Today...

We know that...
Re still needs an afternoon nap. He loves ice cream. He is brave and like his daddy, has good veins and barely flinches getting blood drawn. He likes peppercinies on his sandwiches. He has an ear infection, but has not complained. He likes the tram at OHSU, but only wants to watch on the way up. He likes to help mom in the kitchen. He doesn't like salad dressing.
Er needs more than an hour nap. She likes the ice cream in the cone, but could care less about the cone. She doesn't like any vegetable. She sometimes eats the apple peel, and sometimes she spits it out in little pieces onto the floor. She is strong enough it takes 4 people to draw blood, and can be heard at least 50 feet and a wall away. Her cries can break her mama's heart. She likes to charm the adults around her, but is starting to only want Dad or Mom when unsure.
I'm currently not in an emotional state to be strong enough to get through a blood draw with them. R thankfully is. We need to arrange for the meal delivery to be permanent. It's either that or cold cereal for dinner from now on. Our bedtime is now 9:30pm. Parents of four go to bed right after the kids - it's a survival mechanism.
We think bonding is happening. It's slow. It's hard. We doubt almost every decision. We don't want to do it wrong, but there is no real guidebook on what is right for them. We don't take it personal when it seems they aren't bonding - it's been a week. But we worry none the less. We do see moments of attachment and we are trusting that it will happen in time.
We are still trying to navigate the next step legally. We feel like we are in a hole, and there are 20 hands reaching down for us, but we don't know which one is attached to something secure to pull ourselves up by. We have heard we need to contact DHS for custody. We have heard we need to file a packet of paperwork with USCIS that other parents are doing upon reunion. We have heard that we need to retain an attorney, either adoption or immigration, or both. We have heard that the our house has been turned into a zoo and we can start charging admission...okay kidding on the last one. But the rumors swirling around are almost that funny.
We know we are blessed the children were evacuated when they were. The process has slowed quite a bit. UNICEF has gotten involved, as has the Haitian media. There are rumors of children being stolen, and trafficked. And I actually don't doubt that to be true. I think that is probably happening. However, I don't think the parents at the Embassy with their children, with 2 years worth of paperwork are the one's at fault. So we are thankful that our orphanage director had the wisdom to work as quickly as they did. And that as a group of parents we were able to respond quickly.
We also know that CN and P are two amazing children. That they have been prepared well. They have accepted the changes with a grace that is really beyond our expectations. I think it just might have alot to do with the cloud of prayer surrounding our family. We know they love their brother and sister. We know they are being understanding of the process they are going through. We know they didn't ask for this, and yet they have embraced it.
We know that we are seeing who God is in a completely different way. We know that at the end of ourselves, there he is. When we can't do one more thing, there he is. When we are spent, and there is more to be done - there he is. And that when others bring us meal - there he is. And when they get a blood draw the first time- there he is. And when we read his word, and the verse is exactly the encouragement needed for the day- there he is.
Okay, almost bed time. I don't think I've ever looked forward to bedtime like this before. The mental, emotional, and spiritual exhaustion was not expected. I expected physical exhaustion. I expected some emotional tiredness. No one can warn you, I guess. And I think it's normal to adoption. Throw in a natural disaster, a week of worry and little sleep, a whirlwind trip to get them, add a 'normal' adoption transition fatigue...and it's only by God's grace and mercy that I'm still standing to fight another day.

What we know...

We are blessed. Beyond measure. The floodgates of heaven have poured down on us. I list them not to brag, but to give God the Glory. The people he used, I know could only do it by his grace alone.

-Financially we had what we needed, and enough to make it easier.

-A group of our sisters in God's family, somehow managed to paint BOTH our kids rooms in two days. These rooms were not even remotely clean - and we were amazed when we walked in

-We have meals coming - we have more friends offering than there are spots on the calender -how cool is that.

