Sunday, December 29, 2013

Saturday, December 28, 2013

Doing Girly Things at Grandma's

Happy After Christmas at Grandma's

... and for Annie, the German restaurant means one thing: SOUP!

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Leia Learns about Santa: 11 years old, 12/25/13

Oh how we have been desperately wishing that we would make it through this Christmas with Leia Rose still believing in Santa Claus. We made it all the way to Christmas evening! On Christmas Eve, when I tucked Leia in and read "Twas the Night Before Christmas," she said, "Mama, does Santa Claus really bring the presents?" I simply avoided the question, and told her what I have been doing. She responded with "you sure do stay up late on Christmas Eve." Then on Christmas Day, after we open the presents, Leia Rose said, "Mama I need to ask you a question. I need to do it now." I took her aside and she said, "Mama does Santa Claus really bring the presents?" We told her the truth. And we told her about how wonderful it is that Mama and Daddy continue the real magic of Saint Nicholas, making all of the special presents for them. We told her about how now she can be part of the magic. And we told her about how St Nicholas is truly real. And we told her about how we use St Nicholas's intercession to decide what to get for both Leia and Annie. We also told her exactly how important it is to keep the magic alive for people like Annie. Leia cried privately, just a little bit, but eventually she realized how special it is to be a young woman and how special it is to participate in the magic. God bless you, Leia. This was a big life lesson learned today. She handled it with grace and beauty.

Continuing Karin's Christmas Tradition

... No doubt Karin would have liked Frozen too!

Christmas Morning 2013 (Leia 11 & Annie 7)

Favorite Presents: Warm Bunny of Annie's, Mousie Cage of Leia's, Wii U, Pokemon Figures, Mamma's Tink & Periwinkle. Surprise Favorite: Dizzy Dancing Bunnies. Sillyest Present: Star Trek Pez Dispensers. Coolest Present: Scarf from Afghanistan from Goddaddy Greg. Crafting Favorite: Leia's 2d Family, Including Ollie

Santa Arrives

Cookies for Santa

Christmas Eve at the Grove Park

Shana Surprises: Felting While We Wait & Receiving Annie's Favorite Gift (Snug, the "warm" lavendar bunny)

Christmss Eve Mass with Family

Roper Mountain Christmas Lights

An Early Christmas with Cousin Zach ... Staring Anna & Elsa from Frozen and Bat Man cars!