Well, as you can see, it's official!  We drove to AZ and had a wonderful day, being present at Ellie's adoption hearing, going out to breakfast w/the fam, attending a pre-season ball game at Goodyear Park and then having a party on Thursday evening to continue the celebration.

All of our family was there except for our oldest son, who had to work, so it was a great time being together with my kids, their spouses, 6 granddaughters ranging in age from

1 yr to 8 in age and visiting with Tony's parents.  There was so much joy that it's not possible to describe it. 

As you can see, Ellie is a beautiful child, but she would have been just as loved if she were not perfect.  She is truly a gift from God and we know He loves all of His children.  When Jen & Tony first took custody of Ellie, they knew that she was a "drug baby" and didn't know what they might encounter as a result; but they took her and loved her unconditionally. 

It's a good thing that God's love for us is also unconditional.  The only "condition" he puts on our salvation is that we accept His love as shown through His Son, Jesus.  We are so oblivious to our faults and imperfections that I think we lose sight of how we must appear when compared side-by-side with God's perfection.  He chooses to love us regardless of our imperfections and shortcomings. 

As we respond to His unconditional love, we flourish, just as Ellie has flourished with her loving parents.  His love allows us to be the best we can possibly be.  His love gives us freedom to grow and explore the life He has for us.  His love picks us up, dusts us off, and sets us on our feet to walk again; we have to keep trying and learning the same way a baby does when she falls down, but gets up and tries again until she gets it right.

His unconditional love flows through us to others...WELCOME TO THE FAMILY, ELLIE!