The home and some FAQ's...

I finally figured out why I haven't been blogging for awhile.  I had originally chalked it up to pure exhaustion (I can't even begin to say how crazy these last few weeks have been) but as I have sat here looking at the empty screen for the past several minutes, I realized that it wasn't exhaustion.

 It was a lack of words.

Because there is really no way to describe the incredibly wonderful, insanely amazing, utterly exhausting past few weeks.  And when I try to wrap my head around it all, I just get overwhelmed.  Overwhelmed with LOVE and gratitude to everyone who has been part of this, overwhelmed with feelings of indebtedness to so many, overwhelmed with what this means to our family...

Just plain overwhelmed. 

I really, truly hope that every person who has been part of the puzzle them home project in any way can sense our love for you and our gratitude.  I hope you can know how much this means to us and how full our hearts are...

The house is beautiful.  More beautiful is the way Sophi's eyes light up when she turns on the light switch in her bedroom all by herself (it is low to the ground) or opens up a door with her chin (no more knobs!) or climbs onto her little sink to wash her feet all by herself.  More beautiful is the way the stairs to the Rapunzel tower were built in such a way that Sophi and Cali can actually make their way up them, and the way Cali's eyes shine as she speeds through the house on her wheelchair-- uninhibited by stairs, lack of space or thick carpet.   More beautiful is just thinking about how absolutely life changing it will be to have TWO safe, custom, wonderful spaces for Elli to play and explore and be happy without us worrying about her breaking things, getting hurt, etc. 

It's just too much to wrap my heart around-- I would cry all day if I dwelled on it!  We are so happy!!!


You want to know something kind of funny?  When we were first dating, one of our biggest "issues" was the size of home we each eventually wanted.  Jeremy said that he would love something that was 4,000 square feet or so.  I thought that was WAY too much!  I couldn't see a purpose for it and thought it was just crazy to even think about more than 3,000 square feet.  Then again, he always wanted EIGHT children and I couldn't begin to understand how he could be so stuck on a number like that.

Ha.   I guess we were both in for a surprise!

And yes-- for all those that have asked-- I AM scared of cleaning it!  (;  However, I am so looking forward to places to put things, and surely a "place for everything" will help with the cleaning aspect!

One thing we both really do love about the home is the way it's designed.  When we sat down with the architect and talked about the things we needed and the things we wanted, we both said that we didn't want it to look ostentatious.  We wanted LOTS of space, but we didn't want it to look intimidating from the front.  Well, I love the comment I just read on the Salt Lake Parade of Homes's facebook today, speaking of our home:  "This house seems about three and a half times bigger inside than it looks from the outside. Architect or magician?"  (:  Jamie Walker of Walker Home Design did a fabulous job of giving us SO much space, but laying it out in a way that worked so well for our family.  It doesn't have long hallways or corridors that you get lost in-- it's all feels very homey even though it's big.  We love it!  It fits all of our needs and then some.  It's more than we ever could have hoped for!  It also has some beautiful features that were donated-- such as custom wood mouldings (Marathon Moulding) and of course the amazing mural work!  (I need to get a link to their website-- anyone know of it?)

We have loved being there during parts of the Parade and listening to comments people make.  I'll be honest-- sometimes it is hard being so transparent-- putting our story out there for everybody to see.  But I have seen some really wonderful things come of it.   Obviously, our lives have been HUGELY blessed by this whole thing.  I am so happy when I see others blessed by it as well.  Many times while at the Parade, people will come up and hug us and cry and tell us how our children have touched their lives just by their stories.  (The story of each of the kids and the story of the home is told throughout the house.)  I am hopeful that the seed of adoption has been planted in some hearts along the way...  (:  People have been so kind and sweet in their comments to us while at the house!!!

As we were talking to our architect last night, he said that a couple of common questions that are asked of him have to do with the financial end of things.  I know I have addressed this in a past post, but I also know we have some new blog readers out there.  I also realize that though finances are in general a more private thing, the nature of this project is such that people have valid reasons to want to know!  So here it goes:   (:

The amazing, incredible, wonderful people who put together Puzzle Them Home have worked so hard for over a year now.  The concept of "buying" puzzle pieces generated over $35,000 in donations.  Again, I get overwhelmed just thinking of what that means.  I know there was so much love and sacrifice in that money.  I know MUCH of it came from you wonderful blog readers.  We are SO grateful.    Besides the cash donations, there was a tremendous amount donated in the way of discounted or donated labor and materials.  Much of this came from friends and family who pitched in to help.  Much of it came from strangers.  We have estimated that these donations brought the cost of the home down by about $225,000.  I know... again, there aren't words.  "Thank you" seems so small compared to what we want to say.

So where did the rest of the money come from?  What does Jeremy do for a living?  Just how much do we get paid to adopt these children?  Apparently, these are some of the questions being asked at the home.

I'll start with the last question, one that I'm sure made people who have adopted internationally giggle a bit.  We don't get paid anything.  Not a penny, darn it!  Adopting a child from China costs approximately $25,000.  A tax credit of around $13,000 is given toward adoptions, so that offsets the cost dramatically.  Jeremy's company also helps with adoption costs-- they pay $5,000 toward each adoption.  As far as receiving financial stipends or anything because of their special needs-- that is reserved for adopting domestically out of the foster care system.   I wish with all my heart that adoption wasn't so expensive because I know that MANY families desire to adopt, but cannot because of finances.

Which brings us to the next question.  Exactly what does Jeremy do for a living?   Jeremy has a wonderful job as a pharmaceutical rep for Bayer.  A pharmaceutical rep's average salary is $70-$80k per year, with the potential for some bonus.   So yes, we are very blessed!  Besides his job in pharmaceuticals, we have some ownership in the importing side of the 2012 Game of the Year, Perplexus.

I will have to blog the amazing story of this toy sometime, but suffice it to say, it has been a tremendous blessing for us and has definitely contributed to our ability to buy this home.

When Puzzle Them Home originally started over a year ago, the goal was to help us get into a better home for our family.  At the time, there was no way we could qualify for the kind of loan we needed and our current home was being appraised at MUCH less than what we had paid for it.  As things progressed and as we partnered with Children and the Earth, their goal became to have the home completely paid for.  Mortgage free.  While a wonderful goal, we realized at the beginning of this year that short of a miracle, we were far from having that happen.  After praying a lot about it, we decided to try and see if we could qualify for a loan.   We were in a different situation than the year before because, among other things, we could now count income from Perplexus.  Citywide Home Loans was told about the project and our situation.  They made some wonderful accommodations for us, including waiving their fees, to help us qualify for the loan we needed.  It was a bigger loan than we wanted to do, but we still felt good about doing it.  Personally, I thought that it was maybe because contributions would keep coming to puzzle them home-- helping to offset the size of the mortgage.   Many people involved kept talking about the possibility of this home getting national attention and therefore generating more donations.  It never did.  But we have been blessed!  Things are going well with Jeremy's work and with Perplexus.  The housing market has changed in our favor as we prepare to sell our current home.  So we continue to go forward having faith that we have been prayerful as we've made decisions with this home and it's accompanying mortgage.

