Alea's Gift

Last night we let Alea open her Christmas gift from her birthmother. These are always very precious moments for our family. We received a letter for our family. Alea received a beautiful box with an angel figurine, jewelry, Christmas ornaments, stickers, and an angel potupourri doll.

We are once again reminded of the great love Alea's birthmother has for her. She chose the greatest love by allowing her to become part of our forever family. We pray for her often and we love her so much! We know she checks this blog many times. We wish you a very Merry Christmas! Thank you so much for once again sending Alea precious gift. We will cherish this forever. Braylen also thanks you for sending her gifts too! She once again asked why her birthmother didn't send any gifts and we had to tell her that we do not know her birthmother. We told her her name again and that we tried to locate her while were in Kazakhstan, but couldn't find her. Then, Braylen remembered that Alea's birthmother always remembers her too and sends gifts along for her as well. THANK YOU for being a "birthmother" figure to Braylen as well. My cup runs over with joy each and every time she is included too! We love you!!

Braylen's New Nightgown

Saturday Braylen got a new nightgown from Grandma and Grandpa. She also got a matching one for her doll. I just love the first picture!!

Braylen's Christmas Program

Monday night was Braylen's Christmas Program at school. The first graders were the Toys of Christmas. Braylen was a baby doll. She had a special part during her class' song. She did an amazing job!!! We were so proud of her excitment and joy during the program. All the kids did a fantastic job!!

Alea's Little Mess

On Monday, Alea came downstairs naked. She had taken all her clothing and diaper off. I let her run around that way for a bit. Braylen went upstairs and when she returned she told me she knew why Alea was naked. She said there was poop on the floor! I went upstairs and looked in her room. I found her diaper and clothing, but no poop. I asked Braylen where it was. She said, "Did you walk in the loft?" I had walked through the loft to Alea's room, went back out there, turned on the light and there were two huge piles of poop! I called Alea up and made her clean it up. She didn't want to at first, but she did it. Of course I had to take pictures too. Today, Alea has gone around the house with only a shirt on. It's time to potty train! I've been hoping she would decide on her own. She wet twice, but went potty once on the toilet! We'll see how this goes--wish us luck!!

Christmas Time

Sunday after church we took the girls to the Honeywell Center for pictures with all the decorations. Here are some we captured.

First Christmas of the Season

Saturday we celebrated Christmas at Jon and Shelley's with Grandma and Grandpa Nussbaum! The girls had so much fun playing with cousins and the adults had great conversation. It was so good to see Grandma and Grandpa again. The girls both got a cute new outfit and some new toys! It was a fun day :)

Cheerleading

Braylen participated in Cheer Camp again this year. She loved it and did a great job cheering during 1/2 time of the girl's varsity game last week. My pictures aren't great because my camera doesn't have a great zoom, but you get the idea :)

Alea

Alea is really talking and saying a lot of cute things now! She is growing up a lot. She still is not potty trained, much to this momma's dismay, but she is growing up in other areas. Here are pictures from her program at church Sunday and one of her in a new hat!!

Braylen's Creative Writing

Here is a sample of Braylen's creative writing lately! She does very well in school. She just brought home a progress report and she has all A's!! We are so proud of her!!

My Other Lil' Pilgrim

Not to be outdone by lil sis, Braylen also dressed as a Pilgrim. At school yesterday, the first graders were pilgrims and the second graders were Indians!! We are so very blessed with all three of our girls!!

My Lil Pilgrims

I am babysitting this school year for 4 little ones. Including Alea, I have 5 kiddos 3 and under most days!! It keeps me busy. We made Pilgrim outfits this week and invited Teal and her babysitting kiddos over for Thanksgiving! The Indians arrived today and we made real butter and spread it on cornbread for our snack. Then we gathered veggies just like the Pilgrims and Indians did and we sang some songs and told Jesus THANK YOU!! We colored a picture and made carmel corn!! It was a fun day :)

Happy Birthday, Brittany

Today is Brittany's 17th birthday. We have done a lot of celebrating!! Tonight she chose Texas Roadhouse as her birthday meal. We went as a family. Brittany got make up, a mirror, make up bag and hair things from the girls. We got her a sweatshirt and a pink digital camera. It was a fun evening!

Brittany's Mi Pueblo Birthday Celebration

Last night we met friends and Mamaw and Papaw at Mi Pueblo to celebrate Brittany's 17th birthday. She LOVED wearing the hat, no matter what she tells anyone :)

Brittany's Birthday Party

A few weeks ago, Brittany and her friend, Shannon celebrated Britt's birthday. We took them to Biaggi's and Jefferson Pointe. Brittany had fun buying some new shoes!! She wanted a puppy dog cake, so I did my best with that request :)