tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2770918881770879162Thu, 16 Feb 2012 09:11:28 +0000cookingInfertilityTemplebabiesFamilypondsdeathThanksgivingchristmasgeocachingwhite dressDougState Forest State ParkhikingfinalizationzooTravelbreadblessingopennesssewinggrandpaadoptionMarianneFamily HistoryprayerResurrectionfirstswalkingwaitingsunsettestimonyadvicefamily reunionbirth mothertraditionsfheparentingcampingbookMartinFarmValuesbirthparentsmaster planLovefishingoatmealchickenfacesstorieswhat's cookingOutdoorsParks PassOur family is hoping to adopt. We live in the shadow the Rocky Mountains. Our greatest blessing is our family. We enjoy camping, hiking, and singing. Come learn more about us.http://www.marianneanddoug.com/noreply@blogger.com (Marianne N Doug)Blogger100125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2770918881770879162.post-8473982629615615772Sun, 16 Sep 2018 16:59:00 +00002011-10-26T16:13:38.838-07:00birthparents Thank you for visiting our adoption website. If you would like to see what we are currently up to click on Journal.  If you would like to learn more about Doug, Marianne or Values please click on the tabs above.   We've set up this website to help you see us outside of a formal profile.   We are grateful for Samantha's courageous birth mother and birth father who wanted more for their baby http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/rxdr/~3/jt9Eka3ZkxQ/2018_09_16_archive.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Marianne N Doug)<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/rxdr/~4/jt9Eka3ZkxQ" height="1" width="1"/>http://www.marianneanddoug.com/2018_09_16_archive.html#8473982629615615772tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2770918881770879162.post-5602779948160881997Mon, 18 Apr 2011 14:56:00 +00002011-04-19T06:53:57.694-07:00facesI had to share a few of my favorite faces. Yes, it is hard to believe that we are rounding the corner and in the home stretch of celebrating Samantha's first birthday. Last Saturday we spent some time with Samantha's tummy mommy. We spent some time recalling our first meeting, laughing about first impressions, first moments at the hospital and also saying "see you later." We spent time http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/rxdr/~3/8JFO_jShd90/2011_04_17_archive.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Marianne N Doug)<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/rxdr/~4/8JFO_jShd90" height="1" width="1"/>http://www.marianneanddoug.com/2011_04_17_archive.html#5602779948160881997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2770918881770879162.post-7340625639282200448Tue, 05 Apr 2011 18:35:00 +00002011-04-05T12:41:47.221-07:00waiting August 2004 Island Park, Idaho  In the last few months, I questioned whether or not I should keep blogging.  We currently keep up a weekly private blog for our birth family about Samantha's milestones and updated pictures.  I decided a while ago I wanted to keep some things about Samantha private. And then with time constraints I wondered if anyone was ever reading this blog, but a friend http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/rxdr/~3/7cl5E9IfP0s/2011_04_03_archive.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Marianne N Doug)<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/rxdr/~4/7cl5E9IfP0s" height="1" width="1"/>http://www.marianneanddoug.com/2011_04_03_archive.html#7340625639282200448tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2770918881770879162.post-1761590084335882422Sun, 03 Apr 2011 11:25:00 +00002011-04-03T04:25:28.548-07:00I just wanted to share this poem found in the April 2011 Ensign.  We love it and hope you love it too. Just the Same By Diana Lynn Lacey Sometimes—God sends rainStraight from the skyTo nourish the young flowerand it grows. Sometimes—God sends rain from the skyTo the mountaintops,Then over hills and through valleysUntil it reaches http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/rxdr/~3/nlg4v1F-8g4/2011_04_03_archive.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Marianne N Doug)<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/rxdr/~4/nlg4v1F-8g4" height="1" width="1"/>http://www.marianneanddoug.com/2011_04_03_archive.html#1761590084335882422tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2770918881770879162.post-7543459616353193090Thu, 31 Mar 2011 17:00:00 +00002011-03-31T10:00:57.613-07:00prayerMartinIn the last few weeks, I've spent nearly every day at the family history center (that it's open) working on theories.  Trying to prove or disprove them.  And it has gotten to the point now where all the workers know me by first name.  