It Is Finished!! The adopting is final!

I know I have slacked off writing on this blog however I have exciting news to tell all of you!!! You have been reading my blog from the time we brought in 3 amazing girls into our family. You have been there as I was pouring out my heart telling you how they arrived and sharing our ups and downs.  You have been there with me as we were experiencing our victories and you have been with me as we have had our set backs.  Thank you so much for all your comments and personal emails to me!! I so appreciate your encouragement. 

However we experienced a MAJOR victory on November 5, 2013.  Our adoption was final!! We had a ceremony at the court house.  I was so surprised how special the judge made it.  The judge came down on the floor and talked to everyone that was there.  He explained that this was such a special time for him because his job as a judge is to be for or against a certain party.  However today was a day that he could celebrate with everyone.  He talked with each of the children and just made it special.  Jade (15 years old) wrote a song for the occasion and sang it to everyone.  She had several of us crying. 

I had all 9 of my children under one roof! With two children who are 22 and a 19 year old it is very difficult to make this happen.  I have never gotten a photo of everyone together.  But on this very special day we were all together -- in a photo!

Here they are!! Brooke (22), Ben (22), Clay(19), Alicia(15), Jade(15), Nemo(14), Joshua(11), Kendall(6) and Madison(5)

Here are the friends and family that attended the adoption ceremony.  I sure wish the judge was in this picture!

On the following Saturday we had an adoption party. I made a painted a tree on a canvas and those who made it to the party were able to put a finger print representing a leaf on a branch.  

I may fill it in with other finger prints. I'm still undecided on that.

So now for some other news!! On the very day that this adoption was final I received a "congratulations" call from DHS.  Once she was done thanking me for doing this and how lucky the children are she said ....."well the other reason why I am calling is that we have two young boys who need a home".  Lets just say I will start another segment on our journey with them!! Don't forget to follow me!! This is gonna be interesting!