Happy Thanksgiving Weekend to All!

Family Shot
The whole gang!

My "Indians"

Our "thankful tree". We write on leaves what we are each thankful for everyday in November before Thanksgiving and by the big day our tree is filled. I save these each year and it is awesome to look back and read what each person has said.

The beautiful view from my parents' lake house.

I hope everyone enjoyed this most special holiday weekend. I love Thanksgiving because it is just so simple....no stress, no gifts, no media blitz about what you "need", just time spent with loved ones celebrating our many blessings. Oh yeah,.....and eating! God is so good and His blessings are truly abundant. Even the beautiful colors he created for this special day are a blessing. He could have just made the leaves turn brown and fall off but instead, he made them breathtaking. Hope you relished in His love and abundant goodness and that you cherished those you were with over this holiday weekend. Happy Thanksgiving!

Speech

No this post is not about speech therapy for Xin, but about the cute sayings and incorrect speech of my other 4 year old....Jaida.

She went to a birthday party at Monkey "Jones"

She wore her choo-choo to school, aka tutu

Her "yegs" get so tired when she runs fast

When she grows up she is going to have blond hair like Mommy, Sissy and Barbie

"Mommy, did I come out of your tummy AFTER you get back from getting me from China?"

"I am almost a grown up, I am getting so, so big!"

"Dat just drives me so crazy!"

"When my teacher forgets to do letters at school then it just so, so BORING!"

"Why I can't wear my high heels?"

This child just cracks me up! She is a feisty little thing and doesn't let anyone push her around, yet she can also be very sensitive. She is constantly amusing us with what comes out of her mouth!!! Thank you Lord for this delightful child that ensures there is never a dull moment in our household. I love you Jaida "Potata"

Happy 70th Birthday Poppy!!!!

November 12, 2010 was my Dad's, aka Poppy, 70th birthday. We celebrated at the lake with family and a good time was had by all! We love you Poppy and you mean the world to us all. We have been blessed by you in countless ways! Happy Birthday!!!!!!

Xin's Baptism

Today was Orphan Sunday and we had a beautiful service at our church complete with video, testimony, GREAT job Jennifer, and then Xin and Cynthia, also adopted from China, were baptized. It was a very emotional day as I watched this little boy wrapped in the family of God, surrounded by people who love him. Seven months ago he had no idea what we were,no idea what church was, no idea what God was. He carried his little bible around all night and wanted to say the blessing "all by myself". Thank you Lord for this dear little boy you have entrusted to us. Thank you Lord for adopting us as your children and giving us the gift of salvation.

Halloween....a few days late!

Parties, lots of them,pumpkin carving, trick-or-treating with a nerd, a wicked jester, Ironman, and Snow White, and lots of candy made for a busy and fun-filled weekend!