Adoption day!

 February 17th will mark one of the greatest day of our lives! Aspen who we call Azzie, and Jude are now ours forever! What an amazing experience it was to walk into that court room with lots of our family supporting us to finally make our two babies ours on paper. Yes, they have already been a part of our family, but now  no one can take them away from us.  The bond was instant, and I couldn't be happier. It's been funny, but I have found myself doing the nesting thing, just like if I was having a baby myself. Rearranging rooms, going through clothing, and just getting so very organized is only the half of it. Steve must wonder what in the world I am doing!We have been so lucky to be able to have Deanna B. as our RFC, she is so great. We have also been blessed to have Abby B. as our caseworker.  A huge weight has been lifted up off of my shoulder's. My family is complete! I had the faith and the hope for almost 5 years that this would happen. I love Aspen and Jude with all my heart, and I am so thankful to call them my own.
 The kids continue to make very good progress. Aspen's vocabulary is growing at an enormous rate, and she is now doing things that are age appropriate, such as her fine motor skills. She is using scissors, coloring in the lines, and is able to copy simple shapes. This is huge, since last year in may, she didn't even know what a crayon would do. She is still very rigid in her movements at times, but is learning to relax her hands more and more. we are really concentrating on her to be able to follow 2 step directions. This is VERY difficult for her. She has been released from Physical therapy, but continues to need help with occupational, and speech therapies. We are still working on her eating habits as well. Aspen is really starting to like cuddling. I wasn't sure if she would ever enjoy this, since, when we first had her in our home we were unable to touch her. Wow, she has come such a long way in 10 months. Her teachers are continually amazed at her progress.
 Jude is just thriving. He is being released from occupational therapy, and from physical therapy! He will continue with speech therapy, but he is coming right along. He is a very curious little guy with an eye for anything electronic. I love watching him think as he is trying to figure out how things work. He is a joy, and I so enjoy his cuddles, hugs and kisses.
 Many times we have had comments from people such as " these two kids hit the jackpot with your family", but truly the jackpot has been ours! The blessings and love we have felt from these two being in our home is just more than I could ever explain. This goes for all of the other sweet children we have had in our home. We love them so much, and pray that they and their families are doing well.  I am just so thankful for the past 5 years and the lessons that I have learned from all of "my kids." They will always have their places in my heart. I love them all.
 We are going to be sealed in the bountiful temple on April 1st 2011! We can't wait. What a neat experience for all of our children to experience. Tyler, River, and Randi are so happy, and seem so relieved that their new brother and sister get to stay forever.