Fog

We often awake to see fog on the river and this morning was no exception.  However, this morning the fog was especially heavy and the view was incredible.  This was the view from my bedroom balcony.  It is at times like this that I am reminded how amazing our God is!  I like to think he placed the fog on the river just so that I could enjoy it.  I am that special to Him!!

 As the fog lifted from the river it moved onto land.  This picture does not do justice to what we actually saw, but normally we would see the neighboring farm.  The blue is a heavy fog.

I love the song by Guy Penrod entitled Breathe Deep and it came to mind again today.   I've been trying to post the song on my blogs for several weeks, but for some reason it isn't working.  If you have a chance check out the song and "breathe deep"...life is in the little things!

Amy and Curt's Shower

On Tuesday I hosted a wedding shower for my niece Amy and her fiance Curt.  My sister Eve helped plan the shower.  I thought we were having a Jack and Jill shower, meaning any of Amy's male cousins/uncles were welcome to come.  As it turned out almost my entire family showed up...even those not interested in participating in the shower.   Eve understood all the guys could come hang out at our house.  Needless to say I was not prepared and did not have enough seating for everyone.  Just a "little" misunderstanding.

However, the shower turned out well and we all had a good time.  My nephew Scott was brave enough to join in, and of coarse Curt was there as well.  For some reason all the pictures I have are of Shaelyn, the maid of honor, sitting between Curt and Amy...perhaps they had a fight? ;) lol  Seriously though, Amy and Curt are both confident individuals who would not think twice about having a good friend sit between them.

 My family...sisters, sister-in-laws, and nieces.  My house was full!

Toothless Wonder

I have never seen a child loose teeth in the way Morgun has.  He is in grade 3 and is finally losing the teeth most kids loose in grade 1 or 2.  He recently lost another tooth and now calls himself the "toothless wonder!"

Travel Date

We finally have our travel date!  Originally we were suppose to leave on the 11th of December and return on the 23rd (24th in Canada).  I begged Yulin to please let us travel on our own a week earlier.  As a result FOI has changed their travel plans...  we couldn't be happier!



Broad Itinerary:
Dec.
04 Sat Last day to depart Toronto for Beijing
05 Sun Last day to arrive in Beijing
06 Mon Fly to provincial capital city
Receive child
07 Tue Formal adoption proceedings
10 Fri Return to Beijing
11-12 Excursions
13 Mon Submit paperwork to Canadian embassy
13-15 Excursions
16 Thu Receive child's documents from embassy
Depart for Toronto or Vancouver
16 Thu Arrive Toronto or Vancouver

54 days until we travel...so much to do... so excited!!

Thanksgiving

We celebrated Thanksgiving at our house last night . We put all the kids' toys into the storage rooms and managed to find room for all 46 of us.  I wish the other 14 people could have come as well and I think we would have managed to find more seating.  My brother Joe and his wife Ruth helped us plan the event and between the two of us we prepared the main course.  Ruth prepared the potatoes, ham and punch, while I cooked 2 turkeys, carrots, stuffing, and gravy.  The other families brought either a salad or pie for dessert.  Although this is the normal amount we cook, there were hardly any leftovers. :(  I guess it's time to cook 3 turkeys and add an extra salad!

A few of my nieces an nephew. . . I have a total of 30 and a few are bringing their fiancees or boyfriends. 

 I know Lisa and Eve will LOVE this photo...NOT!  But it's the only one I managed to take before I was noticed, and usually someone will try to hide...

I am thankful for my family.  We may not be close to all of them, but it warms my heart to know that everyone still makes the effort to get together even though Mom and Dad are no longer with us.  It says a lot about each one's character and determination.  Gotta love that!