Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Pumpkin Carving

Pumpkin Carving was so much fun. We had some Friends over. Everyone had to bring a dish, their drink of choice and a pumpkin. I think the adults were more into it than the kids. Jared scared Aden by acting like the pumpkin was eating his arm. Ayden got really scared. Everyone laughed and I felt so bad for Ayden. It was kinda funny though....LOL. There were several of us and again I think everyone had a lot of fun. It looks like Ian had the best pumpkin. The pirate. He did a great job on it. Samantha got all of the seeds out and gave us a bag of them. I made them yesterday and they were pretty good.....John

Monday, October 27, 2008

My little Brother Michael Fagundes's birthday....


Today is my little Brother Michael's Birthday. If he was still here he would be 33 years old. He passed away at 19 years old in 1995. He was murdered. I miss him all the time and I wander where he would be now and how things would be if he was still here. Happy Birthday Michael. I sure miss you. Say hello to everyone there and know that I love you. This is a photo of a photo that we have on the wall here at the house. I wish he would have been able to meet Ayden and Taylar Rae. I think he would have been a great uncle. We named Ayden after him. Ayden Michael. We will always remember you Michael and again you are missed and loved very much.....John

Savings accounts for the kids

I went today and opened an account for Taylar Rae. We opened Ayden's awhile ago. Taylar has 55.00 in her account now. We emptied Ayden's piggy bank too because it was so full nothing else could go in there. You know he had 101.26 in his piggy bank. I was amazed. He had 40.00 in there already and now he has 141.26. I figure if we keep adding and keep emptying their piggy banks to deposit it by the time they are old enough to know what is happening they will have a nice chunk of change.... I love being a parent. I love these two children of ours and would not trade them for anything in the world. I think that as long as we have each other as a family that is all we will ever need. We are truly blessed. I just am truly thankful for the people that we have in our lives....John

Dad's Group Organ Stop Pizza

Well we went last night to Organ Stop pizza. We went and met several other Dad's and kids. It was really neat seeing all of the other parents with their children. I do not think that the Organ Pizza place is the best for Toddlers. Especially when there are other kids around. Not enough space for them to run around and the manager was over and made several comments about the kids. His first comment when we first got there was that they preferred that the kids not be running around. Ha Right!!! I thought. There are going to be 20 kids here and you want all of them to sit still at the table. Retarded. We made the best of it with the manager up checking on us every once in awhile. The other Dad's were so cute. I just love seeing other families with the same dynamics as ours. We met Ian and Madelyn. They were both very nice and Ian you could tell is such a good Dad. We are having them over tomorrow night to carve pumpkins. There are going to be several of us. I would say 5-6 kids...It should be fun. I always enjoy meeting new families. I really am hoping that we can change things a little and hang out more with families that have kids....

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Kids Halloween Costumes











Here are some really cute pictures of the kids. Taylar Rae is going to be a monkey and Ayden is going to be an elephant. As you can see Taylar Rae is kinda walking around here so it was several days ago. They are so cute. Take a look at the most recent video that we posted with several clips. It has some video of them in their costumes. Halloween night we are going to go to a neighborhood party where lots of kids are going to be. As soon as it gets dark then all of us are going to grab our wagons and head out trick or treating. It should be a lot of fun....John

Obama or McCain

VOTING...Are you voting? John McCain has said that Children would be better off in a 3rd World Country orphanage than they would be with Gay Parents..... who are you voting for????? What a crazy world we live in right now. I hope that things get better after the election. We will see..........

Birthday Parties

We went to a Birthday party yesterday for twins that we had never met. There is a gay couple that lives here in Phoenix and they have 9 kids. I think that 7 of them are siblings. We went to Peter Piper Pizza and met everyone. They were so nice and there were a few other gay couples that had kids too. We also met Lauren I think her name is and they have 5 kids. It was amazing to see them interact with the kids. 5 kids let alone 9. OMG I can not imagine. We have our hands full with two. I have to hand it to single parents out there. Like my sister Tomi. She raised those boys all by her self. I am not sure how she did it but she is amazing for being able to do it. The boys have really turned out awesome too. They are polite and do things that are asked of them. I sure wish we lived closer to one another so that we could see the kids more. We are going to a dinner tonight and we are meeting a lot of other gay couples and their children. I am really looking forward to this as it is really fun hanging out with others that have kids. A complete turn from three years ago. I guess that is what parenthood does to ya. I love it and I love this family of mine. John

