Adoption Day!!!

Today was a day of celebration because we finalized the adoption of Emily and Ashley. Thanks to many of you who took the time out of your day to help us celebrate.

Six months ago we weren't sure if we would be ready for this day, but in God's kindness he has knitted our hearts together as a family, and so this morning as the judge signed the paper work, there was great joy in all our hearts as we legally enfolded Emily and Ashley into our family. You can watch the actual signing of the decree below, but I love these series of quotes from the judge as she was explaining this process to the big kids in language they could understand:

"It's like magic...Once I sign this, the department of health will issue a new birth certificate for Emily and Ashley that says they were born to your mom. Isn't that like a miracle that we can do this with papers...So if someone in the future looks them up, they will see (recorded in their birth certificate) they were born to your mom. Isn't that cool! This decree once I sign it says, 'the twins are yours forever and ever, and that can never change.'"

I couldn't help but reflect on the gospel. Once we are enfolded into God's family and adopted as sons and daughters in Christ, we are His forever and ever and that can never change.

Signing the Adoption Decree from Roland Sanchez on Vimeo.

Emily signing

Emily Signing the Alphabet from Roland Sanchez on Vimeo.

Our little girl who had no language just six months ago...

Emily Signing O Holy Night from Roland Sanchez on Vimeo.

The highlight of Christmas is the annual Christmas play that the five cousins put on for the adults. Roland used to write it and lead the rehearsals, but now the kids do everything on their own. They work hard on it for months. It just keeps getting better each year.
This year there was a new dimension as the kids tried to incorporate Emily and Ashley into a couple scenes. The most touching part of the play this year was when the big kids signed O Holy Night. Emily lights up as she sees them signing and spontaneously joined in. She repeatedly nudges Ashley to try and get her to join in as well. We all got a little teary eyed watching Emily enjoy this sweet moment.

Christmas jammies

What's goin' on here?

Last Friday Roland stayed home in the morning to study. I set the girls up in the family room to play and read and ran downstairs to get the big kids started on their school work. A little while later I came up to check on the girls and found this scene.
"What's goin' on here?" I asked Roland through the door.
"Oh, well, the girls slide their hands under the door and wait for me to give them a piece of candy!"
I had to smile as I thought, Is this the same daddy who insisted, just a few months ago, that there would be no interruptions while he studies?!

We are so thankful for how the Lord has answered prayer in regards to Emily and Ashley's relationship with Roland. They run to greet him when he comes home from work. They go to him and sit on his lap. They love for him to throw them up in the air. We are feeling more and more like a family....
Thank you, God.

The boys go to Seattle!

Last weekend Roland and Cade went to Seattle for the 49er/Seahawks game. It was a very special father/son time. They hada great weekend together-even though the 49ers lost.

My dad is home!

My dad was able to come home from the hospital on Tuesday. We are so thankful for this answer to prayer! He didn't have to go to St. Luke's like was originally planned, so that's great too! He came home with oxygen and is quite weak, but he felt like he could get more rest at home than at the hospital. And the bonus is now the kids can visit him. 16 days of not being able to see grandpa in the hospital was hard on them.
Thanks for praying!