Two questions that has been asked a couple of times online are along the lines of "Why would they build a house they couldn't afford without continued donations?" and "Why would they continue to adopt if they can't afford it?"   These valid questions were in response to a couple of articles on the home stating that Puzzle Them Home is still accepting donations for the home.   I'll do my best to answer that.  (:   First of all, concerning the home, yes-- donations are still being accepted at the puzzle them home page.  We are so, so grateful for the support.  This house could not have been built without donations.  One way that the bank worked with us was using pledges of donations as a down payment on the loan.  As far as continuing to accept donations-- those working on the project have expressed that people walking through the home often have a desire to be part of it.   They asked how we felt about a donation jar (to be shared with Make-a-Wish) being at the home.  We gratefully said yes to it knowing that we have a long way to go in paying off the loan!  But know that Citywide would not have approved us if they didn't think we could make it work.  (:  And yes-- we do realize that this home MORE than meets our needs-- there are many extras that are pure bonus-- like the sidewalk that circles the yard outside so Cali can have access to anywhere she wants.  We know it's amazing.  We are so grateful!!  We weren't trying to build a mansion-- but we do realize it is a VERY SPECIAL HOUSE. 

As for why we would adopt if we couldn't afford it... we can!  (:  There are actually financial requirements that must be met before China AND your homestudy agency will approve you to adopt.  We have been so blessed each time we have chosen to go forward and haven't had to fundraise to help with adoption costs.  However, if we DID have to fundraise, we would!  And we support as many of those who are fundraising as we possibly can!  (:   Adoption is one thing that I would be willing to receive help to do and I'm so GLAD that other families go forward with adoption even if it means asking for help-- these children are worth it!!!

So... I hope that answers some questions on the financial end of things.  (:  I am not offended by the questions, and like I said, I think the nature of this project justifies them.  People who have contributed especially have the right to know a little bit more about our situation.  Have you noticed I'm putting lots of smileys?  (:  That's because I really do want you to know that I'm happy to answer these questions.  (:

I was going to post pictures, but I've already spent much too long on here and I've had kids coming in every 30 seconds or so asking for things.  (;  So if you want to see pictures, go to puzzlethemhome.org and click on their facebook page.  Or just click HERE.

Love you all for your support!!  

--Christianne

Happy Anniversary!

Dear Christianne:

Fifteen years ago we went with butterflies in our tummies to the temple in Manti, Utah.  Fifteen years ago we looked into each other's eyes and covenanted to each other that we would spend eternity together.  That we would do all we could to help each other along the way.  That we would be loyal and true to each other and to our marriage.

Christi, you have done all that and so much more.  I am so grateful for your patience with and endurance of me.  You have had to deal with so many of my rough edges.  Some have been worn smooth.  Some still remain pretty bumpy!  But still you stand by me and with me.

I am moved to tears as I think about the hopes and dreams we had that day.  (I think I actually wanted to be President of the United States back then, HAH!)  But the hopes and dreams we had for us, for our family.  How differently our family has unfolded than we could have ever hoped for.  And yet, with regard to the most important things, how close to our dream our family has become.

We have nine wonderful children who love the Lord and strive to live as He would have them live.  We love each other more now than we ever have.  We live in a beautiful place in a beautiful home (and in about 10 days will be moving into an unbelievable home!)  

So Christi, thank you.  Thank you for giving your all to me and to our children and to the Lord.  Thank you for enduring the hard times and enjoying the good times.  I love you.  Here's to 45 (or so) more years together here and forever in the eternities.

I love you!

Jer

Hectic

So for the record, I am completely cognizant of the date of our anniversary.  The mistake on my end is that I woke up on Saturday thinking it was the 11th.  But can you really blame me for being a tad bit mixed up?  I mean, really.  With all that has been going on around here, I think it's actually impressive I knew what month it was!

Anyway, Happy Anniversary for real today, honey.  I love you!

-Jer

PS.  The kids were very sweet today.  They let us take a nice nap after church.  Parker made us smoothies.  And Sophi gave me a Dove chocolate and said I could have it for my "avinursery."
Such good kids!

Love, Logic and Little Girls

I am a better person than I was 15 years ago when I got married.  I am a better person than I was 6 years ago when we adopted Elli.  I guess that's the goal.  To improve over time.  There is something about overseeing the needs of nine separate individuals that refines a person.  Helps them develop patience and insight.

I am surrounded by a lot of little girls.  Two teenagers and three pre-teens.  That's a lot of estrogen going on.  Little girls are not strong on logic.  (I could make a comment here about big girls, but I want to be able to sleep on the air mattress tonight...:)  Monday night I was taking all of the kids to the park for family home evening.  Christi wasn't feeling great, so I was flying solo.  Jessica and Cali were deciding which shoes to wear.  The last time we went shoe shopping, we did something rather unwise.    Seemed economical at the time.  Really dumb in retrospect.  Cal and Jess have the same size feet.  We got two pairs of shoes and said they could share them.  At first, they liked both pair equally, but they quickly decided that one pair was better than the other.  And so the drama began.  

It culminated last night.  Christi told Cali she could wear the preferred pair.  Jess wanted them, too.  Because of the way they're designed, the preferred pair is easier to run in.  When you think about this for two seconds, it is logical that Jessica should wear them if we're going to the park.  She will want to run around, and it won't make that much difference to Cal.  But of course using logic would be too easy.  I told Cali she had to let Jesi wear them this time.  I wasn't mean about it, but I wasn't overly tender, either.  Cali began to tear up.  The sunlight was rapidly waning.  We needed to leave.  The me of 5 or 15 years ago would have just stuck to the logic of the situation and firmly insisted that Cali remove the shoes.  But the me of today could see that this was about so much more than shoes.  I stopped, knelt down so I was at the girls' eye level, and lovingly talked with my two daughters about what we could do.  I assured Cali that I was just as concerned about her needs as I was about Jessica's.  It took about 10 minutes, but it ended up being a tremendous bonding experience for all three of us.  In the end, both girls were willing to let the other one wear the shoes.

I'm honestly not trying to pat myself on the back here.  Rather, I'm expressing deep gratitude for the blessings I have received from having my wonderful kids.  The blessings are innumerable, but patience is certainly one that stands out.  I love being a dad.  I love my daughters, even it they are a bit on the emotional side:)

Jer

Futility

Our kitchen table, several dressers and most of our mattresses (including Christi's and mine) are up at the new home.  They add beauty to the staged decorations, but sleeping on the floor hasn't been great for my aging body.  Monday night we stayed up all night.  Tuesday I fell asleep on the floor during I Love Lucy and stayed there all night.  Wednesday I tried a couch.  Thursday was a foam camping pad. Last night I  made Xander sleep on the couch and I was on his mattress.  Suffice it to say, I've been pretty tired all week.  

