What a way to start the new year.  This came in the mail today.  

I can finally finish my degree!

LAST CLASS!

2013 will be amazing!

We have trained for this day.  But, in the end it was up to Nathan.  It was he who quietly slipped to the other room to try a new food for himself.  It was time.  He had gotten hungry enough waiting for his meal at a family gathering that he helped himself to Hint of Lime Tostitos (shocking) and has never turned back.  Trying new things every day.  He has even put on some height.  

I love this new adventure we are on!

Today it was orange wedges, with the peel.

That's okay though.  They are good for you.  One benefit is that they can reduce the risk of heart disease.  With his congenital heart disease I would say this is good medicine.

One of our Christmas miracles caught on camera.  Chase is growing and understanding more and more each day.  He has his struggles learning the unwritten rules of 1st grade social communication, especially the girl rules.  But this day his mind opened up just a bit more as he played with his big sister.

And a second miracle is watching the bond between cousins.

Nathan and Chance

Sunday...we spent our day learning and praising the 

birth of Jesus Christ. 

And today we remembered as we enjoyed each other and the gifts we graciously accept from

 our loved ones.

 Nathan went to his favorite gal's birthday party.  Her first party!  She is such a treat to know.  She gets excited when she sees him coming

Happy
Birthday!

Making Christmas candies!

Thanks to big sister Nicole

 I came home to a plate full of Christmas candies and big smiles on her brothers' faces.

Last night was fun making teacher presents!

Stirring sticks to go with the hot chocolate packs.

Chase was able to deliver the gifts while Nathan slept til 1:30.  He did manage to find the energy to make it to the party at 2:00

Back to back Christmas concerts tonight.

Samantha first then

done with Brooke's and Chase said, 

"Now we go to Nicole concert."

You can really hear Brooke's piccolo.

Chase working hard to put some finishing touches on the Christmas tree.  

He got a little scissor happy with my notes.

Wonderful time at the bowling birthday party...

 

This was the first time Chase has been bowling!.

Loved that Nathan kept his eye on the ball to see how many pins he knocked down.

This is the second time Nathan has been bowling.  Thanks to Dom for the second invite.

There are no words for today...only tears.

12-14-12

HE will hold the children tonight.

All I want for Christmas is my

two (sorta) front teeth!

Here she comes again...

Can't wait to see her tomorrow!!!

Home for the holidays.

Christmas Parade!

Brooke played piccolo!!

We had a fun day.  Lots of smiles and lots of candy. 

Yes, she is the short one on the end.

My piccolo player.

Taking candy from a Storm-trooper.

Mommy and her not so little men.

He finally got into it!

Notice Chase waving to Santa.

Good brothers

Great way to prepare for the SWAN Christmas party....

Christmas Dance 7th grade!

I will blog it tomorrow...
so tired from the conference.
Glad Elaine Hall was the last speaker.  I wasn't drowsy then a bit!

Conference....
license plates...

Great day at Mission Possible.

Learning even more!

Just when you think you can't squeeze any more information in...someone inspires you!

Special Artists Academy reception for this session. 

Boys looked so big in their suits from their cousins. Rockin' the hand-me downs!

And thanks to Sam who was assigned to take pictures at the Nativity tonight.  Does this surprise me?!  Oh well, SIX gave a wonderful Christmas performance.  No surprise there either.

So wonderful to be back at Special Artists Academy!

This session flew by though.

Reception....tomorrow.

 Thanks to SCIL we spent a night at the theater!

Nathan was so happy he could hardly contain himself.  Before we left he had resigned to the idea of staying home.  Since a lot of his therapy sessions have ended (until after Christmas) I have noticed him not being as smiley.  He loves to go and be busy.  My theory is that since so little is able to come out (verbally) that he needs more input to properly stimulate his mind


 

 What a night!  Chase was exhausted by the end.  It takes a lot of energy to be still and quiet if your normal speed is high gear.  Nathan was so happy he attracted the attention of an usher.  She was quite kind as she asked him to be quieter.  It worked-for about 15 seconds.  He refused to leave when I presented the idea and had won over the hearts of those around us by the end...

She is 13!!!

Another teenager.  I was down to one for about a month.  Nicole turned 20 in October.

A brief respite...

And if you know Samantha at all you can guess that this was her favorite present.  (from cousin Adam-he picked it up at work)

The Christmas season has officially started in our home!

Thanks to Make-A-Wish for the tickets to breakfast with Santa at Bass Pro!  Nate and Chase had their smiles on.

Luckily the kids were able to help convince Santa to come off vacation and get back on his sleigh!

 

I love being in the Make-A-Wish family.

Each time we have an activity or event we relive just a bit of the boys' wishes.

 

I am so very thankful for all I have and all the opportunities that surround my family 

each and every day.

And, the faith I rely on for my strength.

Thanksgiving at school...

 Chase celebrated with the first grade.

Nathan and Chase in Mrs. Lawson's class.
Nate ate pumpkin pie for the first time ever.  Actually pie for the first time ever!  New things are happening...exciting!

So is this number 2 or number 1 returning...?

Thanks to my professionally trained animal handler for making our humble abode mouse free again. 

You know the saying though...the one about three strikes you're out.

Went to Truman's Jungle Boogie tonight with Chase.  He wouldn't dance so I pulled him on the floor during "Old Time Rock and Roll."  Then they played "Who Let the Dogs Out."  Needless to say he was hooked!

Okay...he was so cute I couldn't decide which one to post.  Thanks Quillen.  I can't believe I forgot my camera.  

And, thanks for offering to take the pictures.  I am still working at being in front of the camera.  I probably wouldn't have asked!

Quillen, a true mommy...she knows to take more than on picture.  While kids take cute photos no matter what.  Tired mommies...not so much.