We need a little Christmas.......

So - the blog post below is much more profound than this one :)  But I wanted to share a little of our Christmas with friends and family - because - to be honest - our small Christmas really was wonderful  :) 
Christmas was kind of a big deal at my  house growing up - and I "may" have continued that tradition with my own kiddos :)  We always had a lot of gifts - and we wrapped EVERYTHING - each pair of socks, each gag gift etc...  so there were always lots of presents under the tree :)  Presents from Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles, from each brother and sister, mom and dad, Santa, Frosty - you name it :)  And it has always been so much fun :)  Of course my joy has mainly been from watching my kiddos unwrap those special gifts that we shopped so hard to find, or that were special requests that we told them we couldn't fulfill etc...

Last year - the Bigger Sissy convinced all the kids to give up ALL their Christmas presents and go to Disneyland instead.  They all agreed, and on Christmas day, we didn't have a single present under the tree.  They did, however, get some sweet goods from Santa and some fun stocking stuffers.  And - our trip to D-land, our last vacation of just us and our kids before the BIG wedding days - was priceless - we had such a great time.  I am soooo grateful that the Bigger Sissy had such a great idea.

So - when it became clear to us that we were supposed to add Fiona to our family, we knew that this Christmas would have to be a small one.  We already knew we needed to cut back due to the weddings and multiple college students and the restructuring of The Dad's year end bonus with his company - but with the added in expenses of our adoption, we went into extreme savings mode - and with that mode came a restructuring of Christmas gifts.  The Dad has been trying to get us to go to a 3 gift Christmas for years - after all - how many gifts did the Wisemen bring the Savior? Yup - 3 :)   I realize there are so many children who don't even receive 3 gifts - and that was made all the more apparent to me this year, and I think there will be permanent Christmas restructurings for us in the future to be more cognizant of the needs of others.  It is definitely a good thing.

So - we prepared our kids - had them make a list of things that they need, things that they wanted, and somethings to wear, read, or play.   We then looked at their lists and picked 3 things - 3 things that weren't big or flashy or expensive.  And - to be honest - the kids were very mindful of the current happenings and they are all so excited to bring Fiona home - they were happy to sacrifice.  There wasn't one complaint about the small number of gifts under the tree, or the fact that they couldn't pick something expensive or big or on the top 10 list for Christmas this year.  Their eyes have been opened just a bit to the world outside - to the needs of others and to the plight of the many orphans in the world.  And it's not that they are selfish kids - they really aren't - they, like their mom, just hadn't opened their eyes to a lot of things - they lead fairly sheltered lives.   We have lots of friends who have adopted - from foster care, from orphanages in China, Russia, Ukraine - but reading about it, is not quite the same as having it truly touch your heart.  And this year - it is that much more real for all of us - and that is without actually seeing it up close and personal - I don't think our lives will ever be the same once that happens.

Now, my sweet Mom - who loves Christmas with all her heart (and it may just possibly be a genetic trait passed down from mother to daughter.....) wanted our Christmas to be fun and special, even though we wouldn't have many gifts to open - so she put together a bunch of different bags/gifts that involved different games and contests, and maybe a resounding rendition of the 12 Days of Christmas (which might happen to be one of Littlest Dude's most favorite Christmas songs ever - he particularly loves the FIVE GOLDEN RINGS part ;)   So after we went through a gift round (we open from youngest to oldest, one gift at a time ;) we would do a game or contest :)  It was so fun :)  My family loved it - and the Bigger Sissy's husband may or may not be a little competitive with The Rocket Scientist ;)  so it made for some fun games :)  I'm pretty sure all the games were won by the 3 oldest children :)  much to the disappointment of The Dad and The Princess ;)  Good thing Littlest Dude and I aren't the competitive type :)

A great time was had by all - and a lesson learned - Christmas isn't about the presents :) but about his presence - and HIS presence was felt so much by all of us, through the gifts of love that you bestowed upon our sweet Fiona, those were the BEST presents we received this year!!!  Our hearts are just full of Christmas.

