tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-238498412012-02-16T22:02:55.356-06:00Where Wild Things Grow...Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.comBlogger7561100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-64680868572925302422011-09-25T22:47:00.001-05:002011-09-25T22:53:22.719-05:00

Swim--Jack Mannequin I declare this the official Mareth family anthem of 2011.  I may or may not sob uncontrollably while listening to it. Other songs on constant replay in my home... Whole Wide World--Mindy Gledhill Blessings--Laura Story You MUST listen to them.  NOW.

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-87234753935548221082011-09-22T13:17:00.006-05:002011-09-23T11:51:11.960-05:00

Jacob, my firstborn in the wilderness... has always had a ONE TRACK MIND.  I imagine his mind like a field of butterflies with a million pretty thoughts flitting and floating around at random.  His will, on the other hand,  is a butterfly net.  Once he has determined to catch a specific butterfly it becomes a relentless mission.  He will NOT stop until that elusive butterfly is CAUGHT. This

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-58926317838793790272011-09-15T22:42:00.000-05:002011-09-15T22:42:48.420-05:00

Last December I had a date in Oklahoma City.  A great man I dubbed "Mormon Bob" was driving from his home in Tennesee (*cough*VPofNissan*cough*) to see his children in Utah for Christmas.  He asked if I'd meet him in Oklahoma City.  So I did.  I wasn't serious about him...  I was just dipping my toes back into the dating pool to test the waters a bit.  My children were with their father, so I

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-40839235055917777162011-09-12T10:27:00.003-05:002011-09-12T10:37:42.904-05:00

I know that some people are very low-key about Birthdays.  I am NOT one of them.  To me, a birthday is a celebration of LIFE.  To have waited so long to become a mother was heart-wrenching and agonizing.  To have felt that helplessness and depth of anguish with empty arms makes me APPRECIATE the gift of life for all that it entails...  Looking back on my daughter's life is bittersweet.  I

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-62165106080829612102011-09-11T15:38:00.000-05:002011-09-11T15:38:13.991-05:00

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-17209398499175864312011-09-10T18:28:00.000-05:002011-09-10T18:28:20.860-05:00

Just a little "teaser" for Rachel's Birthday Party photos...  More tomorrow!  Oui! Oui!

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-90583092855814398072011-09-09T21:47:00.003-05:002011-09-15T14:26:56.499-05:00

Some of Rachel's requests for her 8th birthday.... 1. Oreo Truffles (pictured above) 2. A Paris-themed Bday Party (tomorrow) 3. Squinkies (Just Google them like I had to) Next year? Please shake me by the shoulders and tell me I will spend MORE money on decorations and food than I would on just buying a party pkg deal at some resort spa. (But she is SO worth it!) Pictures

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-85643003340799822272011-09-07T20:19:00.006-05:002011-09-11T20:13:00.202-05:00

(Photo from Google... they go in tomorrow morning (9/12/11) at 10AM to see the actual damage) My parents lost everything.  EVERYTHING.  In the wildfires of Bastrop, Texas. You can see all they lost HERE and HERE (blog posts about their home BEFORE the fire...) They had 10 minutes to gather what they could and evacuate.  Nothing is left. My parents are almost 80 years old.

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-38249315393881375912011-09-06T15:29:00.000-05:002011-09-06T15:29:31.200-05:00

My parents live in Bastrop, TX.  Their home has burned to the ground in the raging fire there.  500 other homes and 25,000 acres are gone.  This year has been the single-most devastating one of my life. CLICK HERE FOR LATEST NEWS

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-39658936306648540282011-09-03T21:14:00.000-05:002011-09-03T21:14:33.643-05:00

For the record... Jared and I divorced August 20, 2010 after 13 1/2 years of marriage.   It is a big deal. It is a HUGE deal when you consider all that went into becoming parents via adoption.  I stayed for longer than I should have BECAUSE I did not want to let down the amazing human beings who chose us in faith and trust to parent their children and be part of

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-72686583571205343352011-09-02T08:18:00.000-05:002011-09-02T08:18:32.301-05:00

Meet the teacher night should really be entitled "Chaotic, Sweaty, Dash-from-school-to-school, Frantically fill out paperwork, snap photo with very busy distracted teacher NIGHT"  

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-87644542052081348842011-08-13T20:36:00.000-05:002011-08-13T20:36:55.645-05:00

 

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-34366804430543493712011-08-01T19:41:00.059-05:002011-08-01T20:17:51.864-05:00

