Christmas Day - Day 12

When last we left the Yingling girls...they were preparing the reindeer feast - so it is only fitting that we re-join them at the scene, where they discover that....

yes - the food is gone - Santa must have come! 

For more than one reason, we try to keep the gift and the excitement at a controllable level. 

We start with the stockings - that have a few fund things in them....

Then a little break for a little breakfast - including a traditional Christmas Kringle - courtesy of Uncle Mike and Aunt Kathy (least anyone out there think I make it!) 

As an aside - Christmas day is my day off too. We have kringle and fruit and some eggs from breakfast, and a ham with cold sides and snacks - served on paper plates - for the rest of the day. I refuse to run the washer, dryer or dishwasher. 

After breakfast - the Santa presents. Santa brings hte girls three things - to remind them of the first Christmas gifts ever given from the Wise men to baby Jesus. Santa is also rather practical - and there is something to wear, something to read, and something to do. 

Santa brought new bathrobes this year (at least it wasn't underwear!!) 

After the "to reads" were opened - onto the "to-do's"...

Generally, the "to-do" gifts are modest in nature - and Santa tries to keep them all about equal. However, this year - Santa simply could not resist a little extra for this girl. This girl who is stepping to the plate every single day here helping and growing up and just being generally pretty awesome! 

Surprise - more Barbie!!

And her own art box - 

Katie LOVES puzzles - and a good floor puzzle can keep her busy for more than a minute or two! Santa must have had mommy in mind with this 100 piece one! 

in keeping with the art box theme! 

That is all that was under the tree - other presents sent to the the girls are kept in the garage - and brought out one "group at a time". What they got from Santa kept them satisfied and occupied until we chose to bring the next ones out - after 2 sometimes. There is still one in the garage! 

On the 12th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me....a surprisingly peaceful and low stress celebration of the birth of our Savior!! 

Merry Christmas - from our house to yours!! 

Christmas Eve - Day 11

Christmas Eve. The 11th day in our countdown. 

Honestly - this day (and the next one) can go either way in our household. 

Big days come with BIG feelings for all kids - but for kids from a tough background - think BIG feelings on steroids. Great description of what they go through can be read about here

In anticipation of the potential fallout, I kept it low....and slow....and easy. We started with a quick visit and gift exchange with the BFF's. This family - has become such a thread of grace and love in our lives. They aren't an adoptive family - and they aren't "raising trauma" but they have willingly and lovingly stepped into that world with us to walk along side of us. That is a real Christmas gift that gives all year long! 

This picture represents more than just a nice fancy family Christmas Eve meal. It represents healing. It represents two years of HARD work - on our part and the part of our kids. The process really started two years ago for me. It's far from over. WE got a glimpse though that all of it is working. 

We believe in Santa here 

(please refrain from telling me about lying to my children, distorting the true meaning of Christmas or any other "reasons" I am a bad parent for this - we've got it handled here thank you very much!) 

We also believe in the reindeer - and we think Santa is well fed enough, so our tradition is to leave reindeer food instead of cookies! 

The food is out...come on Santa - we are ready for you! 

The magic and miracles of Christmas - all wrapped up in pink snowman pjs! 

Pop Pop Visits - Day 10

On the 10th day of Christmas, my true love gave to us...a visit with Pop-pop!!

It gave us an opportunity for some multi generational photos!! 

(for those wondering...Katie was invited to the party but was otherwise occupied with her puzzles and was not having any part of being bothered!) 

About two years ago, Pop-pop started the tradition of taking Becky and Cami out to breakfast on the Monday he goes home and then taking them to school. Even though they had no school - the tradition continues! 

Family: we may not have it all together, but together, we have it all! 

My girls LOVE their Pop-pop!!! 

Birthday Break - Day 9

Because it wasn;t crazy enough coming back from St. Louis the day before the last day of school, two days later it was birthday time!!

Julie has been anxiously anticipating her birthday since Aleina's birthday. In October. She was talking about her birthday often. Every day. Several times a day. In her sleep. To total strangers. 

Finally. The day. It's here! 

We did a small gathering of mostly neighbors and very close friends (you know - people who who understand if things went unexpectedly) 

Big sister and her BFF did the cake honors....

And then..the presents! Every year for their birthday's  we give the girls a photo book of the past 12 months. Although Julie's was only 12 months long - it had lots of memories already for her! 

And then the barrage of Barbie began......

Thankfully - some others were kind enough to bring something other than Barbie! 

But not to worry...there was plenty of Barbie to fulfill her birthday desire! 

On the 9th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me....hopefully 9 months of birthday free conversations with my daughter! 

Happy Birthday Julia - we are so happy we could give you the birthday of your (Barbie) dreams! 

Schools out for Christmas - Day 8

Last day of school before break - party all around!!! 

On the 8th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me.....17 days with no school?????