Life with the McCullochs

My Little Star

2012-01-13T09:38:00.000-08:00

On Christmas Eve we attended a service at a church called "The Following" in Orange County with my side of the family. During the service one of the pastors asked for all the children in the service to come up. They all sat on the stage and he began to ask the children questions. Immediately we knew Luke would be the one answering them. He likes being on stage, has not problem being the center of attention, and likes being the first one to answer... We have learned over the years that if there is a chance for him to be on stage he will often be the first one to sprint up. Maybe this started when he was only 2 years old and on stage at a YL camp in front on 700 high school students that cheered like crazy for him. Anyway, the pastor asked what everyone wanted for Christmas. Luke shouted his answer first and was invited to sit on the pastors lap and speak into the micro phone. He listed off things that he wanted Santa to bring him and then sat back down. The next question was asked and again he shouted out his answer first. He was again sat on the pastors lap and stole the show with a series of cute answers. Then he was asked why Jesus came down to live on earth. His answer made me a little teary eyed. He said, "So that Jesus could live in all our hearts". It was so sweet! Love my little guy. Then the pastor asked Luke if he know what adopted means, which was ironic... and asked if he could adopt him. Luke said sure, but too bad he's all mine! The way he doesn't mind the spot light and easily captures and audiences attention makes me wonder what he will do when he grows up. He has the potential of being a charismatic leader for sure. I wonder how God will use his gifts. He asks me all the time if he can be on TV. My answer is always no, but I have no doubt he would be good at it if I was willing to drive to L.A. for auditions, don't hold your breath, not going to happen anytime soon. I am just want to let him be a kid.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-26T11:01:00.000-08:00

We had a really wonderful Christmas. I am so thankful for all of our friends and family and the time we got to spend together! Hard to believe that another Christmas has come and gone. Time really flies! Nothing really new with adoption stuff. We haven't even began the mound of home study paper work yet because of how quickly the process is and how little we have to pay the fees as of right now. I was hoping that we would get that started in Jan., but not sure how that is going to happen. I do have faith that if it is meant to be God will provide. He did last time!

We did get some exciting news though! Ryan passed his Captain's test! I am so proud of him! This was the first time he took the test and he decided pretty late to take it and start studying. He has another round of testing in the end of January which will rank him as far as hiring for the position goes. So, it looks like for now he will stay in the training department (his Mon- Fri schedule) so he can continue to work towards taking the required classes to promote in a reasonable amount of time. Excited to see what God has in store for Ryan in his career. I think he will make an amazing Captain. We should know more in the next few months.

Faith Like a Child

2011-12-01T13:58:00.000-08:00

Luke wants to be a baby brachiosaurus when he grows up (he use to want to be a reality TV star on Wipeout). Today he said "Mommy, when I grow up I REALLY want to be a baby brachiosaurus, I am going to pray and ask God." I said, "Ok". He began to pray, "God, when I grow up, please make me a baby brachiosaurus, Jesus, I love you, amen." Then he said, "Mommy, now it will happen because I asked God to do it." I thought about bursting his bubble and telling him that dinosaurs are extinct, or that it would be impossible to turn into one later on in his life, I decided not to. The words "faith like a child" crossed my mind and so I let him believe and for a moment became envious of his faith. I know one day he will learn that God wont give him everything he asks for, usually for his own good, but today I am just going to let him be a four year old.

Just Love Coffee

2011-11-28T16:56:00.000-08:00

We officially have a Just Love Coffee Store where you can purchase coffee to help us pay for our adoption fees. There is a link to the right, click on it and make an order :)

$5.00 from each lb of coffee you purchase will go towards the cost of our adoption. Thanks for shopping!

Welcome (Back) phone call with Holt

2011-11-21T16:33:00.000-08:00

Today at 3:00 we had our "welcome phone call" with Holt. I was much less nervous than I was the first time :). She basically explained how the process has changed since we last adopted. Also, since we last adopted I have been diagnosed with Hashimotos (hypothyroid), so I need to get a letter from my Dr. explaining my diagnosis and that my life expectancy is normal. She said it is possible this will be a problem with Korea, but if it is, it just means we have to adopt through the waiting child program (wcp). Not a big deal at all since we adopted Luke through the wcp. Thats about it! Guess we are on our way!

Cost of Adoption

2011-11-18T07:16:00.000-08:00

Last time we were in the process, and now that we are starting again, a question that is frequently asked is "how much does it cost?" First I would like to make it clear that you are not paying for a baby, or a child. Fees are for an adoption to take place and there are a lot of things that come into play to complete an adoption. Here is a simple break down of adoption costs/ fees:

Application- $300 This includes background check, looking over taxes and finances, sending out reference packets to our references and "Welcome Interview".

