Let it SNOW!

Chris' brother and his family just live one street over in our subdivision so the cousins all get to play together whenever they want. Their kids are the same age as our kids so it really works out well. Yesterday they came up for some sledding and snow fun!

Cousin Lauren and Dylan getting ready for a wild ride...

~ My gorgeous Caleb ~

I got Caleb and Dylan shirts for Christmas that say "Handsome is an understatement" - the boys just rolled their eyes and said "Mom!" but I love the shirts and I'm sure all the girls at school agree with me :-)

Three of them ready to head down the hill...

~ Our beautiful Alyssa ~

~ My gorgeous Dylan ~

**Chris and I went to see the movie, PS. I Love You yesterday and it was fantastic. It was just such a good movie and it really made us thankful for our lives and each other. It's a MUST see!!

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**Happy New Year to everyone...we hope this is a wonderful year for everyone.

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-Let Jesus be more real in our lives every day

-Let us always be thankful for our precious children (and those to come!!)

-Remember to keep perspective on what stresses us out

-Strive to touch another person's life in a positive way

Positive Vibes

Okay...from now on, I am focusing on all the things I have in my life that are positive, wonderful and bring me joy. The last few months have been difficult and I'm tired of having the "poor me" syndrome. And actually, that's not my style at all! I'm usually upbeat and positive so I need to refocus...I was sick over Christmas - very sick - I spent 4 straight days in bed and I think it's exactly what I needed to heal my body, heart and spirit!!!

My parents visited us for a few days and I think they sensed an unhappiness in me. They went out and bought me a Christian book called "Having a Mary heart in a Martha world" which is based on the bible verses about the sisters, Mary & Martha and their visit with Jesus. I am DEFINITELY a "Martha" and pretty much take the weight of the world on my shoulders. I should really be more like a "Mary" and sit back and hear Jesus in my life.
(Thanks Dad & Lynn!)

Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her"
(Luke 10:38-42).

I am so excited about what's in store for our family!!!

Belated Merry Christmas

I've been out of commission for the last 4 days - absolutely sick, sick, sick. I haven't been this sick for more than 9 years! I didn't even get to enjoy the kids opening their gifts yesterday morning as I had to make too many trips to the bathroom hugging the toilet :-(

I'm slowing starting to feel better...I made it out of bed for more than 10 minutes today so that's a good sign.

Our little guy left on Monday - the kids were here with me - it was a really sad day for all of us and I keep finding his things all over the house (sippy cup in the fridge, socks in the laundry, diapers in the drawer)...our prayer is he is safe and completely loved!

More later...I should have some photos to post...if Chris took some...

Loving a child...

We found out our news on Friday and it turns out it is sad news. A little boy (he's 2) who has been living with us for awhile now is leaving. They are taking him on Christmas eve to go back and live with some family members. As a foster parent, it is very difficult not to become attached to the children we care for in our homes. Especially the little ones. We have loved this little boy so much - each day is full of hugs and kisses, singing songs, playing, bath time, nurturing, comforting him at night - all of us, including our children have absolutely adored this little boy. Chances are we will not see this little boy again.

Many of you have met this little boy and have seen how much he is a part of our family. How much he adores Chris and LOVES the kids. Sweet, sweet boy...

My head always tells me these children are not mine to keep but my heart never listens. How can I be the "mommy" to a child and not completely love them? I can't.

So, on Christmas eve he will go. So much for my christmas miracle.

JACKPOT!

Today it shows our file was delivered and signed for! We are 100% officially expecting again!!! I'm going to change the ticker to today as being our first day waiting for referral as this is the first day our file will be reviewed to be matched with our daughter.

Who will she be??

It arrived!

Our file finally arrived in Addis Ababa and right before our agency closed for Christmas! At least it's safe and sound and we've heard the orphanage director will still be reviewing files over Christmas so that's positive news.

Tomorrow is the day we hear the news we are waiting on...I'm 99% sure the news will be not good - very, very sad news actually so I'm not really sure what to say or write. I'll post more tomorrow when we find out for sure.

It's so close!

So our file was supposed to be sent last Friday to Ethiopia so of course, I've been tracking it like crazy only to see NOTHING change for 3 days. We finally found out late Monday afternoon that is hadn't left Charlottetown yet. Do we have the best luck or what???!!! The Province made some phone calls for us and now I'm happy to say our file is well on its way. It left Frankfurt, Germany this morning so hopefully next stop is Addis Ababa??? They told me it should be there today. So, that's great. Now the hard part...I don't have any control over anything anymore...no more paperwork to get ready, no more money to scrounge up, no more tracking the progress of my file...now we wait to hear from our agency or Province about a referral. Kids Link is still saying 2-4 months but I'm really being optimistic for a much shorter time because of the age we are requesting (2-3 years old). It's all in God's hands now!

Tonight is Alyssa's first dance recital - we are so excited. Chris is already worried about how he will make it through without crying - too cute! Alyssa is very pumped!

*

Less than 1 week 'till Christmas! WOW, how did that happen?! We are waiting to hear some very important news on Friday - it could turn out to be fantastic news or very, very sad news. I'll let you know more when we find out.

The girls

The boys

The Impossible...

I've changed my blog header to reflect our feelings on this particular adoption...

When I stop to think that our adoption is really happening, I cannot believe it! If you had asked me (or my husband!) even 8 months ago if we would adopt again I would have sadly said "No" and my husband would have emphatically said "No!". After 3 years of daily "harassing" my husband about adopting again, praying God would change his heart, praying for the impossible to happen, we are actually on the journey to another precious child!

My husband said 4 children was enough (we have 3 but always have a foster child living with us).
He said it was way too much money to adopt
He said we wouldn't have the financial resources to raise another child.
He said he didn't want to be "old" and have a baby. (Umm, he's only just turned 36)
He said that even if he agreed to adopt "just one more time", it wouldn't be enough for me and I would continue on my adoption quest forever. (by the way...he wants me to sign a contract that this will be our last adoption - ha ha ha...not a chance!)
He said we couldn't adopt the world.
He said it was way too much money!!!
He said it was way too much money!!
He said it was way too much money and we're still trying to bounce back from our last adoption.

