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.