It's Christmas Time!!

Last week, Bethany and I got Christmas pictures made. We both had a wonderful time. My great friend ( Christie) takes pictures as a hobby and was kind enough to take our photos again this year. I thought it was appropriate to take pictures of me reading "The Night Before Christmas." Bethany loved the book. We are ready for Santa to visit us on Christmas Eve night. I am sure that Bethany will be getting many gifts because she has been good this year. I am so thankful to be spending Christmas with Bethany again this year.
Although getting Christmas gifts are fun and exciting, please remember the reason that we celebrate Christmas. The birth of Jesus. If it wasn't for his many blessing through out the year where would we be? " Happy Birthday Jesus"

Me and Bethany were wrapped in Christmas lights. I wanted a picture of Bethany acting like she was going to plug it in but the cord wasn't long enough. LOL

Bethany is a great listener while I read the book. She loves books.

This is my favorite picture. At this time Bethany was carrying the stack of gifts and a great picture was shot. It looks as if she just has her hands on the gifts, but she is carrying them. She was trying to put the gifts under the tree.

I love this picture too. Bethany is excited that Santa will be visiting us in a few days. We can't wait to hear those sleigh bells ringing.

Bethany and I wish everyone a Merry Christmas.

Happy Thanksgiving

Bethany and Mae playing after dinner and eating icecream.

I don't know how she does it but Bethany's favorite part of the meal was 2 half lemons. She eats lemons without making a face.

Bethany eating another lemon.

I hope everyone has or had a great Thanksgiving Day.Today and all year long, I am thankful that Bethany is home with me. She has made my life have meaning, A reason to get up in the mornings and a reason to smile.

We had dinner with family and enjoyed all of it. Of course Bethany only ate turkey, but I don't think it had the "sleepy" affect on her as it does everyone else. She is very hyped up. After dinner Myself, Bethany and her cousin Mae came back home and watched The Cat in the Hat. I like that movie too. They played hard also. They should sleep well tonight.

Happy Halloween

One of Bethany's favorite movie is * The Bee Movie* so I thought it was appropriate for her to be a bumble bee for Halloween. Bethany was mad when I put it on her. I can honestly say that the * Bee Movie* is no longer one of her favorite movies.
This is Bethany The Bumble Bee and Mae The Candy Corn Witch.
As you can tell, Bethany was not happy in her costume. Just look at her face.

Me, Bethany, Mom, my sister Jill, Autumn took the kids to * Trick a Trunk. A local church had a hot dog sale and people from the church would line the side of the road and give out candy from their auto trunks. It was so much fun, however it rained the whole time. Bethany stayed under the umbrella while I got soaked! Bethany still was not a happy bee.

The rain slowed down. When Bethany realized that she was collecting candy in her bucket, she was slowly changing her song to * I want Candy*

As you can tell Bethany was curious about what was in her bucket. On the was home, she went through her candy and picked out her favorite which was suckers.

After we finished trick or treating we went to Domino's and ordered Pizza. This is me and Bethany playing while waiting on the Pizza. Look at me.... My hair and clothes were soaked. I think Bethany had a great time anyway because she keeps talking about the candy.

A trip to Myrtle Beach

Bethany left for Myrtle Beach Sept. 13th with her nanny, Aunt Brenda and Aunt Faye. They all had a great time getting in the ocean, pool and just relaxing. Of course, Bethany was spoiled by all the attention and getting everything she wanted. Due to school schedule; I stayed home to attend school and when I left class on Friday Sept.18, I headed straight to the beach. However; I was able to get caught up on class work and house work, but ready to see my baby. The next day (Sat); we visited the aquarium. Bethany was fine looking at the fish until the sharks started coming over our heads. We also watch a feeding show of the sting rays. Bethany was not sure of why someone was inside the glass with all those creatures around. After that we toured the sights and enjoyed the ocean. We all packed up and returned home Sunday the 20th. I can't wait on another vacation.

Bethany loves her Spongebob bathing suit.

Bethany on the beach enjoying the breeze. That outfit looked so good on her.

She wanted to go out in the water. I don't think she realizes what is in that ocean that she seen at the aquarium. SHARKS!!!!!

"Take me out in the water"!! That was what she was saying.

Bethany's birthday party

Bethany was so tired after her party that she feel asleep on the way home. However, she only slept appx. 10 min. When we got home she opened all her gifts and started playing. I don't know how she was able to keep going after the party and a 10 min nap. Thanks to everyone that came and was a part of the celebration.

Bethany had a wonderful birthday party. We could not believe at the people who came to celebrate Bethany's 2nd birthday.

It was held at the local park. The kids played on the swings, slides and monkey bars. We also had a Dora cake, chips and drinks. Bethany received a lot of gifts and love from everyone that attended. Thanks to everyone who helped and those who came to be a part of the party.

The above picture is Bethany's new friend Addy.

Bethany loved the swings. This is Summer ( Bethany's cousin) enjoying the swings.

Bethany in the swing waiting for someone to push.

