update

sooooo... my week has been a bit of a blur. i'll start with the holiday.

i successfully drove the fox (my beloved car) to nashvill wednesday after work. i actually made it there in just over 6 hours. i was exhausted by the time i arrived but was able to stay up and watch a taped episode of survivor with my brother and andrea. i should say that i was appalled by that joker who lied about his grandmother's passing. that is unbelievable! and it seemed to serve no purpose to his end goal of winning- i don't follow the show so i was surprised to be so pissed about this door knob of a contestant.

nora was awake when i arrived and let me tell you- that kid is cute! she had just finished nursing when i arrived so she was ll done being all nestled and her ear was folded in on itself. all i could do was think to myself, 'oh my gosh- they haven't told me that nora has a birth defect!'

i was happy to find that my little niece simply has a stupid human trick- which is that her floppy ear is foldable.

i slept in the boys room and so awoke when they did. they are such a blast. i really adore that whole family. it is neat to see them each grow up and develop their individual disposition and personality. it is also really inspiring to see my brother and sister-in-law parent through some tough spots. they are reaping the benefits as their kids become caring, thoughtful, ornery, and adventuresome.

i picked charles up from the airport thanksgiving day and we spent the day doing what most americans did- time with the family, lots of food prep, talking about the things we're thankful for... it was really a great day. it was especially great b/c charles was there.

he really took to the kids. and i think they took to him. his accent intrigued the boys in particular and the girls- well- obviously they were putty in his hands. maggie and him bonded friday at the COSI equivalent. if nora was awake and not nursing- more than likely- she was with charles.

i really love him. he is so wonderful to be with and all of his characteristics- i want them to rub off on me. i am glad for the chance to be in the same city soon. i know if will be the confirmation i need- but honestly... i can't imagine ever getting my fill of this fine man. the Lord really broke the mold when it came to charles.

friday, we went to the COSI equivalent, the park, starbucks and to meet charles' buddy chuks. that was great. it was great to meet someone from charles life- someone with whom he has history- to know that this isn't a veneer- that he really is that great and geniune... chuks made us nigerian food which we made arrangements to partake the next day. chuks came over for dinner that night and we had great conversation with matt and andrea.

prior to our time with chuks; we sat down and talked about our future. that was deeply comforting and i really feel at peace with how God is leading and the pace we are pursuing. there are so many unknowns- and i trust that God will show his glory through the obstacles we face.

i am tired of writting- although there is more to tell. i will stop now and perhaps come back later tonight. if not; definately tomorrow.

we are decking the halls with boughs tomorrow here at 1337...

adios loyal readership...