Home Study- $2500-$2900 This fee pays for meetings with social worker, him/her writing up home study & home study being sent to Korea.

Medical Physical- $25 to complete our home study we have to get an adoption physical.

USCIS- $720 this is the immigration paperwork needed for us to get approved on the US side to adopt.

Fingerprints/ Biometrics- $85

(Holt) US Processing Fee- $3000 this is described as a "facilitating fee" between US government & adoption agencies with foreign government & adoption agency. I don't remember paying this fee last time, I think it is new, but I could be wrong.

Program Fee (Holt Korea)- $19,365 This is the big portion that we pay when we accept our referral. It includes so many different things including background check/ medical history of child/ birth parents. You also have to remember that in Korea a child has been in foster care which has also been paid for. Our child will have received regular (and very thorough) medical exams. There is so much legal paperwork that needs to be ready in order for a child to be adoptable and officially an orphan as well as paperwork to allow a child to be adopted internationally. Holt does an amazing job working with birth moms, and counseling them to make sure there are no other options before they place a child for international adoption. Part of this fee also goes to social services and government offices on the Korea side of things. Lastly, part of it may go to child welfare projects within Korea.

Travel Fee- $500 a fee we pay directly to Holt to arrange meetings and travel for us while we are in Korea.

Travel- (varies) Plane tickets to Korea last time cost $2400 including Luke's ticket on the way home. Last time we spend around $600 on food (Korea is more expensive than here). Thankfully my Dad used his Marriott points to cover our Hotel, otherwise that would have been another couple thousand dollars.

Post Placement Fee- $1200- $2800 This fee includes meeting with our social worker once we are home with our child, and paper work needed to finalize adoption.

Misc Fees- $700 Last time we spent around $700- $1000 on certified mail, notarizations etc...

Total- $30,795-32795 (not including hotel)

YES, this is a lot of money, and NO we don't have an extra $30,000 lying around anywhere :) One thing that our last adoption taught us, and also working with YL, is that if God wants something to happen, He will provide the money. That doesn't mean that we wont have to work for it of make some sacrifices, but if this adoption is God's will, we believe He will help us pay for it.

Here are some ways we plan to pay for this:

Sell Ryan's car

Garage Sales

Sell Ryan's Motorcycle (sorry Ryan :))

I have been making adoption baby blankets and selling the on Etsy

Possibly rent out our motor home (need to figure out how exactly to do this)

Recycling water bottles- anyone want to help us collect?

Coupon cutting (getting pretty good at this!)

And, I have a few other good fundraising ideas in mind... TBA

We can account for approximately $10,000- $11,000 from some of the above. So it seems like we need to figure out about $19,000 more. Would you pray along with us that this money would be provided? Also, would love to have any other great ideas for fundraising that anyone may have! Thanks!

It's official!

2011-11-18T07:06:00.000-08:00

We notarized and sent in the rest of our application to Holt last night and have our interview scheduled for Monday at 3:00 (conference call). Then we will start to work on our paperwork for our home study. The next part of the process we could probably get done relatively fast, but we need time to raise & save money to help pay for the process. I am thinking we wont actually start meeting with our social worker for another 4 to 6 months. At that time I hope to have most of our money saved/ raised for our referral (which is the largest chunk of the process).

And so it begins!

2011-11-07T15:53:00.000-08:00

Last Monday was our four year anniversary of the day that Luke was in our arms forever and we became a family of four. Our little man has brought us so much joy, and we feel so blessed to be able to be his parents! With his anniversary came feelings of wanting to grow our family through adoption one more time. Again we prayed, and felt like God answered with a yes! We have a long road ahead of us and we are not sure once again how this will be paid for, but we know God provided last time and have faith that He will again! Here are a few Bible verses and quotes that proved as confirmation that adoption is something we NEED to pursue one more time. We believe that adoption is a calling and we are blessed to be able to be apart of something that gives us a glimpse of God's love for us. We ourselves have been "adopted" into God's family (Eph 1:5).

No I will not abandon you as orphans, I will come to you. -John 14:18

Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. -James 1:27

I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can still do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do. - Helen Keller

I am definitely not saying that everyone should adopt! Some people can read those verses and quotes and feel moved, we read them and feel compelled to act.