This is what I heard "blah blah blah". Just kidding...I could not listen to his "reasoning" because no child's life should ever be measured by money. I also knew that Chris is and would be the most amazing father. He adores all his children and he makes each one feel like they are the most special child on earth! He loves them, encourages them, plays with them, talks with them, reads to them, spends time with them, gives them advice...Even the foster children we have had in our home still call and visit because of the love they were shown.

I have had TONS of emails, visits and phone calls from families all over wanting to adopt. The #1 reason I hear for men not wanting to adopt is MONEY. It is so sad that we would stop pursuing a child becasue of money. And let's face it, in America (Canada) we have more than enough, even when we think we don't! Are you really going to starve or lose your house if you set aside money for an adoption? Would it be the end of the world if you added a part time job for 10 months of your life to bring a child to their family? Would it be too much to ask to step out of your comfort zone and hold a fundraiser to bring your child home? What else would you like to spend your money on? What will you buy that will make you happier or give you more joy than the love of a child?

If money is your reason for not adopting, EMAIL ME and I will find a way to fundraise your adoption. I am NOT kidding!!!!

ASK for the impossible, BELIEVE the impossible, SEE the impossible happen.

God loves to do the impossible.

Each child deserves to have the impossible done for them!

Watch this video...this is what impossible looks like!

Alyssa's Gotcha Day - January 24, ,2005

A short video I made...

This is a short video I made for our Dinner and Dance fundraiser held for our adoption. Special thanks to Julie and Lisa who let me use some of their beautiful pictures from their trip to Ethiopia!

Finally...good news...

UPDATE on the Update :-) - It's now 8:43 pm and I just received an email from our adoption office saying our file WAS picked up tonight! I have a tracking # for the package so hopefully I can see with absolute certainty that our file is ON THE MOVE!!!

Trying to stay optimistic I will post something uplifting and positive!

I found a song that I really like and the words are very sweet...for all my children...and for my daughter waiting for me in Ethiopia...

It's only for a moment you are mine to hold
The plans that heaven has for you
Will all too soon unfold
So many different prayers I'll pray
For all that you might do
But most of all I'll want to know
You're walking in the truth
And If I never told you
I want you to know
As I watch you grow...

I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things
I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings

From "Find Your Wings" by Mark Harris

I can't believe this!!

Our file is still not sent to Ethiopia!!!! We talked with Kids Link on MONDAY and had all our money deposited into their account so they could send our file. Well, I find out on Tuesday they didn't send it because they had the wrong street address for PEI's office. So, it arrives in PEI on Wednesday and I call the office to make sure it has arrived and that they will send it ASAP. I get an email from them last night saying the courier DID NOT pick up our file but would definitely pick it up on Thursday (which is TODAY). It is now 4:27 and we have not received word yet that our file is on its way. They were supposed to email us as soon as the file was picked up and give us the tracking #. I've emailed them and called them several times today and no one will answer!!!! I really can't believe this! It should have been sent on Tuesday and it's now Thursday and it's still not gone and probably won't be until tomorrow!!!!!

DELAYS ARE DRIVING ME CRAZY!

UPDATE: It's now 5:40 pm and I heard from our Provincial Adoption Coordinator - our file definitely DID NOT get picked up today by their courier service. I called the courier service myself to find out why it wasn't picked up and found out that the company had a pick up order for YESTERDAY and it's now past closing TODAY and they still didn't do the pick up. The customer service rep insists it will be picked up tomorrow. Well, that's nice but what consolation is that when the courier service (that's supposed to be quick and efficient!!) is 2 days late picking up the file???!!! They are now quoting it will take 3-4 days for our file to get to Ethiopia - well, once they finally get to the place and PICK IT UP!!!!

Can we all go???

Chris and I have talked lots about when it's time to travel to Ethiopia. All along, Chris has said that he is not going to go as he really doesn't want to leave the kids for that long again (like when we went to China). I've been saying for months that I would really like ALL OF US to go - all the kids and both Chris and I. I think it would be an amazing trip for our family - not only because we will be together to meet our new daughter and sister but because we will be able to experience the culture and daily life of these incredible people. From what I've heard, the Ethiopian people are courageous, joyful and full of life even as they face incredible hardships with poverty and sickness. Our family is committed to helping as many children as we can in Ethiopia through Two Homes One Heart and being together in Ethiopia would be a life changing experience for all of us.

So, that's another area we need prayer! If all of us were to go it would cost about $7000 more than what we had planned. If you've been reading my last few posts, you will know how impossible that sounds! :-) Anyway...we have several months to make any decisions so this will be something I will be praying about, for sure!

We are all starting to feel the Christmas spirit now and getting excited about Christmas break! I'm glad there's snow 'cause we can go sledding over the break. Our kids love that!

I also found out that referrals WILL be happening over the Christmas break so maybe.....

Just had to post...

Okay...so everyone is feeling really bad for us because we have completely tapped out all our resources to get our file sent. (If you feel bad enough, see the donate button on the side - ha ha ha!) I just want to say that even though we are completely broke, and it's Christmas, we are so ELATED to finally have our file sent to Ethiopia. I really can't express what a feeling it is to have it on its way. We know we have a long wait ahead of us - probabably around 8 months before we travel (and for all my friends adopting from China I KNOW that is not a long time to you guys - I'm sorry!). But, with our file in Ethiopia, anything can happen now - like getting matched with our precious daughter!!! We could see her face within weeks! I really can't stop smiling! We've had some really amazing friends and family rally around us this weekend and help us with resources and support! Amazing!

So, remember my post a few days ago about Christmas miracles...we have our children safe and healthy here with us and now we are anticipating the arrival of another! How much better can it get?!

Oh, the blessings...

