Big changes...

After keeping my brother's three kids for a few days last week, Rich and I began talking about how nice it was to have the house busy with children and how it would be nice to have siblings for Zack. Although we decided we are not ready for the commitment of another adoption at this time, we have decided to pursue our certification to become foster parents. We have yet to choose an agency, as we need to find the right one for our family, but we intend on choosing and beginning the process soon. We agreed that we both want an agency that does both foster care AND foster adoption (some only do one or another), so that we can change our course of action when the timing is right. Please pray for us in this new venture for our family. We are excited to learn how we can help families get back on their feet and we are confident that it will be a great experience for our family!

Oh Christmas tree...Oh Christmas tree!...

This morning, Zack woke up to a Christmas tree in his living room! Since Rich had a 5-day weekend, we decided to put up our tree and Christmas decorations.

All we heard for a good 20 minutes was, "OH WOW!", and, "OH YEAH!"

I can't believe how tiny he was last year!

"Helping" me put ornaments on the tree, which consisted of tossing the ornament AT the tree and then doing a little victory dance.

My mom gave me this ornament the year I moved out on my own.

Gramps was happy to have the tree up.

Last year, Bailey wouldn't even come in the living room because she was afraid of the tree, but she's come a long way since then.

"Woman, where's my pun'kin pie?"

All about Cal!...

Happy 1st birthday, Calvin!!!

Yesterday, we celebrated Cal's 1st birthday at my brother and sister-in-law's house. I can't believe it's been a year already!

Cal and his Mommy

"Hey, Uncle Rich! It's you! I didn't recognize you with that thing on your chin!"

Kissing his reflection.

"Hey, Cal! Over here! I found the slide!"

Kasey, Zack and Cal

Clint and Tara

"Look what I caught!"

"Better throw him back!"

"Here, Cal...I'll help you open those presents."

Cupcake time!

"Hey, Cal...need some help with that cupcake? I can help with that, too."

Cal and his Grandma Teresa.

Cal playing with with the remote control car we got him for his birthday.

Don't forget...

www.PoorRichardsCustoms.com

If you're looking for a cool Christmas gift, but just don't know what to get, don't forget to check out our family business at www.poorrichardscustoms.com. You'll find everything from photo boxes, to ornaments....sweatshirts, to coasters. If there is something you're interested in, but need it tweaked to fit your liking, or would like something personalized, Rich will be more than happy to accommodate you via phone or e-mail (you can contact him through the site).

Love, Karyn
www.poorrichardscustoms.com

Happy Thanksgiving!!!...

Usually for Thanksgiving, we celebrate with two dinners...one at Rich's parents in the early afternoon and one at my brother and sister-in-law's in the evening. It makes for kind of a hectic day, but wonderful, nonetheless. This year, however, my sister-in-law was healing from surgery and, therefore, could not host Thanksgiving. We decided that we would host at our house this year and combine the two dinners together. We had 26 people in all that came to celebrate the holiday with us, and we were all able to be seated at one (BIG) table and enjoy each other's company. I couldn't have been more thankful.

3 big tables + 2 turkeys + 26 loved ones gathered together under one roof = PRICELESS!

My mom came over to walk me through cooking my very first turkey!

Watching the Macy's parade while his turkey was BBQing outside (we had another one in the oven).

The Combo Family (Kyrie, Kristie, Kevin, Kasey, and Kaitlyn)

Tara and Clint

AJ

Shea

Alex (a.k.a. Indiana Jones)

Rich cutting the turkey that mom and I made.

Tara's mom Teresa was able to be with us this year!

Kate and Mike

Zack, suckin' down his turkey like there is no tomorrow.

All the nieces and nephews, minus Cal and the Back family.

Two peas in a pod.

Aldie, Mike and Cliff.

The kids having a blast thrashing the living room with toys.

Kristie and Kev

Colleen and Tony