Thanks for praying along with us as we start this journey again! We are both excited and nervous, and looking forward to seeing the face of our child! We will be using Holt again and adopting from S. Korea. We feel like it will be beneficial for Luke, and the baby to have the connection of being from the same birth country with similar stories. We love Holt and that they are committed to finding homes for children and not the opposite. The process has changed a bit since brought Luke home, I will explain further in another post.

We sent in our application November 10th and need to schedule our "Welcome Interview" over the phone sometime during the week, which is difficult with Ryan's new work schedule, but we hope to do that sometime next week. We also need to sign our agreement paperwork and have it notarized which we can do this coming weekend. Thats about it for now!

The latest on Susie

2011-11-04T09:33:00.000-07:00

Susie is now in 2nd grade and has started attending a local Charter K-12 prep school. Spots at the school are chosen by lottery and we filled out an application on a whim last year. She was one of the numbers drawn for the lottery. She is doing really well there! I am amazed at what she is learning and so happy that she has this opportunity to attend school there. There are over 1800 kids currently on the wait list to attend, we are lucky to have gotten in. And I am loving the uniforms! When Susie is not at school she is usually at the dance studio. This is what I get for having her tryout for swim team :). She is a dancer! I know there is so much controversy about dance and people can get all heated about letting girls dance on stage competitively and wear all that makeup and costumes. I NEVER thought I would be a mom that was in this world. But, I have to say, dance has brought a confidence and joy in my daughters life that nothing else ever has. God has given her a gift of creativity to express herself this way and it has been a good tool to remind her that nothing (no talent or gift) is from her, but from God. Will she always dance? But, right now it has helped my shy little girl come out of her shell and shine. It has taught her discipline, structure, confidence, creativity, how to get out of her comfort zone & how to work together with others. She even improved greatly in school once she started dancing it, is amazing to see. Never say you will never do something, lesson learned.

She really is growing up so fast and I am amazed at the cool conversations I get to have with her. She feels things more deeply, asks some neat questions, and has mine (and my Dad's) sense of humor... which sometimes can get her into trouble. She wants to read the Bible and understand things that she doesn't. She is learning to spend time with God, and we are trying to do our best to teach her to do this because she wants to know God more and grow in a relationship with him, and not just to check it off on a list of "to dos".

I have been a bad blogger... Introducing Hailey

2011-11-04T09:26:00.001-07:00

Well, I am really behind in my blogging! Been spending too much time on Facebook posts instead, I guess. It has been fun to go back and read old posts. Some of the funny things that Susie said when she was a toddler I cannot remember, but I am glad that I wrote it down here! It is amazing how fast time flies by. I am going to try and keep up with this again! So much has changed in the last several years. We are no longer on YL staff, but we continue to serve on Committee. All our YL kids graduated last year so we are no longer leading campaigners either. We have acquired one more child along the way! Hailey was one of my YL girls. I have known her since she was a freshman in high school. Even though we haven't "officially" adopted her we consider her our daughter. She moved in with us almost two years ago and we are so blessed to have her in our lives. It feels like she has always been here. To watch her grow in Christ into the young woman she is today has been so neat to see. I know, I know, that sounds so cliche and cheesy! But, it is true, she is beautiful person inside and out, we love her and are thankful that God gave us the opportunity to "parent" her. We could not have asked for a better big sister for Susie and Luke. She graduated high school last year and is now working part time and taking a full load of classes at a community college. She hopes to transfer in the next couple of years and study nursing. She will make a great nurse!

The latest on Luke

2011-11-01T15:53:00.000-07:00

Luke cracks me up daily. He really never stops talking and is so bright! He absorbs information like a sponge. Some how he has taught himself to read, do math facts, has memorized all the planets in our solar system in order, & can name more dinosaurs than I ever knew existed. My little man is growing up so fast. He will be starting Kindergarden next year at the same school that Susie attends (he should get in because he has a sibling that attends). He has taken hip hop for a little over a year and has just started Karate, his teacher says he is a natural! I am really enjoying this season with him. When he first came home, life got crazy pretty fast with us serving in YL and that time is all a blur. Last year I spent most of my day driving between preschool, Susie's elementary school, Hailey's high school & dance. This year I slowed my schedule down a bit and am trying to enjoy these little moments in this last year that he is at home with me before he starts real school. I love being able to snuggle on the couch with him, watch Monsters INC or play his favorite Super Marios Brother's game, take a bike ride around the neighborhood, color and work on printing our letters together. I feel fortunate to be able to be a stay at home mom even though it can be exhausting at times!

San Francisco

2009-07-29T21:15:00.001-07:00

Oregon Coast

2009-07-29T21:09:00.000-07:00

The drive along the OR Coast was beautiful. We would have taken more pictures if Luke had not been sleeping the whole time. Poor guy has been sick, but seems to be starting to feel better.

