Christmas Preparations

December and all the busyness that comes with it is upon us.  Our days are filled with homeschooling, appointments, and holiday preparations.  This past week Slava began Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy at the local elementary school.  I bring him one morning for a 30 minute OT appointment and one afternoon for a 30 minute PT appointment.  So far he really likes it and I don't mind sitting in the school office for just a half hour.  The school has been very open to helping us help Slava even though we are homeschoolers.  I'd prayed for favor in this area and the Lord certainly has provided.  We spent last weekend at our camp in the Adirondacks for some much needed time off from work for Wayne.  The only down side was that many of us had bad colds.  On Sunday after church we got our Christmas tree.  

Which tree?

 Wayne isn't into cutting down the tree, so we've made it a tradition to pick one out, throw it into the truck, and then go out to lunch.  Works for me!

This one is just right!

Some good lookin' kids here!

 I love seeing Curtis and Sierra together.

They have a great brother/sister relationship.

Out to eat at Applebee's.

 Once home we set up the tree and began decorating it.  Each of our kids has their own box of personal ornaments.  Each year I get them a special ornament for Christmas.  They will get to take them with them when they get married or move out.  They will always be able to have their childhood ornaments. Wayne Jr. took his ornaments and his stocking, however his stocking came back home.  I guess nobody fills a stocking like his Mom!

Slava & Jordan as elves!

 Who needs an "elf on a shelf" when you have a Jordan & a Slava bouncing off the walls!  These guys bring us so much joy, laughter, and exhaustion!

Our living room all decked out!

This week in the midst of baking cookies my oven quit.  Though it was frustrating, I'm very grateful that it didn't happen on Christmas day with a turkey in the oven.  A new one is being delivered this week, then holiday cookie baking will commence.  In all the baking, shopping, wrapping, decorating, and running I am very aware and very grateful that I've already received the greatest gifts:  salvation, family,  and much love.