For Today

Outside my window: It's dark, but we did have sunshine and warmer weather today. Makes me realize spring is right around the corner. We're so ready for some milder weather!

I Am Thinking: About my sweet mother-in-law who is in the final stage of her fight with alzheimers. Sweet, sweet daughter of the King who has been incredibly kind and loving to me. We received a call the middle of last week that they think the end is near. Hospice is with her 24 hours a day now and one of the nurses I talked to the other day told me about being in the room and praying over Mary Anne. What a blessing for her to be in such a wonderful facility that is taking care of her, keeping her comfortable and knowing there are members of the staff praying for her. Mary Anne was a prayer warrior like none I've ever met before and praise was continually coming from her heart and spoken from her lips.

I Am Thankful For: To have known Mary Anne, and even more thankful that she was the first family member on either side of our families who completely supported our decision to adopt. She never questioned it, never asked me what in the world was I thinking - she simply asked what she could do to help. I can say with true conviction that without her we most likely would not have our precious daughters.

From The Kitchen: Brian made some yummy chicken noodle soup today. Not sure who loves it the most, me or the kiddos!

I Am Wearing: black sweats, gray t-shirt. Uber boring, that's me.

On the 'Go Organize' Front: The warmer weather today gave me hope that we'll be back to working on the house soon.

I Am Going: To bed soon, back to work first thing tomorrow.

I Am Reading: Have really just been catching up on magazines this week: Southern Living (the new issue has a recipe from the Charleston area for pickled shrimp - can't wait to try that!). Bon Appetite and a few others. I do have some books to pick up at the library and also want to find the book "Raising Self Reliant Children in a Self Indulgent World". Hopefully the library will have that one too.

I Am Hoping: It warms up soon! PLEASE!

I Am Praying For: Mary Anne and wishing we could be there in her final days but it's just not possible with starting my new job and having two kiddos in school. Knowing she has many wonderful friends spending her last days with her does help though.

I Am Hearing: Some goofy movie on TV. Sigh. The girls are already snug and nestled in their beds. Ryan is aggravating me for the computer. He's a facebooker now.

Around The House: Taxes almost done, still waiting on one stray div statement. For some reason I have this vision of a Newman type snickering over that not being delivered. I just love watching Seinfeld re-runs.

One Of My Favorite Things: Early morning snuggls with the kiddos. Nothing quite like those warm little hugs to get your morning going.

A Few Plans For The Rest of The Week: A busy week ahead. Ryan is getting braces tomorrow, still need to take him in for an x-ray, baseball signups and a meeting for an overnight field trip. Field trip for Rebecca and then gymnastics for both the girls. All the while knowing the phone is going to ring at any minute and we'll be heading to North Carolina.

Have a great week everyone!

Oh, I ran across this shot of Emma while I was searching for old Chinese New Year pictures. This was taken in 2006, a little over a year after having her home. I sort of lost myself in looking at her baby pictures yesterday - she's grown so much!