Two years...

Two years ago today was one of those days that is forever burned into my memory. It was the day I could finally breathe. It was the day I could finally be Maverick's Mommy. I can't even begin to tell you how far we've come in two years. Two years ago Maverick had a breakdown when he thought I was done feeding him..I was reaching for the camera. Rookie mistake. Today he was eating and asked for graham crackers after he ate his dinner. Two years ago he was stiff as a board when we fed him his bottle. Tonight he ran to me yelling "Mommy!!!" when I came in the door. Two years ago we were complete strangers...and tonight he's in love with his family. I'm telling you this little boy was made for our family!
Happy Gotcha Day Maverick! We love you!

The marriage Q&A

I came across this on Pinterest...where else?!  I've decided to have a little fun and answer 
for me and Greg. Now mind you, these are not Greg's actual answers..but rather what he
 should say. We'll see if we can get Greg to play along at a later date. 

What would you be happy doing for hours on end?

Becki: Being on Pinterest or my phone. 

Greg: Sitting in a tree stand freezing his nuts off.

What is one thing you always disagree on as a couple?

Becki: How much fun I am when I'm drinking and Greg is sober.

Greg: see above (I know this one for sure. hahahah bring on the Captain & Diet!)

What is your favorite Olympic event?

Becki: Figure skating. 

Greg: Everything...even ping pong and trampoline. Weirdo.

If you had the money to buy your significant other any one thing right now what would you buy them?

Becki: I would buy Greg the new Ranger 4-wheeler that is better than his one year old one.

Greg: He better freaking say an orange camaro.

Would you rather be blind or deaf?

Becki: Blind

Greg: Deaf ....so he didn't have to hear me!

What food do you HATE?

Becki: bacon. Yuck, hate the smell and the taste (when I still ate meat)

Greg: Bananas, fish, anything new.

What will your firstborn daughters name be? (or what would your next daughter's name be?)

Becki: If by some odd reason we ended up with another child and she was a girl, I would 
name her McKinley.

Greg: Who knows. The names he selected when we were name hunting for Maverick were 
just plain awful!!!!

What is your biggest  pet peeve?

Becki: having hot breath on my face when I'm sleeping.

Greg:  being bitched at for having hot breath.


If you got a life supply subscription to any magazine, what magazine would you choose?

Becki: Fitness or Shape

Greg: Something with camo on the cover.

What was your favorite subject in elementary school? (lunch and recess don't count)

Becki: Science

Greg: Math

You just scored $5. What do you spend it on?

Becki: Socks or some random holiday decoration.

Greg: Lunch. Double Quarterpounder with cheese & Fries.

What were your thoughts when you first met your other half?

Becki: That he looked really good in the ripped jeans he was wearing.

Greg: He said I shook my butt for him...he's a freaking liar. I did no such thing.


Favorite classic Disney princess?

Becki: Belle or Cinderella

Greg: Which ever one wears the least clothes.

If you could reincarnate into any animal after you die, what animal would you want to be?

Becki: Elephant

Greg: I can only say that the most fitting would be a buck..Karma baby..

What did you do on your favorite date with one another?

Becki: I would have to say our first trip together (hot tub cabin..woods)

Greg: The dinner and movie date..that turned into something else (use your imagination!!!)

What does your dream vacation look like?

Becki: Aruba

Greg: Aruba

What is your most embarrassing moment?

Becki: When I fell walking into the Elton John concert. Totally Greg's fault.

Greg: Greg was sick, and he said he had to wear underwear just in case he had an 

             accident. I still laugh at that to this day.

What is your favorite television show?
Becki: Grey's or Law & Order SVU

Greg: NCIS or some hunting show.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Becki: Lindor Truffles or staring at Adam Levine.

Greg: Little Debbie

When did you first know you were going to marry your spouse?
Becki: On our first trip when he was puking his brains out and I took care of him.

Greg: Better be the same answer as mine!

Your house is on fire. What five items do you grab before you leave?

Becki: assuming everyone is out-  Jayden's footprint, picture cds, the outfit Maddye came home   

               from the hospital in, Mav's first outfit, and my Grandma's chickens.

