awake at midnight... so gross I know! Luckily nobody else besides Raynee got it. Me getting sick (and Joey passing out) kinda ruined Timmy's New Year's though :( Poor guy! He & Joey had this "awesome" plan to go running & sledding outside at midnight in their skivvies, so sad that that didn't work out for him... the pictures woulda been hilarious!!! 2010 was seriously our best year yet! I can't wait to see what 2011 has in store for the tri-Angle's!

Christmastime was here...

2010-12-29T20:50:00.001-07:00

So I've kinda got the post-Christmas blues. I love the holiday season, it's my favorite time of the year. I love everything about it; the family gatherings, the FOOD, the lights, the way Christmas decorations make my house feel slightly bit whimsical and cluttered in a good way, the FOOD, having a month where focusing on our Savior is "socially acceptable", singing Christmas carols and hymns (Hark the Herald Angels Sing & Silent Night are my favs), being "allowed" and even strongly encouraged to have 90% of my diet be sugar/baked goods based, holiday movies - It's a Wonderful Life & Home Alone. My list could go on for days, seriously!

But this year I have a whole new reason to love the holiday season... being able to share it with our son. Seeing him take it all in. Feeling of his happiness.

Ezra is genuinely such a joy to be around, people are drawn to him I swear! Auntie Andruska (Andrea) came to wrap "Santa" presents on Christmas Eve & Easy had to be in on the action. He had fun chewing on the ribbons.

We spent Christmas Eve with my mom at my grandparents. We ate yummy Swedish meatballs and watched Ezra play with his new toys. He stole the show for sure. I'd have proof, but I spaced charging my camera battery. So I'll post pics later once my mom emails them. It was a great night though. Putting Easy's first pair of Christmas pjs was a moment I will never forget.

Our pony loves to be in on the Christmas morning action too, he always has. He sat between Timmy and me as we opened our presents to each other (at 530AM).

We got Easy up when right before Timmy's family came over (at 630... it was a late one for us ;-)). Grandpa got some Easy time while we were getting ready to divvy up the presents.

Oh how I loved sitting with our boy in my lap with the light of the tree (and the camera flash) illuminating the room.

I'm pretty sure this is the only Christmas that wrapping paper and twine will be better than the actual presents wrapped in them.

It was amazing to watch his face and reaction to all of his new toys. Joy is not truly experienced until it's seen and felt through the eyes of a child... a child that's been longed after for years & years.

One of my favorite moments of the day was watching Ezra & Harper play "together" (with my hunky husband as the backdrop.)

This toy was an instant hit!

But the ribbon came in at a close second! :D

Yep, that's bliss written all over his face!

So after the Angle/Scott Christmas (early) morning festivities and breakfast (that I have to say was the bombdotcom... I made a yummy Overnight Sausage & Egg casserole, orange rolls, cinnamon french toast... oh it was delicious if I say so myself (that was me patting myself on the back, sorry)), we headed over to my dad & Jenny's house for more spoiling. Their tree is outta control! See where we get it from?!?!?!?

Ezra was dressed for the day!

Again with that grin, that alone is the greatest present I could ever ask for!

My dad got him these adorable Santa slippers, I love them!

Behind him is his pile... okay there were a few for Timmy & me as well in there, but seriously, come on!

I couldn't resist.

He loved all his toys that Grandma & Grandpa and Auntie Jess got him. After we did our family present opening, we watched Despicable Me and It's a Wonderful Life and waited for the rest of our family to come over for more presents and more yummy food! It was such a magical day!

Ezra is one very loved and cherished little boy... and man is he spoiled. I mean seriously, everyone set the bar really high this year, and if up is the only place to go then there's some high expectations to meet in the years to come... good thing he won't really remember that pile of presents! Timmy & I couldn't have imagined that life with Ezra could be this perfectly amazing. No gift will ever compare to him. He's our greatest blessing. Thank you Alicia & Trent for making this the best, most joyful and magically blissful Christmas ever! We carried you in our hearts all season!

p.s. kinda a bummer that Timmy & I aren't in many pics... still waiting for family to email me the ones they got of us.

I thought I'd add this picture to this post... Jenny's Dad (one of Ezra's great-grandpas) has a legit Santa Claus suit, so instead of having Ezra be freaked out by (a stranger) Santa from the get go, we had Don don (haha) his suit for some awesome pics! Ezra Loved it!

December Activities (in Pictures)

2010-12-28T09:45:00.000-07:00

December has been full of amazing & precious moments... From our sweet Easy rolling over (and over & over), decorating Ezra's first Christmas tree, going to see the Mesa Temple lights, going to the dirt bike track as a family for the first time, spending lotsa time with friends & family, painting & decorating a playroom at one of Ezra's g-parent's house, and all the sweet moments & memories of our first Christmas as an eternal family (Christmas post to follow shortly). Yep, our December has been blissful! (Ezra's smile says it all!)

Merry Christmas to ALL!

2010-12-11T08:46:00.000-07:00

Christmas cards are in the mail!

Merry Christmas Everyone

Happiest's of New Years!

A Weekend of {Thankfulness}

2010-11-30T09:42:00.000-07:00

Pre=Thanksgiving Day festivities

We went to my Dad & Jenny's house first.

You can't really tell by the pic (he seriously stops smiling when he sees the dang camera!), but Ezra loves his Grandma & Grandpa.

My sister Jess & me

Next stop for the day was my grandparents (we got to see the other set too while at my dads). We had to get the 4 generation pic!

I don't know who's happier...Ezra or my Grandpa!

I love his Thanksgiving Day outfit!

After a very early day of shopping on Friday, and another yummy dinner (with Timmy's parents) we headed up to Prescott (brrr...) to hangout with our dearest friends Joey & Raynee and their family.

