Texas Stones

Beach Day in The Bahamas

2012-02-26T05:40:00.001-08:00

Celebrating the 3-0 the right way!

Cort & Dust

This is me...happy and relaxing...not the look you typically see on my face!

Chickens and roosters all over the island...Tia Leah was FREAKED out!

Adventure hike led us to this secluded beach...yes please.

Enjoyed the time, but we missed our little hot mess.

Dustin braved it and went out in the water...a little chilly for my tastes.

Bahamas or Bust

2012-02-14T15:20:00.000-08:00

Dust and I went on a quick getaway this weekend with my brother and sis-in-law and I will be blogging about some of our adventures. I want to get the sappy stuff out of the way first.

This was the first time that we have left Ry for longer than 1 night anywhere. Both parents, away for 4 nights. He seemed fine before we left, very excited to go to spend time with Oma & Opa. We had everything prepped, packed and ready. We loaded up half our house, Ryland and Sadie and drove to my parent's house. We made a huge, rookie parenting mistake. We dropped him off at bedtime. Dummies. As soon as we got there, I tried to put him to bed and he just started crying. It was so unlike him and just broke my heart. We tried to calm him down, but eventually we just had to leave...for both of our sakes. I was a mess. Luckily, halfway home we got a a text from my mom "he's asleep"...what a huge sigh of relief. What kind of idiot drops the kid off like that at bedtime? Dustin and I just shook our heads at each other all weekend. If we had just dropped him off at ANY other time, parting would have been fine.

I know leaving your kids for that long is hard for most parents. Especially the first time. I totally get it. BUT, it's just a little different for us. I don't have a kid that just believes when we say we're coming back. He often doesn't think we are coming back. He's been left before. And he is very scared of being left again. It's just something we have to deal with...there is no going around it. The good news is that it makes the times when we do come back, that much more special for both of us.

It's IMPORTANT to take these trips. It's really important for Dustin and I to take these trips. It's also really important for Ry to have these trips take place. It forces us to show him that we always come back. Everyone needs downtime. It's healthy. It's ok to enforce the "No Kids Allowed" policy from time to time.

Too (adverb) - to an excessive extent or degree; beyond what is desirable, fitting, or right

2012-01-30T19:32:00.000-08:00

I won't lie...I've spent some time being pretty impressed with my ability to find flaws. I never thought of myself as critical or at least I never thought of being critical as being a negative thing. I've always thought it was a good thing, a gift if you will. I can see things that other people can't or don't want to. I'm helpful. How can you grow and improve if someone is always there to say how awesome you are? If you need that lady in your life...that lady is definitely not me. I will give it to you straight. I've ALWAYS said...it's better to know. It's always better to actually know where you stand with someone, what your flaws are, where your gaps are, etc. It's hard, sure, but it's better to know. In my mind anyway.

So, I've been thinking about this all day. Am I too critical? I started to do some research. I started with polling people and I called my mom, "Mom, do you think I am too critical?". "Cort, this is a loaded question."

Ok, ok...I'll admit it...I'm critical. I'd rather use the word helpful, but I get it...critical it is. The question I've been pondering is am I too critical? It's that 3 letter word, TOO, that has me soul-searching. During my search, I came across this website (http://lmerlobooth.typepad.com/straighttalk/2010/05/ten-signs-that-youre-too-critical.html) and this list.

Below are some red flags that signal you may be too critical. Read this list with an open mind. While you’re going through the list, imagine what your partner or children would say about each item on the list.

• You frequently “suggest” a different hairstyle, outfit or “tip” for your partner or children upon seeing them wearing something you don’t think looks good.

• Upon entry into the home you “greet” your family by commenting about what a mess the house is or complaining about something they did or did not do.

• When your children or partner help, you are more frustrated by how they helped than you are thankful that they did help.

• After every sports event or school activity, you lead your review with what they need to work on or could’ve done better rather than giving them positives.

• You follow after your partner and “fix” what they didn’t do quite right. For example, you reload the dishwasher after your partner just loaded it.

• You frequently tell your partner or children what they should and shouldn’t do under the guise of being helpful.

• Your first comments regarding report cards pertain to the poor grades and you slide right past the good ones.

• One or both of your parents were critical and had very high expectations.

• If you ask your partner to do three things and they do two, you complain about the one thing they didn’t do.

• The people in your life tell you you’re always critical or comment that they can never do anything right in your eyes.

After reviewing the list with an open mind, I feel that I am a definite offender of 5 out of the 10. Dustin scored me a 5 out of 10, as well. Wow. I guess this is something that I really need to work on.

Toothless

2012-01-28T13:43:00.000-08:00

My little guy lost his first and second teeth last weekend! One on Friday night and one on Saturday night. The poor tooth fairy had to stop by two nights in a row! Ry is so excited to be getting older and checks his new teeth that are growing in hourly to see how much bigger they are getting. He also has to show us...hourly as well.

Here's some pics of his first tooth!

PS - Any ideas what the tooth fairy is supposed to do with these teeth? Seems weird for her to keep them...

"Adventure Hike"

2012-01-16T17:29:00.000-08:00

Ry & I were both off today and we decided to go on a hike, or an "adventure hike" as Ryland called it! Here are a few snaps of the adventure!

"Mama, watch! I can jump over this!"

Ry & Mama after crossing the "river". No comments on our roughness! This lady doesn't hike in a full face of make-up!

He was sure that this was pirate's treasure...X marks the spot! He thinks Dallas is close enough to the beach for the pirates ship to dock.

It was a gloomy day. We don't live near mountains or the beach or anything that beautiful! This is it!

Baby T's 1st NHL Game

2012-01-16T17:14:00.000-08:00

Perfect game for Baby Talon's first NHL game. The Dallas Stars vs. the Colorado Avalanche! Our family rivalry. Here are a few snaps - enjoy!

Baby T's first time! So cute to see him in his Star's gear!

My P&J (pride & joy)

The fam - way up top in the nosebleeds!

The Stone's

The Spear Clan

Baby T just couldn't make it any longer!!!

YIKES. What. A. Hot. Mess.

Pretend Wrestling?

2012-01-10T14:12:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, the reality of raising a little man smacks me in the face. It perplexes me and catches me off guard. When I first saw the look on Ryland’s face after school today, I knew something happened. He had that “oops…I messed up, but don’t really want to admit what I did look”. Every time I see this look, I wonder what is about to come out of his mouth. What is it this time? Well, today, he got in trouble for…wait for it…pretend wrestling in the hallway. Pretend wrestling in the hallway…interesting? I hadn’t heard that one before. Not even exactly sure what that means. Him and another boy were apparently “wrestling” in line without actually touching one another. Well, glad for that. At least he wasn’t really wrestling, right?

Time to get creative. My mission? To think of a correlating punishment.

Got it. “Sorry Ry, but since you can’t remember where we can wrestle and where we can’t, you’re grounded from wrestling with Papa for 7 days.”

Tears poured.

“That just hurts my feelings, Mama. I love to play rough with Pop, it’s my fave thing.”

Well…hopefully this will help him remember.
BONUS. I get 7 days of no screaming, throwing, fighting, messing the pillows up, rowdiness, riling the dog up, etc. I might really like this. I'm a girl...I just don't understand the male need to wrestle with each other. It's just weird to me.

Stone Resolutions for 2012

2012-01-05T06:18:00.000-08:00

I'm sure you've been on the edge of your seat just dying to know what the Stone's plans are for change in 2012...am I right? I don't want to disappoint. Drum roll please...

Ryland - To learn to stop as well on rollerblades as he can on ice skates.
Mama - Incorporate more Kaz culture and tradition into our home.
Papa - To lose 15(ish) pounds.

And there you have it. Earth-shattering.

We like to think of things that we can accomplish and won't consume us. I won't lie, my resolution last year was to incorporate more brown into my mostly black wardrobe. I'm serious. But, it was something that was important to me and I really thought about that while shopping. I'm a black and charcoal kind of girl...it was a BIG change! Anyway, back to 2012...I'm really excited to bring more culture into our home for Ryland's benefit. I don't think we've done a very good job of it so far. It has taken us about a year and a half just to figure out having a kid in our home. HUGE ADJUSTMENT PERIOD! Now that we have a lot more figured out...it's time. We started the year off right because Ded Moroz (Father Frost) came to visit us all the way from Kazakhstan on New Years Eve. He left a few little things for Ryland and he was amazed. We dug out some old photographs of Ryland when he was 3 at the baby house during a party when Father Frost came to visit. It was a pretty cool experience. Phase 1 complete. Phase 2, is that I want to incorporate Russian/Kazakh (Ded Moroz) decorations in with our Christmas stash...I've been searching the internet like crazy.

We had such a great Victory Day while we were in Kaz, that we want to celebrate that this year with our family. We plan to have a big picnic at a park (just like we did in Pavlodar) and listen to music (we have a Victory Day CD).

We plan to make borscht more often and would like to make some of the other delicious foods that we ate while we were there. The rest of my plans are still a work in process!

2012 - out with the old and in with the new!

2012-01-01T08:28:00.000-08:00

Last night we started a new family tradition. Although we think that it is very important to set goals and resolutions for next year, we also know how important it is to get rid of the negativity and bad experiences of 2011. We all wrote down things from 2011 that we wanted to rid ourselves of...things we wanted to go away. We wrote things like car accidents, arguments, toxic people, bad grades, etc. Then we all went outside and stood around the fire. We took turns reading these things aloud and then BURNING the papers. It was very therapuetic. It was neat to hear eveyone's lists and everyone got into it, even Ryland. Now that we've moved out the negative from 2011, we have so much more room for all the good things that 2012 has in store for us!

Happy New Year to you and yours! Make the best of it!

The Stone Family

Chandler's Birthday

2011-12-28T19:34:00.000-08:00

Chandler's Birthday and Reindeer Hunt

Chandler, Oma & Opa

(My parents hosted 2 days in a row and we had so much fun!)

Tyler, Leah & Talon

My sibs

Too cute!

The Stone Fam

My babies

Ry's EXCITED face...time for cake!!!

Happy 19th little sis

Baby Talon

Christmas Day - 2011

2011-12-28T19:29:00.000-08:00

Christmas Day - 2011
(Cortney's side of the fam)
Oma and Opa's House

This year we tried something new and stayed the night at Oma and Opa's house. Ry was relieved that Santa found him! We had a fun morning of stockings and then went to church with the family. Later that afternoon we opened some presents, took a break to eat (monkey on a stick, mashed potatoes, caesar salad, rolls and borscht), we opened some more presents and feasted on sweets all day!

Look what Santa brought! Just what Ry asked for...a hockey bag with wheels and a Anakin alarm clock. (PS - how sweet is it that the kid asked for an alarm clock? Does this mean he will start getting himself up on school days???)

He fits in the hockey bag!

Papa taking him on a ride!

Baby T and Oma

Yikes...I never realized little boys need dress-up clothes, too...they just don't have glitter!

Christmas Eve - 2011

2011-12-28T19:24:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve - 2011
(Dustin's side of the fam)
Grandma and Grandpa's House

We had a fabulous Christmas Eve. Gingerbread house decorating, present wrapping, reindeer hunting, a delicious meal (prime rib, green bean bundles, mashed potatoes, rolls, lobster bisque and tons of delicious sweets) and presents!

Gingerbread house time with cousin, Nyah

Yep, it was a Star Wars themed Christmas...gag...but he sure loved it!

Pocket watch for Grandpa from his grandkids!

Oh boy...

My niece...got make-up...and is growing up WAY too fast!

Dustin's parents - We had a fabulous time on Christmas Eve doing all of our traditions!!

Wrote his letter to Santa and left some treats and oatmeal for the reindeer.

My little hockey player

2011-12-28T19:19:00.000-08:00

His tough face...

His sweet face...

Kitchen Facelift

2011-12-28T19:17:00.000-08:00

My kitchen got a much-needed Christmas gift...a face lift! Here are some before and after shots.

I cringe as I look at this. Hated the textured charcoal gray counter tops. Super hated the black & white back splash.

Demo started!

Granite in.

Back splash started.

Almost there.

Done.

Hat Trick!

2011-12-13T07:07:00.001-08:00

Snowball Fight

2011-12-13T06:52:00.000-08:00

Well, as everyone knows...we live in the great state of Texas. Which means, we don't have a lot of opportunities to have snowball fights. We make do...by having them inside!!! Got snow?

Sick Papa?

2011-11-29T17:15:00.001-08:00

Dustin is sick. He went to bed early and after Ry and I finished eating he wanted to go tell Papa to get well soon. I walk in there after him and see that he is crying. I asked him what was wrong and got this answer..."I'm just so sad that Pop is sick. I do not like him to be sick."

What. A. Sweetheart.

Sometimes, he leaves me speechless...in a good way.

Get well soon, Papa!

November 16th - Re-Adoption Day

2011-11-16T14:13:00.001-08:00

November 16th, 2011 - Ryland's Re-Adoption Day

Top 4 Reasons to Re-Adopt
1. A Legal & Binding U.S. Birth Certificate
2. A Legal Name Change Can Be Completed
3. Not all U.S. States Will Recognize a Foreign Adoption Decree
4. Re-Adoption is Another Reason to Have a Party!

You know us, we love any reason to celebrate our family! So we ventured out early this morning to Fort Worth for our hearing. Our hearing was quick and painless. There were 2 other families there at the same time doing their re-adoptions and it made for a cool experience. My Dad and Dustin's parents were able to go to the hearing with us and it was nice to have them there with us. We were able to video the experience and take some pictures. Don't mind the quality...all we had were iPhones...(hint, hint Dust)

With the judge

The whole crew

The judge asked Ry to make it official with the gavel

A little nervous before we were called up.

The judge gave him a puppy!

Ry with Grandma

What a stud!

Our little mechanic

2011-11-13T09:01:00.001-08:00

Ryland had a great time learning some mechanic basics. These videos mean a lot to me. It's so cool seeing Dustin do things like this with Ry. Not every little boy has someone to teach him things like this. So grateful for both of my guys!

Our little star

2011-10-24T08:37:00.001-07:00

I forgot to mention that Ry scored 2 of the 4 goals in his game yesterday! We are so proud of our little athlete!

Fall Family Fun Day - 2011

2011-10-23T18:38:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday we had our annual Fall Family Fun Day or the triple FD as we like to call it. We started the day out with a visit to the pumpkin patch for hayrides, mazes, pumpkin picking and lots of pictures. Then we headed over to Tyler and Leah's for the real fun! Witch's brew, cookie decorating, Halloween bingo and a Ghost Hunt. Ry absolutely loved the Ghost Hunt and wanted to do it again as soon as he dug up his treasure! Here are some pictures from our day of fun!

Ry's current obsession...Star Wars...I'm hoping this will pass quickly.

Sadie was sad to miss the pumpkin patch, but was excited to jump on the hay bale for the front yard pumpkin display!

Ryland & his Mama

Let the cookie decorating commence

Halloween Bingo! Ry's marker of choice is candy corn.

Mrs. & Mr.

Absolutely amazed with the Witch's Brew! He was fascinated by it!

Cookies!

Chandler & Baby T

Somehow Anakin showed up at the park!

Dallas Stars Season Opener

2011-10-09T06:28:00.000-07:00

It was a great game! There were tons of broken sticks, a Blackhawk's head went through the glass, Ryland trash-talked the Chicago fans sitting next to us, the Blackhawk's pulled their goalie (Ry's favorite) and an awesome time was had by all!

Best part? The Stars won!!!

First Grade...off to a great start!

2011-10-07T14:19:00.000-07:00

Ryland brought home his report card for the first 6 weeks today. I opened it, not really knowing what it would say, but hoping it wasn't too bad. I pulled out the stack of papers and out falls an "A" Honor Roll ribbon. Are you kidding me? I was tearing up and showing Ry the ribbon. "You made the Honor Roll! Great Job! I'm so proud of you!" And he just stands there looking at me. He has no clue what an Honor Roll is, what it means, how he got there, etc. My crying slightly threw him off momentarily...was I mad, happy, sad??? He didn't know. After I explained what it was, Ry was very excited!

I get that it's 1st grade. I get that it's the first 6 weeks and just a review of last year. BUT, most of you know what we went through last year in deciding on whether or not to send him to 1st grade. So anyway...this is a HUGE deal for us! Go Ryland! We are so proud of you!

PS - Where do we get the bumper sticker???

Whistle? Where have you been my whole life?

2011-10-06T15:34:00.001-07:00

I recently purchased a whistle to aid in my goal of improving Ry's soccer skills at home. I used it for the first time the other night and WHOA. I had forgotten the power of a whistle. I'm hooked. I may even start wearing it to the office.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

San Francisco Snaps

2011-10-01T10:44:00.001-07:00

Location:San Francisco

Compliments

2011-09-12T17:59:00.001-07:00

It's funny when I think about the kinds of compliments that I used to receive. Compliments that would make me smile and laugh. Feel good compliments.

A couple weeks ago I was hit on in the elevator, on my way up to my office by a random, ghetto-fabulous man (RGF).

RGF - "Daaaaannnggg girrllllll, you got some nice legs."
Me - "Thanks?"
RGF - "You got yoself a hussssbaaand?"
Me - "Yes."
RGF - "He is a luucckky man. Daaaannnngggg."

Ding...the elevator finally arrived to his floor. Finally.

A few years ago, this would have made my day. It would have made me think "still got it". But, it didn't. I felt like changing into sweatpants. I thought "Why is this creeper hitting on me? Are you serious?"

Tonight I am thinking about this while I am sitting at Ryland's hockey practice. For the 2nd time in a week a random person has come up to me and asked me if Ryland is my son. Told me how focused he looked. How he "had it". He looks like a real hockey player. Watch out world. He has the right form, stance, determination...and he is six. 2 people have told me in 7 days that they think Ry is destined to play hockey. He'll kill it. He's different than the other kids. These two people have been around hockey their whole lives...coaches/players. And it makes me proud. Super proud. What a compliment.

I'll take compliments on Ry Guy any day. So awesome to hear genuine compliments. So funny how my life has changed.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Little Drummer Boy

2011-09-04T09:14:00.001-07:00

Ryland saw a movie that has changed his life. School of Rock. For the past two days he has been playing the drums. He gathers up bowls, cake pans etc. And bangs on them for great lengths of time. He is "borrowing" Papa's drum sticks. He has been taking my phone and playing music to drum along with. A few minutes ago he came to inform me that he no longer wanted to listen to the music that I listen to and that he wanted to now listen to Pop's music. "I think it called rock. Can you help me find rock music on this phone?" Uh oh. The tide has turned.

He also brings one of the bowls over to me that he has broken, with the excessive force he thinks drummers should have...with a smile on his face. Me - "Did you break that?". "Yes. (smile)". "Why are you smiling? You think it's funny? Why didn't you come tell me?". "Because I am like Pop now. I listen to rock music and Papa broke the fence when we were playing soccer and he didn't tell you."

Nice.

The rest of the pics from the cruise

2011-08-21T07:04:00.001-07:00

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Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Caribbean

Meet the Teacher Night

2011-08-19T06:01:00.000-07:00

Last Night was Meet the Teacher Night @ Ryland's School. He's going to 1st grade...it's happening. After spending most of last year worried and stressed out about what would be best for him this year, we went ahead and made the decision to push him and send him onto 1st grade. After going to the classroom last night, being at the school and seeing all the new kindergarten kids...I KNOW we made the right decision. This will definitely be the right place for him. I would have beat myself up forever if I would have held him back. I know that now and it was a nice feeling last night. I finally feel peace about the whole thing. This year will be a struggle and he'll have to work really hard, but I think we'll all come out of it just fine.