Oregon Coast

2009-07-26T22:09:00.000-07:00

Today we spend the day in Newport OR. We went to the aquarium, and walked down by the beach. It is pretty down here, but cold and foggy, which I guess is the norm. Tomorrow we will drive down the coast some more and see the Redwoods.

Sad to leave

2009-07-24T13:14:00.000-07:00

These last three weeks have been such a blessing. It has been so fun to be here at camp and let our kids play with other staff families, not have to cook or clean, and watch high schoolers lives changed forever. I am already looking forward to the next time that we get to do this. To be apart of this. This week there have been over 700 high school students here and so many of them are hearing the Gospel for the very first time. It is neat to watch the students let their walls down and let Christ in as the week goes on. There are so many wonderful stories about this property and what God had done here. There is a book written about the property titled A Land of Sheltered Promise. If you ever get the chance read it, it is a great story of what man meant for evil, God used for good.

Here at Washington Family Ranch they have a rock pile of all the students who give their lives to Christ here at Camp. When they go on the new believer walk each of them places a rock in the pile. The camp has been up and running for 10 years and there are over 10,000 rocks in that pile. Amazing.

Ryan has been working so hard since we have been here and had very little sleep, so we are looking forward to our time together as a family next week to camp down the OR and CA coast. We will leave tomorrow just after the campers. It will be bitter sweet.

Western night number two

2009-07-15T21:23:00.001-07:00

The River

2009-07-15T21:12:00.000-07:00

Today we went to the John Day River on YL's property. We had a lot of fun. Both Susie and Luke loved swimming in the river.

Little Buck Norris

2009-07-11T13:03:00.000-07:00

There is a program character here named Buck Norris and last night Susie and Luke got to be apart of his last skit. Luke was the last kid to go out on stage and the crowd went wild. He was kinda in shock.

High Dive

2009-07-10T17:57:00.001-07:00

Susie has conquered the high dive. it took her about 15 up there to convince herself to jump and encouragement for about 30 high schoolers cheering her on. Now thats all she wants to do at the pool.

Some pictures of our trip so far

2009-07-06T12:25:00.000-07:00

Susie and her friends

All 640 campers

Kids in their bunks in the trailer

Washington Family Ranch

2009-07-05T11:07:00.000-07:00

We are here at WFR in Oregon. It is absolutely huge! We have a little apartment at the corner of the boys hotel since Ryan is one of the male head leaders. It's kinda like being and RD at a college. There are a ton of kids here Susie and Luke's age from our assignment team. They have had a ton of fun playing with everyone. Campers arrive today around 3:00 pm. There will be 640 campers including a group from YL Barcelona, and a Capernum group.

Swim Lessons

2009-04-01T15:01:00.000-07:00

Today Susie graduated to the next level for swim lessons. She is doing so well!

Big Boy Bed

2009-03-26T22:24:00.000-07:00

Last night I had the sudden desire to take apart Luke's crib and set up his bed. He seemed a little worried when I started to take the crib apart, but then was more excited when the bed was all set up and immediately started jumping on it. When I laid him down he got out of bed 4 times. One time was to go potty and the other times were just because he realized if he said he had to go potty he could get out of bed. One time I found him on the floor playing with his cars in the dark. When I checked on him he was asleep with his head on the wrong end of the bed, and in the middle of the night I woke up to him crying an 1/2 asleep on the floor.

Happy Birthday Susie!

2009-03-03T16:22:00.000-08:00

Susie turns 5 on Thursday. We had her birthday party on Sunday. Went to see Jonas Brothers in 3D. The kids liked it, but I have to say Hannah Montana in 3D was 1,000 times better.

Happy Birthday Luke!

2009-02-12T13:10:00.001-08:00

Eating his favorite meal for breakfast (mac n cheese)

Me, Susie, and Baloo

Cinderella was Luke's favorite. He couldn't stop starring at her.

Pluto, Susie and Luke

Tuesday was Luke's second birthday. Yesterday we went to Disneyland to celebrate. We had breakfast at Goofy's Kitchen and then spent the rest of the day at the parks. Luke's new favorite song is Happy Birthday. Everyone who told him "happy birthday" he told them happy birthday right back!

We have a leak

2009-02-05T08:40:00.000-08:00

This morning we woke up to water all over the floor down stairs and soggy drywall. Apparently rats chewed a whole through one of the pipes in our wall and we have a leak... and rats. EWW.