We enjoyed the super cold weather with a yummy hot chocolate and a holiday light parade.

Sweet Tate & Issac

Ezra was his usual happy and smiley self all weekend long!

I love going to the Gould's! We're definitely making heading up to visit the weekend after Thanksgiving a tradition (LOVE the turkey enchiladas!)

We had a great Thanksgiving and are so grateful that our families & friends live nearby so we can share memories with all of them!

Puppy Love, Tractors & Cousins

2010-11-24T09:35:00.001-07:00

On this Thanksgiving Eve, as I sit here with my sleeping baby in my arms, I have a world of "things" to be thankful for....

My husband, my son & the opportunity to be his mom.

Prayer, my faith and my testimony of Jesus Christ & the peace I receive through Him.

The miracle of adoption & the courage of Ezra's incredible birthparents.

Life's trials & adversities - and the growth that follows in overcoming them.

The relationships with our families & friends.

Our home, business and the beauties created all around us

(including Fall weather - finally).

Yummy food (and the ability to run).

My heart is most definitely full of gratitude for these things and so, so much more.

(I had a much longer "written" list last year in my Ode to Thanksgiving post, reference it for all the other things :D )

I am also thankful for....

PUPPY LOVE & baby feet

Belly buttons & heart melting smiles

The gifts Patience & Devotion

Companionship in all possible forms

Blue eyes & Teeth (Ezra's)

TRACTORS

Kitchens

Backyards

Sunday BBQ's

COUSINS & Grandma's house(s)

The ability to feel/give unconditional love

The sound of laughter

And being a daddy!

"Gratitude is a mark of a noble soul and a refined character. We like to be around those who are grateful. They tend to brighten all around them. They make others feel better about themselves. They tend to be more humble, more joyful, more likable..."

(Joseph B. Wirthlin)

"We need to be more grateful. It's one of the marks of strong character, to have a feeling of thanksgiving and gratitude for blessings that are ours. We need more of that spirit in our homes, in our daily associations, in church, everywhere. It's so easy to cultivate the spirit of appreciation." (Ezra Taft Benson)

Happy Thanksgiving all, may we all living in thanksgiving daily!

p.s. since it's still November (National Adoption Month) check out this post on adoption language

National Adoption Month

2010-11-13T09:42:00.001-07:00

I have my own opinions on the people currently in office, but I am SO GRATEFUL the White House supports adoption! (Thanks Lindsey of therhouse for the reading suggestion!)

"Giving a child a strong foundation -- a home, a family to love, and a safe place to grow -- is one of life's greatest and most generous gifts. For many Americans, adoption has brought boundless purpose and joy to their lives. Adoptive [AND BIRTH] families are shining examples of the care and concern that define our great Nation. As we observe National Adoption Month, we honor the loving embrace of adoptive families and the affirming role of adoption in the lives of American families and our country. Let us all commit to supporting our children in any way that we are able -- whether opening our hearts and homes through adoption, becoming foster parents to provide quality temporary care to children in crisis, supporting foster and adoptive families in our communities and places of worship, mentoring young people in need of guidance, or donating time to helping children in need. Working together, we can shape a future of hope and promise for all of our Nation's children."

Read the entire

Presidential Proclamation--National Adoption Month here

OH HOW GRATEFUL I AM FOR ADOPTION!

(He loves his beenie! Good thing because it's chilly willy when we go running.)

p.s. if you'd like a birth mom's perspective here's an awesome blog: http://stefaniejinelle.blogspot.com/
And our Alicia has been guest posting about her feelings on adoption here:
http://birthmom-buds.blogspot.com/

An Attitude of Gratitude

2010-11-11T14:25:00.000-07:00

I am so very grateful for "the bountiful beauties of life" and I'm trying to "live in thanksgiving daily" as I practice cultivating "an attitude of gratitude".

Doing so isn't very hard during this marvelous time of my life; I have so, so very much to be grateful for. My list is long and on the top of it is being grateful for being able to be the mom to our miracle baby (being Timmy's wife is right there too :D). I'm forever grateful for the blessings & miracles of adoption!

But it wasn't long ago, before our lives were filled with such profound and immeasurable JOY, that we felt sorrow and sadness & longing. I was always filled with peace and comfort when I acknowledged & experienced the beauties that surrounded me and thanked the Lord for all the blessings He had poured out upon me. I'm grateful everyday for my Savior and my knowledge that I am a daughter of God with infinite worth and a divine nature. My testimony is a "bountiful beauty" in my life.

Lullaby for a Birthmom

2010-11-03T16:05:00.002-07:00

Michael Pearce Donley's tribute to birthmothers. "Birthmoms are heroes," Michael says. "and it's time they had a song to honor them ...

Lindsey posted this amazing video today on therhouse blog. (Thanks!)

I had to copy/share it.

This song's poetic lyrics so beautifully portray the bittersweet emotions, love, and gratitude that changed our lives as soon as our lives converged with Ezra’s birthmom. It's something that's hard to put words to. So glad someone else could.

Lullabies laid in our hearts unsung,
Suspended for years on the tip of the tongue.
But you sang a lullaby mingled with tears,
While you fought day and night with your fears.
We wanted most what we could not conceive,
You conceived someone you could not receive.
And so with the selflessness mothers know well,
You gave up your right to savor this love,
You gave it all in the labor of love.

We two were barren and longing for better,
You bore the wave like a scarlet letter.
We cried for emptiness, you for too much,
And we prayed for the peace of God’s touch.
But none of us drove on a dead end street,
Mercy decided our stories would meet.
Two roads converged at the point of our need,
Merging our lives in the ache of this love,
Yielding ourselves for the sake of this love.

For those nights when you cried,
You deserve a lullaby.
You’re heroic and strong,
This is your song.