Since we heard the news yesterday about our file being ready to go to Ethiopia, my heart has not stopped pounding! (or my head - ha ha!) We have had to make some very difficult decisions about money and our file. As a mother, there is NO WAY I can let my file sit in PEI when my daughter is waiting for her family in Ethiopia. We know she is waiting, we have asked for 2-3 year old child. She is alive and breathing and needing us right now! We have completely tapped out every single resource we have but we can finally have our money ready on Monday!!!

I talked with the kids again today about Christmas.

This is what Alyssa said "All I want for Christmas is 100 million dollars and then I'll give it to my sister"

This is what Caleb said "Mom, only get me one gift. I am trying to be reasonable" (those were his exact words - hee hee!)

Dylan isn't home from school yet but yesterday he told me he would be happy if all he got was his iPod shuffle.

We found out someone will be giving us money to help with the 2 foster children we have now and over Christmas.

I also found out today that a $200 fee I was supposed to pay is being covered by someone else. They just called me to let me know I didn't have to worry about it, they would cover it.

A friend called me today and has a $200 monetary gift for us!

So, last night we stepped out on faith and maxed every last cent and already today I feel God easing our burdens.

Most importantly, mommy and daddy are going to come to you soon, sweet daughter!!!!

Our own Christmas Miracle

Sigh...this is a hard post to write...

I have been praying, begging, pleading, wishing for a Christmas miracle! My sights have only been focused on our adoption and how quickly it could happen. The money is simply not there for us to send our file to Ethiopia. Perhaps only those who are adopting will truly understand the desperation we feel in wanting to get our file to Ethiopia. Without our file being in Ethiopia there is NO CHANCE to be matched with our daugther. So, to put it mildly, I was completely distraught yesterday - I just couldn't understand why this was happening to us. Why wouldn't God have provided my Christmas miracle???? Chris and I had a long talk last night (and I talked with a few of my friends as well :-)) and we decided all we could do was pray for peace about our file and our daughter. Everything else is out of our control. We need to focus on what IS in our control - well, I started thinking about the miracles I DO HAVE this Christmas.
**
We have our own 3 children who we absolutely adore but God has also given us 2 more children to spend our Christmas with. We have a 2 year old foster son now and we are also having our 18 year old "son" stay with us for Christmas. (our 18 year old "son" lived with us for 6 years and is now living on his own). These 2 children have been brought to us because they need a safe, loving family and home. How incredible is it that we will now be able to share our love and happiness with 2 extra children this Christmas!!! They will be part of a family that loves them, smiles with them and makes them feel they are wanted! They will be able to take part in our family traditions, our Christmas Eve fun, the excitement of Christmas morning, the security and comfort of being together in a real family.
**
So, even though my agency emailed me today saying our file will be ready to send to Ethiopia any day (possibly even today!!), we cannot send it as we don't have the rest of our financing ready. But, I look around at the beautiful, precious children in my home today and realize,
perhaps God did give me my very own Christmas miracle!

Update: Our agency called and our file is officially ready to go to Ethiopia...yet we can't send it off till we have all our money.

Feeling pretty bummed...

Last night was a pretty tough night for me...I am trying so hard to stay upbeat and optimistic! And, in reality, I have so much to be thankful for. It is so hard to wait for our child when everything is completely out of our control. We are completely dependent on others to finally be united with our daughter. I keep trying to remember we have 4 beautiful children in our home right now to care for (3 of ours and one foster) and to love and to hug and kiss. I know there are many families waiting and longing for their very first child(ren) and that must be unbearable.

Our agency is closing down over Christmas and there is already a backlog of files waiting to be issued court dates, medicals, visas, etc...So, even if we do get a quick referral we will still have a LONG time to wait before we travel to Ethiopia. There is another family who has been waiting 8 months since her referral.

It's so easy to say "It's all God's timing" and I probably do believe this :-) but right now, my heart is sick! I just can't believe it's going to be so long....

Maybe tomorrow will bring better news...

Will we hear??

I'm waiting to hear back from our agency about our file. I am really praying she tells us our file is back from Ottawa and ready to be sent to Ethiopia. Wishful thinking??? I hope not. It's been 4 weeks! If it does come back today or tomorrow, it will still be another week or more before it gets to Ethiopia. Then, I'm sure things will slow down or shut down over Christmas so it's looking like we won't see our daughter's face until after the New Year.

Check out my cutie elves!!!

Click the link and see them perform - Caleb, Dylan and Alyssa! Just a little fun to get in the Christmas Spirit!

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1147565400

Is this the week???

This week will mark 4 weeks that our file has been in Ottawa getting translated. It usually takes 2-3 weeks and it's even been as quick as 1 week! So, there are several other families who are waiting for their files as well...we've contacted each other and all our files were sent the same day. We are all really hoping to hear GOOD NEWS this week! Every week that goes by there is LESS chance we will see our daughter's face before Christmas. I am trying hard to believe and trust in the timing of this adoption - the right little girl for us will arrive at the Transition Home at the time our family's file arrives to be matched! I believe this, I just want to see her! :-)

Please let this be THE week!!!

Amazing Encouragement!

The verses listed below were talked about the other night at our Ladies' Bible Study and they have truly encouraged me!!! When we adopt orphans and see the state of so many children around the world, it breaks my heart...it sometimes leaves me feeling hopeless and useless. When I think about these children, their pain and suffering, their lonliness...I am overcome with such sadness! These verses truly spoke to my heart that NO MATTER WHAT our earthly life is like, God is our HOPE, our JOY, our PEACE. He loves us (and all the children of the world) WAY more than I could ever love them. I love that overwhelming victory is ours, overwhelming victory for each and every child (or adult) who suffers, is afraid, who is alone...how awesome is God's love!!! Amazing!
~
Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loves us.
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

~
Romans 8:35-39

**Please continue checking my post (below this post) on buying items from families who are trying to raise money for their adoptions. I keep adding more links and these families have some incredible products for you, your family and your friends. Help us spread the word!!!

Scroll down...more families...more terrific items!

PLEASE SEE LINKS BELOW TO HELP BRING CHILDREN HOME!

