Rude Questions

I've been contemplating rude questions. Some can be funny, tee hee and others well, not so much. I've been asked before do you regret adopting your children? Gee let me think, would you ask a biological parent that? Is there frustration in our daily lives, yes? Do we have hurdles that differ from other parents? Yes some. Are there days I feel at the end of my rope? of course. But there are also days one can not quit giggling. In fact there have been many days the boys have commented it seems we've been a family forever, then someone will be kind enough to remind us, we have not. I was even questioned why I gave up my foster licsence? Well I adopted 3 boys at one time, who needed to feel they we're the most important. They have had to share me with daycare kids. And so when my oldest made the request please don't adopt anymore and have none of your own. I said "I couldn't promise forever, but I could until you are older" These boys have run me through the gammut of emotions, but the strongest being Love. I knew the day would come where things would settle down and it has finally arrived with 2008. So in answer to the question of do I regret the adoption. No way and I am absolutly upset that anyone would question that. I've watched my boys growing into young men. Their struggles have not been easy. And I have had to look for answers all over. I have had to do alot of follow up. I have had to go out of my way to ensure their safety. And they will put the other 7 kids and myself tyo shame when it comes to finding ways to be destructive. Case in point I lost quite a few coffee mugs the day we made the rule" If you break it, you fix it, If you can't tell someone who can" The 3 boys kept bringing me coffee mugs just completely broken. We forget we can't dig holes in our bedroom walls? It has not been an eay road but it feels like we are on the right track.

Conferences

Oh what a pleasure conferences were! Eddie Ray is Consistently improving. He loves art! He is writing sight words. And sounding out words. Good Job My little Man! Little Dan as always doing a great job across the board. Actually a huge kudos goes to Rick, he made Honor Roll. It co9mes with a lot of work he took 3 grades d's and belows and made them c's and above. Outstanding Job! Check out his March on Washington Project 90 out of 100. So Rick should give himself a big pat on the back. We are proud of all 3 boys.

By Ricky Pieper

This easter was really cool, i got a tee shirt 4 spirit hero cards from the book of Mormon. I also got a transformers watch and spongebob tattoos wih LOTS of cand. We found easter eggs everywhere. But my favorite would be a dog shaped planting pot you paint, water and grow.

By Lil Dan

My testimony is that I know that my church is true and I know that if you repent that you can feel good about yourself and then get repentance so you can go back to heaven. I love football, basketball, and track. I play the drums. I love to read books. I like riding my pocket rocket , bicycles, skateboards, and scooters. I like our scripture studies, my favorite story from the Book of Mormon is Enos. It has really stuck with me. I really like the song "If the Savior stood beside me". My favorite types of music are classic rock, christian rock, country, and rap. My favorite 2 cars is a yenko Camaro and 71' Cuda. I like horses I like to ride them. My favorite College team is Panthers followed by the Hawkeyes. I am a mini pampered Chef. I love cooking with Mom, Dad, & Uncle Eric. My favorite color is purple.

Easter Morn

It was wonderful to see the boys awaken with such energy and excitement. I am always in awe and thankful I can see that wonderment. The Boys were so excited the Easter Bunny brought them Heros of the Book of Mormon trading cards. And way cool shirts, with watches as well. Eddie Ray was amazed the Easter Bunny knew he liked Car Movie stuff. As always Dan won the Egg Hunt. They thought it was cool to hunt eggs in the snow. We watched the movie "He is Risen" and "Finding Faith in Christ" Thank you Aunt Lori, Deanne, And Marianne. We always find a great way to incorporate your gifts to expand experiences. I'd like to take this time to testify that I know Christ is the true Son of God, and how greatful I am for the Atonement. It is so wonderful that Christ has given a way to repent and make ourselves clean again. I am so blessed to have my boys in my life and be a Primary Teacher, I've truley learned so much from each one of them. I'm thankful for each one of my Brothers and Sisters and all the in-laws, everyone has added so much to my life. And I love each one of you. I have now 39 nieces and newphews and 6 great nieces and nephews and I wonder how one person could be so blessed with such a wonderful family. Please know each one of you mean so much to us. I know that Thomas S. Monson is a true prophet of the Lord. and the Book of Mormon is true. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

In Memory of Teri Stapleton

This morning at 3 am Teri lost her fight against cancer. She will be missed. She has touched all of our lives. And we are grateful for the short time we had her. She was born March 18,1959. Our thoughts and prayers are with her daughters at this time. In her honor we ask that you reach out to someone you need to make amennds with and let them know how much they are loved. And what they mean to you. Things that seem insurmountable suddenly seem so petty at this time.