The Rodriguez Family Blog

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Make a Smilebox postcard

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Halloween

My friend Kara sent me a picture she had taken of us on Halloween! Diane was Lucy, I was Ethel and Kara dressed as our friend from that era. It was really fun! I know it's so wrong to post a picture of myself on Halloween and not have taken any of my own children! But, don't worry...there coming! I promise!

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

National Adoption Month

The month of November is National Adoption Month! I love this month (I think the only day more special to us is January 11th, the day we finalized Luke's adoption) and it's so appropriate because I'm extremely THANKFUL for the opportunity we have been given to be adoptive parents! Whenever I think back over the story of how it was that Luke came to us and became part of our family, I am once again amazed at how God orchestras the events of our lives! I'll spare you the telling of the story because most of you have heard it many times or know it well (if you ever want to hear it, just let me know:0)). But, it's one of those things that make you very aware that God works in our lives and has a plan even when we don't understand his timeline or why people's paths cross. As Luke gets older he is beginning to have many questions about being adopted and what all of that means and we are enjoying the conversations about how God chose him especially for our family. Adoption has been one of the most rewarding things Mario and I have done together. If you've ever considered adoption I encourage you to check into it. There are so many children in foster care that need a stable, loving home. Plus, many more being born each day that will have a need for a forever family. If that isn't the right fit for your family, consider "adopting" a boy or girl through Compassion International or World Vision. They have programs that allow you to sponsor a child in an impoverished country!

Monday, November 3, 2008

Halloween without Pictures!

I know! I know! How could I have forgotten my camera? I have no idea...we just had so much fun planned for Halloween that I left the house without it! The good news is that my dad and sister-in-law took pictures for us! Phew! So as soon I as I get them, I will share them with all of you!

Saturday, October 25, 2008

A Night At The Movies

Last night Mariah and I went to see High School Musical 3 with friends! It was so much fun! The movie was great(even for the moms). We all had a really good time! Mariah had been waiting for this day for a long time now and it was really nice to go with all the girls.

Something to Consider

Adopting a child doesn't change the whole world. But for that child the whole world changes.

Unknown

It is a poverty to decide that a child must die so you may live as you wish.

Mother Teresa

Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

Truem

Whether you believe you can do something or not, you are right.

Henry Ford

What we are is God's gift to us. What we become is our gift to God.

Eleanor Powell

Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve our condition!

The small things we do in life for others don't mean much...they mean EVERYTHING!

Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one come to you without leaving happier.

Mother Teresa

A friend is someone who knows you well and still likes you.

Unknown

Kids Say The Darndest Things

Luke often says such funny things, so I thought I would start to share them with all of you from time to time! So here are some of the most recent ones that have kept us laughing...

Apparently Luke has recently become fluent in French. When I inquired about where he had learned French he replied, "From the FBI!"

Recently our dog Maddie was barking to get outside. I sternly said, "Be quiet! Go lay down!" Then I heard Luke say, " Mom, I could be wrong, but I don't think that is the way to earn Maddie's affections!"

Luke has narrowed down his career options recently. He told me he just can't decide whether he should work at Walmart or be a Doctor!

Luke asked me the other day if we could stop at Starbucks for a "Frap-a-chonie".

After our walk through a living nativity this Christmas, Luke said "Wow...I didn't know Jesus was "king of the jewels" thats cool!"

Luke has been asking about heaven lately. When we will go there, who will go there and now...what will go there. He told me that he'd like "jacket" (his blankie) to be there so please put it in a box, write "JESUS" in big letters and He can pick it up at the post office when he has time!

When I asked Luke how his day at school went earlier this week, he said "Great! I met Avery and she's willing to marry me!"

Today Luke announced that he is getting a tatoo. It apparently is going on his stomach and will read: God is awesome...and so is my mom! It does have a ring to it! I like it!

Luke was watching the kids walking by as we waited for Dylan after school today. When suddenly he blurted out, " Oh dang! I just saw a Jonas brother! I didn't know they went to this school." I said, "You did?" And he said, "Yeah, the one with the hair!"

Luke hurt himself on Friday and we had to visit the emergency room. When the Dr. came in she asked me if he had lost conciousness at anytime. And although he was very much out of it, Luke opened his eyes just a little bit and said, "No, I lost my balance!" Then closed his eyes again.

Luke was asking about the logistics of how God could make everything in the world in just a few days. So, I began to review with him what happened each day. When we got to the 6th day I told him that God made the first people. I said, "Do you remember who the first man was that God made? Do you remember his name?" "Grandpa?" was his reply!

On Halloween Luke asked his dad, "What is Jesus being for Halloween?" When Mario said he didn't know...Luke said, "I think he's gonna be a hamster!"

Luke received a call from Geoffery the Giraffe at Toys 'r' Us for his birthday today! He listened quietly, then said, "What the heck? I didn't know giraffes could talk!"

We were at the doctor's office recently and the nurse told Luke that she loved his curly hair. This was his reply, "Seriously, it's not MY fault! It's my mom's..."

Recently one of Luke's siblings was sent to their room for disobeying. As he assessed the situation and they went upstairs, he turned to me and asked, "Are they gonna get their rear-end paddled?" To which I replied, "No! Where did you hear that?" He said, "You know...that's spanish for a spankin'!"

Most nights I tuck Luke into bed and they all go pretty much the same...tuck him in, pray, give him a kiss and turn on his music. But tonight was different! When we were done praying he said to me,"What did you say?" I said,"Amen!" "M-O-M!" he told me,"It's Hey, Man! When we're done praying we say Hey, Man!"

Man, you've got to love kids!