Anticipation...

I know, I know. This blog has been on the back burner so long, I started to wonder myself if I'd ever get back to it! I know that most of you know that I have been working on a very big project.

My family has been so supportive.

My friends have believed in me, beyond anything I deserve.

I am just days from announcing my new website, and the beginning of my photography business.

I am a lucky woman.

I am giddy with the anticipation of new beginnings.

Once I discovered that I loved taking pictures, I immersed myself into photography. I began to value my work enough that I started charging for my services. I worked on my skills, became more educated in the craft, all while I continued to gain clients- my photography business was born.

I worried about starting another career. My most important job is to be the best mom to my boys. I struggled with adding more to my plate, if it meant taking away from my home life.

I just couldn't put my camera down. My passion included capturing the moments that were important to us. It's how I told our story... 

This was not a new chapter, it was one that had already been a part of our daily lives. 

The difference was that I now can use my skills to bring a new level of comfort to our home.  With success we will have more opportunities to spend more time as a family.

Once I put the word out that I was ready to write this new chapter in my career, my friends rallied around me to help me build my skills into a viable business. My husband supported me while I spent long nights bringing my designs to life. My family even traveled with me to research studio lighting with a dear friend who shared her photography knowledge with me.

I have been blessed, and I with the help of my support team, I am on the path I have chosen.

I am going to take a deep breath, and enjoy these last few days before I am open for business.

There is nothing that is 'safe' about starting a new chapter in life.

I am lucky that my safety net is the best support team in the entire world.

Happy Birthday Danielle

Tomorrow is Danielles' birthday. We decided to celebrate it tonight with her. The boys and I made cupcakes, and picked out some gifts for her.

She was, as usual, shocked and delighted.

And grateful.

She said it was the most delicious cupcake ever. She thought her dress was gorgeous. She loved her new pink sandals. Her bathing suit with peace signs was 'exactly what she's always wanted'. He bracelets were "the coolest thing ever".

She said it was the best birthday ever.

(Not if I have anything to do with it. )

;)

Happy Birthday Danielle.

May your life be full of days that we celebrate you being in this world. We hope you always know your place in this family, no matter your address. I didn't have a daughter, but I don't know that I could love one more.

May all your wishes come true-

Always.

We are quickly approaching the end of Zach's school year.

I have never been so relieved in all my life.

My family is counting down the weeks.

I am so proud of my son. He has persevered through a tough situation. He has not only about to reach his finish line, but he is still standing tall.

He is such an inspiration to me. It doesn't matter if someone believes in you,

as long as you believe in yourself.

And he does. And so do we.

And of course, we never forget.... it's incredibly important to laugh and enjoy every minute of every day.

Exciting.

I know the last time I blogged, it was about my web page.

It's what I have spent most of my free time on the last two weeks.

It's not easy to carve time out of our family's busy schedule to work on another project.

It's not easy to find time to carve out time for myself.

It's something I believe in. I believe this new chapter of my career will make a dramatic

improvement for our family.

My family supports me. My friends support me.

I am so lucky.

I have designed this web page, from scratch. I am only a small piece of this puzzle. My friends Brenda & Dan have taken the task of this website on. It's not about putting pretty pictures up on a domain page. I design this, and they have to make sure when you click on a 'button' that it takes you to the correct page. They have to do this, with two small children, and a very busy schedule. This is the type of thing people pay thousands of dollars for.

This would not be possible if it were not for my friends believing in me. This would not be possible if my husband didn't support me. This wouldn't be happening, if I didn't believe in myself.

I am so excited for this new chapter in our story. 

New Chapters...

So you may have noticed I haven't updated much, and this is why...

I am designing (with the help of my incredible friends BRENDA & DAN GERVAIS) a new website for my photography business. I have been asked many times for a website to showcase my work, and it seemed like a really big task. I wasn't willing to do it, or invest the money.

However, my friend nudged me a bit to believe in my work, and take a chance. I love my friends, because they shine a light on me that is the most incredible feeling I have ever experienced. They are like sisters to me in every sense of the word.