On top of the mattress shortage, the lack of dressers has made it difficult to keep our clothes organized.  There was about an eight-inch layer of clean clothes on our bedroom floor for most of the week.  It was folded (thanks to our laundry fairies) but we just hadn't had time to put it away.  So tonight, Christi had the kids help her put all the clothes away.  She worked hard (while I took the kids to the dollar theater) and got our bedroom much cleaner.  We planned on filling up the air mattress and watching a Star Trek episode before going to bed.  I ran to the store to get some cheesecake for Graci's birthday tomorrow.  While I was there, Christi called me and said, "I have one of those things for blowing up air mattresses, but it doesn't have any batteries.  Do you want to buy some batteries, or should we just use the air compressor my dad got us?"

"The air compressor should work.  Let's just go with that."

Ah, the futility of the uneducated.  In case you don't know, an air compressor produces high pressure, low volume air.  A pump for an air mattress produces low pressure, high volume air.  We've now had this insanely loud compressor on in our bedroom for over half an hour.  The bed is probably 90% full.  Why didn't I pay more attention in physics class?!?

-Jer

It Is Finished! (And We Won!)

Our current home is a wreck.  Our kids have been tending each other for days.  We have lived on Wendy's and Little Caesar's for the past week and a half.  But it is finished.  And it is amazing.

I can't even begin to describe the past two weeks.  On Sunday, July 21, Christi passed out on the bed as soon as we got home from church.  (That was back when we had a bed...and a dresser...and a kitchen table....)  I called all of the kids in to the living room for a family council.  I explained that the following 10 days would be the craziest of our lives.  Parade judging would be on the 30th, and until then, we just had to plan on all pitching in and doing the best we could to get the house finished in time.  For the older kids, that meant a lot of babysitting and managing our house, since mom and dad would be spending every spare second at the Puzzle Them Home home.  I was so impressed with their willingness to shoulder the load.  And boy did they.  I heard so many "What can I do to help"s over that time frame.  I would come home and find kids cleaning or weeding the yard or playing with their younger siblings or even passed out late at night on the couch cuz they had been so busy during the day.  Thank you Green kids!  You are fantastic!

It was a whirlwind.  We had many people who were skeptical that it could be finished.  But Bret kept everything going.  He begged when he needed to.  He yelled occasionally:)  He timed things just right.  And we finished on time (barely, but I'll get to that later;).

The last four days were the most amazing.  Christi was doing a ton with the interior, and I was working on the landscaping.  We had not budgeted much for either of these categories, so we were trying to do the best we could with donations and volunteer labor.  You've already heard about the Deseret Book donation.  WOW!!!  During that last 10 days, we also had ALL the sod donated, ALL the mulch donated and ALL the topsoil donated!!!  Thank you Tracy Davis sod, Diamond Tree Experts and Mascaro trucking.  On top of all that, the volunteer labor was truly amazing.

We had blogged about, facebooked and spread the word at church about our sod laying party on the 27th.  Even so, I was amazed by the turnout.  We had dozens of people there.  Church friends, community friends, even facebook followers we'd never met before.  And boy did they work hard.  We got everything except the park strip finished in one day!  On top of that, some of the mulch was spread, some more of the sprinkler drip lines were hooked up, more plants were planted.  It was fantastic.  But by the end of the day, there was still SO much to do.  I was very afraid the landscaping just would NOT be ready on time.  We still had to bring in 6000 pounds of rubber mulch for under the play areas.  Put some borders in between the real mulch and the rubber mulch, plant 30-40 more shrubs in ridiculously hard soil.  Prep and lay sod in the park strips.  Spread a lot more mulch.  Assemble a couple of toys for Elli's playground.  How was I going to do this myself?

Sunday after church, we went up to the property.  We were planning on doing mostly interior stuff, but shortly after we got there, people started showing up to help in the yard.  And then more people.  And then more.  Again, we had dozens of people show up to help us.  For the second day in a row!  Apparently it had been announced in the church congregation we are moving into that we needed help to finish this on time.  And boy did the help come.  The planting got finished, half of the park strip was prepped and sodded, almost all of the mulch was spread, more drip lines were put in.

Still, I was overwhelmed with what we had to do on Monday.  But Monday evening, more people than ever showed up to help.  For the third day in a row, we had over 40 people out in our yard, working hard to get everything done.  Elli's toys were assembled, rubber mulch was brought in.  (That stuff comes in 2000 pound bags-we had to have a back hoe lift it off the truck and onto the play area!)  Borders were installed.  Sprinklers were finished.  Park strip sod was done.  Some of the people stayed until after 1:00 am, working hard to ensure our home was finished by the time the judges came the next morning.

Finally, we had done everything we could do on the landscaping until the sun came up the next morning.  The judges could come anytime after 9:00 am, and if we weren't finished when they came, we wouldn't be judged.  So the pressure was on.  I went in to help with the interior, including laying the floor in the last room of the house without flooring.  My brother Tyler and I laid Soft Tiles in the exercise room downstairs.  I made a 3:00 am trip to Walmart for a few last minute items.  Some of the designers were there until 7:00 am.  Bret, Christi, Tyler, Christi's sister Leslie, Taylor and I were there all night.  No sleep!  It was exhausting!  But we had to be done by 9:00 am!

Oh!  How could I forget the guest room ceiling!  About 11:00 pm I went down to the basement for some reason.  Leslie saw me walking toward the guest room and said, "Don't go in there!"  I walked in and saw Bret on a ladder with his head through one of three large holes cut through the drywall of the ceiling.  I about had a heart attack.  There had been a water leak.  It turns out one of the valves on the master shower had been turned on just a little and had dripped for several hours.  Since everything was stacked on top of everything else, the tile in this shower wasn't finished until the wee hours of Tuesday morning.  So this water made it's way down to the ceiling below.  But Bret called Brady the drywall guy.  He came over and sized up the situation.  We put fans on it until 5:00 am and then the fix it crew came in and it was good as new.

Since things were going on right until the last minute, Bret scheduled his cleaning crew to come in at 5:00 am on Tuesday morning.  But they overslept!  Once we realized that they weren't coming, we went into panic mode.  We barely had enough time to do the things we had planned on doing.  There was no way we could do that AND clean.  We were doomed.  Then God sent the joggers.  Two ladies we didn't know were jogging by our home.  They had heard about the project and poked their heads in to see how things were going.  They could see how crazy things were and how much trouble we were in.  They left.  Apparently they made some calls, because within 20 minutes, about 15 women showed up and started cleaning our home.  We went like crazy.  It was another miracle.  I am not kidding when I say that the judges showed up at the exact time we were leaving the home with the cleaning supplies.

After the judges left, and the helpers left, it got down to Bret and Christi and me.  It was silent in the house.  For three straight months there had been saws and drills, noise, noise, noise.  But now it was done.  I don't believe there has ever been a home built with more love per square foot than this one.  The spirit was strong.  Christi and I walked around, looking at this sanctuary that had been provided for us.  We embraced.  And sobbed.  We are so grateful.

Tonight we went we Bret and his wife, Lindsay, to the Parade VIP night.  It was where awards were handed out.  We won!  We are so glad for Bret.  He has put his heart and soul into this for months.  He donated his contracting fee!  We are so happy that he has a Parade of Home Best Home award on his resume.  Thank you Bret!  We truly love you!  Please come by and visit anytime you want!

