My Graduation

I finally did it. I graduated with my masters. My masters is called "Functional Special Education" It covers children with severe/multiple disabilities, as well as children under the umbrella of autism. It has been a long road and a lot of classes. It would not have been possible without Mark. He was so supportive, when I needed to study and go to class and do homework. He is simply the best. Now I will get to do the same in return. Mark plans to start working on his masters next August. He is not sure the exact area yet, but something buisness.

For my graduation we had a small bowling/pizza party in Cheney on Sat. evening. Then on Sunday was the acutal, L O N G graduation. At WSU in DEC. they don't seperate anything. So it was all PHD grads, master grads, and all undergrads. It was a very long ceremony, but I'm still glad I did it. My parents, Marks Dad, my sister Amy, and my Friends Kelsey and Marshal all attended the ceremony, thanks everyone.

After the ceremony my parents treated Mark, Jaren, Amy and I out to dinner at Texas Road house - It was YUMMY! Thanks.

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Halloween 2010

Jaren was a monster for Halloween this year and the costume fit him perfect. He was so cute especially when he was walking.

While our internet is currently fixed, we still have no volume on our computer. So if the videos are not good, or the song, sorry :)

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Cheeks birthday party

Blake had his birthday party at Pump it up this year. He has been talking about it for almost a year. We all had a great time!!!

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UPDATE

Ok, our Internet got worked on last night and I've been on a roll during Jaren's nap this a.m. I have 4 posts ready to go.

But for right now I thought it best to just do a bit of an update on us since I've been so far behind.

Jaren - We have been battling a bit of skin concerns for the past 7 weeks. After 4 pediatrician appointments and three dermatologist appointments, we have finally found the answer and we are doing great. All in all he has eczema (sp?) Not a big deal, but just a bad time to start a flair up at the beginning of winter. Anyway after 4 antibiotics and having to cover him in aquaphore at night followed by wet PJ's topped with warm footed pj's we are now good to go. We had an appointment this a.m. and don't have to go back for 6 months.

Mark - doing great!!! Still loving Cargill (for the most part)

Me - doing better now that I'm not sick every evening. I kept getting promised the second trimester was better, but I held my breath. Yes, that is right if you do not know, I am PREGNANT. It came to Mark and I as a complete surprise. Here is the story.

Mark and I were done trying to grow our family through our personal pregnancy, we had both morned it and had moved onto growing our family through adoption. We were VERY blessed, as you all know with Jaren and the process couldn't have gone smoother or with a better birth mom. We were just holding our breath for the phone to ring so he could be a big brother.

Anyway, I was supposed to start (sorry boys) on my 30th birthday and didn't think anything of not, other than being excited I didn't Then about 3 days later I was getting annoyed that I hadn't started, because whenever this happened for the past 6 years, I'd get my hopes up for no reason and it was hard. Happened to be the day before Jaren emptied out under my bathroom sink and as I was putting it away I noticed I still had an old pregnancy test - expired by a year :) Anyway I thought well I'll just take it so it can so no and I'll move on. Not telling Mark of course because history told me that I couldn't get pregnant.

Gotta back up a few days. I had just received an e-mail from one of the places we have our adoption portfolio saying that she had a lady that was going to look at it and wanted to make sure we were ready for another baby.

Jaren happened to get up at 4:00 a.m. the next morning so after I put him to bed I had to go to the bathroom so I took the test. When I saw it said pregnant, I whipped, literally, the bathroom door opened and scared Mark half to death. Then I said to him, "This thing says I'm pregnant" remember he had no idea I was taking a test. He said "What" and sat up. I repeated "This thing says I'm Pregnant" Then I Mark says "Am I dreaming" . Well Jaren ended up having a fever so I stayed home with him and went to have my blood drawn. I couldn't have been more nervous, due to the result last time this happened. The doctor called me last that day and said it looked great, but that I had to come back in two days to have it checked again. And again it looked great.