Please help me

2009-01-28T18:30:00.000-08:00

My husband decided to grow a mustache. I love my husband very much, but hate the mustache. Please cast your vote on the poll to the right.

Trip to the mall

2009-01-24T21:07:00.001-08:00

Today we made a trip to the mall and actually ended up getting the kids pictures taken. Picture people was giving out sessions with a free 10x13 and we took advantage. The pictures turned out cute.

Coors Brewery

2009-01-23T16:32:00.001-08:00

I know, this is a little embarrassing :)

Luke and Hannah

2009-01-22T08:36:00.001-08:00

Park Day

2009-01-21T15:33:00.001-08:00

More Luke Sleeping

2009-01-20T21:11:00.001-08:00

Denver Zoo

2009-01-20T18:12:00.000-08:00

Susie feeding the birds live larva

The kids and I are staying with friends in Denver with some friends. Today we went to the Denver Zoo. Believe it or not it was 70 degrees in Denver today. It felt so warm compared to the mountains.

Day Off

2009-01-17T20:01:00.000-08:00

Daddy and Luke

Me and the kids

Where Luke spent most of his time

Failed attempt at family photo, yes both kids are crying

Again, both kids crying

Susie sledding

Luke toughing it out

Preparing for ice sculpture contest down town

Today Ryan had a day off today, so we spent it going to Breckenridge. We went out to eat for lunch and actually ran into an old friend from when I did YL in Irvine. Small world. We found the perfect sledding spot and spent the afternoon there. I have some good video, but Blogger isn't letting me upload it.

2009-01-17T07:04:00.000-08:00

Luke in the snow...how he was happiest.

Luke climbing out of crib

This week has gone by so fast. I cannot believe our stay here is almost over. We have had so much fun just resting and playing. We have done some more sledding and playing in the snow. Luke got an ear infection and had to go on antibiotics. He is finally getting back to himself. Susie has planned her birthday party and has told everyone at out table at every meal that she will be having a Jonas Brothers b-day party at the movies.

Few more pictures

2009-01-11T19:30:00.000-08:00

Snow Day

2009-01-11T19:15:00.000-08:00

This is Luke's cold face

Happy in the warm car while Susie and Daddy go sledding

Susie Sledding

Yes it was really that cold

Today we went and played in the snow. First we drove to Monarch Ski Resort, which is near by to look into getting Susie lessons. She isn't so sure she wants to try to learn though. We will see. The we went on the hunt for the perfect sledding spot. Luke was happy sitting in the car during most of the sledding and got brave enough at the end to try it. We talked him into wearing his mittens and he was much happier, but now wants to wear them all the time. He laughed going down the hill, but got mad if any snow touched him.

First Day

2009-01-11T07:35:00.000-08:00

Susie spends a lot of time on the top bunk where Luke can't reach her.

This is the view out our bedroom window

View from other window

Luke playing a game

Susie playing a game

Yesterday was our first full day at Frontier Ranch. Ryan started his seminary classes so Susie, Luke, and I had fun just hanging out in the cabin and playing games and coloring. I finally finished reading Twilight and am well into New Moon. Luke still hates the snow and outside is too. Pretty sure he was having nightmares about it all last night. He woke up about every other hour crying and saying, "NO! NO! COLD!" So sad! We are all very tired this morning since Luke woke us up all night. Hopefully we will all get a good nap today. Later today Ryan will have the afternoon off since it is Sunday and we are planning on finding some more snow and try to go sledding.

Just realized....

2009-01-09T21:11:00.001-08:00

I never posted and Christmas day pictures. Here are a few from Christmas morning.

Susie with Ruthie and Kit

Luke with his Train table and hat.

Susie opening Kit

Luke seeing his train table.

Pictures

2009-01-09T21:00:00.001-08:00

Luke and his cold hands

Susie and deer poop

In front of the bear in our living room. Luke is totally afraid of him.

Our Cabin

Entrance to Frontier Ranch

The McCulloch's Are Here

2009-01-09T18:00:00.000-08:00

Well we are officially moved in at Frontier Ranch. It is a Beautiful camp. The kids had a brief chance to play in the snow while we explored the camp. Well, actually Susie played in the snow and tried to find as much deer poop as she could. For some reason the deer poop was more exciting than the snow. Luke basically cried the whole time. He hates the snow. Really, really hates it. He doesn't like how cold it is outside either. He hates his mittens and gloves, so his hands get really cold and then he screams and he doesn't stop screaming until his hands are warm again. Maybe he will just get used to it? We visited the camp store where Luke knocked an entire shelf over with everything on it. It was a disaster, and so embarrassing, and funny. Then Susie spilled her hot coco all over the game room carpet. I guess we wanted to leave our mark here. We are in a house with two other couples. We have only met one of them so far. They are from TX and just got married 4 months ago. We have the whole basement to ourselves with a living room, bathroom, and a bed room with two bunk beds and a crib. That's about it for now. I will download pictures when I find the cable.

