Cozy, comfy snuggies

We got a surprise in the mail yesterday from our sweet sister and brother-in-law. The boys wanted to model them for you! Can you tell we are getting a little crazy waiting to travel??

Counting down

Eight more days til travel time . . .

Philip is wearing his new shirt given to him by a dear friend.







Eli's says "Little Brother"







How sweet!

Counting Down to China

Ten days and counting down . . .




Two suitcases already packed . . .




Two more to go . . .





How are we going to transport all that luggage and two little boys too!??

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