More Christmas Pictures

After viewing a friend's blog I realized how fun it was to look at all her family's Christmas pictures. I thought I would include a few more on our blog. Hope you enjoy! (Thanks to all the family that sent packages... they had lots to open and had a great day)

Miriam's Love Gift: About one month ago Miriam mentioned that she wanted a new back pack for Christmas. I said great... lets see what type they have. Well, almost instantly Miriam had her heart set on a Winne the Pooh back pack. I was not pleased. I'm not opposed to Winnie the Pooh... but one of him on a motor cycle with dark glasses was a bit much for me. I tried my hardest to convince her that maybe a Disney Princess back pack would be more useful (more girly in my book), more beautiful, perhaps easier to carry (ok... I didn't say that but I was tempted). Or, maybe a back pack with flowers or other girly objects. Well, she had her heart set and never wavered. I also had my heart set... I was absolutely not going to buy that book bag. I was hopeful that after a few weeks she would forget the dreaded back pack and I could get her a different one. NOPE! She didn't forget. Christmas Eve I trudged over to the book store that was selling the back pack. Chris was so proud of me :) Miriam loved it. She exclaimed, "Just what I always wanted." Chris looked at me and smiled & said, "You're such a good mom". I can't agree with that statement. In my heart I was still wishing that she loved the same back packs that I did... but I have to say my heart softened a little bit throughout the day as I watched her sport her new Winnie the Pooh on a Hog back pack & repeatedly say, "Thanks Mom, this is just what I wanted."

Big Girl Bed for Eliza!

Since we have been back in China Eliza has been sleeping in a pack-n-play. Recently we noticed that when Eliza is stretched out and sleeping her head and toes touch both ends of the pack-n-play. We knew it was time to move her to a 'big girl' bed. Since I'm finished my semester of school, holidays are over, I have a little more time on my hands we decided it was time to make the transition.

Miriam had previously tried sleeping on the top bunk of their bunk bed but was a bit frightened of the height. So, we gave Miriam the option: do you want Eliza to share the bottom bunk with you or do you want to move to the top bunk and have your own space? Without hesitation she said, "I want to sleep with Eliza". The girls are best of pals and love to do almost everything together. Miriam loves to mother Eliza and Eliza loves to be mothered by Miriam. With such a combination the transition was a welcomed change for both girls. The first night there were a few comments about the sharing of covers... but there were more comments like: "Eliza, you can hold my hand if you get frightened." or "Eliza, if you need anything just let me know- I'll help you." "I love you sister".

Over the last few nights I have loved to go in their room and see where they are sleeping. Most often Eliza has used Miriam as her pillow. In the morning when I inquire about their sleep Eliza giggles and says, "I sleep on Mirsy" and Miriam says, "That's O.K., she keeps me warm."

So cute!



(sorry this is not rotated to the right position... I tried numerous times and the computer would automatically rotate to this position each time.)

Christmas 2009

We had a Great Christmas. The kids loved wearing new PJ's (compliments of their grandparents), eating way to many cookies, decorating a Birthday cake for Jesus, opening presents and having a few days off of school.

Big gifts:
CJ- mountain bike
Miriam- chalk board
Eliza- Princess castle (tent)

Favorite Christmas lyrics I've heard this Christmas:

"God made the snowman, is a happy jolly soul..." better known as Frosty the Snowman.

"He rules the world with Ruth and Grace..." also known as "He rules the world with Truth and Grace"

"Let every hard impare him rude..." - better known as - "Let every heart prepare him room..."