More Updates!

So sorry we haven't updated more on the house!  We promise to be better!!!  It is SO amazing:)  We are SO excited.  The trusses are going up tomorrow.  We are so in love with this home.  Thank you SO much to everyone who is helping.  We are amazed at the donations of labor and materials that continue to come.  Here are some pics from the past few weeks:

Not sure what look Jesi was going for here but we were certainly entertained (she cut up paper and taped it to herself for the eyebrows and moustache):

Picture day for Sophi and Lex at the baseball diamond:

(As you can see, Sophi was not super-excited about the photos!!!)

One of Lexi's best friends came along on this week and was her helper at the game.  We love Erin!

Elli, Lexi and Erin had a fantastic time on the tire swing (especially after dad started to push!)

We went down to the cemetery this evening to visit Emily and Jacob.  Hope you all had a great memorial day! 

-Jer

Meeting Hilary

Click HERE to see Lexi on one of the most special days of her life!  (:

The joy of Elli

A few minutes ago, I heard Elli crying down in her room.  I was tempted to ignore her, but something prompted me to go and check on her and asked her what she wanted.  Elli is often able to answer a question like that with one word answers, such as "treat" or "drink."  Tonight she answered, "music."  I told her that I would turn her music on and I gave her a hug and told her goodnight.  As I knelt down to turn her CD player on, I heard the most beautiful words come out of her mouth.  It was said clearly and deliberately.

"Thank you."

I have never in the six years that she has been my daughter heard those words come out of her mouth without being prompted.  It was such a special, tender moment.  Miraculous even.  I serve her and help her because she is MINE and I am her mother and I love her with all my heart-- I haven't needed her to say thank you.  But tonight she did and it felt so good to realize that she IS grateful, even if she usually does not or cannot express it.  I don't know if I'll hear those words again, so I hope to always remember how sweet it felt tonight.

I love you, Elli.  Thank YOU for being my daughter.

Ben

Jer and I were recently asked to share Ben's story in the hopes of finding a family with room in their hearts and home for this sweet young man.  If you are interested in adopting an older child but finances are stopping you, this is a wonderful opportunity! 

From someone at the agency:  

"This sweet guy would cost next to nothing to adopt. We at LWB have gotten word he is getting really depressed as he has still not been chosen by a family and he is close to aging out. He is a kind boy with a huge heart. He has mild CP and is very good with the kids in his orphanage. If you or someone you know could give him a home, please don't hesitate to contact me."

 

(Ben is the older boy)

Catch Up!

1.  Though having a child who qualifies for a wish from Make-a-Wish is certainly not something anyone wishes for, there are definite blessings that come with it!  Besides the amazing process of going through the wish granting process (you can read more about that if you click on Make-a-Wish under the Labels menu on the left sidebar) the child continues to be a "Wish Kid."  This means for five years following their wish, they are invited (along with their families) to Make-a-Wish events.  A couple of weeks ago, we were invited to "Pet a Shark Night" at a local aquarium.  It was so much fun.  Besides getting to pet real baby sharks, the kids got to enjoy the whole aquarium and a nice dinner from Chick-fil-a.  It was such a fun, FREE evening!  

2.  Graci looked pretty cute for her dance pictures!  Now I just need to get photos of her without her braces-- her smile is stunning!

3.  Jeremy came in the other day and said, "You'll never guess what was sitting on top of our mail."  He proceeded to hand me the mail-- which had a snail sitting on top of it.  I was on the phone with my sister, Leslie, when it happened.  As I told her, she quickly replied, "Oh... you got literal snail mail!"  Ha.

4.  The house is looking absolutely AMAZING!!!!!!  I meant to take pictures today but forgot--- we PROMISE we'll take some tomorrow and get them posted.  It's just beyond incredible.   We are having the time of our lives with this whole process.  Ok, so this is a fun coincidence.  Right as I was typing that, Jeremy called me from the property.  He took a little jog there tonight to get some exercise.  I wish that all of you who have contributed to this project in any way could have heard the emotion in his voice as he said, "How is this happening?  This is just so so amazing.  It's just so beautiful here!"   Ah... we are so blessed!   We still have quite a way to go with the financing end, but have faith that God is in those details.

