Happy Birthday Sam!

Sam turned 23 on June 26th.

This is only my second birthday to spend with Sam. It was a really nice weekend celebration.

Unfortunately Sean and Dylan were in Park City Utah working a golf tournament for Forever Young. They were missed.

Sam's dad came in to surprise him.

We had Thai food for dinner and then off to Gameworks for a little video game fun.

On Saturday we went on an outdoor adventure to the Tonto National Forest Natural Bridge and the falls. We had a great time. We enjoyed all the beautiful scenery and the awesome hike. The weather was Perfect!

Happy Birthday Baby!

I Love You!!

XXOO

Happy Birthday Zach!

Wow!

Can you believe Zach is 19 yrs old?

These babies grow up so fast. It's hard to believe they were once so little. My boys are so much bigger than I am. It is odd trying to discipline them, when they can look down their nose at you! And hugging your babies, when they have become Giants. And realizing when they need you and when they don't. A mothers love is defined by a child's necessity, or it would seem...

No one ever warned me of the mothers crisis of the heart. To be there when they need you, but become a voyeur when they don't. Silence isn't one of my virtues! Don't they realize we need them too?!

Wait! That is a whole other post!!!

Anyway,

We had a delightful day just hanging out. I made Zach a yummy birthday cake.

We went to the Melting Pot for a nice dinner and then off to the movies.

Happy Birthday my child! I love you more than you'll ever know!

Ghosts in Bisbee Arizona?

Ghost? You be the judge!!

I took Zach and Sam on a little road trip to Bisbee,AZ. The boys wanted to stay in the famous "Haunted Hotel". So off we went on a little summer excursion. On the way we stopped at Tombstone and saw the "haunted" Bird Cage theatre. Then we were off to investigate the Copper Queen.

http://www.copperqueen.com/history_and_legend.html

So, we had the real deal, video surveillance and all. We were able to stay in Billy's room. It is supposedly haunted by a little boy. Many things have happend in this room and on the fourth floor. Windows opening, things moved in the room, etc....

We were not able to have any sightings of our ghost, but.....this morning as I was using the blow dryer and it just stopped working after about 2 minutes. I moved to another outlet in the other room. It worked again, for about 2 minutes. I moved back to the outlet in the bathroom, and it worked again for, guess.... yep about 2 minutes. Seriously annoying. My dryer did not have time to overheat and I have never had any trouble with the dryer. The outlets were not old and the bathrooms in the hotel are updated, and I assume the plumbing and electrical have been as well.

Neither of the outlets were tripped.

Then my ponytail holder disappeared. Guess what! It reappeared in the spot I had just looked for it at. I know, coincidence... Maybe!

Just seemed like our ghost was playing a little game with me!

Mothers Day!

I had a wonderful mothers day with "all" my boys.

This was my first mothers day to celebrate with Sam.

It was a very special day and I'm so very glad to have him in our life.

He has made me a very happy mom and I am enjoying learning

more about him everyday!

It was a day of surprises planned out by Sean. He is such a great

husband; so thoughtful and amazing.

I was awoken to breakfast in bed for the first time ever!!!

We all went out to lunch to Joe's Barbecue . Yummy!!

Then off to tour the Cosanti wind chime studio in Scottsdale. It's a very interesting place with really beautiful sounding wind chimes. I love wind chimes. I could have looked around and tested them out all day.

We then went to Arlecchino Gelateria an authentic gelato shop in Phoenix. When we went to Europe three years ago, we had the best gelato. We have been searching for an acceptable American version ever since. We have finally found the place.

If you have never had gelato, it's well worth the drive. The flavors are intense and the texture is very light.

We then went to Tempe Market place while the boys enjoyed a movie.

They went to see Star Trek. I decided to window shop and enjoy the

couple of hours alone.

It was a great day and I loved spending it with "all" my boys.

Life is Good!!!

My beautiful boy, Sam!

Many of you have been following my story of Sam on Facebook, but others are requesting that the story be told. I will do my best to give as many details as I can, but life has been so busy that a lot of the details may slip through the cracks. Feel free to ask questions and I will fill you in.

