A Happily Ever After story...

Our friends Ben and Gina started the adoption process about the same time we did. (At the time we had no idea the other was planning to adopt!). We finished the paperwork around the same time. We got chosen for babies around the same time. Then our birth mother changed her mind. A couple months later, after meeting their twin boys, the birth mother changed her mind. About month after that, they got chosen again, only to have this birth mother change her mind also. This adoption process, it can be quite the rollercoaster of emotions!

Last week Ben and Gina got a call about a four-month old baby boy down south. The parents had already signed the paperwork. No more rollercoaster. This baby was their son. They named him Jackson. Jackson has had a rough life that no child should have to endure. Those who know about his story have feelings of sadness, anger, disgust...all of which were feelings I felt initially. However, the way I see it now is that Jackson has been saved. He is going home to a place where he will be loved and adored by his parents- a home where he can heal and thrive. If anyone can give Jackson the life he deserves, it is Ben and Gina- two of the most loving people I know.

I think this story is proof that some things happen for a reason. Ben and Gina have had a crazy emotional rollercoaster ride that is adoption. But this Friday Saturday they bring home the baby that was meant to be their son. Jackson needs them. And they need Jackson. It is a Happily Ever After if I've ever seen one.

Congratulations to Ben and Gina and baby Jackson- with much love!

My Oscar Picks

Fashion picks, of course!

There were many good and many awful to choose from. First, my favorite. You may not agree. The color really made it for me. And, come on, she's beautiful in it!

And, the loser. This was one was an easy pick for me. Who knew even Beyonce can look bad??? The print reminds me of bad upholstery!

More of my list: randoms

65. When I was a kid (I don't know what age exactly), I used to lay in bed at night with my eyes squeezed shut, because I was afraid if I opened my eyes Jesus might be at the foot of my bed, and I thought I'd be afraid of him. ...don't laugh- I pictured a giant ghost-like figure!

66. Also, when I was kid: When Jacob Wetterling was kidnapped I was afraid to go play in the woods because I thought he (Jacob) might be wondering around in them and I would see him and not know what to do.

67. Also, when Jacob Wetterling was kidnapped I used to stand up on my bed and jump as far out as I could to get out of bed. And I always made sure that my blankets weren't hanging over the bed. I was scared the kidnapper could be under there.

68. When I was in eighth grade I wanted to be a trucker. And live in Maine. I had never been to Maine. Today, I hate even riding in a full size van. Don't know what I was thinking back then.

69. For about a year now, my dream vehicle has been a Ford Edge. Hopefully after we adopt a baby...

70. I found out today that my car (Alero) is NOT good for toddler carseats. My 2-yr. old nephew came with me to meet his new brother today- what a pain to get him in and out of the car! I can already hear comments- "You're going to want a minivan", "You should get a minivan". I know. I don't deny the practicality. But not with one child. Not gonna happen.

71. I really hope we can adopt a baby soon. Does that count as one of my 100 things? As if everyone doesn't already know that! But this list is getting difficult so I'm using it.

72. And just to be really random: I have a major crush on Simon Baker. Well, actually it's on his character in The Mentalist. Yes, I have a crush on a fictional person. Not to worry- Davin is well aware of and okay with this crush.

Crap, 18 more to go!

Green Grass and Other Important Randoms

*You know the warm weather and rain mid MN has gotten? Well, I looked out the window at my lawn the other day and realized most the snow was melted, and I could see green grass!!! Yes, I understand there is brown grass also, but I saw the GREEN grass.

*There is some good Gregory news! (This is actually more important than the green grass, but I'm random). The antibiotics are working- his infection levels are down. Also, they have a good theory on what could be wrong, and if they are right, it is curable and he should be on the mend soon! For more info email me or visit his CaringBridge site. And keep the prayers coming- they seem to be working! :)

*I love my sister Leanne's blog. She's a good person, with positive energy.

*Julie also has great positive energy. I love positive energy, and Julie.

*I'm going to Leanne and Cory's Bull party this weekend. Davin's really excited that it's on Valentine's Day- a great cop-out. Don't tell him, but I am also happy it's on Valentine's Day! It's fun fun fun!!!

*The Office is on tonight- don't miss it!

