It's A Wonderful Life

Yesterday we got an email from the USCIS. We were informed that they had received our application and it would be sent on within 7 days. I wasn't sure what to think of it because I didn't receive the notifications on the last adoption. I had no idea the normal time table. I sent it on to our agency just in case they had not received it. Myriam, at Agape Adoptions, replied back with "This is a good sign". She would know. This is what she does all day. Now we send another check. Normally I would be a little nervous about sending a check this size but I am grateful the money is available and needed so soon.

Malia, who is 6, came home from school on a 25 degree day. It's been on the cold side here, at least for my liking. With enthusiasm for her new found knowledge she says, "Mom, if you run really fast at recess you will get warmer." Me, "That's a great idea". I love to watch their minds grow!

I woke up yesterday morning a little concerned about how I was going to juggle appointments for the afternoon. I figured things out knowing that I was on a very tight schedule. At 2:20 the fun began. I put my coat on grabbed my purse and reached for my phone. No phone. I asked  Bria and Hyrum where it was and Hyrum said my phone was in the bathroom. Not a good sign! I went to the bathroom to find a large puddle on the floor with soggy toilet paper everywhere. The toilet was full of toilet paper and I couldn't see anything good in there. I was not about to reach my hand in and find out if the phone was in there either or not. Hyrum still was insistent that my phone was in the bathroom. I ran through the house looking in all the obvious places and couldn't find my phone. My assumption at that moment was that we may have a clogged toilet coming up. I was now running late and my best laid plans were even tighter than before. I drove to the hig...

I walk in after bringing children to school and notice there is orange juice on the table. I said "Who had orange juice?" Hyrum replies "Me". I said "Daddy loves you". Hyrum "I know". Hyrum with a mouth full of cookie. 

No words can express my feelings towards my Savior Jesus Christ. He is the reason for my happiness and joy. I wish that I were eloquent and could express my deepest feelings for Him who saves. But I am far from eloquent as you have all noticed. Please enjoy this video as an expression of my testimony of the Savior of the World.

Our family Nativity in pictures.  Cast Baby Jesus - Doll Mary - Hannah Joseph - Clayson Donkey - Malia Shephard - Marshall Sheep - Pierce and Bria Angel - Niya Inn Keeper - Hyrum Wise Men - Creed, Casey, Olivia Camera Man - Deanne, video that is Narrator - Doug Audience - Emma We had a great time and it will be remembered for years to come. It's better on film.

I have referenced a talk given in General Conference several times now but this talk comes back to haunt me on a regular basis. I think the Lord is keeping my thoughts and desires where he wants them. At times I feel like I just want to forget all the heart ache and trauma that so many innocent children face on a daily basis. It's not an easy place to be. Last Friday Doug and I went out to dinner and ended up in a restaurant that had average prices. When I saw the bill I just thought what a waste that money was. Mediocre food and not a great atmosphere. I realized that with that money we could be sponsoring a child that has nothing. Doug and I decided that we were going to alter a date a month and sponsor a child in China instead. On that night every month we will be creative with what we eat and remember why we are doing this. We are going to make it somewhat of a game or adventure.  Tonight we got on the computer and looked at some children from the same healing home as our new...