Dear Santa...

Big Sis's letter to Santa was serious business.  It ended up being 2 1/2 pages.  At the top of the list was shiny smooth sparkly rocks.  Next comes...silly bands (all of them), guitar, violin, flute, baby doll, baby doll stroller, new bathing suit, googles, DS game, earphones and a train table for little brother.  (Last year, it was a music box and bubble bath.  O...how things can change in a year.)

Sunshine's list was made up of 2 sentences.  I love you.  I want a baby doll.

  

Luckily, we got to visit with Santa last night at a friend's house.  The girls were sooooo excited.  It is so much fun to watch them!  It truly is a magical time of the year!

Big Sis went over her list with Santa.  At first, she was a little hesitate to take her list up to Santa, because none of the other children brought their list.  I assured her that it was fine.  It doesn't mean that Santa is going to bring all of the toys, but it is still fun to think about it.

 

Sunshine followed suit with her list.

After we visited with Santa, Big Sis and I are talking while she is in the bathroom....

Big Sis (smiling from ear to ear):  Santa knew my name.  I didn't even tell him and he called my name.  I am on the "nice" list.  I'm soooo glad I'm on the "nice" list. 

Mom:  I told you that you would be on the "nice" list.  Did you think you wouldn't be?

Big Sis: Well, I didn't know.  There were a couple of times that I didn't do the right thing.

Mom:  We all make mistakes.  You'll just have to try to do better next year.

That just melts my heart!!!!

(The day before one of her friends had introduced her to the concepts of "nice" and "naughty" lists. She had been a little pre-occupied with the "list" before meeting Santa. She even asked me a couple of times what I thought. We had to make a point of asking Santa before she finished visiting with him if she was on the "nice" list.)

  

 

A perfect ending to our night...

 

On our way home, we had to stop at "The Master" (as we affectionately call it) to soak up the Christmas Cheer.  Our family believes that there is no such thing as too many lights and Christmas yard decorations!!!!

    

1 Samuel 1:27 Ornament

    

My great and talented friend, Tara, made this for us. 

Isn't it just perfect!!!

  

Not Color Blind - But Color Aware

In the numerous education courses, articles and studies that we've read about multi-racial adoptions, we've found that you are NOT to be color blind - but color aware.  And, as I have entered this world of a multi-racial adoption, I am more aware of color than I have ever been.  I look at my neighborhood...I look at my church...I look at my closet circle of friends...I look within my family...I look at our elementary school...I look at the grocery store.  Yes, there is some color, but for the majority - let's just say that it is a sea of white faces. 
 
Now, being a Christian, I know the most important thing that I could ever teach my children - all of them - is that they are precious children of God.  God made them each unique and special and in HIS own image.  While I know nothing is more important than that, I also must be color aware.  I must know that when we go somewhere my son maybe one of the few, if not the only, black boy.  Is this an issue?  No! No! No!  But I know that there are certain things that we must do as parents to help him build a strong sense of self.  One of the simplier things is that he see people that look like him in books.  Now, if you are white, then this is not something you've ever thought about or at least I haven't.  But, if you are black, then you might have to search a little bit harder.

So, his 1st CHRISTmas presents arrived today.

I can't wait to have these waiting for him on his bookshelves.

BB pretending to read to little brother.

11 Years Ago

 

No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.      1 Corinthians 2:9

On Saturday, SB and I celebrated our 11th anniversary.  It was a beautiful day here...picture perfect - just like it was 11 years ago. We got married on Thanksgiving weekend.  So this already packed weekend, is really packed, but how appropriate that it be a time for reflecting on our blessings.  And I am one blessed woman.  I have a wonderful marriage to a wonderful guy.  He is my biggest blessing!

We had a beautiful wedding day.  Everything went pretty much according to plan.  I did start to worry when the woman doing my hair, make-up and nails were taking an extremely long time.  She kept telling me...don't worry, they can't start without you...and I was late to my wedding, and it's no big deal.  Needless to say, I wasn't late, but I didn't have time to breathe before showtime.

