Where is Morgan???

So you are likely wondering...who is Morgan??? Morgan is the little angel daughter that we have been waiting for and for which we more completely seek to find now. Jayden has been a glorious addition to the family and now more than ever we wish to complete our family and begin the next chapter of our lives.

We knew before Jayden came that we had at least 2 other children which would come to our family. We talked often that one would be a boy and one would be a girl. We all felt strongly about this it seemed. Now that Jayden is here it is time to find Morgan. Morgan was named such by Camille and myself. We love the name and it has been nice to talk about Morgan by name instead of just "the little girl we wait for".

We had begun the process of adopting from Russia and had thought we would find Morgan there. Now we think there is a chance she may very well be right here in the United States. We also believe that she may not be an infant too. We feel she may come to us at a young age but not necessarily in infancy.

So....Morgan we begin our search for you, our daughter, our little angel girl.

Here are the brothers and sister that wait for you....

Cheesy Alec...

Jakob and Cami dress Jayden up like royalty
and put him on his chariot...

Jakob poses with Jayden and his medal...
which Jayden thinks tastes yummy!

Jayden....where are your pants????
Oh yeah, on your head silly boy!

Any girl would love to be loved by this crew and their parents too! If you can help us find Morgan....we'd love the help! Thanks!

Kiddos and Mommy Race & Our Technology Free Vacation....

The 3 older kiddos and I all participated in a special 5K Run/Walk and Kids Event this Saturday. It was a lot of fun! I did the 5K walk and beat my last 5K finishing time. My last 5K I did in 38:33 (a 12:25 minute pace), this time I did it in 36:02 (a 10:19 pace). I placed 1st in my age group and 7th out of 267 walkers and received a really nice pink workout jacket. Yep....pink! Not my color but it is really nice so MAYBE I will wear it on occasion. We'll see...I know you're all thinking you will fall over dead if you saw me wearing pink! The last time I wore pink was in my brother's wedding and I was 6 months pregnant with Jakob at the time. Enough about the jacket....there were 852 women that did the 5K, I came in 377th over all. There was a 10K event as well, with a combined total of women running or walking of 1,497. All to support Cervical Cancer research and continuing education.

The kids did different events as part of the Kids Fun Run. Jakob ran in the 1 mile run, Cami in the 1/2 mile run, and Alec in the 100 yard run. They all received a medal, a goodie bag, and t-shirt. They had a lot of fun and especially enjoyed the snow cones, pony rides, and bounce house afterwards. I was really proud of them and they were great sports. Alec wanted to keep running, he didn't understand why he couldn't run as far as the other kids.

Jayden and Rob were great at cheering everyone on and Rob is prepping for his next running event. He wants to run a 5K sometime this year.

I have a couple of pictures but need to get them up here. They will come soon!

As for our technology free week....IT WAS GLORIOUS!!! The kids missed a movie now and then and playing video games a bit, but overall it was really easy to simply do without the computer, TV, and all that other "plugged in" stuff. You'd think that WITHOUT them I would hear a lot of "I'm bored!". BUT....I used to hear that when we did have these techno things, when we didn't use them....I NEVER HEARD THEM SAY THAT. They played more games, rode their bikes more, discovered nature more, played tag more, fought less, talked more, asked more inquisitive questions, and a million other wonderful things. Most of all....they SLOWED down. I loved it! It wasn't this fevers pitch all the time. They used to look at me crazy when they asked what we were going to do next and I said, "sit here and relax for a couple of minutes". What? Relax? Why? They just didn't get that it was okay, and normal, not to mention needful....to slow down sometimes.

So....would I do it again....ABSOLUTELY!!! I may even give us another week before school starts. Cami wants to go without electricity for a day or more. Now that would be an adventure!

Long Time, No Blogging....

We are still here...just busily enjoying life with 4 magnificent kiddos! Our days have been spent swimming, biking, running, playing, relaxing (when we can or when I insist), reading, and doing all sorts of other fun things. I am NOT looking forward to the kids returning to school in a couple weeks, I feel I hardly get to see them when they are in school so late each day. But I know they are excited to see friends and Alec is excited to begin his school career (although mommy is tortured by the idea of him being gone-sob, sob, sob).