On June 26, 1986, at the age of 18, I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. I was not in the position to raise such a precious gift, so I gave him up for adoption. It was the hardest day of my entire life. I struggled to find peace in my heart to know what would be best for him. The decision was made that a family friend would place him in a loving and secure home, to be adored and loved as I loved him. I gave the adopting family a letter, details about my life, and a St. Christopher medal to be passed on to him when he was 16.

The family named him Sam.

When he turned 16, Sam’s dad gave him the information I provided, then became ill. Sam spent the next few years watching out for his dad and helping to take care of him during this trying time. His dad recuperated, and Sam decided to continue the search.

Sam found phone numbers for me and Mike (his birth father), but wasn't comfortable calling our homes. Instead he reached out by searching MySpace, where he found Mike. Sam and Mike tried to contact me, but I was traveling. I returned home to an e-mail from Mike and a couple messages from Sam. The first contact was a friend request on Facebook, but I didn't recognize the name/picture. I almost deleted it, but instead ignored it and continued to answer e-mails. I then came across another e-mail from Sam saying "Subject: hey mom “its me your long lost son... lol... i've missed you we have a lot to catch up on...."! Well, I was totally in shock. I responded with "Confused?! Need more information!" Then about an hour later it hit me. OMG, it's him. In the meantime I was able to speak with Mike. They had been corresponding for a few days and he told me all about Sam. After hanging up, I called him immediately.
His voice was like hearing angels sing. It warmed my heart and left me feeling an immediate urge to see him, touch him, know him -- it had been 22 years of longing and wait. It was very overwhelming and hard to believe that it was real -- that it was actually finally happening. I never really let myself believe that he would search for us. (I think it was a defense mechanism.) When I would tell the story of the decision to place him, my heart would ache with a constant urge to find him.

So, I would place all my faith in God, that he was fine and happy.

When I placed him, it was a private adoption, so I had no contact information. If I had the info, I would have never acted on it. I never wanted to alter his life, especially if he wasn't ready, so I just decided to try and live each day praying that my boy was happy and safe!

On March 10, I spoke with my son. He was warm, sweet, and caring. He filled me up. He was more than I had ever dreamed he could be. I wanted to try and go to Chicago at the end of March to see him. (As most of you know I am so very patient...lol) That lasted about a day. I decided that I just couldn’t wait. I sent him a buddy pass, so that he could come meet his “new” family. Alot of you have asked me if my family knew about Sam. Sam was never a secret. I have always believed that honesty is best and wanted my family and friends to know about him. I also hoped that my story could help another deal with the very emotional decision to place a child. I was very open with anyone who inquired.

I met Sam on March 15. My husband captured it on video, and I will be forever grateful!!! The connection was instantaneous. We were locked! It still amazes me, the bond that is created at birth. I couldn’t stop touching him and looking at him. Wow…. I was speechless...And as you all know, speechless very out-of-character for me!!!!!

(See the video Lori Meets Sam from Sean Rourke on Vimeo.)

Sam spent the next 10 days getting to know us. He and his brothers hit it off immediately. They have many of the same interests. Music is a huge part of my family and Sam was blessed with that musical talent. He loves to play, sing, and create music. He is truly amazing. While here he looked into the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences. He was smitten and has decided that he will attend the next term. My boy is coming home. He will be living in AZ, finally…..

Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. I’m sure all of this will take some adjusting, but I have complete faith that he is where he needs to be. I think we can help him achieve his dreams and find his place in the world. We are hoping to be a very influential part of his life. He is HOME…….

P.S. Check out Facebook for more pictures and information.

Happy Valentines Day

I know, I know, It's been way too long since I've posted.

Really there is now excuse except that Life is just busy.

I decided to make some yummy Valentine cookies for my Special Valentines.

I've been tagged a few times for meme's, but haven't had time to respond.

I may try and do an update every week, but it's overwhelming when Life gets

hectic and then having that incomplete feeling from not accomplishing all that you intend!

Anywho, I hope you all have a fantastic day of LOVE!

Happy Birthday to me!

Another year older today!

My brother requested an entry about how it feels
to be old! Hmmm... Just you wait buddy boy!!
Your not too far off!

The older and wiser self, just might get up on her
soap box.

I don't feel any older, except the physical part! :-/
I guess that's what matters though right?!


Let's see, I woke up, am breathing and still
functioning, so that's a good sign right?

Where to begin?