I didn't see SB that day until I started walking down the aisle at 5 p.m.  I believe those moments are just divine.  We also received and served communion at our wedding.  It took a long time, but it was a special way for us to share our first meal together.  It was also very special to serve our family and friends.

     

 

Since we were married the day before the start of Advent, we enjoyed having the Chrismon tree as a beautiful decoration.  Boy, we look so young....well you may not be able to tell from photo that I took of a photo.  It's pretty grainy.

 

We planned all of our wedding together except for one detail...the car.  SB wanted to surprise me with our transportation from the church to the reception site.  I really didn't know what it was, but I knew it was sooo cool.  It was a 1963 Rolls Royce.  I really felt like a princess, and I know SB thought he was a stud in that car.

 

I loved our cake, and it was delicious.  It is simple yet elegant, but what makes it so special is the cake topper.  It is the same cake topper that SB's parents used, and they have been happily married for over 40 years.  It is still around, and I hope one of my kiddos will want to use it too.

 

This is our 1st dance.  It was to Allison Krauss - When You Say Nothing At All.  SB is not big dancer, but he danced the whole night with me and of course...my mom, my friends, my aunt, my granny....And I know he did all of that for me.  He wanted our day to be what I imagined.

 

Just us having fun watching other people having fun!

After the reception, we arrived at our hotel in our Rolls Royce got up to our room...where's my bag?  We weren't heading out for our honeymoon for several more days, so we packed light.  But, I didn't have my overnight bag.  After frantically calling around and 1 1/2 hour later, there is a knock at the door.  It is the doorman with a garbage bag filled full of stuff.  Yes, garbage bag, and no, it's not a prank.  My Aunt and Grandmother had rushed to the local Wal-mart and picked me up some essentials, shampoo & conditioner, toothbrush, etc...  They had dropped the garbage bag off at the front desk.  So we started off in a 1963 Rolls Royce and ended up having a garbage bag delivered to our room.  We laughed so hard!

Fast forward 11 years, and being married is still a blessing.  That girl 11 years ago never dreamed that she would have all that she ever wanted.  Never dreamed that she would have 2 beautiful girls. Never dreamed that she would be able to stay at home with her kiddos.  Never dreamed that she could love a child that she doesn't even know half way around the world.   Never dreamed that her husband would be her best friend.  Never dreamed that her husband and her could still laugh with one another after 11 years. 

We celebrated our anniversary with dinner...Can you believe we have been married for 11 years?  Can you believe we have an almost 7 year old? Can you believe that we are going to Africa to pick up our son next year?  Can you believe how God has blessed us?

 

Christmas Decorating

 

The day after Thanksgiving is reserved for decorating.  We have always tried to squeeze in the decorating the weekend after Thanksgivng, but this year, we put it on the calendar, so we could enjoy the whole day together.  Of course, we needed matching pjs, and we stayed in them ALL day.  It was great!!!  I think we started a tradition!

 

Me and my girls...They were pretty excited that Mom was in on the pjs.  Next year, we'll have to get some for the boys :)

  

While SB and I unloaded the CHRISTmas decorations, the girls spent some quality (haha) time looking over their new animal braclets that Nanny got them for Thanksgiving.  Animal bracelets have taken over in our neck of the woods.  (They're rubberbands shaped like animals, objects, etc. that the kiddos wear as bracelets and they trade them.  For example, AB traded BB a dolphin for a cat.)

   

SB's carrying one of our many boxes down from the attic.  We have so many decorations.  But we really don't put out that much...just our favorites.

 

 

BB is putting together one of our nativity sets.

   

AB is putting together some reindeer decorations.  Friends of the family made these for SB when he was younger...timeless.