It's late.  I'm still a bit groggy from lack of sleep.  I hope this post isn't too discombobulated.  Before I go, I just have to say thank you to the many people without whom this project simply would not have been completed on time.  There are so many of you.  Bret and I have talked about it so many times.  There were so many people who came just when we needed them and provided help with things we weren't able to do on our own.  This was a home of miracles.

I will get pictures up here soon.  It is amazing.  In the meantime, here are a couple of facebook links:
https://www.facebook.com/april.r.collins.7/media_set?set=a.10201671399016441.1073741828.1523540076&type=1https://www.facebook.com

https://www.facebook.com/HuishConstruction  (The first picture on this page is not our home, but if you scroll down, you'll see some of our exterior.)

I will close with a verse of scripture.  King Benjamin taught the following in Mosiah 2:23-24.
"And now, in the first place, He hath created you, and granted unto you your lives, for which ye are indebted unto Him.  And secondly, He doth require that ye should do as He hath commanded you; for which if ye do, He doth immediately bless you; and therefore He hath paid you.  And ye are still indebted unto Him, and are, and will be, forever and ever..."

We are truly indebted unto Him.  If we have done any good in our lives, truly we have been blessed far beyond what we have done.  Thank you to everyone who has helped or even just offered their love and support.  We have never felt more loved.  We will try with all of our hearts to pay it forward.

-Jeremy

The Shopping Spree of a Lifetime

We are exhausted.  The home stretch is here and we are out-of-our-minds crazy busy.  So many people have stepped up to help and there would be no way we could pull off having the home ready for the parade if it weren't for them.  It is wonderful.  It is taxing.  I can barely keep my eyes open.  But I had to take a minute to record one of the most incredible experiences of my life.   It happened this afternoon...

I have always loved Deseret Book.  I love their books, music, art, and decor.  I have often said that I could furnish my whole house in Deseret Book items.  Walking in their store just makes my heart happy.  But I rarely buy more than a book or CD or small piece of art.  I have gone there twice in the last couple of months with the purpose of picking out just one big piece of art that I really love for our new home. We've tried so hard to shop clearances and sales and borrow things to stage our home with, but I wanted to really splurge on something that I LOVED.  Well, both times I've walked away empty-handed.  I just couldn't justify it.

Well...  Deseret Book was one of the companies that was contacted about Puzzle Them Home.  Imagine my shock, gratitude, overwhelmedness and just plain giddiness upon finding that they wanted to give us the opportunity to go shopping "on them."  I am still having a hard time believing that it happened, but today, Jeremy and I spent three hours in the downtown SLC Deseret Book selecting the most exquisite art and decor for our home.  We were introduced to such kind, wonderful people there who helped us through the process.  They walked us through the store, explained a lot of the art, and gave us some really good ideas.  They even took Lexi under their wings and were so kind and sweet with her while we shopped.  We were given a very generous budget.

That kind of thing just doesn't happen.  Except it did.  (:

The first hour we mostly walked around in a daze, completely overcome with the many things we had to choose from.  I thought of how this was the art that my children would grow up seeing and remembering and being influenced by.  We wanted to choose carefully and have meaning behind our selections.  The Spirit was often so strong as I contemplated which pieces would mean the most to our family.   Would you like a sneek peek?  (:

This is going in our entryway:

 

It is titled "Lead Kindly Light" 

This will likely be in the hallway:

"He Anointed the Eyes of the Blind Man"

And this will hang in Jeremy's office:

"Prayer at Valley Forge"

This is just a sample of the many things we were given.   We are so, so excited to decorate our home!!

There really aren't words to express how full my heart is.  We are grateful for the many blessings that are being sent our way.  Life is hard.  There are daily challenges that sometimes feel too hard to bear.   Lately I have been gaining a testimony that life is MEANT to be hard.  We are meant to make sacrifices and to be tried and tested.   Those trials sanctify us and bring us closer to God.  But we are also meant to have JOY.  And I am so grateful for all of the tender mercies and sweet angels that have graced our lives lately and reminded us how our Father in Heaven loves us.   He knows our hearts.   He wants us to be happy.  And He will give us just the right mix of trials and blessings-- the perfect combination to turn us to Him.

Thank you, Deseret Book.

And thank you-- every single one of you-- who bless our lives each day by your kindness, love and presence.  You bring so much sunshine to our lives!

--Christianne

Trailer

Several months ago, we were contacted by producers of a film intially called "The Finding Place."  They wanted us to consider letting them travel with us to China to film Cali's adoption, as well as taking Graci back to her finding place.  Jeremy was on board immediately, knowing that it could be a great tool in finding families for children and knowing what a blessing it would be to our own children to have these things documented.  I was a little more selfish.  I don't like cameras!  I am always critical of myself and just uncomfortable in general.  Besides that, it was at a very busy time in our lives-- preparing to bring one more child home, all of the arrangements for our kids that were staying here, etc.   Part of the filmmaking process was having Dave and Kathi (producers) fly out to our home to film us preparing to go.  Honestly, it felt very overwhelming.  We only had a short time to give them a final answer.  After a lot of thought, I basically decided that if we didn't do it, another family would and the film would do fine.  I was relieved.  Then I decided to actually pray about it.  Ha!  During church that day I had a very spiritual experience that let me know that we were supposed to say yes.  I had such a powerful confirmation in my heart that there was purpose in our family being in the film.  

As it turns out, while we were in China filming Cali's adoption, Dave, the producer, went to a local orphanage to do some filming.  While there, he took some footage of a little girl who had once been matched with a family, but for whatever reason, the family wasn't able to go forward with her adoption.  He posted that footage on facebook and asked people to share her story.  A beautiful couple saw the footage and knew that this was their daughter.  They are now in the process of bringing her home!  Part of the documentary will be filming little Lucy's story.  As I've pondered on this, I've realized that there was indeed great purpose to our family being part of the film.  This precious child of God needed to be connected to her family here in America and He put the right people in the right place at the right time in order to do so.   I feel strongly in my heart that this film will result in many more children finding their forever families!   Dave and Kathi are asking that you all please like and share this trailer and consider contributing if you feel led to do so.  They are in great need of additional funds to complete the production of the film.  If you have links to  the adoption community-- agencies, blogs, etc.-- please consider sharing the trailer with them.  (:

Click HERE to watch the trailer.  

Christianne

Houdini is at it again!

I just spent $85 on three pair of pajamas.  This is not like me AT ALL, but I'm desperate.  Elli has a new obsession this week-- eating her pull-ups.  (Wet or otherwise.)  It is completely overwhelming me.  She often will spit the pieces back out, so our house tends to get covered with little pieces of chewed up diaper. Her room looks like it's covered in hail.  The vacuum can't keep up with her.   But she is also swallowing them, resulting in all kinds of stomach/diaper issues.  She is eating a LOT of this stuff.  I mean, she is shoving the pieces in her mouth with a crazed passion.  Poison control has confirmed they are nontoxic, but that doesn't mean they don't cause bowel issues.   Have you ever accidentally had a pull-up go through the wash?  All of those little gel things expand and become nightmarish.  Yesterday I had her in the tub, trying to clean her up after a particularly bad episode.  I left for like, 2 seconds and came back to find she had gotten sick in the tub.  She had then laid in the icky water and had little pieces of gel diaper all throughout her hair.  That was not my favorite thing to take care of.  (;

Yes, I have tried not using the pull-ups.  We've used expensive training underwear but she leaks right through them and then we constantly have other lovely issues to deal with.