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-10828729482320743342011-07-29T22:22:00.002-05:002011-07-29T22:26:40.175-05:00

I will finish the Joshua story soon...   In the meantime, I have a beautiful life.   Every.  Single. Day.   I don't want to miss one moment of it.  I take pictures everyday.  I have over 2,000 on my phone at any given time.  Here are some of my favorite moments from this past week... Rachel went to a luau birthday party this week. She put together this outfit and got ready for a 6:00PM

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-72226724210696059672011-07-24T17:05:00.003-05:002011-07-24T17:13:01.594-05:00

(Note:  This is turning into a much longer tale to tell than I first imagined.  It is going to take me several more posts than I thought it would to cover all of the love, support, friendship and help I received during that time...) The first person I called when I was facing some major personal struggles was my big brother David.  He listened and counseled and helped, but he also gave me

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-61886987439073231352011-07-20T21:26:00.008-05:002011-07-24T17:10:48.656-05:00

It is important to note, that leading up to the accident, there were deep and distressing family struggles occurring.  Financial, emotional, life-changing upheavals.   Then... Just a few days before the accident, an electrical fire broke out in my home. (The jury is still out on how it started. The only potentially damning evidence was a small, metal, toy motorcycle found near the outlet

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-27575841237928781142011-07-19T22:07:00.006-05:002011-07-20T21:54:16.730-05:00

I have this weird fascination with numbers.  For example, THIS POST   Jacob was sealed on 02-02-02. Rachel was almost sealed on 04-04-04. I have a newspaper saved from 01-01-01.  Last fall, while sitting in church, I noted the date on the program and made a mental note that I wanted to do something memorable... It was 10-10-10. I wish I could take that thought back.

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-69904002485932061462011-07-17T17:34:00.016-05:002011-07-20T22:04:25.112-05:00

It was a long wait for my first baby boy. I can't remember the agony of that wait now. The sting and pain of that time is gone. I suppose that is what childbirth must be like. Agonizing, painful, never-ending... but when it's over, it's over and your focus shifts immediately to the business of nurturing the new life you've been given. I am almost certain a more divine creature never

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-89522330434581277742011-07-13T16:30:00.017-05:002011-07-18T07:42:03.282-05:00

Last spring I made the decision to grow out my hair. The decision was two-part... Part One: No money for upkeep haircuts every 2 months. Part Two:    I figure I am one stop short of blue bouffant hair and cat spectacles... I better live it up one last time before I get there. The Plan: Grow out my hair as long as I possibly could as a last triumph to youth. I also planned to

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-64161759172050529682011-07-11T09:59:00.001-05:002011-07-11T10:00:54.294-05:00

It's been awhile. If we used to blog together "back in the day" ... I've lost all my links. Please e-mail me or leave a comment so I can add your link back to my sidebar! Thanks friends! xo

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-80208896702095714172011-07-11T07:58:00.013-05:002011-07-11T11:07:54.956-05:00

In an effort to play catch-up, I am dipping into the photo archives for awhile... These photos are from November 2010. I usually have "pamper" sessions with my Rachie when she needs some extra attention and Mommy time. It usually consists of a warm bubble bath, reading stories, combing her hair and lotioning her up before she slips into her big, fluffy lavender bathrobe. On this particular day

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-77730624000498965492011-07-09T21:35:00.011-05:002011-07-11T08:09:13.933-05:00

I have a rare weekend to myself... This morning I was starting to go about my regular exercise and chore routines, when I decided I really needed to get out of the house! Stat. So I texted my big brother David (who is the officianado de Fort Worth) and asked for a smattering of ideas. As soon as he said "Kimbell Art Museum" I was in the shower and out the door... They are having a Picasso

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-49617538355066384962011-07-08T23:14:00.036-05:002011-07-09T09:49:53.434-05:00

How it Started...How it Ended... Great Wolf LodgeGrapevine, TexasMay 2011

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-23859925378705752162011-07-08T21:57:00.003-05:002011-07-08T22:03:46.509-05:00

Wow. That last idea went WELL.Life is just busy and chaotic these days.But...I miss this blog a lot. I miss building a story of our lives to look back on. I miss the camaraderie I built with people all over the world from this tiny little spot hidden behind my laptop. I need to re-build it.Many of you know the struggles our family has been through over the last year and a half. I don't want to

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-88879394758794742962011-03-17T09:44:00.008-06:002011-03-17T18:18:48.148-06:00