Here are just a few pictures from our special day - thanks for making our Christmas the most memorable one to date!!!!

 I have always wanted one of these nativities from Germany - when we were there this last summer we were able to get one - this was it's first time out of the box - so special!!!

Our Christmas eve spread :)  When I was growing up we had chicken noodle soup by candle light, but The Dad is not particularly fond of boxed chicken noodle soup - so we started our own family tradition of lasagne :)  We kept the cheese and crackers and candlelight part though :)

 

 The Bigger Sissy's husband looks good in pink - hey????

 The Princess made her own angel halo :)  She was in charge of our pageant this year :)

 Littlest Dude as a shepherd and The dad as the donkey - and a one eared donkey at that ;)  Oh well - you work with what you have - right???

 Mr. Hollywood as a Wiseman :)

 Grandma as the narrator :)

 The Dad as the Donkey ;)

 The Bigger Sissy and her hubby as Mary and Joseph :) 

Grandpa as a Wiseman :)

 

 and - because he is just so cute - I had to add in this one - our little shepherd sure does love his Grandpa :)

 Riding in to Bethlehem :)

 Littlest Dude just had to be with Mary and Joseph ( but mostly the baby Jesus)  before his turn came up - but hey - I think maybe all the shepherds did :)

 So - the angel was a little thrown off - but she did just fine :)

 Our little shepherd just adores babies - real and not so real :)

 he couldn't resist giving our baby Jesus a kiss.....

and after it was all over - a dogggggg pile!!!!!! and our little present parade (where we put them under the tree :) and our Christmas jammies from Grandma :)

Our highlight of Christmas Eve though was a visit from some wonderful friends!  They came and caroled to us and brought an amazing gift for Fiona.  Their extended family chose her as their Christmas project and gave us an amazing donation to help bring her home!!!  Thank you so much!!!  That gift of love set the tone for our Christmas - and was just one of many gifts of love we received for our sweet girl.  Our hearts were overflowing with each gift we opened for this precious little girl - she is loved by so many already - how lucky she is (and we are) to have all of you in her life.

The Princess was up early on Christmas morning - but couldn't convince the rest of us to get out of bed til Littlest Dude got up :)  I think she may have finally woken him up :)

 Full House - how did Santa know she is a fan of 90's sitcoms?????

Lucky Charms?  What every well rounded teenager wishes for in his stocking :)

 

 See the JOY on Littlest Dude's face?  Crackers - his wants and desires are so simple and sweet!  (he has been sick :(  when he gets colds/sinus infections his little face gets all chapped - thankfully he is on the mend now!!!)

A little birdie mentioned that Bigger Sissy's hubby likes Chips-ahoy cookies :)  Simple wants :)

 

 The Rocket Scientist emailed me with this want - an old game cube game - not available new - used including shipping - for under $20?   Such a blessing!

 The Dad makes the perfect elf - don't you think?  We love our matching elf hat - thanks Aunt L!!!!

Ultimate Frisbee for Mr. Hollywood :)

 

Snuggies for all from Grandma - and singing the 12 Days of Christmas?  I think this may become our newest family tradition!!!!  :)

 

Sisters :)  Love these two :)

Christmas was a day full of blessings for our family - the blessing of being together (we really missed the Biggest Sissy and her hubby - but I guess we do have to learn how to share ;), the blessing of having our Grandma and Grandpa with us from Canada, the blessing of having a warm house, clothes to wear, and food to eat.  The blessing of having the knowledge that our savior, Jesus Christ, was born, lived on this earth, atoned for our sins, and gave his life for us, so that we can live with our Father in Heaven again.  The blessings of all of you, and your amazing outpouring of love and support for Fiona and our family.  We are so blessed!  Merry Christmas all - may the spirit of the season stay in your hearts all year long!!!

Christmas Joy!!!!

