Christmas 2009

We’ve had a WONDERFUL Christmas this year! We traveled again to MS and then on to AR, so we logged a bunch of miles…hopefully we’re going to stay put at home for awhile!

Although the girls are seasoned travelers, it still takes a toll..the laundry and packing for 6 is a chore!

Our first stop was MS, where we spent a weekend with Nana and Pop. The girls were so excited to be back so soon (just came over T’giving) and spend some time with them. The girls were thrilled with all the presents…especially my big girls…take a look…

 

Do you think she liked it?

They had been asking for these special dolls and were thrilled!!

We got some other goodies, and loaded up and headed to Arkansas to Nammy’s house. Thankfully, it’s only about 3 hours, a breeze when we are used to going 7-8 at a time! The girls played with “Katelin” and “lilly” the entire car trip…they didn’t even ask for a movie…UNHEARD of!

At Nammy’s house we….

…

Made some cookies, a cheesecake, and other goodies….

licked our fingers clean….

Called and had a chit chat with Santa..I think she was apologizing for her behavior this year :)

Went to the Christmas Eve Service…..

And opened presents on Christmas Morning!!                                           

Annalyse got a box of dress up clothes..and on Christmas am, she wanted to wear ALL of them. Not one. Not two. ALL. And, since everything goes at Nammy’s, she obliged.

After it was all said and done, we had an amazing season of celebrating each other and the greatest gift ever given….the newborn King! Ashley was asked, “what do you want Santa to bring you?” She responded , “JESUS!!” What a blessing to be able to have all our children HOME for Christmas. This time last year, we were busy preparing to leave for China! Speaking of, we’re approaching our ONE YEAR home soon….can you believe it?!?

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!! CELEBRATE JESUS!

Ashley’s 1st Christmas

Merry Christmas Baby Girl!

We’re soooo glad you’re home this year!!

seriously.

Where did she come from?

 

Because really, she is a MESS. 100% MESS.

We are so thankful she’s cute…because otherwise….she may not be here today :)

Family Pics Fall 2009

Here Daddy, I can help!

Last night we invited Ms. Cyndy and Mr. John over to help us put up our tree! I made a big pot of chili and were, as always, thoroughly entertained but the 4 girls.

I can remember this time last year was such a downer. We thought FOR SURE we’d be home LONG before Christmas with Ashley and the Lord just had other plans. Everything about the season was a reminder that she wasn’t home. I didn’t even send out Christmas cards. Emotionally I just couldn’t bring myself to send out a card without her on it.

We were, however, busy elves getting READY to go to China! A this point last year, I probably had at least 6 lists going, and eventually, bought a small binder just to keep my thoughts organized.

But back to last night…

We had a blast. I bought .50 wooden ornaments from Joann’s fabric, that have a place to put their picture in them (I do this every year and have them paint them) and Ms. Cyndy, who LOVES crafts, was so excited to get to paint with the girls. Annalyse especially got into it, and threw a nice, long, beautiful FIT when we had to put the paint up. We giggled and played and painted and ate and just had family fun…I LOVE evenings like this!!

And what a relief to just sit back and thank God for all the BLESSINGS in our lives!

(she held onto this Dora ornament ALL night..she LOVES Dora!)

Thanksgiving 2009

What can I say….we ate and played…the things we do best :) The girls had a  blast playing with the zillion leaves in Pop’s backyard…they made huge piles and spent the afternoon romping around in them. The weather was REALLY cold but when you’re 7 and running full speed, cold doesn’t bother you!

 

Cousins, cousins, everywhere!!

 

Her is Ms. Ashley Mei enjoying her favorite thing…FOOD! She loves American holidays…they all involve lots of goodies! Isn’t her hair getting growing!! Love it!

Annalyse with her plate…told you, we were eating or playing the whole time!!

Hope your Thanksgiving was a fun and delicious as ours!! We have so much to be thankful for..God has been “overly and abundantly” good to us this year!

Conversation with Ally

Today I had the rare pleasure of taking only ONE child to lunch. I had a coupon for free chips/queso to Chili’s so Ally and I went on a lunch date!

With 4 children, one on one time is something we have to carve out time for, and when we do, it always turns out that we have the most amazing conversations!

At lunch, she was telling me about a missionary her teacher told her about that died in prison because of their faith.

She boldly told me, “Mama if I ever get taken to the judge and he says if you believe in God you will go to jail forever till you die, I’d nod my head and say “YES I BELIEVE IN GOD” and I would go to jail and die and be happy!”

We further discussed China and how places like that and other counties do not allow people to worship God freely, and she told me, “Mama I am SO glad we got Ashley from China because if we didn’t she’d have to grow up in jail because she loves God. I’m so glad we live in GA because our king(ha!) says we can praise God all we want and not go to jail".”

***did I mention, she’s FIVE?****

People, that’s not childlike faith…how many adults do you know that would say that?!

My sweet Ally girl,

You understand more about missions and adoption and your faith than some adults I know. You are wise beyond your years and your heart is about as big as it comes. One day, I pray you adopt as many babies as you can (you say this is your plan!) and I know that if you are really ever threatened by man over your faith, that you will stand BOLDLY for the Lord. Your mama and daddy love you and the Lord delights in your faith!!!