Christmas thoughts, and an update!

Christmas is our favorite time of year. This year, just like last, it snuck up on me faster than ever. I had every intention of making all my gifts, and have everything done in October. Well, fast forward to today, and I was one of those last minute shoppers out among the crowds! Not at all what I enjoy, and not at all what I envisioned! Then I had to remind myself that there is a certain little someone that we have added to our home, and she takes up just about every extra minute I thought I had. It's hard to believe we've had our foster baby for 5 months! She is 6 months old now, rolling all over the room, sitting up, eating baby food, laughing, and bringing us so much joy! She is so cute! Her cheeks are squishable and she smiles every time she makes eye contact with you....so precious!!! We don't know what the future holds for her yet. Her biological mother is not doing well at this time. She is not following her plan, and has been told that she is on the verge of losing her parental rights. She has not even seen her baby in over a month. We were told that at the next court hearing-3 mos. from now, if she hasn't followed the plan they gave her, they will be changing her plan to adoption. If that happens they will explore any relative placements after that. We are just so happy we have been able to be the foster family for her-and we feel so very blessed!!!

We are looking forward to spending Christmas with lots of family this year. We have snow! I was home for our first snow this year, and I sat by my twinkling Christmas tree watching the snowflakes fall with my 3 little girls playing at my feet...my favorite kind of day!

One last thing! I am still working at my pediatric job one day a week. I requested a leave of absence after being told that the swine flu and seasonal flu vaccines were mandated this year (the first time ever, and I've been there almost 13 yrs!). Well, my boss got back to me and said that after she talked to the executive team, they decided that while they are still mandating the vaccines, and encouraging all employees to get them, if we choose not to, there will not be any action taken against us, as they do not want to lose good people over this. So, I am still there and happy that I didn't have to leave! I am also so glad I did exactly what I felt was right. I prayed about it a lot and was ready to leave if need be, but it all worked out!

This week we will watch M in our church Christmas program, stay warm by the wood stove at home, play in the snow, and watch Christmas movies all leading up to Christmas day.

Blessings to you all this Christmas!