I'll be home for Christmas!!

Okay finally Christmas at our house was also fun this year even though we were worn out from all the family things. Cole was so excited and when he saw his cat he said, "Look mom Santa brought him straight from the North Pole." Priceless!! Luke of coarse really didn't understand, but it was his first Christmas and he had fun playing with all the toys. The boys really enjoyed the day just playing with all their new toys. During this time of the year I can't help to think about all the boys and girls who are in need of a loving family. I pray that one day they get to experience the magic of Christmas just as we did this year.

P.S. = I even ordered a stocking for China doll from pottery barn. How could I help myself? They were on sale with free shipping.

Crazy Christmas at the Richards.

Christmas this year at moms was so funny. Mom got the kids a wheely racer. I am thinking the adults had more fun than the kids.

Christmas at Memaw's is always fun!

Christmas at memaws is fun, but there are way too many kids. Next year we may have to move it to a different location. There were 9 great grand children, 7 grand children plus their husbands or wives and 3 of her own children and their husbands or wives. So needless to say we had a lot of people there, but it is really fun to see all the kids playing. I hope we continue this tradition for many years to come. Carly is the only girl and it is so funny to watch her with all those boys. She is really in trouble when they all get older.

Christmas at the Whitledges!

The first place we went for our Christmas gatherings was the Whitledges. We always have a good time there and get plenty of gifts. Brad has two brothers and so there is always something going on over there. They are constantly teasing everyone and picking on their poor mom. Bless her heart for putting up with the boys for all those years. It is great to see the boys have such a good time. Cole did forget Memaw's gift and cried for at least 30 minutes when we got there. We had a great time and ate way too much. Slade is my nephew and is just a happy little boy. He is a spitting image of his dad and loves to act like him. Christmas memories at the Whitledges were made once again.

My home study is finished!!!

Yes, my final home study was today and I am really tired. I cleaned all day yesterday and worried all night. I couldn't get any sleep for thinking about what kind of questions she would ask or wondering if the house was just right. It went fine other than I have to send a picture of the crib that we might want for her. What?? A crib and for a girl? WOW!! Now that sounds fun! Cole had to also be interviewed and when he sit down she said, So Cole tell me what you like to do?" Cole replies, "My mom told me to say that I want a sister." What?? Where did he get that at? I told him that a lady was coming to talk with us about a getting a sister. Funny what kids say. I will post pictures of Christmas real soon, but just haven't had the time.

Cole can write his name and I'm one proud Momma.

Well I found out the other day that Cole can write his name. Well....I say write his name. I guess I should say he can write all the letters in his name. They are not in the correct order, but he should get credit. Right? Well anyway I am very proud of him. Both of the boys have pneumonia. Yuck. I hate when they don't feel good. It seems like I have been in the house for days and running on about 3 hours of sleep each night sure isn't easy. Clothes are piled all over the place, dishes in the sink a mile high and beds not made up is what you would see if you were here. I can't take it much longer. Look out Bleach and Lysol here I come. This has become a job now that only a woman can do!! This house must come clean today! My last home study visit is next Tuesday and we have a lot to do before then. I am so ready for that to be over although the lady we are working with is wonderful. It has been a pleasure to work with someone that is so kind and understanding. I must go wipe noses and give medicine now :)

We made it!!!

Well we made it through our first adoption interview for our homestudy. I had a really good time and it felt great to hear Brad take this serious for the first time. She told us a lot of things I already knew and some things I didn't. My yearly observation at school is tomorrow. I am hoping that it all goes well. I just hate to be observed, but know it has to be done. I took a few pictures from the weekend of Luke looking out our front windows. Oh how fast they grow. I figured I better capture this because soon he will be able to just stand on his own and look out.