Christmas

Christmas. I guess I should write something profound about the wonderful season and how this year has made us grow so much and how grateful we are.. But at this time I am just not there.. Not that I am not grateful.. I am, but not enough for a soppy post about it.. I am still angry, depressed and in chock. Not necessary in that order, or any order.. Just all of it, in a jumble..

So.. To short it down, Rich failed his class and did not graduate. No, I am NOT happy!

Sophia, we are trying to deal with it, just not sure HOW to yet. We appreciate your concerns, but we need to figure it out on our own first of all. This is a little more tricky than just a cold and someone sending us a pot of chicken soup. It is not going to be cured by a simple swoosh of a magic wand. So be patient as we are also trying to be..

Amanda, our headstrong, not yet teenager but oh so trying to act it.. Is doing great in school but the last month I think got her a little.. A lot of homework, long days.. Being 10 almost 11 is harder than you'd think.

Jacob and Jonathan, also doing good for the most part. Struggling with reading, mostly with the desire to actually read.. The know-how is there.. Just not the desire.. Also struggling with bullies at school, there is some plans for a charter school next school year.

Asa, foot still bothering, but work is great! You can't have it all...

So for something more fun.

Christmas Eve, breakfast. Jonathan and Dad. Sophia hidden. Amanda's hand.
Tired dad, Amanda and Jacob. Hot cocoa and cinnamon rolls and the gingerbread houses.
Jacob and Jonathan in the t-shirts from Hawaii that aunt CC sent them!! Thank you Christianne!!
Sophia and Amanda with corral bracelets from Hawaii.
The nativity scene I purchased this year. A candle is placed behind the figures.
Nativity scene my mom send from Sweden. Thank you mom! It made it here!
Sophia and Simbah.
Christmas dinner, time to light the candles.
Our Christmas tree before the storm...
Jacobs gift, from dad. A flying saucer.
Amanda with her new Barbie.
Jacob trying to open the gift from Aunt Lory. Aunt Lory, self proclaimed over wrapper...
Amanda with the winter hat from Morfar in Sweden.
Sophia with new mittens from Morfar.
Jacobs new winter hat, also from Morfar.