Greg: His mounted: deer, turkey, ram, hog and his lucky hunting something...

What is the greatest place you've ever traveled to?

Becki: Aruba

Greg: Aruba

Are you a morning person or a night person?

Becki: Night. For sure.

Greg: Annoying morning person.

Who is someone you wish you were closer to?

Becki: My Dad

Greg: Ted Nugent

If you had to move out of the country where would you move to? 

Becki: Canada

Greg: Canada..he would have no choice.

What is something weird your spouse does while asleep?

Becki: Greg sounds like 3 bears fighting over a salmon when he is sleeping.

Greg: I'm pretty sure he will say I moan. There is no documented evidence of this yet.

Which of the 7 deadly sins are you? (anger, greed, sloth, pride, lust, envy, and gluttony)

Becki: Lust for sure.

Greg: Gluttony (yes I might be going to hell for this...but Little Debbie..remember?!?)

What music artist do you love that your other half hates listening to?

Becki: Maroon 5

Greg: Bruce Springsteen...(I always say..hey Bruce..stop talking and sing!)

What has your other half recently done that made you love them more?

Becki: He slept on the floor when I was in the hospital.

Greg: The Mission Impossible voicemail I left him the other day. 

Ideally, where would you like to be 5 years from now?

Becki: Same place we are now...just richer!

Greg: Same place we are now..just richer and a few more deer on the wall.

Who wears the pants?

Becki: Me. With amazing heels.

Greg: no comment. 

What is a household chore you HATE doing?

Becki: cleaning the toilets.

Greg: Household chores?! What's that.

What is something you feel guilty about or wish you had done better this week?

Becki: Working out...I was a slacker!

Greg: Guilt?! What's that?

Future son's name?
Becki: No idea. How do you top Maverick?

Greg: Fred Flint Stone. (yes you can gasp now)

What is a talent you wish you were better at?

Becki: I wish I could sing! I kinda sound like a cat in heat. 

Greg:  The harmonica. 

If you weren't currently married/dating your other half, where do you think you would you be?

Becki: I'd probably be a whore. I'm being honest here. 

Greg:   A lonely hunter looking for love.

What is your favorite outdoor activity?

Becki: sitting on my swing watching the kiddies play

Greg: Huntin'

What was your favorite memory from the wedding celebration/reception? (NOT THE CEREMONY)
Becki: When I kicked out the wedding crashers!
Greg: The cake.


What was your favorite thing that you did this summer?
Becki: Kazapalooza
Greg: Golf

How would a classmate have described you in high school?
Becki: Fat and nice. Ugh.
Greg: Quiet. 


When you go to an event/party/potluck, what food do you hope is there?
Becki: something diet friendly
Greg: something chocolate

What are your favorite smartphone apps?
Becki: myfitnesspal, facebook, twitter
Greg: what's an app?

What is something that always embarrasses you?
Becki: nothing embarrasses me.
Greg: He's probably going to say me. Hahahaha.

Who is your celebrity man crush?
Becki: Adam Levine
Greg: Sean Connery

If a movie was made about your life, who would you want to play you?
Becki: Charlize Theron
Greg: Larry the Cable Guy

What is your favorite candy bar?
Becki: York Peppermint Patty
Greg: Kit Kat

If you could redo anything about your wedding what would you do differently?
Becki: Nothing
Greg: Have some camo

If you were a fruit, what would you be?
Becki: a banana. I like to be peeled.
Greg:  a chocolate covered strawberry

What is your favorite classic Disney movie?
Becki: Lady and the Tramp
Greg: Bambi 

What is something your other half does that took a long time/is taking a long time to get used to?
Becki: Farts. Alot.
Greg: I talk back...lmao. I'm pretty sure he still isn't use to that.

What do you consider "you song?" (or what was your first dance?)
Becki: Our "song" is Unchained Melody but the song that is "us" is Crazy by Gnarls Barkley.
Greg: What she said.

Can you help?