Our arms were empty, they’re empty no more.
Your arms were open, your heart is still sore.
But bitter turns sweet when you see what you gave,
You saved a life with your labor of love.
For those nights when you cried,
You deserve your lullaby.
You’re heroic and strong,
This is your song.

We honor you best as we labor each day,
To raise up our children to follow God’s way.
But you can be sure every {3rd of June},
We will remember your labor of love,
We will remember your labor love,
We will remember your labor of love,
We still remember your labor of love.

I wish I was talented enough to write our Alicia her own lullaby, though

I don't even know where I'd start.

"We will remember your labor of love."

Always & Forever

My cup runneth over, A grateful heart I have!

2010-11-02T16:41:00.002-07:00

We seriously just had the best week EVER here at the Angle household!

Ezra's adoption was finalized...and he was made an {Angle} legally & officially. There were (happy & joyous) tears (of gratitude) a plenty! Oh and our Easy had the hiccups during the hearing...it was pretty dang funny!

We had lotsa family come with us to the courthouse, we're so grateful for their continued love & support, we couldn't have gone through this journey without them. Ezra is such a loved little boy! (they might have also came for the yummy breakfast we went and got after it was all said and done.)

Ezra was all smiles that day (well he's all smiles pretty much every day). I'd like to think it was because he knew we were that much closer to being an eternal family.

I made Ezra into the Staples Easy button for Halloween...he was a hit at our ward's Trunk or Treat! (Note to self: test the size of the half-ball on self to determine size next time...it ended up jumongous on Ezra!)

He really is our Easy baby!

I borrowed an actual Easy button from my sister and whenever the kids pressed on Ezra it said, "That was easy" ...pretty funny!

Saturday was the BEST DAY EVER! Ezra was sealed to us for all time and eternity. It was so amazing, a day that's indescribable but that been etched in my mind and heart forever. (Again, many, many more tears of joy and gratitude were shed and shared.) Once again Ezra was smiley and observant. I swear he knew exactly what was taking place.

I loved walking out of those temple doors with our son in my arms and my husband by my side...exactly how I imagine walking through Heaven.

Our {blissful} Eternal Family

You know how (if you're a girl of course) your leg is supposed to lift during that perfect kiss? Well that happens to boys too when they've had the perfect day!

The love of a family is truly one of life's greatest blessings, we know this to be true without a doubt! I'm so grateful my Dad, Jenny & Jess came to share the day with us!

p.s. we didn't even mean to coordinate!

Our best friends were there (both sets =))...It looks like Raynee is telling Ezra a secret.

We're so grateful for Joey & Raynee's friendship and support. They've been so loving and encouraging ever step of the way.

My other dear friend (or "bestie" as she's deemed from the pulpit) Andrea came to partake of the joyous day with us, she's such a blessing in my life (and she loves Ezra something fierce!)

LeAnne & Harper came to spend the joyous day with us too! We're so grateful for our families!!! We're also forever grateful for the support and kindness of all the others who came to share in our day of eternal bliss!

So talk about a busy week: Adoption Finalization, Halloween, our sealing (and a yummy lunch at the Landmark). And what a great way to end it... with Ezra's Baby Blessing (and another yummy lunch at our house--yes, our lives revolve around food).

Ezra wore the same outfit Timmy wore when his dad blessed him 30 years ago. He looked so dang adorable!!! I seriously could have just eaten him up!

Timmy gave him such a sweet & special blessing, he did such an amazing job! Again all of our parents and most of our grandparents and closest friends were there to witness and share the precious day with us. To say that our hearts are full would be a total understatement. We have been blessed beyond measure through the miracle of adoption. Ezra is an Angle and he's bound to us for the eternities, but all these blessing stem from the love his birth mom has for him. How {eternally} grateful we are for her!

"A grateful heart...comes through expressing gratitude to our Heavenly Father for His blessings and to those around us for all that they bring into our lives."
--President Thomas S. Monson

Thank You ALL, like I said, my cup runneth over!

Yesterday (and last weekend)

2010-10-21T09:46:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Easy got to hang out with two of his Grandmas (and Timmy's dad too)! He's a popular kid who is "in demand" to say the least.

And last weekend he got to hang out with his other set of grandparents and fun auntie Jess. We got outta the (October) heat and went to Flagstaff. On our way up the hill, we stopped and had a yummy picnic at Montezuma's Castle.

The weather was perfect and we all had losta fun taking in the scenery.

Since the cameras were out in full force, we didn't get many smiling shots of Ezra, just fingers in the mouth...he literally stops smiling the second you take out the camera and then hams it up again as soon as you put it away.

The Cottonwoods were so gorgeous!

You'd think after all the time we've spent in a hotel, it wouldn't be "fun" anymore, but nope, Ezra's all smiles! Too bad I couldn't get them to both look at me at the same time while smiling!

My mom came over for the morning yesterday and again, Easy was hamming it up for her like crazy. (Except when I had the camera out...stinker!)

And our Alicia was asked to be a guest blogger on the Birth Mom Buds Blog this month!!! Yay! It's so exciting!

So check out her post to get a small glimpse of her perspective of our journey. I love adoption and I'm so glad we have someone like Alicia to advocate of the rich bonds and blessings that are created because of the shared unconditional love of a child.

"We do not rise to greatness alone. We are supported and nurtured by those who believe in our ability to have the courage, the determination and the will to become the person we are meant to be." (Author Unknown)

I believe deep in my soul that Alicia is destined to do great things. (She already has!)

Easy's 3 Month PIcs

2010-10-14T12:25:00.001-07:00

"May the laughter of children gladden our hearts. May the faith of children soothe our souls. May the love of children prompt our deeds. 'Children are an heritage of the Lord' (Ps. 127:3)."

President Thomas S. Monson

(This one's for his Alicia...the one above it too--we love you!)

