We have had a great weekend.   Yonas and Yosef went into their classes at church by themselves this week.  They had a really good time.  It was so nice to see them smiling and sitting with all the other kids.  I thought it would be harder on them than it was.  They hugged us and said bye-bye...When we picked them up, Yosef colored a paper and made a craft.  He was so proud of them.  They were all smiles.  Such a blessing.

Friday night we were invited to our friend's home, Greg and Linda Heitzman.  We decorated gingerbread houses and had dinner.  The kids loved every minute of it.  They finished up the night cuddling up on the couch watching a movie.  I am so thankful to have friends that have embraced our new family size.  It was nice to be able to get out with them, and it gave us a chance to teach them a little bit more about their boundaries.  I think that for the most part, they did pretty good.  Here are some pictures from our night.

Getting ready to begin

The finished product

Gracie's favorite part of the night

More pictures

I had to post this picture of the kids watching a workout video.  They were all working hard!

Their first doctor's appointment.  They loved getting a chance to use the stethoscope.

5 MORE DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!  Are you ready? 

Kelli



Home at Last

We have been home for 2 weeks, and the days are flying by!  I have enjoyed taking a break from most of the busyness that comes during the Christmas season to just love on family.  It has been so much fun to see Yonas and Yosef mold into our family.  They are adjusting well.  Each day they seem to relax a little more and are becoming acquainted with our routine.

It is hard to believe that it was a year ago when Vince and I made the decision to finally pursue adoption.  I couldn't have possibly imagined all that God had in store for us when we began this journey.  Our faith has been strengthened.  God has brought people into our lives that have been there for us, not only financially but emotionally as well.  God has provided the way.  I firmly believe that his mighty hand was all over this adoption.  Every last detail.  I am forever grateful to those of you who have stood by us, cheered us on, and provided the help that we needed to finish this journey. 

We now enter a whole new season in our home.  It is such an exciting time.  Having boys in the house has been very different for us.  Abby and Gracie are realizing just how different boys and girls are.  They get up in the morning ready to go.  They rarely stop and take a break throughout the day.   I am impressed with how patient and caring Abby and Gracie are with them.  This hasn't been as "easy" as they thought it would be, but they are the best big sisters.  They have taught them so much and help them daily with their English.  I enjoy watching them play together. 

As I sit here writing, I have to take a moment to realize that this is my life.  Yes, God has given me 4 beautiful children to train up in the way of the Lord.  I don't take that responsibility lightly, and I know that Vince and I will live our life in service for the One who gave his life for us.  We look forward to the next path He chooses for us.

I will someday get around to writing about our second trip to Ethiopia.  I tried to write about it with this post, but I guess my emotions are too raw.  I just couldn't seem to get words down without bawling.  I have to say it was an amazing week, and I already miss so many things about Ethiopia.  Vince and I look forward to the day we can return. 

I'll leave you with some pictures from the past week

Play dough is a big hit

Decorating for Christmas

Yosef found a new use for our stockings...Ha!

  

My beautiful girls

Relaxing

Bananas are a necessity in our home

Movie time

Arts and crafts

They love kissing baby Jesus

Look at those beautiful smiles

Merry Christmas from the Monks Family!

Love,

Kelli