This is not fun.  I've tried lots of things to no avail, then remembered my friend Holly's email to me awhile ago about some awesome p.j.'s that worked for her son who also has autism.  These p.j.'s have a slogan that caught my eye:

 











Being as how we call her "little Houdini" I thought that maybe these were made JUST FOR HER.  I'll tell you what, if this slogan is true, I would pay $85 for ONE pair!  Wish me luck and speedy shipping.   And no more little pieces of diaper floating around my house.  UGH.

--Christianne

Grateful

Busy, busy, busy is the theme around here lately!  We have just over two weeks left to finish the house by the Parade of Homes and let me tell you, it will require some major miracles!!  I'm not sure how it's going to happen, but I know it's going to happen.  (:  Wrappng my head around the fact that we are going to be moving into an incredible, custom home in just a month from now is something I'm having a hard time doing.  It feels like a dream!  I am getting SOOOOO excited!  I get chills when I think about it.  We are grateful, grateful, grateful to the many wonderful people who have contributed to this huge blessing for our family!!!!!!!!  I am going to post an updated list at the end of this post-- PLEASE let me know if your name is missing!  I have tried to make it complete but I'm sure I haven't.  PLEASE don't be shy!!!  (:
Many people have asked what they can do to help as things get closer to completion.  I have an answer!  The next two Saturdays we could really use some help with planting and laying sod.  (This Saturday, planting-- next Saturday, sod.)  If that is something you'd like to help with, could you please email me so we can start to get a count?  I'm not sure on hours but I'm thinking that we could use help all day-- we have a huge yard!

Also, the home has to be fully staged for the Parade.  Most of our furniture isn't exactly Parade worthy, so we've been doing some shopping and some borrowing.  (:  One thing that we haven't come up with yet is stuff to stage the downstairs therapy/exercise room.  I know... the fact that we even have a room like this is insane!  I am thinking that two pieces of exercise equipment would do the trick-- like a treadmill and elyptical.  If anyone close by has one of these sitting around their home not being used that we could borrow for a couple of weeks, that would be awesome.  (:


This past week has been super special for Taylor and Graci.  They spent the last few days on a pioneer trek in Wyoming.  It was an incredible experience for them and I have loved hearing all of their stories.  They had some really neat faith-building experiences that strengthened their testimonies of our Savior.   I am so grateful to the wonderful leaders and volunteers that planned this trek for them.  Then today, Graci received her patriarchal blessing.  It was such a tender, sweet experience.  The spirit in the room was so strong and we felt our Heavenly Father's love for our Graci.  I guess I should say HIS Graci. 

Then at church, Taylor was ordained a Teacher in the Aaronic priesthood.  That boy is turning into a man right before my eyes.  It is wonderful.  And sad.   I am so blessed to be his mom.

My heart is full.  (:

--Christianne


Pieces to our puzzle:

Bret Wright and family
Huish Construction
Danny and Chrissy Probst
Rick and Julianne Rawlins
Brad and Lauren Hardcastle
Sorensen Legacy Foundation
Children and the Earth
Jackie Jones
Debbie Devore
Laneel Perry
Tami Huber
Erin Weist
Chris and Jenn Johnson
Kirk and Meghan Voss
Honeyville Farms
Jamie Walker
Walker Home Design
Firelizard
Adrian Tidd
American Standard
Jacob and Monica Burby family
Photoumbra
The Sunshine Foundation
Marathon Moulding
Steve and Jamie Brown
Ethan, Erin, Emily, David, Annika, and Isaac Olson
Photofly
Gary and Denise Christiansen
Lauren, Logan, and Erin Christiansen
T.J. Thorne
John Weichers
Chadwick Lighting and Design
Angie Mann
Sami Davis
Dawson and Carson
Antje Lee
Blackburn family
Amber Brosig
Jodi Frkovich
Elizabeth Liljenquist
Dan and Brooke Liljenquist
Allen and Rosemary Green
Lance Purser
Creative Spaces Landscaping
Great Harvest Bread
Tyler and Laura Green
Rose Canyon Stake Young Single Adults
Clyde Smith
TotoUSA
The Sunshine Foundation
Jeff and Kristen Perry family
Aston Enterprises
Reid's Concrete Services
JC Jones Construction
Burton Lumber
Beehive State Builders
The Nest on Main
Vanessa Stevens
Densley Plumbing
Quicksilver Construction
Lifetime
Wallpaper Warehouse
Western Air
Hansen Insulation
Dave and Elaine Kruckenberg
Finish Guys
Carpet Diem
PoBoyz Karpet
Hearth and Home
The Cabinet Gallery
RC Willey
Victor Rathaar
Munchkin Radio
Amber Creek Family Counseling and Psychiatry
Sprinkler World
Scott Sorenson
Missy Jessop
Emily Johnson
Donna Straight
Jennifer Green
Rebecca Morisse-Case
 Tiffany Wade
Naomi Osuna
Craig Wales
Jeremy and Leslie Larson
Hong Carter
Colleen Smith
Shandie Evans
Hilary Johnson
Matt Curtis
Virginia Vaeth
Angela Stephens
Cameron Nelson
Wayne Storey
Nicholas Nelson
Michael and Tonja Yost
Dean and LaRita Nelson
Chris and Becky Wilson family
Danny and Breanna Nelson
Matthew and Megan Nelson
Mikelle Stephenson
The Jewelry Jar
Lynda Wilson
Maegan Davis
Carmen Smith
Steve and Diane Dalton
Tiffiny Perry
Nixon, Brynley and Landon Winzeler
Catherine Kipp
DJ Gibb
Kylie Read
Kevin Brinkerhoff
Mark and Jean Vanderkooi
David and Sydney Young
Markus Schellenberg
Jenny Hunter
Allyson Jacobs
Michael and Kerry Dorius
Adam and Jill Kynaston
Katie Auger
Jon Risley
Ray and Jolene Simon
Patricia Norwood
Kimberly Jackson
Yuexia Zhu
Princess Rose Petal
Princess Butterfly
Selda Einsiedel
Sandi Sabin
Katherine Singleton
Ashley Flora
Jason and Kara McKendrick
Ramach and Raumrty Kompella
Dominic Fawcett
Gregory Lee
Chad Smith
Duane and Linda Elmer
Todd Cheney
Michelle Wickham
Wayne Wright
Jodie Ann Wright
The Children's Circus
Kaye Holman
Steven Wasserbaech
Ed McLughlin
Kristen Landsgaard
Stewart Behling
Mark Baker
Jocelyn Egbert
Robert Merrell
Sarah Gray
Eggers Family
Steven Wise
Brian J Thorsen
J & C Spectrum LLC
Charles Harrell
Tony Pearce
Marty and Linda Utley
David Wallentine
Rosalie Warnock
Debbie Perez
Chris Parker family
Debra Miller
Ted and Linnita Proctor
LM Post
Camille Cox
Emily McClelland
Kristin Bishop
Larry Clark
Brynn Steimle
Suncrest Software Solutions
Justin Honold
Shauna Cox
Woody and Betty Whitlock
Ashlee Swensen
Julian Wolfson
Gayla Schmidt
L. Scott Leishman
R. Steve Davis
Lowell Leishman
Nancy Kidder
Leslie Rupper
Lois Rosier
Savannah and Christopher Rosier
Leslie Peay
Lora Hardman
Julie Markham
Boyd and Shelly Stewart
David Larsen
YourHCG.com
Jason Fabert
Wendy Stubbs
Brent Davis
Tamara Jo Taylor
Gary Brown
Josh Gorringe
Lynn Nunes
Philip A. Harding
Jenny Reed
Julie Dennis
Laura Parker
Michael and Brittany Houck
Lowell Snow
Lori Brubaker
Dawn Yocus
Laila Gridley
Emily Gilgen
Carol Sampson
Nancy Bates
Kathy Kratchmer
Elizabethe Hawes
Gwen Rich
Kathleen Hewlett
Bills Family
Jenny Morris
Jan Douglas
Dustin Butler
Jacob Carley
Suzanne Newbold
Leslie Bonham
Charmaine Gaudet
Elissa Looney
Laura Johnson
Janice McAllister
Amy Haran
Tracie Dakters
Dennis Dooley
Barry Nelson
Elyse Walker
Julie Seamons
Gigi Fioresi
Steve Critchfield
Mark Miner
Jennifer Brinkerhoff
Josh Hansen
Rebekah Johnson
Ketherine Ralie
Jan McKinnon
Seth and Nikki Devey
Debbie Womack
Seth and Chelsea Miner
Annemaria Duran
Joseph Cloward
Audrey Dang
Laura Johnson
Dirk Johnson
Jacob Johnson
Julene Johnson
Adam Johnson
Karen Johnson
Amanda Tomaszewski
Jessica Barrett
Gary Fordham
Photoumbra
Denise Parch
Natalie Celske
Keith Mortensen
Vanessa and Ben Henry
Teri Suiter
Alisa Weeks
Stephen Rawlins
Emily Yungfleisch
Jennifer Johnson
Patsy Despain
Clint Muhlestein
Andrea Hales
Ted and Debbi Nelson
Amanda Wilkinson
Jim Brantley
Bandice Bringhurst
Chelsie Pykes
Kathleen Hansen
Pauline Syles
Karen Stuttard
The Duncan Family
Matthew Boyce
Paul and Vicki Peacock
Rigby Family
LaRue Larsen
Suzanne Stott
Families For Children
Ryan and Melissa Barclay
Steve McMurtrey
Doug Hecox
Holly Richardson
Nikki Malmgren
Jenny Hanson
Channy Philips
Leah Cox
Karine Christensen
Jeanette Buttars
April, Julian, and Anabelle Wolfson
Stephen Felsted
Winter Cash
Robert McNary
Sayuri Sakamoto
Jeff and Anna Adams
Annel Anderson

