not to us

Paul and Lynne (my former employers) have welcomed a beautiful new baby into their family!  Welcome, Connor Jacob!  Anja and Isabel seem wonderfully in awe of the tiny bundle in the Moses basket.  :)
Ruby, Burke, and I were able to stop by their home last night for a short visit.  I took the first family picture when Isabel came home, and it was really sweet to take the first family picture with Connor, as well.  :)  Amazingly, I caught a shot with everyone smiling!



This wasn't without a bit of coaxing!  At first, Isabel was keen to be represented in the new family photo by her backside!!  She thought it was hilarious.  :)



We also captured a quick shot of me with the girls (plus Burke...he was a bit clingy to say the least.)



There are times when I miss the girls so much my heart hurts.  I even got a bit teary last night whilst reminiscing with Paul.  (Sorry, Paul!)  I was a part of Anja's life for as long as I've now been a part of Ruby's life.  Experiencing those first months with Isabel in the family was something I'll never forget.  My time with this family was precious to me.

My time with Anja confirmed my belief that I am meant to be a foster or adoptive mother.  Even though she was not my own child, I loved her and cared for her with every fiber of my being.  What a great, great, great experience!

Thank you, Paul and Lynne, for allowing me to be a part of your lives!  And thank you for letting us come visit last night.  I know it's a hectic time, and I appreciate the hospitality you showed us.  :)  We love you very much.

On a totally unrelated note - I'm having such a fun day with my kids today!  It's cold, windy, and a bit snowy outside.  So, instead of running the errands I had originally planned for today, we bundled up and stayed home.  All during the morning, we were extra lazy and cuddly.  Ruby and I watched "The Polar Express" while snuggled under a fleece blanket.  (Burke was taking a morning nap.)  Then, we had homemade pizza for lunch.  We all sat on one side of the dining room table, watching the snow fall onto the trees in our backyard.  How awesome!  :) 

Now, at 1:30 in the afternoon, I'm still in my lounge pants, tank top, and hoodie.  Two baskets of unfolded laundry are next to me, calling my name...  :)  I think I'll pop in a great Christmas movie (Love, Actually) and fold some clothes.  It'll only be the third time I've watched the movie since Thanksgiving.  :) :) :)

Speaking of movies...Sarah came over last night to keep my company while Mike was away.  We watched Julie & Julia.  It was a good movie.  :)  I laughed, I shed a few tears, and I was convicted about blogging and the inherent self-centered nature of the hobby.  It's left me somewhat introspective.  I'll let you know what I discover...

Last thing, I promise - Burke's surgeries have been scheduled for 7:30 a.m. on December 17th.  They are all minor surgeries.  He should be in the operating room for about three hours max.  I'm actually finding more peace, now that we've got a date.  If you'll all just pray for a safe and routine procedure, that would be wonderful!  :)  Thank you!

Whoops!  Thought of one more thing (and knowing my brain, if I don't put it here now, it'll be gone forever...) - If you like Thin Mint cookies, you will love Orbit's Sweet Mint gum flavor!  :)  You're welcome.

Have a great day!  I hope your holidays are going well, and I hope you're enjoying the season!