6 months...a whole 6 months that Marcelo has been in our family. Six months ago we came from Ecuador with this little boy that only spoke spanish, wouldn't open any of his Christmas presents, was scared of all his new surroundings, and many more things that I know about and things that I hope he will share as he gets older.
I had no idea how my life was going to change. I have learned so much. It has been such a blessing to have Marcelo in our family. We are all better people for having him in our lives. I love this boy. He has no idea how much I love him and all that I go through for him. I have enjoyed looking at all his growth he has made.
I feel like there is more trust, love, light, joy, security, and peace in his life. He loves his siblings. He loves playing with them. He loves playing school, riding his bike, going to church, singing songs, playing house, writing his name and letters, and he loves his Daddy.
Marcelo is a hard worker. He folds clothes, sweeps the floor, does a great job cleaning up. He enjoys doing dishes, but I really don't have him do that very often. He can be the one who will listen just to be the first to listen. Marcelo is kind and very gentle. He puts up with a lot with his brothers.
So, as I look at all the wonderful things that have happened in the last 6 months and all that I have been able to discover about Marcelo...it is bitter sweet.
It has been the hardest thing I have ever and am going through. I have been tested and tested and rejected and...you name it I have delt with it. I am left very mentally tired so much of the time. When one thing seems to be getting better another issue comes up, and there is the whole two steps forward one step back thing. I have gone through emotions that I never even knew I had. I have had weaknesses come forth that I'd rather them stay down deep. It has put strains on relationships and have tested the strength of them. I could go on and on.
On the flip side...I feel like those relationships have become so much stronger and united. I feel like many of those weaknesses have become strengths of mine. I have learned to continue to reach out (which is still hard at times..many times) when it all seems to be rejected.
My favorite thing in the whole experience is calling upon my Heavenly Father and seeing on a daily bases his help, answers, guidance, and love. I am not perfect and I make so many mistakes with this whole new life of mine. But, I know my prayers have been answered. Heavenly Father is so kind and loving and aware of me and all that I go through and all that I feel. I know He is aware of Marcelo. I know I have recieved guidance to such little things that have been hard to do, but has made huge differences in our lives.
Teaching a little child such basics that a baby learns has been rewarding. Marcelo is learning still, but has come so far in knowing what a family is all about.
Our relationship is still growing. We have good days and bad ones. We are still learning to trust eachother. He still tests me like no other, but I feel like everything is on the right path. All that we have been through was needed to go through and still need to go through more. I wouldn't trade it or even change it. This is all shaping us to become the people God wants us to become.
I know through the Atonement of Christ all will be healed, hearts will change, and that happiness and love will only grow. It just takes a lot of work and time on our part. Everything worth having
is worth the work....right :)

Grandmas are the best...especially my Grandma Mini.
I went to her home today needing to get away for awhile. I had a great visit. We talked,watched a little movie, and I made her dinner.
I left feeling loved, wanted, at peace, and full of positiveness. My grandma Mini is the best place to go to to be nurtured. I remember spending so much time as a little girl there. She loved me, taught me, feed me...I always felt like I was so important and special to her. I remember leaving High school one day because I was sick. Her house is where I went. She cared for me, cooked for me, and I got the best back scratches ever. I would sleep on her couch or even her bed. It was the best.
I love my Grandma so much. She is a woman of such faith and knowledge. She serves and gives of everything she has. She is positve, never complains, thrifty, and she makes the best out of every situation. She loves and loves and loves. She is such an example to me...

Wizard of Oz was the ballet this year that the girls did. Rich even got to be in the action. Alot of time goes into this production, but the girls love it. They get so excited to find out what they are doing and what part they will be. This was Bry's first year on point and she was so beautiful in her dances. She is one of the older girls now. I can remember her first year. She was so little.
She loves dancing.
Savy loves dressing up and always has. She was so beautiful in her oz costume. I can tell that she enjoys being on stage and having that spot light on her. She is going to be pre-point next year.
Sarah...what a beautiful girl. I think this is the first year that she was more into the dance on stage instead of looking for us and smiling so big. She knew her part and was so happy to be apart of it all.
I love seeing my girls work so hard in something and then be able to show case it. Ballet is hard work. By proformance night...it is all worth it. It is something I look forward to each year.

little Savannah......at her 5th grade graduation. Her big sister, Bry, did her hair and got her all ready for her big night. It made Savy feel special and beautiful.
Savy has had these two friends, both named Sarah, for several years. One of them just moved and it was really sad. They have been good friends to my Savy.
It was so nice to be able to celebrate Savy.
She is going to be in middle school. A big girl...preteen...I don't know if I am ready for that. My little innocent girl is going to be in a whole new world. I'm so glad to know that she is strong, good, smart, has high self esteem, and that she is happy.
Savannah will be grate. I'm excited to see her grow and become a little lady:)

Kiefer and Caleb had ther preschool play on their last day. They are so cute and such a joy. I can't believe they have one more year of preschool before they are gone everyday to elementry school.

They went over their parts over and over at home. They pulled it off and said their parts in the play. Not, only did they say it but you could hear it. I think that is the first for any of my kids at that age. I can't say enough how much I love these boys and how grateful I am for all the joy they bring into my life.

Bryanna recieved her first roses from a boy. She will most likely die when she sees I posted this, BUT you only recieve your first roses once and years from now she will be happy I got this picture.