We are still working on remodeling the house. Currently, I don't have a kitchen. I have a microwave, sink and dishwasher. Kevin is working hard to get it complete. We hope to have it done next month.
Here are some pix of many phases of our remodeling...
On December 22, Joshua Tucker turned one! We had a great day, our entire family was together (even Uncle Laner from New York!). Josh has 4 teeth and knows two signs (more and all done). He weighs in at about 22 pounds (he's quickly catching up to Tori!) He is walking like he never knew how to crawl!
Here are some pictures from the day.
I have lots of pictures to share and not much time...so here come several slide shows...
Okay, since the last post, we've celebrated Joshie's first birthday, and adoption; Lizzie has performed in two Christmas programs (one as the 'head' angel - Gabriela perhaps?) Josh has gained another tooth (3 total now!) and has developed some mad walking skills...Tori continues to delight in many things and make us laugh on a daily basis. (She also has perfected the use of the word 'no' - not so fun.)
We celebrated New Year's in San Juan Capistrano with my sister's family. (Tori has developed quite a crush on her Uncle Marc.) The kids and I have stayed on in San Juan while Kevin returned home yesterday to begin renovations on our kitchen.
I am continuing to look for work as I was laid off back in November. (Kev's new semester begins next week.)
Sorry for the delayed post.
Yesterday was the best day of our year. We received an early Christmas present; our son was officially recognized as an Alvey. Commissioner Schwartzbart signed a court order stating that Joshua Tucker Alvey is entitled to all of the rights and inheritance of our family. Amazing! We've waited for this day all year long.
After the hearing was over, I was reminded of what it means for God to adopt us. We too are entitled to all of the rights and inheritance as God's children. (a much better inheritance than we will leave our children!) With all of our faults, continual mistakes and crap that we drag into our lives, God does not disown us. What a miracle! I often have students ask me why we don't see miracles any more...for me, God's daily forgiveness of my selfish ways is a miracle.
But, back to the hearing...Kevin's mom, Dorothy Alvey and my parents, Larry and Linda Jantzen were able to join us. Kev's mom flew in from Utah just for the occasion. We also had a very special guest. Abbey Cazares, Tori's social worker, dropped by for the hearing. We believe that God used Abbey to introduce us to Tori, and such also brought Joshua into our lives. We are forever thankful for Abbey's diligence with Tori's case. Thank you Abbey!
Everybody keeps asking us if we are 'done' now. We were very happy with two little girls...we are thrilled to have a son. We are not looking to add to our brood, but would never turn away a little one that God brings to our door. (see James 1:27)
Here are a few pictures from the day...
In our court day finery
Waiting with Grandma Alvey 
With Papa and Nana (Josh is showing off his funny face)
The whole family
Gotcha brother!
Taking our oath
It's done...celebrate! Oops, we lost Joshie's head!
Finally, after almost a year of waiting, we have an adoption hearing set for Monday, December 17! We are thrilled. We can't wait to 'finalize.' Grandma Alvey is even coming out for the big event.
What an incredible Christmas gift. It also happens to fall 5 days before Joshie's birthday.
Little Two Teeth took three steps today! He may be walking to his own adoption hearing...pretty cool.
We had a great time on Thanksgiving on Thursday. I think we had the smallest celebration ever, only 14 of us! But it was cozy and intimate...and relaxing! My nephew Jeremy made his first pie, Dutch Apple...delicious! Great job Jeremy. In the pictures of the table you can see people lighting candles...as each family member said something they were thankful for and then lit their candle. Our favorite was Tori saying she was thankful for "my wamiwy", or my family for those not familiar with Tori Talk.
Today is move day...we are moving into my parent's former home. This is a move we've been planning for over three years, and the whole reason we moved out to the ranchos. In the past week, we moved my parents into their new house (on the front of the property), stripped wallpaper in the old house, scrapped the acoustic ceiling, sanded doors and the ginormous pantry, pulled up carpet, retextured the ceiling and walls, painted the entire house and put new flooring in the bedrooms. We also packed up the house we are living in. Kevin has been working from about 7 a.m. to midnight every night. Extreme Makeover Home Edition has nothing on us! We had a lot of help from friends, special thanks to Jay and Mikendra McCoy! We packed up my kitchen on Tuesday, so Mikendra called church friends to schedule meals for the rest of the week. We are so grateful to be part of such a supportive church family at Flipside!
I'll have some before and after pictures to post soon. In the meantime, here are just a few from Thanksgiving. We are truly thankful and grateful for a God who carries us through difficult times.
