Christmas 2010 & Happy 2011!

This, of course, was an extra special Christmas for our family.  After waiting through four years of Christmases and wondering when Eva would be home, what an amazing gift it was to all be together Christmas morning!  As well as Eva has appeared to adjust and how she just seems to go with the flow, you can't help but wonder what really goes through her mind with all of the new events she shares with us.  She did seem to really enjoy all the Christmas festivities...the lights and music (favorite being "Jingle Bells").  Just this morning as I got her out of her crib and we walked towards the living room she asked "presents?".  She has also now begun calling some of the babies that she sees "Baby Jesus"! 

We created so many wonderful memories that I couldn't possibly list them all, so I did a countdown of some of our favorites:

10.  Pretty Hairbows collected from online Friends through Bow Exchanges over the Years



9.   Sweet Smocking



8.   Eva's answer to ANY question about Santa..."HoHo, I cried!" 

7.   Decorating Christmas Cookies with Friends and Family



Thanks "Lech's" for having us over!

6.   Spreading a little Christmas cheer to children at Eva's orphanage.  We are so blessed to have Eva with us and can't help but think about the children still at the orphanage waiting for their forever families.  Noah & Nicholas collected books from family & friends that we shipped to China.



5.   Christmas Programs at Church

Children's Choir Christmas Program (Noah's in purple as one of the Wise Men)

Christmas Eve Service - PJ's with the Pastor

4.  A kitchen to cook & eat all she wants and other new toys that make us smile!



3.  Matching Mother/Daughter Bracelets..Extra Special since Daddy made them!



2.   Big Brothers to help show you how it's done; and

#1.  Spending our First Christmas as a Family of Five!!

Our family has truly been blessed this 2010!!  There may have been some tears and frustrations but more than anything we have overflowed with happiness.  We have been blessed by family and friends who have prayed for us and a God who has abundantly answered those petitions. 



Although we know there may be challenges ahead, especially considering Eva's possible eye surgeries; it is with great anticipation that we look forward to what God has planned for us in the year ahead! 



We wish all of you a very Happy New Year and a Blessed 2011!



"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11