Thankfully our Maverick is no longer an orphan...but there are so many children in orphanages that need our help! This weekend, I'm running a 5K - An Orphan's Hope. Two Hearts for Hope is an amazing organization that helps orphans in Kazakhstan & Russia. Before we met Maverick, Two Hearts for Hope helped his orphanage. We're forever grateful for them..they helped take care of our baby when we couldn't! (Because of the Two Hearts for Hope Mission trip in September 2009- we have a picture of our Maverick at 3 months old!)  If you are inclined to donate on behalf of our team we would greatly appreciate it! (Follow the link below, scroll to the bottom of the page, and click donate..once you are on the payment page make a note in the comment/special instructions line  "Team Stone")

Thank you!!

http://www.anorphanshope.com/html/sponsorshipinfo2.html

Castaway Bay.....

Greg had a PGA type week of golf planned, so on Friday we decided to stay in Sandusky and take the kids to an indoor water park. The kids and I arrived first, checked in and headed to dinner. On the way to dinner...we saw Snoopy. Maverick high fived him, and was in awe. Greg arrived and we had dinner. Then it was water time. Now if you know me, you know I HATE bathing suits. I mean..why can't the 40's style suits come back? I mean..I could rock those. Big time. I got on my suit..got the kids ready and we headed down. Maverick was a little timid at first, but he warmed up quickly and became the fish we know and love. Madison was a fish as soon as we walked through the door! Madison and I went on a raft ride, that I have to admit was pretty fun. We swam, bounced around from the pool area, to the wave pool, and to the spa. Maddye asked if we could go on the tube sides. I, being the super cool mom I am...said yes. I'm claustrophobic. The tubes were kinda small and dark. I wasn't sure I could breathe. It was the longest 10 seconds of my life..then it happened. I saw light...and uncrossed my legs. Stupid mistake. My bathing suit was forced so far up where the sun don't shine..that I literally had to stop moving to yank it out. At that moment...I realized that the poor young lifeguard saw the V. I'm pretty sure I've scarred him for life. I did the eye closed, head shake as I was doing the walk of shame out of the pool. The young lifeguard then informed me..."it's ok..it happens all the time" OMG. He did see the V. Poor kid..he will never be the same. I told Maddye I would wait at the bottom for her and watch her come down. I'm a raft tube slide kind of gal..no more V shots for this girl.  I had to inform Greg of the unfortunate V incident...just in case it ended up on youtube. Because that would be my luck. Greg thought it was hilarious and was sorry he missed it. Jerk! We decided to try to get Maverick over his fear of the giant bucket that dumps water, so Maddye and I were squatting down by him watching the bucket. Just as it was dumping Greg grabs me, and trys his hardest to push me under. Well this girl works out. I fought him..ya know because I wasn't already soaking wet or anything..well...I ended up with a pulled groin muscle. Really WTF. First a V shot...now a sore V!?!?! Seriously.
The kids had fun..and thankfully my V has recovered. I'm just hoping the security cameras are not zoomed in on the turquoise tube slide.

Who he'd be today...

     If he wasn't adopted. It's one of those questions that really makes me stumble for words. The answer..very simply..I. Don't. Know.
    What I do know is our adoption specialist doctor said in the condition Maverick was brought home in..he wouldn't have survived the baby house. Those words were the most heartbreaking words I have ever heard, and still to this day they make me cry. Thankfully, God had other plans for our son.
    What I do know is the scared little boy who didn't know how to be a little boy is now a crazy, loud, lovable, talkative, funny ball of energy. His little body can't contain his huge personality. ..which I have to say I love. Speaking of love..when Maverick says "Mommy...I love you" or when he calls out "Maddye Bee" I fall in love with him all over again. 
     When you adopt there is always the huge "unknown" and the "what ifs"...the very things that kept me up at night when we first brought him home. The truth is Maverick has taught me what unconditional love really is. With Madison, it was easy. A tiny six pound baby was put in my arms, and she trusted me and knew me from minute one. With Maverick, we met a scared 7 month old who wasn't loved. Who didn't know how to be held. Who didn't know there was a Mommy and Daddy out there to comfort him. He had to learn all of that...at 16 months. He did. He learned Mommy comforts him..and Daddy tells him "it's ok". He learned to trust and love us. I don't know the moment it happened but I do know the miracle of life isn't just when a baby is born...it's every single day of your life. 

