Merry Christmas

Our Dear Family and Friends,

We would like to wish all of you a joyous and love filled Christmas season. However you celebrate this time of year, we wish you much happiness with your family and friends. We would like to thank you all for the time you have spent to keep up with our family. We have had an adventurous year in 2009 and know that 2010 will provide another amazing journey for our family.

The best Christmas present we received this year was a personal surprise. Mark took time off work and made a long journey from Qatar to be with me and the kids, as well as other close family members. It was such a joy to see him sitting in the Sovereign's family room after going out to see Christmas lights. I was so shocked that I had to step back into another room to compose myself as the tears started flowing down my face. So far, we have all re-connected as a family and it is just a blessing to see the kids interacting with Mark and for me to get to spend the quality time I need with my husband.

We shared wonderful Christmas memories with my parents on Christmas Eve.  One event was identifying the key people in the story of Jesus' birth with the nativity scene.  Brenne and Liam enjoyed that part the most.  We made cookies for Santa and opened presents from my side of the family.  On Christmas morning, at the Sovereign's house, we held the kids back for almost an hour before we tore into the presents, but once they opening began, they didn't mind the waiting.  We enjoyed a simple brunch and gathering with Mark's brother, Eric and his family, Jenny and Luke.  It was a relaxed day and it was fun to play with the kids and their new toys.  We are grateful for all the gifts we received: Thank you.

As the year comes to a close, I again thank you all for the friendships we have made. Every journey is made with keeping old friendships, making new ones, and keeping close with your relatives. May the year 2010 be a wonderful year for each of you. I look forward to keeping up-to-date with you and sharing our stories through the year.

Love,
Mark, Adriel, Layne (7), Liam (5), Brenne (2)

Blog Comments-Part II

So, I hope that you are checking back frequently to see what is going on. As I had stated in a previous blog that I appreciate comments, right now and for the past several months, I am not able to receive comments. Thank you to my sister-in-law, Sarah, for pointing this out to me.
I have been checking into this through the blogger site, trying to change my HTML, but I am not having luck.
If you feel so inclined to drop me a note, please e-mail me at ahsovereign@gmail.com. But, don't feel like you have to, I know now that you are visiting me and that is enough.

A quick post

WOW!!!

I am not keeping you all informed about what has been going on. Much has been happening, but I guess nothing 'major' for me to write frequently.

Here are a few things:
The kids really, really enjoy their elementary school and are making really good friends. I am glad that they are feeling settled and not sad about missing their old school.

Layne and Liam are really enjoying the AWANA church program on Sunday nights at Colonial Baptist. They are making friends there and really enjoying the lessons and activities.

Brenne turned 2 on Friday, Dec 11 and absolutely loves Dora, dolls, shoes, and is already showing signs of pickyness with clothes. GIRLS! We had a great b-day celebration here at the Sovereign house. More to post later.

Thanksgiving was great, as all the family came together. It was a bit sad for me, as I really was missing Mark not being there as a whole family. I know that I have a very supportive family and I am thankful for all the blessings that God has provided for my family. Mark is safe and doing well, but of course would much rather be with us.

The Christmas season is upon us and I feel joy to be among a very loving family. I miss Mark tremendously and so do the kids. I know that Mark is lonely and really misses being with us. Please pray at this time for us and his absence from us right now.

More posts to come, so stay posted and check back again soon.