Lucky Mom

Recently, Abigail has begun telling me, "You lucky Mom." Hmmm. To make sure that is really what she's saying, I asked her, "Are you telling me that I am a lucky mom?" She grinned and nodded. It made me think about parents who, while they are in China adopting little girls, are sometimes approached by Chinese people who comment, "Lucky baby," or "lucky girl." Sometimes I wonder, although I know that the possibilities are slim, if Abigail remembers anything of what was said to her in China before she became part of our family. Did the nannies tell her that she was lucky, to be getting a family? What I do know is this: I am a "lucky mom." Abigail is such a special child, a gift from God. People who normally do not care to be around children are drawn to Abigail. She is happy nearly all the time, so full of joy and love, the epitome of a resilient child.

But I know lucky by its real name: Blessed.

Christmas 2009

On Christmas Eve, following the 6 p.m. church service, we went to the Hunters' open house. This has become an annual tradition for us, because we always have a great time. We walked a few blocks to a nearby cul-de-sac where the houses could win awards with their decorating, to see Santa Claus one last time before he makes his deliveries. Abigail is no longer afraid of Santa, especially if he gives her a candy cane. It was pretty cold outside - check out Santa's John Deere gloves! Back at Grandma & Grandpa Hunters', everyone was assigned a verse of "The Twelve Days of Christmas." Frances joined Heather and Renae in "Five Golden Rings," and Abigail and I were "Ten Lords a Leaping." Afterwards, we had a fun time visiting and catching up with folks that we don't see very often. We left the party at 10 p.m., and all were in bed by about 11:00.

On Christmas morning, Frances was up shortly after 6! We woke Abigail, who was not interested until Frances said that Santa had brought presents. The girls got small gifts in their stockings (which were made by Gramma B, Fran's in needlepoint, and Ab's in cross-stitch) and opened the presents from the jolly old elf. Then we drove out to my parents' house (about an hour away). Both girls slept during the drive! At Gramma and Grampa B's, we opened gifts from family and friends. Gramma and Grampa cooked a delicious steak dinner, and Frances found the original version of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" on television. We left there about 4 p.m., and again, both girls slept on the drive. It was a long day, but lots of fun.

Sunday morning

Frances played "Joy to the World" for the last time this season, during the offertory at church. She was also dressed up as "Mary" (although it was not a typical Christmas pageant because we have so few kids, the children wore costumes and sang songs), and we all joked that apparently, it was a little known historical fact that Mary was a talented pianist. Abigail flatly refused to wear any sort of costume, and instead of standing up with the other children to sing, sat in my lap at the feet of the other children while I coached the kids on the lyrics. Maybe next year...

Last year, Frances' teacher gave the girls really cute dresses as a gift for Abigail's shower. This year, the dresses fit both girls, so I dressed them up today!

Fran's school Christmas program

At Frances' school Christmas program, each class sang a song, and recited a poem or a passage of Scripture. Between each group, individual students played the piano. Frances was nervous, but did a great job playing "Joy to the World."


Her class (a 3rd/4th combo) sang "Gospel Bells," which is the same tune as Jingle Bells, but the lyrics are about Christ's birth and the salvation He offers.

After the last verse of the song, the children played the song on their recorders. This had the potential to be somewhat painful for the audience. However, the children had apprently been practicing hard. The students all did a great job.

Abigail sat through most of the program, but during the pastor's message, I had to take her outside to walk around. I wore a dress to this event, and since it's finally winter here in So Cal, I was wearing stockings. I almost never wear them; they are annoying. While Abigail and I were outside, I tried to pull up my stockings, and instead realized that I had ripped a huge hole in them, causing numerous runs to travel all down my leg. Making sure that no one could see me, I worked those stupid stockings off, outside in the dark, and threw them away! My dress was fairly long, so hopefully no one noticed that I returned to the auditorium with bare legs...

The Nutcracker

My friend Linda had a few extra tickets for the children's version of "The Nutcracker" and kindly offered them to us. I tried to find a sitter for Abigail, but 'tis the season to be busy. I had to bring her with us. The good thing about this version of "The Nutcracker" is that it is scaled down in length and number of performers, and the conductor narrates and explains throughout, so that the children better understand what the music and dancing represent. Many people dress up in fancy clothes for this event, but the weather had been cold and rainy, and the performance was at Abby's naptime, so all I can say about our attire was that we were all clean and decent! Abigail was asleep in the car on the way there, but woke up as we walked from the parking structure to the theatre in a light drizzle. We met up with Linda & Ralph, their teenagers, and Ralph's mom outside the theatre. The seats were great, and the girls enjoyed the performance. Afterwards, we got to see the costumes up close as the performers mingled with the crowd. We also got to see (and hear) some of the orchestra instruments up close. It was a fun day!

The season begins!

Frances learned "Joy To The World" on the piano this year, and did a beautiful job playing it at the Christmas recital. Trying to keep Abigail quiet and still during the piano recital was a little like trying to contain a puppy! She wiggled, talked loudly, you name it, while I tried to maintain some sort of dignity, avoid disturbing other people, and show respect for the performers. Aargh! At one point, while several students quietly waited for the piano teacher's signal to begin playing, Abigail said, "Mama big time out! Behave!" The dad sitting in front of me cracked up. Near the end of the recital, we all got to stand up for the "Hallelujah Chorus" from Handel's "Messiah." I thought it would be safe to let Abby stand, but she started jumping up and down, and shouting! I took her outside onto the deck to wait until the end of the recital.

Just some cute photos...

Here are the girls in their jammies, playing on mommy's big bed!



Abigail loves her grandparents, and is learning to sit still so that Grampa B can read to her.