We made it!

2009-01-09T06:21:00.000-08:00

We are finally here in Buena Vista, CO. The drive was really pretty and the roads were clear. There isn't really any snow on the ground, but it is suppose to snow all day today and some tomorrow. The first thing that Susie did this morning was check out the window to see if it was snowing. She has spent most of the morning starring at the window watching the snow fall. We are excited to get settled in at the camp today and maybe find a patch of snow to go play in. Luke has been so crazy on this trip. He has been so great in the car, but the second we get out he has a serious need to get some energy out. He has been making us laugh a lot. So far he has been afraid of the snow and wont even touch it. Hopefully he gets over it since we will be here a couple weeks.

On The Road

2009-01-07T19:41:00.001-08:00

Well we are on our way Colorado and so far so good. The kids have done great in the car and the weather hasn't been to bad. Last night we spent the night at the Wigwam Hotel in Holbrook, AZ. I guess it is the hotel they modeled the "Cozy Cone" hotel after in Disney's Cars, so Susie thought that was pretty cool. Today we visited some friends in Albuquerque, NM and will be on our way to CO tomorrow. Luke woke up at 4 am this morning, so we are hoping we get to sleep in a little longer tomorrow. That's all for now, I think that I should have Internet in CO as well.

My Little Man

2009-01-03T17:25:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year

2009-01-03T17:23:00.000-08:00

Christmas Party

2008-12-23T10:42:00.001-08:00

Disney At Christmas

2008-12-23T10:37:00.000-08:00

Susie and I went to Disneyland the other night. It was super crowded, but still a lot of fun. We were able to watch Fantastmic and were chosen to sit in the V.I.P. section which was so fun for Susie.

My Climber

2008-12-16T21:21:00.000-08:00

Today I was about to mop and went into the dinning room and found Luke on top of a chair that was on top of the table. This is why I rarely have a totally clean house. It is dangerous.

After Cookie Party Sugar Rush

2008-12-16T20:25:00.000-08:00

This is what happens when kids have too much sugar.... they were having a dance party and there wasn't any music. They called it their "sugar" dance.

Cookie Party

2008-12-16T20:18:00.000-08:00

Susie's decorated cookies

Table before the chaos

Luke Decorating

Morgan and Susie

Growing up My Mom threw my sister and I a cookie decorating party every Christmas. This year I decided to continue the tradition and start having them for my kids. It was a lot of fun!

Trampoline

2008-12-14T19:37:00.000-08:00

What does Santa say?

2008-12-10T12:09:00.000-08:00

Luke isn't a big fan of Santa...

Christmas Tree Decorating

2008-12-08T18:19:00.001-08:00

Susie putting on the star

The final product

Luke and the Star

Susie's Big Day

2008-12-01T17:43:00.000-08:00

Today was a big day for Susie. She has been planning on getting her ears pierced for her 5th b day at her favorite store, Libby Lu, but it is closing (going out of business) in Jan. Susie decided it had to be Libby Lu where she was getting her ears pierced, so we did it today! She was excited, but nervous and started crying right before the lady started. I asked her if she wanted to wait and not do it today and she said (while crying), "I want earrings, I am just a little nervous!". Then after it was over she smiled when she saw herself in the mirror and said it did not hurt.

Give Love Away

2008-11-30T16:40:00.001-08:00

A couple of weeks ago our Church spent the Sunday morning serving the community. Our family went to the local high school and picked up trash and did some yard work for them along with about 100 other people. The project and series at Church was called "Give Love Away". I was so proud of Susie because she picked up trash for nearly 3 hours and didn't complain. I was proud again today when we were at the mall and she noticed some trash on the ground and said, "Mommy, I think we should give some love away and pick up that trash". And she did, she picked up the trash and threw it in the garbage. She did, of course, request a wet wipe immediately after to clean her hands.

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-28T08:51:00.000-08:00

This Thanksgiving was a lot of fun. Susie is old enough to learn about, and understand a little more about, what Thanksgiving is. She said she is thankful for the sun, the moon, and pears. And compared o the chaos of Luke adjusting to our family last year Luke had a good Thanksgiving too.

