9 Months Down

Nine months 2 years ago referrals were arriving, now we are just in the beginning stages with a potential outlook of years :(. At least we are half way through December 2005 and October 2006 is out of the review room. Progress is happening at a very slow pace. Many family's did get wonderful Christmas gifts by getting their referrals this month. Let hope for the best in the up coming new year for referrals at least 15 day batches I do recall CCAI stating this.

Christmas is almost here!!!!!

What a busy season we have had parties, performances, get togethers, and more parties. Evey year I think I love Christmas more and more especially now with Maddie and Audrey in our lives. This will be the first Christmas we have both of the girls and we are so excited. Steve surprised us with a 5 day trip to go snow tubing in the mountains after Christmas and the girls can't wait to go. I am thrilled to just get away and have a break from the hustle and bustle. I will not be sledding this year due to my injuries from the accident I am having surgery after the first of the year :(

I can't believe in a week from now we will be having our family Christmas at home! We have some fun traditions:
Everyone decorates the main tree
The girls each get their own 4ft tree in their room
No presents out till all kids are in bed except for the gift you get to open on Christmas Eve
Everyone has cool PJ's but dad he wears sweats
Christmas dinner is Ham with all the sides
Up early on Christmas morning 6:00 am
Traditional breakfast is cinnamon rolls and country breakfast

Better to Give than Receive

This is not a new tradition in our family but one that we have started to teach Maddie as well as Audrey. This year I took Maddie to the Salvation Army Tree at the mall and we talked about the children who do not get Christmas unless families donate toy's and clothes to them. I let Maddie pick the name and age of the child and then she helped me do all the shopping and wrapping. Every night Maddie prays for this little girl Niyah. She talks about her all the time. I believe as she grows this will be a valuable lesson and tradition. Audrey also received a name from the tree and she is doing the shopping the wrapping and using her allowance money fill the wishes of her child.