Whew! All the preparing and planning we’ve done for the last few months paid off in spades on Christmas morning. It was so precious watching the kids open their gifts, ripping off the paper and realizing that Santa had come through for them again this year.
We spent Christmas Eve at an evening church service and then came home and played an exciting game of Monopoly (I won!). The kids went to sleep with smiles stuck to their faces knowing that in the morning, the long awaited Christmas day would be here.
In the morning, we got up several times starting at 7:00 to see if the kids were awake yet, but no one started stirring until close to 8:00, thank goodness!
We finally had to wake the girls up at 8:30, I guess they weren’t aware of exactly what the day would hold for them!

Santa had kindly deposited a mini table and chair next to the fireplace. Perched on top was a dollhouse that the girls just couldn’t get enough of. Isabelle had to throw the family members out of the house by their hair, but after that, she was content to play with all the hairless figures.
Dalton’s favorite was a pair of light up Sketchers that Santa brought him, I just love it when the kids ask for practical gifts.
Santa also brought some practical underwear and socks to all the kids… I just love that Santa.
Asher’s favorite was a new pair of Heelys and a Nintendo DS lite.
Zach got a fancy metal detector and some new Heelys.
Santa pulled a fast one on Tori and brought her a flat iron and an XM personal stereo.
(That Santa’s still got some game if he can pull the wool over a 17 year old’s eyes.)
What an awesome day it was, the birthday of our savior, Jesus Christ. And a wonderful day to appreciate all the blessings He’s given us, especially our six amazing children.
SEVEN amazing children, only one is still away from momma & crew. I just know that Jude will love his wonderful family — how could he not???
Sorry I’ve been in hiding — busy and stressed. I’ll email when I get a chance. Kate has been keeping me awfully busy with her high-maintenance self. If I didn’t know better, I would think that she and Isabelle were twins — with Isabelle being the oh-so-easygoing one….
Lots of love from an awful-about-communicating friend,
melissa
What wonderful memories to cherish!
Debbie
Looks like it was a wonderful Christmas! Here is to a great New Year and bringing Jude home, at last!
Kris
I would love to hear more about your adoptions. My husband and I are finishing up our dossier for our adoption from China with CCAI. We have our 171-H now and just need to authenticate our docs. The wait is a little scary. My question for you is about the waiting child program. Were both of your girls waiting children? How did you decide to adopt a waiting child? I am sure you are extremely busy but any advice you and impart would be great! My email is cathyshaw02@yahoo.com