The Power of Color Guard

Check out this article! They featured a story on the Powers family on www.wgi.org.

2008 Terry Sanford HS Winter Guard Show

So, this week I (Jeni) get to spend time with my absolutely adorable niece and nephew. I thought I would take this opportunity to take a few photographs and share. Hope you like them as much as I do!

How could anyone resist those cheeks?!

Snacktime is always fun!

Can't you just feel the love?

The Big Day

Jill had some major surgery yesterday on her cleft palate and nose. According to her insurance papers, they included a plastic repair of her cleft lip and nose, palatoplasty for the cleft palate, to rhinoplaties (one for each side of her nose, I think!) and septoplasty on her nose. Anyway, this surgery has been a long time coming and she was a complete trouper! All of the doctors, nurses and even the anesthesiologists were exceptional. The entire 5 procedure surgery took about 4 hours more or less. Today, she is definitely not feeling fabulous, but the doctor was encouraging by saying that after a few days she will feel much better and that she will be very pleased with the result. Today, just pray that she can find a way to rest despite the constant pain and discomfort.
Bonding with her niece, Lily, before the big event.

Waiting patiently and happily for the doctor.
Getting a little bored.

Signing the big consent.
Getting ready to be wheeled away.

Jill...post surgery!

Two years and four days

Daniel James Powers' adoption was finally finalized on October 24, 2007 at 9:30am California time. I can not tell you how happy this has made all of us. Even Daniel seem to know that it was a special day. It has been a long road. We have been so blessed to have him in our lives and to know that it is legal, that no one can take him away is the most amazing gift. I can not wait to take him to the doctor and not have to sign his old last name or put Jillian Powers (foster mom). It is the most amazing feeling to know that he is my son forever in the eyes of everyone else. He has always been our son, but now he is Our Son! I love him more then I could ever explain. Maybe it's because we had to go through a two year process or maybe it's because he is the most amazing little boy, all I know is that my love for him is special and he will always be this gift in my eyes. It is very funny to me that God puts you in the place and with the people that you should be with. Daniel was meant to be in our family. He seems to be this weird combination of me and Jamie. He has my attitude(not the most patient) and Jamie's weird habits ( lining up his toys). Even if he is just like us we love him and are so proud to have him in our lives. I just want to say thank you to both our family's for supporting us and Daniel. I think adoption is a great gift to both the child and the family and without the example of our family we may never had the courage to go down this path. Thank you!

Pull-up girl!

I think these pictures can explain themselves. What can I say she loves to play dress up!

Making Halloween cookies with Mandy

The kids, myself and our new friend Mandy made some spooky Halloween cookies. The kids did a good job cutting out all the fun shapes. I think by Christmas we will have them decorated.