Merry CHRISTmas 2009!!

We spent Christmas in the Oklahoma panhandle with Brycie's dad and step-mother. We headed out on Tuesday (instead of the orginally planned Wednesday) because we thought a snow storm was headed for Guymon. We got NO snow in Guymon because the storm took a different path and dumped 14.1 inches of snow in Oklahoma City! We had a great time in Guymon - going to Mass, eating, playing cards, and eating some more. We hope you had a wonderful Christmas Day as well. Remember: Jesus is the Reason for the Season!!

Back l to r: Marina, Sean, Drew, Drake

Middle l to r: Jim, Brycie, Audra, Terrie, Keith, Joan

Front l to r: Mia, Morgen, Clare

Mother & Daughter

Everybody loves a Delta Gamma girl!!

Drake

Drew

Sisters: Clare & Marina

Sweet Clare

Uncle Gene & cousin Graeson

Grandma Joan

A great picture of Sean & Audra

Niece Mia

Jim is proud of his WSU shirt from Marina!

Sisters = Love

Marina, Morgen & Drew

Drake & Marina

Drew

Mia - so photogenic!!

Morgen - won't smile for the camera!! : )

Villa Teresa Christmas Program

The wonderful sisters and teachers at Clare's school created a fantastic Christmas program, and the kids did a great job!! Clare really enjoyed herself and can't wait to do it again next year!!

And yes, it is called a "Christmas" program, and yes, it is about the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. We are SO blessed to be able to provide Clare the opportunity for a Catholic education! Thank you, Jesus!!

"Gotcha Day" 2009

Today was "GOTCHA DAY" 2009. One year ago we were in Guangzhou, China, where we were united with our Clare. We let Clare pick where she wanted to eat this evening. She chose Buffalo Wild Wings. That girl knows how to clean a chicken wing!!!! Actually, she knows how to clean six chicken wings and about a dozen sticks of celery. She had sticky napkins all over the table. Here are some "before" and "after" photos -- Gotcha Day 2008 and Gotcha Day 2009. Just notice the incredible difference. Thank you, Jesus, for blessing us with a wonderful year and a fabulous daughter.

2009

2009

2009

2009

2008

2008

November 10, 2009

November 10, 2009

November 10, 2009

A Big Day For Clare - Re-Adoption Day

Today we took Clare to the Oklahoma County Courthouse for her re-adoption. We won't explain all the reasons why it is important, but it is.

Clare got her picture taken with the Honorable Bill Graves, the judge who signed the Decree of Re-Adoption. Thank you, Judge Graves.

Clare posing outside the Oklahoma County Courthouse with the Statue of Liberty.

Clare posing with Mommy outside the door of the District Court Clerk.

Clare, just leanin' on the door.

And, posing with Dad at the door of the District Court Clerk.

Clare's First Halloween

This was Clare's first Halloween. We went to China on November 7, 2008, so she missed Halloween last year. She really didn't understand what was happening, but she had a good time. We started down the street from our home and went to about ten houses and Clare said she'd had enough and was ready to go home -- so we did. She had her little bucket of candy and that was that. We took our tub of candy across the street to the Ventresca's and doled out the candy from their house. It was a beautiful evening, so they opened the garage door and we all sat in the driveway and handed out the treats to all the little goblins, Spidermen, and Dorothy (I don't think we're in Kansas anymore). What was interesting was that Clare had a wonderful time organizing all her candy into lines and rows. She had more fun doing that than eating the candy.

Hannah Montana with her bucket and the pumpkin her sister, Marina, gave her. She's just waiting to go trick or treating.

Mommy taking a picture of Clare.

Mommy putting on the make-up.

All "dolled-up" and ready for action.

Looks like one of the neighbors has lost some weight.

No Clare, the bucket is for candy.

Knocking on the first door with Daniela.

Aha, so this is how it works.

Getting more candy from neighbor, Fred.

Villa Teresa Halloween Carnival

We all went to the Halloween Carnival at Villa Teresa Catholic School last Saturday. Lots of kids, lots of games, lots of fun.

Chinese Hannah Montana (how many blonde Chinese girls have you seen lately?) and Sister Veroncia's identical cousin, Veronica the Clown. She is such a good sport.

Hannah Montana got a face tattoo. Check out the nacho cheese smeared all over Hannah's mouth.

Hello Kitty. Brycie's mother is also a good sport. Thanks, MeMe!

Clare tossing the bean bags.