Thank you SO MUCH Pamela for taking such awesome pictures! We can't wait for our next session! (And seriously, LOVE the inappropriate "topless" pics of my boys too!)

{4 Months & 1/2}

2010-10-14T06:28:00.002-07:00

Our 4 month (and 1/2 because I've become a horrible blogger as of late) Easy baby is GROWING! This makes me both excited and weepy...excited for all the new things he's doing and is on the verge of learning, but sad that soon gone will be the days of endless snuggling and cuddling...not gone, gone, but less frequent I'm sure. He already would rather be standing on your lap than snuggling up in it (at least for long periods of time, believe me I try!) He was 14 lbs. 11 ounces and almost 26 inches long at his 4 month appointment.

Ezra's a busy baby! He loves looking around at everything & everyone. He's very observant, and doesn't hesitate to flash his amazing smile to pretty much everyone he meets.

He's started teething (this time for real--I think), and loves chewing on his hands (or pretty much anything else he can get his hands on-burp cloths are his favorite as of now). He's also starting to recognize and respond to his name, and has started to mimic us a little. And my dad thinks he "taught" him how to stick out his tongue and make noise (a raspberry maybe). =)

He sure does love spending time with his grandmas and grandpas though, oh and with his aunties too (and bells!). He definitely steals the show wherever we go!

He likes sitting up way better than lying down, and likes to hang out in the kitchen in his bumbo while I cook. He hasn't rolled over yet, but he's starting to grab his tootsies with his legs up in the air, so it won't be long now. He's also been trying really hard to sit up lately and does mini push-ups too...he's so strong! And he loves being naked! (He's such a boy!)

He still has the biggest blue eyes (and I'm hopeful they're here to stay-though his first pediatrician said they could change at up to a year old)! And uses them to flirt with almost every girl he comes in contact with! =) He's a talker too! I love hearing him in the morning chatting it up to himself as he wakes up (oh and he still sleeps like 10-12 hours a night...I know we are so BLESSED!)

Story time is one of our favorites, and he loves listening to music (sometimes I swear he's trying to sing along). He also gets a kick outta watching me run on the treadmill...we have a whole routine where I look at him and make a silly face and then look away and look back...it cracks him up, and makes my runs go way faster (sadly, I'm not faster though). He also loves bath time (which is a good thing because he's a sweaty betty...though it probably doesn't help that it's still in the upper 90's here).

He truly has such a happy heart & such a sweet & gentle spirit! I seriously spend almost all day doing goofy things to make him smile and laugh (Pretty awesome "job" huh!?! I wouldn't trade it for the world!)

His laugh is contagious! And his smile....it lights up my heart.

We've busy, busy in the Angle house lately! Between soaking up Easy time, Timmy's crazy work schedule, church callings and commitments, and just real life in general (like mine & Timmy's anniversary ❤), and last weekend we were able to go to the FSA Southwest Regional Conference. It was amazing! It was so great to hear other perspectives and stories and connect & grow. The theme was "Linked in Love", and that's exactly what Ezra's done, linked and united our families in our unconditional love for him. Thank you Alicia & Trent, for being such amazing & extraordinary birth parents, we love you!

p.s. he is "So cute it's scary!"

p.s.s. I'll post the pictures from his 3 month shoot with Pamela Dancil (Encompass Photography) soon hopefully - poor Pamela's sent me two disks and my lame-o computer's having issues...gotta hit up the Genius bar

Our {EASY} is 3 Months!

2010-09-03T15:47:00.001-07:00

It's so hard to believe that Ezra is 3 months old TODAY! This was us on the day that our dreams came true, that our hearts were healed, that our family was made complete all by the selfless love of Alicia, our most amazing and remarkable birth mom.

And this is our Easy now! =) He's grown so much in such a short time!

He's still that perfect angel baby that he was in the beginning...he sleeps 10-12 hours a night, eats great and smiles and laughs all the time.

He's also a pretty snazzy dresser! :D He's got lotsa rad shoes too!

Ezra is loved so much by everyone in our family...including Capone. He likes to say good morning to him each day and is always trying to get him to play ball with him...most of the time he sneaks in a cuddle when I'm not looking.

He lets him kick him like crazy!

He had his first swimming experience at Andrea's and he loved it!

Not that you could tell from his expression! =)

Yeah his swim trunks were a little on the large side...Ezra's tall, but he's kinda a skinny mini!

We've been in the pool since...he loves the water.

He's such a happy baby! And he loves the camera!

I think he's a mama's boy...

But his Dad begs to differ. :D

He's started teething...and therefore drooling...a lot

And has the most amazing expressions

He's grabbing his toys, and has recently started to laugh when you tickle him...it's the BEST

He likes sitting up way better than lying down

(And kinda looks like he has really big feet^)

And his smile still melts my heart...and his laugh, oh that's so amazing too

He still laughs in his sleep at the time (I wonder what he's dreaming about)

It so crazy that he's been here for 3 months already...man how time flies. I can't remember what it felt like before he was with us, but I know that we've never experienced as much joy and happiness as we have in the past 3 months. I'm trying to savor the moments because it's clear time won't stand still for us! Wherever we go he is showered with love. People can't get enough of him, and neither can we. I love when he (finally) wakes up in the morning all smiley and talkative just so I can love on him. He lights up our lives in so many ways! We are so blessed!!!

!0 WEEKS

2010-08-13T08:53:00.001-07:00

So it's hard to believe that our Easy is 10 weeks and 1 day old today! He's brought so much joy and sunshine into our lives already...and it keeps getting better! =) He's definitely getting bigger---he was 12.2 lbs when I weighed him last night! And boy is he smiley (and talkative)!

He's such a happy and content baby! Morning time is our favorite time...he's all grins and giggles! :D He's Such a great sleeper too, he's been sleeping 8-10 hours a night for about a month & a half now, but just this week he's been sleeping over 11 hours! YAY!

