Thursday, February 24, 2011

Hello Out There!

Hello everyone!  It may be hard for you to believe, but I really am back after a long blogging break.  I was never totally gone, as I was around the blogging world, checking out a few blogs and occasionally commenting.  Why the LONG blogging break?  The truth is...I have no idea.  :)  I never made a conscious decision to just stop blogging.  It just happened.


So what have we been up to all this time?  Oh goodness.  The holidays happened, in all of their glory and they were wonderful.  We had such wonderful times with family and friends.  Winter's been happening here in our lovely Minnesota.  The trouble is, it just keeps on happening!


We had family photos taken a few days before Christmas.  This was Alan's idea, and I'm so glad we were able to do this.  Here are a couple of them.  
This is the whole family.  Kaitlyn and Chris are on the left side of the photo, Lauryn and Aaron are on the right. Bryan is at the top and Jadyn is in the middle.
Here are our 4 children: Kaitlyn, Jadyn, Bryan, and Lauryn.  I love this!  I am so proud to be their mom.


Our Jadyn is still doing well.  She had her 6th birthday back in December.  She has thoroughly been enjoying her Kindergarten year. Just last week, we celebrated her Gotcha Day.  She has been home for 5 years.  Amazing how quickly the time has passed.  She has been such a blessing in our lives.  She constantly keeps us on our toes.  At lunch time today, she asked me how long beavers can hold their breath.  Oh my, the things that constantly swirl around in that girl's head.


Weight loss has been happening here at our house.  I am very pleased about that.  We are so happy to be living healthier lives.  Alan and I started dieting back in the late summer.  I have lost 25 pounds and he has lost....wait for it.....over 80 pounds!  I am so happy for him!  He looks great.  Together we have lost a whole person.  :)  


One of the most exciting things that has been happening in our lives during the past few months is that we have started another amazing China adoption journey.  Yes, you read that correctly.  Some of you know about this, and some do not.  Really, we have only told our family and also friends who live around here.  Okay, so a few others know too.  We have just never made any kind of public announcement.  We haven't blogged about it or put it on Facebook.  


We have accepted the referral of a 4 year old boy.  He lives in Zhejiang, China.  While I would love to post his photo here, I will not until I know I am allowed to do so.  Trust me, he is super cute.  :) We are just thrilled at the possibility of becoming his family.  We would like to name him Evan Joshua.  We chose his name for it's meaning.  Evan means God is gracious.  Joshua means God rescues. We began this journey because we know it's what God wants us to do, to bring another beautiful child home from China. Rejoice with us, and please pray with us that Evan will join our family.  


Blessings to you all.

15 comments:

Number 6 and no more counting! said...

I have been wondering where the heck you where!

Love you family photos! Beautiful family Laura!

How did you lose the weight? I have turned in to a tub!

Lea
xo

China Dreams said...

Welcome back! The Christmas pictures are beautiful, the weight loss is inspiring, and the new adoption plans are very exciting. Of course, we adopted a 4-1/2 year old boy in 2008 so I'm always interested in little boy stories.

Ruby

Sue said...

I am so glad to see you posted on your blog. Great family pictures and this time next year hopefully you will have another family picture taken with handsome Evan in it.

Laura said...

Welcome back!!! :) You've been missed.
Congratulations to both you AND Allen on your weight loss! That's wonderful-good for you. :)

A BIG Congratulations on the adoption!! I'm SO excited for you! I can't wait to see him and hear that everything is going through. I will keep you guys and him, in my prayers.
After years of saying that I don't want anymore children, I've actually begun thinking of adoption. Not a baby but, an older little one. I doubt that we could afford it though and with the 2 oldest starting college soon, I KNOW we can't afford it. LOL.
Oh well, maybe someday, right?

All the best Laura, it's so great to have you back and hear about all your wonderful news. :)

((Hugs))
Laura

Elaine said...

Welcome back. I kept thinking I would ask Sally where you were. :) Enjoyed your family pictures. So awesome that you are adopting another child. If I was younger I would love to do that. Will keep watching!

Nancy said...

The family photo is absolutely stunning Laura! Congratulations on the weight loss, I know it is hard work.

And of course, can't wait to meet Evan Joshua (LOVE the name!). We are so happy for you, and for Evan joining such a sweet family.

hollym. said...

Hi Laura!! I am so excited for your family on many levels!!!
Congrats on your weight loss. You all look great!! Would you share your weight loss plan?

And a new addition to your family!!! I'm so very happy for you!! I can hardly wait to see his sweet face and learn about him! Thank you for letting us share in your joy. You must be over the moon with happiness!

Well,Laura, this just made my day. Now I have to do the Snoopy Dance.:)


Take care and hugs and love,hollym.

hollym. said...

OH!! And Laura, I'll be praying for you!
Bye for now,hollym.:)

hollym. said...

AND, I love your family picture, except now that I know your news, your one knee looks too empty! hee hee! hollym.:)

Tracy Peed said...

Congrats!!!!! Can't wait to see Evan's precious face. Gorgeous family photos.

Glad you're back to blogging!

T.

Anita said...

Hey my friend! I understand the bloggy break. Did that too last year for quite a few months and it was actually very good for me.

LOVE the family photos! What a beautiful family...and room for another little guy, too!

We are obviously sooo excited for him and for your family...especially Jadyn! I can't wait to see this little guy's adorable face! :) CONGRATS!

Janet and Kevin said...

Oh my! We do have a lot in common~ So glad you found my blog so I could find your blog! Congratulations on your upcoming adoption. When do you expect to travel? We will hopefully be traveling in the summer/fall timeline.

:)
janet and gang

lpiccoli said...

Yes! Congrats to the whole family!!!! :)

The other Laura

Kristin said...

Holey moley! I pulled up your Snowman post, saw the reference to the adoption, and said, "WHAT?" I have not been checking blogs lately. Serves me right for missing very important info! Congratulations to you all!! I am excited to follow your journey to your son. And, I will remember to check blogs more frequently now!

Jean said...

Yay!! I love his name!! Evan and Sam can play!! I can't wait!!

Thank you Jesus!!

Such precious gifts we are blessed with!!

Beautiful family pics!! Can't wait until Evan is in there, too!!

Hugs,
Jean