Christmas Angel!

Here is our Christmas Angel! Natalie is the light of our lives and we thank God everyday for bringing her into our family.

Christmas with the Troops

Yesterday, we had the honor of going to a Christmas party at the Grand Ledge Army National Guard Armory. Jon's cousin, Christopher is in the Guard, waiting to enter flight school to become a Black Hawk pilot. He spent last Christmas in Kosovo. We all thank God regularly for bringing him back home to us, safe and sound. The party was in typical military style. Dinner was served in a large mess hall with the officers dishing up the grub. Personally, I thought it was mighty good grub! Turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, yams, corn, stuffing, etc. Then there was a huge dessert table.

Natalie, Jon, Jana and I all got to sit in a helicopter. I can honestly say that I don't every need to do that again.....it did nothing but reinforce my fear of flying. Needless to say, Natalie loved it! She sat at the controls giggling and saying "Fly! Fly!" When we went to look at the new helicopters, she looked at the enormous engine and propellers and said "Ooh! Toys!"



Jana and I took Natalie to see Santa. She was great until the very last second, then she didn't want anything to do with him. As you can see if you look closely, she was beginning to cry, so we didn't push it. Santa was a very nice man, he gave me a hug and said not to worry, maybe next year she'll do better. Natalie rallied and took her gift from Santa and ran off, not looking back. First thing she tackled was the candy cane. She actually likes them. I never knew a kid that liked peppermint candy canes.



The day was very emotional for me. We met a lot of men and women that are risking their lives so that we may live in a free country. I pray that they will all be kept safe and sound until they are again home with their families for good.

May God bless each and every one of them.

We got Elved!

Click on this link to see our cute little Christmas dance. http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1150179123

The Season of Thanksgiving

As I look back at our lives in the last couple years, I realize that I have so very much to be thankful for. I have a wonderful, loving husband who has been through a terrible setback and has worked hard to get past it. I have been blessed with a beautiful daughter, a little angel sent from GOD by way of China. And if my prayers are answered - I will be seeing the tiny face of our newest child next Spring. For each of these Blessings, I am so very grateful. My heart is full.

Boo at the Zoo and Halloween Treats!

This past Sunday we went to the local zoo for Boo at the Zoo. Natalie wore her Mulan costume and looked mighty cute, if I may say so. She loved seeing all the animals. But she couldn't quite figure out why people kept giving her candy and treats. Not that she complained, mind you. It was a beautiful day for an outing, and we were sure tired when the time came to leave.

Today, Natalie transformed into Mulan again and was eager to go Trick or Treating. We went to a nearby mall, like we did last year. This time, Natalie got IT! She was so excited to get lots of candy. But there was one snag......each 'treat spot' was marked by a balloon. And our Natalie is a balloon freak! If she sees one, she HAS to have it. Once she figured out that if you ran to a balloon, the clerk would give you candy, she was hooked. Though she was more interested in trying to talk them out of the balloon, than she was the candy. But if you can't have your first choice, candy makes a good second.

I see another Balloon!!!