Christmas 2010

What a difference a year makes. Abate and Fantu got the Christmas thing this year. They were extra good and helpful around the house. Fun and funny, and are very much in the spirit of giving and receiving. It was a great day with very little disappointment. Abate's big gift was an aquarium. He got the basic kit and then a giftcard to go buy the fish and little extras that he wants. Fantu got a new bike as she had quickly outgrown her bike from last year. She was really into the new clothes and make-up that she got - hmmm such a girl!
Well I've still two weeks left of Christmas bribery here as they will get a present on Jan. 8 when we celebrate Ethiopian Orthodox Christmas. I'll enjoy it while I can get it.
It has really been a fun season with them since they understand so much more of the celebrations. Not quite so much awe at the new things, but the have so much more joy and happiness this year. What a great holiday it has been so far. We've lots more fun ahead and I'm looking forward to all the celebration.
Happy Holidays everyone.

Fantu"s Song

Christmas Gala (trimmed)

Fantu sang with several of the other children at the Boys and Girls Club Christmas Gala and she also sang a Ethiopian Christmas song the she wrote. Both her and Abate helped with the Charity Auction that is one of their larger fundraisers of the year. We all had a fun night.

Snowed under...

Christmastime is here and I am so not ready. I'm still trying to get the hang of juggling a full time job with kids at home and then to throw the holidays into the mix - lets just say oh crap I've got 6 days left and I'm running around like a headless chicken.
I have tried on 2 occasions to post the video from the Christmas Gala and Fantu's performance. I haven't had any luck. I'll try to post to Youtube and put the link up here.
The new job is going so well. Each month managers and co-workers place nominations into a box for employee of the month - so every time someone does something really well or extra their name gets placed into the box - well I won the December Employee of the month. My reward is a paid day off! I'm also doing so well and learned things so quickly that they just expanded my responsibilities and I will be working with most of the departments at the Convention Center and will be much more involved with the events. I think this will lend a new level of interest to the position and I will really enjoy it even more.
Kids are doing great. Christmas brings out the best in them. I've been getting quite a few extra "I love you Mom" lately. We have been having a few 14 year old boy moments lately and are working to get those sorted. I am starting to see an improvement. Fantu has been brilliant lately. Christmas is really her time of year. She just shines!

I know I have alot more to try to post here, but I've still got to get a few things done. I'll try to add more when I get a break. I just didn't want to go another week without at least saying We are here and doing well!I've just been a bit snowed under with work, family and holiday prep.