Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Christmas '09 - Our Last without Sophie

Our Christmas celebration came in 4 parts this year! It began at Tim and Michele's on Monday, where they hosted me, Bo, Michael, Jessica, and Merrill for dinner. We had a delicious dinner and enjoyed opening gifts with the kids and grandkids. Nicholas, Anna Kay, and Merrill had a great time, as did we watching them.

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On Christmas Eve, we celebrated Christmas with my Dad's side of the family. We had a late lunch of soups, sandwiches, and baked potatoes along with a smorgasboard of desserts. After eating and visiting for a while, we all went to church for the candlelight Christmas Eve service. This is always such a special service and having the opportunity to take part in the Lord's Supper on the night before Jesus's birthday makes it even more special.

On Christmas Day, we began with Christmas with my parents, sisters, brother-in-law and nieces. We opened our gifts, had breakfast, and had a leisurely morning. We then went to my grandmother's house and had lunch and spent time with my Mother's side of the family. We all ate lunch and just enjoyed being together. That evening we went back to my parents' house for dinner and watched my nieces open their gifts.

 
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On Sunday after Christmas, we travelled to Lee and Regina's to have Christmas with the two of them, Tyler, Brianne, Wyatt, and Bailey. We all (minus the twins) went out to lunch together and then went back to their house to open presents. On our way back home, we had to make a stop to see Wyatt and Bailey, who are back together in one place, thank the Lord! We were able to spend some time with both of them. They are both growing so much and have changed dramatically since the first time we saw them. They are truly miracles!

 
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As I said in the title of this post, this is the last Christmas we will celebrate without Sophie. It's been a long journey through this adoption process, but we knew God had His hand in it. It was difficult at times, and still is, but we know we will have Sophie in our arms very soon. It will all be worth it in the end.

We hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and wish you a Happy New Year!!

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Sophie's First Baby Shower



On Sunday, December 20, 2009, a very good friend of mine, Johnnye Peacock, hosted a baby shower for Sophie. Johnnye is one of the most talented and creative people I know, and she really outdid herself for the shower. Johnnye's home was beautifully decorated for Christmas, with her collection of Christmas villages displayed throughout her home and three beautifully decorated Christmas trees in various rooms of her home. The invitations were just precious, and the food was delicious. Johnnye had beautiful poinsettia cupcakes in a cupcake tree, the cutest Sophie cookies I have ever laid eyes on, fruit and cake with chocolate fondue, spinach dip, nuts, apple cider, coffee, and water. We had a great crowd to attend the shower, and it was fun visiting with everyone and opening up all of the great gifts! Thanks, Johnnye, for all you have done for us and for being such a great friend!

Enjoy the slide show below!