Now onto supplies. School supplies...I hate them; they are the devil. Period. There's got to be a better system for this. I'd love to just give the school my CC number and have them charge whatever they need to educate Ryland properly. Luckily, our school's PTA creates school supply bundles for each grade level that you can pre-order or purchase right before school starts. Bless their hearts. Since we were on the fence last year I never ordered one. Over the summer Chandler and Ryland tried to get all the supplies that we needed, but couldn't find all the hard to get items. So, last night I made the decision to just buy a bundle from the PTA and be done with it. We get there, I wait in line and I'm not kidding you...the person in front of me gets the LAST 1st grade bundle. Perfect. Everyone else brought their supplies to the classroom and sorted them. Again. Perfect. I hate things like this. Hate them. Now I'll have to drive all around town, stop at a million stores, somehow fine all of this stuff and then carry it in on the 1st day of school. All the other parents will probably look at me, shake their heads and think "Wow, she's such a procrastinator...". Perfect. Oh, and the PTA should prepare themselves for the large check I will be sending them soon...to pre-pay for school supply bundles for 2nd - 5th grade...oh yeah...that's happening.

My guess is that most parents don't send in notes to the teacher on the first day of school apologizing in advance for anything ridiculous that you or your child does during the year. Well...I'm not most moms, and I'm ok with that (most days)!

More Cruise Pics -- Formal Night #1

2011-08-09T16:26:00.001-07:00

Location:Somewhere in the middle of the ocean...

Cruise - Day 1

2011-08-08T19:00:00.001-07:00

Checking out our cabin for the first time

Dustin and Ry checking out our view from the balcony...the Mississippi River

We had a few hours until our luggage was delivered and didn't have anything to do. We quickly invented a new game...banana baseball. Oma had grabbed us a banana from the buffet and I ripped out a magazine page to make a ball. Ry LOVED this game and continually asked to play it during the cruise! He lists it in with his favorite things from the cruise. And I was so worried about bringing him toys to keep him entertained!!!

First night at dinner...he passed out at the table. He's not a huge fan of the "waiting" between courses.

Me and my sis enjoying some karaoke

Location:New Orleans

Reminiscing

2011-07-26T17:58:00.000-07:00

Since it's our anniversary week, I thought I'd share a few snaps of us throughout the years...

Celebrating 11 years...Stone style

2011-07-25T20:11:00.000-07:00

11 years ago Mr. Stone and I said "I do" in St. Thomas. This morning while at work, I received an evite from Dustin. It's the things like this that he does that remind me of how much I love him. He cracks me up. An evite...really? Definitely something Dustin-esque! Never a dull moment and a surprise a day. And yes, I RSVP'd my 'yes'.

We celebrated with delicious steak, fresh asparagus, crab macaroni & cheese and a mouth-watering lobster bisque.

We'll continue the celebration next week during our cruise. The Stone's will have their first "couples massage" - I know you're dying for that post!!

I love you, Dustin - thanks for always staying by my side.
Cort

We finally landed on American soil...one year ago today!!

2011-07-21T07:35:00.000-07:00

Ryland’s First Photo as an American Citizen

I remember this day so well. Over the past year, we’ve had a lot of anniversaries…first day we met Ry, Court Date, Gotcha Day, etc. But in my mind, this was the biggest date to me. On this day 1 year ago, I finally felt relief. I felt safe. I felt secure. I was so excited. On July 21^st, 2010 we landed in America. We brought Ryland home…finally. No more doubt. No more what ifs. It was the first day of the rest of our lives. As I think back and remember all the ups and downs of our journey, this was the greatest high for me. As soon as the plane’s wheels hit the ground, I started to quietly cry. Ry was sitting next to me, very excited and Dustin was a few rows in front of us. I felt like 100 lbs of pressure, worry, doubt was finally lifted from me. It was surreal. We did it. We really did it. I was so proud of Dustin and I. So proud of Ry and how well he was doing with everything. SO EXCITED for our families to meet him. Our years of dreaming, stressing, worrying, paperwork, and all the other things were over (well, for this chapter anyway) and it was time to just be a normal family…well as normal as The Stone’s can be…

The other side of this story is how many things Ryland has learned and embraced in just a year. It amazes us and he is such an inspiration. So, I’ll brag on him, for just a quick minute. His English is amazing! He is caught up at school and is so excited to go to first grade! He is reading. He can play by himself. He can shower and get dressed (8 times out of 10 he even picks matching clothes and shoes that complete the look). He can love unconditionally. He’ll try any new food and is an excellent eater. He has compeltely mastered all TVs, gaming consoles, cell phones, computers and iPads in the house. He can be hilarious and it’s been amazing to see his true personality come out as he’s been able to communicate more and more. He is open, loving, outgoing and talkative. He’s inquizitive, smart and ridiculously cute. He’s learned rules, boundaries and how to push them!

I’m a happy lady today (and a super proud Mama) as I sit here reminicing with a smile on my face. What a great day! So proud of you, Ryland!

Turned 6, but celebrated 2nd birthday?

2011-07-14T13:57:00.000-07:00

Ryland got 2 cards in the mail today for his birthday. (Sidebar, we’re part of a Kaz Kids Birthday Card Group and it is SUPER COOL for him to receive birthday cards from Kaz Cuties all over!) He was very excited and super proud. As he displayed his cards on the mantel, he told me that he was having so much fun turning 6 that he couldn’t wait until his 3^rd Birthday when he turns 7. He’s mentioned this a couple times lately, but I’ve just ignored it. I was now curious. So I asked him about it. He told me that this is his 2^nd Birthday and that last year when he turned 5 was his first birthday. At first, I was thinking…”what a thoughtful little boy! His birthdays just weren’t birthdays until he celebrated with us!” I’ll admit, I was proud of him…proud of our family and friends for making his day so cool. Then he kept explaining to me. “I didn’t have birthdays when I was 4 or 3 or 2 or 1. No one had party for me. I don’t know why. Will I have a party when I turn to 7?” And I lost it. I was home alone without Dustin to save me and I just lost it right in front of him. Sobbing. Mess. I got it together briefly and told him that we’d always have a party for his birthday and he ran off to go play. I sat there stunned…sad…and relieved all at the same time. The things I’ve taken for granted my whole life…like having a birthday party…has made this child’s.

I fall apart when I think of the birthdays that Ryland has had without us, but am SO grateful that he’ll never have to have another birthday just slide right by…ever again.

Cort

Cupcakes

2011-07-13T17:25:00.001-07:00

Here are a couple pics of Ry and his friend Wes gobbling down some cupcakes at his birthday party!

Sea World

2011-07-13T17:08:00.000-07:00

First of all...my little man is now 6. Which he reminds us of hourly. And questions us about hourly. "I'm still 6 right?" He didn't magically master the whole "6 year olds don't whine and they listen to their Mamas" yet, but I'm sure he will any day now!

Since we were in the area...we went to Sea World on his birthday and the kid LOVED it. Really had a blast. And to be honest, we all had a blast! I get sick of Six Flags after about an hour, but even I could do Sea World again...

Here are some snaps of our day.

Kerrville, Texas

2011-07-12T19:02:00.000-07:00

We went out of town this weekend to Kerrville to visit some friends and celebrate Ry's Birthday. We rented a house with some friends of ours from Dallas and had a great time.

The house was on a big piece of property and right behind the house was a stocked pond.

Back of the house

Mama & Ryland

Ry Guy's first fish! He was so excited!

Wes was so proud of his fish!

Boys being boys

The fam... and no, I'm not a giant...I was on a hill!

Reelin' in a big one!

"Papa, I will break the worm this time."

Another!!

cortney215 shared an Instagram photo with you

2011-07-08T19:57:00.001-07:00

Hi there,

cortney215 just shared an Instagram photo with you:

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"Storytime with Pop"

Thanks,
The Instagram Team

Spoiled?

2011-07-07T08:40:00.000-07:00

I had a terrible thought this morning. Is my child spoiled? Really spoiled? If so…it’s my fault, I get that…and I hate myself for letting it happen.

This morning while Ryland was getting dressed I asked him to put his black shoes on that I thought would look better with what he was wearing. He said he didn’t want to, he wanted to wear the white ones. I pushed…obviously…it’s important to me that my kid looks nice. He then tells me that he didn’t want to wear the black shoes because they didn’t fit. The shoes don’t fit??? What??? They fit 3 days ago…did he have a freakish foot growth spurt? When I dug deeper and kept pushing the issue, he let me know that the shoes fit, but he didn’t want to wear them because they were “old”. He wanted to wear his new white ones. Period.

I was angry. Furious. At him for being spoiled. At me and Dustin for allowing this to happen. Are you serious? When I first met Ryland he didn’t even have a pair of shoes that belonged to him. Every day when we went to visit he always had a different pair on. Mostly too big, some too small, some girls, some sandals when it was cold, all the shoes there did have one thing in common though…they were old. How can we have let this happened in a year? It’s been SO HARD not to spoil him, so hard…because of what he had. He had no toys…so giving him 2 toys is spoiling him… We don’t want to raise a spoiled kid, it’s very important to us. But, it’s a battle we fight daily.

I can’t be mad at Ry. It’s not his fault. He is accustomed to his new environment. The one where I buy him new shoes all the time.

Or maybe I’m blowing this whole thing out of proportion…maybe the kid just likes his shoes to look a certain way…I do…

Cortney

Happy 4th of July!!!

2011-07-04T21:13:00.000-07:00

OK, so I have to tell you a funny story about what happened tonight!! We went to watch fireworks and parked on hill, with no one around us...for a minute. Of course, this obnoxious family has to pull up right next to us and blast country music (and I don't mean any country music...I mean OVER THE TOP country music). This man over there was out of control. He had this ginormous American flag and waved it from side-to-side for the whole fireworks show. In the middle of the fireworks, this dude walks over to the middle of the field (with his flag...obviously) and starts screaming the pledge of allegiance. Really. Not quite sure what to do, I get on my feet, put my hand over my heart and join in with the crowd. Once the pledge is finished, he adds a "If you don't like America...get the BLANK out!" As he's walking back to his truck, Ryland tells him that he is a "Silly Mister" and that...wait for it..."You need to check yourself!" I busted up laughing and am still laughing about it now. Hilarious. I love how Ry can already pick the weirdos out. Lovely. Only in Texas!!! In the words of my ridiculously cute son..."AWKWARD"!