I was inspired to get my family history stuff in order before we went for our sealing in December.  And ever since then I've caught the family history bug again.http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/rxdr/~3/CaQxxDhDrhc/2011_03_27_archive.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Marianne N Doug)<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/rxdr/~4/CaQxxDhDrhc" height="1" width="1"/>http://www.marianneanddoug.com/2011_03_27_archive.html#7543459616353193090tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2770918881770879162.post-3704346636637961803Wed, 23 Mar 2011 16:38:00 +00002011-03-23T09:38:31.622-07:00This time last year I was knee deep in working full time, planning an adoption conference, returning email after email, and just trying to just stay busy by doing a lot.  And as I look back to that year, I am so grateful for what I've learned, where I've been, the people I met, and also the changes that have happened in our life.  It has been a night and day experience, one that I hope anyone whohttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/rxdr/~3/Ik59z2vn8ew/2011_03_20_archive.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Marianne N Doug)<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/rxdr/~4/Ik59z2vn8ew" height="1" width="1"/>http://www.marianneanddoug.com/2011_03_20_archive.html#3704346636637961803tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2770918881770879162.post-3164584454699676472Sat, 26 Feb 2011 15:06:00 +00002011-02-26T08:06:23.821-07:00parentingadviceTwo weeks ago we found this article featured on Yahoo titled "The 10 most Irritating, Least Helpful Parenting Tips Ever."  It was well written, short comedic article and I think worthy of a read.  We've read it fondly several times.  My personal favorite is 10. Whether or not you agree with all her points is one thing, but did it bring a smile to your face, did you laugh a little recollecting http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/rxdr/~3/EC7WJDw10d0/2011_02_20_archive.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Marianne N Doug)<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/rxdr/~4/EC7WJDw10d0" height="1" width="1"/>http://www.marianneanddoug.com/2011_02_20_archive.html#3164584454699676472tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2770918881770879162.post-6095540545363820515Tue, 22 Feb 2011 17:13:00 +00002011-02-26T08:06:52.660-07:00FamilydeathbabiesIn the last little while, I've been reflecting on how precious life truly is and how little babies are miracles.  For the last 10 weeks I've been following my cousin's (who I look up to very much for so many reasons) blog about her youngest son who was born with a fatal diagnosis.  And as they end drew near and she recognized the time she had left, she spent it "Living a Lifetime in a Day" She http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/rxdr/~3/56solGMZ5IA/2011_02_20_archive.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Marianne N Doug)<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/rxdr/~4/56solGMZ5IA" height="1" width="1"/>http://www.marianneanddoug.com/2011_02_20_archive.html#6095540545363820515tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2770918881770879162.post-8147368946228790540Tue, 15 Feb 2011 15:56:00 +00002011-02-15T08:56:04.205-07:00master plan I am giving you a sneak peek of what I am working on this week.  Actually I worked on it last week to but who's counting.  In a few days I will write a longer more detailed post (when I have made real progress).  I am so excited about it though I wanted to share.  I love my husband because I can say, "Honey, This is the idea I have in my head, but I need a pattern"  And after an hour or two ofhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/rxdr/~3/G1rXvxF3MEk/2011_02_13_archive.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Marianne N Doug)<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/rxdr/~4/G1rXvxF3MEk" height="1" width="1"/>http://www.marianneanddoug.com/2011_02_13_archive.html#8147368946228790540tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2770918881770879162.post-7466352952306789690Mon, 07 Feb 2011 15:17:00 +00002011-02-07T08:17:17.880-07:00FamilyzootraditionsIt's been a while since I posted pictures.  Since I now stay home, it frees up a lot more time on Saturdays to do fun stuff, we like to call Saturdays, Family Fun Day, which by definition means how are we going to celebrate being a family.  A few weeks ago it was unseasonably warm and we all hopped in the car and headed to the Denver Zoo for the first time.  