Last Christmas I was teaching the young women in our ward and I ran across a story that used the acronym J-O-Y for giving for the Christmas season.  J - Jesus, O- others, and Y - yourself.  I used it in my lesson to teach about the joy of giving vs. receiving, and focusing on what the season is really about.  I made them each an ornament that said Joy :)

I think about joy a lot at our house, and I like to focus on it a lot - since our cute Littlest Dude is such an example of joy to us.  Sometimes I think people think that people don't understand that there is a difference between happiness and joy - they are pretty interchangeable - but there is just something just a little bit more - a little extra - about joy. 

I am a pretty happy person.  I think I am what you would call a "half-full" kinda gal.  I like to look on the bright side - and even though I might be a worrier - I am pretty optimistic about life :)  I am pretty cheery most of the time :)

But - there are some things that just bring so much joy to my life - they don't just merely make me happy - but they bring true JOY!!!

 My children are number one on that list.  I find so much joy in them - in being with them, in sharing their accomplishments and lives, in seeing them overcome obstacles and achieve their goals, in watching them grow their testimonies of the gospel, and in watching them experience all the firsts that life brings as they grow.  I am grateful every day that I am blessed to be their mother - there is no career I would rather have.

I also find so much joy in family.  For Christmas this year, my mom put together a book of all our Christmas pictures and Christmas cards/letters from years past.  She went through all her calendars and did a brief years synopsis from the time that she and my dad were married.  How fun it was to go back and look through the pictures and read the happenings of those years past.  To relive the memories and cherish the moments spent with family.  I loved the pictures of my brother and sister as kids - and then ones with me, as I joined the family.  To see my grandparents - who have now passed from this life, in their youth, and as I remembered them.  To see which niece and nephew look like which parents, and to treasure the pictures we have of my brother, who passed away in 2011.  Those memories bring so much joy to me.

Friends are also such a source of joy for our family.  Old friends, new friends, in real life friends, internet friends. If you would have told me 10 years ago that I would have such a fantastic community of friends that I met through a computer screen, I would have laughed til I peed my pants - the concept was just so foreign to me.  That I would meet people on the internet, and then actually meet up with them in real life and have deep friendships and relationships with them, the same as friends I have known all my life - I couldn't have imagined it - and yet - I do - and they are such a source of support and joy to me.

This season I have found so much joy in the generosity of others on Fiona's behalf.  All of you have no idea how much joy you have given our family this season by being the answer to our prayers - hope and joy and immense gratitude have been the overwhelming themes of the season at our house.

Thank you for bringing so much JOY to our home this season - for exemplifying the true reason for the season, for giving so much of yourselves - for your selfless sacrifices of love and time and resources.  I hope that it has brought you as much joy as it has brought to our family.  The Christmas spirit is still alive and strong and so joyful at our house - and I know it will be - long after the season is over - thank you for giving us so much Christmas Joy!!!

I hope that next year I will have lots and lots of pictures to share of our cute Fiona experiencing her first Christmas home, and that I can add that to my list of Joys - and that you will be able to add it to yours too!!!

So incredibly grateful......

I know I have been posting so much about being grateful - but I cannot even begin to tell you how full my heart is with the blessings that you and the Lord have bestowed upon our family in the last 2 months.  It is more than we could ever have imagined - that Fiona means as much to you, as she does to us - that you are so willing to offer prayers, and give of your time and finances to help bring her home.  That you believe in our leap of faith, and that you care so much about this tiny little girl an ocean away - that you have never met, but know that she deserves so much more - that she deserves to be loved and cherished and valued - that she deserves a family.  I am just so very, very, VERY grateful.

There just aren't words - I know that sounds cliche - but it is true - and I truly have no way to repay you for the many ways you have blessed our lives so that we will be able to bless Fiona's.

Through your generosity, in participating in our ornament fundraiser, toy fundraiser, neighborhood gift fundraiser, family service projects, and giving from the heart - we now have enough money to immediately send our i800a off to immigration once my Canadian clearance comes, and when that approval comes back, send our dossier off to EE.  What a blessing that will be - we will not have to wait one single extra day once we receive the necessary clearances.

