hearts

We have a surplus of tiny candy canes at our house. Don't ask why. But I searched to find some candy cane craft ideas this week, and Peanut and I made up hearts to put on the tree for everyone in our family. Yes, there's five. Even though there hasn't been any official assignment of our waiting child, he or she is already taking up a huge part of my heart! I wish so much right now to have him or her here with us for Christmas instead of residing in an orphanage.

I don't know about you, but I have watched Annie one too many times. Still love that movie after all these years! I didn't see Miss Hannigan on the video of the children we received, thankfully, but I do wonder more and more about what the conditions are like. Where do they lay down to sleep? Do they receive comfort if they scrape a knee or wake up crying at night? Will they eat Christmas cookies this week or even get a gift?

Regardless of what our child already knows about Christmas, I am praying we will get to share it with three kids next year. I cannot wait for K to sit down on Christmas Eve and read about Mary and Joseph and tell how our glorious Savior began His life on earth in a humble manger. I can't wait to let all the kids go crazy with sprinkles on the Christmas cookies! I can't wait to see him or her run down the stairs with Peanut and Buddy to see what's under the tree on Christmas morning. I never realized how much more I would love Christmas as an adult... being able to stand back and watch it all through the eyes of my children. I am pretty sure I will treasure the memories of Christmas as a parent the most!

Earlier this week we went to Yankee Candle in Williamsburg and Santa made an appearance just before we were leaving.  The kids weren't exactly dressed up for a picture with the big guy, so I thought they could wave and then go.  Well, he walked out and kneeled down.  First, Peanut ran over and gave him a hug, then Buddy ran up and latched on.  Really.  He stood exactly as you see below for a good three minutes without letting go while Santa talked to other children.  I think Buddy confused the furry trim for his blankey, but Santa didn't seem to mind.

Right now we're in waiting mode as we await our homestudy to be finalized. Once that is completed by our social worker, we will be assigned to our child and be able to request an appointment to have FBI fingerprints and background checks done. That's why there hasn't been as much adoption talk here lately, but I have had requests for info about the financial side of our adoption. I will get to that shortly because I know that was one of my greatest questions before we began the process. I hope to break it down simply for those of you interested in adopting someday!

Oh, and I have to add that we finally got snow!! We live on the ocean edge of Virginia and it rained and rained all morning and finally turned to snow this evening. Peanut was not pleased that she couldn't go out and play in it in the pitch dark, but hopefully it will stick around in the morning!

Celebrating the incredible gift of Jesus, angela