[athikers]

Today I dug out the Christmas boxes to start decorating (Pixie is napping, seize the day)

A few of you have been here long enough to know we have had several foster-adoptive placements that have eventually moved on to relatives after we expected we would be adopting them.

Well, we have certain traditions... one of which is that my mom gets everyone a matching Christmas ornament each year.

So, while digging... first I found M & D's ornaments from 2006 and shed a couple tears. Then I found Teeter's ornament from last year, more tears... Then I found the CUTEST picture from last year of both my babies screaming bloody murder in santa's lap. Then, I found the "two peas in a pod" ornament (with two little babies) that I got for Teeter and Pixie last year.

I wouldn't say these are "sad" tears, but not really "happy" tears either. Just remembering those precious Christmases I had to spend with them and hoping all their future Christmases will be just as wonderful.

I know some of you are probably mortified that I didn't send the ornaments with the kids (I forgot at the time & we didn't decorate last year). I actually tried to box them up today to send. I couldn't.

[kxl164]

I get sentimental every year over Christmas ornaments, and I am not a person known for showing a lot of emotion or sentimentality.

I think keeping the ornaments as a reminder of the children that were a part of your family and will always be a part of your heart is fine. My children never left and I still get misty when looking at the ornaments from that first Christmas and what was going on at the time.... it is bittersweet.

Enjoy the rest of your decorating!

[waited2long]

I agree, you should keep them. There's nothing wrong with having your own momentos for the kids. Cry away, I hear it's good for you!!

[EandDmom]

and I think keeping them is a great idea in fact I am not inspired to go out and get one for each of our fkids. Thanks for the idea.