Ryland trying out a slip-n-slide for the first time @ Uncle Tyler's & Auntie Leah's! Didn't take long to figure it out...

The Stone's (Texas Style)

We went to a "Welcome to Texas" Party! So glad that Larry & Debbie have moved here from Colorado!!!

Ryland & Abby - waiting for fireworks!!

Happy Birthday America!!! This is one kid who is PROUD to be American!!!

Dust & Cort - waiting for the fireworks

Killing time before the big show!

Paige, Abby & Ryland -- too cute!!

Ry's Birthday Party

2011-07-04T20:57:00.000-07:00

We had Ryland's 6th Birthday Party on Saturday. He had a joint party with 2 of his friends. We had a great time, a huge turn-out and everything went off without a hitch! As I'm sure most of you can imagine...I spent all my time at the party socializing instead of snapping pics...so, standby...I'll have to beg my friends for some pictures! In the meantime, here are a few snaps of him opening up his presents at home. HOLY COW...the kid is spoiled...or loved??? Not quite sure!!!

A remote control speed boat? Are you serious???

Thanks Grandma & Grandpa!!

Texas Rangers Fan!!

It's ALWAYS hockey time at the Stone House!

Ryland and his loot...HOLY COW!

Going to sleep on June 29th

2011-06-29T19:12:00.000-07:00

Exactly one year ago tonight I was too excited to go to sleep. I was ecstatic, emotional and nervous all at the same time. June 30th is an infamous day for us...it's the day that we busted him out. The days of us "visiting" him were behind us. Orphanage life was about to be over...done with...forever. He'd been a Stone for a couple weeks by this time and he'd been our son for much longer. But the joy of knowing that we didn't have to say goodbye and leave him everyday like we had been doing for months over took me. I could hold him in my arms and not let go. He was mine now and no one could ever take him away. I thought that I loved this little boy this time last year and I did, but I had no idea how much more room I had in my heart. How that love continues to grow. I can't, not even for a minute, imagine my life without him. I just can't...I'm changed now.

I love you, Ryland Dias Stone.

Crazy Storms

2011-06-21T05:56:00.000-07:00

Crazy storms in Dallas last night. Hail, rain, wind, thunder, lightning...everything. And I missed it. I'm traveling for work this week. Poor Dustin had to deal with a scared Ry, a scared Sadie, water leaking, trash blowing and everything else. The hail was so loud in our room that he had to relocate the 3 of them to the guest bedroom and try to get some sleep. He was rushing to leave to drop Ryland off at summer school and get to his meeting this morning and when he went outside to get in the truck, our trash was blown all over the place. I can only imagine him picking up all that mess in his dress clothes as fast as possible. I feel bad. I wish I was there to help. I miss my boys.

Making The Sky by Lori Anderson-Printy

2011-06-14T05:03:00.000-07:00

Ever since I've read this blog post, I just can't shake it. It is a beautifully written post by a fellow Kaz Mama that I was finally able to meet in Florida. I urge you to go to the link below and read this story. She is currently in China on a mission trip visiting orphanages.

http://fiveofmyown.blogspot.com/2011/06/making-sky.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+FiveOfMyOwn+%28Five+of+My+Own%29

Pirate Cruise

2011-06-09T16:24:00.000-07:00

Kindergarten Graduation

2011-06-09T10:22:00.001-07:00

The beach and around our hotel

2011-06-08T09:22:00.000-07:00

Ryland's first time to see the beach! We were getting beach portraits done, so he was upset he couldn't get wet!

He loved swimming at the beach for about 30 minutes! Then he was SICK of the salty taste in his mouth. "Mama, can we go to the pool now?" Was asked about every 7 minutes the ENTIRE trip! The beaches in St. Pete were beautiful!

Papa buried him and told him he would make him into a man mermaid...Ryland said "No thanks, can you make me a sand hockey player?"

On Saturday night, Ryland went to the resort's Pirate Camp and made pirate necklaces, went to the Pirate Show, ate pizza, had ice cream and went for a night swim wearing a glow in the dark necklace. Needless to say he had a blast! And Mama and Papa had a relaxing date night!!!

Florida sunset

Ry's catch!

Waiting to go on a paddle boat ride!

Ry made another fast friend...although, not from Kazakhstan. Here is Ryland and Paddleboat Joe. He was talking to him for about 20 minutes and asked him what happened to his tooth. He then heard a story of a bar fight! Quite entertaining!

Uh oh!!

Kazapalooza 2011 - St. Pete Beach, FL

2011-06-08T09:14:00.000-07:00

Kazapalooza was AMAZING. Words can barely describe how cool it was to meet such wonderful families, see such cute kids and know that we are starting a tradition for Ryland. We got in late and missed the fun on Friday, but we jumped right on on Saturday. We had a great luncheon and won some fabulous prizes at the charity raffle. We are honored to be a part of the Kaz Adoption Community. The families are great. It was so cool to exchange stories and actually meet people that helped you along in your journey or have just literally gone through what you have gone through before. It's amazing. This is an annual event and we plan to go to every one! What a great experience this is and will be for Ryland as he grows up! It was awesome to go hang out at the pool and beach and let Ry play with other kids who were born in the same country as he was! It was a great weekend! On top of all the Kazapalooza memories, we had a great family vacation that we will not soon forget!

Pictures say it best...so here we go!

This pic completely sums up our first 24 hours in Florida! Ryland was out of control! We arrived to the resort about 1:30am Saturday morning. Our sleep schedule, eating schedule...everything was OFF! He was on overload. Everything was new, fun and exciting! By Sunday, he finally calmed down!

We made it!!!!!

Kaz Cuties

The Stone's - representing for Pavlodar!!! There were 125 families there! Super cute Kaz kiddos running around everywhere!

Our most favorite Kaz Cutie

He made a lot of new friends!

More Kaz Cuties!

Chandler's Graduation

2011-06-08T09:00:00.000-07:00

My baby sister graduated high school! Class of 2011! This is my brother, my sis and me. (Please let the record show that she was wearing heels and I was in flats... but it's true...I'm the shortest in my fam...)

My parents with their baby

Ryland giving Aunt Chandler kisses!

Aunt Chand with her 2 nephews, Ryland & Talon

This is me with my Papa Ralph! My grandparents came for the celebration!

Dust & Cort with the grad

Ry trying it on! Such a cutie!!!

Kindergarten Graduate!

2011-06-08T08:28:00.000-07:00

First and foremost...let me introduce you to my Kindergarten Graduate - watch out 1st grade...here he comes!!!

After MUCH thought, research, meetings, etc. We have decided to send Ryland on to 1st Grade! We have the full support of his teachers, his school, our social worker... pretty much everyone!

We are looking at it like this...EVERYTHING was new to him this year...EVERYTHING. At home, at school, etc. And he still caught up academically. He's amazing. We know next year will be hard, but we believe in pushing him to exceed. He understands the concept of school, rules and how things work at home now. We're hoping for a great year! Thank you everyone for your advice - it has all helped us tremendously.

WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU RYLAND!!!!

Love,
Mama & Papa

Ryland with his teacher!!

Oma & Opa surprised him!

Showing us his book

Sad that Papa had to go back to work...

2011-06-01T10:37:00.000-07:00

I read this today. And started crying right at my desk in the middle of the work day. It's fun being a woman.
I replaced the "hers" with "hims".

You gave her birth

We'll give her life
You gave her todays
We'll give her tomorrows

You gave her race
We'll give her identity
You gave her heritage
We'll give her future

You gave her possibilities
We'll give her potentials
You gave her up
We'll have to let go

You dream of her future
We'll work hard for your dreams to come true
You gave her hope
We will too.

- Tom Fisher -

Recent pictures

2011-05-31T18:36:00.000-07:00

At the Rangers game with my friend Kristin

Grandpa's Birthday Dinner

Our Vacation Chain...3 more days until Kazapalooza!!!

Muscle Shot

My Pirate Boys

About to head to the Pirate Party @ Chick-fil-A

Chandler & Cortney

Happy Memorial Day

2011-05-30T06:08:00.000-07:00

I read this post by Kidd Kraddick and I wanted to share.

May 27, 2011

If you are new to America and you go by what you see and hear on TV and radio, you might be convinced that Memorial Day is the one weekend a year to "ENJOY HUGE SAVINGS ON ELECTRONICS AND HOME FURNISHINGS!'

You almost never hear the words Memorial Day anymore unless they're followed by the word "Sale".

People always complain that we’ve lost the true meaning of Christmas or Easter but unlike those examples, remembering our fallen soldiers doesn't require you to be Christian or Jew or Muslim. Just American.

Not Republican, Democrat, liberal, conservative, pro-war, anti-war. We should all come together on this day…not the whole weekend…just Monday, and remember what the holiday means and how we’re supposed to observe it.

When America was trying to recover from the Civil War, nearly every family in this country felt the direct loss. Imagine a country one fourth the size it is now and then imagine nearly 700 THOUSAND casualties. On those first few memorial days, I’m pretty sure they didn't celebrate with hot dogs and three day weekends and a sale on video games.

In the last seven years, Memorial Day has meant something for the first time to hundreds of families. Families who've been through the scope of emotions that started with pride of service, fear of loss, and finally the numbing grief that the person they love is gone forever. Ask the families and they usually won't use the word hero. Instead they'll use words like "friend", "brother", "son", "confidant", "full-of-life", "passionate", and "sincere".

Just my opinion, but Monday is not the day to debate the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. It's offensive. It's offensive to say our soldiers died in a meaningless war. It's equally offensive to defend the cause. On this day it is. We've got 364 other days for that.

Memorial Day to me isn't about war or all the feelings that go along with it. It's about individuals who chose to serve in the United States Military, they chose to follow orders and they made the ultimate sacrifice.Chances are there is a veterans' cemetery within a few miles of you. You'll find many soldiers buried there who returned from the war and lived full, productive lives. But you'll no doubt find a bunch of headstones that tell the story of an abbreviated life. Each of those markers represents the crushed dream of a wife, a parent, a brother.

