20 Weeks!

20 Week Belly shots!

Wheelchair Rugby!!

I was lucky enough to get invited to this event by Megan and Saul this past Saturday and loved watching and learning about adaptive sports. I worked with Ryan and the Bob Sierra YMCA quite a few years ago in the adaptive program and enjoyed the kids but wheelchair rugby is a different beast. First of all, most of our kids had intellectual disabilities as well as physical however the participants in this event were either born with a disability or became disabled through an accident and are completely functional adults aside from needing assistance via wheelchair, prosthetics, or crutches.

I did a little researched and learned that we have an international team that travels around the world competing against other countries and this event is also an event in the special olympics. Anyways, I wanted to share this experience with all of you because I think it deserves mention. Quite a few people I met on Saturday had experienced some sort of major tragedy or had overcome some sort of tragedy in their life and still came out on top! I don't know if there is anything more inspiring than that!

The other component that this experience has opened up is further discussion about adoption. I think Ryan's work with his kids at the YMCA has left a print on his heart about kids in need, regardless of disabilities or not. Ryan and I recently began the Financial Peace University (Dave Ramsey program) at a local church and LOVE the program but also want to 'tithe' our money each month not to a church necessarily but to an organization that we feel is important. We have researched a few organizations and are thinking of donating to an international adoption program that brings children out of despicable conditions.

Megan shared a story about a girl she knows who came from such a situation and now has a wonderful, loving family and a fulfilling life. The reason I think this international organization is really speaking to us is because not all countries have de-institutionalized children and adults with disabilities. If Megan's friend had not been adopted she would be living in a home shoved full of mentally ill and disabled persons and have no family! (De-institutionization took place here in the US between the 60's and 70's and if you want to learn more about it or see for yourself check out Cropsey, a dark documentary on Netflix that touches on this topic.)

Anyhow, until we are in a position to further explore the possibility of adoption, we hope our donations will help bring children into loving families! For now, this is our way of giving!

Nesting, possibly??

It's January already and our to do list seems to get larger and larger as the time progresses towards June. However, Ryan and I are also checking off quite a few honey-do's as well and I wanted to share what we have gotten done! I've heard a few people say it takes time to make a house you buy your home... and I couldn't agree more! We have lived in our home for a year and a half now and I love how it becomes more and more a reflection of us :) So.. here are a few shots of the hard work we have put in to our house and a few of our purchases that helped along the way.

This is just really a shot of
our beach cruisers. Ryan's pride and joy! We still haven't actually ridden on the beach with our cruisers and think it will be a while longer before we do. We will have enough gear to tote with us to beach week this year... so, they are staying here! (Note the beautiful hard wood floor. )Our living room really had its makeover the early fall that included new couches, curtains and decorations.. I think all the changes have really pulled this room together! Crown molding next??? :)This is our most recent project. We repainted our bedroom from a blue we thought would look wonderful on the walls however, looked more grey than blue. So we repainted to 'golden wheat' and ordered a bed frame that not only is much nicer to wake up in each morning but also matches the whole beach-theme we have in our house. I love it :)

Well, we still have a lot to do before the summer gets here! We still have a lot of pavers to lay, (hopefully) carpet to replace and sod to lay before the end of the spring but it's gettin' there and if you are wondering what in the world are we up to.. this is it!

Faceless for a Year

My one and only new year's resolution is to quit facebook. I have discovered that I waste an enormous amount of time dilly-dallying around on FB and find it necessary to see if I can live without it. My friend Megan is the only one who knows the new password to my account. She holds the key to facebook and says she must be heavily bribed before she gives me my password.

The idea occurred to me when I saw that another friend of mine was signing off for the year. I thought I'd give it a shot and see if in fact I am more productive. We'll see how it goes and I'll def. update the blog as to how I am fairing without facebook.

Ta ta for now!

17 Weeks...

Still not much of a baby bump has filled up my clothes but nonetheless, Ryan and I are still preparing and having a good time before the little one gets here. Over Christmas break, my mom and dad (Gramms and Gramps) ordered the nursery furniture we liked for the baby's room and it made it here quickly. We thought, what the heck, might as well assemble it now! Here is what the green room looks like for now. We are hoping to add some beach-like touches to fit in with the overall ambience of our home and help little Jonah fit into our laid back life style. :)

Aside from baby talk, Ryan is desperate to try out his new kite board bindings I got him for Christmas. It seems the days he is on shift are the days the wind is good around here. The wind'o'meter is predicting strong winds this Saturday. I hope for his sake he can make it out!

Happy New Year to you all!

~Jona Lily~

Finally Thursday, December 23rd has made it here and we made it to our doctor appointment. As most of you know, little Jonah is a girl!! Here are a few snapshots of her during our gender determination sonogram.

This is the shot at the dr.'s office we got when the tech asked if we were ready to know! I was thinking, 'Are you kidding me?! Yes!!"

Here is a picture of her facing towards you with her arm next to her head.

This is the baby trying to sit on her head. She is already a comedian. Last sonogram she was sticking her tongue out at us the whole time and this sonogram she was performing acrobatics. The most interesting thing she did was a little somersault-like maneuver at the beginning of the sonogram. I wasn't sure if I wanted to do the 3D/4D sonogram later on but I'm thinking I'll want to see what this silly fetus is up to!

Next up, we have a anatomy sonogram scheduled for two weeks to make sure all her parts are the right size. As for this appointment, the doctor was very happy with her heart beat! That's the latest and greatest for now. Love to you all!

Missy, Ryan and baby :)

Happy Holidays Everyone!

This past Friday night Ryan and I hosted an ugly sweater party at our house to celebrate the holidays with friends. It was also the last day of school for winter break, so you know I was ready to party! Our house is getting pulled together more and more and I'll post soon with all the projects we do over the break. I love having our friends over and hearing their reactions when they come over at how different our house looks! Here a few snapshots from the night...

Preggo ladies! A week apart!

My best friends Megan and Vicki!

Well, hope you all are having a good time over your holiday breaks... lots of love to you all!

Missy and Ryan :)