Advent Day 3

Open a New Ornament 

Today the kiddos opened their ornament for the year. This activity is so fun and the kids loved them all so much.

• Elyse: Hamilton with logo and all songs
• Caleb: Mandalorian 
• Kallen: Lego Master Builder
• Ian: BB8
• Madeline: Adoption Forever Family Day

Advent Day 2

 Eat a Candy Cane

Advent Day 1

Christmas Activity Book

December has arrived which means our Advent calendar and activities started. Something the kids look forward to every time we put up our Christmas decorations. 

Today kicked off day one which involved each child receiving their own Christmas Bible activity book. 

Happy Thanksgiving

Right now admist the Coronavirus many people find it hard to be thankful.  In fact, thanks to restrictions many Thanksgivings aren't even with families or traditions that can't take place.  Even though it is easy to complain and be full of anger, we need to remember to always chose joy.  Always praise God with thanks and be grateful for the many blessings we have.  This year on Thanksgiving, our family really is focusing on our blessings, being a family of seven, extended family, friends, Legacy, health, home, food, laughter, and the love of Jesus Christ!  

This year, we did not see extended family, but family members of Christ.  We joined our good friends, the Chaneys at their house for the traditional Thanksgiving meal and a day of laughter.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Celebrating Adoption Day

Unfortunately due to the Coronavirus restrictions taking place right now, Madeline's adoption party could not take place, but her day still did not disappoint!  We were surprised by many friends who gave us lots of yummy treats, the church who gave her a crown and princess Bible, family who gave her an adoption keepsake book, and lots of cards.  However, Madeline's favorite and most memorable moment besides the adoption itself was getting her ears pierced.  She asked to get it done when she was here at four years old.  We told her maybe someday if you ever get adopted we could get it done.  She's been asking since the verdict and yesterday we surprised her and she was a champ.  She picked out her favorite color, pink studs, and spent her entire day with a smile.  Love her and loved celebrating her yesterday.

 

Adoption of Madeline Hope

Today we officially added Madeline Hope to our family and we couldn't be more excited! After coming into our home on June 27, 2019, through the foster care system, beginning the termination trial in August of 2019, the verdict in our favor coming out last November, and going through two more appeal court hearings, today finally put an end to it all.  We were the last in-person adoption in Anoka County thanks to Covid-19. We are so grateful for everything.

Madeline is "Student of the Month"

 In the last chapel of each month the teachers pick a child in their class that represented the "Student of Great Character" for that month.  This month's word was, "GRATITUDE" and Madeline was chosen for her class.  Her teacher spoke about how she is thankful to be in school and learns with joy.  We were so proud of her!