The Day After

My kids seem to be back to normal.  Last night as I was tucking in my daughter I found pieces of her hair that she had broken off.  If you read the post from a few days ago, you might recall that she had a really hard day.  While having her quiet time she bit off her nails and broke off pieces of her hair!  She had done these things in her old foster home, but we had not seen it happen here yet. 

Now, today after the holiday has passed it seems like everything is back to normal.  Both kids are calmer and quieter.  Both kids are seemingly back to their normal.  Yesterday was a good day. They both were a little off, but not too bad.  Luckily I was able to constantly remind them what was appropriate and inappropriate without them getting upset.  But two days ago was difficult.

I am sure we can expect the same for Christmas. The more it happens the more I feel prepared to face the next situation.

All in all, we really are doing well as a family.  Everyone is so shocked when they realize we have only all been together for 4 months.  Sometimes it fees like it has been SO MUCH longer, and other times the reality of just how short they have been there sets in.  Amazing. 

--- Now, I have been struggling with the concept of Santa and elves and all that jazz.  I know that kids love the magic and the innocence, but I have a little guilt about the lies.  I really hold the kids accountable for truth/honesty, it makes me feel a little bad able lying about this.  When they find out it isn't true, how will it make them feel?  One part of me wants to just tell them and explain it all... and let go of the guilt.  The other part of me wants to let them be kids since they have never really had a good childhood and this might be one of the last years they believe anyways... I am torn.

My brain is kinda disjointed today.  :)  We are going to cook our own family dinner today.  Chicken, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, and my personal favorite-- NOODLES :)