Journey with Julia

**Busy, Busy**

That title is no joke. We have really been busy around here, getting ready for Christmas, getting ready for Devyn, and trying to get the rest of our stuff unpacked and the house just a bit more "finished" feeling. That and still finding time to help our neighbor out by having her kids over for a few hours and doing some kid swapping time. But it's all good. We're still here, still hanging in there. ;)

Those boxes I showed you last week at the foot of my bed? YAY! They are gone bye-bye! That was my job Saturday and I'm happy to say "SUCCESS!" I did that while Ray busted out some work in the kitchen and got a cabinet hung in my closet for me. Then yesterday I kept Julia busy in the rest of the house and he painted our bedroom!!! He's not crazy over the color but I LOVE IT! When we get a few more things done and hung up on the walls I think he will come around too. I'll take some pictures then. Then we had the neighbors girls for a few hours last night, definitely a long day, but a very productive one.

Some cute conversations with Julia before I forget them. She is getting very excited for Christmas and Santa this year. It is so much fun and so funny to see it through her eyes. She is loving "The Polar Express" this year too, last year the train still kind of scared her. This year I think it's been her favorite Christmas special. She made a comment to Daddy one night while he was tucking her in bed: "I'm going to hide behind the Christmas tree and jump out and scare Santa." Daddy quickly informed her that Santa wouldn't come if she did that, that she had to be asleep in her bed.."Oh, okay". LOL! Not sure at all where she got that idea, but it was our first clue that she was really into Christmas this year!

We, of course, think Julia is just the cutest thing, but I think we are busted now. We had a late dinner at IHOP after some serious Christmas shopping the other night. While we were waiting for our dinner another couple happened to be leaving, we were seated close to the door, we overheard the lady chuckle and say to the man "she is so cute!". Ray and I just kind of smiled at each other, until Julia came out with just a few seconds later "That lady thinks I'm cute!" to which we both lost it. This is the first time that Julia has actually caught a stranger giving her a compliment, though it happens pretty regularly. Now to keep it all from going to her head! LOL:)

A quick update on Devyn, we MAY be getting very close to her coming home. We have been told that we should be within 30 days, so PLEASE, PLEASE keep us in your prayers and we will keep you posted. More than us, please pray for Devyn as she waits on our approval. Soon, baby, soon.

Well, now that I have my bookcases where I want them, I'm off to unpack books today! Finally! I have missed my books!