Final Adoption (Novemener 11-16)

This week has been a crazy, exciting roller coaster week. We both started out with saddened emotions thinking of he girls biological parents. We were sad about their loss while we were celebrating a gain,

11/13/13- we went to the court for the adoption. It was fine, just lots of legal questions and then the legal changing of the girls names. There was really no feeling of the spirit but it was great to be at the stage in the process. They also let the kids adopt a stuffed animal for themselves. They thought that was the coolest thing ever.

-11/16/16- we were able to celebrate passions baptism and our sealing in the Brigham temple. We had he baptism at the stake center and then went in the gym with everyone for lunch. We left straight from their for the sealing. A little busy but totally worth it since we were already together. 

After passion was baptized and was Chaz gong she said I don't feel the Holy Ghost. She was almost waiting for something miracoulas. We later talked about her feeling of wanting to smile all day and that was the Holy host. It was great to have that teaching experience with her.  

This was an experience we will never forget. We loved being able to be in the temple with all four of our kids. 

The crazy thing about the day of the sealing is that was the exact day (two years prior) the girls were removed from their house and put into the Christmas box house.  (That was not planned at all)

- we will be forever grateful for family who supported us through this super hard process. To a heaven.y Father who knew what we were capable of and needed and guided us.  For an amazing case worker Sherrin and grandma Rosa. We truly don't think we would be where we are for the adoption without these people. They all played a key, crucial part in the process.

Goodbye visit

Today we had the final visit through the state with the girls mom. The state offers one last visit and then the rest is up to us if we will let the birth parents be involved in their life. I honestly don't think the visit could have gone any better. Right before we left our house I felt prompted to grab the small camera and gave it to passion. I told her she was in charge and could take pictures of whatever she wanted. This let her be in control.
The girls visited with the mom, grandma, aunt and cousins. It went perfect. There was little sadness displayed and a great time spent together. Nelson and I were there to tell all the family good bye. I was saddened as I walked away with these little girls. Sad she had to walk away and not have custody of her four kids she had. I was at peace and am grateful for the experience.

Final court hearing for the girls

Today Nelson and I prepared to go to the final trial for Brandon Sanchez (the girls dad). We had both been subpoenaed to testify against him. I was super nervous, I went to the bathroom about 4 times. Although I was nervous I knew I would be ok and say what I needed to. Before we went we fasted the girls would be able to receive permenancy and be able to move on with them life. They had been dealing with this for 2 years.
The moms rights were terminated two weeks prior. We went and visited her in jail. Bit of an uncomfortable feeling for me, it is not an environment I am familiar nor comfortable with.
We sat in the waiting room just waiting and w aiting. The dad hadn't showed up. Court started and he still was not there. They started the trial without him and we were all sworn in. I remember wondering if he would show up.
Trial started and they discussed all the evidence. The evidence was given and the judge gave his final decision. He determined the dads rights would be terminated and the girls would live in our home. The judge gave counsel that we need to do our part to include the grandparents. They do not deserve to be cut off due to other people's decision.
We left the place in complete shock in what had just happened. Throughout the rest of the day we had so many emotions including:
- pure gratitude- so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father for answering prayers and for her plans.
- humbled by the love and service that was shown to us by ward and family members.
- sadness- I was upset and sad beacause where one person wins there is someone that ones out sad. My heart ached for Brandon and the loss he went through. He had to tell people he lost his kids.
I was aching for the girls for their loss. No matter what the decision was there would be a loss.
Such a roller coaster of emotions with the whole experience. So grateful for this trial and learning experience we have gained.
When we told the girls that night they cried. They were sad to know their dad could not do his part. We hope and pray for peace And for everyone involved.

Ogden half marathon (Laura's race)

Two days ago I ran the Ogden half marathon. This is one of the few races I like to pay for. Years past during my race I would catch myself getting upset at the people flying past me as if I were not even moving. It would get to me and effect my running. This year was totally different. If someone did pass me I kept saying in my head this is my journey no one else's.  I have thought of that a lot. There is no reason to compare my life to anyone else's. I don't have to look, act or do the same as others. This is my journey in life and no one else's. Such a realization that I needed.
At the race a kid had on a shirt that said "COURAGE TO START, STRENGTH TO FINISH.
Quote that I loved and needed that day,

Denver Trip

Nelson's brother Spencer and his wife Jami have lived in Denver for some time. I am completely embarrassed to admit it has been 9 years since we have been out there to visit. I was pregnant with Asher last time we were there (wow that was awhile ago). I am not sure what has taken us so long to get back, big factor may have been my inability to sit and travel in a car. I am the worse road traveler out of our whole family, I don't do great. Whatever our excuses have been the last 9 years, we finally planned a trip last minute and headed out there. (Just a side note- our new plan is to not take 9 more years to get back). We absolutely love our family and are so grateful to spend time with them. Of couse while we were there we were able to play lots. Here are a few highlights from our trip:

Max went to work with Spencer and Loved it!!

Asher, Crew and Max playing around at the museum



Max is a big Bronco Fan.  He wanted to go on a tour of the Stadium so we took him.  There was some pretty interesting facts shared. Here are a few highlights from the tour. 
In this picture with Asher and I, I asked him, "Oh Ash why don't we ever have a normal picture".  He replied " mom it is always your fault, because the rest of us always have the same face, you are the one that is being different." 
Wow I guess he is right with that one- silly kid!

contact from the grandma (Laura story)

The girls had moved out and we just found ways to adjust and cope with all of our change so. About 90 days after they left we received a call from their grandma Sanchez. She had asked us to meet her in Layton. This was the first time I had actually met her. She explained to us that the girls dad wasn't doing what he should and that she wanted us to adopt the girls. We told her it didn't work that way, but we would take them if the option was available.  She ended up doing what she needed to do and went to the state and reported their dad. We to this day firmly believe the reason we got the girls was because of that braved grandmother whose jeopardized her own relationship with her son for a better life for the girls. Two weeks after this happened the girls were placed back in our home. Then life started over again figuring out now what.

Family Pictures

We had the opportunity to get some family pictures taken in Feb. Our family pics were way overdue. The lady was running a 30 minute special. That sounds crazy, but honestly getting my family to cooperate longer than 30 minutes is not going to happen. Pictures are not a boys favorite thing. This was a very stress free photo session. We threw the outfits together 15 minutes before and tried to smile our best. Crazy how fast our family is growing.