Christmas funny

I asked the children to make a Christmas list, my requirements included - it needed to be written in English, must be legible and not be greedy. Lists included jeans, shoes, video games, MP3, then one stood out! Jacob wants a milk cow! I couldn't believe it. We explained to him that it wasn't just the cost of the cow to think about, it's the feed and the every day, twice a day milking. He understood, he let us know that he took care of the milking at his orphanage and he really liked the milk!!

New family pictures

We had family pictures taken, since we have new family members this year! Take a look if you like: http://vickimadden.zenfolio.com/paytonfamily

We were able to attend a Christmas party with a few of the other Tulsa area families that have adopted from Russia. The kids looked forward to seeing their Russian friends and had a great time visiting!

Merry Christmas!!

Thanksgiving

We have so much to be thankful for!!! Sometimes I think we take the Thanksgiving season for granted or at least don't think about what it truly means to be thankful. Thinking about missing so many of Losha(Jeremiah) and Jacob's first's, saddened me a bit: their first words, their first steps,their first birthday, etc. Then it hit me, I have so much to be thankful for! We've seen so many of their firsts, without even thinking about it! Their speech in the past (almost) 4 months, has grown exponentially! Their interest in learning about Thanksgiving and the first time they've eaten turkey, happened this season! The excitement of Christmas decorations has been exhilarating and brought my heart to such a thankful point.
My Mom has finished chemo, had her petscan and we go Tuesday for the results. I'm thankful we will now just be going for checkups!
A lady backed into me and totaled the mini van a couple of months ago. I'm thankful we have the big van! Although, I did enjoy the gas mileage of the mini van, I'm still thankful!
As of tomorrow, we will safely have been home from Russia, with our boys for four months! That is news to celebrate!