He likes being read to...his favorites so far are The Very Quiet Cricket & Guess How Much I Love You. He also likes hanging with dad watching motocross and Fantasy Factory.

He's a mover & a shaker that's for sure. He loves being held so he can see everything, and loves to stand on our laps (exersaucer here we come!) He likes going on runs with me...hopefully this blazing heat will subside soon so we can do more of that (for my hips sake too). He loves being around his Grandmas and Grandpas...he sleeps best on my dads belly, and Jenny has a knack for bringing out that amazing smile of his.

His smile melts my heart, and I love that he lights up when he sees me walk into the room (yeah I might be imagining that but hey). He easily recognizes both mine and Timmy's voices too. He's a hand holder and a flirt, especially with some of the young women! =) And he loves shopping! (How perfect is he!?!)

He still laughs (all the time) in his sleep...I sometimes wait to fall asleep myself after I've put him down just to listen for it. Timmy's had to tell me on numerous occasions to stay in bed when I've told him that, "I just wanna wake him up!" I can't get enough of him! I could kiss him all day long (and I have)!

Our life with Ezra is so absolutely amazing and being his mommy is so much greater and fulfilling than I ever imagined. He's changing every day and that kinda makes me sad, but I'm so excited for all the new things he's going to learn and do. This boy our ours is loved something fierce that's for sure (even by the puppies =))!

Gratitude

2010-07-28T06:51:00.005-07:00

I have so much joy in my heart right now and so much to be grateful for, my husband, my son, my family and friends, the list goes on. But on this morning, my heart is bursting with gratitude for my testimony of Jesus Christ and the Restoration and for the Gospel in my life. I know that the peace and joy and love I have in my life is because of the guidance and direction He gives me. Again, bursting with gratitude.

Pictures of our Easy baby to follow soon...he'll be 8 WEEKS OLD tomorrow! Can you believe it!?!

He's 5 Weeks Old!

2010-07-10T15:49:00.001-07:00

So Ezra was 5 weeks old last Thursday, and he's growing like crazy. He weighed 10 lbs. and measured 23 inches long on Tuesday. Not bad considering he was 8 lbs. 4 ounces and 21 inches long when he was born. He's doing more and more each day, and is such a happy baby!

He's so very observant

He hams it up for the camera!

He does the Thriller dance in his sleep! :D

He falls asleep during tummy time

He loves sleeping on our bed (this kid sleeps a lot!)

He loves his giraffe that his auntie Jess gave him

I love when he stares into my eyes

He loves when his daddy comes home!

And he makes the best expressions!

Ezra is such a wish come true!

A Peaceful {Easy} Feeling

2010-07-05T10:16:00.000-07:00

So I realize that I have become a blogging slacker, but seriously, I've been a little busy :D Even if I'm mainly just holding and loving on our love bug, it's hard to want to put him down and pick up the computer.

But here's a few pictures from the past month...CRAZY RIGHT?!? He's a month old! The above pic was taken when we were sprung from the hospital :D

I love his toesies!

Easy had his first video chat with his grandparents when he was just over a week old during our 16 day hotel stay... he slept thru the whole thing...

But was wide awake right after, go figure. He does that a lot actually :D

Timmy & I (and now Ezra) are so blessed to have amazing family & friends. We were greeted by lotsa people at the airport... it was a long walk down the terminal, we were so dang excited to be home! :D

Waiting for us was my dad & Jenny, my mom & Randy, Linda, LeAnne & Harper, Joey & Raynee and the boys and Aaron & Chelsea and their little ones (I think that was it).

I only have these two pics of my dad & Jenny holding E from the airport cause my hands were full :D And I've yet to have any other pics emailed to me - tho I know cameras were out in full force (hint, hint).

Easy had a great homecoming! He was his happy self on the plane ride... even tho by the looks of the passengers getting on the plane, (we were in the very first row of the plane and got to see everyone getting on...great time to people watch) some were worried about how he was gonna do. He was perfect of course... the flight attendant said it was because I was so natural and calm with him... haha I'm such a good actress :D I think she was just being nice because we were in first class! But she mentioned him being "meant for us" and saying we agree is an understatement (his first month of life has been full of these).

The stork was waiting for us when we pulled into the driveway.

And Ezra continues to steal my heart on a minute to minute basis. He smiles all the time and laughs in his sleep (funny that he's already taking after me :D)

He spent his first Father's Day at my dad's... he slept thru most of the day. But got loved on like crazy!

He seriously does have a pretty rad dad! But like some have said, his mom is the bomb :D

One of my very most cherished friend's, Raynee, threw us an AMAZING party/dinner to help welcome Ezra. It was beyond awesome! Losta people came to meet our Easy...and to eat the delicious Mexican food too :D We're so grateful for all the love, support & compassion all of our friends have given us over the years on our "Journey to Ezra".

So we've been dubbed the Tri-Angle's now! :D Life is wonderful and full of inexplicable and possible irrational joy each day. All possible because of our amazing birth mom's selfless sacrifice and love. We cherish each second we have with Ezra (aka Easy or E or love bug), he has made our world a brighter place. I'm so grateful for the years of waiting, they've brought him to us, they were so worth it, he's SO worth it. As cheesy as it sounds, he truly completes us is ways we didn't know could be possible.

Summertime & the living is {EASY}

2010-07-04T21:54:00.001-07:00

So we've been loving life with Ezra! I seriously can't remember what it felt like to not have him with us. He's so perfect in every way and so much fun!

We just got back from Greer... we stayed in an awesome cabin with such a gorgeous view. We got to relax, enjoy the awesome weather, go fishing and hang out with family (So glad we got to see you & Kenny, Stacey! And the rest of the Slades!!!)

