Cuddler Gone Missing

Drew is on a last-minute business trip to represent the brand (www.ianker.com) at conventions in Las Vegas and Portland. Good news is that he's going to visit our families in Minnesota for two days! (it's been 3.5 years!) Sad news is that my cuddler is gone missing for ten days. Stinks so bad. Bleh. 

The absence of an attractive buddy to hang out with in the evening affords me this dull moment to post spectacular Christmas pictures!

Mike's preschool teachers hosted a family party for their class.

Passing on tradition; sweet moments at home.

Our emerging tradition is Christmas dinner with young adult friends who grew up in the orphanage. (This is year 3.)

I love them. Grateful, honest, unpretentious. Good company.

Example of their honesty. As I made the usual self-abasements like a humble cook is supposed to, "Sorry it's not very good, I can't really cook, I always add too much or too little salt..."

They responded thoughtfully, "Hmm well, you've improved."

We also sang together, with guitar. I have a video that I'd like to post later.

And yet more tradition! Singing at the South Church.

Friendships here mean a lot to us.

"I'd rather be opening presents"

Now I'll attempt to fall asleep in an empty, cold bed. Drew always jumps in first to intentionally warm up my spot then rolls over to the chilly side. He is nice to me.

 counting the graces

thank you Father for

an evening alone walking, talking, eating, making music with N&N

Auntie Wang is here to help while Drew is away

a room full of testimonies to your faithfulness this afternoon, so joyful, you're taking care of all your kids and loving them individually

this is the winter that's not winter; it's been sunny and autumn-like in January

neighbor Yafei and her warm, straightforward personality

my boys reading and discussing airplane book together

opportunity for Drew to be with our families

buttered bread

free because of You -- free to change course, free from judgment, worry, pleasing-people, trying to figure it out, fear of missteps,  mistakes and regrets -- free!