I have taken quite a few pictures but have yet to get them all off the camera. Let's see what I have done and can put here....in random order.

Jayden LOVES this cupboard....

no sense trying to keep it tidy,

he just comes along and pulls it all out.

I don't mind....I'd do it to if I were him!

Floyd, Cheryl, and Dakota stopped by while heading out on vacation and we got a picture of all the kids together. Dakota is Jayden's half sister (they have the same biological mother).

Our future Mozart....

Our future Fireman...making siren sounds.

Jayden and his buddies, Nate and Levi at the fire station.

The fireworks following the Red's game.

Jakob enjoying the game....and the food!

Camille enjoyed the game more this year,

despite the many other games she watched her brothers play.

Alec glanced away from the field just long enough

for me to take this picture, then it was right back to watching the field.

CHEESEBURGER!

Our traditional self portrait!

There's Grandpa and Grandma...

Nothing like a sippy cup of water on a hot day....

Okay that is what I had available.....not much but something nonetheless. Hope all is well and all are enjoying their summer breaks!

The Latest....

I can't believe it has been so long since we posted. Life has been wonderfully chaotic! Many wonderful things have happened since we last posted, many which I will likely forget here. But the best of all these wonderful events and happenings has been the arrival and now permanent addition of Jayden to the family. We couldn't possibly be more excited to have him home. We feel he was always meant to be with us and that his birth family were always meant to become part of our family as well. Just yesterday we took new family pictures and got some really cute photos of Jayden. Here is one of my favorites.

LOVE THOSE DIMPLES!!!

The four kiddos...Jayden just fits perfectly!

Along with this great event the kids have had great times playing baseball, T-ball, and softball. Cami had her dance recital, the kids are out of school for the summer, I helped with a great women's event, Rob survived a torturous couple weeks of insane work hours and deadlines, we celebrated Jayden's 1st birthday, Rob and I celebrated 12 years of marital bliss, Alec had a mystery illness and thankfully turned out to be nothing, Alec graduated from preschool, the kids went on some fun field trips, we've been swimming, I organized a mom's group, I did my first 5k (walking, I am NOT a runner) and came in first in my age group (3rd overall for walkers), Rob's mom came for a visit, my folks came for a visit, and the summer is ahead of us!

The fam with my folks and Rob's mom after Cami's dance recital!

Our ballerina!

She is so photogenic!!!

Our little slugger Alec takes a swing at T-ball!

Grandma Mimi and Jakob rock out playing Rock Band!

Alec graduation cake!

Our pictures of the graduation itself didn't turn out that great.

Alec, Julia, and I had some yummy Icee Freezes

and ended up with some colorful tongues!

We had to take a picture!

Jayden is a fish! He LOVES the water!

Our pitcher and baseball star Jakob!

He had a great season and was a heavy hitter!

Our newest fish Jayden in his super suit!

This baby is 100 spf!

Our little lady playing catcher!

This is just a bit of what we have been up to lately! Life has been busy but WONDERFUL!!! We are in love with a little boy named Jayden and life is great! The kiddos love Jayden so very much as well and he knows it. He is surrounded by love, TONS of attention, laughter, snuggles, cuddles, kisses, and everything he will need to grow up happy, healthy, and safe!

Thank you to all of you we know and many we don't that prayed for us and especially for Jayden! Thank you for your kind thoughts, loving words of encouragement, and continual support! We couldn't have survived the waiting without you!

We are extremely blessed and thankful!

Spring Break Fun & Easter...

The kids Spring Break was fairly uneventful until the end of the week. The enjoyed playing with the kiddos I watch M-Th but we were house bound b/c our vehicle cannot accommodate us all. Cathy had Friday off so Rob took the day off and we went to play. We went to an indoor water park with our good friends where it was warm and wet. We had TONS of fun!

Here are just a few photos of the kiddos!

