What Is That Smell?

Audra has begun to make cute comments that come from experiments with language skills. A couple of them recently have had to do with scents.

At Christmas, Nicole gave each of the younger girls bath fizzies. Audra opened hers last, and as she saw what it was, her eyes opened wide. "Bath stinks!" she gasped. We don't know if this came from a mispronunciation, or from the fact that the other girls had taken their fizzies around so everyone could smell them. Either way, the name has stuck.

When Daddy got really good news at work one day, Mommy went to get some food to celebrate. Audra asked what was for dinner, and I told her steak. "Stink?" she said, her nose wrinkling slightly. I don't think she was impressed.

Finally Finalized

Today was the day! We got to go to court and sign the final papers that say Christian, Sarah, Erin and Audra were finally and for always Werzinskis. Of course, we already knew this, because God's hand has been so apparent all through the process, but it is nice for the state to acknowledge it, too:).
We got to the court early in the afternoon, and were very blessed to be the second family in line. It was obvious that all of the court workers enjoyed supervising a pleasant case, and it made our family appreciative of all the nastiness our judicial workers go through for justice.

Little friends.

God introduced us to the Parish family in time to go through the end of their adoption and all of ours. They have been such an encouragement to us, and it is wonderful for our family to have friends that are walking this particular road with us.

One through ten.

Mommy's parents were also with us at the finalization. They think we are a little strange, but they love us and support us in the work that God is doing in our lives.

One big, happy family!

Quotes from the day: Erin - "That man (the judge), he say 'drop (adopt) the children, Christian, Sarah, Erin and Audra.'"

Sarah said "So what do we have to do now that the adoption is over?" When someone said nothing, it was like being born and it was all done now, she paused. "But Daddy said after the adoption we would get a pool!" They knew we were a forever family, and all the papers meant was that we aren't under anyone else's rules!

Happy Fourteenth, Kayla

Kayla's graciousness and compassion have added much to our family in the fourteen years that we have been blessed to have her. Her carriage and maturity cause many people to think that she is the oldest of us children. May the Lord bless and guide her as she grows in Him.

Sixteen

Happy birthday, Jordan! May the Lord bless you and keep you as you continue your journey of manhood.

More Pictures by Shauna

Shauna

Stair Sliding

A few weeks ago the younger ones rediscovered a past-time that we older ones loved when we first moved into this house. Shauna was only a year old when we moved in, so instead of walking down the stairs, she slid. Kayla, Jordan, Nicole and I quickly joined in, and it was an activity that we showed to all of our friends when they came over. It was the number one attraction of our house for several years. Shauna and Kendra showed the four little ones, and they have enjoyed trying out different variations of slides.
Sitting up, laying down, on their stomach and on their back.

Nobody has tried face-first yet, and we are hoping that they don't.

Happy Fortieth!

Daddy turns forty today! Whatever he says, don't let him fool you into thinking that he is getting old. He acts much younger than most of the people his age (maybe it is the ten children:), and he's only about five years older than the couples Nicole and I babysit for. We love you, Daddy!