The weather was seriously amazing! We love the White Mountains! It was about 60ish degrees the majority of the time we were there! Fantastic right?!? Especially compared to the Phoenix heat.

Ezra did a lot of napping :D

But he also played too! He's such a happy baby! And oh those eyes!

We spent as much time outside as possible, and Easy loved it! He loved the scenery!

We went on lotsa walks!

And again, Ezra practiced napping

But again, he played a lot too! (and ate and pooped in between the sleeping and playing... I LOVE being his mommy! :D)

We went to the Eager/Springerville 4th of July Parade (that was held on the 3rd... don't get me started), Easy did so good! He slept thru the whole thing! Even thru all the sirens and mock fireworks...Timmy plugged his ears thru most of the loud stuff...so cute!

And like I've mentioned, naps they were a plenty! :D

But seriously, look at that face! I love him so much! He's changing everyday, but is still our {Easy} baby. He brings us so much joy... like I said before, it's hard to remember life before him & impossible to imagine life without his sweet spirit.

No words, just pictures

2010-06-11T13:54:00.000-07:00

The past week has been the most amazing week of our lives. Call me selfish, but I'm not quite ready to share the multitude of emotions and joy we've experienced with everyone just yet, so I apologize. I do want to tell Alicia and Trent that we love them and we're eternally grateful for who they are and what they've made possible for us...an eternal family. You are remarkable! I promise to share soon, maybe after we get home and I have a chance to process it all... :D

{Ezra Hunter} Born June 3rd at 12:33 PM- 8 lbs. 4 ounces & 21 inches long

Again let me say thank you for being our angel of hope and for giving me my heart...he is my heart.

PERFECTION

2010-06-06T06:30:00.000-07:00

Stay tuned...

(we're selfishly not ready to share him yet...

can you blame us?)

It's the Final Countdown! YAY!!!

2010-05-27T11:48:00.002-07:00

Count em - 7 days until our baby boy is finally here!!! Well, not here here, but Terre Haute, Indiana here, and we'll be there in five days. Alicia's gonna be induced on Thursday, June 3rd. Even the date sounds perfect. We can't wait for our lives to change forever, for our family to grow, for it finally to be three! It seriously is the final countdown!! (And I hope you have that awesome song in your head now! And it's a total bummer if you don't know what song I'm even talking about! P.S. It's from Karate Kid)

A day in the life of a 1 year old

2010-05-24T16:12:00.000-07:00

I got to spend the day with LeAnne, Linda & mister Harper today. We went shopping and had lunch with a cousin and a couple of her kiddos. Oh how I LOVE this little guy! He cracks me up... and I love kissing him!!! Luckily he likes it too, not for long tho I'm sure.

It was great catching up with Jenny and hanging with the girls (and Harper, Wyatt & Chase). I had a great time! But maybe not as much fun as Harper...

This picture says it all :D

More Vanity

2010-05-22T14:26:00.000-07:00

Here's the link to my first baby shower pictures. http://www.pictage.com/827141

Pamela (with Encompass Photography) did such an amazing job!

Thank you for everyone who has shown us such love and support. We've been so blessed to share this journey with you all. Ezra is one loved little boy!!!

Now if he would only get here!!! :D

We're SO READY for him to hatch!

2010-05-20T10:19:00.003-07:00

These two gorgeous and super cute friends of mine were so awesome and threw me an amazing baby shower.

Sally made this super adorable diaper cake!!! She's seriously so crafty I'm jealous!

Kathleen made these amazing cupcakes. The birdies on the top are fantastic right!?! Yeah she hand dipped each one and painted the faces on them... oh and they were so yummy!

They know me so well!! Food is the straight way to my heart :D

And there was lotsa fantastic food!!! Doesn't it all look so pretty?

And lotsa fantastic friends came as well, some with yummy food (and presents :D )in tow. I'm so blessed to have each of them in my life.

I was pretending to be a bride - Tonya made this bib, sock & onesie bouquet that was wrapped in toile...so cute!!!

We got some awesome things! Ezra is definitely not lacking in the shoe and clothes department (that makes me happy).

I still can't get over the fact that he's gonna be little enough to be able to wear such tiny things. Thank you Kathleen & Sally SO MUCH for all you did to make it an amazing shower!!! I had such a great time! I truly believe that, "Life is partly what we make it, and partly what is made by the friends we choose." (Tennessee Williams) :D

And just so you all know, Ezra is literally getting ready to hatch any day now. Alicia was having pretty consistent contractions last night (while I was in the throes of the stomach flu), and her doctor told her to go to the hospital. She went and we started figuring out how to get there... she was later released because her contractions weren't getting stronger (yet), but I have a feeling we'll be heading to Indiana very soon!!! :D

Our {Non Update} Update

2010-05-17T16:13:00.002-07:00

So I could totally write this lengthy post about how fantastic the past couple of weeks have been because of Harper's first birthday and an amazing trip to the Gila Valley Temple, but seriously, the past couple of weeks have been FANTASTIC because they have been filled with joyful anticipation. No seriously, our bags are packed and we're ready to go on our "babycation" (so dubbed by Timmy).

Alicia will be 37 weeks prego this week and we're seriously going crazy (patiently of course) waiting for our little man to make his debut! We're days away people!! :D If I was at a football game I'd be on the very edge of my seat! I can't sleep, I can't eat, okay that's a lie, I can't sit still...I CAN'T WAIT!

Every morning I wake up half ELATED and half slightly disappointed when I realize that we didn't get the middle of the night phone call from Alicia saying "Get your butts out here!". Okay so not a cell in my body could feel a shred of disappointment right now, I mean really, 21 days, but still, we are SO READY for Ezra to be here!!! (So are Alicia & Trent) It's nuts how our lives already revolve around this new little soul--we LOVE it! So when we get the phone call (unless he makes it to the induction date) we'll be off on a jet plane...whenever he's ready. :D

So even though OUR world has been (and will forevermore) revolving around the magical "Have you heard anything yet? Am I a grandpa yet? (from my dad) Is she in labor yet?" questions... everyone else's lives go on (how so I have no idea ;-)) So yes, Harper did turn {ONE}!!!