The new site will be cool, because my clients will be able to order prints, have a personal sign in to view their session, and be able to share my work with all of their friends.

I didn't plan on being a photographer. I keep getting requests to take pictures, and I was happy to do it. Then, it became too much to do for free. Now, I am charging, and people are happy to pay. That makes me, and my pocketbook very, very happy.

Here's to a new chapter!
(So hang tight for the next couple of weeks, and I will be back soon!)

I will announce the website soon, but until then, feel free to look at http://picsbyjoannbaer.blogspot.com/
 to see some of my work. I would love to hear what you think! (Just remember, that is a temporary site until I go live with the real one!)

Together we can do anything...

We had our meeting yesterday. It didn't go as well as we thought it would. Then again, we knew it was going to be tough.
My son's teacher doesn't believe in him. His teacher doesn't expect him to succeed, even though his scores are off the charts.
John and I were going to move Zach to a new classroom, and give him a fresh start. We found that we would be jumping out of the frying pan, into the fire.
We feel like we have been painted into a corner, and this is not what we expected for our 6 year old's classroom experience.
We decided to keep Zach in his current classroom, and to avoid any more discomfort for him that might happen from putting him into a new set of problems.
I don't think this is the right choice, and I certainly don't like the idea we might be taking the easy way out.
All we can focus on is that there is about 10 weeks of school left. We are going to focus on lifting Zach up, and giving him the positive reinforcement he isn't finding in his class. We are going to ask our family and friends to lift Zach up with your prayers. We are faithful, and we know that this will pass.
It's just so nice to know, that together we stand as a family, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Stand for something, or you'll fall for anything.

For those of you that don't know our story, our family was blessed with two boys. John and I didn't think after 10 years of marriage that we would become parents. After many years of praying, and wonderful doctors, we welcomed two strong healthy boys into our family.

Perhaps, because of the struggles we went through to become parents, or the challenges we faced in our own childhood- but we have set the bar very high when it comes to being the best parents for our children.

We try to give a lot of thought to each and every environment that our boys are put in. We have lots of rules about what they watch on tv, and the the things that they are exposed to as far as video games or toys.

Imagine then, how surprised I was when Zach's teacher informed me that he had told another child that "He was going to bring a gun and kill her." I did my best to let him know why we couldn't say those things to another person. I tried to explain that under no circumstance was it okay to say these type of threats, and it would get him into more trouble than he had ever been in before. He was grounded for two days, and I made him write sentences about speaking kind words to others.

John and I were baffled as to where he heard this. We don't even let him watch the news, for pete's sake!

However, when he made another threat to a student regarding cutting her head off- the teacher had her fill- so he was sent to the office. Then the assistant principal called to let me know that Zach had been in more trouble, and he was being suspended for two days.

It's been a long weekend, needless to say. Zach spent the time he would have been in school writing sentences, cleaning his room, and washing baseboards. I tried my best to make his time less than fun- but he kept saying it was "The Best Day EVER!"

John and I have spent quite a few hours assessing this situation. We are going to make some changes that we are hoping will benefit Zach's school experience. For some reason, Zach either withdrawals or becomes aggressive. This is not the child we know and love, and for some reason, our son is being put in a 'fight or flight' mode when he is supposed to be getting an education.

I am scheduled to meet with the teacher this afternoon. I plan to let them know that while I am willing to take responsibility for some of Zach's behavioral issues... I also expect them to stop 'washing their hands' of what he hears on the playground. I expect them to take some blame for the fact that his only behavioral issues are while attending school.

I might expect this, but I know it won't happen. I am learning, very quickly, what I expect from Zach's FIRST grade experience is very different from the reality of it.

However, just like the challenge we faced to become parents... we are going to face this challenge together as a family. And, when Zach writes his memoirs, I hope he credit's his first grade teacher as the first person who challenged him to be better.

My little Punkin-Doodle

Last October, my sweet little punkin-doodle was stung by a wasp on his hand. He had a terrible reaction that landed him in the emergency room with signs of blood poisoning.Now that the sun is shining, I noticed the wasps flying about. I took Kyle to the doctor, and he did a blood test to see if Kyle was actually allergic. It came back positive, and the doctor thinks each time Kyle is stung, the reactions will keep getting worse. His recommendation was that we carry a shot of of epinephrine with us at all times.