-Re and Er's health is remarkably good considering they were evacuated from a third world country in disaster - there are some concerns but they are minor in comparison to what we could have been facing.

-Ce and P are adjusting better than expected. There have been moments, but we have had the wisdom and strength to help them through it.

-Our family and friends have been very respectful of our need to hibernate. And right now we need it not only to bond but to recover from the last two weeks.

Which is the next part of this. Two weeks ago, on the 14th, the earthquake happened two days before. We didn't know IF our kids would ever come home. We were frantically calling everyone we could think of that would help us. Our friends and family were rallying behind us in prayer and support. And we were scared. And clinging to God's promises in Isaiah 43. And trusting that God is who he is, regardless of the circumstances we find ourselves in.

And today we are home with them. This time last week, we knew the kids were flying out soon, but waiting for a final GO. We knew they were coming home, and didn't know how it would all come together. And here we are - all together. We didn't do anything to deserve this. We haven't earned it by being good people who are adopting orphans. We know it is because of who God is and his tremendous love for us and them.

Another blog post coming as I process all that has happened. But our story is such an amazing picture of who God is. A God of redemption. A God of order. A God of completion. And watching it play out over 80 times at once - beyond incredible. But that is for another day. Now I'm off to get ready, and another praise - I somehow managed to schedule a massage for today, two weeks ago. Because my body is desperate for some pain relief right now. God is a God of order, even in the smallest of details.

Media Links

Well, it's been a day. First full day home. Lalan had a rough morning. I think the fear of the dog triggered a meltdown that had more to do with the grief, loss and fear of the last 9 days then the dog. So we just held her, and let her go. There is no comfort we can offer. No words to make it better. We HAVE to just let it happen and stay present in it. She actually started to come out of it when I started to quietly shed tears. Like she understood that her pain was real and we understood. She is currently playing in the same room as the dog, and does get nervous when something changes with the dog. But other than that, the extreme reaction seems to be dissipating. Remy has had a great day, and we are waiting for the grief to hit. Right now he is too excited for everything that is new. But it will come too.
Here is the link to the KOIN 6 news story. This situation has been so surreal with the media. There is no part of us that wanted to the media attention. It was a long, hard decision to involve the media in the beginning. However, we needed the pressure the media would bring. And we still believe that without the media pressure, the US Government would have taken months to sort out our kids situation. The benefit of the media has been balanced with the negative side of the media. Being filmed in some of the most stressful hours of your life is unpleasant. Arriving at the airport to wait, and being greeted by reporters and cameras - surreal. Having them film us walking around, talking amongst ourselves and sitting down and waiting - it seemed just weird. They could have filmed anyone at the airport and got the same footage. Then to have them approached the area they were asked to stay out of, and walk around with cameras - intrusive. Some of this was encouraged by a few parents. GLA has asked us not to speak to the media. Certain media outlets had been given permission to film the kids and the reunion. CNN and NBC as they took the story and ran with it - helping us out alot. However, they seemed to get the boundaries. And good media coverage is professional at it's best.
Dixie asked us to let the film crews film us. To keep GLA in the news. To keep the plight of Haitian orphans out there. To help Canada and France get their act together. It worked, Canada has agreed. However, we had the right to put our hands up and they would not film. We could refuse to speak or have our kids filmed. And they were very non intrusive and professional. And they got a great story.
KOIN 6 has been professional. They have been kind and respectful. They have personally cared. They want a story, and yet they weren't going to do whatever it took. And they got the story.
The link is above. It's worth watching, if nothing else, it's the only way to share the kids online right now.
And then we are staying home for two weeks. We were recognized in the Seattle airport. I don't know if they saw us personally, but the recognized the story and us as part of it. It was a bizarre experience. And one I'd like to not repeat. So I'm going to wait for it to all die down before I take the kids out in public. I really can't wait to just be a normal family.
There will be articles coming out in The Statesmans Journal, as well as The LaGrande Observer. The big time I tell you (sarcasm inserted here). However, the story of these kids will also be on CNN in the next few days. And I imagine NBC is following it. Tune it, give them the ratings and help put the pressure on the government to make them permanent citizens. I'll write more later about the process ahead. Another day. Now my kids are playing, Re falling on the ground and Er yelling at him in creole. I wish I could film it. It is too cute. I wish I knew what she was saying. Or maybe not. But we do know they are awfully cute.

