Wollf Christmas Gathering

We celebrated Christmas with my family on the 27th.  It was the best Christmas we have had in a long time.  For the most part, we all seem to be past the intense pain of losing Mom and Dad.  The emptiness is no longer quite as empty.   We are settling into a new normal and that is good! 

It is still hard to believe that Dad has been gone for 4 1/2 years and Mom for 3 years.  There are still times when I want to share something with Mom...and then realize that is not possible.  I really missed Mom in the first weeks after we adopted Raina...I know she would have fallen head over heals in love with her!

We met at Dave and Jean's...one of the few homes large enough to host all 49 of us.  I wish the other 12 family members could have been there as well! 

The "older" nieces and nephews.  Each age group has their own Christmas box.  That makes for 4 seperate groups! 

As an aside.....I've been thinking it is rather odd that 3 of my children are the youngest in the Wollf clan.  That has NEVER happened before...someone was having a baby before any couple could have 2 kids that were the youngest in the clan!  Makes me think it is about time that SOMEONE should have a baby or adopt...hint, hint Ben & Alison and Kathy & Mark!  ;)

 Malia "playing" piano.  She thought she needed to play because many of the other kids played a piece.  She is not taking piano lessons, but played a very pretty "piece", turning the pages and enjoying herself.  I'm not sure how long she would have played had we not finally clapped.

Raina, all tuckered out after a long day!

I am VERY thankful for my family.  They have been incredibly supportive...praying, bringing meals, baking, and showing their support in words as well!

Blessings Beyond Measure!

My cousin Ken and his wife Edna and their 2 kids, Hudson and Laney visited us this Christmas season.  What a blessing to visit with them!  After all the family stress it was awesome to talk to someone who understands and has experienced similar things.  This couple radiates the love of God and are strong beyond words!  God knew exactly what we needed at the exact moment we needed it!  How awesome is our God!!! 

Our New Toy

We bought a newer, used snowmobile just before Christmas.  Martin has wanted one for many years and finally decided that it was high time!  We would like our kids to enjoy it before they are too old to enjoy a day of snowmobiling with their parents.  I had not had a ride on a snowmobile in many years.  It made me squeal like a little kid!  What an adrenaline rush!

We bought helmets, but not for Malia.  I'm hoping to find a used one...they are too expensive to only use for a year or two.  If I can't find one, we will simply keep the driving at a very low speed.

The next thing we need to buy is a decent snow suit for Martin.  All he has is his hunting gear and that is sooo NOT cool!  He has been looking for a snowsuit, but so far all he has found is stuff that costs around $300.00 just for the jacket.  I think it is time to do some online shopping!

Our little Piglet...or is it our little kitty...? :)
Raina is over her jet lag and now that we do not have a gathering every day, she is beginning to sleep better at night and at nap time.  The past few nights she has only cried a few times and settled quickly.  She is a very good sleeper...12+ hours at night and sometimes 3 hours at nap time.  She is generally very happy and loves to play with her siblings.

Peters Gathering

December 25, 2010

Peters Family Gathering.

Christmas day began as another stressful day for me.  After our experience on Christmas Eve I was afraid.  Afraid to once again face racism.  Afraid for my children...so far our kids have not clued in to the negative undercurrent (although I do think Malia senses it).  Afraid that I would explode and vent all my frustration.  Afraid that I would tell someone to f#*@ off!  My stomach was still upset...literally burning, from the stress.  We prayed...and neither one of us said anything inappropriate!  I refuse to stoop to their level...in all I do I choose to honor God.  I am very thankful that he helped me be calm!

Not only were we able to be calm, but God also sent some angels...family members who ARE excited for us!  People who congratulated us and love our girls!  For that I praise God!  It made the gathering enjoyable.

As usual we sang songs and read the Christmas story.   It blessed my heart to see Brian (cousin and best friend) and Morgun singing!

 I had bought the girl's matching outfits, but Raina's ended up being too small. :(  However, I did manage to find this cute dress just a few days before Christmas!

 Malia...my precious one!  She is concerned...other kids were playing with and throwing Raina's toys.  She found that to be very disturbing. (Although I do wonder if that was all she was distressed about.)

 I love this picture...joy in the midst of all the "chaos".

Christmas

Our Christmas was a little unusual this year.  The kids opened the gifts they had bought for each other and then  we headed to Martin's parents house.  It was rather awkward...some family members had still not acknowledged that we have a new family member.  There were no words of congratulations...rather simply a "so you have another baby".   End of conversation.  It saddens me to think that, for whatever reason, our little ones suffer the brunt of other peoples ignorance.  It reminded me of Jesus' birth...many did not welcome Him either.

 Christmas morning was also unusual.  We usually open gifts as soon as everyone is awake.  Raina was still sleeping at 10am, so we decided to open gifts without her.  (She slept till 11am, when we finally woke her...I guess that's what happens when you are still recovering from jet lag!)

Can you feel the anticipation in the next photos?!?  These are a few of my favorites.



Merry Christmas!

I know it's a little late, but Merry Christmas to you all!  This is our first family picture as a family of 6!  Yikes that seems big! And yet so perfect!

Chris Tomlin - Glory In The Highest

I absolutely LOVE this song! God is always near, but this song makes me feel like I am dancing with Him alone!