Taking it easy and hanging out with Owl

Philip gets to have his friend Owl for the weekend from preschool. Each child takes Owl home sometime during the year and journals their adventures!




While Owl was visiting us, he played blocks and took a nap with Philip! Too cute.

Sunday Afternoon Football

(Look like a familiar sight to anyone who has traveled to China recently?)

We have been getting ready and gathering and packing things for our China trip since we found out about our Travel Approval last Monday! I think we may have almost everything ready (but not packed)! Yippee!




I do have to pick up some hair color at the store soon and color my "gray highlights" - ha, ha! I don't want to appear too old for Eli! He will know soon enough that I have almost totally gray hair underneath my light brown mane!




Why is it that Kevin looks oh so distinguished and handsome with gray hair, but I look dumpy and washed out with it? Not fair!!




On another note, Philip and Kevin really enjoy Sunday afternoon football games - so much so that they recreate the plays in the living room!














Too funny - Philip loves to wear his football helmet (Thomas the Train bike helmet), football cleats (Elmo slippers), and his football gloves. He even has a "mean" football face for the game!

We are going to China!

Just got word today that






we will be going to China on






January 27th!!






Whoo-hoo






Can hardly wait!!

Philip's ponderings about Jesus and Heaven

Tonight during our nightly prayer time, Philip got a little bit rowdy, bumping into my face and almost knocking off my glasses while I was praying. That prompted a talk to Philip about being respectful to God during our prayer time.



That, in turn, prompted Philip to ponder several things about God.



His first question was: "Is Jesus in my China?"

Me: Yes, Jesus is everywhere. He is always in our hearts.

Philip: Is he in my tummy?

Me: No, his spirit is in our hearts.

Philip: What's a spirit?

Me: You know, it's like the part of Grandpa that went to Heaven when his body stopped working.

Philip: (after looking up to the ceiling and pointing) How did Grandpa get up there?

Me: Jesus came and took him back with him.

Philip: On an airplane?

Me: No. It's like when Jesus rose after death and could pop in and out of locked rooms.

Philip: Wait, I know. I tell you. Jesus come down on a cloud and taked Grandpa back up on a cloud!

Me: Yes, I am sure it was something like that.

Philip: (still pondering things) But how many clothes did Grandpa take with Jesus?

Me: Grandpa's body and clothes stayed here on earth. His spirit went with Jesus who gave Grandpa everything he needed.



With that, Philip seemed satisfied. Then he went to sleep, dreaming heavenly dreams.


Oh through the eyes of a child! No wonder Jesus said we need to come to him as a child. Sweet!

Sound asleep after a time of many questions

Eli's New Website is up and running

Happy New Year to everyone!



May God bless you all in the coming year.



We have Eli's website up and running. . .


The address is



http://myadoptionwebsite.com/journeytoeli/

A BLESSING

Here's to the beautiful family we love so much. Missing our Dads and Grandpas. And longing for our Eli to come home.

Having a place to go is home;



Having someone to love is family;


Having both is a blessing.


- Donna Hodges

MERRY CHRISTMAS

May your Christmas be filled with the joy of the Christ Child this year.

Merry Christmas from our home to yours . . .

Grandma and Philip decorating the Gingerbread House

Ready to celebrate!

Look at all of those stocking! Two dogs, a mommy and a papa,
and three children's stockings!

(Sorry Ted, you are still our little boy even though you are full grown! Hee, hee!)

A Christmas puppet show!

What a cutie!

Luke 2:10 - 11

But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord."