So much

I can't believe it's December!!!  As I look out the window it actually looks like spring.  A few warm days and the white stuff is melted!
We have been just living life around here. Where did November go?  We jammed it packed full of goodness!
November is known for the month of thankfulness.  We are overwhelmed with thankfulness for what the Lord has done in our lives and in our family.  Praise His Name!
November brought so much....
Layla turned 8 and celebrated with an American Girl getaway with her family.
A 12 day visit from Grandma Cheri.
Derek shot a deer during hunting season.
Thanksgiving.
Grandma's birthday.
Christmas tree cutting.
Jude's 1st birthday met with a huge Ethiopian celebration at our home.
Jude's dedication at church.
Many fun gatherings with our friends.
The girls singing in the church choir.
Being home for 4 months with Jude.
Just to name a few!!!!
We are asking the Lord to keep us thankful for Who He is and What He has done throughout the entire year!

Life in pictures:

Layla's 8th Birthday! 

We celebrated in Minneapolis at a hotel and then the Mall of America! She loved every moment and was very thankful!

She was surprised when we told her we had reservations at the AG Bistro!

 

 

 Jude is a sweet, sweet boy!  His toothy smile can melt anyone's heart!!

Here's a few of our boy and some of his best pal, Zander!

 

 

 Thanksgiving day!  Jude's 1st Thanksgiving and the first thanksgiving in our new home.  We enjoyed a wonderful meal with the Vandenberg family and my mom.  So good!

 

 

 A family favorite in our home: going to cut down our Christmas tree.  It was so fun to have Grandma along and Jude was the best boy that day!  He loves being outdoors!!!

 

Here's our ONE YEAR OLD!!!!

Do you agree about the smile????

 

 

An Ethiopian night!

What a crazy, loud, awesome, fun night!  We felt so loved by all the cards, gifts and calls that we got that day and to have our forever friends to celebrate, yet one more milestone, with us! 

We are so thankful!

Lots of friends and Ethiopian food!

What a perfect opportunity to celebrate Jude and the birth mother that gave him life. 

What an honor to be a small part of that!  Thank you, Jesus!

Our little man was completely overwhelmed by the end of the night. 

He was ready for bed!!!

Dedicating Jude to the Lord the next day.

 Pastor Dan did a wonderful job. 

 It was so personal and very heartfelt.  What a blessing to hear our church body respond to the call of helping us train our children.  We love our church family.  

 

Each day brings it's challenges, of course, but we are truly praising God for His faithfulness.  So much has happened in the 4 short months Jude has been home with us, it's hard to believe it's only been 4 months!  We are back in the routine of baby and laughing (most days) of how much we look like first time parents.  God has such a sense of humor!