The Unexpected Housewife

This holiday season, there is a person who's not in my house and not at my table, but a very present being.  She's a person we don't know well but she's been integral in the creation of our family.  She's Isaiah and Ciera's birth mom. We have spent more time lately than typical speaking and praying for her.  Beginning with Thanksgiving, I could tell the kids were experiencing a more complicated emotion and loss.  They met me at the door on Thanksgiving to share that they missed her and were sad she couldn't be part of our holiday.  There have been some tears, some expressions through writing, and lots of tough conversations.  While Isaiah and Ciera recall their birth mom, their memories are cloudy-but they are devoted, loving and thoughtful where she is concerned. I've thought about her most days in the past few months.  The children have made such strides and our bond as a family has grown.  This Christmas is light years better than last year, ...

Bob and I will be married four years in April.   The day we married was a beautiful spring day.  Just the two of us walked down the beach on Hilton Head, and said our vows.   We had decided to get married without an audience because we wanted a simple and sweet time, quiet, with our focus dedicated to each other.   We'd taken our first trip together to Hilton Head while dating, and the beach has been part of the fiber of our relationship.   Bob proposed to me on a secluded spot on St Croix, and we've been enjoying the ocean ever since. Fast forward almost four years. I am certain that life was a mirage.   I think we've tested our bond quite well.   We've lived in three places, built a home, adopted two kids, put a dog to sleep, changed jobs.....real life to the limit.   Last week, Bob had ACL surgery for the third time.   It's been a bit ugly.  The pain has been tough and he's been really brave. We spent the first fe...