Christmas is just around the corner...we will all spend money this Christmas, buying gifts for our family, children and friends. I want to encourage everyone to consider buying their Christmas gifts from the following families. All the families below are in the process of adopting children and are needing to raise money to help bring their children home. They have fabulous items that can be shipped quickly and inexpensively. Please browse the following links for those special people on your Christmas list! Not only will you be giving a great gift at Christmas - you will be truly helping children and families be united!

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LOCAL FAMILY HERE IN PEI - MITCHELL FAMILY - adopting from Ukraine. Come to the Eliot River Craft Fair THIS Saturday (that's tomorrow!) and browse this family's booth. They have made beautiful wooden decorations for Christmas and for children's rooms. Some of them say things like "Sweet Dreams", "I Will Always Love You", "Always Kiss Me Goodnight"...They are sweet and can be made in any color to match your house or child's room. They also have shelves and furniture and lots of lovely items. The craft fair is from 9:00-3:00 on Dec 1st at Eliot River School, Cornwall PEI. See you there! Below are some pictures of her "signs". The pictures DO NOT do them justice...these are antiqued and look so charming!

DALE & CASSANDRA'S FAMILY - adopting from China. Items for sale: soaps, Mary Kay products, and other fundraisers. Go to this link to read more about their fundraising products! http://toyfamilystory.blogspot.com/2007/10/while-we-wait.html

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SHAW FAMILY - adopting from China. Items for sale: Swarovski Crystal jewelry, cookbooks, entertainment books and lots of other neat things!!! Check out their blog at http://www.jodiandtomshaw.com/ and see the list of links on the left hand side!!

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BRANDT FAMILY - adopting from Russia - Items for sale: Arbonne skincare, bath products, lotions, makeup, lead free gifts for kids, Usborne books, kid kits, and puzzles. You will find all the products on the right hand side of their blog at http://www.russianblessings.wordpress.com/

Christine is helping 6 families to fund their adoptions! She is selling beautiful Chinese ornaments with 100% of the proceeds going to these families. You can find links to these families' blogs on her site at http://www.holidayadoptionfundraiser.blogspot.com/

MACINTYRE FAMILY - adopting a special needs child from South Korea. Please click on the links on the left hand side of their blog for items. Items for sale: Avon products, Usborne Books, Magazine subscriptions (everyone loves these - a gift for all year around!) Visit http://intladopt.blogspot.com/
This family needs the rest of their adoption money by Christmas!!

HUGHES FAMILY - adopting from China. Items for Sale: Adoption, Family & China themed bracelets, tupperware and magazine subscriptions. The bracelets are all complete and can be in the mail ASAP and under your tree by Christmas!! Go to the link on the left hand side of their blog at http://www.hugheschinaadoption.blogspot.com/

MONIQUE'S FAMILY - adopting from China (with the same agency as we used for Alyssa's adoption - Family Outreach International!!) Items for sale: Name meaning prints, hand made cards and items on e-bay. You can find her items and information at this link bringmaylinhome.blogspot.com. See the right hand side.

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BARKLEY FAMILY - adopting 2 children from Ukraine. Items for sale: sweet teddy bears and beautiful handmade stockings...click on the photos - they are so sweet! http://www.walkinginfaithforadoption.com/index.html

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SHRIVER FAMILY - adopting domestically in the US. Items for sale: scarves, crocheted baby blankets, no-sew fleece blankets, handmade purses, and name signs. Many of the items can be customed made to fit your style/colors. See the top of their blog for the many product links at http://www.freewebs.com/richelle78/.

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SOTO FAMILY - adopting domestically from U.S. Items for sale: home decorating items, kitchen accessories, christmas items...Click on the link for Dec. specials as there are some really great deals!!!

https://www.southernlivingathome.com/wbslah/skins/s01/index.aspx?repid=907915 (link takes a few seconds to load)

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RICH & SIG FAMILY - adopting a 10 year old from Azerbaijan. They have already adopted from Guatemala and have 6 bio children!! Items for sale: beautiful bracelets (sterling silver, swarovski crystals, freshwater earls & real jade). You can find these bracelets at http://www.familygems123.blogspot.com/. You can also visit their family blog at http://www.wayhomeforana.blogspot.com/.

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MELISSA'S FAMILY - Items for sale: Gourment Cupboard products...These are the dry ingredients for recipe mixes that you just add a couple of wet ingredients to and they are delicious! All are handmade mixes. Check out the mixes for hot chocolate, sweet and savory dips, soups, meals, cookies, pies, even palydough for kids! Also, dog bones for your furry family members. Great ideas for teachers, bus drivers, coaches, etc... Visit Melissa's site at

.http://www.gourmetmixes.net/. Email her at mhameline@netscape.com to find out cost of shipping, etc...

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VALERIE'S FAMILY - adopting from China - Items for sale: custom tutus for little girls, size newborn to about size 6, bigger sizes are a little more. Tutus for dogs and cats, too! Businesses, she will sell these items wholesale as well! NOTE: Anyone buying for Alyssa - she would love one of these tutus for her dance classes (size 4) :-) http://www.princesskreations.com/

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SARAH'S FAMILY - adopting from Tawain - Items for sale: soaps of many different varieties. Check out her blog/store at http://alwaysnaturallyyours.blogspot.com/. Scroll all the way down to see soaps, etc... She will be doing up a new blog that will be easier to find items and she will also have many more items such as wedding shower and baby/adoption shower baskets and jewelry. All these items are created and made by Sarah!

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JENNY & RON'S FAMILY - adopting from Russia. They are raffling off many great prizes...keep checking their blog to see what they are selling tickets on!! Right now, they are raffling off 4 Flyers Tickets! Check it out at http://ouradoptionjourney-jennyandron.blogspot.com/

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DEBBIE & JEFF'S FAMILY - adopting from Poland. Items for sale: an awesome cookbook with recipes compiled from many different countries, animal gifts and items for families adopting from Poland (coffee mugs, T-shirts, etc...). Go to their adoption blog and look for all the links!! Scroll down through the posts and see the links for the cookbook, animal gifts and other items.

http://www.adoptingfrompoland.blogspot.com/

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SHELLY'S FAMILY - adopting from China - Items for sale: beautiful photo banners to be used for wedding, birthdays and "welcome home". They also do woven photo blankets, purses and wall hangings. These are really nice and would make fantastic gifts for grandparents, etc..!! Check it out at http://www.gotchaback.net/

Happy shopping everyone!
Tammy

This and that...

