Shake, Rattle and Roll

We spent Easter Sunday outdoors and enjoyed a great BBQ with our large, extended family including grandparents, parents, uncles, aunts and a slew of cousins and friends. Earlier in the day, we planted a small vegetable garden in our backyard. It had rained recently and we thought it would be a fun way to celebrate Easter together before heading out to the family gathering. We planted tomatoes, basil, bell peppers and jalapeno chiles. We also planted some new colorful flowers in the front yard.

While at the BBQ, we felt the earthquake that struck Baja California (7.2 magnitude). Although a few hundred miles away, it was the largest earthquake we've felt in Southern California in a long time. It must be part of the deal we have in Southern California: In exchange for abundant sunshine, cool ocean breezes and summer weather year round, we have the occasional earthquake. Totally worth it!

The Kitties

In addition to our great dog, Toby, we have two kitties: Madison and Joey. Madison was only 4 weeks old when when Malinda picked her from a neighbor's litter. They've gone through a lot of "life" together in the past 16 years including the ups and downs of high school and college, first jobs, break-ups, moving, and finally settling down. The kitty who once got into everything, including a 60-gallon aquarium (I'm sure she was only browsing) or falling through the window screen at an apartment only to emerge from an Indiana Jones-style adventure the next day (cobwebs and all), is now content with long cat naps in the sun.

Malinda was a huge fan of the TV show, "Friends," and named our kitty Joey after one of the characters, Joey Tribiani... "How you doin'?" We were told from the family who cared for Joey that he was found on a construction site. He was so skinny when we brought him home, but is now a big, beautiful kitty. He's 7 years old and still has a bit of kitten spirit left in him. We think he keeps Madie on her toes, which is good for the old girl.

Toby

What can we say about our dog, Toby? Simply put: He is a great dog.

Growing up, Derek always wanted a dog, so when he finally moved into a house with a large back yard, he decided it was time. We had only been dating a few months when Toby, a labrador retriever, entered our lives. We visited the litter of puppies a few times together before we brought Toby home, or as we called him at the time, "the one with the orange ribbon." (The owner had colored ribbons on each of the puppies so she would know which puppy was promised to which person). Although we literally picked Toby out of the litter, we're certain he picked us. When visiting the litter and playing with all of the puppies, with their perfect puppy breath and soft fur, Toby was the first to run over to us, nip at our hands, lick our faces and push the others out of the way. 

Toby is now 8 years old and our lives wouldn't be the same without him. He is a very sweet and gentle dog who often bathes our cats (seriously) and lets children tug at his ears, sleep on his tummy or test his knowledge of "sit, stay, roll over and lie down." We love taking Toby to the dog park or beach, where his true nature as a "water dog" shines. Sometimes we think he'd rather be swimming than walking on land. Like we said, he is a great dog.

Travels

We enjoy taking quick road trips over long weekends or fun-filled vacations. It really doesn't matter where we go, we always enjoy the time spent together. Here are a few of our recent adventures including a wonderful trip to the Big Island of Hawaii (we swam with dolphins!), New Year's with our closest friends and their children at a snowy cabin in Big Bear Lake, and most recently, the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada.

Our Home

We live in a suburb in Southern California. Our neighborhood has big trees, great schools and lots of families, pets and plenty of outdoor activities. There are also walking trails, a nearby lake and a shopping village, where we often grab a quick ice cream after a walk with our dog, Toby.

Every year, we visit the local flower fields.

We enjoy a wonderfully diverse city, culturally and geographically. Because of the proximity to Mexico, there is a great Spanish influence and in less than 30 minutes, you can enjoy the beautiful Southern California coast, snowy mountains in the winter or rugged dessert. Our city is a major tourist destination and we often enjoy playing "tourist" ourselves with trips to the San Diego Zoo, Sea World or Disneyland.

Hanging with our friend, Seamore, at Sea World.

Meet Derek

"When I first met Derek, I knew I had met my match. He is a very sweet, kind and gentle man. He never takes a moment for granted and lives for today. He cherishes long-time friendships and family. Derek is an animated storyteller who hopes to one day publish a children's book." -- Malinda

Derek in Spain... but that's Africa in the distance.

Derek is a big sports fan and enjoys football, baseball and hockey.

Hanging out with our nephews. Looks like someone just woke up!

Meet Malinda

"Malinda is the love of my life and my best friend. She truly has a kind heart and puts the needs of others before herself. I know she will be a loving mother who cherishes every moment with a child. Everyday, I feel fortunate to have met someone who shares similar goals and dreams." -- Derek

A beautiful fall day in Madrid, Spain.

Hanging out with our dog, Toby, at a local park.

Being silly on the way to Palm Springs.

Introductions

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about us.We know that you are facing a difficult decision and we admire your strength and courage as you think about the future of your child. We have hopes and dreams of starting our family through open adoption. Thank you for allowing us to share our story with you.

We met in August 2001 and became instant friends and married in 2004. We enjoy spending time with family, friends, and our furry family, including our dog, Toby; kitties, Madie and Joey; and parrot, Merlin.

We love traveling and make time for quick road trips or extended travel throughout the U.S. or abroad to Mexico, Canada or Europe.

It is our hope for our children to grow up in a home full of laughter, love and adventure. We hope to expose them to different cultures and traditions, as well as far off places.

We hope this blog will provide you with a quick snapshot of the life we have created together. We have a great deal of love to give and hope you will feel comfort in knowing that a child raised in our home will be loved, cherished and respected, not only by us, but by the many family and friends who surround us with their love and support.

We look forward to getting to know you.