Beth's baby Shower

Oh I am so excited for Beth. We went to Bennett's baby shower yesterday. It was so fun. I am laughing out loud right now because Jared thought the shower was at 2:30 so we took our time and went to another Birthday Party at 11. We get a call from Reba about 1 saying that the shower was actually at 12:30. I am not sure how he got that mixed up but he did. He had even offered to help out before the shower. Good thing that Tari did not take him up on that.....LOL...We only missed one game and some pictures and video so it was not too bad. I am OK with missing the photos and the video as maybe we will get Beth and Char over here for some dinner and a private viewing of them all. I will tell you that little Bennett is adorable. Once he is home I will put a picture of him on here. It was fun though. Tari made some really good food and it was great to meet Beth's friends. Tari did a really great job on that shower. She is so Darn cute.....Right down to the cupcakes that had little baby shoes, rattles etc on them. (they were really good.) I again am just so excited for Beth. I remember going through the exact feelings and emotions with our children till they came home. The thought of the kids coming home always seemed far away especially after visiting the first time. When leaving it was like leaving a part of you in another Country. We cried and cried when we had to leave our Children. We love you Beth and can not wait to be in one of our living rooms while our kids play on the floor talking about how this whole period of time is just a memory. Come home soon Bennett!!!!! John

Taylar Rae Walking

Well I thought I would get to posting that Taylar Rae was taking lots of steps right before her birthday. I am getting around to posting this now and she is walking all over the place. She is officially a full time walker. It is so cute to see this little princess of ours walking around like she is. She officially started walking before she turned 1. I do not remember exactly when it was that Ayden started walking. I was also going to post about her getting on and off Ayden's spider man car. She is getting on and off all of the toys. I walked outside and saw Taylar Rae standing on top of his little fire engine. She is a little dare devil. It is so funny. We just love her.....John

Thank you Uncle Scott and Uncle Wes

This is the cutest outfit. Scott and Wes got it for Taylar for her birthday. They also got her her first little purse. It is They were out of town for the birthday party but Wes came over and hung out with us for a little while a few days later. We just love those boys. We can not wait till they have a little bundle of joy so that our kids can hang out. As long as Taylar and Ayden are not to bad of influences on there little one. LOL....









Taylar Rae turns one


Boy how time has flown. I can not believe that we just celebrated our little girls first Birthday. It went really well. We had a lot of friends and family over and they were very good to her. Tari Long made two beautiful Butterfly cakes for her and they were good and again very pretty. Take a look at them above. We really missed Joe Cranford and my Mom as they were out of town working. We had the party here at the house and brought out all of the kids toys. Ayden invited some friends from school too. There were about 15 kids and about 40 adults. It was a good time. Taylar had cake all over herself and in her nose and everything. Jared actually made a separate cake so that she could dive into it. Happy Birthday my little princess....John


Scottsdale Fashion Week

This is sure a funny story. As you seen I posted about the news story that was done on a local news channel about our family. Well we were contacted by a local children's clothing designer that seen the story. She asked if we would be interested in Ayden and Taylar being in a fashion show for Scottsdale's fashion week.. So we decided to go ahead and do it. We have to be there on November 1st for a test run I think. Then the actual show is on the 7th. I will post pictures after the show. How cute is that......Looks like we might be moving to LA....LOL....

This is my Sister Tiffany


I just got these pictures from Tiffany's Grandmother. Tiffany is a sister of mine that I never had the opportunity to meet. She was 6 months older than me. I sure wish I had an opportunity to meet her. She will also be missed. She definately looks a lot like my sister BreAnna.

Channel 3 News Story

The local news channel did a story on our family and here it is. If you have any trouble viewing it then look on the site for Breaking Traditions. I think that they did a pretty good job. Take a look and let us know what you think. Leave a comment.

http://www.azfamily.com/video/careypena-index.html?nvid=290185&shu=1

Transformers

Ayden is so into Transformers now. His Uncle Justin brought him one and then his Grandma brought three for him. He is so funny. He only wants to watch and play transformers. I am not sure if they are that great for him as he is kicking and acting like a transformer. It is cute. He keeps saying that he wants Megatron. He really knows his transformers already. Wow how things change daily with kids.....John

Monday, October 20, 2008

Hummingbird Feeder

Oh Ayden...... He has been helping me with filling the hummingbird feeders. This time I let him add the color. He said that he wanted orange so he did red and yellow. I let him add the two colors and he did a great job. It came out a really neat orange. He was so excited. He loves to help. He is such a big boy...John

Taylar Rae is taking steps.

