Santa - I know HIM!

Faith is really enjoying the Christmas season this year.  She was so excited to see Santa and tell him what she wanted.  She wants a pink sparkly teddy bear.  After she sat on his lap and told him, she had this terribly sad face while walking away with just a candy cane.  She thought she was going to get her present right then :(  Ahh those innocent moments.  She is just so excited about everything.  She picked out our tree this year, put the star on top of the tree, and has gone around our home hugging every decoration that is big enough to hug.  She had an entire conversation with a Santa I have in our kitchen telling him how much she loves him. 

Meet Kitchen Santa, Faith's new best friend :)

Adoption...I wish more people got it :)

The other day I was at the mall shopping with my older daughter Kylee. We ran into a Chinese business owner who was an artist. I want a painting of our family and began a conversation with him. Our adoption came up, and he was immediately judgemental. Words like " You white people think you can just save the world." He even asked my daughter, " You really treat her like she is your sister?" Kylee was shocked by his agressive and nasty behavior. This was the first negative encounter I have had with someone from China. Usually we strike up a conversation and talk about the country, the history, etc. He was so angry. He also said, " Maybe I will just adopt a white baby." I couldn't believe his anger. He just doesn't get it. So for the stranger at the mall, I hope someone emails you this link, maybe your heart will soften, and you will understand the joy. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

So grateful almost 3 years ago I followed God's prompting for our family!  She has been such a Joy in our lives!  Happy Thanksgiving!

Play date with Li Ling

Lauris and I met in China, almost two years ago.  Lauris's little girl Li Ling was from inner Mongolia, and I thought Lauris was so brave to come alone.  Her husband couldn't get off enough time.  Her daughter is blind and she has already had 4 surgeries to help her see.  She is so darling!  It was great to catch up and let the girls play. 

1st school picture...where did my baby go?

Here is Faith's official school picture.  I am so proud of her.  A few days before them she practiced smiling in the mirror.  She likes to do silly faces and usually closes her eyes when she smiles.  I just love this picture!  She also gave herself a haircut 3 days before the pictures, so she now has bangs like mom and big sister.  She actually did a pretty good job.  Dallin found lots of hair hidden behind one of the chairs in our family room.  One thing about Faith is she never lies.  She will come right out and tell you what she did, when she did it, and why.  So she showed  us where she found the scissors, and where she "hid" her hair.  She looks older to me with bangs.  I am just loving this stage with her.  She is doing so well in school and is a pure joy in our home.