One year ago.

Looking at these pics from a yr ago makes me see how much they have grown.  SIGH

No pics this time

Wanted to let everone know we have survived the flu....went completely through the family.  WOW....it took a lot out of all of us.  But we are all on the mend now and hope to be fully functional by this week.  Sweet Kevin seems to be the only one trying to hang on to a serious cough.

I don't even know where my camera is...so no new pics of my precious ones this time.  They continue to grow and learn something new everyday.  The other day I was treated to a wonderful rendition (by Claire) of "party in the usa" complete with a routine that she learned in p.e.  Who knew you don't just play four square and square dance in p.e.?  She so enjoys performing and dressing in dresses only.  She has really become a dress wearer, just like her sister Kacey.  She has a "walk" perfected for when she feels REALLY like a princess...too cute.  I can't believe the changes I see in her daily.  She wants to grow up but yet can't think about growing up and not living with mom and dad.  I try to assure her it will be ok, but I still see the old demons trying to surface again.  She was asking about heaven the other day, and was really concerned that it would be too different.  I assured her that anything she sees in this house will be in heaven too.  You could SEE the relief in her eyes.  I continue to ask for your prayers that her heart will someday be completely assured that she will never be alone again and she can learn to trust that we will always take care of her.

Kevin is growing by leaps and bounds.  I believe he will be a TALL child.  I believe he will still have a little belly.  HEE HEE  He loves to eat...he loves to try new foods.  Never afraid to "see if I like that too"  This is new to us, as our girls have never been adventurous in the food departments. He wants so badly to be grown as well...so far he doesn't show any signs of being afraid to leave us :)  He is the more adventurous one of the duo.  He will go with Hannah to different places when asked and loves to always go in the car.  He loves us and his sisters.  He still doesn't like to talk about China or his adoption, I know that will come.  We don't push it and we know God will help his heart come to a safe place.

I promise new pics soon....What about this makeover?????  How beautiful is it??  Thanks so much to Becky for rockin' it big time.  Look on my sidebar for a link to look at more of her awesomeness.

Lucky Envelopes

She was so silly the day we were taking red envelopes....



Happy New Year every one.  We are going to party like rabbits

Isn't she lovely.....

Catch up....birthday and Christmas

6 looks good on her...even with pizza sauce

Ariel mermaid dress

Sweet girl and her Jessie

We had a birthday....the big 6!!!  She is really happy to finally be six.  "All my China sisters are 6!"  I reminded her that wasn't true, but still dramatic.  We had a small party here at home and another at school.  She got her beloved Jessie doll and a few other pretties.  I can't believe how fast she is growing....we are now on the down hill slopes of kindergarten...arrrgh how did that happen?

"Princess Long Hair"

Working hard on carousel

So happy about spidey

Her new potatoe head robe

Look what Santa left!!!!

Then Christmas came and the chaos ensued....paper flying and kids screaming.  Hope all had a safe and happy New Year.

Sunday Snapshot ~My favorite memories on the tree~

My ornament from my 5th Christmas

FOUND this ornament at a thrift store when Hannah was born

Hubby bought this when we were waiting

Sister found this at her Hallm*rk store

Made with jingle bells...came with the ladybug

My fave winter snack

For more great snapshots go here......

http://www.nihaoyall.com/search/label/Sunday%20Snapshot

Sunday Snapshot ~Tree Trimming and Hall Decking~

We decked our halls and wrapped presents today.  It really makes it feel like Christmas when the tree goes up and you start pulling ornaments (memories) out of the boxes.  Soooo much fun remembering where they came from and who gave them to us.  We also placed our new ones for this yr.  Each year I try to have the kids pick out ornaments that mean something to them.  Mainly what they have loved the previous year.  Hannah has taken a liking to penguins....they are cute and cuddly looking.  Claire continues to ask for ice skating lessons.  I have tried to explain our geography doesn't lend to ice being around ANY time of the yr.  Kevin is really loving robots now.  I am sure it is something he has learned from his guy friends....he often walks around saying..."I am a robot I am a robot:" funny little man.  I bought the shopping snowlady...I felt like a professional shopper since I am done by Dec. 5!!!!!!

Bringing home our tree

Helping dad with decorations

Sweet picture....sorry about the hair

some of our ornaments were very friendly

Claires skates

Kevins robot

Huge tree

Merry Christmas

Shopping snowlady

Plumy penguin

Wishing a happy and peaceful holiday season for all.

Four

This is what 6:30 am looked like....."am I four now?  am I taller?"

Watching the "amazing candle"

We first saw these candles in China and knew we had to have one....he LOVED it

Digging in with forks...lovely tradition

We can't believe he is really 4.

Kevin, you are such a joy to have in our family.  God knew EXACTLY what he was doing when he selected you for our family.  We love you more and more everyday.  You have been really learning to trust us and love us with your hole heart.  You adore both of your sisters....that also includes your fair share of bickering.  All wonderful normal things for a great childhood.  It is so hard to see you grow so fast, yet it is so wonderful to see you learning new things all the time and feeling so proud of yourself.  You love football, spiderman, Chinese food, Mexican food, Italian food, well you get the picture.  You love all the shows on N*ck Jr. and want to be like Diego someday.  You love cars and making all the wonderful boy noises that come with them.  You are such a wonderful snuggler and love to be held.  We love you all the way to the moon and around the world

Thankful for......

Sunshine everyday....no matter what the weather outside.

Unlimited energy and snuggling

Stability and unconditional love

Grace and excitement

Sure the list for all my blessings would really cut into my eating time today, but these are my precious gifts from God.  He knows me so well and sent the things I needed the most.  Please remember those that are serving our country and can't be with their loved ones.  Please take a moment today and truly think about your blessings. 

Oooopppsss forgot to talk about halloween....

It was really great, again this year, to enjoy simple pleasures through the eyes of the pure hearted.   The joy of putting on pretend clothes and getting to let your imagination soar was really neat to watch.  I think we could have gotten away with just the wearing of the costumes with Kevin, but Claire knew the story....she IS in kindergarten you know.  I wish there were a way to truly capture the COMPLETE amazement that covered their faces when returning from a house.  Buckets held high and exlaiming at the top of their voices...."they gave us candy mom, they really did"  It was soooo precious....the first 46 times.  The weather turned a bit chilly, so we returned home to ogle the goods. 

Truly ready to fly

Asking if there is a REAL spiderman....

Cool post processing.  Claire with her princess pumpkin

Hannah was a great big sister and let them truly enjoy the nite.  She is really such a blessing to us all.

I know, I am as shocked as you are.  She let me take her picture

My mom with my3

Chewing and smiling

Lovin' the loot

Too sweet

Reading to her babies