I admit I have been so fearful in the last few days.  My heart has been heavy with the new Russian ban on adoptions by US parents :(  My heart breaks for all the children with DS in orphanages and institutions there - the general public will not adopt them, there are still no opportunities for education or healthcare for them there :(   I am worried that someone will get their dossier to Fiona's country ahead of ours, that their laws will change, or that something else will happen.  I have had a hard time sleeping lately, it has made me so anxious for her.

I know I need to strengthen my faith and trust in the Lord.  I know he led us on this journey and that he is so mindful of us and that fear does not come from him.   I just love this little girl I have never met so much already - it sounds so strange - and I have tried not to let my heart get so invested, because there is so much uncertainty with international adoption - but try as I might - her sweet smile and innocent eyes have stolen my heart and she is always in my thoughts and prayers and firmly planted in my heart - already.    So - I will try  not to worry - but even though we haven't met her - we already feel like she is our daughter, even though we are still jumping through the hoops to get the clearance to adopt her.

The uncertainty is so hard.  But I am sure the Lord is once again teaching me that he is in control - that he's got this - that I need to trust in him and have faith.  So we continue to pray and move forward, with forms filled out, copies made, and always waiting for something.  Continuing in faith, with hope and prayer that everything will work out, that Fiona will be home with us as quickly as possible.

You have all been an answer to prayer and your actions have testified to my children and husband that the Lord hears and answers our prayers.  Finances were one of the biggest fears my husband had when the Lord set us on this journey.  It was a big year for us financially, with the weddings, our family tradition of a graduation trip for our oldest son, and having 3 in college - those pretty much took all our savings.  We never planned on throwing an expensive international adoption into the mix, and the thought of it was so overwhelming to him - he feels such a responsibility to provide for our family - and he works so incredibly hard for us and is a wonderful provider - but I know he feels the pressure.  It was such a big, overwhelming hurdle for him - and such a huge leap of faith for him to trust in the prompting I had from the Lord that he would help us to financially be able to accomplish our adoption journey, if we would trust in him and move forward.   Through your generosity you have shown my husband and family that the Lord, indeed, knows what is needed, and that he will provide a way for us.

Thank YOU for being the answer to prayer - for your sacrifices to help us bring Fiona home, for loving her, and believing in us - for being the means by which the Lord can accomplish this great thing.  There is no way that we can repay you for your kindness and your sacrifice.  But we will try - we will continue to move forward in faith, to give our whole hearts and efforts to be the best parents and family that we can to Fiona - to give her what she needs, and to advocate for her and others like her, throughout the world - who need someone to believe in them, and their worth.  Thank you for your belief in her and in us, and for your support and love.

There aren't words enough, but thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your means with us in such an overwhelming and amazing way.  I wish you could see the wonder in my children's eyes every time I have shared of your amazing generosity.  Thank you for giving us so much hope and helping to banish the fear.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Merry Christmas 2012!!!!!

I have reflected on Christmas so differently this year.  So many things were different for our family this year.  We sacrificed some traditions (family letter mailing, a gift from everyone on the family to each other - usually store-bought, neighbor and friend gifts, etc.....)  to save money to help bring our girl home.   We changed the way we thought about the gifts we did buy - something small that you want, something you need, and something to wear, read, or play.  Three gifts - just like the Savior received (although I think my kids are hoping for different presents - frankincense and myrrh aren't really their thing ;)  although I think some are partial to gold ;)   I think it has been very meangingful to each of them to think of Christmas this way......  It definitely removed a lot of the commercialization for them.

