Thanksgiving Recap

I am having a hard time coming up with a way to express how our Thanksgiving was. Keith's mom and sister came up from Oregon to join my Mom and sister. My dad stopped by briefly. Keith made the turkey and gravy, and I did the stuffing and roles. Koen kept us pretty entertained, but he knew he was the center of attention.

All in all, it felt a little empty. My Grammi is too old and difficult to take out of her nursing home, so she was not present for the first time in my memory. And, Liv was noticeably missing as well. We have all had a rough year, and although I am thankful for many blessings even during the recent trials, we didn't discuss what we were thankful for, which is usually our tradition. I guess we just weren't in the mood.

The weekend was full of family activities. Enjoy the pictures.

It's become tradition to head to a local nursery in search of the perfect family photo for our Christmas card. These weren't the selected photo, but it will be unveiled later this month.

Koen and his Grandmas

Thankful

I am so thankful the Lord has been with us through every step of these last few difficult months.
I am thankful that my sister is out of the hospital and can join us today.
I am thankful that my mom is 10% of the way through her radiation.
I am thankful that I know the ultimate Healer.
I am thankful for the Body of Christ who has been praying and encouraging us.
I am thankful for the Lord's provision.
I am thankful for my healthy, happy, smart little boy. The Lord brings us so much joy through him.
I am thankful for my Keith - so supportive and patient, when I am not.
I am thankful for the Word of God that has given me hope and security.
I am thankful for our neighbors who kept us up late last night playing games.
I am thankful for our faithful ministry supporters.
I am thankful for my future children- right now a dream, prayerfully, soon a reality.
I am thankful for the adoption world and the support I find on many blogs.
I am thankful for our family who is always there for us.

Koen's Thankful Turkey - Koen said he was thankful for (in this order): Colors, Oranges, Crafts, Grammi, Isaac, Laurie and lots of other friends and family, Mama and Papa (way down on the list, and forced out of him), Monkey, Choo choo toys, Turkey and olives

Gobble, Gobble

We had a nice Thanksgiving. Keith’s mom came up for several days, and for the first time in too many years to count, my sister was here for the holiday. My 91 year old Grammi also joined us, but was having a little bit of an “off” day. My mom did a great job hosting. We also made a little visit to my Dad’s side of the family at my Grandma’s house (who passed away this summer. It was nice to see that side of the family, as I rarely do.

Koen especially enjoyed olives, a new discovery, and “helping” with the puzzle. He also learned to sign to a song for the first time, and could flap his wings like a turkey to “Gobble, Gobble, Gobble….”

Things are back to normal this week, until Monday when Keith leaves for Asia. He will be 16 hours ahead of our time, and closer to our daughter! That’s kind of a fun way of looking at it!

Tomorrow (Wednesday) is the day of the summit meeting between Vietnamese Adoption officials, and the US. Please pray that all goes smoothly, and it will improve the state of adoption in the country. Pray for protection over our relationship with Vietnam. Thank you. I’ll let you know when I hear how it went.


Koen "gobble, gobbling"

Helping Mama with the puzzle (note the missing border pieces by his hand - we never found them)

Loving Olives!
Lovin Olives!