And I hope we will remember that on Monday, in between hanging out with family and firing up the grill and hanging out with friends...I truly hope that Monday, if even for a fleeting moment, you will hit the pause button and realize that this is not just a day off from work or school. Our fallen heroes chose to put their lives on the line for many reasons, but I'm pretty certain that giving us a day-off is not one of them.

I sometimes regret that I did not have the privilege to serve my country. As much as I whine and complain about how imperfect America is (an inalienable right to do so in America, by the way), I wish that I had given a couple years of my life to demonstrate to others and especially myself that what we have here is more than worth defending. And for those who did--and paid the price--they will forever have my unwavering respect and admiration.

If my opinion reflects yours as well, PLEASE share them with your facebook friends. The more who post, the more those who served will feel the universal appreciation they deserve on this day.

-Kidd

Summer Fever

2011-05-25T18:59:00.000-07:00

Summer Fever. I have it. I've been used to the whole "you're an adult now and don't get summer break" thing for a looong time now. For some reason (I bet the whole having a school-age child has something to do with it) I am just craving the summer off. Some time to soak up some sun, explore, travel, sleep-in, slow down, etc...you know? You feel me? I'm kind of jealous that Ryland gets a summer break, but I feel terrible for him at the same time because I know we'll be working. I keep thinking of ways that we can jam one more thing in, take one more trip, sign him up for one more thing to help make all those summer memories. We're going to Florida next week, we're going on a cruise in August, he's going to summer school for a month, we're planning weekend trips all over the great state of Texas, weddings, parties, birthdays...you name it. I want it to be special. Extra special. It's his first whole summer with us at home. I'm so excited I can't wait! I'm pretty sure that I may start wearing my swimsuit under my clothes at work so the second I get home, pool time can start! I am just as excited about summer-time with Ry as I was about Christmas-time with Ry! That's it!!! I'll start a Summer Advent Calendar! We had so much fun with our Christmas activities the whole month of December that I should do it for summer as well! Have umbrellas in our drinks at dinner, popsicles on the back porch, slip'n'slide day, water gun fight night, going out for ice cream, night swims, water balloons... Oh. My. Gosh.

Bring it on!!

Cortney

Traveling with Kids?

2011-05-24T05:45:00.000-07:00

OK - Hit me with your best shot! What's the best advice you've ever received about traveling with kids? What books/toys work best? What does your family do?

ADVICE

2011-05-22T19:41:00.000-07:00

Friends, Family, Followers, Stalkers,

Thank you so much for all of the advice you've given! It's overwhelming (in a good way). I really appreciate you all sharing what you've learned, heard and lived along the way. I have a small problem in this area. I'm sure you all know, but I thought it would be best for me to publicly admit this...I'm a poller. I love to poll. I poll everyone, or a least someone, EVERY TIME that I make a big decision. And yes, Dustin, what to wear is a big decision...there is nothing wrong with asking you and Ryland daily..."which shoe - this one...or this one?"

Hearing one person's opinion doesn't make me always sway that way, it's just nice to hear other's points of view. You know, just take things into consideration that I hadn't originally thought of.

It's out and I oddly feel better.

Again, thank you for your words of wisdom and for allowing yourselves to be polled,
Cort

Again???

2011-05-20T13:40:00.001-07:00

Perfect. Ry got orange today...for kissing. Can't wait to get home and find out who the lucky lady was this time... #shootmenow

Kazapalooza

2011-05-19T19:18:00.001-07:00

I am so excited!!! The countdown has begun. 2 weeks from tomorrow, the Stone's are flying to Florida to spend a weekend, at the beach, with a BUNCH of other families who have adopted from Kazakhstan! I really can't put into words how excited I am and how much this means to me and hopefully to Ryland! There is this AMAZING group of Kaz Mamas who have cheered us on, consoled us, prayed for us and followed along on our journey. I have had the privilege of meeting a few, but I am really looking forward to meeting these beautiful families in real life! I have communicated with some for 3 years online through blogs, Facebook and email.

Hmmm, that last sentence kinda makes me feel like an Internet stalker... At least I've represented myself honestly. I promise, I'm not a creepy 60 year old guy with a comb-over and sweatpants that hangs out in adoption chat rooms!

Back to my excitement...I'm over the moon! In 2 weeks Ry will get to hang out with Kaz kids from 125 families! We're getting family portraits on the beach *swoon*, going to a Pirate show, playing, relaxing and doing what Ry and I do best...socializing!!

Giddy in Dallas,
Cortney

Too young?

2011-05-16T18:02:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the time between posts lately. I've had a lot on my mind about this whole school situation and I just haven't been up to writing about it yet.

Update on Ryland. He's doing great in school. His reading is now up to par with his class. The school has no reason to hold him back, academically speaking. He has a pretty good grasp on things at school. His overall classroom behavior has improved, but still leaves much to be desired. There is now only 1 reason that I am hearing from his school. 1 reason we should consider holding him back. His youngness. Their stance is that he is not immature for his age, he is just young.

I don't get this part. Help me make some sense out of this. We didn't decide on the age cut-off for Kindergarten...we have no control over that. Is that a legit reason? If its so legit, then why don't they change the cut-off age?

So, basically I am constantly back and forth between these 2 scenarios.

1. I have not gotten a good enough reason to hold him back. I ask for it...all the time...but I haven't received anything that was concrete enough for me and made sense in my head. So, I should send him on to 1st grade.

2. There is this completely selfish side of me that sees how if we hold him back, we get to have him in our home for a whole extra year before he moves out. That's big. We already missed his first four years and this would soften that blow a little bit. But, it's selfish.

What's best for Ryland? What's best for him next year and for the rest of his life? How will I explain that we held him back for no reason? Is having a son who is 18 his ENTIRE senior year going to be a problem? What to do...what to do?

Any advice? Besides buying stock in Zantac to deal with my ulcers?

Update from the teacher

2011-05-13T08:15:00.000-07:00

So proud of our little monkey!

Sent: Friday, May 13, 2011 10:06 AM
To: Cortney Stone
Subject:

Hi Cortney!

Just a little info- I did Ryland’s DRA today. He read on a level 4. We only go to a 6 in Kinder. That is right there with everyone else. So - I really think that he is very close to being on level as far as academics are concerned. It’s just his youngness that is really a concern I feel like. I just wanted you to know that. It’s awesome!

Dallas Arboretum

2011-05-07T15:20:00.000-07:00

Prepare yourselves...these pics are adorable...

My brother, Tyler, and Leah & Talon

The Stone's...what a cute fam...

Ry & Oma

Oma, Opa and their grand-boys.

My parents, bro & sis

Ry Guy

The whole crew

Being silly...

Peace out!

First Roller Coaster Ride

2011-05-05T18:23:00.001-07:00

It's Official! My little guy is reading!

2011-05-01T08:30:00.000-07:00

We've been working on this for a while. He's been doing great sounding things out, looking for sight words and looking at the pictures for help. This morning he read 4 new books all on his own without stumbling. He's reading!!!

1) Is the Easter Bunny Real -- 2) Why didn't anyone tell me about the whole carrots at Easter thing? How cute...

2011-04-28T20:21:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had the pleasure of joining Ry for lunch at his school. At one point during our meal two of his classmates got into a very heated discussion...about the Easter Bunny.

"There is NO such thing as the Easter Bunny. It's just adults dressed in a costume."
"No, that's not true. The Easter Bunny came to my house. I left a carrot out for him and he ate it. He's definitely real."
"NO HE'S NOT REAL. It was probably an adult in a costume that ate the carrot. My mom told me the Easter Bunny was just a lie."
"Ryland's Mom, did you hear him? Is the Easer Bunny real?"

My answer "Well, he's real at our house. I don't know if he goes to everyone's house, but he came to ours."
Ryland had to chime in "He came to our house because we are so good and had good behaviors."

I was perplexed...how were these sweet, innocent kids already arguing about this? I have the friends that don't lie to their children, so they have no Santa, EB, Tooth Fairy, etc... but we are not those parents. And I can't even imagine being one of those parents. I want to let my kid be a kid for as long as he possibly can. I understand the other side though...I get it. What I don't get is why if you were a parent that chooses not to believe...why...why...wouldn't you talk to your kids about not ruining it for the other children that do? The children that still believe in something. Why is it ok for you to take that away? It isn't. It's your business what you take away from your own children, but don't...I repeat...DO NOT take anything away from my child.

In the famous words of Bon Qui Qui...

Easter Snaps

2011-04-27T17:43:00.000-07:00

Ry & Pop @ Tyler & Leah's for Easter

Baby T

So proud of his eggs and I was so proud that he didn't make a mess!

Too much celebrating for Chand and Talon...

Confetti Eggs

Ryland & Nyah

The Stone's

Ry, Nyah & Grandpa

A few pics from yesterday

2011-04-23T07:13:00.000-07:00

At the bank setting up Ryland's Savings Account! His first deposit!

Signing his name on the back of the check

My sweet little nephew puked on me :(

I'm so over...

2011-04-22T06:48:00.000-07:00

I know that most of you won't agree with me. These are just the opinions of Cortney. Hope I don't lose any friends over this...especially the Twilight comment, I know it's risky. I'm DONE with the following...don't want to hear about it anymore.

Lindsay Lohan - Tired of it...don't want to hear about her anymore. Gag.
Lady Gaga - Too much for me. There is a time and a place to entertain and it's not 100% of the time. There is just something disturbing to me about how whenever in public she is always in full-on ridiculous get up. Please. The whole idea of being different is cool, but you take it to an extreme - which is not cool...it's just weird.
Charlie Sheen - What can I say? Total Train Wreck? The whole #winning/warlock thing was pretty hilarious for a minute, but it's just sad now. I feel for you, yes, but so tired of hearing about you.
Twilight - Please...please...no more of it. I'm anti-vampires. Period. (Sorry Mom)
Octo-Mom - Again...total train wreck. As the saying goes...you made your bed...
Miley Cyrus, well the whole Cyrus Family - Still not sure how you got so lucky to begin with. Whether you like it or not (you signed up for this gig), a ton of little girls look up to you...straighten up!
DWTS - So over it...I hope this is the last season...
Chris Brown - Are you serious? How can you be mad that people aren't just focusing on your music? Sorry if your career is ruined, but I think it comes with the territory. You beat a woman. It's just not something we're over yet.