My time is very limited these days. I think I will do some blogging "shorthand" and take a picture a day challenge. Every single day my kids do or say something cute and/or funny and it happens so often I forget it. I'm going to start highlighting one per day. This morning as I'm fixing breakfast...Me: "Whatch doin' Rachie?" R: "Copying my Christmas list from my master list to my 'official' list

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-11935392493182455902011-03-05T19:19:00.004-06:002011-03-05T19:30:59.197-06:00

Hello... heloo heloo? Anyone still out there?Well, I'm back. This last year has been an eventful one to say the least. Let's leave that where it belongs (in the depths of hell) and focus on the happy, uplifting and joyful events in this little life of mine. And there are SO many moments like that!What have I been up to? A lot. I started a new business! Click HERE for the deets. I'll catch

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-2644305847671751932010-11-10T01:17:00.011-06:002010-11-10T01:43:25.076-06:00

Mommy and Rachie (My baby girl is growing up! Sniff!) Rachel and Her Crew (You can't tell from this picture, but I spent hours cutting out glitter paper to make that happy birthday sign!) Pictionary (This turned into attack big brother Jake with balloons...a fav game every year!) Um, yeah, I don't know. The decorations

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-45324166633402368612010-10-29T19:31:00.008-05:002010-10-29T20:17:39.921-05:00

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-80947480616657666782010-03-03T13:12:00.005-06:002010-03-03T13:23:33.426-06:00

I have become a true and ardent worshipper of Etsy. The craftsmanship and talent abound there. Most recently I have immersed myself in original artwork. There is SO much I want to buy... maybe someday. For the time being I have found the most delightful little prints for sale. I need to find the artist's information again... but here is what I bought for my daughter. Aren't they beautiful and so

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-197809327286014472009-10-01T11:51:00.004-05:002009-10-01T11:58:03.534-05:00

I love October.It is my favorite month of the year.It means....cool airpretty leavesrich colors like brown and red and orangepumpkinsapplesspicescostume planningpumpkin patchesapple orchardsToday we are tracing and cutting out black bats to hang from our ceiling by clear thread. We like to get a jump on Halloween decorating.It is only October 1st and I'm already sad that it's fleeting...it's

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-29992199913291545702009-09-19T22:19:00.013-05:002009-09-19T22:32:32.415-05:00

Today our family was all about the black and the gold. Jacob's football team is the Steelers and Rachel's soccer team is the Swarm. It was great fun to sit on the sideline and cheer them both on. I hope they continue to develop a love for friendly competition and fresh air and exercise. Go black and gold! My favorite pictures from the day...

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-38887112882342629452009-09-18T22:13:00.001-05:002009-09-19T22:18:20.882-05:00

Joshua's official adoption day was great. We piled into the car and headed to the courthouse downtown. After waiting a million hours, they let us into the courtroom (decked out in balloons and stuffed animals for the children...) Then, after waiting a billion more hours, it was finally our turn. Josh introduced the judge to our family and even plopped down on his lap on the giant Judges bench

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-51213033738798422702009-09-12T08:50:00.000-05:002009-09-19T22:13:10.333-05:00

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-51450527221428601262009-08-24T17:07:00.004-05:002009-09-21T11:34:43.257-05:00

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-56753847714448978182009-08-10T09:46:00.002-05:002009-08-11T16:58:33.752-05:00

"Snickers"Born: 06/15/09Adopted: 08/08/09

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-52091721870021933542009-08-02T21:33:00.012-05:002009-08-02T21:53:54.456-05:00

The Suit He Hated. Opening Small Gifts From Family Baptism Towel(Thanks Aunt Teresa!) Small Spotlight Display in Confirmation RoomDaddy and JacobCub Scout Leader ExtraordinairreLisa Goodrich(She gave him those Skittles! See why he loves her?)Adorable Primary PresidentWendi WangsgardPresident PeltonHe spotlighted each child before their baptism. This was Jacob's spotlight..."Jacob is everyone's

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-22565445614516049942009-07-24T21:10:00.018-05:002009-07-24T21:27:18.519-05:00

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-80310744612470402412009-07-22T18:40:00.001-05:002009-07-22T18:42:23.851-05:00

Guess who is no longer a foster child as of 2:00PM today?Next stop: JudgeLast stop: Temple (Pheww!)