Overwhelmed

We are home. We are together. It is enough.
We don't have pictures yet. Through a serious of misguided communications and decisions - the camera got packed in the unlocked carry on, and was gone when we got home. However, we are determined to not let it steal the joy of these moments. However, it will mean it takes longer to post pictures. Bear with us, we will post them.
First night went well. Only glitch-Er screams when the dog comes near. Hopefully it was nerves, exhaustion and EVERYTHING being new. Re and P enjoyed playing together. CN helped give Er a bath. They went to sleep relatively well. And we are headed there. I'm afraid that they will be up early. However, I will be grateful for a FULL nights sleep in my own bed.
We came home to dinner on the stove, and two freshly painted and decorated bedrooms. It amazed me how much our friends did for us. We are loved and blessed. So a missing camera in light of all the blessings, as well as our children sleeping in their beds, is just an inconvinance.
The point of all that is ... pictures will take a little longer, and if your a parent that was there - email me pictures PLEASE. And that you really can't check luggage unlocked with valuables.
Funny things that happened today...
Remy crawled into bed, wrapped himself up and had the biggest smile on his face. He says, "It's a big bed..." in awe.
Pray for them. It's alot to take in. It's alot to grieve. It's alot to have change. We are trying hard to give them the space to grieve, and yet be there. We are balancing Ce and P, and their needs. We are trying to stay focused and not be distracted by the small irritations that arise from being overtired. And we know that it is only by God's Grace that any of that will be accomplished. So pray for us please.

because I have to get this off my chest

Okay, I really should be in bed - however I keep thinking something and can't seem to let it go. I've been asked numberous times my opinion on the subject. It's the statement made by Pat Robinson found here.
Let me just say he sounds like the crazy uncle at Christmas no one wants to sit by. And yet, he is representing God to our nation. Jesus, save us from your followers. (google that and check out a great movie by that name). Anyways, back to the statement. I think he has compassion for the Haitians - I think he may even have a point. Somewhere in the mombo-jumbo. However, he just sounds like the pompous, know everything, uncle who has to be right. And while his target audience is conservation christians, what did his statement accomplish?? Did the Haitians realize the error of the past leaders ways and sign a pledge to God. Not yet. Did the Christians watching have reliable and accurate information to make decisions based off of. No. Did he think that maybe it would give a bad reflection to who God is... clearly he did not think that far. Because outside the church that statement sounds alot like, "nanana...you got what you deserved. God is finally getting you good." Those same people who are moved to tears, moved to give, are moved away from God by ONE mans ramblings. Agian, someone take that man's mic away from him. They can't comprehend why we would love and worship a God like that. I don't blame them.
I understand that God's wrath is true. I get that there are consequences too one's behavior, even spritually. But maybe let the dead bodies be cleared before we start declaring they had it coming. I've talked to lots of people about this. Christians and non-believers. Both seem to be equally disgusted. So why is his show still on?? Who watches it??
He clearly doesn't understand the different dynamics within the Dominican Republic and Haiti. The poverty stems from many reasons. Poor farming practices, Corrupt government for generations, lack of education, etc, etc, etc... The comparison of why can't Mexico get it together and end poverty there - the US did it, so come on now. Oh yeah, except they've had different leaders, different government, and different resources.
So I wish I knew who keeps inviting crazy Uncle Pat to the party - I'd ask them to stop. It's making it hard for the new family members and those who are checking it out from afar. And I'm tired of explaining away his bad behavior.

