Finally, after almost 3 years, God has answered our prayers.

Mom and Dad went to court today for the Initial Termination of Parental Rights hearing. Amanda did not show up, and the papers were served to her on Friday by a Clark County Sheriff and Vicky, the DCFS caseworker. She knew she should be there, and she chose not to show up. I just cannot imagine how someone cannot want to be with their children every minute of everyday. It has been nearly 3 years since Phillip was killed. It has been 2.5 years since Hunter, Farrah, & Austin were taken from Amanda. Those poor children have been through so much in the last few years. Well, as of about 10:00 today, Amanda no longer has any parental rights to them. She has 30 days to appeal, and if she does not appeal, Mom and Dad will adopt Hunter. Jeannie and Keith will adopt Farrah and Austin. We are so grateful that our prayers have finally been answered. Keep our family (and especially the children) in your thoughts and prayers. Hopefully in about a month, we will no longer have to deal with Amanda Helton (at least not for a long time). I feel awful for the kids because they have to go through this, but I really think this will be best for them. . . at least they will be safe and know that they have a loving and supportive family to take care of them without the worries and fears of being taken away and given back to their mother. I really wish things could have been different. I wish she had straightened up her act 3 years ago. Maybe then, my brother would be alive. Maybe then, Austin, Farrah, and Hunter would not have physical and emotional scars from her. I truly wish she was capable of taking care of her children. After all, they already lost Phillip. It is a shame that now they have lost her too. It's what is best though. She is really missing out . . .they are great kids (even though they can be a handful sometimes). And, now we can sleep better at night knowing that Hunter is where his daddy would have wanted him to be. . .for good. What a good day!!