The Oaks

The photography isn't real great in this photo but I just love how the trees made a natural backdrop. What a surprise after i snapped it. I use to climb this same tree when I was a little girl.

Christmas Crafting

On Christmas Day after all the presents were open and all the dishes were cleaned from lunch David asked me what I wanted to do now? 
I thought for a minute and since the table was all cleaned off I thought it would be a perfect time to do a little crafting with my girls.  We worked on a few scrapbook pages for each of their books and a few for the family book. 
It was a really great way to spend the afternoon. 

Awana

Wednesday nights we have Awana for the little kids and youth for the older ones. It's a hassle and tough getting everyone fed, homework done and out the door. But, it's a time devoted to scripture memorization that we would not do otherwise. It's accountability for all of us.
I can also say that conversations about verses have led all 5 of our children to a relationship with Christ. All at different ages at different times but all based on an Awana Bible verse.
So we will hustle and get to bed late every Wed night...and it's all worth it.

Visiting Paw Paw & Nana

Lunch with friends

Sunday lunch is always nice. Especially since we almost always eat out.
We caught up with our friends and we all had a great time.

Hair cut

Getting her first haircut since the shave back in June. It's hard to believe this is just 6 months worth of hair.
We just trimmed her bangs and the back.

Puddles

Only in the South can you play in a puddle in your Santa shirt

Trent's 9th Birthday

 

Adopted

November is National Adoption and Orphan Awareness Month.  We participated in our church's special Sunday service.  The choir sang "We are the Children of God"...Adoptive families came up on stage during the song.  Some were children and some were adults that had been adopted.  At the end everyone revealed their "adopted" T-shirts, including the entire choir.  (It was really cooler than I can explain in words)  The idea came from this 3rd Day Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6jO7xhU_Pw

We were honored to be a part of this event.

 We had several booths in the lobby for people to get more info on sponsorships and adoption aid. 
We showcased, An Orphan's Wish, Show Hope and TX Foster Care.

Later that evening we hosted an Adoption Forum where families could come get more information on many different types of adoption.  From Fostering, Older child, International, to Sibling adoption.  We hoped to have 3 - 4 families participate.  But we ended up with about 80 adults.  It was an awesome day for sure. 

Now this is TIRED........
But safe

Build a Bear

These pics have been waiting a while to be scrapbooked. So I'm glad they finally made their way out of my computer.  It's hard to believe this was only 2 years ago. (Trent especially has changed so much)

The learning tower

This contraption is worth it's weight in gold. It's called a "learning tower" because when a baby is in it she is safe to move around and still watch what's going on.

I remember when Mia was little she would always want me to pick her up at the store or in front of a fast food counter. So one day I bent down to talk with her and realized "she can't see a thing" no wonder....

So I almost ordered one of these things back then but didn't. Mainly because of the cost and I didn't know how much I would really use it.
But since Johanna has been home she doesn't want me to put her down very much. That makes life real difficult when I'm trying to peel, chop, or cook.
So I took the leap and bought the tower. To say I love it is an understatement.... She will stand for a long time and play very contently.
Just makes me wish we had bought one with the first.....

Merry Christmas

Thanks to everyone who sent us a card this year.  I love looking at all the pictures and reading the update letters.  We had fun making our card and even got a stamp of approval from all the kids. 

Our China Tree

Last year while decorating the tree we discovered that we have quite a few China themed ornaments.  So we decided that next year we would make a "China" Tree.  Using mostly Red and Gold Ornaments and few special ones as well.  It's only about 3 ft high but I think I might like it even better than our big one.

We have several of these little China boy ornaments.  They were given to me about 20 years ago from Tammy when she went on a mission trip.  (Who knew it was a foreshadowing of things to come)

 

The year of Ty's adoption was 2008 the year of the Beijing Olympics.  We bought a pack of all the characters known as the friendlies.

 

2011- the year Johanna was born is also the year of the Rabbit.

 

Mia was given this China Barbie ornament.

We help support a wonderful family that lives and "works" in China.  This Tibetan symbol was given to us a few years ago by them.

Last but not least is this wonderful Precious moments Angel. She was given to us by Kimberly Baggett.  After they decided to switch their adoption from China to Ethiopia.  She fits just perfectly atop our new tree.  We think this tree may be a tradition.

Girl Scout Camp

 

2011 Christmas Scrapbook Page

I've had a little "down" time, thanks to a very cranky Siatic Nerve so I tried to do a little digital scrapbooking.  You really don't realize you use your back for EVERYTHING you do.  Except maybe sitting in a chair and doing a layout on your laptop. 
Isn't technology wonderful

She LOVES the tree

 

Getting in the spirit

We unpacked a few hats with the Christmas decorations and the kids are having fun wearing them to school and around the house!

New Stroller

We probably have 6 strollers in the garage but we still had to buy a new one for Johanna.
For the look? -No
For the style? -No
For the comfort?- No

Because whenever she was in a regular stroller she was facing away from me and would cry C O N S T A N T L Y..... So after a little research we found a few companies that make rear facing strollers.

On our cruise we saw a couple with twin boys who had really cool strollers called Orbit Baby. But those strollers are $900 each.....I believe that's more than my first car! And they had two!!!!

Chinese Turkey

Ty's 1st grade project was to disguise a Turkey.  He wanted to make his a China Turkey.  Not really sure what that's suppose to look like but we gave it a try......