I couldn't download all the pictures from our Dinner & Concert so I'll post them tomorrow...

We were able to raise $1770 at the Dinner so that is great! It was a really fun night and the food and music was fantastic. We had so much food and everyone raved about how good it was! People from different countries (Korea, China, Iran, Belize, Kenya, Jamaica, Canada, Thailand....) offered their time and made delicioius "ethnic" dishes from their homelands. The musicians were great and they at least were able to get the kids up dancing! I think the adults had bellies that were too full :-(

A very special thanks to the MANY amazing people who helped with our event by cooking, the musicians (Scott Parsons and the Walter Young Trio, Joey Kitson and Ninth Hour) and to Victoria, Lucas, Kate, Peggy and all the guys who helped with set up and tear down and helping look after our children! Thanks to Dianne and Lynn for your help, too.

So, christmas is right around the corner...I haven't been feeling the Christmas spirit for some reason! I guess I can't actually believe it's only 4 weeks away! We decided this year that all our christmas gifts would be bought from families who are trying to raise money for their own adoptions. It's easier spending the money this way as we know we are directly helping bring other children to their forever families. Our friends are adopting from Ukraine and they are making some really awesome things for children's bedrooms. I'm going to get something for all my neices and nephews! I found another great website that is selling beautiful chinese ornaments and they will make special gifts, too! All procceds will go to 6 different families who are adopting. As for our own kids...Chris and I talked with the kids and explained we were trying to save money for their little sister's adoption and we asked them to try and think of gifts they would like that might cost around $20. This way, we could get them a few gifts rather than one expensive gift. They weren't sure how they felt about that. They want to help as much as they can but they are also thinking "But it's Christmas!!" My 9 year old gave me his wish list yesterday and his top 5 items were: i-Pod shuffle, PS2, Gameboy Advance, Nintendo Wii and a MP3 Player. Hmmmm, I don't think he got the concept!

More later....

Updating soon...

What a crazy weekend it's been!!! I will be updating soon with pictures and all the "exciting" things happening soon...just didn't want to leave you all hanging.... :-)

Hopefully tomorrow I can post and add some photos of our Dinner & Concert night and our Christmas Craft Night. I am really PRAYING I can post good news this week about our file being sent to Ethiopia. (Even though we are $2500 short to send it - I'm trusting God...)

Tammy

What's Up?

Well, I emailed Kids Link and our file is still in Ottawa. Let's pray it gets back THIS week so we can send it off to Ethiopia before the end of the month!!!

Other news....

--I'm hosting a Christmas Craft Party tomorrow night (Friday) and I still have a few tickets left. We will be making 12 homemade christmas cards and an awesome whimisical wooden christmas tree (about 2 feet tall). We will have munchies as well! Cost is $40 and ALL proceeds will towards our donation to the orphanages in Ethiopia! If you want to come, just email me.

--Saturday Night at 7:00 pm at East Wiltshire school
Our big Buffet Dinner and Concert Event!
This is going to be so fun - we have Scott Parsons, Joey Kitson and Ninth Hour performing and they are so good!!! I hear the lead singer of Ninth Hour is really hot so I can't wait to see him perform!! (FYI - it's my husband! I'm not lusting after another man - ha ha!)
Tickets are only $15 for the dinner and concert! Email me if you would like to come or feel free to show up at the door on Saturday night!

CBC Radio is interviewing me tomorrow (Friday) about the event and our upcoming adoption so I'll post the link when I know it's going to be on.

Keeping our fingers crossed for our file to be back THIS WEEK!!! :-)

PS....skip over to our family's charity blog as we've had another orphanage in China contact us for help! I can't wait to gather the money to send to this orphanage and give the children new snowsuits and baby formula! www.twohomesoneheart.blogspot.com

Today is National Children's Day!

Visiting the children in Dominican Republic
Our own crew (Caleb, Nathan, Dylan & Alyssa)

FYI: Nathan is our oldest "son" who lived with us for 6 years. He is now "grown-up" and living on his own! He still comes back to visit and the kids adore him!

Precious children - they need us
Smiles of children - priceless!

Our little Alyssa when she was known as "Duan Li" - here she is in the orphanage!

Let's celebrate children today!!! What an amazing gift we are given when we experience the love and uniqueness of each and every child.

Each child deserves to be loved, cherished, adored and cared for!!

Not much to report...

I talked with Kids Link this week and our file has not come back from Ottawa yet. It will hopefully be back this week and sent to PEI. PEI requires our file to be sent here first and then they will mail it directly to Ethiopia themselves. Getting very anxious...still hoping we might see our daughter's face before Christmas!!!

We still need $3500 to send with our file when it goes to Ethiopia. This is for the country donation and the money helps other orphans (and our daughter!) with needs such as medicine, food, education, nannies, housing... We have $3000 saved and we still need another $3500. So, if you are able to come to our Ethnic Dinner and Dance on Saturday, November 24th, please join us! We are hoping to raise the remaining $3500 that night! There will be a buffet dinner and live music for only $15/ticket. Email me if you would like to join us at the Dinner or if you would like to help by donating to this part of our adoption expenses. Although this money is hard to find right now we are really happy it will be used for such a great cause - children in Ethiopia!!!

Email me: tammymackinnon@pei.sympatico.ca THANKS!

I would gather children...

I would gather children...

Some would gather money
Along the path of life,
Some would gather roses,
And rest from worldly strife.

But I would gather children
From among the thorns of sin,
I would seek a golden curl,
And a freckled, toothless grin.

For money cannot enter
In that land of endless day,
And roses that are gathered
Soon will wilt along the way.

But oh, the laughing children,
As I cross the sunset sea,
And the gates swing wide to heaven
I can take them in with me!


