Christmas Fun 2011

 A simple Christmas this year. 

 We were rewarded with true 

excitement and appreciation.

Everyone got a new pair of pajamas.

Not everyone felt that a picture 

in their new jammies was blog-worthy.

If you know what I mean.

The train set could be a blog post all on its own. We bought this at a wholesale club store seven or eight years ago when Erik was crazy about all things Thomas. After about five years, we gave it to another foster/adoptive family who had 4 small boys at the time. Who knew we would eventually have three more little boys? Early December, I asked the mom if they were still using the trains and table. She was tickled pink to return everything just in time for Christmas. What a blessing for the little boys.

To exemplify the spirit of giving, our biggest and pretty much only gift to the kids was a challenge. We gave them some money to spend. The only stipulation being that they all had to agree where the money would go. I wish I had recorded the comments and sweet conversation that ensued. Looks like World Vision will be purchasing some chickens and goats real soon.

Derby enjoyed her first Christmas.

After dinner, our good friends with 5 kids and one on the way, 

joined us for Nativity making 101.

I saw this cute idea on a blog and decided it was do-able.

Snickers, tootsie rolls, and a little frosting made snazzy horses.

Black licorice and marshmallows became sheep.

 Gum drops stuck together to make Mary, Joseph, and a shepherd.

 We had just enough candy but ran out of graham crackers, so we raided the pantry. Isn't the rice cake backdrop simply adorable?

 Our neighbor's grandson, Sean, came over to make his own nativity. I was grateful for an opportunity to share the reason for the season with a very special little boy.

 Everyone's scene was different.

 There was some snacking along the way.

 Big kids paired up with littles.

 These two worked together beautifully.

 Colored coconut added authenticity.

All the kids had fun as we created the Christmas story 

piece by piece.

A great way to end our simple Christmas,

celebrating the birth of Jesus.

The whole nativity making crew. 

Christmas 2011.

Best Advice - Joshua Update

Best advice this fall, from my mother:

There will always be something. 

When Joshua got home, we were flying by the seat of our pants.

Lots of appointments, doctors, surgeries, hospitals, shots, dentists...

I hung on for the ride simply waiting to get to where we could claim "stabilized."

And then in December we got there.

For a whole month.

Not one single doctor's appointment.

Major issues addressed.

Medication balanced out.

Energy level up.

English comprehension very good.

Adjustment going wonderfully.
Put your seat belt on.

Sooner or later with a medically fragile kid, 

there will always be something.

I took December off in my mind as well. I let it all go: the worry, the future, the unknown past, for a whole month.

I didn't realize how much I needed that break until we went to a specialist this week.

Who had already called the cardiologist before she came in the room.

Liver numbers, not so concerning. 

"Did you realize that Joshua has not grown at all since September?" 

"Sigh."

"Yes, but I haven't been able to get anyone to help us with that."

Ok, back on the treadmill. 

Referral to yet another doctor to discern how his immune system is functioning.

We will do a food diary and consult with a dietician.

Do they make fat laden noodles?

More shots, tests, doctors.

We continue to gather the puzzle pieces together.

Helping Joshua have the best quality of life possible.

Because this precious child/orphan-no-more is worth it.

When I Wasn't Looking

 Just when I was starting to worry  about

 the educational neglect of my youngest child....

He surprised with me this:

How does that happen? 

Loving to learn.

Just to be sure, I asked for a duplication later in the day.

With witnesses.

Pretty good for a three year old who had a very rough start in life.

Physical and speech therapy.

Emotional healing.

Now he walks, talks, and knows all his colors. 

And I still can't tell you how that happened.

Micah-do.

We love you.

One very proud mama.

Anything I Want to Be

If I use my imagination, I can be anything I want.

I can be.....

In jail.

Firemen.

Or a veterinarian.

A dog owner.

Perhaps you might pretend to be a guard when you are actually a teenager who saw mom with the camera and you MUST quickly look like you aren't having a good time to save face....

You could be a cashier trainer of the trainee....

Maybe a fisherman.

The cutest fisherman ever.

Going on a boat ride.

How about a milkmaid?

A milker? A milkperson? Milkmaiden?

Scuba diver.

"Mom, this is so fun!"

Construction worker.

"What do I do with these?

Scoopers? Waterworks?

Astronaut.

Restauranteers?

 Chef?

 I'm pretty sure I would eat just about anything this cutie pie made.

Doggie?

Some kind of exotic wise man.

What was that cowboy's name???

Playing With Black And White

 

Busy at the board.

 

Busy at the book.

 

Let the love come down.

On The Second Day

On the second day of January, my true love spent with me...

 Poor Derby girl is recovering from her "ahem" procedure. 

 No tail pulling/ear squishing/doll clothes wearing kitty today.

 Want to make an Asian boy bounce.off.the.wall happy?

Make noodles. 

Throw in broccoli.

Add soy sauce.

Become favorite person in said Asian's life.

 Once the ground is frozen, it's time to 

head indoors for a little Shangri-La.

  Blue eyed guys?

 Here's the real deal.

 LOVE this picture with the upside down goggles.

Erik is in the stretching stage - all angles.

 Working on my photography skills. Help!

  Another bearded wonder. 

The smile. Oh, the smile.

Help me remember bliss

whence the school bell 

...rings...

on the morrow.