From Our Family to Yours

Merry Christmas from Mississippi! Here we are on the beach in Ocean Springs during a visit with Wade's brother & family. We've been enjoying unbelievably warm temperatures this week. In fact, I'm wearing shorts and a t-shirt right now, and I've had to run the ceiling fans to cool the house. Is it really the end of December?! It feels like May!



Liliana and I have been tackling the heaping boxes that once covered our dining room floor, and I'm psyched to have only a few left! Finally, there's light at the end of the tunnel. It'll be so nice to have dinner at the dining room table for the first time.

Here are the girly-girls on our new sofa (thanks to Hudsons, my favorite store) in the living room. They're so cute together. Liliana dotes on Leila, and Leila smiles and laughs at Liliana like nobody's business!

Wade and I are absolutely stoked about being so close to the beach. There's no place we'd rather be than in the warm sand on a sunny day, and now we're just a short drive away. Liliana and Leila will be such beach bums this summer.


We are also enjoying more frequent date nights than we were able to have in STL, thanks to retired Grammy and Grandfather (Wade's parents). We attended a Christmas party last night, and we had so much fun that we were the last to leave!

Liliana seems to be adjusting a bit better the past few days, now that we've unearthed her favorite toys. She is on Christmas break until the first week of January, so we'll have plenty of time to play and enjoy the this crazy warm weather. Liliana is still falling pretty frequently, which is a major concern. I had to pick her up early on Monday after a serious faceplant on the classroom floor. And on Tuesday night, she fell against the corner of the coffee table and gashed the back of her head. Poor darling! We're praying it's just the stress of the move and nothing grave. Please pray for her!

Leila Bean (as we affectionately call her) now rolls over, sits up and is eating rice cereal, carrots and sweet potatoes. She likes to be in the middle of all the action, especially when there's a large group of people. The term "social butterfly" is a really an understatement for her. She would rather "talk" to and watch people than sleep!

We feel very blessed this holiday season, and we wish you every happiness. Merry Christmas and much love to one and all!

The Latest and Greatest

I can't believe we've been in Mississippi for six weeks. The time has flown by, especially with the holidays in full swing. We are loving it here, much to my surprise. I thought I might like it, but I certainly didn't expect to love it!

We've got a fabulous new church family, and we feel right at home. We're making new friends and getting connected to the community more quickly than I could have imagined. The people are so friendly and welcoming. Of course, it's also wonderful to be near Wade's family. We see them almost every day, and they've been a tremendous help during this time of adjustment. I'm so thankful that God has surrounded us with love and blessed us in this new adventure.

As for our home, it's coming right along. We have almost two acres of beautiful land, with a large number of giant pine trees in the yard and azalea bushes lining both sides of our long driveway. A small creek runs along the back of our property, and Liliana enjoys hunting around for acorns, pine cones, berries and other treasures. Our front yard is large enough for a respectable pick-up game of soccer or football. Although we haven't met many of our neighbors, we're planning to venture out with the stroller this week. Left: our family in the back yard on a warm December day.

We're especially psyched about the weather here. Today was sunny & 70 degrees, and tomorrow the forecast calls for 80-degree weather! On December 15th, no less!

Despite the warmth, we're decked out in Christmas spirit. We decorated our tree a couple weeks ago (here's Liliana in her "Santa's Little Helper" hat), and Santa visited last week. Liliana hid when the jolly man arrived, while Leila stared in wonder. At least there were no tears, which is a major improvement from last year. After St. Nick left our home and flew back to the North Pole, Liliana asked, "Mommy, does Santa have feet and toenails under those boots?" When I said, "Yes," she asserted, "Well, I think he's just a human being dressed up like Santa." Amazing. She's four stinkin' years old!

On a more serious note, please lift Liliana up in prayer. She's still having a difficult time adjusting to our new home, and her daily behavior reflects it. I know she'll eventually grow to love it, but it saddens me to see her struggle right now. She has such a tender heart, and I pray that it heals quickly.

As for Leila, she is still as sweet as ever. She's probably the most happy and social baby I've ever known. We are enjoying every moment with her, and so thankful that the Lord brought her to our family. She is now sitting up with support, eating rice cereal and sweet potatoes (like a good Southern girl) and rolling over. Leila "talks" and smiles all of the time, and she's the life of every party. She's such a blessing. We're thrilled to report that our adoption will be final on April 15th...just four short months away!

Save the date, St. Louis friends, because we'd love to spend time with you when we're in town! Hopefully we'll be there in Jan. for a wedding, too. We'll keep you posted!