Having Fiona in our thoughts so much, and thinking of her situation and environment really changes your life perspective.  When I hear certain Christmas songs or think about specific family traditions we have, as I have sat in front of our warm fireplace and enjoyed the lights on our Christmas tree, as I have watched my children's faces fill with excitement for this special day - I can't help but know that Fiona isn't doing any of those things, that her days are not filled with wonder and magic - that her days are filled with fighting for survival and a regimented routine, and probably very little magic and wonder.  It makes me sad - for her - and for all the children in the world without families.   It also makes me so grateful that we have  the opportunity (hopefully USCIS and the Latvian Government will feel we are good enough to be parents to this little girl) to help Fiona have a family.

I was talking to my girls the other day - at different times - and I cannot tell you the wonder I saw in their eyes - people have been so incredibly generous to our family this Christmas season.  They have given of their time and their means and from the heart to help bring our daughter home.  Every gift of love has touched our family - I have shared your stories with them (the ones I know) and they have all mentioned how in the midst of all the uncertainty and evil in the world, that your giving shows them that there is still sooooo much good in the world.  That you care about our sweet girl - one of the "least of these" and are so willing to give to her, reaffirms their faith that the world is a good place and that there are still so many good people.  It strengthens their knowledge that the Lord knows and loves each one of his children - even the ones the world has forgotten.  It strengthens their faith that the Lord hears and answers prayers and that he will always be there for them.

So I am eternally grateful, not just for your gifts and generosity to Fiona - but for the influence you are having on each and every one of my children.  You are touching their lives in ways that you couldn't have imagined.  I am so grateful.

I pray that you have a wonderful day - filled with wonder, magic, and the love of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Merry Merry Christmas!!!!

Making a difference......

I have been thinking about this post for days.  There is NO WAY to adequately express the overwhelming gratitude I feel for each and every one of you who have donated to help bring our cute girl home.  It honestly brings tears to my eyes and warms my heart that you have given of your time and your money and your prayers to help a little girl have hope and a family - and to help our family bring home a daughter that we never knew we had.

Some people will tell me I'm a saint - or amazing - or some other such nonsense ;)  I am not a saint, I am not amazing, I am just one small person - who has opened my heart up to the promptings my Heavenly Father has sent to me.  I am just one regular ol' momma to 6 (plus the son in laws ;) who just does regular mom things.  I'm nothing special.  My house is messy a lot of the time, it isn't elegant, I don't get pedicures or manicures on a regular basis, I could stand to lose a few (okay 30 lbs), my eyebrows could use, but never have had, a wax, my hair is dying to be cut and colored - I am hardly the world's idea of a perfect mother, wife, or woman.  But, I do love my children with all my heart and would give all I have and am for them.  I do feel blessed - DAILY - by the lessons that Littlest Dude teaches me by his example.  I feel BLESSED to have a child with Down Syndrome - and I can only imagine how much MORE I will feel blessed to have two.

You see - I don't think I see Littlest Dude like most people see him.  A few years ago I decided that it was ineffective to look at people with my eyes, but that I should look at them how I think the Savior looks at them - let me tell you - that is life changing.   Each of us is a son or daughter of our Heavenly Father, each of us has our strengths and weaknesses, abilities and disabilities (trust me, you don't want me to sing anywhere near you ;), unique characteristics and quirks.  When I look at Littlest Dude - I see how silly, fun, funny, compassionate, sweet, joyful, curious, loving, goofy, and kind he is.  He can also be naughty and what other people call stubborn, but we call "determined" :)   So much of his life is directed by others, that it is no wonder he sometimes wants to do things his own way, and make his own choices.  I love my sweet boy - his random kisses, hugs, and I love you Mom's make my day.  His complete acceptance and innocence of race, religion, socio-economic status, clothing brands, pr attractiveness, inspires and teaches me.  He ONLY cares about your heart - and I think he has influenced and changed a lot of hearts in his short little life.   If you take the time and get to know Littlest Dude for Littlest Dude, the down syndrome part of him fades away, and you can see through to who he is.  And - he is amazing, if I do say so, myself - not that I'm biased or anything - but I guarantee if things in life were as difficult for me to accomplish as they are for him sometimes - I would pretty much crawl up into a ball and cry and give up - but he doesn't - he keeps persevering and learning and growing and developing and doing things that are really, really hard for him - even when he doesn't want to sometimes.

