2011

The next couple of days will be busy so, Happy New Year to everyone! Almost 2011, can you believe it?

N: Next year I plan on being the mother of 4 great children. Brooks will be 8, Luke 7 and Campbell 4, Russian Gal ???. They are each so wonderful and difficult in their own little way. It is amazing to see the differences in their personalities as they grow. I love them, all of them!

E: Everyday brings a new surprise to the Hanna home. Between two crazy boys and a prissy pot girl, the fun never ends. Excited also begins with "E" and I am so excited to see what this new year will bring. I am also expectant that God is going to do amazing things through our family this coming year.

W: Wed......Curt and I will celebrate 9 years of wedded bliss this coming year. Where has the time gone? I am so thankful that God called me to walk beside Curt is this life. He is my very best friend, he makes me laugh harder than anyone. He is my favorite!

Y: Yearning for another child across the ocean. I cannot explain the feeling when you look at your kids sitting on the couch watching TV and you realize there is someone missing, a spot on the couch is empty. The tug on my heart is so strong it hurts. I just know that whoever this other child is, they are going to be loved on a lot by everyone!!

E: Exercising, training and getting ready for the 5k Run for the Children "Orphans" on May 7th in Abbeville. You should be gearing up for this too if you live in the area!!!

A: Aging!!! Curt and I will be 30 this year. I may have a major meltdown. I have already told him there will be no celebrating whatsoever on the 25th of June. I am getting old and am not loving it at all. Pretty soon my kids will think I am a dork and they will roll their eyes at me.....wait, they already do that!! Oh well!

R: Realizing that our time here on earth is limited and we should make the most out of

everyday. I have been reading the most amazing book "Choosing to See" by Mary Beth Chapman.

I won't spoil it for you, but it is all about their family's journey through life, death and hope after the

death of their youngest daughter Maria Sue, who they adopted from China.

So, my wish and goal for 2011 is to look at my family in a different way. I want them to have manners, love each other and Christ too. For me though, I want to live each day knowing that in the end when we have to stand before Christ, the main thing I'll have to show for this life will be the spiritual children we bring into His kingdom. Our children will be our present to Christ on His throne!

Time to Train

We are so pumped about the upcoming 5k run/walk for orphans! The date is May 7th, time is TBA!!! Check out the Abbeville Spring Festival website for more info. Hopefully by next week there will be an online sign-up sheet, so keep checking!!!

Holiday Photos

Wanted to share a few pictures from our Christmas! We had two wonderful days filled with friends and family! Our house is a mess, but our hearts are full. Merry Christmas everyone from the Hanna family!!!

Me and CG

The Hanna boys getting ready to jump the ramp they received from Rena

Powell Kids and their spouses!!!

Us at the Hanna gathering

Austin, Meg and Me.....all grown up, sort of!!!

Christmas is Going to be different this year

We've all been so busy getting ready for the upcoming holidays and gatherings. From cleaning, washing clothes to wrapping presents, we have been swamped. Our goal this year was to stick to a budget, which we have done well with. We sat the kids down and explained that the only way to bring little sister home, was to save money this Christmas. The kids each sat down and wrote a letter to Santa, keeping in mind that there is another member of our family across the ocean who probably won't get anything for Christmas this year. Our oldest, JB, totally gets the entire selfless thing and began to write things he wanted for his new sister. I told him there would be plenty of time for that next year, but I love his train of thought. Now, while we do our best as parents each day to instill these principles in our children, this aching heart, this longing for someone who isn't here with us only comes from God. While we all sit around our tree on Christmas morning, opening the gifts that were bought with love, we know that somewhere is a snow covered building there is a young girl who perhaps might be crying, hungry, cold, in need of a family to love and care for her. How can you help you may ask? Well, check out the rest of the blog. Purchase a tee, hoodie or some coffee. Come run the 5k "Race for Orphans" in Abbeville this spring. PRAY and spread the word, making others aware of our journey.

Yes, this Christmas is going to be different than any before. I've been pregnant during Christmas many times, but that child was with me. This year, we are "expecting" but have no idea what our child is going through. So this year, before the presents are opened, we are going to pause and pray for our youngest daughter, who will hopefully be with us next Christmas! Merry Christmas little one. Your mommy, daddy, brothers and sister all love you and cannot wait to see what you look like, know your name and hold you!

Merry Christmas everyone!! God Bless!

5k Race

Curt and I had our first official meeting today in Abbeville with the young lady in charge of all the events that take place in A-town! Curt called her a few months ago with the idea of hosting a 5k race in order to raise funds for our adoption. When he talked to her, she said "wow, do you mind if we join in"? Of course Curt agreed and here we are, planning side by side with the city of Abbeville. They are funding the entire race, and all proceeds will go to us!!! How awesome is that?! So, with that said, the race is on Saturday, May 7th at 8:30 am. This is the weekend of the Spring Festival, so there will be a ton of visitors in our area. The registration fee is $25 and that will get you a really awesome tee designed by, well us!!! Registration will begin in January and I will have a a link for that site as soon as it is available! Keep a look out for information in the near future! Have a very Merry Christmas!

All I Really Want For Christmas Music Video