Today was our local Christmas parade and our Cub Scout Pack marched in it. We heard it is the biggest Christmas parade in Northern California and we were entry #401! :-0

Sadly Eric’s back has been out since he raked the leaves last Sunday! Poor guy was literally crying out in pain just trying to get dressed. I made the boys wear two shirts and bring their coats. They didn’t think they would need them because “the sun is out” – but the wind was wicked and from the North! I think they were glad they listened to me! Here are some pictures while we were waiting for our turn. Unfortunately I was too busy keeping our Tigers going or stopping to take pictures on the route!

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The Webelos and Webelos II took turns carrying the flags, but these two Webelos II carried our banner the WHOLE parade! Good job boys!

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My Tiger Den! I was so proud of them – they all showed up – they didn’t give up – and they didn’t step in Alpaca poop! LOL Yes, we followed the Alpacas! The Tigers were very worried about the poop on the street! LOL

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The Bear Den

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I love this picture of two of our wolves trying to stay a bit warm while my hubby tries not to loose his hat while giving directions.

After the parade, we walked back to the Boy Scout Cabin for a pizza lunch. Then many of us headed to a local nursing home to carol the residents. By then my Tiger was wiped out but he didn’t give up. This, of course, is about all he’s up to doing now though:wipedout.jpg

In fact, we are all doing it! Those white socks to the right are Eric’s – he’s laying on a heating pad to see if he can get some relief from the pain.

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And, that basket to the left…that is holding my knitting. Now that my tea is done – I’ll be heading there as soon as I hit “publish”! 😀

A couple of things about J3…

…last night we had the following conversation:

J3: “Mommy, know what I had for lunch today?”

Me: “What?”

J3: “Chicken”

Me (finishing the chicken for dinner): “Was it as good as mine?”

J3: “No. It wasn’t burnt like yours.”

So, allow me to explain that I oven fry my chicken so it has yummy crispy parts…which the boys call ‘burnt’. But this conversation still made me laugh out loud!

…then this morning I took him to Speech Therapy and then dropped him off at school in time for chapel. J3 is my cuddler. He freely shares kisses and hugs and often tells me he loves me. But this morning, the only way I could get a kiss and hug goodbye from him was behind the van where his friends could not see. 🙁 Boo Hoo – I hate when they grow up!!

What would I do without you all and your prayers! Each comment and email is such an encouragement. My friend, Ruth, IMed me and convinced me that her 21 yr old could be the substitute teacher this afternoon and we went to lunch. Getting out of the house, eating out, visiting a yarn store and a tea store – it really helped!

Between the IM from Ruth and her arrival, I got a call from the OR caseworker. There was a meeting today – but due to confidentiality issues, I don’t want to share too much. Bottom line is that they will take the case before a judge in late January. Not what I wanted – I was hoping she would be here before Christmas – but just knowing what is going on was such a balm to my soul!

And, it sounds like there are lots of testing/therapies that are going to be necessary in the next few months. To be honest, the foster mom – who I believe was a nurse – is probably her best advocate for all that is needed right now.

I’m no longer in limbo land…and I’m very grateful. Thank you all for being with me through all of this!

The boys and Eric put up the tree today (while I knitted like a crazy woman). Here are a few of my favorite ornaments….I’m sure I’ll find other favorites later.

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The first ornament we bought together as a couple.  We had been married for 7 mos.

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One of the PWs from Thriving in the Fishbowl sent this one to me one year.  (We did a ornament exchange each year)

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Can’t quite remember who gave this to us – but it makes me laugh!

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CC – from Texas – made these for me one year.  She organized the ornament exchange each year for Thriving in the Fishbowl.

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J2’s first ornament.  I think it’s great fun!
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Eric collects nativities – but we just got this one!  Not sure why it took us so long.

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I collect Willow Tree figurines.  This is my only WT ornament.

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I collect tea cups too – my mom gave this one to me a few years ago.  I especially like it because it reminds me of Grandma Davis.