I was considered high risk up until 8 weeks. At 5 weeks we had a sonogram and got to hear the heartbeat (that was a first for Mark and I and we won't soon forget it) We did get pictures of peanut, but that is all it looks like. I had to also take a progesterone pill up until 13 weeks and am not done with that.

I am 14 weeks as of yesterday and feeling great. I get winded easy and am tired very early each evening, but no nausea anymore!!!

Our baby is due June 21st and we are NOT finding out what it is. Healthy is all we are praying for and couldn't be more excited that Jaren is going to be a brother. I can't wait to watch him with the baby.

Ok, that is long enough, but wanted to share. We will have another sonogram in Feb.

K-state Football this season!!!

Here are slideshows from the K-state football season. Seeing's how we made a BOWL GAME!!! and the season is still officially going on, I'm not that late on this one. I'm hoping to get some posts going this week to try to catch up since I'm off the next two weeks - as long as our internet cooperates I should be able to do it. As I say this I'm on day two of trying to get enough internet service to finish this post. I was half way done and then did't have service for 24 hours. AHHH. They are supposed to be coming out today to do something about it.

On my list of to post is: Videos - old and new, my cousins wedding, misc photos from the past several months, halloween, blakes birthday party, my graduation, baby update - old and new :) Get excited!!! Then of course Christmas - I can't wait for this year, Jaren will actually care - I am aware he may prefer the box and bow over the gift, but that is perfectly fine. He is ready too, our toys here are old news.

Anyway here it goes. Our first game was again UCLA this year.

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The next game - you have already seen photos off, but I am posting it again. UCF - this is the game Jaren came to.

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The ISU game was played at Arrowhead again this year. We had good weather although game time was a bit warm.

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Finally, (not for K-states season, but for Mommy's season) was the Nebraska game. This game due to ESPN was played on a Thursday night. We had started a tradition with our friends Matt and Kristi to travel to this game together each year, and since Nebraska decided they were to good for the big 12, or afraid of Texas, whichever it is, this was to be our final trip and we wanted to make the best of it. Mark and I both took Thursday and Friday off of work. We took Jaren to daycare and they headed up to Manhattan. We went to the bakery to get some goodies. After that we met up with the family at Rock-a-Belly for some good eatin. Then traveled to several spots in Aggivilee for some pre-tailgaiting. We had a great time - Thanks to Aunt Amy and Blake for babysitting Jaren for us.

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Finally, during our tailgaiting adventures this year, Michael and Matt, I believe began Bro Icing people. Basically, this is when you place a smirnoff ice somewhere to be 'found' whoever finds it, has to get on one knee and chug it. This was fun to watch and even more fun to scheme. It did make us out to be rude though as noone would do favors for anyone by the end of the season. "Hey, could you grab me a cup?" "NO", "Can you hand me the doughnuts?" "NO".

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Hail storm

I am thinking of this again as we just finally got our gutters replaced from this fun storm.

This was the evening before I defended my final research for my masters, Sept. 15th, 2010. Mark was out of town, and my mom came over to help with dinner and watch Jaren so I could practice and prepair. We were going to watch my neice Matea for a bit this eveing too. My dad had called a bit before the hail got here asking if my mom had pulled her car in because he heard hail was coming. I said yes, I made her because I didn't want her to have to leave in the rain. Amy had called as well letting us know she was getting some pretty big hail at her house in town Goddard so we knew it wasn't far away.

Jeremy and Brandi were on their way into town to drop of Matea and they called and asked if they could just stay till the storm passed, by the time they got here we were deep in the big hail. In the end, Jay and Brandi's van in my driveway had both the front and back windshield busted out. We had one hole that went all the way though our roof and our ceiling in our garage, and about 22 other holes that went all the way through the roof and into the attic. Oh, don't forget that we had just paid to have our house repainted 3 yes, THREE days before all this happened.

