Lucy & Nora Have Arrived

Craziest thing! My two sisters who were both due on the same day, February 17th had their baby girls a few weeks early on the same day, last Sunday January 30th. These two little girls couldn't wait to come to earth together. They are going to be great pals. They are so darling, each weighed 7.5 lbs, and both have a bunch of dark hair. We couldn't be happier for them. We're so excited to have two new nieces and cousins!

Nora Ruth Mercer

Lucy Mae Madsen

I Pad GIVEAWAY!

We are so excited to have Kareen as our new niece! My brother Kris and sister-in-law Kecia are adopting this darling 4 year old little girl from an orphanage in Eastern Europe. She has down syndrome and we could not be happier for them! We are participating in a fund raiser to help bring her home, any little bit helps! We appreciate all the love and support from everyone!

I Pad/Fund Raiser GIVEAWAY!

We are kicking off our fundraising for Kareen with an iPad giveaway!

iPad Giveaway for KAREEN!

Kareen is a 4 year old little girl with Down syndrome who was given up at birth and has lived in an orphanage in Eastern Europe ever since. In her country a child with special needs is only held in an orphanage until the age of 4 or 5 and is then transferred to an institution where conditions are bleak and offer little hope for living a fulfilling life. Kareen's story has touched our family, and we are committed to bring her home. The cost of international adoption is very high, and we could use your help!

Donate now through Saturday, February 5th, when one lucky person will receive a Brand New 16GB Wi-Fi iPad

For every $10 donated, you will be entered into a drawing for the iPad (i.e. $50 equals 5 entries). Also, if after donating, you advertise this giveaway on your blog or facebook, you will get an additional entry. Simply leave me a comment with your name and the link to your post.

Ways to Donate:

• Go to www.kareensjourneyhome.blogspot.com and click the “Chip in “ button
• Bring a check or cash by our home. You may email me at keciajcox@msn.com for our address.
• Tax deductible donation (must leave me a comment with your name and donation amount to be entered into the giveaway, since this site is kept confidential) http://reecesrainbow.org/sponsorcox

Every dollar helps, and brings us closer to having our little angel home safe.

Thanks for your Support!!!

- Kris & Kecia Cox

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1Yr. Ago Today

I noticed on my calendar that 1 year ago today we were at my ultrasound with Lyla recieving news of her heart defect and that she would possibly be born having down syndrome. Those were a few hard days and weeks unti her birth. I remember thinking why is this happening to us, I'm not cut out for this, will I love her regardless, will I think she's cute and so on. Had I only know then the immense love and joy she would bring to our lives over this past year it would have saved me many sleepless nights. We've been through some challenges this past year with her and I'm sure there are many more ahead but I wouldn't change a thing! We've grown and learned a lot this year from having her in our home. I feel like we're in a good place with it all. It's crazy how Heavenly Father has a way of sending us things we never knew we wanted but now wouldn't want to live without! She makes us smile every day and for that i'm so grateful!

Playing in the Gym

In an attempt to entertain the kids while it's freezing outside and we're stuck in the house we went over to Katherine's church to ride bikes and play in the gym. The kids thought it was great, we rode bikes, shot the foam guns, played with the parachute, had a paper plate throwing contest, did some music sticks and had another indoor picnic. It was a great time!

Indoor Picnic

Ava had been asking me for a while to have an indoor picnic in the basement. I'm not sure where that idea came from but since we can't have a picnic outside why not have one inside, so we called Katherine, Brandt and Blythe to come over and join us!

Happy New Year 2011

Deep fried crab, shrimp, lobster, french fries, onion rings, oreos

Team Cobra's and Pantyhose (Cobra's take victory)

Caitlyn exploding the soda machine all over herself,

Kyra laughing so hard she couldn't even tell the story

Frozen icy Martinelli's at midnight

Crew asking to do the fishpond for two hours straight non-stop

Good company, Fun evening!

Grandma did the fish-pond for the kids, they love fishing for little treasures!

The Candy Bar Game!

Lyla decided to wake up just before midnight to join in the celebration and stayed up until 2:30am before I could get her back to sleep. I think she thought she had just had a small nap. But she was all smiles for the new year regardless!

Bree wanted to introduce Lyla to the ipad starting young since it's her favorite thing!

Every New Year's Eve growing up we had a big sleepover at Grandma's and left nylon socks strung around the family room for Santa's helpers to come leave treats in so we decided to keep up with tradition and try it. Sure enough, Santa's helpers found us and left some yummy snacks.

Random Fun

The after-christmas nothing going on, tired of winter and being stuck inside because it's freezing finding random things to keep entertained!
Crew was looking for anything pink of Ava's to put on. Not sure what the umbrealla had to do with anything but they were dancing around having a great time.

It looks like the they wanted Lyla to have a book or two to look at.