Dear Mom and Dad...

As this Christmas is approaching, I've been thinking a lot about Christmases past. I wanted to take a moment to reflect on one of my best Christmas memories. My Mom and Dad ALWAYS worked so hard to try and make all of our dreams come true Christmas morning. As many of you know, my Dad was a minister while we were growing up and money was not growing on trees...BUT...when Christmas morning rolled around, they spared no expense to watch our eyes light up with excitement. One Christmas that I remember in particular was when I was in 6th or 7th grade. My brothers and I had opened all our gifts. We had each received wonderful things (as always) but hadn't received the main things we had asked Santa for. A little while later, while we were cleaning up the wrapping paper, my Mom looked at my Dad and said, "Honey, did we forget something?" My Dad smiled and disappeared. Low and behold, he walked out with 3 more gifts. The butterfly comforter set I had asked for, a bubblegum machine for Dave, and a dummy for Jon. OHHHHHHHH the excitement!!!!!!!!

I realize that Christmas is not about the gifts...but, my parents loved us so much that they worked to give us the world, wrapped up in whatever our fancy was that year. Thank you so much Mom and Dad for giving us all of those wonderful memories. Thank you for loving us so much that you were willing to sacrifice whatever it took to allow Santa to visit our home every year. We are so blessed to have you as parents. My prayer for you this coming year is that you may each have one of your greatest dreams fulfilled! I love you...

Thanksgiving/Christmas With the Rogers!!!

Justin's parents were able to be with us for Thanksgiving this year. We also had a little "Christmas" with them as well....We all had a great time and made lots of special memories!

One big happy family!

Sleeping with Grandpa...Happy Thanksgiving! (Table decorations curtesy of Charley) Modeling the new Barbie clothes that Grandma made for Christmas...

Beautiful Song...

HAPPY 7th BIRTHDAY CHARLEY GIRL!!!

Beautiful 7 year old...notice the high heels?

Pizza fun...
Dance party 2007... "Oh my gosh! A hair jewler! Ahhhhh" (add in the sound of girls squealing)

Christmas ornaments...

Getting sleepy.... And they're OUT!!!!
Making bracelets...
Fun with nails....
Happy birthday Charley! Modeling new bracelets...

All "bowed up" and ready for the day!
How is it possible? How can you be seven years old already? You are growing into such an amazing and beautiful young lady and we are so proud of you. You have filled our lives with so much joy and laughter! We pray that you will continue to grow and walk in the will of the Lord and that you will always know how beautiful and special you are. WE LOVE YOU CHARLEY!!!!!!

We celebrated the big day with a sleepover. It was so much FUN!!! The girls were all very sweet to each other and slept through the night without a hitch. What great memories...

My goal was to keep them as busy as possible to ward off any possible homesickness or arguments. We managed to eat pizza, open presents, eat cake, make bracelets, paint and bejewel fingernails, eat a TON of popcorn, have a dance competition, watch movies, make hair bows, make Christmas ornaments, play dress up, make Cinnamon rolls, and eat MORE popcorn. I am now going to sleep...enjoy the pictures!

"A Year Ago Today...."

Happy "Gotcha Day" Caleb!

A year ago today, we met face to face for the first time. I remember being awestruck with the fact that God was entrusting me to be your forever Mommy. Now, a year later and I am still amazed that God has allowed me the task of watching you grow and teaching you about your heavenly Father who has always had His hand on you. This past year has been full of many, many challenges and tears....BUT...this year has also been full of many smiles, landmarks, and laughs. You amaze me little man. Your strength and courage is unlike anything I've ever seen. My prayer for you this year is that you will know God's love in it's full power. I pray that I will be able to be the Mommy that you need. I pray that our bond will begin to grow and become a testimony to others struggling. Thank you for your patience with me as we walk through this journey together. Thank you for having the courage to begin a new life in a completely new world....Thank you for being my son...

"The First Snow of the Season!"

Here are some pics of the munchkins enjoying the first snow of the season a few weeks ago. They had so much fun... I had to drag Caleb inside as he wanted to stay out all day. Looks like winter will be enjoyed by him this year!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!! (PART 2)

"We're off to see the Wizard!!!"
My little "Glenda"...
Beautiful sisters...
CUTE, CUTE, CUTE!!!
Trick or Treat!!!

Getting ready to carve pumpkins....
Caleb was SO grossed out...his face says it all!!!
Dillan wasn't so sure of the process either...
Charley and Daddy enjoyed themselves...
It was such a fun halloween here at the Roger's Zoo. We partied hard all day and then finally collapsed in a sugar induced coma....Hope you all had a great holiday!