Now, a little about Wade. My dear husband is working so hard these days. He's the executive business director for Pine Grove, a major residential treatment provider in the area. Not only is he thriving in the new company, he is also renovating the house and taking extra time to be with the girls. Both Liliana and Leila are so excited to see him when he returns home every day. It's absolutely precious to see their eyes light up (and Liliana run to the door) as soon as they hear him come in. If only every child loved Daddy so much!

Well, I certainly hope ya'll are rejoicing during this advent season. We sure are!

Many blessings to you,

Ramona the Southern Belle

More of Our Trip

Wade and Liliana at Shedd Aquarium with all kinds of sea creatures behind them. Liliana explored the life aquatic while Wade and I enjoyed catching up with dear friends, old and new. What a treat!

Two dolphins "wow" the crowd as they fly out of the water at the aquarium. Although the resolution isn't great, I was thrilled to capture such a cool trick on camera.

On Christmas Eve, my family plays a game in which each person draws a number and selects a gift in numerical order. Each player can choose a wrapped gift from the table or steal an attractive gift that has already been opened by someone else. After some silly shenanigans, this is the gift I received when all was said and done. Gotta love Mexican artists!

Here's my mom on Christmas morning. She made this stocking (along with one for each of her three children) many years ago. Notice the toes on the stocking. I still have mine, but it has definitely seen better days!

In Michigan, we stayed in an apartment above my cousins house. It's a wonderful home-away-from-home for us every year. Left: Liliana pretends to have "thorns" in her feet and asks Mommy to help retrieve them. What a nut!

At the end of our trip, we spent time with my mom and brother's family in Indiana. I made chili for the group, and Wade agreed to chop the onions for me. Poor baby cried all afternoon! (Kinda reminds me of that YouTube guy that cried about Britney.)

A Photographic Overview

Liliana enjoys the high life at Chicago's Hotel Intercontinental.



Kayleigh, Liliana, Andrew, Nathan, Luke and Madelyn get ready for the dolphin show at the Shedd Aquarium.

We hung out with Joe and Steve (my good pals from college) and their families at Shedd Aquarium. What a great time for one and all!

Christmas morning in Michigan. Our little family prepares to open Christmas stockings.

Liliana and her cousins eating "Queen of Wheat" for breakfast. Thanks to Grammy Joy for a great time in Indiana.

Holiday Happenings

Liliana has been opening one gift per day, leading up to the grand finale on Christmas day. Here is one of her favorites (mine, too). It's a FurReal pet chimpanzee that talks, drinks, burps and hiccups. So cute!

Last week, Liliana informed me that she does not like Santa Claus. Tonight Kris Kringle just happened to be at our neighbor's house, so we ventured out to join in the merriment. Even when Santa offered a toy, Liliana kept her distance. She seems to be smiling in this photo, but "happy" was not her sentiment about being in the same room with the jolly old fella.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

This is, hands down, the most wonderful time of the year. I love the holiday music, shining decorations, hustle & bustle and joyful, giving spirit that fills the air. Most of all, my heart sings to hear the name of Jesus so boldly proclaimed everywhere I go. For one month of the year, the words "God" and "Jesus" flow through the airwaves and store speakers without a second thought. I love it! If only every month could be celebrated this way!

Christmas, my child, is love in action...
When you love someone, you give to them, as God gives to us. The greatest gift He ever gave was the person of His Son, sent to us in human form so that we might know what God the Father is really like. Every time we love, every time we give, it's Christmas. ~Dale Evans Rogers

Of course, I am also thrilled to be experiencing this holiday season as an expectant mother. It is a precious blessing. Thank you, Lord! As our ultrasound approaches, I am filled with hope that this time will be different--that we will see the image of a healthy, thriving baby on the screen. Fortunately, my symptoms are strong, and my body seems to be telling me that all is well. I have never been so happy to have 24-hour nausea, heartburn, tender "parts," and an aching back! What an unexpected and glorious gift.

Here's to believing in miracles! Ramona

Christmas Party, Pregnancy & Adoption

Tonight we celebrated the holidays with church small group. Although just a few of us braved the elements (crazy amounts of snow), we had a ball together. The children played downstairs while the adults had great conversations and game time. The more we learn about our friends, the greater our love for our church family. What a blessing!

On to our pregnancy. Many people have been asking about our baby's due date. At this point, it looks like the pregnancy is five weeks along, which makes the due date in August. I'll know more on Monday. Despite the so-so lab results on Thursday, I've been experiencing many positive symptoms. So even though my heart is not at peace, I am optimistic that all is well.

It seems that inquiring minds also want to know if we're still planning to adopt. The answer: Absolutely! God has prepared our hearts for adoption, and we will continue the process regardless of what happens with the pregnancy. We've always desired a large family, and we will welcome and adore all of the children the Lord places in our family.

Please feel free to ask all of the questions you wish. We are happy to respond! Thank you so much for your encouragement and support. We appreciate it more than you know!

Stay safe, St. Louisans. ~Ramona

Presents and Prayer

I'm an "it's better to give than to receive" kind of gal. In fact, I spend weeks--sometimes months--preparing special gifts to celebrate Christmas. Tonight I completed about 20 hand-made (not your grade school homemade, but your high-tech-with-a-personal-touch homemade) gifts. It's such a beautiful thing to see the finished result of hours of left & right brain collaboration. Just like a child pines for Santa, I'm looking forward to delivering these presents to my family members. 14 days and counting! Now that this giant project is complete, I can rest easy tonight.

Tomorrow night will be a different story. My dear friend is having brain surgery on Wednesday, and my mind and heart are with her. If you are so inclined, please pray for Kate--for successful surgery, no complications, total healing, and quick recovery. Also, please lift up her husband and three boys, that the Lord will grant them comfort, peace and rest. I know that God is working in their lives through this trial, and I praise Him for the blessings that continue to shine through.

In His service,
Ramona

Hustle and Bustle

Do you ever feel like you're juggling so many projects that you need to pull a college all-nighter to catch up? I do. Between new clients, adoption preparations, household duties, event planning, Christmas shopping and caring for family & friends, I'm continually moving and shaking! Now I'm trying to add Christmas photos & cards to the mix. This is a busy season, alright! And I love it, every single stressful moment! 'Tis the Season!

Hollywood Christmas

Time for a tea party! Tonight was our annual Candlelight Advent Tea at church. This was my first year hosting a table, and it was a delight! The theme was "Hollywood Christmas," and even though those two words don't have much to do with one another--it was mahhhvelous, dahling! At the very last moment, the group decided to get wacky and wear formal attire. What a perfect opportunity to dust off that old bridesmaid dress. Even though we were the only divas in evening wear, we had a ball. Thanks to my co-hostess, Suzanne, and lovely ladies: Stacy, Hope, Rachel and April. You all made the night so special!

Family Matters

THE JORDAN FAMILY















Here is our largest family gathering at Grandma's house (Gram is in the middle of the group, wearing pink).

Every year of my life, minus one, I have spent the Christmas holiday at Gramcracker's house. All of my aunts, uncles, cousins, and our immediate family gather on Christmas eve for a giving game at Aunt Jules' house. Then, early Christmas morning, Mom, my siblings and I open our stockings at Grams before the crowd arrives for Mary's goodies, gift opening, and Turkey & fixins.

I don't know what will happen this Christmas. It won't be the same without Gram. And because she did not wish to have a viewing or a funeral service, we are all left to grieve separately, and in our own way. It is my hope that the family comes together to celebrate Gram's life in the near future. Even if she didn't want any "fuss," we need to do something to collectively remember her--to facilitate a healthy grief process and closure--for our own hearts.

Praying for strength, healing and family time during this time of loss. ~Ramona

Waiting is the Hardest Part

Hope you had a wonderful Christmas! We sure did. Wade, Liliana and I put 1100 miles on the Camry over the week, traveling to Michigan, Indiana and the Chicago area. We had the opportunity to spend lots of time with family and friends, which is our favorite aspect of the holiday season.

As much as we love jetting about the country, we are relieved to be home now. It will be nice to have four days to relax together. Wade and I are hooked on the series 24, and we're watching several episodes each night. It's highly addictive. I recommend it!

We're anxiously awaiting our pregnancy test on Jan. 2nd. Although two weeks doesn't seem like a long time in the grand scheme of things, it sure does crawl by each month that we wait for the final outcome.

At this point, we are cautiously optimistic. I have been experiencing the typical symptoms of pregnancy every day, but I don't want to assume anything. It's very possible that the progesterone shots may be the culprit. Please pray that I am carrying a child (or two) and that everything is healthy!

Bless you, and thank you for stopping by.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

The Christmas season is my absolute favorite time of year. I love the hustle and bustle, spending time with family and taking time to enjoy God's gifts. I have been listening to Christmas music since Thanksgiving (poor Wade), because it evokes in me feelings of peace and joy regardless of what's going on at that moment.

Today we embark on our annual trip to Michigan. In case I don't have another opportunity to write before the 25th, I wish you the very best holiday. May your festivities be joyous and grand! May the Lord richly bless you and yours.

With love and gratitude, Ramona