Dear Santa...

Big Sis's letter to Santa was serious business.  It ended up being 2 1/2 pages.  At the top of the list was shiny smooth sparkly rocks.  Next comes...silly bands (all of them), guitar, violin, flute, baby doll, baby doll stroller, new bathing suit, googles, DS game, earphones and a train table for little brother.  (Last year, it was a music box and bubble bath.  O...how things can change in a year.)

Sunshine's list was made up of 2 sentences.  I love you.  I want a baby doll.

  

Luckily, we got to visit with Santa last night at a friend's house.  The girls were sooooo excited.  It is so much fun to watch them!  It truly is a magical time of the year!

Big Sis went over her list with Santa.  At first, she was a little hesitate to take her list up to Santa, because none of the other children brought their list.  I assured her that it was fine.  It doesn't mean that Santa is going to bring all of the toys, but it is still fun to think about it.

 

Sunshine followed suit with her list.

After we visited with Santa, Big Sis and I are talking while she is in the bathroom....

Big Sis (smiling from ear to ear):  Santa knew my name.  I didn't even tell him and he called my name.  I am on the "nice" list.  I'm soooo glad I'm on the "nice" list. 

Mom:  I told you that you would be on the "nice" list.  Did you think you wouldn't be?

Big Sis: Well, I didn't know.  There were a couple of times that I didn't do the right thing.

Mom:  We all make mistakes.  You'll just have to try to do better next year.

That just melts my heart!!!!

(The day before one of her friends had introduced her to the concepts of "nice" and "naughty" lists. She had been a little pre-occupied with the "list" before meeting Santa. She even asked me a couple of times what I thought. We had to make a point of asking Santa before she finished visiting with him if she was on the "nice" list.)

  

 

A perfect ending to our night...

 

On our way home, we had to stop at "The Master" (as we affectionately call it) to soak up the Christmas Cheer.  Our family believes that there is no such thing as too many lights and Christmas yard decorations!!!!

    

1 Samuel 1:27 Ornament

    

My great and talented friend, Tara, made this for us. 

Isn't it just perfect!!!

  

Not Color Blind - But Color Aware

In the numerous education courses, articles and studies that we've read about multi-racial adoptions, we've found that you are NOT to be color blind - but color aware.  And, as I have entered this world of a multi-racial adoption, I am more aware of color than I have ever been.  I look at my neighborhood...I look at my church...I look at my closet circle of friends...I look within my family...I look at our elementary school...I look at the grocery store.  Yes, there is some color, but for the majority - let's just say that it is a sea of white faces. 
 
Now, being a Christian, I know the most important thing that I could ever teach my children - all of them - is that they are precious children of God.  God made them each unique and special and in HIS own image.  While I know nothing is more important than that, I also must be color aware.  I must know that when we go somewhere my son maybe one of the few, if not the only, black boy.  Is this an issue?  No! No! No!  But I know that there are certain things that we must do as parents to help him build a strong sense of self.  One of the simplier things is that he see people that look like him in books.  Now, if you are white, then this is not something you've ever thought about or at least I haven't.  But, if you are black, then you might have to search a little bit harder.

So, his 1st CHRISTmas presents arrived today.

I can't wait to have these waiting for him on his bookshelves.

BB pretending to read to little brother.