Merry Christmas to You from Us!

The holiday season has been a whirlwind and just when I feel like I'm finally ready to welcome it in, it's almost over! Adoption paperwork consumed so much of my time this year and I feel like I played catch-up all month. I spent the entire day on December 23 wrapping gifts!

For the first time since Mike and I married (that's 18 years for those of you who are counting), I didn't send out Christmas cards. I actually hand-stamped 60 cards, but I just couldn't get them mailed in time. I have always included a photo of the boys in our card and I didn't even take their picture this year until Christmas Eve. I thought about sending them out as New Years cards, but I'd already stamped "Merry Christmas" on the front. So ..... I apologize to all of you and promise that I WILL send them next year. After all, I'm already ahead of the game and I have 60 cards filed away in a box labeled Christmas 2007. It's a good thing, too, because I hope to be running around chasing a three-year-old!

Our family is celebrating our last Christmas without Oakley. I have thought about her all day and throughout this blessed season - praying that Christ will watch over His precious baby.

We look forward to sharing her first Christmas with her next year -- what a wondrous time it will be! My Mom and I were out shopping a few weeks ago, and I almost bought a stocking for her, but decided to wait so she can help choose the one she wants. I can't wait to see it hanging from the mantel among her brothers' stockings. Our family will soon be complete.

Merry Christmas to All! May you cherish your time with family and friends this most holy season.