California Based Virtual Shower

Hey California Family and Friends (and a sprinkling of other state friends that Jenalyn said contacted her)! Welcome to our blog! For those of you wondering about this post, my Sister Jenalyn and friend Heather put together a "Virtual Shower" for Evan since we can't get to YOU and so many have become as involved with our wait at we have and asked how they too can celebrate. Now we've invited those who haven't asked too! (we are sooooo generous. wink wink). Anyway, we are not capable of coming to California (where most of our out of state friends/family are) for a few months because of our Adoption costs so we devised this plan. We miss you guys so much and are greatful for a way to include you in celebrating our JOY! So, since this is the first that we know of that a "Virtual" Shower is attempted, we are working out the kinks but the spirit it was created in is here. I had so many of you ask how you can help us or celebrate that in talking to my sister Jenalyn and one of my Best friends since childhood, Heather, this is what we created to include you and invite others that we wanted to know. We wish we could be there in your homes to celebrate the gift of Evan with you but we cannot so we thought this could be fun. In California, we were surrounded with my beloved mentors/leaders from Primary, Young Womens and fellow sisters in Relief Society at church. Also, thier children, my childhood friends, Adult friends from past jobs and strangers we've picked up along the way who have helped me be molded into not only the woman, wife, businesswoman and now mother I am today but who I am hopefully yet to become. I mean it when I think of growing up in Camarillo, Thousand Oaks and Moorpark, I see glimpses of particularly women, who shaped me and influenced me. You know who you are and are especially the people I am sad I do not get to see in person right now.
When our Adoption is finalized in April or May, Michael and I have decided to have Evan sealed to us in the Los Angeles Temple as it is the best chance to have the majority of my siblings surrounding us in their support. We know, we are the ones who moved away and could not expect for them to travel to us. While that happens, we hope to have a big meet and greet at my parents so you can all meet Evan as it would mean so much to us to see you and FINALLY share him with you all. Besides hopefully Isaac will have his mission call and we'll have that to celebrate too! (yes, it's true #11 is THAT old! YIKES!) no pressure Isaac! ;)
On to the shower, We have already recieved notes and gifts! When my uploader will stop, stopping me, I would like to post pictures but would rather not list everyones name so to not overwhelm myself (hope you understand). I will be working on your thank you notes however over thankgiving and am documenting your generosity as meticulously as possible so I don't miss anything.
Again, I wish this could be more personal cause I want so bad to celebrate with you but thank you for your interest and excitement. I cannot wait to see you in 'five' months....
Thank you for all your kind words and support!
Lila