My dad ended up taking off work to come help Amy and I, Marks Dad came over to help us and drive Jay and Brandi and their girls home. My uncle and cousin stopped by to see if we needed help, and my other uncle called and offered his services. Amy had many holes that led to water running down her ceiling and into her fire detecters shorting them out and causing them to go off constantly. Anyway it was a mess and they hail was HUGE!!!

Jeremy and Brandi's front window of their van. The back window was competely gone.

This is what our whole yard looks like, but since we didn't have property insurance ,or something like that, it still looks like this.

This is what our garage ceiling looks like. The hail came all the way through the roof and the ceiling and landed and shattered on our garage floor, thank goodness on the third car side so no car damage.

This is one of the many spots along our guttering that was distroyed.

This mainly shows how hard the hail was coming down the hail is completely buried in the yard.

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slow dance

I know I am WAY behind again, but we are having some MAJOR issues with our internet and have tried to make two posts and gotten kicked off before I was done and lost everything I was working on. So this one is going to be short and sweet.

I just had one of the best experiences of my life to date and want to note it. Today was my last day of school before Christmas for me, so I left school as soon as physically possible to go get Jaren and get home.

We got home and I got Jaren a snack and started dinner. Then came the best part....

Jaren asked for one of his favorite things. He wanted the music on. So I put on a Christmas CD, turned the house lights off and the tree lights on. Then for a half and hour Jaren and I danced. Some fast fun twirly songs and some slow songs which involved him cuddling on my shoulder and licking my shirt ;)

I wish I had a picture, but as we were the only people home I obviously don't, but let me tell you it was darn cute!!!

Enjoy the holidays!!!

Great Wolf Lodge

I know I'm VERY late. I'm trying to catch up. With no more home football games I'm sure I'll do better. I also just today figured out how to get the videos off my camcorder so there are some old and new videos coming too. Also, our audio is still not working so I hope the music on this slide show is not annoying.

Anyway, this is a slideshow from our family vacation to Great Wold Lodge this summer. My mom and dad took us all and we had a blast. For Easter my mom gave all the kids matching swim suits and towels with their names on them. It was adorable. They didn't have a suit small enough for Emma Kate so hers is differant.

Thanks mom and dad we had such a wonderful time!!!

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Amy & I's suprise Birthday party

A month ago Amy and I were told that we had to keep Sat. Oct. 16th open for a Birthday DAY. On Thursday the 14th, Amy and I's actual birthday we went out to eat at Gambinos to celebrate. There Mark gave us each a card that had directions we were not to open it unitl 8:00 ish on the morning of the 16th. So we followed directions and at 8:00 ish we each opened this card. (back up) on the night of the 14th or actually the morning of the 15th we ended up in the emergency room with Mark. He threw his back out laying Jaren down in the crib, he couldn't walk and was shaking and cold. Which if you know Mark, he is NEVER cold. So if Mark looks uncomfortable in these pictures he was still in a pretty good amount of pain, but he was a trooper and hung in there for all the festivities.

Inside the card was a note from Mark mine said " Happy Birthday Celebration Day! You must be sooooo eager to find out hte plans. Well I hope you're not too disappointed, but it's still a suprise!!! (I know... such a tease) I love you so much, and I hope this day measures up to your expectations. Have fund and enjoy, because you've earned it. Love Ya, Mark and Jarne" Amy, at her house with Mike and Kim and me at mine with Kelsey and Mark both seperatly got blindfolded and taken to our first destination. We went to the zoo with my entire family all the kids too. It was a ton of fun and perfect weather. I was oblivious to the clue on the card of the gorilla. And yes we got some looks driving around with me blindfolded in the front seat.