 

For lunch, the girls make their favorite...pizza.  Afterall, it is family fun day :)

 

What would CHRISTmas decorating be without having bunches of lights to detangle and fix.  Luckily SB loves the challenge of getting them all working.  It is him vs. the lights!

 

Next comes my favorite part....

 

...getting out and sorting all of our ornaments.  I LOVE THIS!!!  Almost all of our ornaments have a story or are from a loved one.  It is so fun to go through them all and remember who gave it to us or where we got it.  Of course, we go through EACH one and they ALL have particular boxes or are marked in some way.  What is amazing is that the girls love this part too!  They put all the ornaments in piles - AB, Family or BB.  It reminds me of how blessed we are!!

 

After I put on all the fragile sentimental ornaments (up high), AB picks out her Hello Kitty ornament from BB last year to be the first ornament that she puts on the tree.

  

BB picks out her Barbie ornament from AB last year to be her 1st ornament to put on the tree.  They have such a great time doing this and are so excited over every ornament :)

 

Lastly, SB puts on the angel.

 

We hope you all have a blessed day!!!

Next year we'll be celebrating with Little Boy Bonner!!

Pillow Talk

 
Laying with AB in bed after lights out.......

Mom:  You are sooo special.  You are the best 6 year old in the whole world.  I'm soooo glad you are my daughter.

AB:  You have a big head.

Can't you just feel the love?!?

Thanksgiving Program

 

When I started out blogging, I wasn't too sure about it.  Now, I love it!  It is an easy way to scrapbook!

On Friday, BB's preschool had their annual Thanksgiving program.  The kiddos were either pilgrams, turkeys or indians.  They sang songs and did a little dancing.  Who knew that square dancing could be that cute.  That morning she said that she wasn't going to wear the costume, but she turned into an adorable pilgram.

   

   

After the program, we had a Thanksgiving feast.  All of the families bring something to share.

 

BB was very happy that Papa was able to be there.

Waiting

 
Wait - to stay, to serve, or attend to, to patiently anticipate

I will not get caught up in the numbers!  I am just going to enjoy the process!  I'm going to sit back and just enjoy God's plan!  It's all in his perfect timing!

Well, we got our monthly call on Wednesday evening...#15.  What? We only moved up 2 measly spots in 4 weeks.  We had #10 or #11 in our heads, so #15 was unimpressive to say the least.  I mean it could be months before we get a referral.  We'd been told earlier that we could get a referral in possibly 2 months due to our age perimeters.  We were a little disappointed.  And, I found myself letting the devil into this process by worrying...why is it taking longer, why is the new administration needing more time between court and travel, could the process shut down before we get our son...  I mean, I have a child over there.  I am a mom of three. 
 
Now, I've had a few days to gain perspective...#15 is good...very good!  And, I rejoice in #15!  That is 2 spots closer to "The Referral".  I refuse to let the devil into this process by worrying.  I know that everything is in God's perfect timing.  So, I start this week off enjoying God's plan and waiting...
  
waiting - to stay right where I am until God's calls me elsewhere...
waiting - to serve right where I am....
waiting - to attend to my children and my husband that are right here with me right now...
waiting - to patiently anticipate "The Referral"...
  
And, I can joyfully wait, because I know..."that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."  Romans 8:28
 

A Child of God

 

the family

AB, cousin I and BB

 

Today family came over for lunch to help us remember AB's baptism.  Since she was baptized when she was 6 months old, this is a good way to help her remember that day until she accepts Jesus as her Savior.  It also helps us remember our committment to her on her faith journey.  It is her special day, and she LOVES it! We pull out the baptism video, and she watches it, and we talk about it. 

  

If she knows this, doesn't everything else fall into place...

 

 Grandma & Grandpa (aka Gobbie & Papa) got her this to hang in her room. She purchased this from my friend Betsy's booth the other day where the proceeds went toward adoption expenses.  Later, AB told Dad this fact.  She was proud that her gift was helping bring little brother home.  Gobbie also wrote her a song about being a child of God.  AB went over to her house after the party to hear Gobbie play it for her on her harp.  AB was mesmorized.