The highlight of the trip was http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/rxdr/~3/NWWiZE7hevg/2011_02_06_archive.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Marianne N Doug)<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/rxdr/~4/NWWiZE7hevg" height="1" width="1"/>http://www.marianneanddoug.com/2011_02_06_archive.html#7466352952306789690tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2770918881770879162.post-3573824556653382059Sat, 22 Jan 2011 23:06:00 +00002011-01-24T08:13:04.707-07:00ValuesblessingThanksgivingtraditionsHi, it's Doug.  I was in charge of posting this and I finally did it! Each year we use the alphabet to list some the things for which we are thankful on Thanksgiving Day: Adoption Birth parents Coupons Dreamfeeding Elephants (they never forget) Faith Genealogy Heat Ice Cream Judge Kanka Library Music Nutella Openness Pam for baking (the flour is built right in!) Quilts Relatives Samantha Templehttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/rxdr/~3/tKdhYZ5mmIM/2011_01_16_archive.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Marianne N Doug)<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/rxdr/~4/tKdhYZ5mmIM" height="1" width="1"/>http://www.marianneanddoug.com/2011_01_16_archive.html#3573824556653382059tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2770918881770879162.post-1260188924399857911Thu, 23 Dec 2010 18:01:00 +00002010-12-23T11:01:05.208-07:00white dressblessingI am still composing my thoughts from this weekend but I wanted to share a few snapshots and share with you a poem I love by Linda Gay Perry Nelson "My Three White Dresses."  Here I will share the first stanza. My mom bought (placed) me a white dress, Not red or pink or blue.She said it was a special dressLike very other few.There has been just one before, A dress now put away,That I wore some http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/rxdr/~3/sIlG3Gwb6G4/2010_12_19_archive.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Marianne N Doug)<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/rxdr/~4/sIlG3Gwb6G4" height="1" width="1"/>http://www.marianneanddoug.com/2010_12_19_archive.html#1260188924399857911tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2770918881770879162.post-1743563520298024572Fri, 10 Dec 2010 21:02:00 +00002010-12-13T08:03:03.765-07:00finalizationadoptionOn Wednesday, this week we finalized with the courts S's adoption to us.  And as a way to celebrate this moment we created a little slideshow of the last 6 months.  Each step along our adoption journey is a miracle.  There are so many small stepping stones.   We celebrated each step from: contact with our birthmom, being selected, meeting S, relinquishment signed by both birth parents, http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/rxdr/~3/u8O03YFqsKE/2010_12_05_archive.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Marianne N Doug)<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/rxdr/~4/u8O03YFqsKE" height="1" width="1"/>http://www.marianneanddoug.com/2010_12_05_archive.html#1743563520298024572tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2770918881770879162.post-6488359693069603087Wed, 01 Dec 2010 19:58:00 +00002011-01-03T08:16:40.817-07:00firstschristmasadoptionSamantha has a had a week of firsts.  She went down a slide for the first time.  And she rolled over to her stomach for the first time.  (Now she's rolling all over the house)And she can sit unassisted for the first time.With only a week until finalization.  We are counting down the days, hours and minutes!I am excited for the day when someone gets to finally say that we can keep her forever.  http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/rxdr/~3/RNQipz7e4lc/2010_11_28_archive.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Marianne N Doug)<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/rxdr/~4/RNQipz7e4lc" height="1" width="1"/>http://www.marianneanddoug.com/2010_11_28_archive.html#6488359693069603087tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2770918881770879162.post-4152904746822691763Thu, 25 Nov 2010 15:43:00 +00002010-11-25T08:43:00.693-07:00storiesadoptionbookThis month is National Adoption Awareness Month.  I love this month because it gives a voice to a cause that I support.  I support adoption.  I love this month because of the inspiring stories, wonderful firesides, adoption walks, newspaper articles and bloggers who unite to raise awareness.  This month I picked an adoption story to highlight. The title didn't seem that interesting but I http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/rxdr/~3/7YLFk-NaAPE/2010_11_21_archive.