Two Years

I will not repeat what I said last year at this time, though I still feel all those things.

I have other blog entries in my head that I need to add here and haven't had time. But today needs something.

Two years ago I thought these children were gone from me forever:

Today it feels like they have never been anywhere else. I have forgotten what life was without them. I have grown and changed in ways I never imagined. I have accomplished and accommodated in ways I didn't think were possible and so has the whole clan. These children have learned, changed, loved and grown in a miraculous and beautiful ways.

And we continue to be blessed. Daily.

But in Haiti change is slow or not at all. People still suffer and blessings are few and far between. Or they come in the form of things we take for granted. Somehow today is more painful for me than I expected. Gotcha day is coming and that day I can separate from the tragedy. That day I can celebrate. But today is a harsh reminder that while two years can see a world of change; two years can also bring no change at all.

May God be with the beautiful people of Haiti and may His strength and love embolden and guide our leaders to reach out to this ravaged country. Amen.

2012

So much to plan for, hope for and get done in 2012.

The good things:

1. Settle in to new house.

2. Enjoy Thomas being back in the theater.

3. Get citizenship for 3 little ones.

4. Enjoy the first big family wedding and welcome Soli to the family.

The worrisome things:

1. Send Anna to high school.

2. Continue to work on budget

3. Move twins to BT

4. Probably more I am not thinking of...

The hard stuff:

1. Master a monthly budget to reduce stress

2. Take off the weight that I found in 2011

3. Start looking at colleges with #1

4. Probably more I am not thinking of...

I really hope that 2012 and I get along.

Merry Christmas!

The wake up call came at 6:30a.m. I am not sure how, but the little ones did decide that on Christmas morning they should wake up Anna first. They have never done this and we didn't discuss it as an option. But at 6:15 #3, Mr. Man and Bruiser woke their sister #2 and then headed to #1's room. #2 wisely put on the coffee and preheated the oven. #1 chose not to growl and groan. She got up!

At 6:30 they all came up the steps to tell us that Santa had arrived!

We started with placing baby Jesus in the manger. This is the tradition and no presents happen until this crucial step takes place.

Next came the stockings. Mr Man was particularly excited about his stocking and for a bit I thought he might not move on to the presents. But he got into the presents just fine! In fact everyone took turns and enjoyed seeing each other's presents, except Mr Man who just wanted to open and enjoy his own.

It was fun and less stressful than last year. The twins were better behaved and more excited about their gifts. #3 loved her gifts and other than a slight melt down the night before, really loved her Christmas morning experience.

The big girls are wonderful and generous and brought their patience to the festivities. I think they liked their gifts; I was at a real loss this year for ideas.

It really was memorable and positive. I am still very glad it is over.