What are you so over???

-Cort

Sometimes you gotta live in the moment

2011-04-20T18:52:00.000-07:00

Little man had a rough day at school yesterday, but had a great day today. After school he really wanted us to play soccer. He had already decided that he and I would be the "good" team, we'd wear blue and my number would be 7 and his would be 8. Papa and Sadie would make up the "bad" team...numbers not yet determined. Sadie is currently on the injured list due to her minor paw setback on Sunday, but she would be there, cheering Papa on. Then the unthinkable thing happened...it rained. Darn I was looking forward to the whole big socks with shorts thing...oh well, there's always tomorrow. So we decided to head to the movie theater to catch a flick and grab some dinner. Even though Ryland already saw Hop with his Oma & Opa, he just had to see it again. After all, Easter is almost upon us! We had a fun night, ate too much pizza, sang "I Want Candy" through the parking lot, got home late and missed bath time...sometimes you have to just live in the moment! It nights like this that remind me of that. My schedule, routine, policies and procedures will still be here tomorrow!

Take a look at my little EB!

Two Hearts For Hope - bringing hope to the orphans of Kazakhstan

2011-04-19T06:25:00.000-07:00

Please consider helping save the earth while providing new windows for children in UST- Kamenogorsk. All proceeds will go towards the window redo project!

New Reusable shopping bags!

http://www.twoheartsforhope.org/shop.html

April Snaps

2011-04-18T17:39:00.000-07:00

At the Frisco Rough Riders Baseball Game

Snack Time

He loves cotton candy

Ry and his friends from school

Family Day @ Great Wolf Lodge - Ready for some fun at the waterpark!

Ry & Pop

Ready to eat

from Ry's angle

Ryland LOVES watermelon!

Air Hockey with Papa!

Ry loved, loved, loved Great Wolf Lodge!

Family Day

2011-04-18T17:25:00.000-07:00

For Ryland's "Gotcha Day", we've decided to celebrate April 15th (the day we first met Ryland) every year and call it Family Day. This is a VERY important day and the first day things 'got real' during our adoption journey. We found him. We found what we had known was there. Granted, he came in a totally different package than we had thought...you know, because we thought we knew it all!!

This kid is flat out amazing. When you think about what he has learned, experienced, embraced, loved, ate, etc. in a year it's almost ridiculous. Dustin and I couldn't be any prouder!

On April 15th, 2010 our lives were FOREVER changed. We met our son. A quiet, shy boy who quickly blossomed into a healthy, happy not quiet or shy AT ALL, slightly bigger little boy.

Beaming with Pride,
Cort & Dust

One year ago...our first day of bonding.

A year later! Happy Family Day!

Avoidance?

2011-04-13T18:13:00.000-07:00

I have been overwhelmed by all the Facebook posts I've seen this week about the Dateline special "The Boy From Baby House 10". The posts say that it is a moving piece that will jerk at your heart strings...you will cry your eyes out.

As I am intrigued, I'm avoiding it like the plague.

Why?

Is this a normal process that I'm going through? It doesn't seem like it. Seems like every other adoptive parent that I know watched this and was forever moved by it. I can't. I just can't right now. I'm not strong enough. It's just too fresh in my mind. Although I feel terrible for even admitting this... Right now, it's just easier for me to stay in a bubble. A "Happy Adoption Stories Only Bubble". I can't think about all the orphans around the world, near and far. I just can't. I want to. I want to help. I want to advocate. I want to make a difference. But I just can't right now and I don't know why.

On to the next one...or not?

2011-04-12T14:21:00.000-07:00

It’s that time again…time for Dustin and I to figure out what the best move will be for Ryland next year. There are pros and cons to each option. Being a parent is mentally, emotionally and physically exhausting. We think about it constantly. It rears its head in everything.

Here are the facts:

• He’s adorable.

• We met Ryland almost a year ago.

• He spoke NO English when we met him.

• He knows all his letters & all his numbers.

• He can orally count to 100 and can write all numbers to 100.

• He knows the sounds of all letters.

• He knows tons of sight words and is starting to sound out words.

• Can read easy books with assistance.

• Starting to write sentences on his own (of course his fave is…I like to play hockey.)

• He is a very young Kindergartener…one of the youngest.

• He had no structure before Kindergarten…no pre-school, daycare, etc.

• He’s silly, goofy, funny and a cut-up in general. He loves to run, dance and be on the go.

• Did I already mention he’s adorable?

He’s right there…he’s right on the cusp. We’re just not sure what to do. Do we push him into 1st grade and continue to work hard at getting him caught up? We know it will be a struggle and challenge for him. Or, do we let him repeat Kindergarten and get a firm grasp on the fundamentals? Will he be bored? What will this do to his behavior during school?

These are the thoughts swirling around in our heads constantly.

Everybody lide biiiiiiiiiikkkkeesss

2011-04-11T20:00:00.000-07:00

Things have been going pretty good lately. I can't complain. The last 5 days have been fun and drama free at the Stone house. Ry has been doing better at school (I hope typing this doesn't jinx us) and we've been having a blast. Lately his most popular request when he's had a good day at school is to have a family bike ride. My favorite part is how randomly at some point during our adventure he loudly says how much fun he is having and how much he loves "my family". It amazes me how much this kid can love. It's overwhelming. He is a mountain of love in this small, little body. He's going to change lives with that heart of his; he's changed Dust and I forever.

Ok, ok...enough of the sappy stuff. He's still a total crack-up and says something funny about every 30 minutes. I really need to keep track of all of this. Today's winner was:

A song that he sang to us in the car. The first time he's sang a song with his own made up lyrics....of course it was about hockey. Something about hockey, goalies fighting, penalties, power plays, crossbars, refs fighting, pull the goalie - pull the goalie and scoring goals. He could talk day and night about hockey...and now he can also sing about it.

- Cort

The Stone Fam

2011-04-01T18:10:00.000-07:00

I came home from work last week and the house was quiet! I found Ry and the babysitter sitting at the table. He had fallen asleep during snack time!

I can ride my bike with no training wheels...no training wheels!

I'm faster than Mama!

Dustin with our new nephew

Baby Talon

Great day at school today - so, we celebrated!

First time on Go-Karts with Papa showing him the ropes

I got this!

No hands! I guess he thought it was a roller coaster!

Mini-golf...was a challenge. He kept trying to hit the ball like it was a hockey puck. Happy Gilmore!

Round 2 - Ryland & Mama

D&C

I love Ryland...

2011-03-29T06:23:00.000-07:00

Kids kissing...so cute, right? WRONG!

I'm at a loss for words...not sure where to begin. Yesterday Ry came home with a note from a girl (by note I mean a drawing of a heart with the words I love Ryland across it. Yikes. It bothered me all night. How young does this happen? Is it cute and innocent? Should I be worried?

After Ry was asleep last night, I heard that Ry's best friend told his mom that Ryland and the girl with the note kissed at school. TOTAL SHOCK. I started freaking out. It was all I could do to not wake him up and start the interrogation. All I could do...

Surely his friend was mistaken? Surely? My innocent Ryland? No...

This morning we wake Ry up and talk to him. He finally admits it. PANIC. I didn't even know what to say. I had this overwhelming feeling that I must be the worst mother in the world. How could we have avoided this? We have a rule in our family. No kissing ANYONE except for family. This girl is not in our family. He broke the rule. Why doesn't he think girls are gross? What happened to cooties?

I knew he would be a handful down the road...I knew it...but this early? Seriously, Ryland?

What do I do? Scare him to death? Talk it over? Ignore it? Who am I kidding...I can't ignore it. We talked it over AT LENGTH and we attempted to scare him out of kissing again. I hope it works...

My pride and joy

2011-03-20T06:45:00.001-07:00

Surgery Update

2011-03-18T05:44:00.000-07:00

Ryland's surgery yesterday went really well. He did great and I didn't cry...we're a proud family!! I can't say enough about the staff at Children's (Plano Campus) - they took such great care of us, were professional, friendly and we received first class service the whole time. Ry was not circumcised as a baby and we felt that we needed to have that done. I know he doesn't understand or appreciate it now...but I'm hoping he does when he's older. My brother and his wife had a son earlier this week and they both had the procedure done on the same day. What a bonding story - can't wait to tease them about this much later in life!

Every single person we came into contact with at the hospital had something sweet to say about Ryland. (He's so cute, I love his hair, he was awesome, does he ever not smile, etc.) It really made me and Dust proud. It's amazing when other people see what we see in him - he's such a good kid who is usually happy and smiling!

The silly juice had the opposite effect on Ry than we thought. It mellowed him out. He got really chill and focused. Hmmmm...wonder if we can get some of that on the internet... :)

Here are some pics of our little trooper yesterday!

Pre-surgery. He like putting on clothes just like the doctor and he really liked his finger light.

Just waking up...still out of it. The nurses gave him the little stuffed puppy.

Enjoying a popsicle

They brought a wagon to wheel him out to the car in. He was excited and I think it's the first time he's been in a wagon.

He enjoyed the special attention even though he was 1/2 out of it.

Waiting on the valet to bring the car around.

Ready to head home for movies and video games!

Spring Break: Day 1

2011-03-14T18:07:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my neighbor asked if we'd like her to take Ry with her to work for a couple of hours this morning. (She's an elementary school coach.) Ummmmm, yes please? Ryland not only busy, but running around a gym burning endless amounts of energy while we get some work done? Yes, please! Thank you Ms. Dana!

