Hello! I received an email today from the Eagle's Nest with an updated photo of a little boy there that our family has been sponsoring for several months now. The photo broke my heart...he was sitting on Santa's lap with a single little tear on his right cheek. It instantly took me back to December 2007...what a difference a year makes.
December 2007-
*I was shopping like no other bringing home BAGS of baby items.
*Mason was 5 months old.
*I was a mess wondering if our case be allowed to continue after December 31, 2007??
*I was a mess, knowing Mason would not be home for Christmas.
*I was a mess, stalking adoption forums & blogs searching for any news that might be out there.
*I was a mess, checking my email every 15 seconds looking for an email from our agency with new photos and a health report.
Mason December 2007
Notice a common theme here? "MESS" was exactly what I was! Now, let's fast forward a year...
December 2008-
*Mason is upstairs, in his crib, in his room, in our home fast asleep as I write this.
*There are 3 stockings hung this year.
*Mason is 17 months old.
*Mason is running, climbing, bouncing...everywhere!
*Mason folds his little hands in prayer...which melts my heart everytime.
*Mason has started talking a little more in the past week or so...Mama, Dadda, Bye, Ball.
*I have been trying desperately to get a "good" picture to use for our Holiday cards...but this child will not sit still for more than 2 seconds (unless it's to eat, of course). I am beginning to think I may just have to snap a shot of him sleeping in some cutie Christmas PJ's instead! ;)
We have been blessed in 2008. From our family to yours...We wish you a safe and blessed holiday!
Mason Decemeber 2008
Eating with a fork like such a big boy!
Brusha, Brusha, Brusha!
Mason's first hockey game.
Shaving with Daddy...
This child LOVES to sweep!
Mason's first art project...
Nativity Set from Guatemala. Cool story. This is from a dear friend. Her husband went to Guatemala a few years ago on a mission trip. He bought this from a little boy on the streets of Guatemala. This family has passed it on to our family. What a treasure this will be for Mason as he gets older! I am so thankful to have received it, as we didn't really purchase anything in Guatemala to bring home from our pick up trip. 
Mason's Nativity Set...from the same dear friends
So far (knock on wood) no Christmas Tree related accidents... 
Mason texting...he is so serious!
The not so serious, but sassy Mason...
Mason, trying to help load the dishwasher.
Mason does this whenever I ask "How much does Mommy love you?"...how precious! 
Thanksgiving 2008
"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."2 Corinthians 9:6-7
Family Photo...Christmas 2008 
Ready for a nap right after lunch...
Headin' to the pool...
Swimming with Daddy, Uncle Lee and Cousins
Playin' pool with Daddy
Brileigh, Granny & Mason
Mason in his Guatemala Soccer Jersey
Papa reading to Mason
Mason's favorite gift...not kidding!
Nana reading to Mason
Mason's new Sit & Spin! Fun, Fun!
Grandkids on Daddy's side of the family...minus the twins!
Ugly Christmas sweater contest...homemade by Mommy!
Uncle Lee won the contest...
Daddy says I am adorable...Mommy agrees.