Thank you to the many friends and fellow bloggers who have emailed me, called me and prayed for our family. I truly believe God has chosen this time for us to adopt and no matter what happens with our own personal adoption, I choose to trust him and his timing. I'm certain he has a great plan for our family and we will go day by day as he reveals it to us.

We are still in the midst of a great battle and we feel a very real fear as our adoption proceeds so please continue to pray for our strength and for the many, many children who need to find their way home.

Broken...

Just when something positive happens, we are blindsided by events that break our hearts. There are some things going on right now that I'm not able to share on this blog but I would sincerely ask for your prayers. I feel like we are under attack - well, I'm under attack but it affects the whole family. Most of this is coming from my role as spokesperson for the PEI Adoption Coalition. I can't say too much, I just want to ask for your prayers. Please, please please pray this does not affect our current adoption.

Fun Day with the Ladies!

We had our Ladies Spa Day yesterday and it was so fun!! There were about 12 ladies who came for an afternoon of pampering. Everyone was there in support of helping bring our daughter home and that was so special for me! THANK YOU EVERYONE!!!
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Congratulations to Ashley on winning our gift basket!
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Here are few pics of the day - manicures, pedicures and facials! A special thank you to Nancy for catering the delicious meal, thank you to Peggy for hosting the Spa Day at her house, thank you to Michelle from Cocoon for a fabulous job on the pedicures, thank you to Debra from Abracadebra for her amazing manicures, thank you to Sara from Mary Kay for sharing her products with us and helping with the facials, thank you to Kate who came and pulled the whole afternoon together helping with everything and anything that needed to be done! And of course, to all the beautiful ladies who came and shared their afternoon with us!!!

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Our next fun event is the Christmas Craft Night! Scheduled for Friday, November 23rd - email me to reserve tickets!

Our file is being translated RIGHT NOW!

Kids Link emailed me to let me know our file was sent to Ottawa 2 days ago to be translated, legalized and authenticated! We are so thrilled!!! Let's pray for a very quick turn around in Ottawa and then it can finally head to Ethiopia!!!

Waiting very anxiously for our sweet girl!

Also, please head over to our charity blog at www.twohomesoneheart.blogspot.com to read about our upcoming "Sharing Our Love" Christmas Gala event!!!!

Pick up your tickets!

Tickets for the Dinner & Dance Event can be picked up at

85 Belvedere Avenue, Charlottetown (across from the big Superstore)

Only $15/each - buffet dinner and live entertainment!

Adoption News:

We heard from our agency, Kids Link, this week and there were a couple of our documents that were not notarized properly so we had to redo those and send them back! Frustrating! We lost another week. They now have all our documents and hopefully it will be sent tomorrow to Ottawa to be translated. They are saying it could take 2-3 weeks for this but one family got there's back last week and it only took 1 week. Let's pray ours moves quickly as well!!!

Another family using Kids Link requested a child up to age 3 (same as us) and they just received their referral and it only took 2 weeks. How exciting for them! I'm praying our referral will be here before Christmas - I can't wait to see my daughter's sweet face!!!

Plan to come!

I know it seems I've been "harrassing" my readers with fundraising events but this is a great one and we would love to have people come!!!

Chris' mom and aunt decided to organize a Dinner and Dance event to help raise some of the funds for our $6500 donation to the Ethiopian orphanages. I've been helping them with the event and it sounds awesome!

Enjoy food from all around the world...we will be having a buffet dinner with main course dishes, biscuits, desserts and drinks (non-alcoholic)

Get a taste of Asian, African, Thai, Canadian, Belizean and a few other ethnic foods!!!!

Besides all that, you can dance or simply enjoy live music by Scott Parsons, Joey Kitson and Ninth Hour! It doesn't get more exciting that that! (By the way, my husband, Chris, is the lead singer for Ninth Hour)

Date: Sat. November 24

Time: 7:00 pm

Place: East Wiltshire Jr. High School, Cornwall

Cost: ONLY $15 per person - includes your dinner and the live music!!! No better deal anywhere!

Please email me to reserve your tickets. And, please pass this on to all your family, friends and co-workers!!!! Can't wait to see you there! tammymackinnon@pei.sympatico.ca

NINTH HOUR (Chris is the cutie in the middle)

Scott Parsons

Joey Kitson

By the way...the size of the pictures has nothing to do with the best band or who's the most popular - it's honestly the way they saved on my computer. All three of these bands/singers are amazing and will be awesome entertainment!

Posting Comments

OOPS! I had set my "comments" section to only registered users could comment. I had a few people tell me they were trying to leave comments and couldn't so I've changed it so that anyone can leave a comment. And please leave comments! We all love to read them and it will be a nice keepsake for our little one.

Tammy

Getting butterflies already!

I remember when we were going through our first adoption I would always get butterflies in my stomach thinking about how close we were to finding out who are daughter would be. Well, our file is not even in Ethiopia yet and I'm already getting a daily dose of butterflies. I just can't believe we are actually adopting again and it's moving along so quickly this time. Last time, it took 12 months for our file to finally arrive in China (from the beginning of our homestudy until our log-in date). This time it has only taken 2 months so that's a huge difference for us. Usually referrals come very quickly for toddler age children so we are hoping to see our new daughter's face in the next month or so. (this may be a bit optimistic but I'm holding on to it for now!)

So, knowing our daughter is in Ethiopia somewhere right now and we are so close to knowing who she is gives me major butterflies. So far, I'm still sleeping very well at night but I know from our last experience there will be weeks of such excitement and emotion that I won't sleep at all. It's so exciting....

Our file has left the building!!!

Yes, you heard right...our dossier has finally left PEI and is with Kids Link, our agency!!! Only 2 more weeks and it should be heading to Ethiopia. Can you say EXCITED! Wow....

Tammy

Adoption Update

I talked with the Province again today (Tuesday) as our file is still NOT sent to our agency! This is 3 weeks now that we have thought everything was fine with our dossier only to get another call to say there are items missing. Anyway...the items missing are things Chris and I have already sent to Kids Link so the Province told me they would send the dossier TODAY! I'll call them later this afternoon to make sure it's on its way - finally! It should take about 2 weeks to get translated and authenticated and then next stop if Ethiopia! YAY!