It's going to be a new worry for a mom that already worries too much. I have to teach each of his care-givers how to administer his shot. After the shot, he has to be taken to the emergency room. Doesn't that sound like fun?

We have explained to Kyle how important it is to let us know if he is stung, and we have practiced with the 'pretend' Epi-Pen. He might be surprised when the real Epi-Pen puts a needle into his leg- since the pretend one doesn't have one.

The good news in all this is insurance! We only had to pay $25 for almost $400 worth of epinephrine. The meds are only good for a year- and that could be quite expensive!

Oh well, he is worth any amount of money... I am just thankful we are prepared now. I am thankful for health insurance and glad we have the knowledge to keep my little punkin-doodle safe, healthy and happy.

Perhaps I should keep a bottle of wine in my purse too, just in case... ;)

The New Camera.... bay-bee!

On Monday, we welcomed a new "addition" to our family. My new camera arrived... so I took it out for a spin... and I am in love! I am still trying to figure some of the controls out, because it's so very different from my last one- it's a different brand and it's 100 times nicer!

Then, when you add two of the most cutest subjects in the world, you can bet it makes for one very happy Mommy!

When I asked Zach to pose, I told him I needed him to give me a big ol' smile. I was cracking up at the size of his smile, he was quite the ham for me considering he was in a bit of trouble.

When I picked him up from school, he was hysterically crying. He was upset because his teacher had taken his new baseball hat. We found her, and she explained to me that he had been asked several times to take it off, and wouldn't do it. She finally had to take it from him, and he was convinced it was gone forever.

She also said that he had made a threat to another student, and he admitted that it was true.

I was devastated, and we headed home. I decided since he was in trouble for two different things, his punishment was going to be in two parts. He would lose his video game privileges for two full days. He would have to stay in his room while his brother got to play his allowed time. This was torture for him, especially since he had to write 35 sentences each day during this time.

The first day was "I will be a good listener in class."

The second day was "I will speak kind words to people."

He was thrilled to be off probation today. I was thrilled that I came up with a manageable punishment that didn't involve standing in the corner for 3-5 days.

I think I will keep those sentences in a file, and when his first child is born, I will present them to him. I just hope I don't have to use a forklift to deliver them. :/

Enjoy your day!

When it rains... Go Fishing!

First off, these are taken with my old funky camera, so don't judge too harshly please!

I ordered my new professional camera, and it should be here next week... I can hardly wait! :)

******

So last weekend, we knew it would be storming most of the week, so we took the boys out to the back of the property to go 'fishing'. We just use a rubber weight on the end, because their Mother rather enjoys them having both of their eyes. Kyle is completely content with this, and he's sure he's going to catch a fish. I think, however, that his older brother is catching on to the fact that fish must be caught with hooks.

I think I will keep the knowledge that the 'pond' in the back is rain water... and doesn't have any sort of fish in it... to myself. After all, who am I to ruin a Mom's chance of getting cute fishing pictures in her own back yard? (Even if it is with her old point and shoot camera that is 8+ years old??)

As for our storm, it's been so incredibly cold here. They actually forecast snow on the Valley floor on Friday. It snowed about 30 minutes north of our house, which only happens about once every 10 years. (And by snow, I mean everything turns white... not usually measurable) However, we've had a dusting twice this year on the valley floor. So much for global warming.

So the boys and I are snuggled up in the house on this cold Saturday. My work has been slow this week, because a Saturday off is almost unheard of for me. However, John got called into work, and he's been earning overtime for almost 9 hours today. I suppose that money is going to help a new camera find a good home. :)

Withdrawl.

Last week, I took the whole family with me on my photo shoot. The little princess that I was shooting, was VERY hard to entertain. I had two secret weapons, so I had them help me entertain Kelsey. They tried their best to make her smile... And I just had to snap a couple of shots of my handsome boys. Wildflowers are not a very 'man-friendly' backdrop, but there wasn't a junkyard in sight...

