hello there 2012.

First of all, this was, hands down, one of my favorite pictures of 2011.
My mama heart is full. full.


No. No. I know what you must be thinking.
This lady thinks her kids are the cutest ever.
Well, really. The white coats?
If you knew the deal i found on those coats!
It was pure Christmas joy i tell you.
(well, you know, at least joyful :)
The boys had on some amazing ties.
As you can see, mr Z took the tie wearing
very seriously.
(hands in the pockets little GAP model)


*Christmas tea*


*Christmas tea*

For this picture I have no words.
Love.


This was fun.
You won't find a better "present getter" than mr L.
He is just a riot.



We actually had to wake the girls up Christmas morning.
Once they figured out what was happening, I heard lots
of cheering. I sat in the chair and watched while I tried
to compose myself. There are no


Prayers were answered!
It may have not been Christmas, but we did
have snow! mr Z took his job seriously and gave
the girls helpful snow playing hints.


As you can see, we had those who were sampling the snow.
When I opened the door, the above mentioned taste tester
told me that she was "NOT eating the wellow snow, mama!"
Yes. Good advice mr. Z.

Last year was a hard year for me. I loved Christmas with the boys
but it felt like a piece of our family was missing. I am assuming those
who have loved ones away can relate (ie-military families). However,
it was a tough season for me as I just wanted to girls home. You
can read about what last Christmas was like here and also here.

If you are waiting this year for your child to come home, please know
you are not alone. Some days may feel endless during the wait time but
there is an end. I can testify to the fact that there is an end to the waiting!
There were times this year were things seemed very surreal. There were also
times when the girls were just overwhelmed and unsure as we establish family
traditions as a six. Overall, we had a wonderful Christmas. I can't wait to see
what the new year brings and the progress we will have made!