 

Along with some other gifts, she also got a new big girl Bible.  I spent several hours at the bookstore picking out just the right one for her.  It was worth it.  She was so proud of her very own Bible complete with her name imprinted on it.  After everyone left, I showed her all the features.  She wanted me to tell her a book of the Bible, and then she would guess if it was Old or New Testament.  (We'll have to work on this, but I was just so thrilled that she wanted to know.)  She was also excited about the "Treasures" sprinkled throughout.  They were memorization verses.  She wanted me to pick one, and she was going to try to memorize it.  How cool is that! 

Yes, the Bible even comes in purple.

 

This is how I found her when I went in her room to get one last peek.  Yes, that is her new Bible beside her, and I couldn't resist getting a picture.  I wonder...What plans does God have for your life?

  

Dear God, I pray for AB.  I pray that she always knows that she is a precious child of God, and that you have chosen her and that she has a calling on her life.  I pray that she know and fulfills her calling with passion and has a heart to love you above anything or anyone else.  I pray that her relationship with you grows as she grows.  In your Holy, Precious Name I pray.  Amen!

 

One Blessing After Another

 

From the fullness of his grace, we have all received one blessing after another.........John 1:16

I must say that I feel so blessed and humbled by all the support of our friends!  Today, my daughter's school had a "shopapalooza".  Basically vendors rent a table at our church to sell their products for a day.  The table fee goes straight to my daughter's school, and the vendors get to keep all of their money. 

Well, my great friend, Betsy offered to donate all of her proceeds from her table to charity (some goes to a family shelter in which our Sunday School class is trying to sponsor a family & the other goes towards our adoption.)  This is not her full-time job.  This is something that she did in addition to everything she already has on her plate with 2 kiddos and work.  (She's an ICU nurse.)  I am totally blown away by her support.  I mean, she could have totally used her profits and skipped a nursing shift or paid for Christmas.  She is such a beautiful person outside and inside.  She is such a blessing!

 

I also had many friends who stopped by Betsy's table to purchase something to help us on our journey. It was a wonderful day!

 

Betsy and me

    
I also have to mention my great friend Holly.  Not only has she been so supportive with her words, but she also had a house show last month, in which she asked all of the vendors to donate some of their proceeds to our adoption.  I was totally blown away.  I never asked her to do this...she just did it and handed me a check.  That is soooo the person she is.  She never does anything half way.  She sees a need, and she just goes for it!  Everyone needs a Holly in their life!  I'm so blessed to have her as my friend!!!  (side note: She is also one of the best cooks I know.  I have the joy of carpooling with her, so I often time get to be her test taster!  It's a perk!)
   

Me and Holly

 

The 147 Million Orphans were also at the shopapalooza.  They use their products to raise awareness of the world orphan crisis and to support Amazima Ministries (Uganda orphans & poor).  They are such an inspiration and a blessing!  I love their shirts!  Not only do they send a message and go towards feeding a child, but they also look good. Check out their website at 147millionorphans.com.

Me and Gwen

Gwen is one of the founders.  She is an inspiration to all those around her.  You can't help but to feel empowered when you are around her. 

 

...one blessing after another...

  

Calling All Christians

 
November is Adoption Awareness month and with 148ish million orphans in the world, we need to open our eyes to the needs of the least of these.  There was an interesting statistic on an email I received the other day, it stated:

If only 7% of the 2 billion Christians in the world would show hope to a single orphan, looking after the child in their distress, there would effectively be no more orphans.
 
Only 7%?  Could that be right?  While I don't beleive everyone is called to adopt, I do believe that everyone is called to do something.  What that something is...that is between You and God.  You are the hands and feet of Jesus, not the government, not the person down the street, but You.

Here are a few ways to get started...
 

