Wrapping up Christmas

Since we are about to embark on a new year, one of my resolutions is to create a blog to keep all our friends and family updated on Samuel & Carter. So many of you were instrumental in helping us get our boys home. I can't thank you enough for your physical as well as emotional help during the long and difficult process.

Christmas was wonderful this year as it was Carter's very first one. His first ornament, first look at Santa, and first time to get so many presents. He really enjoyed tearing into all the gifts including ours. Samuel has finally adjusted to having a brother. He was certainly jealous at first, however he now seems happy to have someone to play with, fight with and share a room with. They both got 4-wheels from Santa, which was hard to explain how they got down the chimney. oops! Sam took off on his like a rocket while Carter had problems steering and pushing the gas. It was then that I realized his lack of fine motor skills. Of course, a week later, he rides with confidence and speed. That didn't take long!

Each year I make a game out of every ones gifts with a bonus to be won. It started many years ago when I suspected that the kids were peaking in their presents. So each year I label the gifts in some kind of theme. This keeps them from knowing which presents are theirs. This year I named half the presents names of states and the other half names of capitals. Of course you have to be very organized to remember who is what state and who is what capital. I announced my idea on Christmas Eve at dinner and gave each of them a study sheet. They had one night to study all the states and capitals if they wanted a chance at winning the $100 bonus. Needless to say no one was very happy with this years game. Josh said that there was no way he was studying over Christmas break. Amanda took out her blackberry, started up the Internet and began studying immediately. Tommy just knew that he had this in the bag and was making plans for his $100. Now the catch was since Carter and Samuel couldn't possibly play, Tommy would be playing for them. They would split the money if he won. Christmas morning each of them was given an answer sheet. When I handed out the gifts I would announce the state or capital on the gift and they needed to write it along with the corresponding answer. Whoever had the most correct won the bonus...oh and did I mention that spelling was the tie breaker? I am happy to announce that Miss Amanda won for the second year in a row. That girl studied half the night and woke up early to study some more. She only missed 2, Tommy missed 11 and Joshua never even tried. It's fun and keeps the kids from snooping each year.

Here is wishing you a very safe and Happy New Year!