Who's the Turkey??

Well, Thanksgiving is such a blessed family time. This year, like so many other things, it didn't get much thought or preparation until it was upon me. I feel like I juggle my tasks all day long, only to lye down at the end of the day and see what tomorrow may bring. It helps me to not feel overwhelmed but also robs me of the joy of anticipation for the good.

I did cook this year, and I must say, it was pretty darn good. I hopped online the day before the guests would arrive and found some amazing recipes for augratin potatoes and a recipe that Nana Fremouw had given me for some sweet potatoes that were really to die for. I made a from scratch green bean casserole and must say that though it looked decident, the canned beans just had more flavor as did the canned soup. Mine looked better but the easy stand by definately tastes better! I did some easy rise rolls and my mom brought some apples stuffing and grandma brought the pies... so where was the turkey? Not on the table! Nope- we had ham. The only turkey at the table was my grandpa whom asked grandma to leave near the end of a wild and unpredictable game of Sorry. He must have known that a defeat like that by a 12 year old diva would be just too much for her to handle!

It was a great day. And then today, we went to Dev and Belinda's for a SECOND meal. Brandy was a surprise guest from her schooling in the Navy and it was SO GREAT to see them all. It was our first time to their new home and it was really pretty and painted in nice neutrals. We jammed on rock band after stuffing ourselves to the point of being uncomfortable.

You ask, " What am I thankful for?" I have been blessed beyond comprehension in my life. My shout out first and foremost is obviously to the Lord Jesus for our salvation and the grace which has been bestowed upon us. Second, my husband. He is beyond any man I could invision and makes so many efforts every day to show me that he loves me more today than yesterday and 10 years into this dance, I wouldn't trade a day. My kids- they are perfect in every imperfection and I am SO BLESSED to still have them all in our home and to be speaking of adoption still. They are such a completion to our home. And of course, all of you- my extended family (no friends, you are extended family!) I feel loved and supported no matter how much time we have apart and I must say, there is no one who feels more blessed than I at this moment. Thank you for just being you and loving me the way you do.

God Bless and Happy Thanksgiving, you TURKEYS!!!

As the World Turns

So, I know it has been a long time since I have written. You have my appologese. It has been busy but no more than usual. Usual is plain and simply, busy.

We have had good days and bad, just as everyone. Celia has been a great addition to our home but the transition isn't always smooth. It is what we had expected and for the most part, she is really doing great. We love her very much and thank God for her every day. COle and Lexi are doing great at preschool. THey really do love it and are talking more and more all of the time. It is really fun to see what they bring home from school as their projects! Abby is my little fire cracker for sure. She is enjoying her time with me, finally. I think she was sad that school started and for a time was protesting being alone with me in the mornings. Now, she seems to enjoy the attention and running errands and helping around the house.

We went to Telle and Kristen's new place in Surprise last night. The newlyweds are doing good and I love their dog, Rusty. Kristen cooked us an amazing meal including the best dessert I have had in months!

J's work is holding out. The Lord has really protected us through this rough market. Every month we should be broke and yet, J keeps getting deals. We are really blessed to have the referalls still coming in on deals that can actually be done and we take none of them for granted.

Celia doesn't know it yet but we are moving Lexi and Abby into the same room and putting Celia into Lexi's old room. We will not be painting it or doing too much to it until we know whether she is going to be adopted but we have decided to give her a space of her own. I think she will be super excited... and Lexi's stuff will all fit nicely into the other room. Fairy princesses belong in a garden anyway, don't they?!

We are preparing to celebrate my 30th birthday at Disneyland this upcoming weekend. We are SUPER excited to go. It will be all 4 kids' first time there and J and I have not been in over 10 years so it will be like a whole new experience for us- especially seeing it through our children's eyes.

So I know that was a catch up posting but wanted to do it in the hopes of being able to log on more frequently to post. Love to you all.