I so wanted to make him a big cake, but he got kinda messy with his cupcake (not nearly enough though in my opinion).

He is seriously so dang adorable! Forget about the cake! I could just eat him up!

And we did go to the Gila Valley Temple with the youth of our ward. And it too was amazing! Beautiful, serene, peaceful. The Spirit was so strong, I barely held it together. Maybe it's because of what the temple means to me- promises- eternal joy- family.

I love our kids, I love being around them, being able to call them friends. They teach me so much (and pick on me so much too.)

I am so grateful we were able to share the experience with all of them. Seeing them walk into the celestial & sealing rooms and feeling of their sweet spirits in those moments... it doesn't get much better than that. Well maybe a little better... 21 days :D

So again let me ask, when does the experience become the {GIFT}?

From the very beginning... into eternity.

Beauty for Ashes

2010-04-29T14:42:00.003-07:00

So as National Infertility Awareness Week is coming to an end, I thought it appropriate to share a post from one of my favorite blogs The R House. Lindsey is an adoptive mom of two little boys, and her stories have inspired me. I truly believe that the more information one has the better able they are to act and make decisions, so I urge you all to read her posts about infertility, if only to give you another perspective and a little insight, I'm sure you know someone (other than Timmy & me) that has or still is struggling with infertility.

Here's a link to her post. (Click on "post")

Timmy and I have been supported, uplifted and loved by so many people throughout our struggle to have children, and we are more than grateful for our family and friends who have compassionately made this journey with us. But I'd be (blatantly) lying if I said that we had never encountered insensitivity and even rudeness. Of course our feelings have been hurt and our hearts have been bruised, but we know without a doubt that each inappropriate comment or action has made us stronger as individuals and as a couple.

Our infertility is very real to both of us, but it does not define either of us or our relationship. Our battle (or nightmare) has taught us to rely on each other and the Lord and has brought us closer together, but it's still hard. For those of you who know us well, know that we've been through the stages...surprise, denial, isolation, anger, guilt & unworthiness (this was a huge one for me personally tho I hit the anger stage pretty hard too), depression and grief. But we hope that you also know how important you all have been in helping us through such stages. So thank you all for helping us heal.

Here's a link to another post about infertility "etiquette" of Lindsey's, oh how comforting it is to know that Timmy & I are not alone. Again, we've experienced all of it, every rule has been broken - some a lot, but luckily the last rule, the "Don't Push Adoption-Yet" rule, was broken by many, many who knew somehow that adoption would heal our hearts. Adoption feels like home for me, a piece of me that was missing.

Our hearts are full of {HOPE}. A hope that is far reaching and permeable. Alicia & Trent are at the root of this hope, they've given it to us. Emily Dickinson says it best:

Hope is the thing with feathers

That perches in the soul,

And sings the tune--without the words,

And never stops at all,

And sweetest in the gale is heard;

And sore must be the storm

That could abash the little bird

That kept so many warm.

I've heard it in the chillest land,

And on the strangest sea;

Yet, never, in extremity,

It asked a crumb of me.

Yes, it is true, hope has most definitely perched in our souls, our hope for the future, hope of a family, hope of pure joy (and sleepless nights :D). Sure, hope can be sweetest during a storm, but it can fill and lift us any time we allow it - it can keep us warm as long as we never let it go. Even in the most critical circumstances hope doesn't ask for anything in return. Thank YOU for giving us this {HOPE}. It has forever changed who I am and who I will become. {41 days...and counting...waiting for more beauty :D}

“The Lord hath anointed me … to give … beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness” (Isaiah 61:1, 3).

Wish me {LUCK}! Boy do I need it!!!

2010-04-27T14:27:00.001-07:00

Okay, I'm sitting here literally freaking out about a commitment I just made to our case worker. I agreed- yeah me, the person that HATES public speaking- to speak to multiple groups of students at a local high school about sex & abstinence- and I'm doing it next week!!! Crazy Right? Unreal? I don't even know how she got me answer the phone. Hannah (our case worker) is a huge adoption advocate (obviously, it's her profession). She's involved in many community outreach programs. The program that I'll be presenting information for is the South Phoenix Healthy Start program. Their mission is to increase the number of infants that live and remain healthy past one year of age. Hannah asked that I help facilitate a discussion with each group of kids (there will be like 6 different presentations in one day) after they are shown a sex education dvd. Me! What teenager would take me seriously???

Anyway, as I sit here having a very real anxiety attack, (I told Hannah one of three things will probably happen-I will pass out, throw up or pee my pants getting up on front of 30-40 teenagers 6 different times) I realized that I hadn't posted in a while. So here's a random assortment of pictures from our past couple weeks. :D (I am NOT smiling right now!)

Timmy & I have been trying to get outside as much as possible.

We went hiking nearby and I couldn't believe how gorgeous the desert was. It takes a lot for me to say that, really. I think it's because we're weeks away from being parents :D but colors literally seem more vibrant to me.

Seriously, I've never been a fan of plants with thorns, but I couldn't get enough of the colors and beauty.

He's a beauty too!!! :D

Alicia's nearing her 34 week mark. (CRAZY!!!) And because of her and who she is (Alicia), LeAnne was able to throw me my very first baby shower!!!

It was so awesome!!! Probably 40 people came to show some love! :D LeAnne had her friend/photographer, Pamela, photograph the whole thing (yeah, I'm a diva now :D) Pamela's the one who took the amazing pictures of Timmy and me a few months ago, so after she got there I put my camera down. So I don't have very many pics yet from the super fun day, but she took hundreds of pictures that I can't wait to see (and share). So those will follow, hopefully soon.

