First Trip To Santa

Grace still doesnt have a clue about Christmas, we try to explain, and I'm sure she'll get it soon. We have been talking about Santa and she was excited until we got there. She then changed her mind. So Brandon went over with her.

Trying to put her down next to him. He was a very sweet Santa.

He is now giving her a candy cane.

She is thinking about it.

And here comes the Oh Thank You Hug.

She really is so sweet.

Just like with Belle at Disney, she just wanted to give him a hug. It was so sweet.

I am so looking forward to Christmas, not that we can afford it (but who can). It is going to be so special.

misc pics

Yes, they are sharing the Minnie Mouse Headband!

She tried so hard to blow this balloon up, I thought she would pass out.

Dont you just love her look! She loves these boots, she wears them around like they were bedroom slippers.

Social Worker Visit

We had our 6 month (its actually been 7 months) visit with our Social Worker yesterday. I was a little concerned how Grace would do. I explained to her what would be happening. She played shy for about 3 minutes and then turned on the charm. She showed her pictures, told her who they were (for the most part), she sang and dance. She played the guitar for her, showed her some of her toys. She was just awesome. I'm looking forward to what the world brings my little girl.

Our SW was very pleased that she was doing so well and seems to be bonded all ready. I told her I had planned for the worse, but knock on wood, it hasn't showed up yet.

On another note, I emailed a letter to our Guide to translate and forward to Grace's foster family. I hope that they are able to email us back. I want so much for her foster mother to know how well she is doing. It breaks my heart at her loss. I admire all of you parents who foster children, knowing they will or could leave your home. God gave you a great big gift. God Bless You.

Well I must get to bed, it'll be time for work in a few hours.

Good Night

Peggy

I had almost forgotten these, they were still in my car.

Can you believe the Christmas Season is just about upon us. I actually saw a house in Hanahan that already has there lights up. I do refrain myself until Thanksgiving!

As always since Devan died, the Winge family starts our holiday season by going down town to the Candlelight ceremony. This year will be no different. It is the Sunday before Thanksgiving. It will be Gracie's first year. She has seen all the pics of Devan, but does not understand anything beyond that.

Each year Hospice of Charleston hosts a special ceremony in downtown Charleston to honor the memory of loved ones. With luminaries encompassing Colonial Lake, this is certainly an event that will touch your heart.The 21th annual Candlelight Memorial Ceremony will be held Sunday, November 23, 2008 at Colonial Lake in downtown Charleston. It is a memorial service open to anyone in the community who is remembering during the holiday season someone special they have lost. With each donation designated for our candlelight ceremony, a luminary will be placed around the lake in memory of the deceased loved one.

Donna always brings a picture of Devan and Josh to put next to their candles.

Devan, we love you and miss you as always.

Grace's Eye Appointment

Grace went to a specialist the Thursday we came home. Her regular doctor felt he may be able to do something to help with her distance vision.

He def wants to do a thorough exam while she is under, then also do some work on the alignment. She tends to turn her head when she is looking at things.

She is scheduled for the first Friday in Dec.

Can you believe its December Already! Whew, Time needs to slow down, it is flying past me. Darius Rucker has a song out that brings me to tears. Starts out with him singing about his newborn baby girl and his wife telling him not to worry, just hang on, it wont always be like this. Then about the little girl going to school and the teacher having to pull the child off his leg, and the teacher says to just hang on, it'll only last a week or two. He goes on to sing that it wont always be like this, she'll be grown and gone before he knows it. Isn't that the truth, I've got one that has left home, another will be following soon I'm sure. I hope I'll finally be ready for a empty nest when Grace is old enough.

And talking about schools, we have got to decide where we are sending her to school. I've already told Paul Ray he is going to have to go with me the first day. I cried when PaulPaul and Brandon started school. I cant even image how bad this one will be, I've turned into a blubbering fool in my old age. Just the thought of not being with her all day worries me, I don't like to think about it.

Grace is a very shy little thing around new people and in new surroundings. She is not a pushy child. Kids in today's world are not raised with manners and to think about others. She will wait her turn even when she is pushed out of line. I love that she is a "Lady" but I'm afraid of her being bullied. I can not image her raising her hand to hurt someone or/and maybe not even to defend herself. I want her to be that Prime and Proper Little Lady, a Princess if you will, and I don't see anything wrong with that. I certainly don't want her to be a spoiled thing, but behave like a Lady, Yes I Do!

Don't you love how my topics start out with one thing and end up totally somewhere else, that is how my mind has been going. In huge circles! My boss thinks I'm loosing my mind.

Hope you all have a great weekend. I'm cleaning on Saturday, after sleeping in I HOPE! Sunday morning, I'm going with Lyndsey, Brandon and her family to see the sight where they want to have the wedding. Then I have lots of work to catch up on. Monday our Social Worker is coming for our 6 month check up, we rescheduled from last month. Lets hope it doesn't rain much. The last time she was here, it had rained so hard, we had her park down the road and picked her up, I kid you not! I miss living in a neighborhood (didn't think I would) but boy I do!!!!!

Good Night,

Peggy

who gets to have her first Christmas with a little girl!!!!!!!

Last Breakfast at Disney World

Our last breakfast was at the Grand Floridian. Oh how I love this hotel. It is so beautiful. We stayed there when we took the BIG family trip. By that I mean, Paul Ray, myself, Brandon, PaulPaul, my mom, Paul Rays's parents, his brother Chris (little mans daddy) and Devan (our niece).

Oh, how she loves Pooh!

Look at my baby girl, giving him five!

The Madhatter, Christopher was having NO part of. Look at that face.
Now look at him here! Tell me he is NOT his fathers child. Just like him.

My baby eats the entire outside of a grape before eating the inside.



Well thats it folks We had a great time. Looking forward to her second trips in Several years. You know we've got a high school graduation, a wedding, hopefully a cruise and then maybe back to Disney!