Christmas Weekend in Pictures

Christmas Eve... Grace and Faith got ferrets this year. So far they are doing a great job taking care of them and we're getting a handle on how to manage the smell. They are quite cute and personable.

 Birthday party for Jesus

 Josh and Isaac got lizards. Yes, this was the year for wanting animals for Christmas! Except for Joy who was quite happy just to get some toys for her cat and guinea pig.

 Yi and Grace both got slippers.

Christmas morning...

 While everyone else got M&M's Joshua received lots of jelly rolls, Twinkies, etc. Unfortunately the novelty of all these things is wearing off though. I'm afraid it's going to be a LOONNNGGG few weeks until January 19th :(

Nana and Papa's house

 Joy was REALLY wanting a big purple camping chair. Thanks Aunt Amy and Mattie!!

This was my Christmas gift. Such sweet kids and memories.

Thanks Clayton!!

Coming soon after Clayton's day off yesterday... pictures of the boys' bedroom... new and improved for 3 boys :)

Merry Christmas!

Clayton and the kids (and Yi) made some cookies for some of our neighbors last night. We are all excited about delivering them tonight.

Where was I you might ask? Well, because of the events of the first few weeks of December I was needing a mental health day. A friend and I went out to eat and Christmas shopping. I am feeling much better because of it, thank you!!
Today was our last day of school for a week. WHOO HOO! I am certain I am more excited than the kids. If anyone needs me next week I'll be on my couch in my PJ's.

We needed to finish up a few things which is why we had school last week. Here is one of them. We finished our study on marine life and each of the kids made an ocean box. They had a blast and they turned out awesome!!

 Grace's isn't quite finished yet so I don't have a picture of hers but here is a dolphin she made out of clay. It still has to be painted.

Isaac wanted to show his nasty hands from playing in the clay.

I hope everyone has a Jesus filled Christmas! God Bless!

Oh and by the way it is looking like Feb. 15th or 16th (ish) for China. PTL!! Our NVC letter will be dropped off Tuesday, Lord willing, then our Article 5 two weeks after that, THEN travel approval about 2 or 3 weeks after that!!! A HUGE WHOO HOOO!!

This is now my favorite adoption video. So sad and sweet to get the perspective of the adopted child.

I pray that God's people would have their eyes opened to those that wait to die in orphanages and offer them them hope. A family for a child does make a difference... on earth and in eternity!

Christmas Caroling

Well, kind of...

That was the back seat of our car after we caroled. Then everyone met at ChicFilA and well... there isn't much Josh can eat there and the playground isn't the best place for him to "take it easy" so we opted for this...

It was supposed to be a ring and run job but when the people aren't there you just see if their back door is unlocked and help yourself to some paper. Yes, we did! And even worse it was REALLY fun. Even worse than that is that Joshua can now say Ding Dong Ditching and to hear him say it is just plain ol' funny. 

I am in way over my head with medical decisions and plans for Josh along with planning a trip to China with more medical decisions. All these decisions while making mashed potatoes, very mushy vegetables, mac n cheese, soggy fruity pebbles, etc. Keeping the little guy fairly calm and fed is quite a job. I needed the change of brain activity.

Thanks "J" family for letting us use your house for a little comic relief for ourselves!!

Then we just had to go to another house and use up the rest of the paper since they weren't home either... we aren't confessing to that job though because we ran out of paper and weren't pleased with the results. So glad we have fun loving friends!! Not so glad that I know they'll get us back...

Jesus' Birth

Our youngest three kids are studying Jesus' birth this week. Yesterday we talked about Mary and Joseph's response to God when Gabriel came to tell them about Jesus being born. Complete obedience and willingness to allow God to work in them to accomplish His purposes for all the world. AMAZING!

Then this morning I am almost finished with reading through the minor prophets so I skipped ahead to Luke. These verses God showed me anew today. I just love God's Word!

Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the Word.- Luke 1:1,2

I am always in awe of the history found in God's Word proving it's authenticity. The fact that God led people to write down what they saw and experienced is awesome. Now we get to pass it down to the next generations.

Then I read anew when Gabriel appeared to Zechariah. When he said who he was he said I stand in the presence of God. Really, can you imagine standing in God's presence?!! Can't wait!

And of course in chapter 1 of Luke is Nothing is impossible with God. Love, love, love that we serve and love a God who creates everything out of nothing and can do absolutely anything!

Our little guy is doing better every day. His attitude and ability to handle life is coming around. He is still mostly happy with his food choices and is liking the fact that he has some soft, little cakes that no one else is allowed to eat.

We think his mouth is healing nicely. There are some white looking spots in the top of his mouth that we hope are just scabs. In the back last night we saw his palate move up and down making it look kinds like a crater... either that is really good because it's moving or really back because a hole is developing. Sometimes we think his speech sounds better already and other times it seems about the same so only time will tell.

Regardless, we are glad the hardest part seems to be behind him. Surgery for his ear is most likely going to be scheduled for late February. It doesn't sound like it'll be as hard of a surgery on him. Just having to restrict activity for 4 weeks... 5 year old boy, no rough playing or running around... sounds easy to me... yeah right!!!

Either way we are just glad he won't have any food restrictions and people say it is less painful than having tonsils removed so for that we will be grateful!

Finally home

and VERY glad to be here.

Joshua got a good report from the doctor yesterday. Everything is still closed and he gets to eat soft foods, instead of blended foods that "drip from a spoon. This is his first meal... (3 pieces of cheese, mac n cheese, ice cream, and the center of white bread with jelly) January 19th is our day to look forward to as far as being able to eat anything. I'm happy that he is happy with his diet now though. Today he's already eaten 4 eggs, mandarin oranges, a very ripe banana, and a glass of Ensure.

As you can see he is very happy. As it turns out the food seemed to have been the issue all along. He is a much happier child now, especially now that we are home.

Here are some pictures of the gift giving and getting this morning... (This is becoming such a common occurance for him he was quite insisted last night that he get to open some when we got home. He was so tired though that he was content to open a card from the preschool director at church and wait for the rest in the morning.)

 Nene and Papaw gave them early Christmas gifts... movies. Since Josh can't do anything that could cause him to hurt his mouth. Those of you who know Josh know that walking down the street could cause him to fall so we will be watching more movies.

I am VERY happy to see all the kids and Clayton. We've enjoyed cuddling alot this morning.

Thank you to everyone that has helped with the kids... my parents, Clayton's parents, and our friends Carey and Aimee... y'all are awesome! Even though I hate not being here it is SO nice to have great family and friends to count on when you need them. Thanks SO much!!

Now I'm off to send out some emails and phone calls to set up the next surgery on his ears... UGH! It doesn't help things that the surgery and us going to China look like they should fall out about the same time. Always another adventure around the corner that's for sure.