Madison sang in the "Mystery of the Manger"

Madison joined choir this year. She reluctantly joined because she had NO choice! She found she actually enjoyed learning the songs and motions for the musical. My shy girl is branching out and perhaps next year she will even try out for a solo?!

First Snow Ever!

Alex got to experience his first snow ever...at least to my knowledge. The night before he watched out the window with glee. He happily shoveled the driveway until Madison and Nathan called him over to learn snow angels. He seems to be adjusting to the colder weather. There was no complaining until I called them all inside.

Merry Christmas to All!

Our Fun Trip to the Dentist

Alex had 3 teeth extracted this week. This was very traumatic! He cried for 15 minutes which should really be classified as heavy sobbing. He has always fought tears so I know this was very upsetting. Even Madison cried because she felt bad for him. How is that for compassion?

Unfortunately, this is not the end of his dental troubles. He's having caps put on his teeth Dec. 17. The pediatric dentist said to expect another 3 or 4 visits the next few months to get everything done. Please keep him in your prayers!

Welcome to America Party

Our church Sunday School class gave our family a "shower" to welcome Alex to our home, church, and country. He received many cool gifts with Spiderman or Thomas the Tank Engine. He loved the gifts but was a bit shy at all the attention. There were games for the kids including a pinata. He loved swinging the bat but was confused by the mad grab for candy. It must look strange to someone unfamiliar with the process.

We are very thankful for all the people who lifted up the adoption process in prayer. Alex is a wonderful boy and we are so happy to have him join our family.

AWANA Grand Prix

Pumpkin Carving

The kids took a more active role in the pumpkin carving activities. I got a break from scooping out the goo...at least most of it. Madison chose a howling wolf, Nathan drew his own design, and Alex picked a face pattern. Chris had to carve Alex' pumpkin with a drill because the regular tools were too wimpy to get through the hard shell. I took the helm at pumpkin seed sorting. Since I'm the only one who eats the seeds I guess that is fair. If only they knew what they were missing!