Ah, Christmas.

I don't know why there's a tree in our house, but I know that it's special.

Putting on the first ornament.

I Believe

The reason for it all.

Our decorating is complete.

Amahl and the Night Visitors

I wanted to encourage all of you to see Amahl and the Night Visitors presented by Opera Kansas. Why? Well, for one. . .it's a great Christmas story. And, my nine year old niece, my beautiful niece, Julia, is the star of the show. She will be playing the part of Amahl!! My sister-in-law, Laura, will be playing Amahl's mother and my niece, Rebekah, is a shepherd. I am so excited!! I can't wait to see it! I'd love for all of you to come out and see it too.

'Amahl and the Night visitors'

What: One-hour opera by Gian Carla Menotti

Where: Miller Concert Hall, Duerksen Fine Arts Center, WSU campus

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday

How much: Tickets are $12, discounts available. For more information, call 316-978-3233.

Our Thanksgiving Day

We spent this Thanksgiving with the Glunt side of the family. . .we alternate back and forth each year. We had a great time and I'm still stuffed. Olivia surprised us with how much she ate. She tried so many different things. . .it was like something I only dream about. Her favorites were the turkey and Aunt Laura's frozen cranberry salad. Olivia always loves playing with her cousins. This Thanksgiving was bittersweet because Ryan's brother's family (Joel, Laura, Julia and Rebekah) is moving to southern California after Christmas. That's a long ways from Kansas, where we call home. It makes you pause and remember how important family is. I treasure the time spent with both sides of our family. Olivia couldn't ask for better cousins, aunt and uncles and grandparents. We definitely have a lot to be thankful for.

Alex and Julia pulling the wishbone.

Hmm. . .what to try next. . .

Olivia and Grandma Mary

Ryan and his cuddly moo-cow. . .hee hee.

Katie reading Corduroy with Olivia. Sure, it's a Halloween Corduroy book, but it's her favorite.

The Lost Is Found

We found the turkey book! It's a Thanksgiving miracle! It was just waiting for all turkeys to be consumed, I guess, before it made it's reappearance. Now, it is safe for another year. It was hiding out in a plant all this time. Now, our hearts won't break when Olivia asks for her turkey book.

Happy Thanksgiving

2007

2008

2009

He who thanks but with the lips
Thanks but in part;
The full, the true Thanksgiving
Comes from the heart.
~J.A. Shedd

For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food,
For love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.

--Ralph Waldo Emerson

Constant Reminders

I've been doing really good lately. I remember times when I literally couldn't leave the house. It was so tough to watch other people carrying on with their lives when mine was falling apart. I wanted to scream, "Don't you know that I lost my son and my daughter is fighting for her life!" It was difficult to even go to the grocery store. I am much better about things like that and can find many joys in my life. There are constant reminders, however, of what I lost. One, for instance, happened yesterday.

I was leaving a store with Olivia and trying to finagle my way out of the doors with a stroller. I don't know why every store doesn't have automatic doors. Anyway, a kind lady came rushing up and held the door open for me. She smiled and said, "I remember those days. And I had twins, if you can imagine that." I smiled graciously and walked away with tears in my eyes. This sweet lady had no idea that her words would stab me right in the heart. Of course, I know what it's like to carry twins, to experience love multiplied, to give birth to twins. I don't know what it's like to raise twins or push them in a stroller or hold them both in my arms. I'll never know. Constant reminders are around me every time I see a boy Olivia's age. Every time I look at toys or clothes for little boys. Every time I hear someone call out "Logan!" Every time I see boy/girl twins. . .and it will break my heart every time. But, I am also reminded of the miracle that I have and the sweet little boy who is waiting for me in heaven and my heart is pieced back together.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009 - Update

We had a playdate today with my friend, Angie, and her daughter, Hannah. Playdates are quickly becoming a highlight of mine. I love visiting with friends and watching Olivia interact with other children. By the way, Angie is a travel agent specializing in Disney vacations, so if you envision one in your future. . .Angie is the one to go to. Olivia has been saying "Hannah" all afternoon. It's too cute. We had a great time and we hope to get together again soon.

Olivia And The Slide

We spent the afternoon with Shelley and Izzy. Olivia LOVES playing at their house! One of her favorites is the slide, but she usually slides down it feet first on her tummy. She worked up the nerve to actually sit down and slide today and once she did. . .there was no stopping her. I bet she did this continuously for 30 minutes. Good thing we asked Santa to bring her one for Christmas.

Saturday, November 22, 2009 - Update

Mer-wey Kissmas. . .Ho Ho Ho!

That's what I learned to say today.

And I got a singing Frosty the snowman!

Oh, and have you seen my turkey book?