Birth Mothers Day

Today is Birth Mothers Day and I can't help but think of our birth mom. Even though we did not get our kids at birth or by the mom's choice (to a degree), she still gave birth to our three amazing kids and I will be forever thankful for her. Even though her rights were terminated, she could have appealed that decision, but she did not. She chose to let her kids move on and to have a better life, one that she could not provide for them. I have to respect her for that. What an amazing gift it was to us, to be able to build our family. HAPPY BIRTH MOTHERS DAY to our birth mom.

Pushing Buttons

So I just told Carson to stop pushing my buttons and doing things he knows he is not supposed to do (like running his cars on the furniture) and he said, Mom, I can't push your buttons cause I don't know where they are....Oh Lord help me...this boy is going to be a handful as he gets older.

Raven's 8th Birthday and Baptism

May 4:

Raven's Baptism:

We are so proud of Raven and her decision to get baptized into "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints". We hope she will always remember this day and all of the people who come out to support her on this special day. We also hope she will always remember the feelings she had when her dad baptized her and confirmed her a member.

Raven, I want you to know that I have a testimony and know that this Church is true. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and that President Monson is a prophet of God today. I also have a testimony of the Holy Ghost. I know that if we turn to our Father in Heaven he will be there for you to protect you and guide you.

Again Raven, we are so proud of you.

 

 

May 1:

 

On Wednesday, we took the kids to see the movie Croods at Raven's request for her birthday.

Happy 8th Birthday Raven

Happy Birthday Raven

 

 

Dear Sweet Beautiful Raven,

 

I cannot believe this is your second birthday as part of our family. You were two weeks shy of being 7 when you came to be with us. Although I did not give birth to you, you are still our daughter just the same.

 

You have come along way in the past year. You are truly an amazing kid and we cannot picture life without you. The things you have been through in your short life really breaks my heart as your mom, but the things you have overcome is truly amazing, you are an example to your dad and I. Your beautiful, smart, funny and a great help around the house and with your brother and sister.

 

You are days away from being baptized into "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints". We are so proud of you for this decision you are making in your life. My hope for you is that you will continue down the right path of making good decisions about life. I pray you stay close to the Spirit and the Holy Ghost. Turn to our Heavenly Father often. He will be there for you. He will guide you. The answers may not always be the ones you are hoping for, but they are what your Heavenly Father wants for you.

 

We also want you to know how much your dad and I love you. You mean the world not only to us, but the rest of our family as well. You are truly a blessing to all of those who love you. Also never forget that where ever your bio family is, they also love you and we all just want what is best for you and your future.

 

Again, Raven, we love you and can't wait for many more years with you being apart of our crazy loving family

 

Love,

 

Mom and Dad

Major Update

April 30:

This never happens in the car and if it does, he doesn't stay asleep when his sisters get in the car.



April 28:

Cousins playing together at Aunt Britt's and Uncle Troy's...also Joe tossing Raven, Nadia, Carson and Ryleigh (niece) in the air.

 

 



April 21~Blessing Day:

Because the kids were never given a name and a blessing, we decided that we would just go with it and bless them. Just because our kids are older doesn't mean that Joe and I had to miss out on that one life event.

 

 

  

April 18~Strengthening Families Graduation:

After 14 weeks of attending a weekly group meeting with our kids, we graduated and completed the program. We also were 1 of 2 families that had perfect attendance.

Last day of the TAX SEASON:

Carson and Joe brought me flowers at work. It was cute. I was with a client when all of a sudden I hear this little voice tell my coworker "I got flowers for my mom". Good way to make this momma's heart melt.



April 15:

Trevor's (nephew) birthday...

 

  

 

The story behind Trev wearing a girl shirt...so my birthday is two days after his and he was just opening up presents and just grabbed mine and instead of saying that it was mine, I let him open it up. He was surprised when it was not his size and a girls shirt. He was like, this is for girls and then proceeded to put it on. Silly boy.

 

In the last blog post, I mentioned that we upgraded our car to a van, so here is our van:

 

The last weekend during Spring Break we took our van on a trip...to Beaver to the great grandparents house. It was so nice to not hear, so and so is touching me, so and so is leaning on my carseat...blahblaha

 



1 Year Ago

 

1 year ago, these three little changed our lives forever.

 

I cannot believe it has been a year since we got the kids. Our lives forever changed. After 12 years of trying to have a family, we are now a family of 5 with a mini van. Who would have ever thought!?!

 

Even though it has not always been easy, it has been a true blessing. These three kids are amazing in every way. I mean, they were ripped away from their bio family and was expected to live with strangers and to call their home a home and their families a family. They did it with grace and almost without skipping a beat. Truly amazing!!!

 

I almost can't even remember life without them. Instead of just the two of us, we now have to think of them as well. Going out of town for a last minute weekend trip, not happening. It takes a little longer to pack and prepare. Food...oh Lord help me...our grocery bill has tripled. Great gas mileage car...no longer...we now own a mini van...which by the way has been amazing. Me working for extra income...I struggled being a working mom during the tax season. Yes, I love my job, but I also wanted to be at home with my babies. Joe is a great dad. He has far more patience than I will ever have (although I am working on it.)

 

Our lives changed the minute these kids walked up our driveway. We fell in love with them right away. They are cute, funny and smart. We are very lucky to call them ours.

 

WE LOVE YOU RAVEN, NADIA and CARSON!!!

Easter Weekend and Spring Break

Classic Skating: 04/03/13

 

 

 



Hair Cuts: 04/02/13

 

 



Easter: 03/31/13

 

 

 

Fence: It is finally completed for the most part...YEAH!!!: 03/29/13



I was at work when I received this message from Joe on Saturday March 29th:

"This is how a redneck stretches a fence...yes this is my husband truck and our new fence"...lol