This afternoon we headed to the consultation appointment for Ryland's upcoming procedure (man surgery as we are calling it). Awesome doctor and staff - Ry had the time of his life! He was cutting up, being hilarious and talking up a storm. He captivated everyone there. Surprise, surprise. A year ago he knew no English. And today, he carried on a full conversation (about hockey, of course).

"Hi, I'm a doctor. Not the kind that gives shots, don't worry - just a surgeon. What kind of doctor are you?"
"I'm not a doctor! I'm a hockey player. Do you know how to play hockey? Would you like to ref? What's your favorite team? Dallas Stars? Or maybe Chic-aaa-go?"

When the doctor asked him how old he was, he told him that he was 5, his Papa was 31 and his Mama was 20! Everyone laughed and smiled at me!! Socially speaking, the kid was ON today. He was a clown, hilarious and the center of attention. I'm not even sure he knows he's being witty, but he sure loves the attention and feedback!

Here's a couple pics from our big trip to the doctor. He was so excited, from the time we pulled up. Maybe it was because he knew we were going bike shopping afterward???

Still excited by things like elevators and escalators. And by excited, I mean amazed!

In the waiting room watching TV with Pop. Love it...look at my serious boys. I don't get many pics of Ry where he is not smiling!

Cheesin' it up

Everyone loved his cowboy boots!

Big boy helping Papa load up his new bike. Last night we were all riding and his inner tube popped! (To Shawna & Kimmy - yes, I was riding a bike too, and no - I didn't crash in the bushes!!) He has outgrown his old one and is asking us to take away the training wheels. Today we got a bigger bike and we hope to work on no training wheels this week!

Ry's view on marriage

2011-03-13T19:33:00.001-07:00

Ry and I were snuggling while Papa read us books at bedtime tonight. When the last book was over, I told him that I didn't want to go to my bed that I would just stay with him.

"Mama, you can't do that. You are married to Pop so you have to sleep in bed with Pop. You can't sleep with me or you would marry me and you can't marry me because you are married to Pop. Remember? Just go...go sleep with Pop because you are married to him. Ok? Are you sad?"

Hilarious! I laughed all the way to my own bed. I love how things make sense in kid's heads.

Kindergarten Open House

2011-03-11T05:48:00.000-08:00

Last night was the Open House at Ryland's school and he was so excited to take us around to all the classrooms and show us everything! We had great visits with his teacher and ESL teacher and I am always to glad to touch base with them. I can't tell you how many times we heard kids and adults say hello to Ryland, make comments about his smile, ask if he is always this happy, etc. My little social butterfly. His science teacher was very excited to tell me about something he had done this week.

His class went to the book fair in the library and they had separated the boys and the girls. The boys went around and looked at all the books first while the girls waited. Ry was the first one done and walked back to the area where all the girls were waiting. As he rounded the corner, he said this with a grin on his face "hello ladies".

I know, I know...I'm in for it!

Following Directions

2011-03-09T18:17:00.000-08:00

Following Directions...Ryland's latest struggle.

Ry's been having a hard time at school and is consistently bringing home reports of "Not Following Directions". Dustin and I know this is all our fault. I hate to admit this and I do feel lazy, but the fact of the matter is that we haven't been staying on top of him enough. We ask him multiple times to do things before he actually gets around to doing it. He doesn't follow directions clearly and usually responds to our directions with "but ____________." We're just tired and we don't want to fight all the time. So I may ask him 4 times to set the table before he actually gets around to doing it. I don't like that, I want to change...I just don't want to have to "police" everything with him...it's exhasuting.

It's clear, the time has come. He has to learn to follow directions at school and the only way he is going to learn that is if we enforce that behavior at home so he can learn the proper way. Dustin and I have cracked down. We're on day # 3. We're tired. But we are confident if we stay on top of him and get through 2-3 weeks of hardtimes, he'll be set. It will become habit. It's hard, and there's part of me that dreads coming home from work now, because I just want to come home and relax and have a fun evening with my family...not come home and put on my Officer Mama badge. Hardwork pays off, we know this works with Ryland - we just have to do it.

To the other parents out there...does this happen to you too? Do you know that what you are doing isn't helping the situation, but continue to do it anyway because you don't have the fight in you? Help me stay motivated and focused over the next couple weeks. I can do it...I mean, "I bleed Tiger blood".

For your viewing pleasure

2011-03-08T10:08:00.000-08:00

Here's some recent snaps of Leah's baby shower and some other randomness!

Leah's Cupcake Tower

Cortney & Chandler (my little sis)

Clothes for Baby Talon!

Leah with the excited Grandmas

Ry doing a self pic

Having fun at a birthday party!

How do you love?

2011-03-03T07:16:00.000-08:00

I believe…
that just because someone doesn’t love you the way you want them to doesn’t mean they don’t love you with all they have. (Author Unknown)

The quote above really makes you think. Well, it makes me think anyway. A few years back I learned a lot about Love Languages. It was so interesting to me that Dustin and I could each express our love to each other in different ways. I had always loved Dustin the way that I wanted to be shown love instead of the way he needed to be shown love. It really made us think about our relationships with each other as well as our family and friends.

My love language is:
Words of Affirmation

Actions don’t always speak louder than words. If this is your love language, unsolicited compliments mean the world to you. Hearing the words, “I love you,” are important–hearing the reasons behind that love sends your spirits skyward. Insults can leave you shattered and are not easily forgotten.

After we learned this it was so helpful. Before hearing this, Dustin thought buying me gifts was how he should so me that he loves me.

The Five Love Languages are:

Words of Affirmation

Actions don’t always speak louder than words. If this is your love language, unsolicited compliments mean the world to you. Hearing the words, “I love you,” are important—hearing the reasons behind that love sends your spirits skyward. Insults can leave you shattered and are not easily forgotten.

Quality Time

In the vernacular of Quality Time, nothing says, “I love you,” like full, undivided attention. Being there for this type of person is critical, but really being there—with the TV off, fork and knife down, and all chores and tasks on standby—makes your significant other feel truly special and loved. Distractions, postponed dates, or the failure to listen can be especially hurtful.

Receiving Gifts

Don’t mistake this love language for materialism; the receiver of gifts thrives on the love, thoughtfulness, and effort behind the gift. If you speak this language, the perfect gift or gesture shows that you are known, you are cared for, and you are prized above whatever was sacrificed to bring the gift to you. A missed birthday, anniversary, or a hasty, thoughtless gift would be disastrous—so would the absence of everyday gestures.

Acts of Service

Can vacuuming the floors really be an expression of love? Absolutely! Anything you do to ease the burden of responsibilities weighing on an “Acts of Service” person will speak volumes. The words he or she most want to hear: “Let me do that for you.” Laziness, broken commitments, and making more work for them tell speakers of this language their feelings don’t matter.

Physical Touch

This language isn’t all about the bedroom. A person whose primary language is Physical Touch is, not surprisingly, very touchy. Hugs, pats on the back, holding hands, and thoughtful touches on the arm, shoulder, or face—they can all be ways to show excitement, concern, care, and love. Physical presence and accessibility are crucial, while neglect or abuse can be unforgivable and destructive.

What's your love language? Check out this website to find out. It may even surprise you!

http://www.5lovelanguages.com/
I've found that this has been so helpful to our family. Ryland is just like his Mama and needs to be shown love by words of affirmation. Poor Dust, he has 2 needy people at home to deal with! Not fun for a guy who doesn't like to talk about feelings!!

Date Night

2011-03-01T19:00:00.001-08:00

What a chore weeknight date nights are! Why didn't anyone tell me???

Two minutes before the babysitter arrives I realize that I hadn't even thought about what they were going to eat. I'm pretty sure most moms would have prepared a quick meal before leaving...apparently that's not my style.
Luckily karma was working for me and I found some cash in the house to give to the babysitter. "Please take him somewhere or order a pizza... please!"

Quickly refreshed my makeup and zoomed down the highway to meet Dustin at the movie theater. The 5th closest movie theater since that is the only one playing the movie we wanted to see within our 2 hour time slot of freedom. I finally get there and Dustin runs out to give me my ticket. I missed the previews and the first 10 minutes of the movie, but oh well. Dustin had a romantic dinner of nachos and a cherry coke icee waiting for me!
The movie wraps up and I check my watch...7:12. Oh great, I told her we'd be home by 7:15. Send her a quick text and head for home. Get home and immediately start bedtime routine.

Wow, what a night! Rush, rush, rush.

Weeknight Date Night Bonus?

Bedtime routine is much smoother and even enjoyable when we haven't been bickering all evening or been asked a million questions.

Bonus aside, I kinda like my weeknight evenings at home...I think I'll keep date nights on the weekend!

Inspiration from Jimmy John's

2011-02-25T07:13:00.000-08:00

As I was eating a delicious sandwich with my family last night, I was mesmerized by this poster that was up on the wall at Jimmy John's. It was a bunch of simple, yet profound, quotes. It's inspired me to write some things down and share my thoughts on these.

I believe…

that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become. (Author Unkown)

Whoa. I couldn't believe this statement to be more true. There are few things in life that drive me crazier than people who blame where they are at in life or how they have turned out on their background. No one had a perfect childhood. No one. You are what you make yourself to be. Don't use your past as an excuse. Use it to better your life.

You are what you make yourself to be. Think about it.

Waiting...

2011-02-23T05:42:00.000-08:00

It's crazy to think that a year ago today things were so different. Our agency hadn't told us that we had received our LOI yet. Our agency hadn't told us that they were shutting down the program in Kaz yet. We were clueless. We had no idea. We had been waiting for almost 3 years and were tired. Sometimes I used to think that we would never get to go to Kazakhstan. Sometimes I thought I was never meant to be a mother. For one reason or another it just wouldn't work out. I was an emotional mess. Whenever I heard that someone had a successful adoption, I broke. I envied them. I loathed them. Why them? Why not me? I used to cry and cry. I felt that no one understood how I felt. Dustin and I are great people. We're young. We're fun. Why can't it be our turn? Why can't this come easily? Such a low point of our lives. Waiting kills. At this time last year, it was so hard for me to talk about. I felt like no one had any idea what I was going through and if I even started to talk about it, I turned into a sobbing crazy lady.