If I have learned anything in my journey through life,
it's to appreciate every day. Accept the gift of life and
the wonders of each moment.

The older I get the more I realize that life is really a short
snippet of our journey. I believe that there is so much time
and energy wasted on things out of our control.
I will try and learn to harness my energy and use it to
it's full potential.

As most of you know, I have spent the last year and a half
taking care of my physical self. Making it healthy and strong, and
trying to reverse the aging that occurs so quickly after 40! Yikes!!!
In the upcoming year I hope to stay present and active in each day.
To use all of myself and my resources, by giving back to that I believe to be true.

This was what I know for sure:
-I am thankful for this new year; a fresh beginning.
-I am glad that I can still enjoy each day and I have
family and friends that love me.
-I will spend this year figuring out what I can do
to help others. Where can I give of myself and how I can
make a difference. To Give back?

My wish is that our country remains optimistic about the new course that will be set by our new President and for us all to stay safe and feel secure.

May you all be blessed with Faith, Hope and Love!

Thanks for all the Birthday wishes!

Love,
Me

Pet Psychic- Really?....

Well, I am stumped by this story and totally in disbelief, but here it goes.

At work yesterday, a co-worker is explaining that her little dog is suddenly a

"new and improved" version of herself!

Lo Down- All of the sudden this little dog became jittery and started peeing right in front of the owner. Started running around all crazy like and bit the owner. She had been out of sorts for a couple of weeks and this was totally out of character.

So, she "called" a Pet Psychic (Psychic not present) for help. Hmmm...

Anyway, the psychic began by clearing the home of the negative energy she felt. Especially to the left of the doorway. What?

That area just happened to be the office of her spouse. If the shoe fits...

So area cleared she gets down to business. "Your poor little dog has an evil, angry child spirit attached to her." How could that happen? says the owner.

"Well, sometimes lost souls look for the closest living being to attach to. There are so many disasters that they just end up looking for the first available recipient. In this case, it was your dog."

"Can you help?" the owner asks?

"Yes, the child was killed in an auto accident and is looking for her father. I will explain to her that he has already crossed over and I will send her on her way."

Really...

Well,

• Home cleared of negative energy


• Dog cleared of Evil Spirit


• Owner out $65


• Dog normal and Happy again-immediately!

So what are your thoughts? Do you believe?...

sidebar-

Another co-worker was all too excited to use the Pet Psychic and made the call about her troubled cat. Well, looked as though it worked, but a couple of days later, trouble again.

Hmmm....

Welcome 2009

We were blessed this year to spend New Years Eve with our dear friends

the Bohons. We all went to Mt. Lemon to ski and then came back and had

a party to Welcome in the New Year.

We spent New Year's day at my in-laws enjoying Brunch with family and friends.

I am glad for this New Fresh start to 2009!

It will be a great year, I can feel it.

My resolution is to start each day with a positive attitude and to live

each day to the fullest. I am so very aware that life is going by at such a rapid pace, that to squander one day is wasteful.

I would like to Thanks all my friends, family and blog buddies for supporting me through this last year. It will certainly be one to remember.

Anasazi Christmas

My husband works at the Anasazi Foundation. It is a non-profit Wilderness program for teens. Anasazi is based on the idea of the seven paths. Light(sun), Water(drop of water), Wind(cloud), Stone(rock), Plants(cactus,chestnut), Animals(rabbit), and WE.

Sean is a bit of a procrastinator. He decided what the office gift should be on the 23rd of Dec. He asked if I would mind making "some" cookie boxes for his colleagues at work. He had this vision of making them to replicate the seven paths. "Sure," I say, "How many and when do you need them by?" He responds, "I'll need about 6-7 boxes, 6 smaller platters and a platter for the office."

Wow, that's a lot of cookies. I explained that this would take at least 10 hours, as we have to make dough, chill, bake, cool, and then the lengthy process of frosting them.

"Oh, I'll help you," he says. "

"O.K.", I say, "but this may be an all nighter!"

Well, it was more than an all nighter.

It took 12 hours straight to get it done.

I got the boys to help and they turned out perfect.

Zach entertained us along the way .


For all of you cookie makers out there, you know it's not the baking that is difficult, but that presentation, is everything!

They were really tasty.

I think everyone enjoyed their Anasazi themed holiday treats!