Returning the girls (Laura story)

What a crazy roller coaster ride we have been on for the past 13 months. I canonestly say up to this point in my life his is the hardest thing I have ever experienced. But, I would do it again, in a heart beat. The lessons and experiences I have learned is so worth it.
The strength in the gospel is so tremendous. Moving day for the girls was amazing but hard. We celebrated Christmas with the, before we took the, back. We had a prompting to write them letters. We read them our letters, gave them a scrap book of heir life with us, said a prayer and loaded up. Yes tears were associated with this whole process, but so was an overwhelming peace. Christ had comforted us with peace at this time.
One overwhelming thought that came over me was it was time for me to let go. I at points of raising my children will have to let go and realize I have taught the, what I needed. I know I have done what I needed the ,sat 13 months and now needed to let go and put it in the lords hands. 

7 year house anniversary (Laura post)

7 years ago today we moved from Harrisville to our home in Farr West. I remember being worried and scared. I remember wondering if we would fit in and love the area like we did harrisville. I remember my cute 4 year old Max putting his head down and just crying the first day we went to church. He missed his old friends and worried no one would like him. I just cried, it broke my heart. Well I'm proud to say 7 years later he totally fits in. We have a loving neighborhood, amazing people to be with. We realize daily how blessed we are to live where we do and associate with the people we do.

Girls going home to their dad

The girls are getting ready to go home , but we are hoping their dad is ready for it. There are many things we know from this experience:
* we know the girls were suppose to be in our home
* we know for some reason the bowen family was suppose to meet the Sanchez family
* we may never know the full purpose behind all this but we know we were suppose to bring those two girls into our home for the last 13 months.
* I know my faith has tremendously been strengthened.
* I know I have faith in a Heavenly Father who knows me and trusts me and has a plan for me. He has lifted me through so many things so I know he is aware of me.
* I can honestly saw that every basic principle of the gospel has been strengthened. Susan as prayer, faith, scripture study, relying on the Holy Ghost and priesthood blessings. We have had to use all of these to help us get through our days.
The other day I had the boys list the blessings / lessons they learned. Max said that he has Learned to not even deal with girls while they are throwing a fit. Oh man does he realize this is a lesson he will need the rest of his life???
I can see Heavenly fathers hand in helping me cope with the girls leaving.  Two words have totally stuck in my mind- happy and capable. I was reminded the girls still have another chance to be happy even though we may not see it that way. Also capable, it is time for the dad to show what he is capable of.