"And so this is Christmas, I hope you have fun. The near and the dear one, the old and the young."
We made paper chains
and decorated the trees.
Decorations got mixed reviews.
And some just ignored them.
"And so this is Christmas for weak and for strong. For rich and for poor ones, the world is so wrong."
They were actually having much more fun than fight.
We used some of my many photographs and made presents for parents - the kids really got into the project and they "framed" some of us adults as well.
"And so happy Christmas for black and for white. For yellow, brown and red ones, lets stop all the fight."
Sometimes, it is enough to make you wanna pull out your hair.
Or just smile for the camera.
This young man showed up unexpectedly one day - such seriousness for one so young.
A quiet moment with someone who loves you is always good!
Talk it over, work it out - intense negotiations...
"A very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Let's hope it's a good one without any fear."
We connected with this very special family from last year. This young man is never far from Mike's mind and is always in our prayers. He has grown so much...
Those eyes still twinkle.
She's growing into a charmer.
Smiles,
Conversations,
Photos,
Serious play.
And presents! We didn't know he had been asking for a bike, but thanks to the generosity of Doug and Lael, he has one.
My thrift store shopping for warm clothes was paid off with big smiles!
It looks like Chuito is ignoring Mike, but actually he is looking at others who were checking out his new bike.
"And so this is Christmas and what have we done, another year over and a new one just begun."
Last year at Christmas, Martha was not a part of "our family". Now she is an important member as are her children.
Party day was a day of celebration, photos, fun and food.
And some coloring of Christmas cards and pictures.
This beautiful lady makes caregiving look easy. She is a terrific house mama. Thanks Delia for putting up with us for another year. (and me and my camera)
Maria loves to visit and always enjoy the children and the attention from adults.
Somehow Jack manages to communicate with all the children and the adults - language of love at its best.
Waiting was tough but easier with four chairs under you.
Or when working on a project,
or playing soccer.
Dick was in charge of making French fries for everyone and did a fine job. He's another one that makes it tough for my camera.
When the fried chicken and French fries were served, there was no conversation, just feasting! A rare treat for these little ones.
And, just like Christmas in your home, after the meal Marylou talked about the reason we celebrate Christmas and thanked God.
Then there were presents
for young
and for old
and sometimes the bags were almost bigger than the child.
Peggy handed out treats and so did Kim and her crew.
Wonderful things that you gave, so we could distribute. This is a package that came from Dylan in Cleveland, Minnesota.
And Dulce was not about to bring her dolly out when all the others were around - she wanted it hidden so it could be just hers. Thanks Judy for making this little girl very happy.
THE FAMILY PHOTO 2014
Then on to treats...
Yes, I ended up wearing part of this cupcake. She ate the bottom first and was saving the top but just plain ran out of room.
More family photos.
"And so this is Christmas, I hope you have fun. The near and the dear ones, the old and the young. A Very Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year, Let's Hope its a Good One Without Any Fear!"
In the new year, as in the old, Remember to Listen When God Whispers and Respond When He Nudges.