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-8504839528759106242009-07-04T13:34:00.000-05:002009-07-06T13:36:14.704-05:00

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-14501559837082932292009-07-01T13:15:00.000-05:002009-07-06T13:34:26.704-05:00

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-21896292852375956802009-06-14T13:06:00.004-05:002009-06-14T14:15:31.547-05:00

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-83798725425840081772009-06-14T12:53:00.006-05:002009-06-14T14:15:22.993-05:00

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-13879570377844254422009-06-14T12:29:00.003-05:002009-06-14T13:07:16.567-05:00

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-30356888862684393502009-06-14T12:12:00.008-05:002009-06-14T12:25:32.148-05:00

Last night, a STAR was born. Rachel had her very first dance recital. She remembered every step and move and really did a wonderful job. We are really proud of her. Jared did a Daddy-Daughter dance with her and they brought the house down. It was a riot. She got flowers and medals and got to pick her favorite restaurant (Thai Tina's) for dinner. It was great fun and she fell into bed

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-38593765881574558702009-06-08T19:15:00.009-05:002009-06-08T19:35:22.340-05:00

I dusted off my camera today...

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-40323441732539913952009-05-10T13:53:00.014-05:002009-05-10T14:10:45.777-05:00

This little hunk of ham and cheese is such a delight! Oh, how we love her so!P.S. Happy Mother's Day!

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-16660063906737391502009-05-09T21:06:00.023-05:002009-05-09T21:43:44.312-05:00

This is my FAVORITE Disney picture. For me it captures the entire "vibe" of the childhood Disney experience. The Mickey ears, flying high on Dumbo, full of joy... you know, Disney!THE CHARACTERS!I was pleased at how readily available all the characters were, especially the Princesses and Fairies. We barely missed Mickey, but Minnie came as a replacement shortly thereafter (and shhhhh, Minnie is

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-77309698027946553752009-05-04T13:24:00.003-05:002009-05-04T13:29:21.368-05:00

We are home. Did you miss me? If you are facebook, I'm sure it seemed as if I never left! I love technology. After I deal with this explosion of vacation aftermath which is my home, I will sort through the one jillion and one photos I took and post my favs. It was a fun vacation, but I'm glad to be home!! P.S. Jake took this pic...we have one with him in it, but I have to scan it!

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-57556122090802623242009-04-23T17:38:00.001-05:002009-04-23T17:40:44.533-05:00

Just for a week. We are off to California. See you soon!xoxoLeisha

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-58485378031490764652009-04-20T20:35:00.005-05:002009-04-20T21:11:48.860-05:00

If I could choose to be one person in life it would be Jane Eyre.She is my hero.This book (by Charlotte Bronte) is my all time, never-to-be-replaced, favorite book. I practically have it memorized. It never gets old for me. No matter how many times I read it, I read it with fresh eyes and fresh anticipation.It is a guide post for my life. It has been since I was a teenager.It still is today.Since

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-33177136465890946642009-04-15T10:03:00.003-05:002009-04-15T10:12:01.899-05:00

This phase of the appeal is over!Phew!Joshua's biological parents have until June 4th to take this appeal to the Texas Supreme Court. Here is the catch though....THEY have to pay for it in the Supreme Court. They have not had to pay a dime in legal fees up to this point, however, it is all on them financially if they want to take it further. Just a retainer for a lawyer is several thousand

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-74851485927869054152009-04-14T19:32:00.002-05:002009-04-14T19:46:37.744-05:00

I'm going to be honest. I'm going through something. I don't know what it is. It's personal, but I'm sure you can tell that I'm changing, or I've changed. I feel like a puzzle that has been taken apart, shaken around and dumped on the floor. I have no clue what piece goes where, or if I even want to keep that piece anymore! Maybe I just want to be a holey puzzle walking around!! I just

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-54100627655061903642009-03-24T12:58:00.001-06:002009-03-24T12:58:07.780-06:00

For those who requested taco-holding baseball-style....I present to you these pics via Chili's last night. As you can see, Jared was beyond thrilled to comply. This doesn't capture it fully. Thank heaven's he's cute!-- Post From My iPhone

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-1435777716567290192009-03-24T12:32:00.002-06:002009-03-24T12:38:34.220-06:00

My 5 year old both took this pic and edited it on my iPhone. Genius, right? I think it might be my new facebook profile pic. It seems to capture my dorky, clowny, silly, tongue-in-cheek take on life.I'm sorry for the hassle of moving to a new blog address. I hate to leave some people in the dust. Feel free to pass on the new address to others who might want it. I've tried hard to respond quickly