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Marianne N Doug)<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/rxdr/~4/7YLFk-NaAPE" height="1" width="1"/>http://www.marianneanddoug.com/2010_11_21_archive.html#4152904746822691763tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2770918881770879162.post-7937623613966454170Wed, 24 Nov 2010 15:09:00 +00002010-11-24T08:09:09.368-07:00testimonybookI am absolutely thrilled!  We've finished the Book of Mormon.  All 531 pages (not counting the introduction.) Well, actually it was last Sunday but I'm finally blogging about it.  I love the Book of Mormon.  I love the stories, the insights, wisdom, direction, guidance, assurance, love, knowledge, and humor that is found within it's pages.  I am more importantly grateful for the testimony http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/rxdr/~3/v85tRjTeEvc/2010_11_21_archive.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Marianne N Doug)<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/rxdr/~4/v85tRjTeEvc" height="1" width="1"/>http://www.marianneanddoug.com/2010_11_21_archive.html#7937623613966454170tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2770918881770879162.post-4482654289711852338Wed, 17 Nov 2010 22:01:00 +00002010-11-17T15:39:47.386-07:00breadwhat's cookingoatmealcooking I've sat down to write this blogpost about 6 times.  There seems to be so little time in my day but also so much time.  My hat goes off to those bloggers that can write everyday, you're sure committed.  So without furthur delay here is my review of quick breads. Doug and I had a conversation about the title of this post: M: I think I will call it sweet breads D: I think that means something http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/rxdr/~3/VbDdf7JDnZQ/2010_11_14_archive.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Marianne N Doug)<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/rxdr/~4/VbDdf7JDnZQ" height="1" width="1"/>http://www.marianneanddoug.com/2010_11_14_archive.html#4482654289711852338tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2770918881770879162.post-3963273097423362864Wed, 10 Nov 2010 04:29:00 +00002010-11-09T21:29:48.104-07:00ResurrectionInfertilityadoptionLoveI had always heard that adoption doesn't cure infertility or feelings about infertility don't vanish because of an adoption placement, but I never really understood or believed it until I had my own experience.  I want to relate an experience that I had a few months ago and urge you the reader to read this entire post. I jumped in the car, took off down the highway, with a screaming infant (http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/rxdr/~3/esbJBJ2mTXE/2010_11_07_archive.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Marianne N Doug)<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/rxdr/~4/esbJBJ2mTXE" height="1" width="1"/>http://www.marianneanddoug.com/2010_11_07_archive.html#3963273097423362864tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2770918881770879162.post-8577046535339951351Tue, 02 Nov 2010 14:54:00 +00002010-11-05T18:01:54.437-07:00chickenwhat's cookingoatmealcookingWe are still enjoying are double batch of granola that we made last week for breakfast.  The stuff is so addictive I wish I could eat it morning, midday, and for dinner.  I hope you feel inspired to try something new because we did.  At our house we have a set Parmesan Chicken recipe that we've made for years.  It is super tasty, easy to make, and doesn't take a lot of time.  The drawback is thathttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/rxdr/~3/ckShHWHEbiw/2010_10_31_archive.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Marianne N Doug)<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/rxdr/~4/ckShHWHEbiw" height="1" width="1"/>http://www.marianneanddoug.com/2010_10_31_archive.html#8577046535339951351tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2770918881770879162.post-5889513413452957669Mon, 25 Oct 2010 14:27:00 +00002010-10-27T07:40:31.267-07:00OutdoorssunsetwalkingpondsThis picture shows you why we love going on walks in our neighborhood ponds.  The reflections on the water are stunning.  The sunsets this fall have been stellar and we love that hardly anyone uses these ponds so it feels like our own piece of heaven. Here are few snapshots we took as we watched the sun disapper behind the mountains.Look at the eyes.  I'm in love with S's new expressions.  They http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/rxdr/~3/AXH8eKqDk90/2010_10_24_archive.