I am not a saint - but he might be.  I am not amazing - but he certainly is.

But, we are both blessed to have each other :)  and we will be blessed to have Fiona - because I have no doubt that she is amazing too - in her own way.

I don't know what issues she will come with.  I don't know if she is high functioning or low functioning, and I don't care - that isn't important.  I don't know what her personality is like - I assume spunky and maybe a little fiesty from the pictures and reports we have about her :)  I figure she will fit right in to the family with that personality ;)  She might be bossy or needy or hard - those are all possibilities - she will most definitely be strong - she has to be - to survive living in an orphanage since birth :(  with no one to consistently meet her needs or care for her like a momma would.  It breaks my heart to think of all the days and months and years she hasn't had a family, all because of one teeny tiny piece of genetic material - that seems so insignificant, but makes such a huge impact.  I am sad that her birth family doesn't know what a blessing she could have been to them, that they were only told the hardships and the burden she would be, that they knew they couldn't care for her due to poverty and the total inaccessibility to healthcare and education for her.  I can only imagine that it was difficult for them to get the diagnosis, and that instead of taking their anticipated baby girl home to their other child, they instead left her in the care of an orphanage - all because of that extra chromosome.  I like to believe they still think of her and love her, that they are sad that they can't raise her - rather than that they discarded her our of complete disregard to who she really is - beyond the diagnosis :(  I have to believe that - I can't imagine a mother feeling anything else.

So please, please, PLEASE know how much your generosity means to our family, and to Fiona.  Every single donation, from the smallest, to the biggest makes a difference - has an impact.  Every prayer, every encouraging comment, every hug, every penny, nickel, dime, quarter, and dollar makes a difference - lifts our spirits when we are down, takes a chunk out of the financial mountain we are trying to climb, and gives us HOPE that we can accomplish this task that the Lord has entrusted to us.  It helps us know that with the support of friends, family, neighbors, and many, many people we don't even know - who have given so generously to our toy and ornament fundraiser to help bring our baby girl home without even knowing us personally - we can accomplish hard things through the help of the Lord.

Thank you for your generosity - thank you for your love and your giving spirit - thank you for blessing Fiona's life, and our lives.

There aren't enough words to express what I feel for your gifts of love for her - I am just one regular ol' mom - YOU are the saints, the amazing ones - THANK YOU!!!!!

The waiting game.....

aka -

the Lord is teaching me patience......

or - giving me time to get a long birth certificate from Canada just-in-case USCIS won't accept my short card one.....

or - more time to raise the money needed to submit our dossier......

or the Lord is still teaching me about patience, and faith, and trust.......

it doesn't mean it is any fun though :(  and I don't think this will be the last of our waiting games either.....

it's okay - it gives us time to prepare - right?????

In other news....

We are still playing the WAITING game.....

O Canada - my home and native land - how I wish you would HURRY UP!!!!!

We keep praying.......

We keep checking......

We keep waiting.........

I am sure the Lord has a plan......  It could be teaching me patience - or other important lessons - I better be more attentive.....

We will continue to pray - and work on our I800A and copying documents - we will be ready to go - as soon as that form hits the mailbox!!!

Thanks for your prayers and support on our behalf!!!

Family Picture Fun......

or torture - it all depends on who you ask ;)   My one son-in-law mentioned that we have taken family pictures 3 times in 4 months - I might have just given him "the look"  :)

that may be why there isn't a perfect picture in the bunch.... 

