Christmas 2009---New Year 2010

As we celebrated Christmas and as we begin a new year, we do not forget what we are thankful for.

• For starters we have a wonderful and healthy family-starting with our new addition to the family this year, Emily, who always has a smile-even through her tears. She has a smile and a hello for everyone she meets.


• Hannah has grown in so many ways and is becoming a beautiful lil' lady inside and out. She has discovered the world of Harry Potter and The Wizards of Waverly Place this year and is convinced we are keeping the secret from her that she is a real wizard.


• We have 2 wonderful "travel groups" who we do not see enough, but are greatful for. They are truley our our girls' "China families". Adoption is a stressful and frustrating experience that that brings total fulfillment in your life and it is a true blessing that we were able to share this with so many wonderful families.


• In these difficult times, we are been blessed to still have our work as many in our area have been laid off this holiday season. Kevin has transfered from GM to Nissan , and I continue to help help run the Alzheimer's unit and direct the social work department at St Joseph's.


• Kevin's brother had an emergency by-pass heart surgery November 22. The doctors say they never seen anyone survive following an 8cm aneurism-his was 10!!! Despite these extraordinary odds has returned back to work at the fire station!!!


• We just found out our niece is going to bless the family with a baby around August 19, 2010. The last word on the name is "Molly". (Now watch her have a boy.) Good thing she did not break the news before her dad had the heart surgery, huh?


• Kevin and I have been also been blessed with 3 great nephews on my side of the family this past year--Lucas, Heiden, and Calen. All these boys and all we have are baby girl clothing!!! Good thing most toys are universal.


• And I could not leave out our neighbors, who are the best friends we could have (other than you!!!). From reading the Sunday paper together in the summer to our neighborhood garage sale to Notre Dame garage parties (yeah, for the new coach-sorry Shannon & Eric!!!) to ice cream sundae parties, we could not ask for a better bunch of neighbors who have been a good support for us and the girls. And to think I did not want to live in a sub-division!!!

Life is good and God is gracious. Enjoy some pictures taken since our last post

Emily loves to talk about Santa and even told Santa "I uv ew", but when it came her time to sit on his lap..........NO WAY!!! Maybe next year!!!