Our little girl is getting so big. She is starting to almost walk. She is taking steps and falling forward. It is amazing to see her standing on those little ankles. Her legs are so small. I just can not believe that she is going to be turning one soon. It seems like only yesterday we were visiting her. Well I guess it has been less than 4 months since she has been home. It sure seems a lot longer...I just adore that little daughter of ours. Who would have ever thought that she would fit in so perfect to our family...We truly are a beautiful family and I am so proud to have and to love this family of ours.

Games that kids play

We were in the Truck today and Ayden was kinda playing with Taylar. I like to call it don't touch my car seat. He is still not sure about her at times or he is just in a mood. They were playing and then Ayden would tell her "don't touch my car seat". He is so funny and growing up to be such a young Man. I love that boy. John

Ayden is hit in the face

I am laughing out loud right now. Jared got a call from Ayden's school and Miss. Tammy told him that Ayden was pushing his Buzz Light year in the swing and he pushed it a little to hard and it came back and hit him in the face. He was OK but the Buzz cut the side of his nose and he had a scab from where he was hit and bleeding. I laugh because I can see him having fun and pushing Buzz in the swing and then it coming back and hitting him. Not hard but Buzz being in there and swinging back and hitting him is kinda crazy. After making sure he was OK I might have giggled if i had seen it. He is OK and that School of his is just great. He enjoys it so much. John

Ayden's Favorite Toy

Ayden is really into Toy Story. He likes 1 and 2 but I think that he likes 1 better. We went and visited Jenn and Scott in Sac and we forgot Ayden's Woody toy. Ayden told Jared that it was his but Jared thought it was Jennifer's for the kids that she takes care of. We were quite a ways away before we realized it was Ayden's. Ayden was very disappointed. Jennifer mailed it to Ayden for us. Since Ayden was so into Toy Story we got him a Buzz Light year. We waited to give it to him until Woody came in the mail. I post video later. Woody came in the mail and we told Ayden that he had mail. He opened it and got excited. We then let him open the Buzz and he was just so excited. It is a pure joy to see our kids excited and having a smile on their face. It just melts my heart. John favorite

This is my Sister Shantel Mercer


Here is Shantel. She is my Sister that passed away in a car accident at age 17. I really wish I had an opportunity to meet her and get to know her.
I miss her and never got to meet her...

It's a Match

The DNA results came back today and Pete Freeman is my Father. I know that I have not posted since my trip to Reno. I have been waiting to post about it till the results came back. Well I found out three weeks ago Thursday that Gary Fagundes is not my Father. He had made several comments about me not being his while drinking over the last two years. Since he is not talking to me again I decided to send a DNA test to him. Well it came back and to my surprise he is not my Dad. I was not sure what to think about this so I called and spoke to my Mom about it. She confirmed that there is a chance and told me who it might be and the situation surrounding it. I searched all day the next day and found that he might be in Reno or Las Vegas. I found 19 Pete Freeman's and sent them all a letter. Monday came around and my Father Pete Freeman called and we talked for a long time. We talked about 15 times that day. He confirmed my Mothers story so I knew this was him. He was very loving on the phone and completely open to me, Jared and our family. We decided to go right away to visit. We went for four days and it was amazing. He is married to a wonderful person named Linda and I have other siblings. I have three sisters, a brother, and a step Sister. Well at least that is all we know about at this time. Shoot look at me. Well two of my Sisters have passed away. My older sister was Tiffany. She was 6 months older than me. She passed away at 19 of Lymphoma. I also have another Sister Shantel that passed away in a car accident at 17 years old. I have another Sister BreAnna. She ROCKS!!!! We hung out with her a lot while we were there. She is married to Oscar and they have two girls. Oscar was awesome and the kids are just amazing. As soon as we get the pictures I will post them. I also have another Sister Tasheen that is Linda's daughter. Then I have a brother Kristian that lives in New Mexico. I have seen pictures of him and I think that I look a lot like him. We sent pictures back and forth and there was no doubt in my mind that we were related. So needless to say it has been an awesome Journey and a great welcome surprise especially with how Gary has treated me all my life. I have no doubt that he cared but he has not talked to me a lot longer than he has in my life time. I am looking forward to getting to know more about my Dad and getting closer to him and Linda both. I am looking forward to the next time we get to visit. It is really cute because Ayden and Taylar Rae have another Grandpa and Grandma to love them. It is also interesting to know that I am not Portugese. The lord works in mysterious ways....Thank you...John

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

We are on our way to Reno Nevada

This is a completely unplanned trip. I found out that my Father is not my Father and I found out who is. I will post more on our return. To sum it up I have been talking to my real Father and him and his wife Linda are just as excited to meet us as we are them. I can not wait.....John

