Hello world. I have never done anything like this before, so please excuse my unfamiliarity with the blogging universe. That being said, welcome to our first post! I'd like to begin by thanking our friend Lisa Upton for suggesting this and then putting it all together for us! I am very excited about this new endeavor and hardly know where to begin.
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| Mia & Noah |
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| Amy & Ray |
It being so close to Christmas, we decided to share with you some of the Christmas activities the kids have been involved in. They get so excited around the holidays, I love their hand-written wish lists with items copied from catalogues and the way their eyes light up with awe every time they see a house adorned with lights! No matter what their chronological age, they will always remain children at heart.
Last week we took them to a Christmas party where they enjoyed lots of yummy food and a one-on-one with Santa. Our kids look forward to every special event with much excitement and anticipation. This Christmas party, provided by Henry County Parks and Recreation & People First, was no exception! Every day leading up to an event they are constantly asking "how many days?" until it is about a week away, then they begin to count down on their own.
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| Nick |
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| Nick, Cody, & Emily |
When THE day finally arrives there is a special kind of excitement in the air and everyone wants to have a hand in picking out their party outfit. The boys are easy, I tell them to pick out a "Christmasy" long sleeve button-up and put on their dress pants and shoes. I then help them match the button up with a nice sweater and 'voila!' dapper young gentlemen. A bit more is involved for the girls. For this, a semi-formal kind of event, I dressed them in some nice sweater dresses with matching leggings and boots. It sometimes takes a few changes of wardrobe and switching around before they are ready. Then Bethany to performs her magic. Beautiful hairdos complete with ribbons and bows, some light makeup, nail painting and designs to match their outfit. They just love getting all dressed up and Bethany is happy to oblige. I think the hardest part for them is being completely ready and waiting until it is time to go!
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| Cody |
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| Tina |
Finally the time comes and we head to the party. It never ceases to amaze me how easy it is to take our children, so many of them, out in public at once. There was a big crowd so the line for food was very long, but not once did they complain or show impatience. A huge buffet line of delicious homemade food and deserts awaited them and it was awesome to watch them try to make good choices and not load up on sweets. It is fairly common for children with special needs to overeat and become obese, so we've always tried to instill in our kids good nutrition values. Every dinner they have a salad with their meal and when they were little we would have them finish that before eating the rest of their food. Now we don't have to tell them, "Salad first" is a common mantra around dinner time! Jimmy and Mia have Celiac Disease, so they are on a strict gluten-free diet. Jimmy is fine eating whatever, but I know Mia sometimes struggles with food envy over the cakes and desserts her siblings get when we eat out. She is always a good sport about it though, often calling their food "yucky!" to make herself feel better. I try to reward her often with specially made goodies so she doesn't feel left out and to show her I am proud of her positive attitude.
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| Julia |
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| They spotted Santa |
Santa arrived while we were eating and all of their faces just lit up with joy. Most of them quickly left their food for the chance to sit with him and list all the things on their Christmas list. There was a short line (well before they got in it!) but they once again lined up single file and waited patiently. Many of the other children did not, one blatantly cut into the front of the line right as my kids were approaching Santa, worst of all her mother was standing right there and didn't intervene, almost seemed encouraging of it as she snapped her photo. I cannot understand these parents who not only allow this kind of selfish behavior but even seem to feel their child is entitled to it. It makes me so thankful when I see how gracious and kind our children have grown to be. Even while other children and adults broke in front of them they didn't complain, just smiled and patiently waited their turn. When that turn came, while some others were spending 10-15 minutes a piece with Santa, they were all aware of the other children waiting and made sure to limit their time to a few minutes, without being told. We've always tried to raise them to be conscientious and courteous towards others but they often surprise me with how far they will go to display these qualities on a daily basis.
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| Lindsey |
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| Emily |
After everyone had their Santa time they returned to finish their food and help clear the tables. It is always such a blessing and pleasure to bring them to these events, not only do they have a blast but they never fail to exceed my expectations and make me incredibly proud of them.
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| Nathan |
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| Jimmy |
Like any children, they aren't perfect and we still have our share of challenges and temper outbursts, but on nights like this I cannot express how happy I am that God gave us the desire and ability to raise and care for these amazing kids. We are truly blessed.