And since I was lucky enough to have another session today, and I didn't need my assistants, so I thought it was best to leave them at home.

The session was going along fine... until I got the code of doom on my camera. It was an error code, and no matter what I did, I couldn't get it to go away. The session was over, and lucky for me I was more than half way through it.

I came home to research the error code... and it looks like I am going to need a pretty serious repair to my camera. It's very bad news when your camera is an appendage of your physical self.

I haven't even shipped it off yet, and I am already going through withdrawls. Yeah, yeah, I know... I could take pictures with my phone, or an old camera. I could also eat cardboard for the next 14-21 days.

This wasn't the worst thing that could happen, that's for sure- the timing of it was sort of good. I did get most of the session done today, and my clients know I am still in the 'learning curve' part of my career. They get a great deal, and I don't feel the strain of a professional photographer.

I haven't told too many people, but in May, it looks like I've been hired to do a pretty big shoot. It could be big for me- and a broken camera could have had 'disaster' written all over it.

And since I am a 'lemonade outta lemons' kind of gal, I am looking at the bright side... and on the web for a my new (gulp) glass of lemonade! So be patient, and we will be back as soon as we can with new pictures....

Kelsey Love Bug

Isn't she a cutie?? This is Kelsey...

This is my cousin's baby girl... and she is almost two. We had a photo shoot today, and I have never worked harder to get a little person to smile. I am exhausted... lol... Thanks Rose family!

Mama Knows...

I drove him to school on Thursday, and when we pulled up to his drop off spot, Zach told me he was sick and wanted to go home. He had been complaining of a headache for a couple of days, but he didn't have a fever, or any other symptoms that would indicate he was sick enough to stay home.
I pulled out one of my tools that I carry in my "Mommy Bag o' Tricks"- I informed him he would not be allowed to play video games if he came home, so he chose to attend class. I picked him up from school to find a very slow moving little guy... with that look in his eyes that told me he was about to make a crash landing into sick-o-ville.
We arranged for John to be off work on Friday (he's the one with sick time to use) and sure enough on Friday morning we woke up to find Zach with a fever of 103 degrees. He was certainly not going to school, and just as I anticipated... we were about to have one sick little fellow.

Sure enough, he spent most of the day miserable. We controlled his fever with Tylenol, but opted not to take him to the doctor since they rarely give antibiotics. I didn't want to expose him to all the germs that are at the doctor's office, just to be told what I already knew. His doctor believes that we are over-prescribing antibiotics, and making the viruses more resistant. So I just kept giving him as much vitamin C as possible, and kept the cartoons on.

I questioned my decision when I came home from work, and the poor guy's face was all swollen. He looked miserable... and I felt just as bad for not being able to do anything to help him. I had to go to work on Saturday, but got good news that his fever had broke. He was still not himself, but managed to smile a few times.

On Sunday morning, I knew he was just about back to normal. Zach and Kyle were fighting over a blanket... not just any blanket though. This blanket was a 'rocket-ship' that someone had covered a chair with, and didn't want it destroyed. It was music to my ears... cause I knew things were going to be okay.

And sure enough he felt well enough to bounce on the trampoline, and eat all of the yummy food we had for Superbowl Sunday.

Of course, he was feeling better just in time to head back to school this morning. And for that, I really feel bad for the poor little cutie pie. Whah-ah-ahhhh!!!!

the CUTEST monster

Would you please take a good long look at this face? Look at that twinkle in the those eyes... The little dimple in his cheek, and the grin that lights up a room?

Could you even imagine this little fellow growls at me? Tells me "I'm putting my foot down!" when he's tired of me telling him no?! He was yelling at John the other morning, so I yelled his name in a way to remind him of his manners. I heard him stomp into my room, yell "I'm not talking to you Mom!" and march back out.

Oh yeah, I have given him warnings, then popped him on the face (just enough to scare him). He's been sent to the corner, and smacked on the bottom. He's had things taken away, and we've tried ignoring him. We've tried re-routing him... but he is S-T-U-B-B-O-R-N!