Details

We arrived at the airport last evening at 8:40pm, expecting that they would arrive at 9:40pm. At 11:00pm they were still on the tarmack waiting for someone to push the plane for take off. At 11:40pm, confirmation they were in the air came. Through all this time the media slowly encrouched. At 12:52am, they arrived on US soil. And from there it gets fuzzy. But this morning, we waiting. We'd hear they had 10 more to go, and it would be an hour and then they'd have 8 more to go. At one point I seriously thought they were doing 2 an hour. But they weren't going that slow, it was more a matter of quantity. The proccessed 81 visa's. 81 kids to fingerprint, photograph, and review the files. They had 7 dedicated immigration reps, and a special staging area set up. And it still took many hours. They then moved us upstairs to a conference room to wait. And brought the kids into the room next to ours. We could hear them singing. It was an amazing moment.
They then called us out a family at a time to get our kids. To be honest, I remember very little, other than seeing them and running to wrap my arms around their little bodies as tight as one can. And then I realized that I was practically a stranger. So I stopped squeezing them. Er was unsure to begin with, but R was all over it. But the end of the hour, Lalan was leading us around and dancing for us.
We will need to domestically adopt them. We don't really know anything else at this point. It will probably involve a adoption/immigration attorney. While humanitarian parole has been granted before, this is the first time it's been applied in this situation.
We are tired. Really, really tired. And we are joyous, and happy. And tired. So I'm off to sleep.

We are here

Quick Update:
We are in Miami. We arrived very tired. Our 'easy' pre-reserved hotel became a joke, when it was an hour and half after we called for a shuttle and we were still not checked in even. It seems that when you begin to have a nervous breakdown in at the check in counter, they quickly try to get you into a room. I'm not prone to hysterics, in fact I try really hard to minimize drama. Through out this entire week, I've been cautious to be honest, but not melodramatic. When they told me I couldn't check-in until 3:00pm, I felt the wave of hysterics. And it started to spill out. And we got a room. Sometimes a little drama is needed.
We are awaiting where to be, as well as when to be there. We are praying that the logistics of getting 60 kids on the plane happens. We are praying that the staff does not grow weary, and holds steadfast. We are praying for our own emotional health. Our kids can't afford a hysterical mom right now. I feel a ton better after 3 hours of sleep. We are going to get ready, go get dinner, and hopefully we will have word by then what the plan is.
Answer to a couple questions:
We don't know what kind of plane they are coming in on. We don't know if we go through immigration with them. We don't know what they will arrive with.
We do know that our hotel has been generous enough to offer shuttle service outside the normal times, as well as to the grocery store. We do know we have a nice room, with everything we need. We do know that our world is about to be rocked. We do know there is a good Thai restraunt somewhere nearby for dinner. We do know that we hope Carlo's, who drove the shuttle here is off, because I thought he was going to run into something. He seemed determined. Hopefully we can walk to dinner.
Thank you for your prayers. It is obvious we still need them.

While I'm waiting....

We are waiting...for details on how, where and when the kids are coming home. It's an intense kind of wait. It's 6 months of waiting in 6 days. It's exhausting in and of itself. However, there is still normal life to do. Plus get ready for them to be home.
While I'm waiting...I am:
Organizing, packing, laundry and basically nesting
On my knees in prayer
Checking email constantly
Praying
Shopping for their shoes and coat
Praying
Picking out paint colors for their room
Praying
Hugging P and CN alot
Praying
Hugging each other alot
Praying
Dishes and cooking (does cold cereal count for dinner?)
Praying
Checking email again
Praying

Isaiah 43:5-6
Do not be afraid, for I am with you;
I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west.
I will say to the north, "Give them up!" and to the south, "Do not hold them back."
Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth-
everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made."

And I hold to this promise delivered in a dark hour - God's word is amazing that way!!

