Celebrating Luke's One Year Family Day

A year ago today Riley and I were in Korea and welcoming our seventh family member into our family.  It was a day that was so full of emotion.  So much pain in so many ways and so much happiness also.  I remember his very sweet foster Mom and the way she played with him in those last moments and how she cried when we left.  My heart broke in a thousand pieces.  There are no words to describe the love the foster moms have for our children.  

That first night in our hotel room.  Riley being an amazing big brother as we tried to capture and remember these first moments.  The way Luke was so tired and how he spoke his sweet Korean to us.  

I remember the wonderful tea at this tea shop with its Christmas tree.  The tea shop that we would do the exchange basically from one life to another.  This little man has stolen my heart.  I love him to pieces.  He will often seek me out for a hug and a kiss.  

A photo from the first day we meet him when we were all in Korea.  It seemed like a lifetime for this moment to come.

The six of us on our first trip.  Memories of Korea are sweet. I miss it and there will be a day I will go back.  My life has changed so much since this photo.  It is even more full than I could have ever expected.  Thank goodness for number five he has made us each better in so many ways!

Day 14 A special gift in the mail

Day 13 the start of Christmas break

The start of Christmas break is upon us.  Today half were out and the rest will be here tomorrow.  I am looking forward to less of schedules and hopefully some quality time together.  Of course being from the real world there will be those moments when no one is getting along and things feel a little crazy.  We have some plans on the horizon without filling up the whole calendar.

Today these three and I did big grocery shopping. The kind that I felt so bad for the people in line behind me.  The good news is we are done at the store until 2017!  It was nice having help to put all the groceries away and a certain ten year old boy is amazing organizing the refrigerator.  Believe me that was the best gift he could have ever given me!!

Day 11 and 12 of December

Day 11 was for little notes to each of my kids.  Just to let them know that I love them.  

Day 12 was about getting my cards in the mail.  I didn't want to photograph the details until I have them sent out. I am weird like that.  A short story about when I helped write my families letters when I was still at home.   I have been writing letters ever since.  I have always loved Christmas cards and each year I think maybe this year I will let that go.  In the end I will never let it go.  I really do love them and getting mail from people I don't talk to often.  

Day 10 A visit to Santa

It was his first time seeing Santa.  He wasn't too sure about visiting with him but he did it.  The conversation was almost one sided but I am sure Santa has had that happen before:)

There are many photos about the different times each kid has seen Santa for their first time. Many stories about places we have seen Santa and about Santa himself.  

These days are moving fast this month.  I still have some things do but nothing huge.  Spent time in the greenhouse today doing a little replanting including this poinsettia which seems happier already!

Happy Sunday!

Day 9 Giving

One of our holiday traditions is teaching our kids to give back. For many years now we have filled shoe boxes to give to children.  We have done this through many organizations but this year it would be for an organization through our church.  The older kids know the drill we go to the store we fill up one shoe box per kid.  We think not about ourselves but those around us. We think of items such a toothbrushes and combs and then we think of toys and candy.  

The girls spent time shopping with the youth from church with donated funds for boxes. They both had so much fun and they were so talkative when then got home.  Then it was time to wrap...always and adventure!:) Luke is figuring it all out this year:)

Day 8 Snow and Polar Express

Day 8 came with snow for our area.  Not a lot of snow but very cold temperatures.  I am not really a fan of cold but being in Colorado makes it part of the experience.  Tonight found us with everyone home and a chance to watch "Polar Express".

For the seven us of to be home is almost unheard of.  Teenagers have schedules that are very full but I am hoping these next couple of weeks give us a break from routine.  The kids had been asking for hot chocolate so tonight it was the treat.  

I am trying to not feel overwhelmed this season. That is a good goal at least:)  Heading into a weekend and then just a few days of school left. Better look at my list before all my helpers are home!