We are having 3 fundraisers in the next month and we hope lots of you can join us!! We are getting down to the crunch as we have to send off the majority of our money in the next 2 weeks. We have paid our agency fees, our homestudy fees and now we are trying to get together the $6500 US that goes to Ethiopia and helps the children living in the orphanges. If any of our fundraisers interest you, email me and I'll set you up with tickets!!!! Spread the word if you can!!! Thanks!

LADIES SPA DAY
Sunday, Nov 11
2:30-5:30
Facials, mud masks, make-up consultations, a delicious supper,
and a choice of a professional manicure or pedicure
Cost: $55

CHRISTMAS CRAFT NIGHT
Friday, Nov 23
6:30-9:00
Make 12 beautiful, handmade, christmas cards and an amazing
wooden christmas tree with lights while you enjoy a Christmas
atmosphere and delicious appetizers!
Cost: $40 (includes all supplies)

ETHNIC DINNER & DANCE
Saturday, Nov 24
East Wiltshire School
7:00 pm
Enjoy a buffet dinner featuring authentic dishes from Asia, Belize, Thailand, Canada and Africa!!
Dance the night away with our live bands, Ninth Hour and Scott Parsons (more to be announced)
Cost: $15
We will be playing "Pullin for Love" a game where you can win $500 cash.

Email me at tammymackinnon@pei.sympatico.ca if you would like more info on any of these fun events or if you would like to purchase tickets!!!

Thank you!
The MacKinnon

Happy 4th Birthday Alyssa!

This post is dedicated to our sweetness, Alyssa!

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Alyssa had her 4th birthday this week - her birthday is the day after Dylan's.

We adopted Alyssa when she was 15 months old from Hunan, China. Her adoption journey was one of the most emotional and joyful experiences of our lives. She was adopted weighing a whopping 18 pounds and had a head full of black hair!

Alyssa has been with us for almost 3 years now and she has blossomed into a sweet, happy little girl. She loves to play pretend and plays "house" with her barbies and dolls all day. She talks non stop to them (and non stop to us, too!). She loves puzzles, playing games and watching Dora videos. She is a comedian (takes after her oldest brother!!) and loves to be silly and to laugh.

Although Alyssa can be a bit bossy (okay, a LOT bossy) she is still great at sharing and will often save "treats" all day in her pockets to give to her brothers when they come home fromschool. She enjoys chasing and being chased by her brothers and being in tickle fights with them.

We are so thankful for Alyssa and having such a sweet little girl in our home. She is cherished by all of us and we are so blessed!

Happy Birthday Alyssa!

Happy 9th Birthday DYLAN!

I thought it would be fun to spend the next few posts talking about the people in my family. Since it was Dylan's birthday yesterday, I thought I'd start with him!
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Our sweet Dylan turned 9 years old yesterday! It is truly amazing how quickly the time goes.

This post is dedicated to our sweetness, Dylan!

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Dylan was born weighing a whopping 10 lbs, 5 oz and he had a head full of black hair. We were thrilled to have a brother for Caleb, who was then 21 months old.

Dylan has always been a child who loves to be silly, have fun and play, play, play! He loves to hang out with his friends and would rather be outside playing (with lots of friends) than be inside watching TV or "boring" things like that. Unless he's gotten a new gamecube game to beat - then he wants all his friends to play the game with him.

Dylan is also a very friendly boy and his heart is full of love and compassion for others. His teachers have always told us he is the first one to help others at school and will take time to work with students who need help with their work. His teachers have also told us that he always remembers his classmates' birthdays and makes sure the teacher remembers as well :-)

Dylan loves hockey and this year will be his 4th year playing. Because I'm his mother, I can brag a little - he scored 68 goals last year for his hockey team!!! He loves the game and is really good and our whole family enjoys watching his games!

We are so thankful for Dylan - what a precious boy he is and we are so thrilled he is our son. You are amazing, Dylan!!

Words of Encouragement

A friend of mine sent me an encouraging email yesterday after reading my blog post. It was a devotion she had read and she felt it really applied to how I was feeling (and how many of us feel!!). Thank you JJ for sharing this with me - it truly did encourage me and has renewed my strength in our awesome God! Here is an excerpt from the devotion she sent in her email...

... Have we ever had the shadow of a reason to doubt our Father’s goodness? Have not his loving kindnesses been marvellous? Has he once failed to justify our trust? Ah, no! our God has not left us at any time. We have had dark nights, but the star of love has shone forth amid the blackness; we have been in stern conflicts, but over our head he has held aloft the shield of our defence. We have gone through many trials, but never to our detriment, always to our advantage; and the conclusion from our past experience is, that he who has been with us in six troubles, will not forsake us in the seventh. What we have known of our faithful God, proves that he will keep us to the end. Let us not, then, reason contrary to evidence. How can we ever be so ungenerous as to doubt our God? Lord, throw down the Jezebel of our unbelief, and let the dogs devour it...

Psalm 66:20
Praise be to God,
who has not rejected my prayer
or withheld his love from me!

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On the adoption front...our file is being sent to Kids Link this week! We are so excited...it should be sent to Ethiopia in about 3 weeks. WooHoo!!!

We (PEI Adoption Coalition) have another meeting with the Province today - we have several things on the agenda to discuss including the Waiting Child program, acceptance (or non acceptance) of adoption programs in Ethiopia and Ukraine, amendments to homestudies to address the issue of age of child so that families in PEI will not have their child proposals sent back, and several other items. I'll update after the meeting...

Tammy

Finding Strength

I have been feeling discouraged lately because things are so unclear right now. We still do not have confirmation that PEI is accepting the Ethiopian program. I feel like I'm living in denial because we are proceeding as if everything is a go yet deep inside I'm waiting for the terrible news that we will not be allowed to proceed. I went ahead and finished the bedroom for the girls - Alyssa and her new sister will be sharing a room. We are smiling and laughing and talking about our new baby sister and we are making plans and talking like she's a part of our family yet there are still doubts in my heart about how this process will end.