Conference Call

Here is what we know. The Joint Counsel is trying to set up a safe haven around The Embassy and the airport for kids in orphanage. This would be a secure location with food and water available. It would also be a way for them to process the kids, and get them on flights here. They would fly into New York, recieve medical screening, and we would get custody of them there. However, The Office of Disaster Assistance has not authorized this yet. That is the next hurdle. I will post as soon as I know how to contact and what to say. If this doesn't happen, the orphanage will take them to The Embassy and hope for the best. However, it is not safe around the Embassy. And
There is so much more, and not enough time to do everything. We are hoping they will be home in the next two weeks one way or another. TWO WEEKS!!!!!!!

The Good News...

The US Government is going to grant humanitarian visa's. There is some criteria that must be met. We meet it. I won't go into the details, but according to the fact sheet the kids are eligible. We have a conference call tomorrow morning at 7am. We hope to have more information then.

We were hoping to be able to pick our kids up really soon. However, I think it may be closer to a couple weeks. And in a small way, I'm okay with that. The relief of knowing there is a way has made me realize the details of when and how aren't as important.
I fear for my children, but they are in God's hands. I also have concern about them being driven down to the Embassy in the next couple days. It's still bad. REALLY BAD. Bodies along the road. Imagine driving your child through a war zone, with bodies strewn about. Not something anyone would sign them up for. Even if it's means a quick reunion.
I also know we are not the only parents in this situation. However, we know our kids are safe, have what they need, and trust our orphanage completely. There are orphanages that the buildings are unsafe, that are out of food and water, and the ONLY answer is to get the kids out NOW. So I'm happy to wait. Lets save those children first. Really, it should only be a matter of days. But they can have the first flight. I'd want the parents to choose the same, if the situation was turned around.
We are also starting to see the wear and tear this last week is taking on our own children. CN is really struggling right now. How does this really affect me? How does this change my life? She is relieved, scared, happy, sad, and that is just in five minutes. It would be okay to have a couple weeks to just recover from this last 5 days, and get them better prepared.
I'll post in the morning after the call. And ask that in the meanwhile you pray for the nannies at the Toddler House.
I'm going to start listing a couple with each post. Please pray for strength, courage, and comfort. The loss they have suffered is beyond our imagination. Please surround them with prayer. Ghislaine and Nicole for tomorrow. May God's arms wrap around them, and bring the comfort only he can. May they know they are not alone, that the family of God from all over love them and are praying for them. May tomorrow offer hope and healing. -Amen

GOOD NEWS!!!!!!!!!!

I'll post more as I know more - but it looks like GOOD NEWS!!!!!
OUR KIDS ARE COMING HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PRAY

Good Morning,
I'm a mess this morning. Literally -no bra, haven't combed my hair yet, and am constantly fighting back the ugly cry. Broken. (I did shower so at least I don't stink)
There is so much swirling around. Some we know is true, some we are afraid is rumor. There is not 150 adopted kids flying out of Haiti. Not yet. However, those who just needed visa's - have gotten them.
We do know this...
God is a God of restoration. God is a God of completion. Who God is doesn't change dependent on situation. Thank You Father. That is our hope.
The president of Haiti has agreed to release these kids regardless of where in the situation they are.
The media is covering it, and I will be contacting media again, once I get the official statement to release.
Prayer is moving mountains. God is hearing my cry for help, your cry for help, and the hope lies in who he is. I encourage you to pray, on your knees, through out the day, consider a day of fasting-reminding you to pray, and God is going to throw up the floodgates of heaven to rain down on us.
Pray for the US government to move quickly. Pray for our children's hearts to be protected. Pray for me, to hold emotionally and spiritually. The battle is intense, and being a warrior is tough. But God is a God of strength. Read Isaiah 43, Pray it for the situation, for our family, for our children.

Who to contact and how…

It is imperative that the people, who love these Haitian kids, come together and be heard. As a parent, as an Auntie, as a friend, and just as a human being.