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-79204241243059030952009-03-17T21:50:00.001-06:002009-03-17T21:50:18.760-06:00

My Mom put these on her blog on our anniversary. I can honestly say it was a happy, exciting, memorable day....-- Post From My iPhone

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-35199441100653464052009-03-15T11:11:00.006-06:002009-03-15T11:40:16.555-06:00

12 Years and 10 Months ago Jared and I met. It was Mother's Day. I was new to the student ward at UT in Austin. I was "fresh meat". This means lots of boys swarm you and try and chat you up and date you before you become "old hat". Why? I have no idea. My hair back then would have frightened me. I'm sitting there absently listening to some guy listing off his "impressive" credentials when I

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-58301986196194602882009-03-09T10:04:00.004-06:002009-03-09T10:27:31.324-06:00

So Rachel has been asking to go to Sea World for about 2 years. The last time she went she was only one and can't remember a thing. In fact, she's been asking to have a slumber party with the dolphins for as long as I can remember.Jared got his annual bonus from work (niiiiice! considering our economic climate.) He goes online, buys us family passes and tells Rachel to pack her bags because baby,

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-91164750992194712262009-02-27T09:53:00.003-06:002009-02-27T09:55:47.091-06:00

Sorry. I was trying to fix a couple of things on my blog and took it off for a moment. I got a torrent of e-mails and phone calls last night and this morning asking where it was. Awww, shucks, that made me feel special. I am going to get back to blogging about life very soon. I just have a new obsession I have to break free from first! Talk to you later gators!

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-53080680384063676742009-02-08T22:34:00.003-06:002009-02-08T22:50:37.087-06:00

My parents visited unexpectantly this weekend.We made a quick jaunt to Thai Tina's (delish as always) and a leisurely stroll down to Target afterwards for some goodies for the tots. They know how to milk Grandma good. She told them she'd spend $20 on all three (but whispered to Jake it didn't have to be exact)...she was fortunate to escape with a bill for $26 and change. Rachel and Josh happily

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-6899391682933196582009-02-02T09:15:00.002-06:002009-02-02T09:20:46.764-06:00

Today begins our family tradition of "The 14 Days of Valentines"... Well, it technically should have started yesterday, but I forgot Sunday was the 1st and wasn't prepared! The children have decorated their mailboxes and set them out in excited anticipation of receiving some small token or treasure for that day. I'm steering clear of sweets (weird, I know, considering that is all Valentine's

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-19782722820013675542009-01-31T18:54:00.001-06:002009-01-31T18:54:42.356-06:00

LOS ANGELES – The woman who gave birth to octuplets this week conceived all 14 of her children through in vitro fertilization, is not married and has been obsessed with having children since she was a teenager, her mother said.Angela Suleman told The Associated Press she was not supportive when her daughter, Nadya Suleman, decided to have more embryos implanted last year."It can't go on any

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-21215595054580822522009-01-26T15:13:00.005-06:002009-01-27T08:57:32.074-06:00

****I changed the template already and it's lookin' good!**** Okay, so I have a long-neglected cooking blog. I add to it in spurts, but haven't since last June. It accidentally got deleted off my blog (along with other important links) when I changed my blog html around. I am RE-vamping it so I can access it from my iPhone. It started strong with 6 or 7 members...but we all forgot about it.I am

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-76376449729287586332009-01-24T20:08:00.002-06:002009-01-24T20:32:01.444-06:00

I have had my fill of drama. In the last week I've had to put 2 people in their "place" and honestly? I'd rather sit at home crocheting. I wonder what it is that makes some people crave chaos and others (like me) crave quiet evenings at home with family and/or friends? Is it maturity? Accepting that your life is not a movie or soap opera and being content with a lot of the same-same-same day

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-11691256013979404582009-01-21T19:59:00.001-06:002009-01-21T19:59:35.874-06:00

I found Jacob's birthmother on facebook. I cautiously asked how she would feel about keeping in touch. She was excited. Soon her parents were anxiously asking to be "friends" so they could check in on their precious "would've been" grandson too. I felt proud to show him off. There were tears shed.Here is why I love adoption. These bright and beautiful girls are just NOW 5 and 7 years later

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-29171117268943029492009-01-19T13:05:00.002-06:002009-01-19T13:15:13.067-06:00

The kid with the glasses?Awesome.

