Comfort food

The holidays seem to be about food in my family.  We have all kinds of traditions with food standing front and center.  Homemade peanut butter cups, Quality street candy, gingerbread men & houses, sweet potato casserole, gum drop tree...  I could go on and on.  In a sense, the ritual brings comfort, a knowlege of what's to come and the conviction that we are family.  This is what our family does.  We always do this.  

When my son came home last week from university,  I wanted his first meal to bring him comfort.  I wanted him to know that I loved him and missed him and I would show him through one of his favorite meals.  I served beef stew.  I personally love the smell of the beef stewing throughout the afternoon, and then the homemade bread that I serve with it.  Ah...  comfort... familiarity... home.

We have now received 3 months of updates from our orphanage.  I have loved each one and our hearts are becoming softer and more anxious each month to complete our family circle.  Peterson & Gaëlle don't know our family traditions.  Our comforting food smells and tastes are completely foreign to them.  I doubt my first meal served to them will be beef stew.  It might involve homemade bread; that seems to satisfy almost anybody.  But the food that spells comfort to us will shout "outsider" to them.  

It's just a small matter really, but it makes me sad to know that the things which bring me comfort will initially bring confusion and isolation to Peterson & Gaëlle.  I pray that we will be sensitive and understanding and that our family will embrace some of the things that bring us all comfort and healing.  

December updates

We received the updates a little early in the month because of the Christmas holidays.  It's always good to see Peterson & Gaëlle looking healthy and content.  

Another November update in December

November update in December

We just love this picture of Gaëlle. She looks so happy and full of life. She looks so healthy and is clearly growing. I have been waiting to post because we don't have an update for Peterson yet. Hopefully soon.

Thanksgiving joys

I haven't seen my son since we dropped him off at university August 14. He has been doing so well and he seems to love his experience, but we miss him so much. Finally we got to see him. He had a week off for Thanksgiving and so we all met up at my mom and dad's. Not only our family, but my brother and wife, and sister and family. A lot of people in one small house, but a great time.

New trick

This is not huge earth shattering news. But I can now add the accent to Gaëlle's name without going through a lot of hassle. I searched French accents and came up with the shortcut. About time. To get the 2 dots above the "e" just hit ALT and then 137. So simple. I'm posting this here so I won't forget. In case I ever want more, here is the page.