Please believe that your email, your phone call, your voice MATTERS. It's real, and you have the power to make a difference for Remy and Erlande. For the other 254 children is the same situation ours are in.

Here is the contact information. It took me about 20 minutes. Please pass this along. To everyone you know. Share our blog address, our face book page, and encourage people to put a real face to this tragedy.

Contact The White House at http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact

Contact Senator Merkely at www.merkley.senate.gov/contact

Contact Senator Wyden at http://wyden.senate.gov/contact

Contact The State Dept at www.state.gov and click on contact us in the upper right hand corner. Click on the tab 'email a comment or question'

Email The Joint Counsel of International Children's Services at jcics@jcics.org

Contact Bill Clinton's Foundation at http://www.clintonfoundation.org/contact-form

What do you say? This is what I told them. Please feel free to use as is, or add your own comments. However, there are a couple key points that MUST be made. They are in bold.

Please issue humanitarian parole visas to Haitian children with US parents. These children are not 'new' orphans, and have families that have been in the process of adopting them prior to the earthquake. These children need to be removed from Haiti and brought home safely. This would allow the children orphaned by the earthquake to be taken in and cared for the orphanage, which is currently at capacity. As an American Citizen I ask that you make a way for this to be accomplished quickly.

I will be trying to update the blog regularly. I encourage you to share the blog address, and to tell our story. It's actually very awkward to ask for the attention. But the attention is needed for Remy and Erlande to come home.

Speaking of attention, as soon as KOIN 6 puts our interview online, I will post it.

Thank you for your willingness to act on our children's benefit.

A few important details...

Here is some of the basic information we have...
-Kids are doing well. They have food, water, and care. The orphanage is handling it well, all things considered. They have needs, and there is a huge group of people committed to meeting the needs. PRAISE GOD!
-Our paperwork was signed by the judge, and picked up on Tuesday and delivered to the orphanage before the earthquake hit. It was scheduled to go to legalization on Wednesday. God's hand is indeed working in the midst of this. Our adoption decree and additional paperwork is SAFE.
-The senators in our state, the State Dept., Dept. of Homeland Security, and The Joint Counsel of International Children's Services are working to seek a solution. However, we can not rest until these children are on a plane ride home.
-We are tired, we aren't sleeping well, and we are busy. I'm trying to rest my voice today. I've talked more the last few days, then in the last couple months. That is saying something for me, because I'm not short of words. R has talked more the last couple days, than the last 6 months.
However, what we are experiencing is small in comparison to those who are working in Haiti.
I will also be posting an action plan to follow, as well as a link to the KOIN 6 interview.

