December 20th - Merry Christmas Family and Friends!

Merry Christmas to All Our Family and Friends From Afar and Near!

As we prepare for Christmas, we find ourselves feeling ever grateful for having such supportive, encouraging and loving family and friends in our lives. Our adoption journey over the past year(s) has included many ups and downs, but we have always felt comforted and encouraged knowing that so many of you are out there thinking and praying for us. We truly cannot thank you enough and tell you how much you mean to us.

We are still praying and focusing our efforts on a Christmas miracle, but also know that it will all come together in God's timing. We received some encouraging news about a potential opportunity in the recent weeks so, we are just hoping and praying that it will all work out.

The below verse is one that we find ourselves resting in throughout this journey. We hope it brings comfort and encouragement to all of you as well, especially needed during these difficult economic times.

Psalm 32: "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you .... the Lord's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts him."

Aside from adoption efforts this year, we have been busy on other fronts. I cannot say that we have been to any exotic destinations or done anything out of the ordinary. However, as you all know us, it seems like we are constantly in the midst of change. Malcolm seems to thrive during times of change or at least adapts better than I do at times. Although, I am learning to "go with the flow" more now. To my point, Malcolm has taken on a new work opportunity requiring a company transition. He has been working hard, but enjoying the new challenge. I am still working in the biotech industry and continue to enjoy this line of work. However, our current economic situation has brought some uncertainity and struggles in the industry along with many other industries.

For the third year, we were a part of the Richmond Marathon Training Team. While it requires a good bit of time to train and can seem like a chore at times, we always look back at the end of the season fondly. We have made some good friends and lots of good memories.

Our families are doing well and we have had several new additions during the year. Malcolm's brother, James and our sister-in-law had a baby girl last Spring, Elisa. She is adorable! My brother, Chip and his wife (our sister-in-law, Mandy) had a beautiful, healthy baby boy just a few days ago. His name is Samuel August and they are going to call him, Sam. (I just love that name.). We can't wait to get out to TN to see them and love on our new nephew. Also, our niece, Hannah (Sam's sister) turned 2 this past February. She is the most precious girl and looks like her momma - gorgeous! Malcolm's other brother, Clark and our sister-in-law, Suzy had a little girl last Fall and she turned 1 this year! She is quite a ham and we love her dearly! We so wish we could see our nieces and nephews more often than we do! We hope that will happen more often in time.

To that point, we so wish we had gotten to see more of our friends and family over this past year. We are determined to make more of a point to see those dear to us in 2009. After all, we feel that relationships are what is truly important and constantly reminded of that when we get words of encouragement and support from each of you. Please know we are here for you all even if not physically close. We are here if you need to talk or need us to pray for something going on in your lives. You all mean the world to us and we are so thankful to have you in our lives.

We wish you all many blessings and happy memories this Christmas season!

Lots of love to you all,
Christy and Malcolm
lovingparents@live.com

December 7th - Longing for a Christmas Miracle!

Philippians 3:13-14: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

I hope this post finds everyone doing well and getting into the holiday season! It sure did come up on us quickly. I thought I would Philippians 3:13-14 with everyone for today. This verse was what our sermon was centered on today. I know it is one I have shared previously, but so applicable during this time of year whether you are experiencing a particular life journey such as we are or just reflecting on the past year. It is easy to focus on the "behind" or what we should or could have done, but this verse reminds me/us that we can forget the past and focus forward. Good things are to come!

We continue to pray and stay focused on a baby to come to us - our child. We are hoping for a Christmas miracle, but trusting too that it will all happen in his time. Thank you for your continued support, encouragement and prayers! We hope you all are having a wonderful holiday so far!

In closing, I thought I would share a delicious cookie recipe with you all! I love to bake during this time of year. It is fairly easy, great presentation and yummy!! I am going to a cookie exchange this coming weekend and planning on bringing these cookies.

Raspberry Shortbread Cookies

1 cup butter, softened
2/3 cup granulated white sugar
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1/3 to 1/2 cup seedless red raspberry jam

For Glaze:
1 cup powdered confectioner's sugar
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 to 3 teaspoons water
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a large bowl, cream butter with sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the almond extract. Gradually mix in the flour until the dough just comes together.
Refrigerate dough for 1 hour.
Roll dough into 1 inch balls, placing them 1 inch apart on an ungreased baking sheet.
Using your thumb or the back of a wooden spoon, gently make an indentation in the center of each dough ball. Fill with raspberry jam. Note: be careful not to over-fill, as the jam may bubble over as the cookies bake.
Bake for 14-18 minutes, until the edges of the cookies are golden. If desired, top off the filling with a bit more raspberry jam. Allow cookies to cool completely on the sheets.
Mix the powdered sugar, almond extract, and water to make the glaze. Spoon glaze over cookies, creating a zig-zag pattern. Allow glaze to set.

Enjoy!

Lots of love to you all!
Christy and Malcolm
lovingparents@live.com