Today was ordinary in many ways. We didn't do our big Thanksgiving feast because Daddy-o had to work so we are saving it for Saturday when my brother and his crew roll in. We had a slow morning. I made our shopping list for the Tday feast, we ate breakfast and watched the Macy's Day Parade.
In other ways though it was extraordinary...
First of all our friends Jeff and Amanda were finally united with their children in India. They started the adoption process when we did two years ago. We have journeyed with these precious friends and seen how they have handled delays and hardships with grace and courage. We couldn't have asked for more than to wake up on Thanksgiving to see them with A and S. What a gift and answer to prayer.
Secondly, today we started decorating for Christmas. I know many families do this but this year was different. It was Shanti's first time to decorate a tree (or trees in our case, I'm one of those people, can't help myself!). She was so excited, bouncing all over the place. We decorated one for our playroom and a small one that will serve as our Jesse Tree (for now it is covered in our Thanksgiving crafts from school which we put on there yesterday). She was mostly excited though about Daddy getting home so we could decorate the main tree together. She had been chosen to put the star on top of the tree and she reminded me many times throughout the day. As they decorated the tree it was surreal. I looked at Todd with tears in my eyes, there she was after two Christmas' without her. There she was in the flesh holding an ornament I had touched a million times before. For the Grand Finale Todd put her on his shoulders (as he stood in a chair, don't tell our social worker) and she put the star on as best she could. It was precious! She later decided we needed to go w/the angel instead but it didn't take away from the moment in the least. It really just made it sweeter that she could choose and change her mind! It was a perfect day in many ways (which I will gladly accept since I haven't been well...stellar lately:) and we are beyond thankful that she is finally home.
I'm so behind on blogging so here's a quick update: Shanti is adjusting so well, as are Pryce and Knox! We have our days--trust me! I'm adjusting to the demands of three kids, three years apart. I won't lie it's one of the hardest things I've ever done, so hard, so repetitive, so sanctifying! I'm thankful for the support of dear friends, family, and our church. Overall though I'm loving it. I've always been a fan of controlled chaos. We've got the chaos part down baby, now we are working on the controlled part:)
Love to you all! I will try to be a better blogger:) Maybe...
In other ways though it was extraordinary...
First of all our friends Jeff and Amanda were finally united with their children in India. They started the adoption process when we did two years ago. We have journeyed with these precious friends and seen how they have handled delays and hardships with grace and courage. We couldn't have asked for more than to wake up on Thanksgiving to see them with A and S. What a gift and answer to prayer.
Secondly, today we started decorating for Christmas. I know many families do this but this year was different. It was Shanti's first time to decorate a tree (or trees in our case, I'm one of those people, can't help myself!). She was so excited, bouncing all over the place. We decorated one for our playroom and a small one that will serve as our Jesse Tree (for now it is covered in our Thanksgiving crafts from school which we put on there yesterday). She was mostly excited though about Daddy getting home so we could decorate the main tree together. She had been chosen to put the star on top of the tree and she reminded me many times throughout the day. As they decorated the tree it was surreal. I looked at Todd with tears in my eyes, there she was after two Christmas' without her. There she was in the flesh holding an ornament I had touched a million times before. For the Grand Finale Todd put her on his shoulders (as he stood in a chair, don't tell our social worker) and she put the star on as best she could. It was precious! She later decided we needed to go w/the angel instead but it didn't take away from the moment in the least. It really just made it sweeter that she could choose and change her mind! It was a perfect day in many ways (which I will gladly accept since I haven't been well...stellar lately:) and we are beyond thankful that she is finally home.
I'm so behind on blogging so here's a quick update: Shanti is adjusting so well, as are Pryce and Knox! We have our days--trust me! I'm adjusting to the demands of three kids, three years apart. I won't lie it's one of the hardest things I've ever done, so hard, so repetitive, so sanctifying! I'm thankful for the support of dear friends, family, and our church. Overall though I'm loving it. I've always been a fan of controlled chaos. We've got the chaos part down baby, now we are working on the controlled part:)
Love to you all! I will try to be a better blogger:) Maybe...
