Holidays and Whatnot

That's what we've been doing.  Nothing out of the seasonal ordinary really.  Friday night we ventured out and saw Christmas lights.  There's one house in our town that really goes all out.  Amazing.  Then, we came home and made our monkey munch.  We've stayed up late wrapping presents.  Saturday, I determinedly set out among the hustle and bustle to shop.  I accomplished quite a bit.  

Meanwhile, back at the homestead, we decided to paint our bathroom.  Now.  Right before Christmas.  Are we loony or what??  So Steve spent the whole day prepping the bathroom.  It's the only bathroom we have with a shower/tub, so it's imperative that it get finished soon.  Not to mention, I have company coming for the holidays and can't have a bathroom and hallway in shambles!  I put two coats of paint up today.  It's looking great!  Can't wait to share the finished product.  

The kids have a piano Christmas party this week, where they will share pieces that they've worked really hard on.  Daniel in particular accomplished an amazing "Oh Holy Night."  Avery is learning the scale and can crank out a "Good King Winseclas."  I don't know how to spell it.  

Avery just attended her keepers at home meeting tonight.  They stencil painted bags and we all brought cookies and treats to exchange.  We put our treats in the bags, and Avery decided that she wanted to save her two bags for the two families at our church that just had babies.  I thought that was so sweet of her.  She's already trying to be hospitable.  Sweet girl.

We're working on school.  We've doubled up a few things, with the hopes of starting fresh in January and doing extra.  We want the kids to do extra, with the hopes that they will be able to take off a few weeks when Joshua comes home.  They aren't thrilled right now, but they understand.  They love the idea of 4 weeks off to spend with their little brother bonding!  

Our new 'homecoming time frame' that we are praying for (other than as soon as possible) is the beginning of March.  This momma has gotten so desperate that I just want 6 months with Joshua being two, here at home.  Just 6 months.  That's my plea.  The reality is, we just can't predict.  AT. ALL.  I wish we could, but it's still totally up in the air.  We're still in the last Haitian stage and we need to get out of that.  That's where our prayers are focused right now.  We need to escape the last Haitian stage.  I do not want to be stuck in any Haitian stage again.  We've been in MOI since September 11, so please pray with us that we will exit before the year is up.  What a nice Christmas gift that would be.

My blogging has been scarce.  We're busy with the holidays, we are busy with home projects, and we're busy with school.  Plus, it's just hard.  Hard to not have good news to share.  This journey is hard.  Praying for all of us.  I have noticed that many are sad and discouraged.  I have to limit my time on-line.  It can make me excessively sad.  But know, that I am praying for all of you waiting moms.  I know you are tired.  Boy, do I know it.  May God renew our strength day by day, as we hope in Him.