Madison Louise

The newest member of the Faulkner family is Madison Louise Faulkner, born Aug. 31st at 3:45 PM. She was 7 lbs 13 oz and 20 inches long.

Here are Madison and her sister Emma. 1 year and 2 weeks apart in age.


Here's Madi with my boys




I babysat Emma for the 3 days her parents were in the hospital. We all really enjoyed having a girl in the house. Whenever I'd take the kids anywhere, people would ask, "after 3 boys, you finally got your girl?" To which I'd reply, "Yes!" It's fun to play pretend.

Our beautiful niece, Nicole, was baptized last Saturday. We're so proud of her!


The McBride grandkids

Pinewood Derby

Our ward party Saturday night was a Pinewood Derby race and chili cook-off. Scott worked so hard on our family's cars! He wanted to win at least 1 race. Sadly we didn't win any, but we had so much fun!




We did have a winner in our family, however, I won the chili cook-off! It was a 3 way tie between me and 2 others in our ward.
Here's a picture of me with my "trophy"

Party on!!

We had a little birthday party for Jared yesterday. His friends Trenton, Reese, and best friend Max came. Brad's friend, Max's older brother, came too. We had hot dogs for lunch, then we set them loose to go swimming!

Cake #2

Labor Day with the McBrides!

We love taking advantage of these 3 day weekends and visiting Scott's parents. They live in the South, East corner of Arizona, it's about a 4.5 hour drive. Scott's brother, Randy, and his family also came down for the weekend. We all really did have a great time. Scott's wonderful boss let him leave work early for the day, so we got a head start. We were going to leave at 5:30, when he got home from work, but were able to pick up the boys from school at 1:00 and head out of town. We got to Scott's parent's house in time for dinner, it was so nice not to have to eat a meal on the road. Randy, Amber and kids got there just after dinner.
Saturday morning, Scott's parents took us to the Chiricahua Desert Museum. This really was pretty cool! They have a display of live rattlesnakes, yes, I said live rattle snakes. I have to say I was pretty impressed with this. It was amazing to be so close to this type of animal! Of course, the boys loved it too! Jack wouldn't get too close, and would not pose for a picture with them.
As soon as we walked in the room, the snakes started rattling at us. Some of them looked like they might strike the glass. Scott's Dad, Scott and I did everything we could to get them too, but they never did. Including Scott's Dad doing a little dance. They especially didn't like the flash from my camera.






Outside of the museum, they had a garden area with turtles. Supposedly, they had 8 roaming around, but we only found one. Jack wouldn't hold him, but he would touch him.



We then went up the mountain for a picnic and found this creek to play in.













That night, we roasted hot dogs for dinner and made smores for dessert. Sunday, we went to their branch. We love attending the Rodeo branch. Such wonderful people there. It was fast and testimony meeting. Brad surprised us and bore his testimony. His first time ever! (I'm not counting the time he wrote it down first and read it) Jared did his part for the Primary program as his testimony. I told him it counts, since he was stating something he knew to be true. It really was a spiritual and emotional experience to see Bradley bear his testimony. He's a sweet boy and really has a firm grasp on the gospel. After church, the ward had their "Break the Fast" potluck. The kids chased these monstrous sized grasshoppers. Seriously, they were twice the size of the grasshoppers you see here in the valley!
Sunday night, we celebrated Jared's birthday with birthday cake and presents. (See post below.)
Monday morning, we had an exciting game of kickball, the boys got to ride the quad a little more. Then after lunch, we headed home.

Thank you Mom and Dad for a great weekend!!!

Jared's birthday!!!

Now he's 6!!! Jared celebrated his birthday at his Grandparent's house, since we were there visiting Scott's parents for Labor Day weekend.

We love Jared very much. I believe with all my heart that Heavenly Father meant for Jared to be a part of our family, even though he was born so many miles away. Heavenly Father guided us every step of the way to adopting Jared. I am very fortunate to be his mother. He fits in great with our family, there's no question he's one of us. I think most people around us forget that he was adopted and find it hard to believe that he hasn't been with us since he was born. I love him as much as I love any of my children. I'm very proud of him and the obstacles he's overcome. I think we'll see great things from Jared. He amazes me every day and I don't know what I'd do without him.

Happy Birthday Jared Magno McBride!!!

He's trying to decide what to wish for:

Presents!!!




Here are some pictures I love of our Jared:






Scott and Brad took a ride on the motorcycle without him.