Merry Christmas

As I sit here typing, listening to the complete quietness (Joe and Christina are sleeping and the kids are downstairs watching a Christmas movie), I can't help but think about last Christmas. We had a wonderful time and lots of memories but something was missing. When I was at church last year listening to the singing all I could think about was what is Christina and her Foster Family doing right now. We had a picture but not Christina. She wasn't at church for us to hold and she wasn't there to see all the beautiful Christmas decorations and to listen to the angelic singing. She wasn't at Mom and Dad's to open all the Christmas presents that family had given us for her and we had no idea when she would be home. Last night I was sitting in church holding Christina through the whole service. She was oohing and aaahing over the lights, singing and the little baby boy in the pew ahead of us. I remember missing her last year but all the pain I felt then I couldn't remember last night. I just enjoyed the moment and was in ahhh of what God had done the past year. All the ups, downs and not knowing was erased the moment we held Christina for the first time. It's amazing how God gives us a child and that child can heal all the pain and suffering just like Jesus does for us. Born to us as a baby in a manger so many years ago. We no longer need to suffer because he was born and saved us by dying on the cross. Everything is in God's time eventhough it isn't what we would want at the time but he always makes things better if we allow him to. Thank you God for Christina, she is the light of our lives. Thank you for all our children you have given us they ARE OUR LIVES. Thank you everyone for the support the last year and all the prayers. Merry Christmas!!! Here are some pictures of us making lefse for the first time. We had quite the assembly line going:

Christina even had her first taste of Lefse and she loved it!!

Christmas Eve Pictures:

Christina touched her first real Christmas Tree. She is smiling because she is thinking she is getting away with something because there isnt' a gate in front of it.

After Christmas dinner we did dishes since Mom still tires easily after her surgery. Here is Christina and Grandma taking a rest on the couch.

Christina opened her gift and it was a baby doll. She screamed and she would scream if someone else would hold it.

Christina found the step at Mom and Dad's. Every child likes it as a seat.

Maria and Christina opening gifts.

Michael so happy with his fishing equipement.

Anthony only wanted a coverall and he was so happy. See how close in height he is to Joe. They can share clothes.

More pictures of Christmas Day...stay tuned:)