Look out for the Martians

2008-11-08T09:34:00.000-08:00

So yesterday I took Luke to the doctor because he has been sick for over a week. As we were leaving the office a woman came up to me and was admiring both my kids. We were both headed to the elevator to we made the awkward walk down the hallway together. She was telling me to really enjoy my kids because it goes by fast. I told he that it feel like it is already going by fast. This is where the conversation took a strange turn... She then told me to especially enjoy Susie before the Martians take her and that they came and got her daughter when she was 13 and didn't bring her back until she was 21. I didn't really know how to respond. We were now in the elevator together, so I just said, "Wow, that must have been really hard for you." Then I quickly exited the elevator when the door opened and told her to have a nice day. Julie said I should have told her about Jesus, but I just didn't think that quickly.

We have laying hens

2008-11-06T09:06:00.001-08:00

I think the title says it all.

Trick or Treat

2008-11-06T08:29:00.001-08:00

We Finalized!

2008-11-03T17:31:00.001-08:00

On Friday we finalized the adoption. Luke is now legally our son, even though in our hearts he has always been our son.

A year ago today...

2008-10-29T16:33:00.000-07:00

We met our little Luke. I cannot believe it has been a year. Friday will be our anniversary of the day he became ours and we also have our court day Friday to finalize our adoption. So much has happened in a year. God is Good.

Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-28T09:04:00.001-07:00

Disneyland with some Friends

2008-10-08T11:52:00.001-07:00

Luke's Words

2008-10-08T11:42:00.000-07:00

BIG BOY

2008-09-24T16:43:00.001-07:00

Since this summer Luke has been interested in "going" on the toilet. Today we bought our first pair of big boy undies. We bought the same size Susie wears.

Latest Disney Trip

2008-09-09T15:21:00.000-07:00

Halloween

2008-09-09T15:05:00.000-07:00

Susie picked out her costume today for halloween. She is a rock-star/ Hannah Montana.

Susie Singing at VBS

2008-08-18T07:31:00.000-07:00

VBS

2008-08-18T07:26:00.000-07:00

This past week Susie went to VBS and yesterday they did their annual Carnival/ Celebration to end the week. Susie was nervous to sing on stage, but she did great!

Happy Boy

2008-08-14T15:41:00.000-07:00

Malibu Pictures

2008-08-14T14:11:00.000-07:00

Micah and Luke

Ryan and Luke

Christie and I Boogie boarding

Susie and Morgan

2008-08-14T14:06:00.000-07:00

Susie and Luke on the beach

Susie and Morgan

Luke on Morgan's birthday

Susie and Morgan

Luke in a basket

All the places Luke fell asleep

2008-08-14T14:00:00.000-07:00

X-GAMES

2008-08-01T08:52:00.001-07:00

Ryan and Bruce

Susie and Morgan

Macayla, Morgan, and Susie

Grandma and Kyle Loza

Friends

2008-07-30T16:59:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures from the last couple of days....

This is Susie and her friend Abby. Abby is going to have a little brother or sister soon from Korea and Susie and Abby are in the same class for Preschool next year!

This is Frankie... I just got to meet her today. She is so cute! Susie kept calling her Cranky. She belongs to Jenny and John James who really need to move back to California so that Luke and Frankie can get married one day.

Poo Poo

2008-07-18T13:40:00.000-07:00

"poo poo" is one of Luke's favorite words. The other day when he was "going" he went and sat on the toilet (with his diaper on) and went. He then took toilet paper and pretended to wipe. It was so cute! I couldn't believe that he understood that the toilet is where he is suppose to do that!

Jonas Brothers

2008-07-18T13:23:00.000-07:00

We were able to get tickets to the Jonas Brothers Concert on Monday night. It was a blast! Susie danced and sang along the whole time. They filmed our concert for a 3-D movie in Jan. They had Taylor Swift as a surprise guest and the main girl from Camp Rock opened up for them.

This week....

2008-07-12T06:41:00.001-07:00

Susie designed her on skirt with paper, she made it all herself!

We played outside

Susie got pink eye... again

Luke discovered play-doe

...and hid in the play oven

"Happy Birthday My July!"

2008-07-07T10:12:00.000-07:00

This is what Susie was saying all day on the 4th. We had a blast at a pool party on Friday. It was the first time that Luke ever really enjoyed going to the pool, and Susie was so brave to go on the water slide. She was scared until Hannah (one of our high school friends) asked her to go on with her. After that we couldn't keep her off it! She even went by herself and would swim to the side of the pool all by herself too!

A Day At The Beach

2008-06-30T14:42:00.000-07:00

2008-06-30T14:37:00.001-07:00

Proof that my parent's house needs safety locks...