He is also cute... and that's why he smiles. He likes to remind me that he is the CUTEST lil' Monster you'll ever meet! Just tonight, he refused to eat his dinner because I served him with a fork, and not a spoon. Then when I told him to stop growling at me, he crossed his arms, and took his chair to the next room. This went on for 35 minutes- all while he watched Danielle and Zach enjoy their dessert.

John took him for a bike ride, and when he came back he carried on for 10 more minutes. When he was good and ready, he sat down to eat his cold chicken pot-pie. He finally got his dessert... but he still isn't talking to me.

I love this little cutie with all my heart, but he keeps me on my toes, and tries my patience in ways that Zach never did.

He is so imaginative, and tells me each day about his new 'inventions'. The other day, he invented a giant fan and vacuum system that would blow, and suck, the fog away. He also insists that we paint flames on the van, so we can go faster than the police car when it chased us. He was p.o.'d at me the other day because I hadn't painted the van AND I forgot to pack the 'fire-balls'.

I don't know what's happening in the back of the van, but it's very different than what happens in the front- I SWEAR!

I am so blessed to have him, because without him, life wouldn't be the same- or as colorful.

And by the way, and comments about how he might be like his mother in the 'stubborn' category will be deleted promptly. ;P

Sandbox Heaven...

There once was two little boys that had a ton of fun last July when we visited "Sand Diego"- and that began their love affair with the grainy substance.


We tried our best to get their sandbox built before Christmas, but that just didn't happen. Now that things have settled down a tiny bit, we grabbed our notebook and designed our hearts out.

We used brick pavers on the underneath, to keep out country critters. We also built a shade roof with a shade cover to keep our super white children from being little lobsters this summer. We put half of the sand in it, and that's where they have been pretty much since then. (And yes, we have a hefty cover to keep it from being a kitty litter box!)

And, in true form, we decided to add on to their play structure. It needs to have some strength added for it's structural integrity... so why not add a little clubhouse...right?!

LOL... yeah, we're not denying it... we're nuts!

New Year

I wanted to get this picture posted, although it's a bit late. On New Year's Eve, I let the kiddos stay up and celebrate ringing in the New Year, e.s.t. of course.
Yeah, it was technically 9 o'clock here... but in New York it was midnight! They were exhausted, and wouldn't have made it to p.s.t. Midnight, thank goodness. They were having a blast, and until I told them they we had to take Danielle home, everyone was giggling and laughing. Next year I will take the picture first, then make Zach sad after I snap the shot!

The new year is always so exciting to me, it's like a fresh start... a brand new book... or a fresh calendar. It's time to clean the clutter up, and make new goals. It's fresh, and exciting... and I love it. The house is cleaned up after the holidays, and we are rested and relaxed- ready to get back to school and work.

John and I had some time to talk while the boys were busy with their new treasures. We decided this summer we would work on the outside of the house... and that means it's finally time to build the new deck.

We have been remodeling This Old House for over 3+ years now, and the outside has been mostly neglected. Now that there isn't a piece of green shag carpet, or wood paneling in our house... we can finally say phew... this is do-able!

So we got our new notebook out, and decided what our new outdoor space would look like.

I can hardly wait to sit outside, enjoy a cup of coffee... in the comfort of a screened-in porch. We are going to be able to enjoy our meals outside, without the worry of bugs- which is a huge thing out here in the country.

Needless to say, I am having a serious bout of Spring Fever!

I just love the new year, and the new goals we have set. I really feel like great things are coming our way- I can't wait to get these pages filled in with good times, and new memories!

The Long Walk to Redemption

Zach had a long walk to make this morning, a walk that would bring him redemption- whether he wanted it or not.

Yesterday, when I picked him up from school, I noticed his backpack had a few coins jingling around. I asked him where he got them, and he said his friend Jimmy had given them to him.

Then, during our conversation in the van, I asked him how his day had gone. He said he had a great day, and only got into a little bit of trouble. His teacher wanted to know where he got the coins from. He said he told her he had found them in the bark. I questioned his first statement that they came from his friend, and he assured me he told the truth about finding them.

