Christmas

The past few months seem to have just flown by for us.  Christmas was wonderful.  Michael was blessed with 11 days (including weekends) off from work which allowed us to spend some quality time together as a family.  We decided not to travel and just have a quiet, peaceful Christmas.  We went bowling, played countless games, went shopping, went to the movies, spent time with friends, had quiet time and daddy-daughter dates, and even had a family sleepover in the living room.  Lily and I finally finished our advent calendar tree (better late than never) with the help of Michael which we'll finally use next year. We had our ward Christmas party, and it was parent watch week and Lily's tap and ballet class.  Every day Lily waited patiently for the mailman to come... we loved getting Christmas cards and feeling the love from family and friends in other parts of the country.  The adoption process is slow, but we try not to let it bother us.  We have a lot of love in our family, we just can't wait to share it with another member!!

Merry Christmas!!!

Oops...

So I stink at blogging.  I knew it when I started this blog.  A few years ago I tried to start a family blog... it ended up with one post on it.  I decided to start this one because our case worker told us that word of mouth was the best way to hopefully speed up the adoption process.  We want to add to our family so badly and I know that means I need to be better at keeping up with our blog.  So here goes (although short and sweet)...

Thanksgiving was wonderful.  We had 10 people over from Michael's office.  Most of them were single and had nowhere to go for Thanksgiving dinner.  Everyone brought something and we had a TON of food.  One girl named Meg was here and she just doted on Lily.  It really warmed my heart to see Lily so happy amid a large group of adults.  She didn't feel left out or like she needed to cling to me at all.  Lily had a Thanksgiving lunch at school.  She borrowed a dress from Keira's sister so that she and Keira could match.  Aren't they cute??

On December 1st, Lily had her preschool Christmas program.  I wasn't able to get any good pictures during it, but we got some great ones of her posing before and after. 

Last night we had a Christmas party at church.  Lily was SO excited for it.  She loves crowds and parties and noise.   She even got to take a picture with Santa!!  Before the party though, we had to unpack the box that came from Nana and put the gifts under our tree.

So that's my quick update.  All is well in our home.  We're happy and healthy and looking forward to this amazing Christmas season.  

Gratitude

This month, many people are choosing to write daily about what they're grateful for.  I tend to reflect more personally and not put everything out there for all on my social media pages.  That being said, I have to say that  I am so incredibly grateful for a kind and loving Father in Heaven who knows me and loves me.  I am grateful that he knows me so much better than I know myself.  I'm grateful for the gentle whisperings of the Spirit that come back again and again until I actually pay attention and listen.  My life hasn't always gone according to my plans, but I know that things are going according to his and I'm okay with that.  I'm grateful for Michael.  He is kind, loving, gentle, and humble.  He's an amazing dad.  It doesn't matter how long his day has been or how tired he is, he comes home from work and plays soccer in they yard, reads books, colors, does play-doh, plays hide-and-seek and just has fun with his daughter.  He's the best husband I could ever ask for.  Michael would give up anything for himself to make me happy.  He comes home from work and offers to cook dinner, do dishes, fold laundry, or anything else he can think of that might help me (although I usually send him to play with Lily since she misses him so much during the day).  My family may be small for now, but we're happy and we love each other.  All three of us look forward to the day our family will grow.  We are so ready to be a family of four. We know that the day will come - Lily knows her prayers for a brother or sister will be heard.  Michael and I have faith that our prayers to welcome another member of our family into our home will be answered.   Until then though, we will move forward with faith, grateful for all that we've been blessed with already.

What brings me joy...

It's true...

Princess Cinderella

Too much candy!!  That's what you'll find in our house.  Between the trunk or treat at church and trick or treating last night, we have too much candy.  Thankfully Michael will eat most of it.  In fact last night, Lily came home, dumped her candy out on the kitchen counter, and asked if she could have a little bit more dinner please.  She only ate candy when Michael asked if she wanted to share some Skittles with him!  I was shocked but definitely had no complaints. 

Lily dressed up as Cinderella for Halloween.  She already had the dress but I agreed to buy her a crown and let her wear my special dangly pearl earrings.  This was huge for Lily.  She's never allowed to wear dangly earrings, and wearing my nice ones was icing on the cake for her! 

Happy Birthday Michael!!!

I'm behind on blogging.

October 22nd was Michael's birthday.  He'd been working 12 hour shifts for the entire week because of something going on here on base and we were pretty sure he'd have to work 12 hours on his birthday as well.  Lily and  I were kind of bummed because last year Michael was in Louisiana for his birthday and we really wanted to be able to spend time with him.  Well, we got lucky!  The day before Michael's birthday, he and his co-workers finished working after about 6 hours and Michael was done for the weekend!  Woohoo!!  We didn't have a ton planned for the day because we'd anticipated Michael being at work but we were happy to be together.  Instead of a cake, we made chocolate cupcakes with a reese's peanut butter cup inside with peanut butter frosting.  They didn't look to pretty but they sure did taste good!  Michael is always so easy going and grateful for anything that others do for him.  We love you Mikey!!