It was a hot day. Especially he kids that were running all over the place. Bethany had to stop for a fresh drink of water.

Happy Birthday!!

Today is Bethany's 2ND birthday. I am so excited to be a part of this special day. I have planned for her to have a party Saturday at the local park. I asked Bethany what kind of party she wanted and she chose a Dora party. We plan to have cake, finger foods, games and gifts. I know that Bethany will be showered with lots of love. I am very excited to share her birthday with her along with family and friends.

I also think about Bethany's birth mother. I know this is a day that is dear to all of us. I thank her for this special blessing. Even though we all three are strangers; we three are connected through Bethany's beating heart.

Happy Birthday my sweetheart. I love you forever!!!!!!

Busy Days

I am behind at posting. There are busy days ahead with full time school and full time motherhood. School started last week and it is hard to find time do focus on homework. I finally found a few minutes to post a few pictures that was taken this past week.
Of course Bethany keeps me busy. This is Bethany in the kitchen cabinets letting me know that she wants her favorite snack which is Spaghetti-0's.

I don't know what amazes Bethany by pulling out all the kitchen drawers and leaving them open. It reminds me of the movie Poltergeist. I have to go behind her and close the drawers just for her to open them again.

Bethany's birthday is approaching. We had to go pick up supplies for the party. Of course we got caught in the rain. The party is planned for Sept. 5th. She had a choice of Spongebob or Dora party. Thanks goodness she chose Dora.

Bethany is talking up a storm. She is repeating everything that she hears. This is us discussing what she wants for the party. "Dora, Dora"

School started last week and so far the classes are great. I do have Algebra this semester. It has been 20 yrs since I had to deal with Algebra, but it is coming back to me. I also have Biology lab. It was told to us by the instructor that we will be dissecting sheep. How can this be? What happened to the frog? However; I am enjoying learning something new. I hope that I am setting an example to Bethany that you can do anything that she wants to do. Just put one foot in front of the other.

Feeding Buddy

Bethany is staying busy this summer playing outside, swimming and riding the golf cart. I have enjoyed spending my summer with her before school starts. It is going to be very difficult for Bethany when the winter rolls around because she is addicted to the outdoors. She loves to swing in her toddler swing. She loves to go high. This is the perfect activity for Bethany when she is sleepy.

This is Buddy the Clydesdale. Another summer activity that Bethany loves to do is feed the horses. When Bethany wants to see Buddy she will say "horse". We feed him bread and his all time favorite, watermelon. Buddy was rescued from someone that abused him and was not able to care for him. All Buddy needs is some love and attention and he gets that from Bethany. Of course Buddy is a bit intimidating because he is so big. I can't imagine what goes through Bethany's mind when he is being fed.

This is Leon behind Bethany We ride on the golf cart in the field to feed the ducks and horses. Look at those big eyes. Again, I can't imagine what goes through her mind. She may be thinking.... "No more bread. I have to eat too."

Re-adoption Day

On Tuesday July 21,2009 was the court day to complete the re-adoption. All the paperwork has been signed and sealed. This is also the day that Bethany is officially Bethany Grace Von Barber. The next step will be to order her a new birth certificate and getting her an updated social security card. We had this picture taken right after the 15 minute session.
Left to right is Summer( she is my niece)Agnes,(my mom) of course the judge, Bethany, Autumn ( My niece) and Jill ( my sister). It was a great day. When the judge was talking to me and called me Bethany's mom, tears came to my eyes. It was like I was in Guatemala seeing Bethany for the first time.

After the court session, we went to Senoir Garcia II for a celebration lunch. Bethany enjoyed her Tortilla chips and sauce. I ordered her chicken strips but she made a meal on the chips. We gave Bethany her own bowl of sauce. Bethany was also given a few gifts. She received a Dora doll from my sister and nieces in addition to a shopping cart from my mom.

Happy Birthday America

Happy Independence Day! I am proud to be American. I know things here in America are difficult for people, but we are still blessed in ways we don't think of on a daily basis.
We were invited to enjoy a big Bar-B-Q at my mom's cousin's house. Every year they put on a Bar-B-Q for friends, family and the whole community. Bethany enjoyed the other children and dancing to the music. I put her on an American Outfit. I wanted to get her an outfit with the Guatemala flag and American Flag but I was late ordering her one.

Bethany was dancing and singing to the music playing.

Still singing and dancing.......

After eating Bar-B-Q; we went home where I took about a 30 minute nap and Bethany took an hour nap. We freshened up and went to the high school football field for kiddie rides,live band, more food and fireworks. The day was full of activities. Bethany was so tired. So was her mom.

Bethany waiting on the fireworks. The fireworks were displayed at 9:30pm. I was not sure how Bethany would take the BOOMS, but she was not afraid. She watched them. I asked her if she liked the BOOMS? Now she is saying BOOM!

Future Plans Update

This was a picture that I had to take. This is Bethany and Bob( he is my 7 year old bob tailed Minx) this morning. Normally Bethany is mean to Bob and gives him a hard time. Bob is a good cat, but since Bethany is mean to him, Bob will go in the opposite direction. However, this morning I seen this. Bob was pushing his luck.

I was scheduled to go to the school and get my schedule for class. I was hoping to start in July but there was not any classes offered that I need in July. So I am scheduled for Fall classes. That will also give me more time with Bethany and enjoy her the Summer.

Summer is here!

Wow it has been so hot. Bethany and I are trying to stay cool by playing on the inside or going to the Magnolia Campground Pool near our home. Bethany loves the pool. I can't believe she is not scared of the "big water". Above is a picture of Bethany after a long hot, busy day. She loves to sit on her Dora couch and watch a movie. I was in the kitchen washing dishes when Bethany got quiet. I looked in her room and this is what I found. Bethany asleep on the couch. How precious. I could not miss this picture.

Bethany is learning to float. She does a great job at going back and holding her feet up to float. I am so proud that she tries until she gets it right.

Bethany enjoying the pool on Monday. She is growing so fast. I am enjoying being at home with her this summer.

My mom and Aunt Brenda had appointments on Wednesday at the Dr.s and while they were out they went to the Toys R Us and bought Bethany a table and chairs with a Tea Party set. Bethany loves the table set and Party set. We are always having a Tea Party. This is Bethany and her Aunt Brenda setting up for the party. Thanks for the table and party set. We both love it. I can go back to my childhood.

Happy Father's Day

This is the 3rd Father's Day that has passed since my Dad passed away with cancer. I miss him so much. Especially now that Bethany is home. I told him that I was considering adoption. Shortly after, he was diagnosed with cancer. He passed away in Jan. 2007. I wish that Bethany could have got to know her grandpa. I believe she would have been a shinning star in his eyes. However, I know he is in heaven looking down on us, smiling and laughing at some of the things that Bethany is doing. I have a picture of my dad on the refrigerator and I tell Bethany that is a picture of her grandpa. He always wanted to be called Grandpa. We miss you dad and Grandpa.

To all the dads... HAPPY FATHER'S DAY.

Tennessee Mountains

Myself, Bethany, mom, aunt Brenda and Aunt Faye packed up and headed to Tennessee on Friday the 12th and returned Wednesday the 17th. We all had a great time. The weather turned out to be gorgeous. It rained one afternoon, but then the sun came out and made everything hot and muggy. We spent most of the week eating, shopping and walking the street and seeing the attractions. Bethany enjoyed the outdoor pool the most. Then during the evenings we would walk the streets for shopping and enjoying the sites. Bethany would be in her stroller and relaxing. We decided to ride the "Jurassic Park" attraction. It is an indoor boat ride in a cave with Dinosaurs and sound effects. I was not sure of how Bethany would take it but she was ok. She stayed hugged up to my aunt Faye. Bethany did not cry. She was a trooper. Bethany also became S-P-O-I-L-E-D from all the attention. During the time in the mountains, Bethany has cut two more teeth on the top.It must have been the altitude. All in all the trip was great and we are ready for a beach trip.

I have not had much luck getting Bethany to eat fruit. (She is a meat lover.) I have introduced Strawberries, melons etc but she does not like it. I finally found a fruit that she loves.... Blueberries. All she wants for breakfast, lunch and dinner are Blueberries. Can you believe it? However; I am not giving up on the other fruits.

Last week Bethany continued to have a skin rash. I took her to the Dr. and at this point the condition is undetermined by the Dr. I have racked my brain of what it could be. I am now at the conclusion that Bethany is allergic to peanut butter. Since Peanut butter has been cut from her diet, the rash is gone.

Bethany loved for her aunt Brenda to push her in the halls on the luggage cart. There they are at the elevator. What a rotten kid!!!!!

Bethany in the baby pool. She liked the big pool better.

There is a pool at the local camp ground. I have decided to visit the pool more often. Bethany might be taking swimming lessons next summer.

Bethany taking a break from the pool. She is getting her sun tan. ( like she needs a tan) I am so jealous!!!!

We went out one afternoon shopping and Bethany shopped until she dropped. My sweet baby girl. She was a great baby on the trip.

Future Plans

Well, it has been a week full of rain. Bethany and I have stayed in most of the time playing and cleaning out closets. I had a few appointments and mom kept Bethany while I was out. As most everyone knows, I am not working. I have given it much thought and prayer and decided to return to school for a 3 semester Surgical Technician course. This position consist of assisting the surgical doctors in operation procedures. I have always been fascinated anything medical, so this is my opportunity to get into the medical field. Due to me being laid off due to company closing, my tuition is paid in full, gas to and from school is paid and child care is paid. As long as I am in school, I will continue to receive unemployment benefits. This is the perfect opportunity to return to school and better my education in a field that I think I will exceed in. I also want to set an example to my two nieces, Summer, Autumn and also Bethany. My mom is planning on keeping Bethany while I attend school. The hours that I have work out with my mom duties. Please pray as I start the new avenue that everything goes to plan.