Hope everyone is having a great day!
~smiles~ from Laura. :)

Benefit for Gregory

Okay, I have tried this post a dozen times now. I'm going to try the bottom line approach: I have talked about Julie and Andrew and their boys. Gregory is back in the hospital tonight- Andrew journaled about it in on Gregory's CaringBridge site. I encourage you to read this journal entry. There has been a benefit set up for Gregory. In addition, I am collecting money for his medical expenses from people who wish to remain anonymous. There are also a couple other ways you can help this family out. If you can spare even a small amount, please email me. I can give you my mailing address for anonymous donations, or other ways you can help if you wish. I know times are tight, but any little bit will help this family. Visit Gregory's CaringBridge site. Email me. Please.

I love you, Julie, Andrew, Ethan, and Gregory. Stay strong.

lorz.kangas@gmail.com

I love The Big Bang Theory also.

I like to follow up on or copy other's blog posts. It makes keeping a blog easy. Sometimes, I like to copy Leanne, 'cause I actually agree with her a lot. Plus, she's cool. Here's my follow up to her TBBT post:

You know you REALLY love The Big Bang Theory when...

...when you want to sit down in your spot, and nowhere else.

…when you dress up like the Doppler effect for Halloween.

…when you accidentally use "spock" in a game of rock, paper, scissors.

... when you refer to rearranging your sock drawer as "the new organisational paradigm".

…when you disagree with someone you raise your hand and say, "Formal protest!'

…when your most frequent argument is "I accept your premise, I reject your conclusion."

…when you now use Rocket Scientist as an insult rather than as a compliment for high intelligence.

…when you line up all of your cereal boxes in order of fiber content.

…whenever you fall down or drop something your immediate response is: "Oh, gravity! Thou art a heartless bitch."

...when you have established a roommate agreement with a sidekick clause.

...when you want Sheldon's (knock,knock,+[your name]) to be your new ring-tone.

...when you become facebook friend with Sheldon Cooper.

Love is in the air...

Since Leanne and Mindi have a lovey dovey month going on, I figured I'd join in. Not because I felt pressured or wanted to be cool like them, but because I spent time today with someone I love very much. I love love love Julie. And Andrew and Ethan and Gregory. The whole fam. Love them all. I got to kidnap Julie today from the hospital and hang out with her at the mall for a bit. Everyone reading this- Julie is the biggest sweetheart in the world. I actually think she is a lot like my mom in many ways. She's got a heart of gold. She is an awesome mom to her two little boys. Gregory's been through so much in the past year with all his medical problems, and Julie and Andrew of been so incredibly strong for him. And Ethan never seems to complain that life has been so focused on his little brother. He just loves him- simple as that. He is so well-adjusted, and I think that goes to show how great his parents are to him. When I walk into the hospital room and I see Gregory, with his hospital 'gown' on and iv boarded to his little arm, my instinct reaction is so feel sad. But then he looks at me and grins and giggles, and I my heart melts.

...okay, I'm realizing I have a hard time expressing my feelings. Julie- I am in awe of your strength and your kindness. Andrew- thanks for being such an awesome and supportive husband and dad. Ethan- you will always fascinate me- you are brilliant and love listening to you talk. Gregory- you're the definition of strength. Plus, you're a little flirt, and how can I not love that? :) To all of you- I hope when you bring Gregory home from the hospital this time that everything goes smooth, and you don't have to be back again! I love you guys.

Tropics on the mind

Scene in my house right now:
I'm sitting on the reclining in my living room, computer on my lap. My alarm is going off down the hall in the bedroom- I woke up an hour before I needed to. I'm either too lazy to get up to shut it off, or...I'm just liking the tropical music coming from it! I'm pretty sure I'll have the reggae tune in my head for the rest of the day, but that's okay, considering it's nine below outside.
Sing on, sweet alarm!

Ventura Beach, CA???

Anyone been? I booked a vacation for us to go in April- I'm really excited about the beach but am still looking for opinions. Wonder if it would have been smart of me to book a flight too? Oh well. Another day.

Partial Retraction

As soon as I saw the kickoff, I thought, "Ugh, those uniforms are ugly". HOWEVER, I still think Cardinal's are wimping little birds, so I'm still glad my team won.

Game Day Logic

I want the Steelers to win. Why? They have slightly better uniforms. I mean, they're no Patriots uniforms, but they beat out the Cardinal's. So...

GO STEELERS!!!