Timmy came at the end to help me open presents...since Ezra will be his son too (at least that's what Aunt Anna told me during the "advice" game. :D)

I smiled & laughed a lot Saturday.

Timmy was his playful self. My mom figured we'd want Ezra to work on having the same awesome sunglass tan as his dad.

We got such awesome stuff! Joey & Raynee got him some sweet Vans!

I love Raynee! She's been SO excited for us. She's called me and said more than once, "I can't stop thinking about you guys and Ezra! I can't think about anything else!" I've apologized for the distraction. :D

Joey, Timmy & Aaron (after the shower-boys weren't allowed during ;-))It's so awesome to have such life long friends.

So as I've been "nesting" as some have called it (refinishing a dining room table & chairs, putting the finishing touches on our nursery, washing baby clothes, etc...), Timmy's been working his booty off. Lately he's been climbing very tall trees (like 3 & 4 stories tall, well I think they've been that tall, at least they seem that tall).

All this fun, work and enhanced color recognition-because of Alicia and the baby that unites us. We cannot wait to meet our little man. He has no idea how immensely he is loved. I've recently came to realize that it takes a lot of faith to accept that we can't do everything on our own, and that we have to trust in and allow ourselves to be supported by the Lord. It's by relying on Him that we come to know His will for us. That knowledge alone can define our every action. When we accept His will and learn to rely on Him, we're able to be filled with His light... His light that's brightened my entire world. So I'm gonna tell myself that I was asked to do something that I'm so very terrified of because we do in fact need to be tried in order to be proven. Maybe it will help prepare me to be a better mom (I don't seriously believe this--in fact I'm trying to conjure up an excuse to bail as I type.)

I do want to forward this picture to Hannah though (it was on a landscaping company's truck...I'm sure they have tons of clients.)--Seriously! It's so fitting - I have zero experience-none-zilche- in speaking to teenagers about sex. Oh wish me luck!

{Birthday} Weekend

2010-04-05T09:13:00.002-07:00

So before we left for my "surprise" birthday weekend, my friend Andrea & her two kids came by before school and wished me a "Happy Birthday"...and threw confetti at me! =) It was a great way to kick off my 23rd (HAHA) birthday!

Timmy's been planning this trip for a while now. We normally head to California for my birthday, but in light of finally having our dreams come true in just a couple months, he decided that a more low key trip would be better.... he was so right!

We stayed at the lodge in Greer. It's so gorgeous there year round!

It was pretty dang cold tho, colder than Timmy thought it would be.

I was glad to see snow still on the ground though, it meant we could go.....

SLEDDING!!! On a blustery, windy day =)

We started on the "kiddy" hill, but that didn't last long, Timmy found a much steeper hill in no time!

I was a little scared :D

Rightfully so though!

But falling is seriously the most fun part! Well, that and catching air...Timmy did that a lot.

There's no fear on his face ;-)

But he fell a lot too! (And I laughed)

He's so hot!!! No really, he is, or was at least =)

Oh my husband, I love him in a way that that's so powerful it lifts me up. It propels me forward, he propels me forward.

I use to love making snow angels as a little girl, my angel's a little bigger now than it was back then, but maybe that's not only because of how massive I am now, but because of how much joy I'm filled with now.

How grateful we are for our real life angel!

So Sunrise closed the weekend before we got there, but Timmy still wanted to snowboard...

He did pretty well, until...

He fell (And I laughed)

It was such a gorgeous day! There were lotsa families and kids (lets just say we were the only ones without kids acting like kids =)).

This bulldog was seriously sledding too-by himself even-it was awesome!

When we went together-we didn't go very far =) Maybe we shoulda gone over to the "man" hill!

I love this picture-Timmy's wearing his beenie like my G-Pa wears his hats.

Oh the snowballs ☃

The Little Colorado River runs thru Greer, it almost splits the tiny community in half. It's so gorgeous in the winter! ( And it's such a great place to fish in the summer.)

But it's also so COLD!

I love Greer! It's so pretty and such a relaxing & peaceful place. The perfect place to be with my husband...and soon our son-whoa, that's the first time I've referred to him as our son in writing, seeing it makes my heart skip a beat-how amazing it will be to bring him to all of our favorite places, how much more "favorite" they will be with him in tow!

This was me--in all my 29 year old glory--UGH!

And soon there will be 3 of us! Divinely! Miraculously! Joyfully!

As soon as our little prince charming makes his debut!

And it won't be long now til we meet the little guy we love so inexplicably. Alicia is 30 weeks 5 days pregnant today. How grateful we are for her - for blessing us with this most irrational {JOY} that has filled our hearts ♥

Joy is a heart full and a mind purified by gratitude. ~MARIETTA MCCARTY

From OUR Backyard

2010-03-23T19:30:00.000-07:00

So this isn't the view exactly from our backyard, but not too far from it. Timmy decided that after being cooped up in the house sick for the past few days, I need some "fresh air". We decided to go on a short hike not too far from our house. The weather was so absolutely perfect...

And the scenery was gorgeous too.

Me not so much, I'm pretty haggard actually, but that's what being sick and the stress of bidding (important) work can do to you. ;-)

But I do LOVE where we live (for now at least, ask me again in a few months when (EZRA"S HERE :D) it's 120 degrees and brown... naw, I'll still say the same, I love it here!!!

Hope is the thing with feathers...

2010-03-20T15:35:00.002-07:00

Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul and sings the tune without the words and never stops at all.

-Emily Dickinson

These are {week 28} pics of Alicia's gorgeous belly!

Only 81 days til he makes his long awaited debut.

{HOPE} has definitely perched itself in our souls!