To my Boys

Jacob and Bryce I love that because of you I am growning carnivous plants and tiny ancient arthropods on my kitchen widow sill. I love that there was never any adjustment when Jacob came to live with us. It was like you guys already knew each other and loved each other. You guys are pretty much inseperable. You watch TV curled up together on the couch like little puppies and laugh yourselves silly in the back seat of the van over jokes that don't make any sense to me (but that's OK). I'm so happy that you have each other and it makes my heart sick to imagine what our lives would be like if you guys weren't brothers. I also love how you guys never forget your other tiny brother Colin. Even Jacob includes him in the family pictures that he draws (complete with angel wings).

Bryce, I appriciate your kind heart and how you can empathize with other people. I have to be much tougher on the girls for them to understand that they are in trouble but I just have to speak sternly to you and it breaks your heart. You have also been on this kick where you want to be famous and have everyone like you. But Buddy, you can't see how many people LOVE to be around you. Someday some girl will love you for your tenderness the way that I love your Daddy. Till then, those girls will have to treat you right or have your Momma to answer too :)

Jacob, my sweet little boy. I look up to you in so many ways. If anyone ever had a reason to be angry with the world, it would be you. To have been in at least seven different homes by the time you were four and to never have consistant loving parents is more that I can possibly imagine. Sometimes I think of what your life must have been before we got you and it makes me physically sick. I'm so grateful for the few people who helped you down the road where we could meet you. After the workers from Health and Welfare called and said that we were being considered as a family that could adopt you, I thought of you every day. I carried the picture around that I got and showed it to everyone. I could even tell from your picture that you had a sweet and loving heart. I am so, so lucky to be your mom and I want you to know that that will never change. You are stuck with us forever!!

Love you both to pieces,

Your Mom