When my agency informed us that they were closing down the program in Kaz, I was a mess. I was devastated. I was furious. I was heartbroke. I hated everything. It's hard for me to even think about now and re-live. My wounds still haven't healed. I'm still angry. How could that happen to us? We work hard, we pay our bills, we pay our taxes, we love openly, we're good citizens; how could something like this happen to us? My heart broke. I KNEW our child was in Kazakhstan. I just knew it. I'd known it for years - or so I thought. Was my judgement that off? Did I mis-read my gut feeling? Maybe I did. Maybe I'm not meant to be a mother. I was so sure that I'd known. This change in the game perplexed me. Poor, poor Dustin. Not only was he devastated too, but he had to be a rock for me when I was at my worst.

Good think we stuck to that gut feeling and went to Kaz anyway. Our trip was long, hard and an emotional roller coaster. But it was worth every moment. (I'm sure you've seen the pics of my adorable son! So proud!) I now get to be one of those moms that other prospective adoptive parents envy. I now have a whole community of people that do know 100% how I am feeling. That is an amazing thing. Amazing. I still cry from time to time - but not out of emptiness. We've been home 7 months and I am still adjusting to our new life. It is weird to just go with the flow and not be utterly and totally 100% consumed by waiting. Obsessing about Kazakhstan, our child to be, traveling, etc. It's weird. The hardest part of the adoption process is not the paperwork or the expense...it's the waiting.

Sadie Stone

2011-02-22T16:18:00.000-08:00

I would like to take this opportunity to give a shout out to our dog, Sadie. Best. Family. Dog. Ever.

S ooooo tolerant
A lways happy
D ependable
I rreplaceable
E xtraordinary

When I sit back and think of all the things she does with and for us…it’s simply amazing. This dog is just as much a member of this family as anyone else.
Ry jumped on her head this weekend and she did nothing (except look at me like “Are you serious?”).
She was kind enough to get a temporary tattoo on her belly when Ryland wanted her to have one, too.
No matter where I am in the house, if I start crying she knows and comes and finds me.
She dances hip hop with us, even though she hates it.
She will wear whatever you put on her.
She’s great with kids, the groomer, the vet, riding in a car, walking off leash, eating, listening and pretty much everything else.

We are so proud of our furry girl and are so glad she’s a Stone.

29

2011-02-18T05:42:00.000-08:00

Well...it happened. I turned 29 and the world did not stop spinning. This age is surreal to me. I remember a time when I thought 29 was old *cue gasp*. I've always told myself that 29 will be the last age that I turn. I'll be one of those ladies that claims she is 29 forever. I will work my magic on someone at the DMV to have them change my birth date to reflect this little plan of mine. I will color my hair... forever. I will be that lady that's 55, but clearly dressing like she is 18. I will be that lady who refuses to age. I will be wearing glitter make-up forever!

Well - that's what I've always told myself. But now, that just seems silly. Those women that refuse to let go of their youth look RIDICULOUS! I don't want to be part of that crew. I want to embrace my age and age gracefully. I want to look fab at 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 & 90. I want to have some wrinkles (not a lot) but I want my kids to know that I smiled with abandonment and was happy all the time. I want them to embrace growing up and not fear it.

So, that's what I am going to try to do.

Will you be my Valentine?

2011-02-14T18:28:00.000-08:00

Wow...in my head, I had this perfect little day all planned out. I LOVE Valentine's Day. I was so excited to do some of the things that I did as a kid.

Before going in to my story, let me preface it with this statement. Dustin usually does the morning routine with Ry and I help out where I can before I head to work.

This morning, I got up early and got ready so that I could make a special breakfast for Ryland. Wanted to pass on my family's tradition. Homemade, heart-shaped pink biscuits.

Dustin had been sick all night and just as it was time for him to get up I realized he wouldn't be getting up. Crazy, freakishly sick. So, the whole morning was up to me...which is fine...if I have time to plan for it. Got Ry up, showed him his Valentine's presents, made the biscuits, tinted the milk, made the special Valentine's lunch (complete with a heart shaped sandwich), got him ready, opened Valentines and finally off to school. He was a terror this morning. All the while I was running late. I hate being late. I was in a terrible mood. Ridiculous traffic (now I remember why I go in to the office early). Rough start to the day.

Ry had an equally bad day at school, surprise surprise. I'm mad at myself because I think I caused most of it by freaking out so much this morning since things weren't living up to what I had envisioned. Rough day, just felt like I was off my game and always one step behind.

Very rough evening for a 5 year old...wow... We put him to bed an hour early and he just cried his little self to sleep. Not sure what the deal was today. Maybe he was abducted by aliens? Sure hope my Ryland is back tomorrow...there is only so much this Mama can take!

Dustin, his Ny-Quil, Vicks and everything else are already dead asleep.

I'm looking for a Valentine. I'm pretty sure that I will ask the strawberry cupcake in the kitchen to "be mine", grab a few chocolates for good measure and watch a movie.

Hope you've had a good day! I'm looking foward to Valentine's Day II in my near future!

XOXO,
Cort

Fiesta!

2011-02-14T18:00:00.000-08:00

My family...how do I explain them? Never a dull moment! Love them all so much!

My birthday is tomorrow and my sis-in-law came up with the idea of throwing me a FIESTA! I do love cheesy, fun things and it ended up being a huge hit!

Delicious mexican food, hilarious games, decorations, flowers for the girls' hair and mustaches for the gents!

A good time was had by all!

THANK YOU SO MUCH FAMILY - I love you all so much!

Don't worry - I'm not a bad mother; Ry was enjoying a mocktail!

Girls Night

2011-02-11T14:07:00.000-08:00

Tonight is a different kind of Girls Night. Thinking about tonight makes me feel old. I have one niece and she is 8 years old. She is ECSTATIC to go see Justin Bieber's movie "Never Say Never". Being a woman in this family, I have to be in on this. I want to be in on this. She's growing up!

Do you have Bieber Fever?

As we say in our house...Chilly-wampus...

2011-02-08T17:54:00.000-08:00

On the 3rd day of no school, 3 hands a painting, 2 papers waiting and a finished masterpiece!

Snow Pup

Ryland & Oma

"Sledding" with Uncle Tyler

Ry & Aunt Chand. (And, yes - you're seeing that correctly...we don't have sleds here, but we do have pool floats! Don't be jealous!)

Ok, ok, we look rough here...we know...that's what being stuck inside for 4 days can do to ya!

Sadie - it's your turn. She wasn't a fan of actually "sledding", but she loved to chase you down the hill.

Opa's turn

Our Snow Cutie

Ice Skating Lesson...NHL, here he comes!

My Boys

Skating with Papa

Kicking?

2011-02-08T17:34:00.000-08:00

A few moments ago, Ryland was holding his neck and felt his pulse. His face lit up into pure amazement. "Mama, feel it. He's kicking me."

Ry's Auntie Leah is pregnant with his cousin-to-be and Ry's been able to feel him kicking. He apparently now thinks there is a baby boy in his throat.

The kid continually cracks me up; I love it.

-Cort

My 2 favorite guys

2011-02-08T09:05:00.000-08:00

Snow Days

2011-02-03T17:48:00.000-08:00

Today was the 3rd day in a row that school has been cancelled in our neck of the woods. It's going to be closed tomorrow, too. It's just cruel and unusual punishment...for the kids...and for the parents! It's sooo cold outside that we spend more time bundling up to go outside than we actually spend outside. We live in Texas...this weather has been crazy. ICE and below 25 for 3 straight days.

Poor Ry. It's hard enough being 5, let alone being locked in a house with your parents who are constantly telling you to be quiet so they can work. Constantly saying, "No, I can't play right now. Sorry, but I have to work." He just doesn't get it. It doesn't matter how many toys he has or things to do, he is so BORED when he isn't interacting with someone...anyone!

We're all stir crazy and want to get out...even Sadie.

I took yesterday off to try to give Ry a break from alone time and hang out with him all day. We finger-painted, played bingo, went out to lunch, did a bunch of learning activities, watched movies and taught him how to play Skip-Bo. His least favorite part of the day? Cleaning with Mama!

Today Dustin braved it and headed into the office and Ry and I fended for ourselves at home. I was working away, but had a list of activities ready to go and we did pretty good. During his 50 minute bath I heard him talking about kissing, so I went in there to check on him and he told me that he kissed his cup...for practice. Oh boy. I really thought I had years and years before this kind of thing would start happening to my little guy. I'm in for it, aren't I? Not once did I get up this morning thinking that I would have to talk to Ry about kissing today. Wow. Why does this stuff always happen when Dustin isn't here? It's like he knows when he should have a "Man-to-Man" and avoids it so he gets my version... "Cort to Little Man" He should probably start keeping a list of all the crazy things I tell him that I don't know anything about! I'm guessing that my version of what boys/men should/shouldn't do isn't as black & white as Dustin's would be!

I really enjoy it though. I laugh all the time. I roll my eyes. I love all the "are you serious moments?".
And I just think of how fun it will be to embarrass him with all this great material when he's older!!!

Grinning...& trying to stay warm!

Cort

Hungry Little Fellow

2011-01-31T17:42:00.001-08:00

2 bowls of beef & broccoli, a tortilla, a large glass of milk and 2 bowls of strawberries.

"Mama, more please!"

He usually eats more than me and ate more than Dustin tonight! Yikes! How am I going to afford to feed this kid when he's a teenager?!?!

Memory

2011-01-31T17:24:00.000-08:00

Memory Game

Ryland - 3
Mama - 0
Papa - 1

Post Correction!

2011-01-27T11:51:00.000-08:00

My dear, dear friend Misty is who I called on Tuesday when I needed advice & to vent.
She didn't give me any bad advice to head to Starbucks - actually the tea was calming!
I'm pretty sure there is no way she could have orchestrated the bird situation, but I will always wonder!

I love you, Misty! Thanks for always calming me down when I need it and an even bigger thanks for riling me up from time to time, too!