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Marianne N Doug)<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/rxdr/~4/AXH8eKqDk90" height="1" width="1"/>http://www.marianneanddoug.com/2010_10_24_archive.html#5889513413452957669tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2770918881770879162.post-904398801019947881Fri, 22 Oct 2010 04:29:00 +00002010-10-21T21:30:31.143-07:00opennessFamilybirth motheradoptionLoveThis last weekend we spent some time with our birth family at our home (I call them "our" birth family as well because I feel like they adopted us).  It is always so fun to see them and to talk to them.  We spent some time walking out to our open space, and sharing S stories.  I love having another person to talk to about "what to expect" or "who does she look like?" or "how different is she thanhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/rxdr/~3/x2kYM7sMVFY/2010_10_17_archive.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Marianne N Doug)<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/rxdr/~4/x2kYM7sMVFY" height="1" width="1"/>http://www.marianneanddoug.com/2010_10_17_archive.html#904398801019947881tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2770918881770879162.post-6945541498410439955Wed, 20 Oct 2010 03:03:00 +00002010-10-27T07:54:14.249-07:00Family Historywhat's cookingcookingAt our house leftovers are what's for lunch.  The dinner from the night before or Sunday's leftover pot roast made into sandwiches will have to do because I'm already thinking about tonight's dinner. Last week we received some really great comments about our beginning segment and several recipes which we look forward to baking.  Thank you for your ideas. This last week we had a chance opportunityhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/rxdr/~3/JtR4-u6504o/2010_10_17_archive.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Marianne N Doug)<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/rxdr/~4/JtR4-u6504o" height="1" width="1"/>http://www.marianneanddoug.com/2010_10_17_archive.html#6945541498410439955tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2770918881770879162.post-6519070055395771932Tue, 19 Oct 2010 02:53:00 +00002010-10-27T07:47:04.947-07:00OutdoorsOver the weekend we took a trip out to the farm, to take a hay ride and gather veggies for winter.  We spent the morning picking onions, tomatoes, cantalope, watermelon, potatoes, leeks, corn, peppers, carrots and cabbage.  Since our own garden suffered a little neglect it was nice to be able to upick at the farm.  It is my favorite family outing in the fall. We started off by running (or slowlyhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/rxdr/~3/lqBPiECoMhY/2010_10_17_archive.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Marianne N Doug)<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/rxdr/~4/lqBPiECoMhY" height="1" width="1"/>http://www.marianneanddoug.com/2010_10_17_archive.html#6519070055395771932tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2770918881770879162.post-3523475392815726680Wed, 13 Oct 2010 02:58:00 +00002010-10-19T07:43:46.488-07:00breadwhat's cookingcookingA new acquaintance asked recently, "What do you like to do?"  My first thought was, you don't read my blog, do you?  I found myself stammering to find an answer.  Because, well, I am a collector.  I am collector of talents, skills, abilities, knowledge, information, and experiences.  How do you explain all the things you enjoy to do in just one setting.  If I say,  I like to ski, does that make http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/rxdr/~3/AesnfBKur3s/2010_10_10_archive.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Marianne N Doug)<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/rxdr/~4/AesnfBKur3s" height="1" width="1"/>http://www.marianneanddoug.com/2010_10_10_archive.html#3523475392815726680tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2770918881770879162.post-7816876694285544559Mon, 11 Oct 2010 13:50:00 +00002010-10-12T06:19:30.906-07:00TravelcampingParks PassState Forest State ParkBack in August, we felt like we were over booked and over scheduled with so many activities that we didn't feel like we had enough time to just be a family, so back in August, we looked at the next available weekend and booked a small cabin at State Forest State Park.  We went over Sept 17 and 18 and the aspens were in about 50% color and it was so gorgeous. We really enjoyed the drive up the http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/rxdr/~3/GjejGv8LhEE/2010_10_10_archive.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Marianne N Doug)<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/rxdr/~4/GjejGv8LhEE" height="1" width="1"/>http://www.marianneanddoug.com/2010_10_10_archive.html#7816876694285544559