        So I don't know who he'd be today if he wasn't adopted by us. What I do know is he is loved like crazy..every second of every day.

Holy missing blogger.

I'm pretty sure I'm on the fail blog list. I think about blogging. I think about what I could blog while I run. Only if I would actually write the post. My life is freaking nutzo..as I'm sure you will understand once you read this post. 


-Maverick is 3. Nuff said. He is too smart for his own good..and mine. 
-Maverick is 50% little shit and 50% cute little angel.
-Maverick is giving me gray hair and mini heart attacks..daily.
-Maverick is a daredevil, he has no fear. 
-Maverick is a charmer- his new favorite word is "Please" "Please" ..how can I say no?
-Maverick is totally my son- he uses "amazeballs" and "whhhat" daily. (hehehe)
-Maverick is a giggler, there are times he laughs at himself that crack me up. 
-Maverick is a crazy gross eater. I'm talking chew food, spit it out, and then eat it. 
-Maverick is testing every limit I have.
-Maverick is winning. 


-Madison is 12. NUFF SAID.
-Madison is turning into a typical teenager. Fast.
-Madison is 50% sweet girl and 50% crazy teen.
-Madison is giving me gray hair. 
-Madison is in love with One Direction. It's all I hear about.
-Madison is about to get braces- joy.
-Madison is the main reason Maverick whines.
-Madison is the funniest 12 year old I know. 
-Madison is not domestic. At all. She's hoping to be rich and have a maid.
-Madison is testing every limit I have.
-Madison is winning. 


-Greg is 47. Acts 50.
-Greg is focused on golf and the grass. (the lawn...not "grass") 
-Greg is looking forward to being focused on hunting season. Poor deer.
-Greg is giving me gray hair.
-Greg is hating on "amazeballs"
-Greg is hoping to fulfill the "50 shades of grey" for me.
-Greg is failing. (I'm literally laughing out loud with this one. He'll kill me!)
-Greg is finally done with our entertainment center. Only took 5+ years!
-Greg is madly in love with me....can you blame him?
-Greg is trying to test a limit or two here and there.
-Greg is so not winning.


-I am 34. I act 25. 
-I am focused on family, work, working out, running, the house, drinking (a little!)
-I am training for a 1/2 marathon. 13.1 baby!
-I am loving "amazeballs" and the other random words that drive Greg nuts.
-I am going to see Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw on Sunday. 
-I am going to be thinking about being in a Tim & Kenny sandwich the entire time.
-I am addicted to hummus.
-I am almost to my running goal for July- 50 miles.
-I am so glad I finally got my second tattoo.
-I am bumming because the summer is flying by.
-I am realizing how much I miss blogging.
-I am still waiting for my orange camaro convertible.
-I am testing every single limit Greg has.
-I am so winning...and he is madly in love with me. I'm a lucky gal.


This is just the tip of the iceberg. The House of Stone is nutzo!

Carpe Diem

A few days ago I was asked about my "carpe diem" outlook. I then realized it was noticeable. I honestly thought my change was slight and it wouldn't be noticed. Wrong. Let me explain. For years I've put things off. Some important, and some rather small in the grand scheme of things. I've had two major eye openers in the last year; my brother's heart attack last fall, and my sister's stroke in March. So, damn right, I'm seizing the day.
Life is too short to wake up in the morning with regrets. So love the people who treat you right, and forget about the ones who don't. Believe that everything happens for a reason, if you get a chance take it, if it changes your life let it. Nobody said it would be easy..they just promised it would be worth it.
I'm treating this as a early midlife crisis. The tattoo that I've wanted to get on my shoulder since I was 21...I'm getting. The people who mean the world to me, will know it. The past is no longer relevant. I'm living for today.
With no regrets.

Oh....he was meant to be ours.

I do believe this picture says it all. This little boy was so meant to be our son.