Where in the world is Sophie, Sage, & family??

Not in Egypt

Not Italy

Or Paris

Or Rome

Not the Amazon

Not Florida

Or China

Not in Venice

Not Africa

Not a Museum

or New York

Or Cally

It's anyone's guess. Of course it's obvious, especially for those who have been, but it was fun making the post :)

Is it dark in Jail?

Has anyone seen "Savanna Smiles" filmed back in '82? Sophie and Sage love this show, just like their mom.

The year between high school and college I moved to Southern CA and nannied for the dad of this show (Chris). His boys were 2 & 4. What a fun job, I loved caring for those boys. The last time I saw their mom was 5 years ago while vacationing with my own boys. It was great catching up, we were like sisters while I lived there, only 10 years apart. Her boys have all but grown- the oldest at West Point, and the youngest playing professional hockey, goalie. I can totallly picture them doing that. Great memories...

Well, back to my post... Sophie and Sage can be so tender, don't let their energy and confidence fool you, they are also sensitive and sweet.

The girls and Trev have a few days off so while I got some work done and breakfast going this morning (french toast w/ cinn. & nutmeg, yumm) they watched Savannah Smiles. Sophie and Sage were so into it and watched every scene, Trevor claimed he was watching it for the girls sake. When it was over, Sage came to me with teary eyes- "Is it dark in Jail?" The ending is a tear jerker as the men that took care of Savannah went back to jail, it touched both girls. I gave her a hug and told her "only at night". I didn't ask, but could tell she was concerned and maybe thinking about dark times being alone in the orphanage. She has always been sensitive about things like this. I love how compassionate they are to others who are hurt or alone. Her favorite books are the Giving Tree and Puff the Magic Dragon, she has many questions and feelings about them being left alone, such a big heart.

Sophie is also very tender. She has taken upon herself the job of Shadow's little caretaker. The first thing she does each day after school is check on Shadow and get her food and water. She's never been asked to do this, just something she has taken over. Love it. Whenever Shadow isn't around, she can be found in Sophie's bed.
Last night while watching AI, Sage was on my lap. She's usually the one that runs into my arms and likes to be held and cuddled, no reservations, although I make sure Sophie gets that special mommy daughter time as well. After awhile Sage left my lap and Sophie came close to me. I pointed next to me and said have a seat. She quickly jumped up and said "oh, you're alone" and cuddled so close, so happy to keep me company and have mommy time. Such a little caretaker.

Just a few simple things that made my day today, love my girls!

Twenty Ten...

Snippets of Christmas Day

Yae, I finally get to blog about our Christmas. It was delightful. Somewhat different then usual and it seemed to come and go quickly, but it was filled with festivities, a few parties, giving/donating, and enjoying our favorite traditions. We usually switch off with Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve, spending one with Paul's family and the other with my side, but we see them all on Christmas Day so we ventured off and spent Christmas Eve just with our family. New tradition, it seemed so natural. My boys are growing fast and it won't be long before Nick is off at college then on his mission, so it's great spending these special times at home with our family. Paul got off earlier then expected (ya, he had to work on Christmas Eve & New Year's Eve this year, it stunk but was great seeing him home so early) We had a tasty dinner, changed into our new PJ's that we opened, followed Santa on the Web for awhile, made sure to set out his favorite cookies & milk, Sage threw in an orange, and listened to Paul read Luke II. It was very peaceful and meaningful. I even got all my wrapping done ahead of time this year so Paul and I could relax after the kids went down. I need to make a habit of that, it was nice to have Santa's little helper this year, thanks Josh.

Christmas morning. Sophie in robe, Sage in pink

The girls would have been perfectly happy with just their stocking, filled with little gifts and treats, it was serious stuff. But they've been good and Santa brought them what they asked for. An Easy Bake oven with all the mixens, let the baking begin! They also opened some fun learning games, books, arts & craft projects, a new dress and a special necklace from mom. I loved seeing their faces light up with each gift, didn't get many pictures after the stocking.

The boys dodged the camera, but Trevor managed to get the Wii game he wanted, a football, Bakugan figures... He used his Christmas money from Grandma and bought his brothers Airsoft Gun off of him. He scored!

Nick & Josh got some nice things too, but they're both saving up for something big so they mainly got $$. They were thrilled.

My babe surprised me with an awesome small and great quality Sony camera, perfect for my purse when I don't have my big Nikon. Now I won't miss all those shots when I wish I had my camera. He is so thoughtful!

It was a nice Christmas, not too overabundant, very nice.

Cousins... it was great having them in town and all together again. They had fun catching up, playing games & music. Such good boys! They're growing way too fast- notice the picture on the back wall of my boys when Trevor was a baby (Grandma B's house).

Grandma & Grandpa D's house. More hugs, treats, gifts & kisses. Thanks everyone for making Christmas special, it wouldn't be the same without all of you.

Hope everyone had a delightful Christmas!