So while I was cooking dinner, he told me that his teacher had taught him a cool way to count money today. What? You were counting money in class today?? I had just discovered a huge hole in his story, so I strapped him to the chair and questioned him only the way a trained "Mom Detective" could do. ;)

It turns out he found four pennies under his desk, and took them. When his teacher questioned him, he told her he had found them on the playground. He admitted he lied to her, and I was heartbroken.

I grabbed a notebook, and told him he needed to write his teacher a note, admitting to what he did and apologizing for doing it. I placed the coins in a paper bag, with his note- and put them in his backpack. I explained to him that if he delivered these to her, then I would not punish him for stealing and/or lying about it.

He was in tears almost the entire way to school this morning. I told him I would walk with him to his class, but he had to make the delivery to her.

The entire walk across the playground, he whimpered and drug his feet. And I discovered that the panic I felt as a little girl when I had to do the same thing, was still just as fresh in my mind as if it were yesterday. I think my walk this morning was just as difficult as his. I felt horrible for putting him through all this for FOUR CENTS!

We found his teacher, and he gave her the bag. I explained what was in the bag, and she asked him if he learned from it. I explained we had gone over how it feels to take things- and how horrible it feels to have your own things taken. He said he was sorry, and wouldn't do it again.

I told her that Zach was fearful of loosing his recess time, but if that's what she decided- then we would take our lumps. She said that she thought he had done enough, and thanked him. (I sighed the biggest relief I have ever had!)

He got a little crooked grin, and wiped his tears.

I gave him a hug, and told him how proud I was of him.

He said he was glad it was over. He wasn't the only one.

I cried on the way back to the van. I thought about how important it is to learn this lesson, earlier rather than later. I thought about my Grandma telling me "It isn't what you do when people are looking, it's what you do when no one is looking that matters."

I just know that his walk this morning was a long one, but it's the path I pray he stays on- cause I am not sure how much more of this 'grown-up' crap I can take.

Christmas Morn Pictures, part one

The boys were so excited about Christmas morning, they actually asked to go to bed EARLY on Christmas Eve. I thought that was the best idea I had ever heard, so I wasn't too surprised to find the boys up very early the next morning. Kyle was up first, about 6:30... and he was so happy that Santa had eaten our cookies, drank our milk... and took the carrots we had left for the reindeer.He also discovered that Santa had left the boys new leather recliners! Their bean bags finally wore out, so they needed something to sit on in their playroom when they watched t.v. They actually recline, and even have a cup holder. (The scary part is in the bottom of the cup holder it says "Not an Ashtray"- ummm... I am happy to say I don't know anyone under 10 that smokes- but apparently someone does!)He was enjoying the chair, and sat amazed at all the stuff under the tree. Then it occurred to him that Zachary was still sleeping... so he went in there to wake him up. And he spilled the beans about they chairs- but Zach was so tired he just 'plooped' down into one of the chairs. It took him a few minutes to realize that he was sitting on one of his presents!And before I go any further, NO Santa did not bring him a black eye for Christmas. The boys were taking turns 'riding' their Dad- aka the Horsey- and when they both jumped up on him at the same time... poor Zach got a shiny new 'shiner' for Christmas! At least he was happy about his new train ornament!And AMAZED that it opened to a train musical wind up box. He can't believe how special that train is... :) Both of the boys got their new Lionel HO Scale trains for Christmas from Santa. It has cool new track that sets up easier than the old electric train track- and hopefully will be easier on Daddy.

Kyle only had one wish on his list. A big rig that hauled 8 matchbox cars... he'd seen it while shopping at Big Lot's with Mom. Lucky for him, Santa had a few more dollars left after buying everything else that wasn't on his list.

Zach had an agreement to sleep in his bed for 30 nights to earn 30 stars. His reward was a Nintendo Wii... and lucky for him Santa got the cool one with Mario Cart! (And thanks to his cool Uncle Dave & Aunt Missy...)

Kyle had opened most of his gifts, and with a few left to go, said he was done. He was too tired to open any more... and he left them on the floor. I think he's basking in the glow of the Christmas lights... and feeling mighty fine after his big rig was delivered!

Zach was happy to tear into all his gifts... but not so happy to see that they had underwear in them!!

