Baptism

Today was such a special day.  Penny has decided to be baptized.  Her parents recently signed away their rights, so Penny was able to be baptized.  We are so proud of her decision.  Jon was able to baptize and confirm her.

Elder Christensen and Elder Allen taught her the discussions

School Award

We are so proud of Penny.  I went with Penny tonight to Eisenhower High School where she was recognized for outstanding achievement at Ike.  She has improved so much in school in the last 6 months.

Another Christmas Party

Our Foster Care Agency, Community Resource Group, puts on a Christmas party for all their kids. They served a big dinner for lunch and had activities and gifts that all the kids got.  It was amazing how much they got.  Jeremy, aka me, won the closest guess for jelly beans.

Adjusting

We have James and Malachi permanently now.  They have been a bright spot in our heartbreak. It seems the best way to bond with boys is to wrestle with them. Jon is sure good about playing with them.

We got the kids costumes for Halloween...My favorite is Jeremy...He is so little and so cute in those muscles.

We played Headbands with the kids.  We are getting into a routine as a family, and making memories with the new kids.

Since Rex has left, Jeremy has woken up every night at least once if not twice.  He will come in my room and want me to rock him.  I take him back to his room and rock him until he is asleep.  These changes definitely affect these kids.

First weekend with new boys

This last week was the first weekend when James and Malachi permanently.  It's been a little bitter sweet, because it was also the last weekend with Rex.  While we are saying good bye to Rex, we are quickly falling in love with these two boys.  I think it will help to heal my broken heart having them here.

Rex found his pockets

Jeremy and Malachi

Malachi and Rex

I heard giggling coming from the bathroom, so I went to find out what the boys were up to.  They were in the shower playing with the bench seat. LOL  They were so cute.

Wrestling with Dad again

Malachi loves to help out.  We have put the house up for sale, so he was helping to clean up the back yard.

 As I packed up Rex's belongings, all I could do was cry.  Knowing he was leaving for good.  I didn't feel like I had the comfort I usually get of the plan of salvation because I didn't have a child that died that I would get to raise later.  This was a child, who by all accounts was mine, but I would never see him again.  Jon gave him a blessing Sunday night and blessed that his life would be a good life.  That he would always be safe, and always feel the spirit.  He blessed him to find the gospel later in his life and to recognize it.  He blessed him to know that we loved him and will always love him.  I am truly heartbroken.  Rex I hope I get to see you again some day.