Merry Christmas

  Wow! What a fun past couple of days. Yesterday morning, we were hit with some unexpected snow and cold temps. We thought we might not make it 'home' to Milwaukee after all. So, we went food shopping -- that always helps the blues, right?! Well, I got enough food to make two dinners. Then, we decided to try out the freeway one more time on our way home - sure enough, it was clear! So, we ran home, packed and left. We stopped in Delafield to have coffee with some great friends. It was super to visit with them. Wish it could have lasted longer!! Then, off we went to Jaden's sister's house. We ate delicious food, watched the kids open presents, opened our presents, talked, laughed... It was super! My kids were up super late, but had a BLAST hanging out with their cousins.
   We came home this afternoon and had our own - just the 4 of us - Christmas. I made a ham dinner and we ate lots and played with our new toys and watched a little Polar Express. It was super. Now, the kids are tucked in bed and I'm looking forward to (after we are both done on our computers) a little down time with the hubby before it's back to the grind tomorrow. :)
   On Thursday, we got the best Christmas Present I could hope for this year... We got a grant from Lutheran Social Services. They have the one grant you can apply for without first having had completed your home study. So, we applied and dropped our application off the first week of Dec. The paper work said they would be reviewed the last week of Dec. but they had mentioned, during our adoption classes, that they thought they were already reviewed and wouldn't be reviewed again until March. So, I thought we had a long wait for us to find out if we'd get a grant. Well, we got a letter on Thursday afternoon saying that we received one!! Between the grant money and money we've saved - we are READY to begin our homestudy (well, after Jaden turns in the remainder of his paperwork that is). Pretty cool!! So, Sunday and Monday will be spent finishing up the last of the paperwork and turning it in. Tuesday, I will call our adoption counselor and set up the beginnings of the next step!! Awesome! Truly awesome!!! I can't tell you how excited we are for this!!
   God's Blessings to you all. Merry Christmas to all and to all a GOOD NIGHT!!!