Friday, December 25, 2009

Merry Christmas

Lilly and some of Oscar.... checking out the gift stash


Michael and his new guitar


Logan and Mia opening a secret santa gift from the Strand family



Pa, Mia and Livy


Logan and Michael



Logan and Mia at his class party


Our kiddos, can't wait for next year...Sophia will fit great in that space



Logan, Mia, A and J, Isaiah, Kaleb and Josiah



Logan




Wishing everyone a wonderful Christmas, and a happy and healthy New Year.
Amazing how fast the holiday season sneaks up on me every year. It isn't like the dates change,or I don't get plenty of heads up with the Christmas decor out around town.

But, every year Thanksgiving and Christmas seem to be here before I know it. Maybe it is because we really never have a fall, much less winter down here. I grew up in the north, so swimming in October is still surreal to me. So no change of seasons, or big dip in temps to clue me in.

Or, it could just be that I am loosing my edge as I get older.

But, with God's grace..everything was done, wrapped and ready to go on time.

I know that this holiday is not truely about the gifts, the decorations, parties or getting the perfect photo for your card. It is a time of celebrating the birth of our Lord, Jesus.
But every year I find myself struggling to not be a Martha and striving to be a Mary. To not get caught up in the world's expectations of how to celebrate, but always working on the ability to put that aside, sit at the feet of Jesus and soak Him in.

I am a work in progress, and so thankfull that He loves us regardless of our short commings
Hope that this New Year is one filled with peace, love and joy.


Love,
Claire


















































Friday, December 18, 2009

Merry Christmas!


DTC!!! DTC!!!

God granted my Christmas wish...our dossier was mailed to China this morning!

That is a huge step forward in bringing our Sophia home. Now our papers will be logged in and reviewed by the CCAA, China's Center for Adoption Affairs.

If everything is in order, we will receive our letter of acceptance and await travel news. Our time frame to travel is around 4 to 6 months. So, now we wait....again.

But, there is a lot going on to distract me. The kids just started their Christmas break, and we are all looking forward to staying home, relaxing and maybe knocking out some projects.

I also have some shopping left to do. And am looking forward to just being home. Time is going by so fast, I just want to soak things in.

Hope this is a great holiday season for everyone. Take care and don't stress. Jesus isn't asking for us to live up to the world's standards of what the holidays should be. But to love your neighbor as yourself and take care of those who can not take care of themselves.

Love,
Claire