Rob gives the green light to once again go wet and wild!

Christy and Carlee enjoy the splashing!

What must Alec be saying in the background???

Easter has been fun! Last night we dyed eggs and got ready for our Easter festivities the next day. The kids awoke this morning to their Easter buckets filled with toys and treats! Nothing like a solid chocolate bunny to start the day!

After a light breakfast we were off to brunch at Sam and Christy's. The food was awesome, the company also as wonderful, and the game about the reason for Easter perfect. The kids had a great time playing, eating, searching for eggs and then playing the game where they taught me (the pretend Easter Bunny) about the reason we celebrate Easter. The Easter Bunny was shocked to hear that it wasn't about eggs and chocolate bunnies, ha ha ha!

We also managed to get a family photo at Sam and Christy's before we all headed off to church. I am SOOOO glad we did this before church...an outfit was ruined by throw up while at church! BUMMER!!!

The kiddos get ready to dye some eggs!

Cami and Carlee pose at brunch!

The kids get ready to hunt for the special eggs
that will help them teach the Easter Bunny (me today)
about the real reason for Easter!

Aren't I cute? NO!

As many of you know we recently welcomed a little one to our home, at least for a time. We have struggled with not putting this wonderful angels pictures here for all to see. BUT...until this baby's fate is decided....we feel it necessary to protect this baby's identity. We adore this little one more than words can say and there is no doubt that this little one belongs with us. We can't wait to show you this glorious angel of ours....one day soon we hope!

Happy Easter to you all! We hope that you have a magnificent day and that you are surrounded by family and those you love. We pray you especially feel the love of our Savior Jesus Christ as we celebrate His resurrection.

He lives....He is risen!

Camille's Baptism...

Today Camille was baptized. What an amazing experience. We are so proud of her for making this decision and accepting the gospel of Jesus Christ. She was so excited, as were we. The program was simple but perfect. Alec gave a great opening prayer, Jakob gave a great talk on baptism, Cami sang the first verse of a song she picked ("If the Savior Stood Beside Me") and then we sang with her for the remainder of the song, Grandma gave a sweet talk on the Holy Ghost and everything ended with Grandpa's prayer. The big moments were the baptism and Cami receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost. She had to be dunked twice because her dress floated a bit the first time but the second time was perfect. Grandpa and Sam were witnesses, good thing for 2 witnesses because Grandpa missed the dress floating but Sam caught it. The Bishop, Grandpa, Sam, and Brian stood in the circle with Rob and confirmed her a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and gave her the Gift of the Holy Ghost. The Spirit was strong and tears of joy were shed as we witnessed this wonderful ordinance. We were so grateful that many of our friends and family could be there to share in this special day with Cami. We missed many of our extended family that couldn't make the trip but know they were with us in thought.

Here are some pictures from Camille's special day...

Rob brings Cami flowers on her birthday every year.
This year he saved them for her baptism day.
They looked great on the table.

Love this picture...what a Daddy's girl!
He adores his princess!

Camille and Daddy!

Isn't she beautiful???

Cami wanted to make sugar cookies
as her special treat after her baptism. Yummy!

Cami couldn't wait to have her own scriptures.
A tradition that the kids get their own set
engraved with their name on their baptism day.

And a cute tote to carry them in.

We love you Camille and are so proud of you and the wonderful choices that you make. You are such a sweet and loving little angel and we adore you. We know that Heavenly Father is very proud of you as well!

Happy Birthday Baby Girl...

Camille turned 8 a couple days ago and I am FINALLY getting around to posting about it. Things have been a little (that's an understatement) crazy around here.

We had a rock-n-roll party last weekend. 15 girls ages 7-10 were here for the party and then 8 spent the night. It was crazy but a blast. The party goers arrived in rock-n-roll attire then ran around playing and screaming, then it was time for the decorating of the guitars. Paint, glitter, beads, jewels, etc. went flying as the girls went to town decorating and "glamming" up the guitars. Cami decided it was time for present opening (with much encouragement) and the wrapping paper and tissue paper went flying as well. She received a lot of really nice gifts and loved each one. Off they ran to devour cupcakes and sherbet before running and screaming some more. The chocolate hit them hard and it was mass pandemonium for awhile. Then Rob attempted to calm the masses and round them up for their rock-n-roll video debut. To the tune of "We Rock" from Camp Rock the girls rocked out and danced their hearts out.

