Happy Thanksgiving

What a happy Thanksgiving this has been, so very different from the last. Last year, we spent every month thinking that it would be the next month that we would go get Evan and now he is finally home. Our Thanksgiving was wonderful and we are so Thankful to God for his blessings. We can't believe we have been home 6 1/2 months. Evan has changed so much since then. He is talking more and more in sentences and says the funniest things. On the way home Wednesday, he sat in the back seat singing and smiling "no, no, no, no, night, night, night, night" he knew we were on our way home and that it was nap time it was so funny and he thought he was so cute.

Sunday we began our Thanksgiving feasts at Clay's parents house. As we said the blessing we all teared up a bit...being thankful for Evan. Sunday night we had Thanksgiving dinner at Church, Evan was so sleepy but was so sweet.

Monday Evan went to school and had a Thanksgiving feast. I so love doing the Mom things with school! I baked cookies for their party but becuase of our busy day Sunday I forgot about it until 9:15 Sunday night. He brought home a Turkey, a Indian headdress, and a Thanksgiving Book that he made. His book had his hand print Turkey on the front with pictures that he had colored. His teacher said that she is "Thankful for Evan because of his big smile and for his hugs that he always has for her." How sweet is that!?! I have to admit, I am a bit jealous at times that Evan can't tell me everything that he did at school but it is so neat to see the excitement is his eyes when he shows me his school work. Everyday when I pick him up at carpool, we pull over into the parking lot and look in his folder, he loves it and so do I! Every time he shows me his work he says "Gu Job"

Wednesday we went to MeMa and Bepa's house for dinner. Evan put on such a show for everyone there. Wesley had a friend with him and Evan was so funny, he thinks he is 6 years old like the big boys. He was so sweet with his little cousin, Emily too.

Thursday morning we went to Am Ma and Am Pa's (Clay's parents) house for breakfast and later went to the lake to have dinner with MiMi and Pops (My parents). Evan did so good in the car for the 1 1/2 car ride.

We had a very busy Thanksgiving and loved every minute of it. We are so truly thankful for God's gracious gift in Evan. Which is so appropriate that Evan means "Gracious Gift from God."

We also saw Santa Sunday morning at Am Ma and Am Pa's church. Evan could not wait to sit in Santa's lap. While we stood in line he kept saying, "My Turn" when it was his turn he ran and jumped up in Santa's lap like a big boy. Evan had been watching Santa give the children candycanes when they sat with Santa so when Santa asked Evan what he wants for Christmas, Evan's reply was "Andy" (Candy). Then he also said he wants a Choo-Choo. I am sure Santa will come through!

This is a very joyous time for us but the thoughts of other families are always on our mind. We continue to pray for all of our friends who are still waiting and we ask that you do the same. We know it is hard for them and they are going through more paperwork trials than we could have ever imagined. Some are past the one year mark now still just...waiting and praying...and so are we for them. Please especially remember Bryan and Debbie Ninmann and their son JJ who are all waiting to return to bring Nathan home from Irkutsk and that they will receive a court date soon.

We really miss reading your comments...PLEASE leave us one! :-)

The Hodges...family of three!