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Yesterday we went shopping in a local town and went in and out of some small shops. We stopped at a Falafel restaurant which looked like a hole in the wall but the food was awesome. Carlene was excited for the shopping since she loves Christmas and all the stores have holiday items already set out.

Today - we went bowling. We don't go often but always have a fun time when we do. We dragged Carlene's mother along - who fell down the alley while bowling 5 years ago and hasn't been since. She didn't fall this time but was so nervous it messed up her game. Carlene won - by win I mean she passed 100 both games. For the second game, I just threw the ball down the alley to see how fast I can make it go since they clock it, which I think is cool.

This morning we took Piper to a different dog park which had an agility course and gravel so she didn't get as dirty as the dirt/wood chip park.

We don't have any plans for the rest of the day, so we will probably hang out and play some video games and maybe rent a movie.

We have been slacking a little on our journal lately, I guess we have been busy. Let's see the last update was before Halloween so I will do a quick recap and try and get you updated.

We gave out lots of candy on Halloween and then we went to a Halloween party at night thrown by one of Carlene's co-workers. She decks out her house ceiling to floor and serves cookies shaped liked fingers - which was a bit creepy.

The week after flew by pretty quickly since it was a short one - work wise. We both had Thursday and Friday off of work, since it was our anniversary. We had planned on going away but as the date came closer we decided to paint the house together. We have painted every room since moving in 5 years ago except for the main ones: foyer, dining room, living room and hallways since it didn't really need it. The task took 3 days but it came out very nicely. We plan on painting the nursery together too once we are chosen as adoptive parents.

For our anniversary, we spent the day finishing up the painting but we did make it out for a nice steak house dinner. Since we have been married, we celebrate every year with Jon's best friend who's birthday is on the same date. Except for one year we went to Yellowstone. Some people might think that it is strange to celebrate with a third party but not having children makes every day like "date night." Also, Jon's friend is not married and his family is in Florida - so without us he spends his birthday alone and who likes that??

Below is a note from my sister. She was adopted at birth and I was 14 years old at the time. She is now 21 and I can't imagine my life without her.

Dear Birthparent(s):

I just wanted to tell you a little bit about my sister and my experience with her.

I was adopted at birth and being adopted has influenced me greatly as I've grown up. I'm grateful everyday for having the loving family that I have, they are my safety net and my pillars. Carlene has been more than I could ask for in an older sister. We are more than sisters, we are friends.

Growing up she took care of me, played with me and taught me how to deal with every day problems and has always been a shoulder for me to cry on when it was needed. I know no matter how big or small the problem or question is she will be there to answer and help me. She is also there to celebrate my successes and cheer me on when needed.

She has been there to answer questions about my adoption when I had them and always made me feel as though I was meant to be her sister. I could never ask for a better sister.

When she first introduced Jon to our family, I was the first to meet him, I felt honored. He has been a great addition to our family. I enjoy his company and he has taken to the roll of brother-in-law well.

Between the both of them I know I will always have a place to go, someone to talk to and of course someone to feed me when I'm hungry. I cannot see either of them without laughing till my sides hurt and I enjoy every moment I spend with them. I know that they will be great parents, because in a lot of ways they are almost like parents to me, making sure I am always ok, happy, fed and keeping up with what I am supposed to be doing to reach my personal goals.

In short, I love them both endlessly and could not be successful without their guidance, love and support.

-Laura (Carlene's sister)

I had a great day at work today - one of those days that makes all the hard ones worth it! There is a kindergarten student who I work with who has severe anxiety. She is afraid of people she doesn't know and shies away and shuts down in uncomfortable situations. She also happens to be an excellent student who when comfortable excels. She was given an award today for being a super student and top of her class. She had to get up in front of the whole school and visiting parents to accept the award and then stand on stage while 8 more students were called. I met with her a few times during the day and practiced. At the actual assembly, she did beautifully and had the biggest smile on her face. I am very proud of her.

Today we had our Annual Family Pumpkin Carving Day. Everyone comes over and we set up tables in the backyard to carve and decorate pumpkins. We set up a kids table without carving tools and put out paint, stickers, markers and make-your own pumpkin pieces (like Mr. Potato head). We have a good time helping our nieces and nephews and hanging out with family. Our niece, Alex wrapped paper towels around her neck and ran around the yard pretending she was a superhero, it was very funny. Especially since Piper was trying to catch her "wings."

We had a lot of fun and saved the seeds from all the pumpkins to make homemade pumpkin seeds, which I love. They won't be ready for a few days though.

