World AIDS Orphan Day

There’s a movement growing. Everyday in the Western world someone’s eyes are opened to the orphan crisis that’s ravaging the developing countries. The problem seems so large and we seem so insignificant. We can make a difference though. By raising awareness we foster a community and as a community we can provide. We’re asking you to help us in creating that community. World AIDS Orphan Day is May 7th. The AHOPE Store has developed a t-shirt to commemorate this day and the community of supporters that are growing year after year. Please join us in raising awareness. It’s simple. Order our newest t-shirt from the AHOPE Store for a $10 donation. (All proceeds go towards care of the children served by AHOPE.) Wear your shirt as often as possible, and especially on World AIDS Orphan Day. It will serve as a reminder to your community. It may even create a dialogue. That dialogue could open someone’s eyes. You might inspire them to do more, give more. We are asking you to join us in creating a community that is committed to orphan care. After seeing what one little t-shirt can you might be inspired yourself. If that’s the case be sure to check out the World AIDS Orphan Day website. Here you can find further information on this grassroots campaign and how to organize an event in your area. The campaign was founded by FXB International in 2002 and continues to grow year after year. To order your shirt, please visit http://www.ahopestore.org/. For orders of 20 or more please contact Marissa Baker at store@ahopeforchildren.org. Thank you very much for your support of AHOPE! Please share this on your blog and through email. We are excited about this shirt and hope that you will be too!

A Full Moon Morning

I have no idea how this happened since he didn't make a peep last night, but this was the beautiful sight we awoke to this morning! Michael said when Marley actually woke up and Mike went in there, he grabbed his diaper, handed it to Michael and said "uh-oh"...too much!!

He's sooo gonna kill me when he's 16!

Domincan Family Photos

We had such a wonderful time during Spring Break at the Domincan Republic! One of the highlights was the professional photographer we hired to take some family photos. It was kind of hot that day and we got in as many as we could before certain people had a melt down...and before Marley got tired too!

Fashion by Marley

To advance his headware line, Marley has introduced the oh-so-fashionable swim diaper hat...

The Fabulous Terrible Twos!

Although Marley's Birthday isn't until next month, he is absolutely demonstrating the terrible twos and its oh so many joys!! The temper which ignites like firestorm over something, as seemingly, trivial as not being able to brush his teeth at 3 in the afternoon, or not having his food magically appear on his plate the instant he requests it...or God forbid Mom wants to hold his hand while he is crossing the street...look out!!

But for all of the tantrums and their hilarity, he is still the cutest thing EVER...even when he does tantrum....here is the end of one such event!

Toothbrush Time!!

Certain people are TOTALLY obsessed with their toothbrush! Temper tantrums abound when it is not time to brush... and joy is had by all when, alas, it tooth brushing time!!

And he is also sleeping with his Water Polo ball...Uncle Shaver would be very proud!

St. Patty's Day Festive

Marley this awesome hat at school, but I didn't get to bring it home until last week! So talented!

Sweet, Sweet, Sleep

Oh... these are the moments I waited for all those months!! I love this little guy!

His Hair is HUGE!!

It just keeps getting bigger everyday!!

TOMS "A Day Without Shoes"

Last week the TOMS shoe company encouraged people to spend an entire day without wearing shoes! I took the challenge and went to the La Brea Tar Pits with my sister and Mike...and no shoes!!

Open House

Marley accompanied me to Open House last week. He enjoyed a scrumptious dinner and then began on his latest art project, which is currently on display in my room!!

Valentine's Day

Ok, so I know V Day was almost two months ago...but I just found these pix! We dressed the little Mister up for the special day because they were decorating Valentine's Day boxes and delivering cards in his class. He, of course, was totally adorable!! And super excited about the stickers he dismantled from his box!

Good Times!

Another fun day of softball! It was Dad's last game and we went out to cheer him onto victory...until this cute girl came along and started playing soccer with him!

After the long fought win on the softball field, my two boys decided to hit the hay!!

Worn out from all the day's events, Marley couldn't even finish his dinner...

or his dance! Dad...you're crazy!!

Another Date With Princess Grace

We started at the homestead and Grace brought her brother Jackson with her this time. I think at this point in the relationship, Marley is making sure all family members are in support of this courtship! Marley held nothing back as he opened BOTH sides of the toy box...and as you can see Jack was thoroughly impressed and engrossed in the contents! I think this photo captures the true success of the day as Jackson humbly holds the Ethiopian flag proudly in his hand! A sure sign of respect and approval!

With Mom in tow for reinforcement and relationship advice, we headed over to the water park...

Marley wasted no time in buttering up the Princess' father and went straight for the bear hug...

Grace appreciated the gesture...

Dad was there to witness the blessed event...

and the rest of the day went off without a hitch...

One Year Famiversary

I can't believe that on March 7 we celebrated our one-year Famiversary! One year!! One glorious, happy, life changing year or joy! It's amazing how much we have taken to being a family! And Marley is such a fabulous little spirit, every day Mike and I thank God for all of the struggle and emotional turmoil we went through to have Marley! I wouldn't change a moment of any of it!!
To celebrate we had dinner at El Torrito, where Marley created several masterpeices!!

And we were going to let him drive home....

But he had a few too many at our celebratory dinner!!