Look who's done with his Christmas shopping

Each year Zachary gets invited to attend a shopping event in Omaha for blind or visually impaired children. Each child is given $100 (donated to the organization) and a shopping buddy. The idea for the party is to give children the independence of shopping alone for family members. The shopping buddy is usually a high school student who volunteers time. This year Zachary made a special request (to the President of the organization) for a girl shopping buddy. Prince charming likes to sweet talk the ladies! The kids shop, wrap the gifts, eat pizza and visit with Santa. We are asked to send him with a list of "wishes" and sizes for each family member. But, ultimately Zach gets to decide and purchase the perfect gift for each one of us. He takes great pride in his presents. Last year he got me a scarf and he still pleads with me daily to wear it each time I leave the house. He loves it and so do I. This year our gifts are sitting under the tree just waiting for Christmas day. A child's "hand picked" present is always my favorite. Although, I know nothing wrapped in the brightly colored paper will mean more to me than the gift of this organization, N.F.V.I.C. We are so thankful to them. This particular organization provides many social and recreational opportunities for the families they serve. They lighten the burden of many by bringing smiles to the children they reach out to. Thank you, N.F.V.I.C.

We partied like only 5 year olds can!

Avery's birthday party was a smashing success. According to Avery it was the "best birthday party in the whole wide world." We planned a "doodle cakes" party and made sure each child felt like a real chef. They played, crafted, doodled & decorated, ate, sang, opened, squealed, giggled and enjoyed. With a room full of preschoolers, I was thankful for my friend Jodi and her help. She took 1/2 the kids downstairs to decorate their own Chef's hat, while I had the other 1/2 with me in the kitchen. Each child armed with clean hands, an apron and their very own cake would spend the next few minutes decorating with pastel bags of frosting and sprinkles. Different colors and different tips all made for very different cakes. Some children were precise and delicate while others just squeezed the heck out of the frosting bags. But, they all loved the creative thrill of frosting a cake. We quickly set them aside (without any curious finger swipes through frosting,) in a box and ready for take home. Tied with a balloon and their apron the party favor was set and done. Next, we celebrated by singing to Avery. All 11 sweet children sang little hearts out. Avery's friends love her and she adores each and every one.

(This photo is actually from our family celebration)

We opened presents with minimal distractions, Avery was a very gracious hostess and loved it all. This is a great group of children, so kind to one another. They play well and enjoy being together. Thank you to all.

Happy Birthday, Avie

Avery Hope had a birthday. Our little "caboose" turned 5 on December 5th. It was on that day 5 years ago that Jeff and I brought home this bundle of joy.

A special day, indeed. I fondly remember the smiles that lined our faces, Jeff's constant chatter of his new baby, and the tender kisses the twins bestowed upon her cheeks. She was here and our family complete.
And now 5 years later, this sweet child continues to bring smiles to our faces.

Avery is a happy little girl who knows much joy. She loves her life and sweetly expresses pleasure in most things. Especially her family. She has a best friend in her big sister. And, follows in Ellie's footsteps as only a little sister can. From time to time, she gets pushed aside by her brother. But kindly walks away as only his little sister can. She's delightful, cheerful, and compassionate. She has a gift of communicating her love to mom and dad by gently pulling on our heart strings. As only our child can. Happy Birthday, Avie!