Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Thankful

I'm a slacker. I can't believe I let an entire month escape me with no post!! I missed Thanksgiving and our 6-month GOTCHA anniversary. We've been crazy busy, but I apologize for not posting an update last month. I'd be remiss, however, if I didn't take time to share how THANKFUL we are to have our sweet girl home.

Thanksgiving took on a whole new meaning this year and it often overwhelms me just to look at Oakley. She is absolutely amazing in every way and as I experience each holiday and each event through her eyes, I count my blessings. She reminds me daily to remember what's really important -- the love of family, the grace of God, and the tenderness of a child's heart.

She's so appreciative of all the little things and she was beyond excited as I decorated the Thanksgiving table in anticipation of sharing a wonderful meal with our immediate and extended family members.


I LOVE Thanksgiving. I love our family traditions -- watching the Macy's Day Parade in our pajamas and cooking our favorite dishes with the sound of football games in the background. I love that Sullivan ventures out mid-morning to find the brightest red leaves to adorn our table, and I love spending time with family. It's low-pressure and lots of fun. And this year, Oakley's excitement was icing on the cake, or whipped cream on the pumpkin pie! Yes, she really loves all the hoopla surrounding each holiday, not to mention the food. The girl still REALLY loves to eat!

"Soooo pretty, Mama. It's gonna be FUN!" she exclaimed repeatedly as she helped me set the table.

And with Christmas just around the corner, you can only imagine how she reacts to all the Christmas lights, the holiday music, and the general hustle and bustle. She knows Jingle Bells by heart and sings it non-stop .... non-stop. Michael decorated the front of the house with wreaths on the windows and twinkly lights on the landscape shrubs. She tells him daily what a good job he did.

We visited the mall, and much to my amazement, she climbed right up on Santa's lap, gave him a big hug, and asked him for a baby doll. She was thrilled with the little coloring book he gave her. She talks about him like he's a long-lost friend. And I guess he is.

As we prepare this season to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, I thank Him for His presence in our lives, I thank Him for my wonderful husband, my beautiful boys, and my precious little girl.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I so enjoy your updates! I completly understand though that life get busy. :)

Okaley is truly beautiful. Not only her heart, but she is a beautiful child. God has blessed you with her, but you already know that. :)

I just wanted you to know that reading your blog, and seeing what an amazing joy that Oakley is, really opened my heart to an older child adoption. Although I know a three-year old is still a baby. :) My family and I are adopting a SN girl. You are an inspiration to us. I so love seeing how well you are all doing. Happy (late) Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas from our family to yours.

Blessings!

Anonymous said...

I love little Miss Oakley!! She is such a sweetie. I am so thankful that Caeleigh and Oakley can stay connected as friends. What a blessing!!

Cynthia said...

I love the new photos! What a doll baby she is! We are all so truly blessed by this thing called adoption!

Anonymous said...

I was so glad to finally see your post-I was wondering how Oakley and her big brothers were doing. I enjoy watching Oakley's progress and her beautiful smile at 'the simple things in life'. Her story is a constant reminder of all the children who haven't found a loving family & how we all need to work hard to help these children in some way. I would so love to adopt an older child but unfortunately it does not seem to be in God's plan for me. Thanks for the updates and have a Blessed Holiday Season.

The Ferrill's said...

Oh Jana I feel your grateful heart, as my heart was overflowing as well this Thanksgiving! Oakley just has such a radiant countenance. Isn't it SO fun to experience Christmas and the holidays through the eyes of a child? I love this season! Thanks for sharing a little piece of your family with us! Yall are so precious.
Love and Merry Christmas!
And Ho Ho Ho to Oakley!
Laine

Anonymous said...

Wow you have so much to be thankful for! Oakley is such a little sweetie! I had to lugh when I read about her daddy getting her ready for school. I can see my husband doing that.

Stacey
LID 8-8-06

www.babyjellybeans.com
child's anme - Jadalyn Cashion

Jennifer said...

Jana -

She is growing up SO FAST!! This is going to be such a fun year... and you are so right... watching the wonder in their eyes makes us all see what we have been taking for granted for so long...

Leslie said...

A Post~ A Post ~ A Post.....

I'm so excited Jana to see more pictures of Oakley. You never fail, to show Oakley's sweet personality through your blog. We can all tell that she is such a joy of a child. I hope maybe after the first of the year, and Lily is feeling better, that maybe we can try and get together, and let the girls meet. I can't wait to lay eye's on Oakley in person.

Merry Christmas to you and your family.