November #

The day before Thanksgiving we got our November number from AGCI

We are actually unofficially #17 so we've moved back twice since we were unofficially #15 but our official number has stayed the same. Seeing that #16 was a little disheartening but not surprising. We keep up with the movement and referrals on the list serv so we knew there wasn't much going on for refrerrals. Once again we rejoice with the families who got court dates, are traveling, getting cleared by Embassy, FINALLY getting MOWA letters... so things are still happening.

I've been in a funk this past week and unusually emotional. There is a lot going on in our lives right now and I have a lot on my plate - December is the busiest month for any musician - but I realized something yesterday. When we started this journey almost 2 years ago the first question everyone asked was "When will this be happening? When will he be home?" and I said without a doubt by Christmas 2011. I mean, we were told it would be 18 months process so that's a few months cushion. Well, once again this whole process has been completely out of our control (You think He's trying to teach us something here?). Throw all expectations out the window. Trust that God will know the perfect timing for our family. These are all things I KNOW but to truly trust and believe is another thing. I should cling to His promises that are unchanging and not my feelings which can be a bit wishy-washy!

So many of you have been such wonderful support - asking how we are doing and lifting us up in prayer. There were a few of you who commented on my last official numbers post that gave me great encouragement - thank you - I am thankful that God has put you in our lives and crossing our path.

Eden's 3rd Birthday Party

We had Eden's birthday party with a hand full of her closest friends! It was the first time we've invited friends so Eden was especially excited. She wanted a Snow White party and I had so much fun with the theme! We took it out to the neighborhood park and were blessed with beautiful weather. I was so worried it was going to rain but it all worked out! Thank you to everyone who was there to make her celebration special! I can't believe my little girl is 3 years old

Thanksgiving Pics

Here are a few pics from our Thanksgiving! We went to Neil's sister's house and spent it with 16 adults and 8 kids - it was awesome! Growing up away from family I never really experienced big family Thanksgiving dinners where kids ran around, you had to make your way through the crowd, etc. My memories are primarily just us and getting together with The Brown Family until they moved out of state. Don't get me wrong!! They were wonderful Thanksgivings but it was really great to see the girls running around with their cousins and their cousin's cousins. We were able to visit with both Neil's grandma's, Steve's grandma, two men from Lackland who had to stay in town for basic training and Steve's brother's families. Good food, good company and so much to be thankful for!

Claire and Justin being silly
So cute!
They loved playing with the wagon
Eden opening her gift from Aunt Shannon and Uncle Steve
Claire with Maw Maw and Mary Ellen - her great grandma and great aunt
Claire with her other great grandma aka Maw Maw from Kerrville!

The kids loved seeing Sheila the bearded dragon

Then it was off to my parents house for our second Thanksgiving! Here is the classic picture of my dad carving the turkey. I wonder what Eden was doing in the background?
I didn't get pics of my mom and sister =( Wasn't using the camera as much as usual but got this one of the table all set and we were finally ready to eat!
Love this picture because you can see my mom's china - my mom LOVES dishes and especially loves setting her table with everything for holidays. Eden was all decked out with her own charger and two forks!
We had a LONG day with two stops but what a blessing to be so close to both families to spend time with them all. One of these days we will host everyone so we can have one Thanksgiving meal. I find it amazing how people have such different food traditions for holidays and even different ways of celebrating! Not sure I'm ready for the task of accommodating them all!!

The Whole Family

A few weeks ago my side of the family got together to take pictures for my mom's birthday. We've never had a full family picture done since I was a kid so this was really special and I'm so glad we had it done! Now we'll just have to get them done again after baby comes home!! My amazing friend Jenny with Synergy Photography took them and we were so pleased with how they turned out. Thank you SO much Jenny! Here are some of our favorites =)