-I'm still processing what happened with our adoption and Committee. Thankfully, we still have some things we can accomplish to continue working toward our homestudy in January (physicals, getting a few more letters, adoption education, etc.). Once we start our homestudy, I'll feel like things are getting "real" again. I was having such a hard time verbalizing my feelings after we found out we weren't chosen last Wednesday. Kurt and I talked it out and he verbalized it perfectly. He said it makes you feel like adoption is an exclusive club that you just can't seem to get into. That's how I feel!! Obviously, not being chosen at Committee is a small setback and in the grand scheme of things, we'll be up and running again soon. But sometimes adoption just feels like this vapor or a fog that we can't grab on to. It seems surreal a lot of the time. I want to be honest: there have been times in the last couple of days when I thought to myself "Is this REALLY what God wants us to do?" Because we didn't have any trouble having Evy, pregnancy is (God-willing) always a feasible (and the most expected) way for us to grow our family. And since I'm being honest, there have been times in the last few days when I have been tempted to throw in the towel on this adoption thing and switch gears toward pregnancy. However, in my gut I know that's not what we're supposed to do. God has called us to do this. You don't just stop in mid-action because it becomes hard, inconvenient, or hurtful. You continue on. So that's what we're doing. We're continuing to inch forward. I was at the mall today and saw the sweetest little Asian toddler. It made me smile, and it was the little nudge from the Lord that I needed. And so we press on. :)
-I REALLY MISS MY CAMERA. I know I've said it before, but I really miss that thing. I have been taking the crappiest pictures with my point and shoot. I'm not being snobby; I had just gotten used to the way my other camera worked. I still have to remind myself where the zoom is on this camera. Dumb things like that--ha!
-I'm finishing up the last projects before the home tour on Saturday. I really am pretty chill about the whole thing....I don't want to get stressed over something like this. I'll show you pictures soon....if I can find the on/off button for my point and shoot....
-Evy has been so cute lately. I'm going to do a post soon about Christmas festivities and traditions. We can tell this is going to be such an amazing Christmas because Evy is at such a fun age! She has tons of personality and just loves to entertain. We laugh constantly at her! I will do a big post soon about the cute things she's up to. We just adore her.
-Both sets of my grandparents were here for Thanksgiving and it was so fun! Yesterday my siblings and I (just the four of us) and my mom's dad, Poppy, went to eat lunch. It was a rare treat and I kept asking him question after question about growing up during World War II, the 50s, when he was in a dance band, etc. He told us some great stories that I'll share soon! Here are me and my sisters on the way to lunch (Poppy and my brother were in the front seat):
-I saw this ad in a magazine the other day and it took my breath away. I tore it out and I'm putting it up in my office/computer room. I love EVERYTHING about it!
-I would like to start celebrating Advent and doing little things to commemorate this season in a special way. I have the book by Lisa Whelchel about Advent activities, but I was wondering what resources any of you use? I'd like to do some sort of Advent calendar. I've thought about making my own (something very simple) or buying one? I'm just not sure. I'd love to hear what you do for Advent, what type of calendar you use, what readings you use (if any), etc. especially with young children.
-Tomorrow is Sunday, and I always love Sundays. It's extra special because tomorrow night we have our community-wide Christmas Parade! I got to attend last year too (before we had moved here) and I knew it HAD to be one of our holiday traditions! I bought Evy a thicker, puffier jacket and a matching hat with mittens. We're going to bundle up and watch the parade in Old Town Cape (the downtown area). My brother and sister are singing/performing on our Student Ministry float, so we're excited to see them. It will be a great family time, and I love seeing my community celebrating something together!
-Our Christmas cards are due to be delivered early this week and I'm so excited! One of my absolute favorite things to do during the holidays is put on Christmas music (or a Christmas movie) once Evy has gone to bed and sit in my comfy rocking chair addressing Christmas cards. It's always been soothing to me. :)
I'm so thankful the holiday season is here. I'm really trying to soak it all in and savor it. We're so thankful to be here in our new home and it's been fun decorating it for the first time. It feels warm and happy. I hope you're enjoying this wonderful time of year too!