5.  When you have lots of kids, you get lots of Mother's Day gifts.  (:  I'm still waiting on Graci's and Parker's (they are apparently working very hard on something) but I'll post pics of the others:

homemade journal from Xander

Jesi had been given "puppy chow" at a birthday party.  I told her how much I loved it, so she saved it for me.  (;

From Jesi:  I asked her what the rice was for and she said,  "Oh, the flowers were in a little pot of rice but they kept getting off balance so I just put it all in a baggie.  Wasn't that smart of me?"

Sophi "gave" me these babies (who incidentally were not hers to give)

This is the real me.  Jesi crowned me queen.  I think I should enter a pageant.  (:

Happy Mother's Day!!!

Hillary Weeks is the artist.  Song title:  Who You Are

Happy Mother's Day

Dear Christianne:

I am so grateful for this day every year when we take time to honor the women in our lives. I am so blessed to have you as my wife and the mother of my children. When I first met your mother, (16 years ago!) the first thing I remember her saying to me was, "You realize she's almost perfect, don't you!" And, being a mother, of course she was correct.

My dear Christi, you remain as close to perfection as any human I know. Your love for your children is unparalleled. And your ability to welcome more and more children into the warm and protective circle of your love continues to bless not only each of them, but those around you as well.

Christianne, I am so grateful for your patience with me. When I came into your life I was a mess of rough edges. Thank you for sticking with me through tougher times, for seeing that I had potential buried in there somewhere. And thank you for helping me develop into a better person. If you'll stick with me another 50 years, I just might amount to something!

We're coming up on our 15th anniversary. I had hoped to be able to do something big for you to celebrate this significant milestone. In my wildest dreams I couldn't have imagined the magnificent anniversary gift being given to us this year. On August 11, our amazing new house will be in the Parade of Homes. What this will mean to our family defies description. Our children now, more children in the future, grandchildren and hopefully even great-grandchildren will be blessed because of this selfless act of love being shown to us.

Sweetheart, I love you so much. You are truly my inspiration. Thank you for everything.

Happy Mother's Day!

Jeremy

PS. If this letter is just a bit discombobulated, it can be attributed to the myriad little heads that have been laid on my arms, hands and lap and the multitude of what-should-we-make-mom-for-breakfast questions that I have been peppered with while you have been slumbering blissfully in the next room. :)

Miracles

I have been around a lot of baseball over the last many years.  I have thrilled to watch my oldest boys make spectacular plays, hit out-of-the-park home runs and pitch some mean innings.  But I have never been prouder of them on a baseball diamond than I was at Sophi's and Lexi's first baseball game two weeks ago.  Soph and Lex are playing in the Salt Lake County Miracle League on the Tampa Bay Rays team.  This is a special league.  Each player has a helper that assists them both in the field and at bat.  Nobody gets out, and the competitive fire is non-existent.  Christi was at the hospital with Graci that Saturday, so I was the only parent going.  I asked the kids who would like to come to the game, and Taylor and Parker both said they would love to go.  I can't remember which of them said, "They've come to so many of our games; I would love to support them today!"  What great young men.

On the way there, I tried to point out this support from their brothers.  "Sophi,"  I said.  "Taylor and Parker are so nice and want to come to your game."  I expected perhaps a thank you.  Instead she very seriously nodded her head and said, "OK.  They can come!"  :)

At game time, Taylor and Parker said they would like to be the assistants for their sisters.  Both boys were so sweet and patient.  The girls just loved it.  Sophi batted with her chin.  Lexi couldn't stop giggling as they ran the bases.  After each hit, the rec center staff throw balls out toward everyone in the outfield so everyone can field a ball and throw (or in Sophi's case, kick) it back in.  I was moved to tears, not only by my own children, but by all of the special, special people involved in this endeavor.  Our kids have helped us to experience so many wonderful blessings and added such richness to our lives.  Here are some pics:

 

Our lives are certainly filled with miracles!  Our favorite to follow right now keeps growing:

 

THANK YOU EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

-Jeremy