Day 17 Snow

Yesterday we woke up to cold and snow.  Not at as much snow as cold.  Those new flannel sheets were really pulling people into staying for just a little bit longer!  

 I am always surprised who are the kids who ask to go play in the snow first.  It isn't always the usual suspects. Luke can hardly wait to get out there and Katie has been his playmate all weekend. 

They played a long time and I am sure it was single digits in the morning. The minute they walked in the door they assumed it was hot chocolate time..why not it is Christmas break!

Day 15 A letter

A letter to my kids today tucked away in an envelope.  A letter about who I am now and where I am in my life.  I want them to know when they are older who I was at different parts in my life.  

Ten days left before Christmas.  Seems crazy as the list is still long to do.  Snow is on the way tomorrow which will keep us at home.  Just what this mom needs.

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!