Kids will be Kids

As you can see by the pictures both of the kids got into the baby powder. It was so hard for me to keep from laughing as they had it all over. Dust was flying through the air and they were having fun. It was really hard to get mad at them as it was very innocent. The funny part about it was that we were in the same room. They were behind the couch where we could not see them. As you can see by the looks on their faces they were busted. One of many I am sure. I think that Ayden will be getting her into trouble more than we know. LOL...John

Update on Taylar Rae off of the Bottle

Well it has been several days and Taylar is officially off of the bottle. She had a tough 2nd night but other than that she is doing great. She is just so precious. We are so blessed with our children. They are a true joy in our lives. She has been using a sippy cup for awhile so it was kinda easy with the bottle. I am not sure if she even remembers the bottle. We were not sure if it was to early but she proved that it was not. The only reason we started with thinking of taking her off the bottle was because she was falling asleep several times without it. So we thought we would give it a try..... It worked....John

Several video clips of Ayden and Taylar Rae. 10/2008

Taylar in Sink getting a bath

Taylar in Sink getting a bath
She will hate us for putting this in her School year book!!!!

Taylar Rae in Dadd'y office

Taylar Rae in Dadd'y office
How cute is she

7-08Taylar Rae

7-08Taylar Rae
Taylar Rae at home finally

7-08Ayden on Toilet

7-08Ayden on Toilet
7-21-2008

7-2008

7-2008
Ayden and Daddy in Antigua

7-08 Taylar and Ayden Together

7-08 Taylar and Ayden Together
7-08 Taylar looking away

7-2008

7-2008
Taylar Rae on our pickup trip in Apartment in Antugua.

5-08Ayden in Bath

5-08Ayden in Bath
May 2008

5-08Ayden Laughing catching bubbles

5-08Ayden Laughing catching bubbles
May 2008

5-19-2008

5-19-2008
6th Pictures of Taylar Rae

4-08Ayden First Day Of School

4-08Ayden First Day Of School
This day came so fast.

4-24-2008

4-24-2008
5th picture of Taylar Rae

3-08-Bahamas

3-08-Bahamas
All of Us in the Bahamas

3-08 Ayden IN Orlando Florida

3-08 Ayden IN Orlando Florida
He's Cool

3-08 Taylar

3-08 Taylar
Taylar at Dr.

2-29-08

2-29-08
Taylar's Foster Family on our first visit to see her. This was a sad day

2-08 1st Photo of Ayden and Taylar

2-08 1st Photo of Ayden and Taylar
2-08 How Cute

2-08 Ayden and Taylar IN Guatemala on our first trip to see Taylar

1-8-08

1-8-08
3rd Photos of Taylar

1-8-2008

1-8-2008
3rd photos of Taylar Rae

12/6/2007

12/6/2007
1st Photo of Taylar Rae

10/24/2007

10/24/2007
2nd photos of Taylar Rae as a baby

10/24/2007

10/24/2007
2nd Photos of Taylar Rae-Baby pictures

7-07Ayden Michael

7-07Ayden Michael
July 15, 2006 at the Guatemala City Marriott on our 2nd Visit

7-06Ayden in bath

7-06Ayden in bath
At the Marriott 7-18-2006

7-5-2006

7-5-2006
7th Photos of Ayden

7-27-2006

7-27-2006
Pictures with Ayden's Foster Family and Cara from the Agency.

7-06 Grandma And Ayden

7-06 Grandma And Ayden
July 16, 2006 at the Marriott on our 2nd Visit

7-06 Ayden and Da Da

7-06 Ayden and Da Da
7-06 2nd Visit to see Ayden

6-2-2006

6-2-2006
6th photos of Ayden

5-8-2006

5-8-2006
5th pictures of Ayden

5-2006

5-2006
Pictures from Disposable camera left with Alma

4-7-2006

4-7-2006
4th Photos of Ayden

4-7-2006

4-7-2006
3rd Pictures of Ayden

3-13-06 3rd photos of Ayden we Received

3-13-06 3rd photos of Ayden we Received
Oh boy, He is getting so big. We could not wait to get him home.

2-28-06 2nd Photos of Ayden Michael

2-28-06 2nd Photos of Ayden Michael
Here is another photo we received and we were not sure at that time that this was Ayden. We are retarded and yes it was Ayden.

2-14-2006 1st Photo Of Ayden Michael

2-14-2006 1st Photo Of Ayden Michael
This is the first picture that came across our computer February 14th 2006 Two weeks after he was born. What a great day that was