Prayers and Miracles

Two weeks ago I put out a prayer request for help getting a couple of utility pedestals moved.  I must say we are so grateful to all of you who have helped us in this very real way.  As I mentioned in another post, the first part of the answer to those prayers came within 24 hours.  The Comcast pedestal was gone that fast!  I was truly in awe at the concern our Father in Heaven has for us, even in our small needs and desires.

The way the second pedestal was removed was equally miraculous.  A couple of days after I asked for prayers, I received a phone call from the father of one of Lexi's friends.  Christi has met this sweet family, but I have not.  Lexi's friend is also eight, also blind and also adopted from China.  Lex is so enamored with this cute little girl.  The father called me and mentioned that he worked with the utilities in the state and asked if he could help in any way.  To make a long story short, he sent an email and a day later I received a call saying that the pedestal would be moved within a week.  It is now out of the way and we can pour the driveway!  We continue to experience miracles, from the very small to the unbelievably big, as we watch this amazing project unfold.

As we approach the deadline for the Parade of Homes, we are still needing lots of things to fall into place for the home to be built on time.  Please continue to keep us in your prayers for a few more weeks:)  We sure appreciate all of the help from so many of you.  We are almost there!

-Jeremy

Our Trip

As I mentioned, my in-laws had Jess, Lex and Soph for five days and then hosted all the rest of us except Christianne for four more days.  As you can imagine, their food budget tends to spike when we show up.  Thanks, Dean and LaRita!  You are angels!

We have had a great trip.  We went to Richfield for the fourth of July, catching their parade and evening fireworks display.  (Christi's mom grew up in Richfield and Grandma Larsen and lots of cousins still live there.)

Waiting for the parade to start

Collecting candy

After the parade, Grandma Larsen fed us all lunch (and later dinner!) and had a birthday cake for Taylor.  She also let Sophi and Lexi play with play-doh.  For some reason, she added corn starch to the mix.  I've never seen the kids play with corn starch before, but they sure enjoyed it:

On Friday morning, Christi's brother Matthew took me on an amazing three-hour ride on a four wheeler.  (The four wheeler I used belonged to another brother-thanks, Danny and Breanna!)  It was an amazing experience through some absolutely amazing country.  We had a little issue with a broken belt and me having to wait an hour and a half in 100 degree weather while help was summoned, but that was at the end of the trip and didn't detract from the amazing ride:)  Here a couple of pics:

Eagle Arch

Eagle Canyon  Bridge

It has been a great trip, and from what Christi tells me, it has been very cathartic for her to be able to have some time on her own.  Hopefully we're all geared up for the home stretch.  23 more days until the judging for the Parade of Homes. Yikes, that's soon!!!

-Jer

Conversations

Over a week ago, my wonderful in-laws took Jesi, Sophi and Lexi to their home in Ferron, UT.  The three girls were in heaven getting to go stay with Grandma and Grandpa.  Since it was so close to Independence Day and since Christi was craving some alone time to catch up on housework, new house work, etc., it was decided that I would take the rest of the kids to Ferron on July 3rd and then return with everyone on July 7th. 

The night before I left with the six remaining kids, I was talking to Grace.  She asked me:  "So are we all coming back together from Grandma's house?" 

"Yes," I replied.

"Even Sophi?"

"Yes."

"Could Sophi just stay in Ferron?"

"For how long?" I asked.

Graci, with a somewhat goofy grin on her face, "For...........ever?"

"WHAT?!?"

"Wellllll...I don't mind if she's home.  It's just that she can whine so much on long trips."

"So if someone else brings her home, you would be ok with that?"

"YES!"

"Too bad!"


A few days ago I was taking Graci to her orthodontist appointment.  Trying to utilize the one-on-one time to develop our relationship, I asked her, "So Graci, are there any cute boys at school or church?"

An immediate and emphatic, "NO!"

