Update

She's in labor - her water broker earlier today, so... soon!!

After she called I gathered the children around and we had a prayer for her and the baby. They have been very tender about all of this. Izzy asks me each day how many more days until the baby comes home. I wish I could tell her for sure, but at least the waiting should be done fairly soon.

Before life gets all chaotic (or a little sad) I would like to express me joy for the gifts of my children. I believe it was President Monson who said something like: Some people's children are born to them, other people's children are born for them.

If there is anything I could share with the world about my family it is this: we are a family, just as you and your children are a family. I am fortunate enough to have my miracle children come to me in a different way than your miracle children come to you. I don't love them any less than you love yours, in fact, because of all that we do to have our children I believe that I love and cherish them more than I would have had they come easily.

I am truly, truly blessed and thankful for my beautiful family.


With that said, I would ask you to please continue to pray for Laura that she will be able to do what is right for this baby and honestly, if the right thing doesn't end up being us, we will cry a little and hug each other and move on with the continued testimony that we will be blessed in ways that only Heavenly Father knows.

Thank you for all your love and prayers. We love you all!

No news is ... no news

Wish I had some news.

Summer Plans

I'm sure that most of you have been busy planning your summer adventures. We also have been making plans but we have decided to put plans on hold until we see what June brings. What could June be bringing? A BABY!!!
We found out last week that we have been chosen by a birthmother who is due July 1st but her doctor expects her to go several weeks early.
She is expecting a little girl and we have been able to visit with her twice. We've had great visits and feel pretty good about things. Of course nothing is set in stone until papers are signed and we have the baby, but she has been very careful about making her decision and we feel confident that she will end up doing what she is supposed to do (whatever that may be).
Anyway, we are very excited and hope that in the next month or so we will have baby pictures to post!

Morbid Discussion

Ryan was talking to my friend who is a massage therapist today. He was telling her how he was going to become a scientist when he grows up and that he was going to invent a new machine that combined a lawnmower and an aerator. She asked him if he would invent a new machine for her. So he started talking about a vibrating massager that she could use that would also have a robot that would work at the same time. Then he said, "...but you won't see it cuz you probably won't be around anymore." Wondering if he meant she'd move away or something more permanent, she asked, "You mean, I'll be dead by then?" He replied, "Yeah, probably."

I was doing one of my Dad's really good laughs at this point. (Which means I was laughing silently with my shoulders shaking.) She gave him a little math lesson to show that she really should still be around, but it was hilarious!!!

Toothless Grin

Ryan's front snaggle-tooth is gone as well as it's neighbor. We had to enlist the help of our dentist since they were wiggley then not so much and every attempt I made to get them out involved begging, pleading, tears, frustration... (and that was just me). Nevertheless, here is his adorable new grin. (I'm not going to lie, I think it is absolutely charming!! I especially love to watch him talk!!)

Ryan sidenote: we spent some time this morning going through pictures and letters from when he was a baby. I think he's a pretty good mix of his birthparents and has similar interests (at this point) as well. It's so good to remember what a blessing my children are and how I wouldn't have either of them if it weren't for their amazing birthfamilies.

April Fools

I'll admit, I've never been much for April Fool's pranks, but this year I decided to have a little fun. For breakfast we had cereal but before I poured their cereal into their bowls I added a few drops of food coloring (also to their milk glasses). When we sat down to eat and I poured the milk in they giggled and thought it was a great start to the day.
They were even more thrilled when I told them we were going to "trick" Scott for dinner. I fixed meatloaf and cooked it in a cupcake pan then we topped them with blue/green mashed potatoes. They loved using the frosting squirter thing (can't remember what you call it) to pipe the potatoes on top of the meatloaf. They thought it was hilarious and wouldn't let Scott into the kitchen until everything was set. Then they watched him take a "surprised" bite and cheered, "April Fools!".
My kids are easily amused (I guess I am too). I may have to get a bit more creative next year.

(Warren joined us for dinner and got into it just as much as my kids.)

Fun with Fondant

Last night during the Priesthood session we gathered at my Mom's house for dinner and fun. Cassie, one of my sisters, brought cupcakes with fondant frosting for us to have fun with. I've never before used this kind of frosting and I discovered that it's quite fun!! You roll it out like playdough (tastes better, of course) and cut it up to decorate.
The kids thought it was great fun and got very creative with it.
Here are the results of their creativity.