Well, here we are ... Christmas is upon us.  It has come so quickly!!

We got our tree up Thanksgiving weekend and we think it looks lovely.  

The children are, of course, excited for Christmas to be here ... they are also eager for the break from school and playing in the snow, watching Christmas movies and baking cookies.  

I know I've shared this before, in one way or another, but continue to keep this little guy (Jonah) in your thoughts and prayers.  This kid is definitely working SO HARD at EVERYTHING.  I am so surprised that he doesn't just CRASH at the end of every day.  He is diligently working to cram SEVEN YEARS of missed learning and experiences into RIGHT NOW.  Every time he accomplishes a new task or achieves another skill, he's thrown several more.  We are so proud of how far he has come and we are so grateful for the students and teachers who work with him and guide him but sometimes we have to remind others and even ourselves to be patient and understanding because sometimes it's hard to remember that he hasn't always been here.  

It was only a year ago that these little guys were living on the other side of the world, in a completely different type of environment, speaking a completely different language.  These two boys have experienced MORE in one year than many people have in their entire lives.  It amazes me how much has really happened this year.  Please continue to keep Rees at heart as well.  Ever since his last surgery, which was physically much more successful than ANY of his previous surgeries this year, he has been a little more irritable, a little less resilient, a little more sensitive, and a little less pacifying.  We're not really sure exactly WHAT the issue is but we notice the change in his behavior and demeanor and we're concerned.  We can't begin to know how he has processed everything that has happened to him this year but we just continue to love him and care for him the best that we can.

Early this month we attended a memorial service presented by the funeral home we utilized when my mother passed in July.  The service was to honor all loved ones lost in 2016.  I really thought this was a nice way to take notice of the fact that this year is the first Christmas without our mom and Grandma.  

There was an enormous tree at the front of the room and it was covered with angel ornaments, one for each loved one who passed.  During the service, the tree was "lit" and it shined out so brightly in honor of our loved ones.  At the end of the service, the families representing were able to collect the ornament to take home.

My mother loved Christmas and this one, in particular, is going to be very difficult to spend without her.  But the memories of Christmases with her will hopefully keep us thinking of her and lovingly remembering her. 

We decorated the memory garden and we know she would have loved it!

For St. Nick, the children were sent gifts from a special friend and they were very excited by the surprise!

Each of them was so happy with their gifts!

Each seemed perfect for them!!

It was fun to see them so delighted!

Special friends are just ... SO SPECIAL!!!

Then there was the elementary school holiday program ... 

... this was the FIRST for Jonah and Rees!!

... the kids did a great job singing ...

... and playing ...

We were so proud of their efforts!!

Then because most of the kiddos were dressed up, we decided to take advantage of the moment and snap a few photos of their gorgeous selves!!

... the boys!

... the girls!

Another special someone in our lives sent these adorable "Rudolph" noses for the boys to play around with.  Well, ... we didn't think too much of it but apparently Rees took our request to "wear" the nose as a way to make fun of him/his nose.  Even though he's been with us for a year now, we have to remind ourselves that we cannot take for granted and just assume that he understands that we love him exactly the way that he is and that his nose is not an issue for us.  This photo was his very good (but very staged attempt) at allowing me ONE PHOTO if his Baba would do it with him.  Our little buddy was upset for hours and even became physically unwell which we have recently pieced together as his reaction to psychological distress.  We promised him that he would never have to wear the nose again. 

These two were MORE THAN HAPPY AND EXCITED to wear the noses and dress the part.  So, all was NOT LOST!

Even Jax was getting into the spirit ...well, not really ... but he was such a good boy to humor us!!

And in case any of you are wondering ... YES ... we have A LOT of snow up here in the frozen tundra!  

We're okay, though ... 

... it's basically a white winter wonderland!!

Stay tuned for more Christmas and Winter photos and stories!!