"Aren't there any boys you think are cute?"

"NO!"

"So who is cute?"

Without a moment's hesitation, "Me!"

I must agree she's right:)


This morning I was talking to Sophi.  She started out the conversation with this:  "You're lucky you're a dad.  I want to be a dad."

"Why do you want to be a dad, Soph?"

"Cuz' it's so fun!"

Me:  "Well, it's fun to be a mom, too."

Soph: "OK, I'll be a mom.  I will have a Elli, too."

Me:  "An Elli?"

Sophi:  "Yes, but she won't be blind and she won't have autism.  And I will have a Sophi, too."

Me:  "What will she have?"

Soph:  "She will have arms and legs, and (going without the slightest hesitation into the full splits) she will be THIS big."

Me:  "Wow!  That's big!"

Sophi:  "And I will have a Lexi, too.  And she will be blind.  And she will have arms and legs.  I'm going to have a hundred kids.  No, a thousands!"

I guess she's happy with her big family:)

-Jer

A peek into Jesi's mind...

Tile floors are done, stucco has started, posts on the stairs are going in...  woo hoo!  SO MUCH FUN!

I was cleaning today (imagine that!!!) and came across Jessica's school journal.  I spent a most wonderful 20 minutes reading through it.  I love that darling girl!  Here is an entry from a few months ago:

So first of all my mom and Dad had Taylor Parker then me/Jessica.  Then my mom had two stillborn babies the girl was Emily and the boy was Jacob and they died so then we adopted Elizabeth, Graci, Xander, Lexi, Sophie and we have Cali.   But in China they haven't finished Conner's adoption pages/  But for now we have people helping us like doing laundry.  Some people made this thing called puzzle them home and they're trying to raise money to help us build a brand new home.  And I'm so grateful for all they do for us.  It is a very nice thing to do.  And by the way we were on studio five news.  And also Honeyville farms gave us some dried fruits like dried strawberries, dried pineapples, dried mangoes and dried corn.  Cali is very nice, cute, amazing, cool, and I know that she has at least three friends at school.  Now for sister Elli.  She goes to a school that has a hot tub and swimming pool inside.  Elli loves treats and toys.  My sister Sophi has no arms and she can Eat, drink, color, brush her teeth and wash her feet with her feet.  My sister Lexi is good at brail and is very nice and friendly.  She has Aren as a friend, Elle and Annie as a friend.  And some other people as friends.  She is very smart.  She likes to play Miss Hanagen.  And she also likes to play forts.  My sister Graci loves to do arts and crafts.  She is very nice.  Graci and I are making a movie for my mom and dad's anniverseary.  I wonder if the camera is going to work.  By the way we haven't adopted Conner yet.  I think that we might have a high deck in the new house.  I love american girl dolls.  I got an american girl doll A.V. or moder home for Christmas and inside there is a bed that pops out, a refrigerator, a stove, a table and two gray canisters.  Xander loves legos, Chinese food, super heros and sometimes he tries to do kung foo on me.  My mom and dad think that he has a 100 dollar smile.  He wants to be a fire man or police man or a builder when he grows up.  My brother Parker loves basketball, base ball and football.  He also likes Chinese food.  My brother Taylor loves pizza from Pizza Hut and he also likes basket ball and base ball and football too.  For my dads work he helps doctors to know which medasin to give to the pashints.  And he also tucks me in the right way.  He also makes apple betty the right way.  My mom makes really good scocharoos.

A sneek peek of our photo session...

I just want to pick her up and hug her-- she is soooooo cute!  I'm such a lucky mom!!  (:  These were taken by my neighbor, Monica-- you can check her page out here.  She is putting together some really neat stuff for us for the Parade.  So thankful to have her as a friend!!

Sport Court

I have never felt so busy in all my life.

Building a home on top of all that comes along with having 9 children has been quite the adventure.  Most of the time it is absolutely crazy FUN, but I will admit I constantly feel on the edge of a nervous breakdown.  In a good way, if that's possible.  (:  With all that is going on, our current home has fallen completely apart (I don't think you can even tell the color of the carpet in our bedroom) and the kids are doing more than their share of babysitting-- but we know it will all be worth it in the end!  I had no idea that picking out stone, stucco, flooring, tile, baseboards, window coverings, paint, etc. could be so time consuming.  I also didn't know I could have so much fun doing it.  This is in large part due to the fact that I have the most darling interior designers helping me out.  As I've said many times, we are in awe of all of the kind people out there who are giving their time to the project.  It's amazing.  

In the middle of all of the house stuff, we've had lots going on with the kids.  Lexi went to a cooking camp for the visually impaired.  Can't wait to blog about that!  We've managed a trip to Idaho for a family reunion on Jeremy's side.  Again, another fun blog post.  But tonight is reserved for something extra special!!!!

Taylor and Parker have always dreamed of having a sport court outside.  I don't know how many times we've had the discussion of whether or not it will ever happen, how expensive it is, etc.  A couple of months ago, the Puzzle Them Home committee approached Sport Court West about the project and asked if they would be interested in being part of it in some way.  I was STUNNED to receive a reply that very day that they would love to see what they could do to DONATE a court.

Donate.

People:  We are talking an actual sports court!!!  Can you even imagine?  I still feel like it's not real.  And for two months I've been keeping it a secret from the boys.  I must say, it is the hardest secret I've ever had to keep.  We were trying to think of a fun way to let them know about the court-- something that would make it extra special-- but we hadn't decided yet.

Well, this past week, Taylor and Parker attended BYU basketball camp.  This is their third year going and I can't even tell you how much they love it.  They work and save their money all year to be able to go.  It is a FANTASTIC camp.  They love playing ball all day long, doing fun activities in the evening, having devotionals from their awesome counselors, and of course getting to experience dorm life.  Jer and I always try to stop by a couple of times to watch some of their games.  Tuesday evening, I did just that.  It was so much fun to watch-- Parker scored 18 points in his game and Taylor scored 20 out of his team's 44.  This is while only playing half of the game (they rotate the 10 players in and out.)  They are both turning into such great athletes!  After their games, I visited with them for a minute and then we parted ways-- they went walking toward their dorm and I went to my van.  

As I walked to the van, I found Coach Rose (BYU head basketball coach) and Coach Pope were standing directly in front of the van having a conversation.  Usually they are surrounded by kids getting autographs or pictures, but this time they were all alone.  I had the thought that maybe I could talk to them about the whole Puzzle Them Home project and sport court.  The thought lasted about .2 seconds.  What would I say?  What would they think?  What was I even asking for?  So I chided myself for being silly and instead called Jeremy to tell him about the boys' games.  As I was sitting in the van talking to him, I mentioned that Coach Rose and Coach Pope were standing a few feet away from me, resulting in the following conversation:

Jer:  "Go talk to them!"

Me:  "About what?"

Jer:  "About the project!"

Me:  "I had that thought too, but I wouldn't even know what I was asking for..."

Jer:  "See, we both had the same thought.  It's a sign."

Me:  "I'm not talking to them."

Jer:  "Get out of the van now!"

Me:  "No."