We had a ton of fun opening gifts... I think it took us almost 3 hours! I have more pictures to post... but here I am right before I received my fabulous gifts! I got rum, tequila, mixers, glasses, salt...

And a Margaritaville Blender!

I think some people might think that makes me a slush... but it made for a WONDERFUL Christmas Day! lol

Operation Smile: DELIVERED!

We had Danielle over to open her gifts from us this morning after a wonderful breakfast. This was pretty much what she looked like the entire time... this picture is of her opening her 'Santa' gift. She was tickled to see her green 'skinny' jeans, green shirt, and green converse- she was on top of the moon!!This was the stash of presents that she got! When I told her all of this was for her, she couldn't believe it. She got right to work tearing into things... she oooh'd and awww'd over each little thing.

She couldn't believe all the stuff, everything she opened, she would examine closely- then give it carefully to my Mom to set on the table. When she opened this gigantic art set, she said "My life is now complete!" I started cracking up, and crying a little... such joy from that sweet babe.

When my Dad and John wheeled out this bike, she make a speed record to get over to it. She said it was the nicest thing she'd ever got... And when I had her alone after the excitement I told her that I had lots of helpers that wanted her to have a special Christmas. She said, "You mean people that don't even know me?" I said, "Well Danielle, they see you in our pictures, and with us... and they know you are a very special part of our family."

And for the very first time, she gave me a hug... the kind with both arms wrapped around me tightly. The kind that your just not sure when it's going to end...

So instead of me giving her the best Christmas gifts a little girl could hope for, she gave me one of the most incredible Christmas miracles I've ever known. She opened her precious heart, and gave it to me without reservation.

And for that, I thank each and every one of you that helped me- for Danielle's sake... but also my own.

Merry Christmas.

Santa delivers some Christmas Magic- a little early!

Each year, the salon I work at throws a party for all of our kiddos. We have lots of food, and yummy treats for them to eat. While we were reading a story- what should our wandering eyes should appear... Santa Clause! The kids were so excited that he showed up... and his sack was full of presents!

Zach was lucky enough this year to be first up! He told Santa that he really wanted the Mario Cart game for his Nintendo DS.

Can you imagine how lucky he was that Santa brought it for him?!? He also got a Mario cart beanie hat and matching gloves!

Next up was Danielle... we were lucky enough to have her attend our party with us. I couldn't believe that Santa knew she was going to be there. I'm not sure what she asked for, but she thanked Santa for her gift and got busy unwrapping it.

Zach was trying to help her...

I heard the crinkling of the tissue paper... and her face suddenly changed...

Her mouth opened wide, and she looked up towards the crowd...

And luckily there were no flies in the salon... because it took a few minutes to close it!

Suddenly the corners of her mouth turned up, and it looked as if it was sinking in.

She discovered a pink Nintendo DS in her bag!! She couldn't get it open, so I sent her over to my brother to help... I don't think I heard another peep out of her for quite a while.

Meanwhile, Kyle's turn with Santa was magical. He was very apprehensive, but somehow Santa knew all about him... and Kyle warmed right up. He started talking, and told Santa he wanted a truck that he'd seen when he was shopping with Mom.

Santa knew better though, because he got him a red Nintendo DS! Kyle could hardly believe his eyes... he was so darn excited he started screaming!

"I WANTED ONE OF THESE MY WHOLE LIFE!!"

All of the kids went to my brother to have them help open their new gifts... I don't know who was smiling more- the kids or him. I think it made him standing in line on black Friday to help Santa completely worth it!

After we left the salon, we went to my Sis in Law's grandma's house to Christmas Carol. The funny thing was she slammed the door on us! (I'm sure it didn't have anything to do with our singing, and everything to do with her alarm going off!)

I know that it was a night all three of my 'kids' never expected. There were a whole lot of Christmas elves that helped Danielle enjoy a piece of Christmas magic- and I can't thank them enough.

We still have a ton of magic to make for her... and I will share it as soon as it happens. You wouldn't believe the pile of gifts we are going to shower her with. She doesn't have a clue what's going to hit her... lol!