Our visit to the North Pole. . .

I have been so excited to take my girls to see the Jolly Ole Elf that I haven't been able to get to sleep for 3 nights! I feel so blessed that Finn is here this Christmas that I am just a walking tear factory. Miracles are real and they are available to the lowliest of us. My heart is still full of gratitude.

In San Diego, there is but one of Santa's helpers that is worthy of lap sitting. He has a quaint little house, a real white beard and the loveliest British accent to enjoy as he asks the children what's on their list. Did I mention his blue eyes? (I think I may have a crush on Santa!)

We tried to see Santa on Saturday but got there late and the line was down the mall and around the corner. Oh - and then the rain started. Bag that! So this morning (Monday) I made sure we got out of the house (again, in the pouring rain)and got there at 9:30 to be first in line. Well - we were still first in line at 10:00 because no one in their right mind would have their kids out to Santa in the pouring rain but me!!

Paul got Finnie to smile and Angie just is incapable of taking a bad photo so it went well. Merry Christmas to everyone!!

Sneak peak of new photos taken by Brit

Thanksgiving reflections

Hello all -
I only have about five minutes before a certain baby realizes that she's not being held!! There is video of Finn eating pie in the scrapbook below in case I forgot to tell anyone. Since we were in the hospital for a week before the holiday, it gave me a lot of time to think back on this past year. I am so thankful for everything that has happened. Both the good things and the bad. I happened to catch a bit of Dr. Laura's show yesterday and she was talking about a new book on Motherhood. The point of her discussion was to cherish every bit of the journey. I think I may have finally figured that out.

Even though Paul still has been unable to find work, the Lord has provided. More importantly, he has provided the sense of peace to my heart that everything is ok. Life is on His time scale, not mine. I heard a Seventh Day Adventist preacher this past week say that "the Lord is in charge of my life, so I don't worry about a thing. He always takes care of me and I never worry." I am almost to that point and it really brings a feeling of love and relief.

I am looking forward to the Christmas season with a new found hope and anticipation. We started doing the advent calender with Angie yesterday. Each day she will find a story or scriptural account of the meaning of Christmas. It's a great time to teach charity and love to our children. On day 12 we will start a 12 Days of Service and hopefully be able to give back to others as they have done to us this past year. (To make it a bit more challenging and fun, I have printed everything out with a size 2 font and she has to use a magnifying glass to read everything)

Finn is doing GREAT on her injections. She smiles and laughs like never before. She is even interacting with her surroundings. Her head strength has increased and her balance is improving. I hope that the effects last, she seems so much more relaxed. She got rid of her cold and then got thrush so we are treating that now. It's been a bit lonely for us in the house all the time but it keeps the germ exposure down! Thank you for always thinking of us and keeping us in your prayers. It truly means a lot. Well - my time is up. I can feel the screams coming... I will get the 10 month pictures added as soon as I have a chance... ENJOY and SAVOR your holidays!!!!

My First Pumpkin Pie!!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook