T'was the Night Before Christmas - Ladle style

Christmas 2009

Dear Family and Friends,

This year for Christmas, we have decided to tell you a story. This story is about Christmas, family, love, miracles, surprise and joy! (All things “Christmas”…right?) So, pull up a chair, make yourselves comfortable and read on…

T’was 3 weeks before Christmas, and all through the house, everyone was stirring and bustling and planning…except of course for the mouse. You see, we have not a mouse in this house! Mama had been busy online…doing her shopping the smart way this year and avoiding the crowds! Sister and Brother were making lists, and remaking lists, and adding to lists, and trying SO hard to be good so that Santa would grant them their hearts desires! And Papa, well Papa, was doing his “thing”…going to work, making threats to call Santa and eating all of the goodies that our neighbors were bringing our way!

Well amid all this planning and eating and shopping, Mama got a feeling that something was “missing”. Something just wasn’t quite right! What could it be? Well, Mama being Mama, she thought and she thought, but she just couldn't figure it out. So, she did what comes naturally to her – she did some math! Some math, you say? Is Mama insane?

Well, Mama did some math (just the basic kind - counting…backwards and forwards). Hmmm”, thought Mama. “I’m not quite sure, but I think this absolutely, positively calls for a test”. A test, you say, now Mama really is insane! She’s too old for tests!

So, Mama put her feelings and her math to the test. “Hmmm…double hmmmm”! Mama was just a bit confused (I know, I know, Mama’s aren’t supposed to get confused)! “I think I will have someone else help me with this test”, she said! So, she did! Two more times, in fact! Could this absolutely, positively give mama her answer???

Meanwhile, the children are nestled all snug in their beds. Nothing seems to be missing to them, you see. But, why would it? They’re dreaming of sugar plums, and skateboards and desks! And still trying their darndest to be good!

Well, our story is nearing its end, and I’m sure you’re wondering, “did Mama ever figure out what was “missing”…or is Mama just crazy.” No, Mama’s not crazy! We promised you a story about Christmas and family, love, joy and surprise. So, without further delay, we’ll finish our tale…you see, Mama was right…something was missing! In this season of hustling and bustling and buying and giving, mama is sick, mama is tired, mama is ornery…mama is…well…mama is absolutely, positively pregnant!!!! See…we promised you joy and surprise and I’m sure that you can’t be anymore surprised, shocked or happy than we are! After all these years, another miracle has been sent to our family!


So...some of you may have been wondering how come we didn't give out neighbor gifts this year...or little friend gifts for the kids' friends...well, I think I have a pretty darn good excuse! We really, truly do love you all...I just couldn't do it all this year. This baby is kicking my butt...between trying to stay awake and trying to keep my head out of the toilet, I just couldn't add one more thing to my days! We hope you all understand and are as happy and excited as we are!

To those of you who don't know our story; Trent and I are nearing our 16th wedding anniversary. After pursuing infertility treatments for 6 years, we adopted Karlee, and then 2 years later - Carson. After Carson's adoption, we did 6 more rounds of "procedures" (IUI's). After the 6th one failed, we thanked the Lord for our 2 beautiful children and shut the door for good! No more thinking that I had missed out on something by not ever being able to get pregnant (like...who wants stretch marks anyway?). We gave everything "baby" away. And now, here we are 8 years later, with not a single baby item in our house and...shock, double shock...ummm, I think I need baby stuff again! But, it's all good...wonderful in fact!!!!

So...now that you've read this...leave me a comment so that I know that you know...lol! I'd love to hear just how "shocked" you all are! :)



Our little miracle...debuting August 9, 2010!




Merry Christmas! We love you!
Trent, Tracy, Karlee and Carson