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-91584124134272867752009-01-16T19:40:00.007-06:002009-01-18T19:19:24.366-06:00

"...And Let Them Govern Themselves!"I had an, um, "experience" this week. For the last week and a half I've been letting Jacob and Rachel break one of my rules...playing past the light post on our street. At the very end of our road are some cute (but ornery) twins. Normally we don't see them much because they aren't allowed to come down to our end of the street and my kids can't go down to

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-75765970102038651682009-01-14T13:56:00.004-06:002009-01-18T19:19:56.137-06:00

This screen above is my new best friend.Hmmm....not really.More like my constant companion.No. More like the visitor who has long ago overstayed their welcome and need to go home so you can relax!Some kind of "brief submission" was supposed to happen yesterday. If you want me to catch you up to speed on what is going on with the appeal...I can't.Jared and I sit googling and reading and asking

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-19829439190170937792009-01-11T11:20:00.001-06:002009-01-18T19:20:42.674-06:00

My friend joined this ages ago...I thought it was for college kids. My book club leader had us sign up last year for information. I didn't get it. I quit. Then....I signed up on a whim last Friday. In a week I've found friends from kindergarten up to present day. 83 so far. I didn't think I knew 83 people? The number keeps growing exponentially though because this crazy intertwined web of people

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-64890800172747412882009-01-10T11:04:00.003-06:002009-01-18T19:13:16.731-06:00

Today at church they are having a "P" party for all the children....Pizza, Popcorn and P.J.'s. Every January the children move into a new class with new teachers and they hold this social to introduce everyone and get them comfortable.Jake had a birthday party to go to ( skating parties are back!) and then he has team pictures and a basketball game. There is NO rest for the weary around here.--

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-63112862963520733942009-01-06T08:08:00.002-06:002009-01-18T19:14:14.095-06:00

Josh "graduated" into the school based speech therapy class when he turned three. He looks sad in the second pic, but only because I was holding him back from "dowing to toool!" We've heard about it for two days straight now..."I dot a dackdac and I dowing to tooool!". He didn't even say bye, he just gave me a "are you still here?" glance. Nice! Three hours of a toddler-free zone, here we come!!!

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-64715402289437911512009-01-04T19:28:00.002-06:002009-01-18T19:15:48.229-06:00

Jesus wants Josh for a 'Sunbeam' but I'm not sure his teacher is quite as anxious (bless her heart...and nerves!)-- Post From My iPhone

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-12072984116358186772009-01-01T11:23:00.003-06:002009-01-01T11:25:58.825-06:00

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-86063573082821699772008-12-31T15:58:00.002-06:002009-01-18T19:21:48.977-06:00

Jake and Jared are in seventh heaven. They took in a hockey game two nights ago and this football game today. Here is a rundown of their "snacks" from today...barf!Two Sausage SandwichesHot DogSausage WrapPeanutsCotton CandyTwo Bags of SkittlesTwix BarTwo Waters--Post From My iPhone

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-65085592612607708142008-12-30T22:57:00.006-06:002008-12-30T23:22:16.807-06:00

I think I'm banning the movie "Annie". Not only does Rachel belt out "No one cares for YOU a SMIDGE when you're in an ORphaNAGE..." anywhere we go (to strange glances between a brown child and a white mother)... but she also draws pictures of me like this one above and says in a sing-songy voice "We LOVE you Miss Hannigan" everytime I ask her to help with chores. Either that or, "I'll make it

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-32392204155329948702008-12-29T19:35:00.014-06:002008-12-29T21:37:45.604-06:00

June 2008 I got an e-mail from my Mom as we were driving home from hiking this afternoon. "I hate to tell you, but Sadie died last night." Apparently, after being fed a dinner of warmed up chicken, and tucked into bed on a padded, heated blanket Sadie girl closed her eyes for the last time and quietly passed away in her sleep. She was almost 16 (that is 112 in human years!) She started out as

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-468445605452268462008-12-29T12:24:00.001-06:002008-12-29T12:24:21.325-06:00

I am blogging from the middle of a wilderness trail...how cool is that? See ya later...fresh air and exercise await our Christmas-bloated bellies!!! -- Post From My iPhone

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-20440464126475890802008-12-28T10:04:00.020-06:002008-12-29T21:56:52.529-06:00

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-40798779532008699312008-12-27T18:43:00.001-06:002008-12-27T18:43:12.825-06:00

My boys are off at a hockey game tonight, so Rachel and I are baking up a storm in her new easy bake oven! So cute and fun. -- Post From My iPhone

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-66064332192851975492008-12-27T12:35:00.002-06:002008-12-29T21:59:29.981-06:00