2008-06-19T13:51:00.001-07:00

Some pictures

2008-06-19T13:42:00.000-07:00

2008-06-19T13:39:00.001-07:00

What a week!

2008-06-19T13:11:00.000-07:00

I just got home from staying at my parents house all week. I was planning on just staying one night and Luke did so great that we stayed several days. It was such a relief that he spent the night somewhere with out any trouble. Now I don't have to stress abut going on vacation this summer.

Disneyland day

2008-06-12T23:09:00.000-07:00

Susie's new hair cut

2008-06-12T23:05:00.001-07:00

Luke's first haircut

2008-06-12T23:00:00.000-07:00

Good News

2008-06-02T22:26:00.000-07:00

There is a song that Susie sings at preschool called "Good News". A couple of days ago Susie asked me why it would be "good news" for Jesus to froze. It took me awhile to realize that she was talking about that song and a verse that says "Good News, He rose again". I explained to her what the real words were and she was less concerned.

I just looked outside...

2008-05-27T11:28:00.000-07:00

and this is what I saw....

Susie set this all up; the pool, the towel, she even grabbed her shades. When I asked her what she was doing she said she was just "relaxing".

Girl's Day Out

2008-05-27T07:14:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Susie and I went to Disneyland, just the two of us. It was so fun to spend time with her and just be silly and hang out. She was so brave and tried a bunch of new rides. We went on the ferris wheel twice in a row. At dinner she told me about her friends at school, and who was friends with who, and which boys were nice. It was really cute. I can't believe she is as big as she is. She is growing up so fast.

Meet Jake

2008-05-26T09:13:00.000-07:00

I know... you think I am crazy. I can't help it, I just like animals. I promise I am done. Here is Jake. He is 1 years old. We adopted him from an animal shelter. We made a trip to Petco to buy food for the guinea pig and left with a dog. Bessie and Jake are doing great together. Bessie seems to do better with smaller dogs so Jake was a good match. We saw him and brought Bessie to Petco to meet him to make sure they would get along. Jake was a stray found in the area. So far training is much easier than a new puppy.

Luke is Walking

2008-05-26T09:08:00.000-07:00

This video is a little late, just found my camera. Luke has been walking for about a month. He is doing great!

Social Worker Visit # 3

2008-04-09T11:15:00.000-07:00

Today we meet with our social worker for our third post adoption meeting. We only have one more to go. We are scheduled to meet in late May and then it will be approximately 2 months after that until we finalize. We are almost done with this crazy process!

New Ministry Update

2008-04-07T09:09:00.000-07:00

At temeculavalleyyounglife.blogspot.com

Adoption Video

2008-04-04T16:03:00.000-07:00

Some people had trouble downloading this so here is is.. tiny, but here it is. Make sure your volume is up to hear the song.

Adoption Video

2008-04-03T22:34:00.000-07:00

I made my first slide show video on my new mac. Here is the link, hope you enjoy! http://gallery.mac.com/laurenmcculloch#100000

Susie and her new friends

2008-04-03T14:21:00.001-07:00

Yesterday as I was out running errands with the kids I ran into a friend from church and her kids. While we were chatting Susie and her boys were playing so well together. Usually Susie is more shy with new people and likes me to be by her side as she plays. She was playing so well that we decided to meet at the park today to have them play again. Susie was so excited. All she could talk about last night was one of the boys, Davis, and how she was going to see him again today. She even asked me if she could wear makeup to the park... where she got the idea that she could wear makeup, I have no clue. This morning she once again could only talk about Davis and picked out her clothes very carefully. Then she wanted to ride her bike to the park, because she thought Davis would think it was cool. It is almost like she has a little crush on him...too cute. They did great at the park and he came over after to play at our house. She couldn't wait to introduce him to Daddy and show him her room. It was so fun to watch her play so well, and make a new friend.

I've got nerd

2008-04-01T21:17:00.000-07:00

Today Susie was singing a Hannah Montana song called "I've got nerve". Except, Susie apparently thinks that the words are "I've got nerd", because that is how she sings it. We tried to correct her, but she doesn't believe us.

Today we had a date

2008-03-30T17:02:00.000-07:00

Today Ryan and I left Luke in the nursery at church. I was really nervous to leave him, but have been dying to be able to pay attention at church and not have him on my lap the whole time trying to get down. He did great! When we picked him up he was climbing up the slide (the wrong way) and smiling really big. When he came to me, he gave me a huge hug. It was very sweet. They said he didn't fuss at all. It was so nice to go to church and be with just Ryan, it was almost like a date :)