the tree

There is just this incredible peace I feel sitting in a room lit by just the Christmas tree. I can remember as a kid, my parents would have parties around the holidays at our house. I would frequently take small breaks from the crowds and escape to my room. There on my dresser was a small tree, lighting a corner of the room. I would go and sit and feel "all together" again. As an adult I can still gain that sense of calm just sitting and gazing at the Christmas Tree. Taking a moment to be still and reflecting what I am thankful for, how blessed I am and remembering how humbling it is that I am privileged to call the creator of the universe, Father.

Merry Christmas

chinese pop is making me cry

Tonight as I was fixing dinner, my play list hit a Chinese Pop song from an album that my man brought back from his recent trip. I actually really like the music. I have no idea what the heck they are singing about but me, my man and even the kids really like it. Anyways. I began wondering if the Chinese mother of my baby knows that song. Is she listening on the radio to some of the same tunes I enjoy? Next thing you know, I just start crying. I long to know this woman and I want so desperately to meet my child. I haven' t mentioned much about the adoption. I feel discouraged b/c it seems like forever away. We've just completed our home study so right now it is looking it will about 18 months before we get matched. We are requesting an infant between 6 to 12 months. So if she is around 9 months when we get her, she should be conceived any day now. WOW, God is forming our baby. My eyes are full of tears and my heart is so full of love for her already.

the monster in the picture

Leave it to the big brother to mess up a cute birthday pic.

the birthday girl

There is something very special about today. 5 years ago I had my first daughter. The birth of each child did something unique and magical to me. With #2 it was so special to know I was not only delivering a girl, but a special life long friend. Her beauty has captivated me from the very start. As a new born she would scoot as inch her way until she was cuddled up right under my chin. It was like she just couldn't get close enough. Today she is still the same. Touch is her primary love language and her most favorite thing to do is to glue herself to you and snuggle. She is a big help to me around the house. She can melt her daddy in an instant. She is deeply loved by her brother and sister. #1 says he loves how compassionate she is, and that is very true. She is shy, but can be very loud. She is can be timid and other times very outgoing. She is 100% completely one of a kind, and I am so proud to have her as my daughter.

chain reaction

I don't know about your house, but it seems like at ours, when one light bulb goes out, the next few days one or more blows in every room. Why is that?

11:08

Nine years ago today, I passionately professed my love to the most wonderful man in the world and vowed to him and God that I would be his wife for a life time. Today as we celebrate our anniversary, I couldn't be anymore sure than the day we married that he is God's chosen man for me. It is such an incredible feeling knowing that whatever hardship we face or roller coaster ride we find ourselves on, he is my best friend, lover, helper, biggest fan forever. Who knew 9 years ago when we said our vows that life could be this good. Of course I always wanted a "happy" marriage, but never did I dream I would experience a friendship so amazing, emotion so wild and love so deep. I love you babe.

Our rehearsal dinner

Us now.

We are so blessed to have so many people who have helped shape our marriage. Thanks to all those who have supported us, prayed for us, loved us and encouraged us all these years.

imagine it

What a fun day. We spent 5 hours at a the Children's museum, Imagine It, with some friends. It felt like we almost had the whole place to ourselves. The kids just played and played and played. My friend and I were able to just sit and talk and talk and talk: that is what I call mommy play. I hadn't seen our friends in a long time and I got to hold her sweet new born baby. It was so relaxing watching our kids play and make a big mess knowing we didn't have to help clean any of it up.

halloweenies

Funny little story. This has nothing to do with Halloween, but I had forgotten about it until I typed in halloweenies. The other day, #1 and I had gone to church by ourself. My man was at home with the girls because they were sick. So, #1 and I were driving through Atlanta searching for a spot to eat lunch. We were at a red light when tons of women begin to cross the intersection. They all had on pink accents and it was obvious they were doing the Walk to help fight breast cancer. Women were every where. #1 asked me what were they doing and why did they all have on pink. So I tried to explain briefly what breast cancer was.
Then he asked, "What is a breast?"
I said, "Doctors and other people call "nickels" (long story) breast. You know like how I have nick names for you and your sisters. I might call your sister pumpkin, but that is not her real name."
Some how the conversation transfered to boy body parts.
I said, "If the doctor needed to refer to you po po he would call it a different name."
#1 replied real matter of fact, "I know, he'd call it a weenier."
I was so cracked up by his reply, I didn't get around to addressing the correct name for it.

Anyways, Halloween was so fun. My parents did pizza for all of us and we trick-or-treated in their neighborhood. I loved watching the kids go up to each door. #3 was so excited, she couldn't just walk, she had to skip to most of the houses. Everybody was extremely generous with the candy. We have enough to last us at least a year, especially since their normal ration of candy is 2 pieces a day.