Rob had labored at making a green screen and had plans to then put a digital background around the girls that made it appear they were on a stage somewhere. He had an AWESOME set up...BUT...the lights washed out the background and it didn't turn out nearly as well as we had hoped. If he can fix it to his satisfaction we will post it later.

Here are some snap shots of the party....

Guitar decorating.

Present opening.

Cupcake devouring.

Ready to rock out.
Stage name: Goldie Granborough

(Create your own stage name by making the name of your first pet your first name and the name of the first street you lived on as your last name, mine would be
Dusty Brentwood...not bad, ha ha ha).

I LOVE this picture. The girls had a blast rocking out!

Cami took play ground equipment to her class as her way of celebrating her birthday.
There are so many allergies with kids these day and what kid needs more treat bags full of pencils, stickers, and candy. This is a tradition we started and we love.
The class had one ball...let's just say the kids were excited to see what Cami brought.

Dinner at Red Robin, Cami's choice! Here they are singing to her. She was embarrassed but loved every minute of it!

I wish I had digital photos from Camille's first birthday but we had not gone digital yet. Here are some snapshots from her birthday's over the years.

Her second birthday...
Her 3rd birthday...the pouting princess!
Could you just melt from those big brown eyes???

Her 4th birthday...can you tell she loves the shoes? So her!

Her 5th birthday...

Her 6th birthday...

Her 7th birthday...


We can't believe that our sweet Camille is 8. She is such a delightful little lady and we adore her. She is patient, loving, kind, polite, beautiful inside and out, nurturing, honest, trustworthy, humble, forgiving, a hard worker, a friend to everyone....
the list goes ON AND ON.

We love you Camille and are so thankful to be your family. We also can't wait for your big day coming soon! Baptism photos to come later this week!

Love you Princess!

Happy Birthday Babe!

To my love on his 35th birthday...

35 things I love about you.

I love...
- that you are so selfless.
-that you never speak ill of others.
-that you are an AWESOME dad!
-that you honor your the Priesthood.
-that you listen and you help whenever you can.
-that you have faith enough for the both of us when I fall short.
-that you have a love for the scriptures
and share it with our family.
-that you served an honorable mission.
-that you make me laugh.
-that you love music.
-that you can't dance even though you try.
-that you tricked me into our first date
even if you deny it to this day.
-that you work hard at EVERYTHING you do.
-that you keep your promises and honor your covenants.
-that you value honesty, integrity, and virtue
and teach these values to our kids.
-that you love me so completely and unconditionally.
-that you can calm me by just wrapping
your arms around me tightly.
-that you puff when you sleep
because I know that you're there always.
(Okay I will NEVER admit that again
so you might want to save this...ha ha ha)
-that you are true to yourself and what you believe
and not a conformist for the sake of fitting in.
-that you are such a great teacher.
-that you can do that snappy thing.
-that you look so hot in your Scouting uniform,
who would have thought!
-that you believe in me more than I often believe in myself.
-that you encourage me to achieve all my dreams.
-that you are a constant in the life of our family and our kids know you will always be there for them.
-that you are so handy and such a technical wizard.
-that you have the softest lips and the tenderest kiss.
-that you quote movies with me.
-that you love watching a great movie with me
and cuddling on the couch.
-that you're not afraid to speak your mind.
-that you are always looking for ways to improve yourself.
-that we've been together for over 12 years now
and there is so much more to come!
-that we have eternity to be together.
-that the Lord blessed my life with you!
-that I have the honor of calling you mine for time
and for all eternity. I love you baby!


Now....
what Rob loved about his day!

Rock Band 2 baby!

Chocolate cake....yummy!

And rockin' out with the kiddos!

Rock on!

(Cleaning disclaimer: Please ignore the baby toy mess...
I failed to pick them up after Elliot went home today.)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HONEY!

WE LOVE YOU!!!!

Heidi, Jakob, Camille, & Alec

Blessings of Comfort and Direction...

THIS POST WAS ORIGINALLY WRITTEN ON JAN. 27, 2009.
SOMEHOW I FAILED TO POST IT. I REGRET
THAT I DIDN'T BEFORE NOW, THIS WAS A WONDERFUL
EXPERIENCE THAT I WILL NEVER FORGET.

Last night a very dear friend of ours came to our home to administer Priesthood Blessings to Rob and I. I had asked Rob to give me a blessing the night before but with his involvement in all of our recent adoption trials he felt (as did I) that maybe it would be better to have someone else administer the blessing. We both immediately thought of Sam. Sam is a dear friend and a member of our ward as well. Rob and he actually knew each other back in their teaching days at the MTC in Utah.

Sam, like Rob, holds the Priesthood and through that Priesthood can administer (give) blessings. There have been many times in my life when I have sought such blessings. Often when sick but also when seeking further direction and counsel about life's larger and deeply important decisions. My children have been blessed many times when ill or before their first day of school and even when they too needed some extra words of comfort from our Father in Heaven. The experience of receiving a blessing is indescribable in some ways. It is an experience to be cherished.

As Sam gave me a blessing I felt a peace come over me. My mind became clearer, my thoughts more organized. I was reminded of many important words of counsel from the scriptures and of other things I had through these past years experienced and had forgotten or failed to give due attention to. I don't feel it appropriate to go into great detail here but I will say that I am extremely grateful for this wonderful blessing the Lord provided me in this time of great need.

Rob's blessing was equally powerful and helpful to him. We discussed briefly with Sam afterwards the words spoken and all commented on the presence of the Spirit being so very strong in our home.

I am grateful to a loving Father in Heaven who seeks to bless His children in all that they do as they make every effort to follow His teachings and to live the commandments.

Why???

THIS POST WAS ORIGINALLY WRITTEN ON FEB. 23, 2009.
WE FELT WE SHOULD WAIT TO PUBLISH IT...
NOW MAY BE A BETTER TIME.

Kind of an interesting question I often ask, "Why?". Well today is no different than any other. Sure there are many times a day to ask such a question and many circumstances in which we may ask it. But when it comes to understanding the events of life and how other lives can deeply effect our own, the questions begs for big answers sometimes. So I am drawn out in thought tonight as I contemplate "why" certain things have happened in the past few weeks. I am sure that it has all been for my learning and my growth, that these events were all part of something bigger than I have any knowledge of. I also think about how others lives can so deeply and lastingly impact ours. We are all given this beautiful gift of agency. The freedom to choose. The Lord gives us this gift freely and without any "strings attached". Yet at the same time He possesses the power to take it away yet....He will not. Why? Because He loves us that much. He loves us enough to let us make our own mistakes and to (hopefully) learn from them. He loves us enough to know that with His teachings we can make those mistakes right again, that we can repent and gain forgiveness. This gift of forgiveness extends beyond ourselves to others when we have in some way wronged another, possibly through the misuse of our own agency.

I have tried very hard throughout life to make good choices and especially make sure that my choices don't adversely effect another. I have failed to achieve this at times, as we all do. Thankfully I have a forgiving and loving Father in Heaven that stands ready to hear my prayers of repentance and awaits the opportunity to pour out His love and blessings of peace upon me. I know that I will fail again (likely much more often than I wish to) to make the best choices but it will always be my intention to make the best choice I can and to be sure that it doesn't hurt another.

So "why" this post? I'd rather not say right now. It is really written for someone we truly care about but who has chosen a road we cannot travel. I will say this for what it is worth...I understand. If you happen to change your mind you know where to find me. I may not understand "why" but I don't need to, I just need you to know that we are here if you see things differently in the coming days. I meant everything I said, and I think I said it all. You know how to reach me. We'll keep praying for you, the kids still are.