Coffee

We are starting our fundraising again(honestly, my least favorite part of this whole journey). We are trying to expand our efforts by doing multiple different fundraisers(more to come later, stay tuned). If you like coffee, check out our store here www.justlovecoffee.com/shattofamily (I know the page comes up with memeberships, but if you go the side bar and check out other merchandise, there is options for just single bags.)

Most importantly THANK YOU for your prayers!


- Shattos

Happy Holidays!

We hope that everyone has a WONDERFUL holiday season!

Quick Santa story: We were in Wal-mrt and there was a santa taking pictures with kids. I specifically avoided him becuase I knew D would be scared. So we were going down the isles and then who should come up from behind and scare the begezzes out of D, no other than the santa that we were trying to avoid. D jumped from the cart basket to up around me neck and then just clung there. the santa just kept talking to him, not clueing in on the fact that D is terrified of him. Anyways, we will just say that his first "santa" expereience may have scared him.

Onto the story behind the picture: Our friend's mom and dad are Santa and Mrs. Claus for the holidays. Larry looks like santa 365 days out of the year. D is so used to seeing him that when they went to change into their outfits, he didn't think twice about sitting with Larry & Carol. Our own personal sitting session with Santa & Mrs. Claus. (thanks larry & carol)

Diesel has been growing faster than a weed. He is talking up a storm and has been adding about 2-4 words per day to his vocabulary. He also has started to exert his independence. He is strong willed, determined and absolutely is a daddy's boy who is showing signs of seperation anxiety again. Glad to know he is typically developing :)

We hope that everyone has a great time with family and friends. Happy New Years too!

No Goldilocks here..but there were three little bears

We went as the three little bears and our costumes, as you can very well tell, were homemade. Diesel caught on quick that if he stuck his pumpkin basket out, they would put candy in it. I am sure he will be prepared for next year. Gretting is bubby, Isaac. We went to a Ethiopian gathering at the gym and Diesel had a terrific time. Bouncing, jumping, crawling, running, it wore him out. I think we need to invest in a trampoline at home, he loved bouncing on the big one. He also loved walking off the edge into the foam pit.
On another note, he gave a little girl her first kiss. She was definately surprised and we told Diesel he has to slow down and at least take her on a date first :) Sorry Zoe's parents :)

Playing with daddy at the farm park. We saw horses, ducks, turkeys, cows and pumpkins. Even though the weather was drizzling, we still had fun.

happenings around these parts...

This is one of his very favorite activity, he LOVES books. Enjoying dried apples. It takes him about 3 minutes to chew each one due to their rubbery texture. It's like watching a dog with peanut butter in its mouth.

D*iesel in his super jammies that Nana & Papa sent him. This is his "cheese" face for picture taking. After putting this apron on he just sat there as if to say "okay mama hurry up and take my picture so I can go and play".


We all have been busy, but we are making it. School, work, Master's classes, side jobs, house projects, adoption going ons, paperwork, laundry that doesn't always get folded, dishes that seem to multiple like rabbits, dogs that don't like the colder weather in the morning and have to be shoved outside, and chasing a 18month old are just some of the happenings around here.

When 2 became 3

Today is the one year anniversary of the day we met Diesel for the first time.

Our first family photo.

A family photo from a camping trip in August.

# 2 and # 3

Today we signed again on the dotted line to bring home more of the Shatto family. We had our 1 year post placement visit with our agency and we told her that we were ready to start for # 2 and # 3. We are ready and excited to extend our family.

Thanks for your prayers and support as we travel along this journey once again!

Summer recap

Well, this summer seems to be flying by. I can't believe it's the end of July already. The back to school sales are making me sad that summer is coming to an end and work is just around the corner.

Diesel has had a busy summer with many trips to the fountains, cousins visiting, minor surgery and time with Gramma and Grampa. Time with Nana and Poppy will be coming soon and a 3rd ET get togther too.

We all have enjoyed the slower pace of summer. I have been working at FireHouse pottery and Adam has been doing odd jobs for people, such as painting, car repair, lawn care and just about anything else. I am glad I married such a handy guy, he comes in handy around the house too.

The following pictures are just a small glimpse into the lovely summer we have been having.

At the Discovery center: finding a good looking baby

Locating his homeland on a map. What a smart boy!

Completely and utterly mystified with the magically floating ball.

Come on ladies, let's ride!

3rd of July fountain fun. He fell aslep before the fireworks and then woke up to the loud booms, he was not a happy camper.

Swimming with cousins, Tiera and Trinity

Found Aunt Milissa's pick. Ready to fro out the hair.

Laughing it up with Gramma and Grampa.

More cousins, Zeena, Zora and Annabele. The older cousins, Shelby and Jordan were somehow never around when the camera was out. Imagine that!

*more pictures on Flickr.