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While eating lunch at the zoo that Mark prepaired and packed for us Amy and I recieved this card. The card said " I hope you've both had fun at the zoo, but it's now time to leave. Kelsey is your escort, so follow her to her car. Once inside, key this address into the GPS. 2441 North Maize Road, Wichita, KS 67205 Have fun and enjoy! When you're done, someone will be there to pick you up. We will see you both later." So not realizing yet that the cards were a clue but my family members knowing this my mom asks what does the card say. We had just read what Mark wrote out loud so then I read the actual card phrase and got a major clue. It said " Studies show that pampering yourself can make you look and feel years younger. Hoping you find the time to pamper yourself on this special day! Have a happy Birthday! Because Mark was now taking narcotics with his back injury he came along. When we got to the salon Mark took us inside and checked us in then left. The lady says we will be right with you. Amy and I still have no idea what we are here for. The lady takes us back and says are you ready and we said sure but can you tell us what for. She laughed and said sure you are getting..... are you ready for this..

A one hour massage
a one hour facial
a manicure and
a pedicure

It was amazing and it was so much fun to share with everyone about our day and wonder what was still to come.

Kelsey and Mark returned four hours later to pick us up and took us back to Mark and I's house, where our outfits were selected for us and we were to get ready for..... We didn't know, then we got this card. (I shouldn't say we didn't know, we knew it was dinner time by this point and we were hungry) This card read "I'm sure you're wondering about the card... perhaps it will make sense after a bit. I hope you're hungry, cuz we're off to dinnr. I was tormented as to waht would be the best plans, and then I realized there was really only one option. Happy Birthday!!!" We then proceded to eat at Texas Roadhouse. It was mostly and adult event. Cheeks and Alyssa came along as the only people Mike and Kim know well enough to entrust their child with were at dinner so Blake got to come too, to be with Alyssa. Dinner was SOOO yummy, I love their rolls.
After we left the reasturant we were standing in the parking lot and we got this card. It read "If you've been paying attention to the cards, they each have had a clue as to the activity. Therefore, you're probably wondering where we're going. Trust me, you probably haven't danced like this in a long time!!! Happy Birthday!!" We were then driven to the Carousel skating rink to go roller skating. We had a such a good time and enjyed every min. of it.

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After roller skating everyone came back to Mark and I's house hang out and play some cards.

It was a PERFECT day and I'm so greatful for Mark that he would go to this much trouble for Amy and I. I couldn't ask for better, Mark - THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! Man he set the bar high for Amy and I to plan for his 30th huh???

Jaren was playing in the bathroom one morning while I was in the shower and found a "FUN" toy. I know gross, but they kept him busy for almost a half an hour. Put them in the box, take them out, repeat...


Jaren loves to be outside so we decided one day when we got home from work to have a picnic. He was very confused by the idea of eating on a blanket in the yard, but had not problems generlizing the skill of putting all the food in my mouth that I can at once, from the high chair inside to the front lawn.


I truley enjoyed our picnic. Although I was alone most of the time. Jaren would join me for a bite or two, then go play, then come back for food, then go play. It was perfect.


The boy would live outside if we'd let him.


Just having fun in the bath.

Lake of the Ozarks/Daddy

Sorry it has been so long.

Crazy times here. Mommy turned 30 on Thursday and that same night daddy took an ambulance ride. Daddy came to consule me at 2 a.m. and when he went to lay me back down he did something to his back. He was in severe pain and began shaking uncontrolably which woke mommy up. When mommy said that's it we are going to the hospital, daddy couldn't get out of bed by himself and while my mommy is a pretty tough cookie she couldn't carry daddy to the car. So grandma and grandpa came over. Grandma Cheryl stayed with me and Papa mike took mommy to the hospital. They really got NO answers as to what was wrong or what to do about it, gotta love ER's. Daddy did get a shot which made him giggle and feel no pain as well as a perscription for lortab. He is doing better, but is uncomfortable constantly and tries to do to much with me which makes mommy mad. Mommy says daddy just needs to rest.