We are enjoying some post-holiday shopping and our favorite lunch...Thai! I got a new blogging app for my phone that I'm trying out! Technology is my best friend.-- Post From My iPhone

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-10027620176856337662008-12-25T20:51:00.001-06:002008-12-25T20:51:33.181-06:00

Oh. It's over for another year. Sigh. Now the blues are setting in. Now it's all about the clean-up. We've had a wonderful week with family. We've seen both sets of parents, my brother, his wife and son...Jared's brother, his wife and her parents. We're tired. Merry Christmas. -- Post From My iPhone

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-81331270764743521602008-12-24T19:02:00.002-06:002008-12-24T19:04:37.864-06:00

Tracking Santa HERE of course! Where are YOU!???

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-74897469076995729482008-12-24T19:00:00.001-06:002008-12-24T19:01:58.044-06:00

Our thoughts and prayers go out to my sister-in-law Christina. She has lost her father this holiday season....

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-3841008824349066292008-12-21T14:35:00.004-06:002008-12-21T14:45:20.557-06:00

Jared's parents are visiting for the holidays. I grabbed my camera before everyone headed out to church this morning. Jared wore his festive cartoon Christmas tie and baked cookies for his class...he teaches the 12 year olds. I think they will pay attention during Sunday School today! (Rachel and I are sick...no family pics for the sickies!)

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-51106763466795828512008-12-21T13:47:00.004-06:002008-12-21T14:19:05.326-06:00

Friday was not only Joshua's 3rd Birthday, it was also Jacob's class Christmas party. This is the first class party I've attended where I wasn't the room mother. Me LIKEY! It was much more enjoyable to just hang out with my kid, take pictures and snack than be in charge of everything and worrying about whether everyone was having fun and doing their part. That day I made a rule in my mind. I will

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-65060116605424716252008-12-19T17:39:00.009-06:002008-12-19T19:34:13.433-06:00

This was Josh the day we got him. (Sorry, it's a cell phone picture. And, sorry, but we like our Sponge Bob on t.v., not on our shirts!) Now that I know more about his story, this picture makes me incredibly sad to look at. Two months prior to this he was taken from his bio family with his newborn sister. Two weeks prior to this his baby sister died. The home in which his sister died was

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-77960703302004609252008-12-18T13:38:00.006-06:002008-12-19T17:38:54.637-06:00

One long ago Christmas (I was 8) I received a giant "North Pole" style candycane. I licked it down into a flat little nub on the end. This I promptly broke off and stuck in the space between my upper lip and front teeth. I sat solemnly in front of the bathroom mirror, answering pretend questions from an imaginary talk show host about my hideous impediment...."Yessssth, thisssth hassth been a

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-1846263320216427442008-12-13T19:19:00.004-06:002008-12-13T19:26:59.525-06:00

Jared, of his own accord, went out and bought the children Santa hats and Reindeer antlers to wear on Santa's knee this morning. Rachel yanked her antlers off last minute, who knows why, but I have to say that this is probably the BEST Santa's knee pictures we've ever gotten of our kids. Jacob said, "Mom, it was totally the REAL Santa!" He's a cute Santa, huh? Sigh. I wonder if this is the last

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-24091465316755198622008-12-12T19:06:00.017-06:002008-12-12T19:42:33.286-06:00

Two nights ago I tossed and turned. My seven year old is developing quite the 'tude lately. I felt discouraged. I know that even the best intentioned parents can end up with rebellious children. Part of his attitude is just part of his personality. He has always been a child who tests the limits to the further most point and then, pushes just a little bit harder to make sure that limit is firm.

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-26594504784826718442008-12-10T09:29:00.004-06:002008-12-10T09:38:37.175-06:00

I'm sorry. The closer we get to the holidays, the busier I become! I have lots of posts brewing, I just haven't had the time to sit and do them. (Note: I also have a "Perpetual Motion" toddler boy who, in the time I've sat at this computer has.... 1) Almost overflowed the bathroom sink 2) Drew a cat face on himself with my eyeliner and 3) Cut up my crocheting...a baby blanket. Sighhhhh....) I

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-15660440546691170322008-12-06T17:12:00.009-06:002008-12-06T17:53:08.026-06:00

Our Kid Kind of Rocks.First Basket of His First Game Ever.(five minutes into the game...)The man at the end says "The look on his face is priceless". It was. I had to remind him he was still in the game and to keep going! He is built more like a football player, but I hope he sticks with basketball. (There's no tackling in basketball.) Go Mavericks...!!!

