Asher's First Christmas

I don't know what it is about the Holiday Season but it seems like as soon as Halloween passes everyone gets all charitable and lovey. I like that about this part of the year. Maybe it's the change of music on the radio, or all the gift buying for others, or just the emphasis on the Savior that brings on the sweet feelings of Christmas, but I wish it felt like this year round.
This year was extra special. It was a pleasure to share the celebration with a little 11 month old boy. Kurt and I had bought bikes and a bike trailer a few month before and decided that was our Christmas this year so we didn't even buy gifts (except for stocking stuffers), and we knew it wouldn't matter to Asher because he has plenty of hand me down gifts he's still working through, but some how we all were very much blessed with so many presents to open and enjoy.
We still went snow shoeing on Christmas day and since Kurt took today off as well, we went swimming. It's been a great, super fun, super lovey Christmas.

Enjoy the video Kurt put together of the last couple days:

Adoption = Charity

I was honored to be invited to the adoption of Asher's 7 birth siblings today. When I arrived to the court building I could just feel the excitement. All of the family was dressed like they were going to a fancy Christmas party after. I was told several times by the kids that they were going out to eat after the hearing... "At a restaurant!" I stopped several of the Harrington kids, before we were finally invited into the court room, how they were feeling about being adopted. "Excited." Of course Nathan said he was nervous of standing in front of the judge and a bunch of policeman.
I couldn't help realizing what a blessing this is for the Stutz family but mostly for a large group of children who in most circumstances would be split up to allow them a better chance for placements. I realized how charitable the Stutz family is to open their hearts wide to allow a family to stay together.
Adoption is the coolest thing ever. If you are fortunate enough to attend a hearing or temple sealing you will know what I'm talking about. The spirit is strong and Love is right before your eyes.
Asher's case worker was there and told her supervisor to give us a good placement as soon as our six months is up (we can't foster until 6 months after our adoption, which I completely agree with). I guess Kurt and I better hurry up and decide what we're suppose to do next.

Asher is such a super star every time we visit the family. He is sure to feel loved as he continues to grow. Everyone wants to hold him.

Waiting to enter the court room.

Evan, Ethan, Russell, Alex and Asher (Can't remember the tallest kid's name)

Asher loving on Nathan and Christina

Leslieann and Jonathan

Asher being held by his birth sister Kathryn

Santa! What a fun surprise. He brought bears and candy canes for all the kids.

All 7 got to sign the degree and pound the gavel. James is scribbling now.

The Stutz family and Judge Bazzelle

Asher's first time meeting Santa. He even received a large candy cane which I'll hide away for now. I love that sweet face.

Thanksgiving in New Mexico

This year for Thanksgiving Kurt and I decided to make the 9 hour trip to see my brother and his family in New Mexico. We don't often get to see them and figured now was as good a time as any. Kurt had never been to their house and I knew Asher would enjoy all that the "Bushman Ranch" could offer (ie horse, dogs, bird and snake).
We had a great trip with a lot of memorable experiences.

Meeting Swiper the corn snake:

Riding Mouse the horse:

We even stopped by the Petroglyphs National Monument in Albuquerque before heading back.

 Kurt wanted to make a short stop at Four Corners National Monument on the way home. It ended up being a very short stop indeed. We got there 20 minutes before it closed and it was FREEZING! It was neat standing in four states all at the same time (Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona).

Forgot to uncover the baby... oops

Fun and memorable trip. Glad we got to go... even if Gooch was whining the entire time and threw up in the car on the way back. Definitely worth it.

Yes He's Mine

For so many years I have had to answer "I don't have any" to the rather common "How many children do you have?" question. I would then quickly follow up with "We've been trying but just haven't been able to have any yet." I wanted it known that it was my desire just not my time or blessing. When we began fostering my reply changed slightly. My answer changed to "I'm a foster mom of two..." or "I'm currently fostering..., but no I don't have any of my own."
A week ago in church I was asked the question again as I introduced myself to a new family. I can't explain how awesome it felt to simple say "One." That was it. No explanation necessary. I have one. Yes he's mine.

Our first official family picture session (Check out LucyBloomPhotography. She did a fabulous job with such a fussy baby and dog)

Giving me besos

Families Can Be Together Forever

Not flesh of my flesh, Nor bone of my bone

But still miraculously my own.

Never forget for a single minute,

You didn't grow under my heart - but in it.

-Fleur Conkling Heylinger

I have no words to describe what a wonderful day it has been. Truly heavenly. Asher was sealed to Kurt and me. We became a forever family. He is mine and, as Kurt reminded me today, I am his. 

Here is a preview of pictures at the temple today. Thanks to our supportive family and friends for making our day so special.

Oh Heavenly Day!