I think I might marry it

...I love it so much. Is this not the cutest, sweetest gift ever you have seen in your entire life? :) my friend jessica made this embroidered cloth for cora to spit up on (lol). She said it's her first attempt and I want to marry it i'm so in love with it. What say you? Group marriage? (he he he... I'm tired)

-- Sent from my Palm Pixi

Your wish is my command

:) my friend michelle asked me to elaborate on the blanket in these pictures. thanks for the request, it's actually a very special blanket...

I crocheted this blanket almost 2 years ago in anticipation of the daughter we were planning to adopt just before Evan. I had also bought a few clothes and things but when the adoption failed I gave away many things as gifts and packed the rest. I made this blanket from a pink camo yarn which gives it the ‘flower’ look, my sister Katrina pointed out. I loved this blanket and what it represented. When the other adoption failed, I admit, I mourned it even till this week but being able to give it to Cora and she looks so comfortable and cute in it, has healed that hole that was left in my heart. Every hour that goes by, my bond is deepening for this beautiful daughter sent to us in such insane circumstances. But there are so many blessings along with it, we couldn't deny that Heavenly Father sent her just to us at just this time. For one, Michael and I had a huge adoption conversation, ironing out our desires for the future, just the night before. Coincidence, I think not. ;) We rushed getting our paperwork together for the unknown reason to have it be approved by the month of June. I have been having serious cravings for a baby for about a month now and to be honest, 'leaned' towards a girl just incase Mike doesn't let me have more babies. lol. I was JUST wanting to see my family so bad and the day before was checking flights to Sacramento so I could see my brother Jesse and my sister in law Kelli's family (that we've never been to their house) and then how much it would be to go to So. Cal to the rest of the family after that. I was wishing for fourth of July but planning for August. Then the next morning, we got the text saying, my sister in law Jennifer (scheduled for c-section wed a.m. with their daughter) had her baby girl one day early! Whoo hoo! We were so grateful cause it'd been a bedrest nightmare with 3 other children to care for and the declining health of Jen's 30yr old brother (and eventual passing away recently, from cancer). It felt nice Juliet was finally born so their family to try to get back to normal again. Still on a high from knowing our new niece, we'd been praying for each night was finally here, I was caught completely off gaurd when at 430pm on the same day, June 1st, I listened to a message that changed our lives... again. Fun facts: 1. The baby girl was born the same morning as our niece Juliet 2. She was born in Sacramento, 15-20min from where my brothers family lives. I called him and said, "So, how would you like some house guests, starting tomorrow for a few days?" :) he he he. (i could write a whole blog post on the generosity of my brother's family, starting with they gave us their master bedroom while we are here so we could have a little cocoon for our family) 3. We can't leave the state still we get an ok from "ICPC" (still waiting for word) but we can go anywhere in the state so now most of the rest of my family gets to meet our daughter while she's still fresh! ha ha (didn't meet Evan till he was 7months for most of my family) We're heading to So. Cal in a few days. 4. WE HAVE NOTHING FOR A BABY OR A GIRL BABY so... the same woman who told us about Cora being born and did we want to adopt her, she and her mother Kathy are giving us a much needed impromptu shower on Thursday! 5. We don't even know what's in store for us in TN yet since we don't know our date to getting home but there is so much love and more generosity waiting for us. Go ahead, drive by my house and admire our mowed lawn, THANKS LOWRY's! While you're at it, take a moment to see how fat our pets are from the Jones feeding them for us. Man this is one CRAZY week but we are so grateful for all the well wishes, offered help and service performed. The prayers kept me on auto pilot and away from stress of letting little things make me worried it wouldn't happen. THANK YOU. We hope to be home soon. xoxo.

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

Tennessee Shower

main photographer and guest, ashley (lila's sister). centerpiece.


This "Shower" was more of an Open House where you come and go as requested by us. We asked that there would be no games played, there were gifts but we didn't open them at the Open House so we could concentrate on visiting and celebrating Evan. So, we were so busy visiting with everyone at the shower, we didn't get all the pictures we would have liked but we thank you all for coming. There were about 50 people there from Our Church friends, Lila's Clients (also friends), Michael's Childhood friends and Our Family members! We unfortunately didn't get pictures of everyone or everything but we will post a few to show how much fun we were having with everyone.





"The hostess with the mostest!" Thank you for organizing everything Lindsey. You are one of the most thoughtful and caring women I know. You never want anyone to feel left out but you go the extra mile to make it even more special for them. Everything was beautiful from the food layed out to the table centerpieces, it was all tasteful and very Martha of you. ;) Sorry my mom didn't get over to give you a foot rub but I will be over soon and you'll just have to hold Evan while "I" rub your feet. I've been given a compliment or two on my talents in that area... wink.







"She's done this before." Thanks bff for coming and taking care of my baby!

Arnold's getting in some practice... and... oldies but goodies! ;)




nashville beauties. ;)







mingling







"twin"







family.




Saturday, we opened gifts at our house and it just wouldn't be fair to try to pick which ones to post and I can't possibly post them all so we'll post our excitement and process... We were given many generous gifts! There will be thank you notes in the mail, sometime this century. It will be worth it. ;) We now feel much better prepared for caring for Evan. With all it costs (not complaining) for adoption, it is very appreciated that you all have been so kind to us with your time and attention. We thank you!




before.during.after.




My sister Jenalyn and long time friend Heather are giving me/us a "Virtual Shower" this week, for those out of state and especially in California where I grew up. It is a hilarious idea and can't wait to see how this ground breaking idea goes. (I've never heard of it but am excited to celebrate with all of you!). One of the sad parts of having a child so far from my family is also missing the celebration with all of you that molded me into who I am today. I miss you and am truly sad not to share this day with you in person. Like I mentioned in a previous post, we will be home in 5/6 months after we finalize the adoption and come to Los Angeles to be sealed in the Los Angeles Temple. At that time we will have a party at my parents house to let you virtuals enjoy him in person! ;) Until then here's some bath time gems taken by Ashley...

bfn...

Tennessee Baby Shower Celebration

(click invite to see it bigger)

Thank you to Lindsey for organizing this shower. I asked her if she could make it friendly for church friends and also welcoming for my client friends. I hope you will all come to celebrate our joy. This will be set up like an 'Open House' where you come and go throughout. We cannot wait to share Evan with you but hope if you have small children, you will arrange to come without them since Evan is still so young and little. I hope you understand.

I asked Lindsey if I could post the Invitation on here as I know many of our friends follow the blog and this gets the word out. Thank you Shannon Hairr Photography for making this beautiful invite! If you have any questions, like the invitation says, you can contact Lindsey Connolly. I/We cannot wait to see you. My Mom Karla will be there and my sister Ashley (#10 of my family's 11 children) from California. Also Michael's Nashville crew; Mom Jennie and step Dad George, brother's family; Matt, Nanci, Brooke and Lauren will hopefully be there. Michael's Aunts and Uncles from his Dad "Robert"s (Evan's middle name sake) side will also be invited. It will be a ton a fun with just those people aside! Don't miss it. smile.

p.s. i hope this wasn't tacky to invite you all but i really want you to come and see Evan finally. ;) this is the best way to let you all know... you never know what fun will be had around the corner.

P.P.S. It's co-ed so no excuses guys...