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-44387974056948073362008-12-05T10:03:00.001-06:002008-12-05T10:43:25.437-06:00

CLICK HEREThis is FREE. Just vote for "Etosha Rescue and Adoption Center" in Seguin, TX. It would make my heart smile if they won money (through ad sponsors) for their important work helping animals. This site www.petfinder.com gives the rescues with the highest number of votes money to help run their shelter. For more information on the shelter I'm pulling for click HERE P.S. If you close your

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-78231478894417434862008-12-02T17:30:00.003-06:002008-12-02T17:45:05.609-06:00

Pablo and His Pooch--LumpHmmmm.... I've never been a huge fan of Picasso (despite the fact that I grew up with printed Picasso art sheets that my Mom got on sale...) My heart grew an inch for him today though. He had a little dachshund muse named Lump (meaning 'rascal' in German.) He appeared in quite a few of his pieces. He even got his own little spotlight above. Lump died one week before

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-61595748031518434112008-12-02T09:14:00.003-06:002008-12-02T09:17:58.070-06:00

The Neti PotLast year Dr. Oz whipped this out on Oprah. I don't even watch Oprah (no offense to her fans, but she drives me insane...) I was flipping channels one day and saw some girl stick this pot up one nostril and water started draining out of the other nostril. "Hmmmm, weird." I thought. As I listened to all the things it could aid in...allergies, sinus headaches, infections, etc. I made a

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-52895837444690687202008-12-01T11:51:00.005-06:002008-12-07T16:10:10.527-06:00

*Update* The new date is December 22nd. I'll keep you posted!I take most setbacks in the foster-to-adopt process pretty well. I mean, we have the child, it doesn't really matter to me how long it takes to get him, he's already "ours". It is pretty easy to be patient when you are living with your child and the chances are slim to none that he's going anywhere. But I'm dissapointed today. Today

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-24396870870783999742008-11-30T12:18:00.007-06:002008-11-30T12:25:18.377-06:00

First, my parent's were coming up. Plans changed. Next, we considered driving 8-9 hours down to Corpus for Jared's families Thanksgiving. Plans changed. Finally, We decided to have a nice, laid-back, casual Thanksgiving. Plans fulfilled. Yum! But, as my friend KM said, it still makes you feel a little lonely to see cars filling up your neighbor's driveway...

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-32159005048180555112008-11-29T22:46:00.013-06:002008-11-29T23:34:05.302-06:00

Good gracious, what a day! Jacob was up all night throwing up. Then, up early this morning chowing down on pancakes!!!? After breakfast I asked everyone to shower (and shave!) and let me try to snap a few pics for our annual Christmas card. As anyone with children knows, it's a total crap shoot when it comes to holiday pics. This year I was as casual and low-key about as I could be (compared to

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-44244088009687788752008-11-28T10:19:00.002-06:002008-11-28T12:37:47.726-06:00

(photo by Jake age 7) Well, I tried putting up a link to a great video a good friend sent me, but evidently it wasn't working. Anyway, today is my birthday. I feel old. I put up this photo-shopped picture Jake took of Jared and I the other day to help me feel not old. Jared likes it of me, but hates it of him. He says it looks like he has some major ear deformation that I'm trying to

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-57915872311557026302008-11-27T09:24:00.006-06:002008-11-27T10:40:44.867-06:00

Happy Birthday!We Love You!(photo by: Jacob age 7)

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-17313517428188026622008-11-26T07:48:00.006-06:002008-11-26T07:58:37.115-06:00

Last minute, Jared was able to take Tues. and Wed. of this week off. Jake had to go to school Tues. so I called him in sick! We went bowling instead. Everytime we ask the kids what family activity they would like to do Jake says, "Bowling!" This time we said, "yes!". Today it's Rachel's turn to choose and she wants to a) Roast weenies at Dinosaur Valley State Park b) Feed the ducks at our

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23849841.post-28567921344681779642008-11-25T09:15:00.003-06:002008-11-25T09:30:47.508-06:00

No, this isn't my dog. However, while perusing the internet last summer I came across this kooky website. The delightful seamstress sews nothing but clothes for dachshunds. I was highly amused. Hats, bandanas, coats (with hats mind you!), dog panties (who knew!?) in your choice of hundred upon hundreds of fabrics. These fabrics aren't just ordinary fabrics...they are bright and flashy like,

Leisha Marethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292545230226607243noreply@blogger.com4