We added some pictures of the day to the album so you can check them out and see our finished pumpkins.

Below is a message from a friend of ours- I did not pay or bribe her to write this!

Dear Birthparent(s):

My name is Tricia and I wanted to write in Carlene and Jon's blog. I can't imagine what a hard decision it must be for you to decide who would be best fit to love and raise your child. I have known Carlene since I was 6 years old and she was 3. She's my dearest friend and the Godmother to my 1st child. She's loyal, funny, thoughtful and such a good person. Jon is a smart, hard-working and great person who would certainly give a good life to a child. Carlene and Jon are two of the happiest people I have ever met - always a smile, always a laugh, always kind and always giving to others. As a couple, they love and respect each other so much - I don't think they ever fight.

I have 2 small children and they just love seeing their "Aunt Carlene and Uncle Jon". I could write for days about the "little things" they've done for my children over the years that I've secretly cherished. Of course, they spoil my children - but not only with gifts, but also with attention, laughter and thoughtfulness. If they give my children a toy, they will sit on the floor and put it together and play with them. I know my children would love to live at their house because it is a happy place.

If something were to happen to my husband and I, I would want Carlene and Jon to raise my children. I would absolutely know that Carlene and Jon would love my children as their own and raise them to be strong, happy and good people. What more can a mother ask? Please choose Carlene and Jon. To know them is to love them and I certainly do.

Sincerely,
Tricia

We had another good weekend relaxing weekend, but the weather was cold and rainy. How was the weather by you? On Friday we went out for dinner and to the mall for some shopping. We bought new bedding and some gloves and hats for the cold weather. While shopping I always look at the windows of the baby stores and think about all the things I will want our child to have. It doesn't hurt that we love shopping and this is an untouched market for us.

On Saturday my grandmother, aunt, brother and mother came by with lunch. They only gave us an hour notice, luckily the house was clean and a quick stop at the store for food made it a good visit. After they left we took Piper to the dog park where she played with a few dogs, it was cold and starting to rain so there weren't too many nuts like us out there - but she had a good time. Jon was thrilled since it was my turn to bath her.

We had a nice relaxing weekend at home and with family. On Friday night we saw Couples Retreat, with Vince Vaughn.....it was quite funny. On Saturday we decorated the house for Fall/Halloween and cleaned. At night we had dinner with my mother and played Scrabble. On Sunday, Jon's mother came over for lunch. I made meatloaf - which is not one of my favorite meals but I finally found a recipe that I like. After she left, we took Piper to a local park with a zoo. We walked her around she got spooked by some Buffalo she could see through a fence. I had off of work on Monday so I had a friend from work over with her two dogs. We played had lunch, hung out and talked and watched the dogs play in the backyard. We even tried to teach the dogs some new tricks and videotaped it for a college psychology class she teaches. It was quite entertaining.

Carlene and I had dinner with my friend Mike tonight. We have dinner with him once every two weeks or so. When we get together for dinner we usually talk about mundane topics like movies, television and work. Last time we went out with with him, another friend of mine and his wife had joined us for dinner. The subject turned to infertility and adoption. They are currently in the process of going through infertility treatments and we often compare notes and talk about adoption. For Mike this was the first time he was hearing that we were looking to adopt. At the end of the dinner Mike said to Carlene and I, how is it possible that I didn't know any of this stuff. I have dinner with you two all the time and all we ever talk about is television and work. We apologized to him and promised to keep him in the loop. So tonight as soon as we all sat down to dinner, Mike sarcastically said, "Before we order, are there any life changing events that I should know about?" I have a feeling I will be hearing that line for a long time.

I took Piper to the dog park again today. I had taken her yesterday but no dogs were there. It was odd watching her anxiously wanting to get into the park even though there clearly were no dogs. She sniffed around for 10 minutes or so and then we walked around the lake where a number of kids stopped to pet her. Today was a whole different story. The park was filled with dogs. She made a new friend Ginger, a yellow lab. The two of them rolled around in the wet wood chips for about hour. When Piper finally stopped playing, she was filthy. I knew I was in for one long cleaning when I got her back home. It took me over an hour to get her clean. Each time I thought I finally had her clean, more wood chips and dirt would appear as I rinsed her off. It was a never ending cycle of shampooing and rinsing. I had never seen such a dirty dog. In the end it was all worth it because she made a new friend and her hair is very soft now. She is very snuggly.

We look forward to hearing from you so that you can learn more about us.