Jer:  "Hurry!  Think of your boys!"

Me:  "I don't even know what to say!"

Jer:  "It doesn't matter.  Get out now!"

Me:  "I can't do it."

Jer:  "I am hanging up the phone.  Go now before they leave."

Click.

I don't know why it's so hard to talk to people so much cooler than oneself, but for me, it was a big deal to get out of that van.  Besides their obvious cool factor, I didn't even know what I was asking for.  And I hate asking for things!  

 However, I had the thought run through my head that maybe it wasn't coincidental that I had the head coach of their favorite team standing two feet away from me.  So... I stepped out of the van and managed to give a little spiel about the fact that I had two boys at the camp and that we had adopted several special needs kiddos from China resulting in building a home with the help of all kinds of amazing people and that the home would be in the parade and that a sport court company had donated a sport court and that the boys didn't know about it yet and that maybe a couple of their players could come up and sign the court...

Yes, it came out sounding that jumbled.  And I'm certain my face was bright red.

As it turns out, these are some stellar men.  They were gracious and kind and arranged for something more amazing than we ever could have dreamed.

Thursday afternoon, the entire camp (hundreds of boys of all ages) were gathered in the seats of the gym for roll call.  Coach Pope had the mic and asked for everyone to be especially quiet, as he had something he needed to talk about.  He said that it would be the most important thing that they heard all week.  He then asked if Taylor and Parker Green would come down on the court.  

(This is where the planning went a little bit awry-- Parker's team happened to be up at the Marriott Center instead of at roll call.  Oops.  So he carried on just with Taylor.)

As Taylor walked down, I couldn't tell what he was thinking.  He hadn't noticed that I was there, and looked a bit nervous.  He later told me he thought maybe he had lost a key or something and was going to be chided in front of everyone.  Ha!  Coach Pope then told a little bit about our family and what incredible brothers Taylor and Parker must be to have welcomed so many kids into their home.  He then told them that Coach Rose had a little surprise for him.  Coach Rose then came onto the court and talked.  He then called the BYU basketball team down on the court for a special presentation.

Of course, I'm crying at this point.

Our new friend, James, from Sport Court West, had given us a couple of pieces of sport court to have the team sign.  Coach Rose showed Taylor the tile and explained that Sport Court West had heard about our family and wanted to give the boys a brand new sports court.

Taylor went into shock.  He had the biggest grin on his face.  He said afterward that he couldn't even wrap his head around what was happening.  It was such a special moment for our family.

 Um, why am I here?

 Starting to catch on that this isn't a bad thing...

 

What is this tile???

 

A sport court?  WHAT??

 Starting to sink in...

 Stoked!!!

Of course, we felt SO bad that Parker had missed the whole thing, so we headed up to the Marriott Center with the signed court pieces.   On our way there, we noticed a few of the players and talked to them.  One of them was Nate Austin, who happened to be one of Parker's coaches for the week.  He agreed to pull Parker aside and present him with the court.  Parker's reaction was absolutely priceless.  These pictures tell the story well:

 Um, what's going on?

 Still not knowing what's going on?

 Shock.

 It hits him.

 He could hardly contain his emotion.  He kept asking if it was a joke.  (;

 The face says it all.

 This is him on his way down to the floor.  (:  Yes, he did hit the floor in excitement/disbelief.

I can't even express what this whole thing meant to me.  From having the sport court completely donated to what I believe was our Father in Heaven arranging a very special way of having it presented to the boys--   this is definitely among the most incredible things that has happened in my life.  I love these two boys with all of my heart and I know firsthand the sacrifices they have made to have the kind of family we do.  Every time I look at that court I will be reminded of how the Lord knows them and is watching out for them.

Of course, the sport court will be loved by the other kids as well-- especially Xander!  We made a big deal of telling him that the court was a special surprise for him too.  He was soooo cute about it and so excited to play ball with his brothers.  And the girls just might have a little (or HUGE) surprise coming up for them as well...  (:

Thank you, BYU basketball!  And THANK YOU, Sport Court West, for giving such an AMAZING gift.  I can guarantee it will be amongst the most beloved sport courts in history.  (:

--Christianne

Princess Perceptive

Christi and I had been out making some decisions for the house (a common theme these days!).  We arrived back home, and Graci, who had been babysitting, came up and nonchalantly said, "I think Elli's sick."  "Why do you think that?" I asked.  "Because she's just laying on the bed, and (almost as an afterthought) because she threw up all over the windowsill.

That's generally a good sign someone is under the weather.

And when poor Elli gets sick, it becomes like the old adage: "When Elli ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!"  She's been doubled up in pain on the couch all night.  And she's letting all of us know she's not doing too well.  Poor kid!

-Jeremy

The Power of a Parent

Tonight as I was tucking Jessica in she asked me, "Dad, would anyone ever rob our house?"  This was completely out of the blue and I was kind of taken aback.  I replied, "Well, it's very unlikely."  She said "Sometimes when something gets lost for a long time, I worry that somebody robbed us.  Or when you're gone for a long time, I get scared that somebody took you."  

"Jessica, nobody is going to rob us."

"So I shouldn't worry about it?"

"No."

Jessica (with a big smile on her face):  "OK!"  Then she rolled over and snuggled into her blankets.

What power we have as parents.  The power to calm fear or inspire fear.  The power of being completely trusted by our children.  What will I do with that power?  I read a great quote from Abe Lincoln today:  "Whatever you are, be a good one."  I love the simplicity of that advice.  Here's hoping I can be a good dad!

Jeremy

Pictures

The Lord answers prayers in His own timeline.  Sometimes that timeline is the same as ours, sometimes it is not.  Sometimes the timeline is about as quick as it can possibly be!  Last night I asked for your prayers to help us get two of the green utility pedestals removed.  Today, one of them was removed!  That quick!  WOW!  We still need prayers on the other one, but I actually received some good news on that one today as well.  We continue to feel SO blessed.

Here are a few pics of the house with drywall up.  It is unbelievably exciting!

Garage

Mud room

Pantry

Master Bedroom

Great Room

Bonus room and loft

View down the stairs from the loft

Elevator Shaft

We are so in love with this house!!!!!  Thank you!

Jeremy

Prayers Needed!

The drywall is mostly up!  We were gone all last week for a family reunion.  It was so much fun. (More on that in another post...)  While we were gone, the framers finished up, inspections were passed, and insulation went in.  They started drywall on Wednesday of last week and should be all done with mud and tape by the end of this week.  It's on a fast track!

However, we are really quite a bit behind the schedule we need to be on to finish by the Parade.  That's where the prayer request comes in.  We really need some miracles!  One specific miracle we need is some help with moving the green utility pedestals on our property.  Since this was originally two properties, the utility pedestals are now right in the middle of our property and right where we need to pour our driveway.  We are working with the utility companies to get them moved, but their timeline is not going to work for us to be finished by the parade.  So we need a miracle! 

I really believe this is going to happen.  I'm excited to see the doors that the Lord opens along the way.  Thanks to all of you for all of your support.  We are feeling SOOOOOO blessed!

Jeremy