Being Normal

Being normal feels so great. We have had a terrific time together as a family these past few days. We didn't do anything overly exciting. We didn't go on vacation to great places, we didn't have any new exciting events take place, we just enjoyed being a normal family. It was so great to get together for meals. I loved watching Trish disappear into the kids bedroom at night because I know she was cherishing the time spent kissing their heads and praying with them as she tucked them in bed. It was wonderful to come home after work and find Trish and Ashley in the living room. I loved hearing about the game of monopoly Trish and the kids played today. I loved watching Ashley lay in her crib in her house and play with her remote. At one point we found she had settled in and was watching professional arm wrestling. I love watching Blake and Allie playing with their baby sister. I loved having the entire family together as we hung Christmas lights and decorated inside. Trish is so great at making this time of year extra special for the kids. Last night we crammed Trish, Myself, Blake and Allie all into our bed and we laughed together as we fought over the covers and jockeyed for a place in the bed away from the edge. Ash was not in the bed because we didn't want her to get run over, but she was in her portable crib right next just watching her crazy family. It is the normal things that have happened that just seemed to bless me these last few days. Nothing special, just being together, I am finding time much more special than I used to.

The girls are packing to drive back to Omaha tomorrow morning. Grandma has decided to go with them to help drive and that makes me feel much better about the trip. It was a short trip, but I am looking forward to a longer one in the near future. Ashley looked pretty good while they were home, but tonight when I came in from work I think she looked fabulous. She looks better than I have seen her since before she went into rejection. She had a twinkle back in her eyes and she was giving me hugs and giving me five. She was clapping and playing and I was very encouraged by what she was showing me. I hate that they are going back, but I will focus on the blessings of the time we had together and look forward to some more time soon. Please continue to help us pray Ashley home for Christmas. This will be her third and I would really love to see her spend it at home with her family.

Thank you so much to those who have helped us have such a wonderful weekend. Thank you Carmela for your generosity, thank you to a cheerful giver who cheerfulness is a blessing to each of us. Thank you to each of you who continue to come and be a part of Ashley's Story.

Goodnight,

DAVE