Laughing All The Way!

In all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, I almost forgot that it was three years ago last month that God opened my eyes to the needs of orphans around the world and gave me the courage to begin the adoption journey.  It will be two years ago next month that I got the referral for Hannah.  My best friend called to compliment our Christmas card last week and said to me "Can you imagine what her life would be like if you hadn't adopted her?!"

Can you imagine what MY life would be like if I hadn't adopted HER?

I CAN'T imagine it.

Thankfully I don't have to. 

 

This season always reminds me how thankful I am for my daughter and for the joyful chaos she brings to my life. What I want people to know is that adoption isn't just about offering children a better life.  If that were the case, I could have just sent money across the ocean. From a distance, I could have ensured that she had clean water and medicine.  But for me, adoption was about giving a child a FAMILY.  Giving them a chance to cuddle at night with a momma and be spoiled by grandparents and have someone to cheer like crazy for them at soccer games.  And that, my friends, is something money can't buy.

Maybe Christmas," he thought, "doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas... perhaps... means a little bit more."

  ~ Dr. Seuss From 'How The Grinch Stole Christmas'.

Herman Family Update...

Seriously what is WRONG with Grandparents??  

Apparently his tattoos, personalized license plates with her name on them, and "World's Greatest Grandpa" shirt just weren't enough. No, my dad had to take his adoration for my daughter to a WHOLE new level....by having her name shaved into the back of his HEAD!

He is obsessed with her. She scribbled all over some important work paper of his the other day, and instead of reprimanding her, he brought it to me and proudly announced what a "gifted and talented artist" she was.  True story.  That would not exactly have been his reaction had this been me, twenty some years ago.  Grandparents....geesh.

First time Ice Skating

As you can see from the pictures, it's been a month filled with yuletide fun.  So far we have been to Holiday Junction at the museum center, seen Santa at Bass Pro, toured Neidermann Farm's Christmas exhibit, made gingerbread houses and had Breakfast with Santa.  Next weekend brings the zoo's Festival of Lights and The Polar Express Train ride, and if we can sqeeze it in, a trip to the aquarium to catch up with Scuba Santa!

The Saturday after Thanksgiving was my college reunion (Friendsgiving we call it). It was the 9th year and finally my turn to host.  It was a great night filled filled with Euchre and I wish I could remember what else, but I cannot due to my discovery of carmel apple shots.  Here is a pic and the recipe. You are all welcome.

Ingredients

• 10 whole Granny Smith Apples
• ½ cups Lemon Juice
• ½ cups Water
• 1-¼ ounce, weight Caramel Flavored Hot Chocolate Mix (or Plain)
• ½ cups Coconut Milk
• ¼ ounces, weight Knox Gelatin (or One Envelope)
• ¼ cups White Sugar
• 2 drops Yellow Food Coloring
• ½ cups Butterscotch Schnapps

Preparation Instructions

1. Cut in half and hollow out the apples cutting them from the stem down. I used a melon baller to hollow the apples and it worked well. After hollowing them squeeze some lemon juice on top of each to reduce browning.
2. Mix your 1/2 cup water with 1 envelope or 35 grams of hot chocolate mix in a medium sized sauce pan (no heat yet). Whisk it to make sure all the chocolate is combined. Add the 1/2 cup of coconut milk, whisk again.
3. Sprinkle your gelatin on top and let it sit for 1 minute. Now turn on low/medium heat and mix the gelatin until all is combined.
4. Still on low/medium heat add 1/4 cup sugar and simmer slightly until sugar is combined. Add your food coloring until you get the caramel color desired. I used two drops. Remove from the heat and let mixture cool to warm. Pour in your 1/2 cup of butterscotch Schnapps.
5. With your apples arranged so they fit tightly and securely on a cookie sheet, pour your caramel Jello mixture into your apples. Refrigerate overnight.
6. Cut the apple halves into quarters and then cut those quarters in half again. Serve immediately. (The lemon juice can only prevent the browning for so long).

 More holiday fun...

She is growing out of the toddler stage, into a confident little girl with a beautiful heart. 

May your days be merry and bright this holiday season.  Love, Erin and Hannie