Connor's birthday

 Connor had a fascination with volcano's at the time of his birthday so we created this volcano cake to help him celebrate.  He is a big 9 year old in this New Year's eve photo.  What a cutie.....

Mother of 5

Who would have ever dreamed I'd be the mother of 5 children.  Here is a picture of the cuties

Their ours

Yesterday was a big day.  Jeff and Jennifer surrendered the children to us.  Their had been a termination trial scheduled but in the end they chose to do a surrender rather than go through the trial.  It was definitely a selfless thing to do to free the children to move on rather than stay in limbo.  I always admire those that are able to be selfless.  I hope they can take this terrible tragedy and turn it into something positive.  The courtroom and court experience was terribly difficult and I feel for them. At the end of signing 32 documents the judge was very kind to us and said "Thank you for being willing to adopt these 4 children."   He also praised Jeff and Jennifer and their decision to help the children be in a good place.
Jeffery Holland once said

Surely the thing God enjoys most about being God is the thrill of being merciful, especially to those who don’t expect it and often feel they don’t deserve it. 

I hope they can find mercy and healing thru the atonement and am so grateful for the gift I have been given.
 How blessed I feel!  I stand in awe of the Lord's plan for each of us and how his works are brought to pass.