I honestly can't imagine God has brought us to this place to shut the door on our daughter coming home. For those of you who know our family, you would know how long I've been praying for God to open my husband's heart and mind to adopting again. I have been praying for 3 years and it has been a MAJOR struggle for me to put aside my own timelines and agendas and remember that God is in control. It's so weird that at the very time we feel God telling us to adopt that we have so many roadblocks in our way. Is it a sign to stop (NO WAY!) or is it God telling us to completely depend on Him and have faith that He will carry us through?

We are in the midst of this challenge with the Province and trying to get PEI updated and educated on the international adoption process - we are really struggling with financing this adoption, and we cannot even be sure our adoption will be allowed by our Province. Yet, I truly believe God has placed adoption on our hearts again and we are doing it at the right time. I don't mind putting up a fight - especially for our child - but I would like to have some peace of mind through this process and feel joy knowing our daughter will be with us soon. I have been encouraged by people, songs and different stories this week to ALWAYS allow God to work and not depend on my own abilities. My minister said today "When God hears the word impossible, that's when He starts to work". Well, I have been feeling this whole process is becoming impossible so I am going to read His word and pray that I can fully trust Him as He is in control. Most of all, He loves our daughter even more than we do!

I need to have complete faith that God will open the hearts and minds of those in charge in PEI who make the decisions regarding international adoption. I need to have complete faith that God will provide the money to bring our daughter home. I need to have complete faith that NO MATTER what happens and what the timeline is, God is right beside us and our daughter every step of the way.

God will make a way
Where there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see
He will make a way for me
He will be my guide
Hold me closely to His side
With love and strength for each new day
He will make a way

Tammy

Family Fun!

Just some silly & fun shots of our family....

We had a candlelight Thanksgiving dinner a couple of weekends ago and it was really nice to spend the night with just the 5 of us. It's been pretty crazy around our house with all the meetings, planning sessions and writing I've been involved in with the PEI Adoption Coalition. The kids are into all their activities now so our home is very busy. It was a great chance for us to relax and enjoy the night together.

Enjoying some bubbly and our candlelit dinner! CHEERS!

We had a "thanksgiving" poster that we did - each person had to write why they were thankful for all the other people in the family. We all enjoyed hearing the nice things written about us! :-)

Silly kids!!

Little Miss Alyssa

Dad and the boys - I'm hoping Dylan's finger isn't really all the way up his nose!

Meeting news & Fun events!

Well, we had our meeting on Friday morning and I have to say it went very well. The Director of Child Welfare met with Chris and I and Richey (Provincial Adoption Coordinator) and we talked about the Ethiopian program and the "risks" that are involved with us adopting from there. They mentioned the fact that our new daughter will be offically ours - offically adopted - before we even meet her. In the China program, you go to China and meet your child (Gotcha Day) and then the next day is Adoption Day. They mentioned a few other things like that but Chris and I already knew them and we are more than happy to proceed :-)

We should have our Provincial Approval letter next week and then we can finally send everything to Kids Link! YAY!!!

I have a couple of fun fundraisers coming up if anyone is interested...these are done to help raise some of the funds for our adoption but I've planned them with YOUR ENJOYMENT in mind!! Hee Hee!

Take a peek and see if you would like to come and enjoy some fun...

Ladies Spa Day

Sunday, November 11th
2:00-5:00 (ish)
29 Woodlands Blvd (Eliot Park)

Relax with a facial and mud mask, make-up consultation and then enjoy a delicious meal! You can have all this PLUS choose between a professional manicure or pedicure
for only $55

(Services provided by Deb Gallant from "Abraca Debra" and Dawna MacDougall from "Cocoon")
There will be some other fun as well
and a chance to win a gift basket.

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CHRISTMAS CRAFT NIGHT

Friday, November 23rd from 6:30-9:00 (ish)

17 Allison Avenue (my house)

Enjoy a festive night of christmas music, amazing appetizers and plenty of time to get "crafty". You will have the opportunity to make 12 homemade cards (all materials supplied) and a wooden christmas tree - a perfect addition to your holiday decorations (material provided).

Card making will be led by Elizabeth Gallant and our wood craft will be led by Kim MacLean.

Enjoy this amazing craft party for only $40 (food, fun and all supplies included!!)

Hope to have you join us!

Provincial Approval Meeting

Chris and I have our Provincial Approval meeting THIS Friday. We are so excited. It only took 7 business days to get the meeting and that's quick for PEI. Unfortunately, we still haven't had absolute confirmation that PEI is accepting the Ethiopian program but I am still optimistic and will hire a lawyer if it comes to that! Our agency, Kids Link, is sending a full package to our Provincial Adoption Coordinator and the Director of Child Welfare so they can see what legal documents and paperwork is provided. Hopefully this will assure PEI that Ethiopia is following all the guidelines of the Hague Convention and there won't be any problems with us pursuing our adoption! We just want our baby girl to come home!

I think we are changing our age request to 18 months - 3 years at time of referral. We originally had between 2 1/2 - 3 1/2 but we would really like her to be closer to 3 when we go to Ethiopia to pick her up, rather than her being closer to 4 years old. But, I know most times you are referred a child at the older part of your age request so she will still probably be between 3 and 3 1/2 years old. Which is great! A great age for a sister for Alyssa, too!

Chris is going to Halifax on Friday to get his passport - finally! It's the last piece of paperwork we need to send our file to Ethiopia.

It's all coming together.......

Tammy

Pumpkins and Thanksgiving

Our family went pumpking picking this weekend -great fun and the pictures turned out sweet! We also had a great candlelight thanksgiving dinner together as a family (just the 5 of us). Tomorrow we will get together with Chris' brother and his family and Chris' mom to have a big turkey dinner.

The three cuties - I love my kids! They are so awesome.Truth be told - the boys enjoyed the cows more than the pumpkins :-(

Little Miss Alyssa

All of us!