At least I have "trained" my children from birth to smile on command.....  Okay, okay - trained might be an exaggeration - cause heaven knows - Littlest Dude - isn't always smiling on command - but you better hope that when he is - everyone else is looking picture perfect - as well....  Apparently the son-in-laws aren't aware of that rule ;)   or my daughter's either - because either they weren't looking, or fixing their hair or who knows what else this time ;)   Lucky for son-in-law #1 (1st married......  Don't be putting any other emphasis on that particular number ;) he knows how to photoshop - definitely really lucky for him ;)

Okay, okay - back to the pictures ;) 

Soooo - every Christmas we take another family picture - I know, I know - I just love family pictures.  My kids moan and groan - it used to be only once or twice a year - you know - Easter and fall - but I have added in 4th of July and Thanksgiving, from time to time.  I am not sure why they whine about it - they are always dying to see the results - and laughing.  I am pretty sure it's NOT as painful and torturous as they make it seem ;)

So - here are the Christmas offerings.......  Smile - say cheese - I said SMILE, dang it ;)  all at the same time!!!!   ;)

 5/8 - no toooo bad......

Everyone BUT Littlest dude......

 Aren't they cute???  I have pics of them together since Littlest Dude was just a wee babe :)  In their cute matching Christmas outfits....  I am sure that might be getting old ;)  But - OH WELL - so am I ;) ha ha ha

The Princess.....

The Rocket Scientist :)

Mr. Hollywood :)

 The Bigger Sissy's hubby - and what a character he is....  Good thing about that photoshop talent.....

 Really - one picture where you are both looking and smiling at the same time?  Is that soooo much for a mother-in-law to ask :)

The Biggest Sissy in her sweater dress rebellion - it is a fine looking thrift store special ;)  Oh my kids - they think they are so hilarious ;)

And - the pyramid picture....  We have been trying for this one for YEARS - with no success.  The Princess was determined to try again - after all - we have 2 strapping young brother-in-laws now :)  I wasn't so sure it was actually going better - we kept having some "weakest links ;)

 almost - almost........

 Littlest dude is looking a little dazed - after already tumbling twice ;) ha ha ha  due to the aforementioned weakest links ;)

 sooooo close - what the heck - Princess??????  This was your chance!!!!!

and they all fell down :) 

I will grant that there was a little more success than in the past - there may be HOPE, after all ;)

TaaaaaDaaaaaaa - there you have it - Christmas family torture.  Although I'm wondering if this year I was the one that was tortured, more than the rest of my cute subjects :)   It was definitely funny though - and there may have been girls running to the bathroom out of need from laughing so hard :)

I so love this bunch and can't wait to add Fiona to the fun - imagine how interesting THAT will make family pictures ;)

Snow much fun!!!!!

I love it when it snows in December!!! We had a brown Christmas last year - so I know the kids are really hoping for snow this year ;)

They do so love to go out and play (aka drag down all the winter stuff - go out - get all wet - come back in within 30 minutes - and leave said winter stuff strewed all over the house - for a week....)

It did finally snow - on a Saturday - so they could suit up and go enjoy the white fluffy stuff - AND - it was perfect snowball and snowman snow - so that made it even better (and possibly wetter ;)

The Biggest Sissy's hubby grew up in California - so he is kind of a snow fan ;)  He didn't get much exposure as a child ;)   He might have an obsession with snowballs - and the Princess and Littlest Dude might have been easy targets ;)  After all - what are big brothers for ;)

But the Littlest Dude - he wasn't giving up easily - here's the wind up.......

and release - look at that form!!!!   :)

A snowman - or at least the bottom of one ;)

Conversation between the two - oh sweetie do you need some help???  NO NO - don't break this one.....  OOOOPS ;)

I love pics in the snow - the colors are so vivid ;)

even when your hair gets caught in your braces ;)

Catching snowflakes is AWESOME!!!!!

GOT ONE!!!!!!  ;)  Cute boy ;)

Yayyyy - finally - the snowman :)

and it's a cute one :)  I love scrounging for "facial" parts :)  It's always funny to see what they decide to use ;)  We were in luck - a carrot, beans, and grapes :)   woot woot :)

Princess's first kiss???  Frosty sure is a lucky guy :)

:)  Yup, yup - snoooooow much fun!!!!!!