Update

Well, it's after midnight and once again I'm wondering when sleep will come. And then I realized I should update this blog, since LOTS has happened in the last 4 days. Whirlwind.
Tuesday was a difficult day. It was the anniversary of my mom's death. This date is always hard. And I was just trying to get through it. I had turned off the computer and was trying to just rest and get through it. About 2:30pm, a friend called and told me there was a hurricane in Haiti. My first thought was that it was a small event, and hoping that the kids were okay. Then I started to hear the details, and started to panic. I can't describe the feeling, other than the downward part of the rollercoaster. Thankfully it was short lived, and it was posted the GLA (our orphanage) had survived and had no injuries.
We then started to wait and gather details. We hadn't really started to think about what it meant for us, for the kids, for the adoption process. By Wednesday, we began to worry. Really worry. That it would be years before we'd be able to get the paperwork finished. That our file could be in a pile of rubble. That our kids could spend years in the orphanage. And then we surrendered it again. And again. And again. God ordains adoptions, and God completes adoptions. He is mighter than an earthquake. We contacted the Statesman Journal, who ran a story that included our journey. Anything to get attention on GLA and the needs there.
We were asked by the orphanage director to start asking the US government to help get these kids out. We started the process of contacting Senator's offices. We started to send out request for people to make phone calls, send emails, and be heard about these kids. Thursday was spent on the phone, trying to be heard. And I think it might just work.
There is alot going on, lots behind the scenes, that even we don't know about. But the powers that be, are seeing what can be done to get kids here. Our kids here. Soon. We have began to have a sliver of hope that it could really happen. There is still much to be done. The Haitian government, what is left of it, will need to act. The US has to figure out how to legally do it. The logistics of moving kids from the orphanage to the airport, and then out of Haiti, is a nightmare.
However, our God is a God of redemption. He can work all those details out. He can move the Haitian officials to make a decision. He can provide a way through the red tape.
We have been surrounded by love, prayer, and support. The calls, emails, and prayers have given us hope when we feel like throwing our hands in the air and screaming. We are so overwhelmed at times, and then a call comes in, and we are reminded that God can not be overwhelmed.
We aren't sure how quick this will happen. A few days, a few weeks?? We have lots to do to get ready. We haven't painted their room, our exchange student is still in it, and don't have a single thing for either of them. I get overwhelmed thinking about it, and then someone calls to offer their help. And I realize that they will come paint if I need them too. That our needs will be met.
God has shown himself through this process, since the first thought of adopting occured to us. Our file was in courts last week. We were expecting to hear it was out this week. On Tuesday, before the quake it was retrieved by the orphanage. It was to be turned in for legalization on Wednesday. Both of those building are piles of rubble. And our file, with a adoption decree, is safe at GLA. He will redeem this situation.
Okay, truly should go to bed. I feel tired. I feel like I should sleep. Sometimes I can, sometimes I lie there thinking of where is the best place to go shopping for Re, what color the room should be, where to get hair products for Er, and a million little details.
Tomorrow I'll post specific prayer request. Prayer is the weapon of choice in this battle.

Readers Digest Version of Christmas

Christmas Eve- Spent at the in-laws with one side of the family. Drank Pinot Grigio - Duck Pond to be exact. Watched Grandma look like she had been taken captive, and Grandpa try to figure out how to troll the house in his wheelchair. Then off to Christmas Eve service. Which our exchange student thought was kinda off - going to church in the middle of the night?? Then home and to bed.
Christmas Day - Wake up, do stockings and presents (R made me a beautiful necklace) and eat Rhodes Cinnamon Rolls and pomegranate for breakfast. Off to in-laws for Christmas with R's family. Then more family came, more food and more presents. Then I was blessed to spend a few hours at the local woman's shelter. Then home to crash.
Day after Christmas - out of town by 9:00am to head to my hometown. Made it 8 miles before exchange students begins throwing up. Too much Christmas food, Christmas candy and Christmas desserts. Long trip made even longer. Arrive at my dad's about 3:00pm. Christmas again.
**Get Ready- the best part is coming up**
I received a beautiful scrapbook made by my dear sister in law. My dad found a roll of undeveloped film, had it developed and it was of me as a newborn. Pictures of me and my grandmother - the only one I have of just her and I. Pictures of my mom, looking just like my sister. Pictures of me and my dad. It truly was an amazing gift. On many levels. Just to have new pictures of me with my mom, who is now in heaven, was a beautiful gift. Pictures of me with both grandmas, amazing. That my sister-in-law created a beautiful book of it, really lovely. I don't know that I would have ever been able to.
We spent the next week hanging out, have pictures of the kids taken, shopping, helping my sister paint her living room, and playing in the snow. Then a long day home - snowy, icy roads and tired kids.
I just started to get Christmas stuff put away. And I'm sad. Because it seemed like the holiday ran away from me. And that I hardly noticed it was here, and then it was gone. And while I felt it was more simple and reflective than other years, I have a strong desire to do it again, only with less doing and more being. Being present. Simply being present in the moment - enjoying the gift of relationship with a God who loves me. Not so much baking, gift opening, and running around to get the list completed. Just being present.