• prayer - prayer for the children, their situations, birth families, adoptive families
• adoption
• sponsorship
• mission trips (volunteering)
• financial support
• etc.
  

Halloween Weekend

 

Batman showed up Friday morning to play with SuperGirl before school.  At 9:00, they were off to save the school.  They had a great time in their costumes.

  

 

AB doing a great job at a relay race during her class fall party.  AB had a great time, and it was great to see her with all her new friends.  She started the year not really knowing anyone in her class.  You would never know that now.

   

   

After school AB headed to a family friend's birthday party.  The girls got to pick between getting their toenails or their fingernails painted.  AB picked her toenails and had to have a pattern - blue / pink.

  

 

 

BB picked her toenails too.  She had orange toenails with flowers painted on them.  She thought she was hot stuff, because she got to ride from school with the birthday girl, Lilly.  During the pictures, BB just wanted to act silly.  That is soooo her personality.  We like to call her our free-spirit.  I just love this girl!

 

 

 

After going from a donut and Little Red Riding Hood, AB finally decided on Dorothy.  She loves the movie Wizard of Oz, so it was a good choice.  Of course, the extra hair is not hers.  Nanny brought each of the girls some play hair.  They loved it, and AB insisted on having her hair.  We have a saying, "you never know what you're going to get when Nanny comes", but I can assure you that it is always a favorite with the girls.

 

 

After having pizza with our neighbors, it was time to go!!  The weather was a teeny bit chilly, but clear.  It was a perfect trick-or-treating night.  I had to get my picture taken with Dorothy.  AB also trick-or-treated for UNICEF.  She was trying to raise $9 in order to provide 1 child with clean drinking water for 1 year.  Not only is she beautiful on the outside, but she is also beautiful on the inside.  She was a little shy about asking folks and didn't do all the houses, but she and her sister collected $10.  I was so proud!

 

 

Our first stop was at Uncle M and Aunt K's house.  They were all decked out, and they were awesome!!!  Uncle M was (or should I say is) a big Star Wars fan.  He would fit right in with most of the boys in AB's class :)

   

 

We hit the neighborhood and got lots!  Before this picture, BB was all bundled up in the wagon saying that she was too tired.  She perked right up when she dumped out all her candy.  The girls could spend hours organizing their candy.  They sort, match and trade.  It is really cute.

 

 

 

A perfect ending to a perfect weekend!  We had some adopting friends over for dinner tonight. As the adults were visiting, AB came down and said that Benjamin and knocked out her tooth.  He did!  (accident)  She was soooo excited.  Here she is writing a letter to the tooth fairy asking her to please leave her tooth.  She wants to take her tooth to school and be the first one in November to get on the tooth chart.  (This is her 5th tooth that she's lost.)

Pumpkin Carving

 

The girls were soooo excited to finally carve their pumpkins.  They started with some great pumpkins that we scored at BB's fall festival.  (Sometimes it pays to be some of the last people to leave and get all of the goodys left behind.)

 

We couldn't find our pumpkin carving tools from the previous years, so the girls planned out their pumpkins on a piece of paper before drawing on their pumpkin with a sharpie.  They didn't want to mess up their pumpkin.  They oooohheed and uuugghhed the entire time they cleaned out the inside on the pumpkin. Of course, they loved every minute of it.

 

The girls giving Daddy some love for helping them scrap the sides and do all of the cutting.

The pumpkins are proudly displayed on our front porch.  BB wanted to do a cute one.  (All of the black spots are freckles.)  AB wanted to do a scary one with teeth hanging out.  I think they look perfect!  Unfortunately, I couldn't figure out how to get my camera flash to turn off, so I could get a night picture with the light shining.

 

After carving pumpkins, we made some chocolate chip pumpkin muffins for AB's teacher appreciation snacks tomorrow.  The girls love to help out in the kitchen.  Of course, these muffins are some of their favorites!