Then Daddy planned an ALL DAY suprise day for mommy and aunt amy since they turned 30. It was such a FANTASTIC day I won't even put it on here, it deserves its own post. I know you are thinking great we won't see that till next year this time, but I'm working on mommy and she says she will be posting more regularly soon. :)

Enjoy the pics.

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I'm back!!!

I know it has been to long and this is the beginning of many more posts.

Mommy has no more excuses as she defended her masters last Thursday night and PASSED!!!

This post is about our most recent weekend. Mom says that after this she will back up and fill you in on all the things you are missed so far.

I hope you enjoy it and that the music is ok. The sound is broken on mommy's computer so she doesn't know what it sounds like.

FYI - posts to come: cousins wedding, misc, walking videos, more football, vacation photos from lake of the ozarks, hailstorm photos and more.

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WALKING

I know you want to see pics and videos and I promise after Sept. 16th I'll get back to it. As for now, I'm working very hard, and almost done with my paper. I then have to create a powerpoint and defend my research and I'll be done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I wanted to let you all know though that Jaren is WALKING. He has been taking one to two steps for about two weeks. Then last Sunday he decided he could walk from the coffee table in the basement to one of his toys across the room.

Then.... This Thursday he decided he wanted to walk from the kitchen to our bedroom. He surprised even himself when he did and and we haven't been able to stop him since. That is all he wants to do. It is the cutest thing ever. Can't wait for him to show off to everybody.

july pics

This is one of the many beautiful rainbows we got to see in July.

This is me enjoying the swing!!!

Me hanging on of the fourth of july at grandma and grandpa mac's I couldn't go outside much because of the flood.

Papa Mac in his front yard, and their street was one of the better ones in Andale.

Aunt Boz and mommy returning from the walk. They went to check out all the flooding in town. They had fun. just don't look at how white mommy's legs are compaired to aunt boz.

explanation

Ok, so I am giving another explanation as to why there are not many posts on here. The internet problem has been kinda fixed and I was all jazzed and ready to post away as there is MUCH to share. He is growing everyday!!!

Today I got my defense of my masters research scheduled and I am not ready for it and it is sooner than I had hoped. I will be defending my research on the 16th of September.

So don't plan on much happening before then.

Saying that after September 16th watch out :)

Wish me well.

internet

Hello everyone,

I wanted to let you know not to loose faith in my postings. I am currently experiencing internet problems for our desktop computer. That is where all the pictures and videos are.

I have some great pictures from our McFadden family vacation to Lake of the Ozarks last weekend and some great videos of Jaren walking. Still not completely by himself, but he is VERY close.

Hopefully the problem will be fixed soon and I can again post pictures and videos.

Anniversary

Today is the anniversary of the day that Jaren was baptised in Christ. It was a beautiful/emotional day and one that I will never forget. I thank the lord everyday for the precious gift he brought to Mark and I.

Some videos

I will start by saying I know the first slide of the slide show talks about photographs and these are all videos. This is my fifth attempt to post these videos so I picked the first slideshow that would fit the whole picture of the video. I do like it though so you may see it in the future, with pictures :) I hope you can finally enjoy these videos as much as I do.

I've logged on now to watch these and make sure they work properly and well, they kinda do. The first time it had the audio of video 2 while have a still shot of of video 1. The next time it stopped one of the videos short of being finished. I used the arrows (spades) to skip from video to video and they all eventually played. These videos are becoming my nightmare. Maybe that is my sign that I should stick to still photography :)

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name trick

I wanted to share with you all a trick for spelling Jaren's name correctly. As a poor speller myself I surprised myself with choosing Jaren as his name as I could never figure out how to spell the name Jared, Jarod, Jerod, Jarred, ect...

Any way as I have seen many variation of Jaren's name come across my computer and on birthday cards I thought I'd share with you my trick.

Here it is: if you take the J off the front of his name and the N off the end of his name you have a word left over. ARE

J ARE N

So when you are wondering what order the vowels are in his name remember that there is a word in his name.

Jaren's first Birthday!!!

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