You Don’t Want My Christmas Card
Every year I think about sending a Christmas card… but, I don’t do it.
The last time I sent out a Christmas card, it was 1996 and it looked like this—
First Christmas
Yes, that is Leah. She’s a week old… well, not any more. She’s actually 13 and that photo just got me thinking that I should probably send out a card JUST so people know we don’t look like that AT ALL.
I am terrible at sending out Christmas cards. The worst part is, I WANT to be good at it. Every year I buy cards. Sometimes they even have the sticky place to put a photo, because I fool myself into believing I might really pull that off too!
Good Intentions
My cousin Jen has it down. Hers is always the first card I receive each year. She must do them while we are all taking our turkey induced nap on Thanksgiving.
Perhaps, I should pride mine in being the LAST card people receive… or as reality would have it, the last card they don’t receive. (sigh) I am not good at the Christmas card thing and I should accept it.
Please don’t suggest I email a card, because really… emailed Christmas cards don’t even count! That’s all I am going to say about that.
This year, I sat down with Aaron and mused at the possibility of writing one of those AWESOME Family Christmas Letters. Now there’s a commitment!! I secretly believe some marriages end over those annual productions. I opened the 2009 calendar to see if I could remember what we actually did this year. GAH! First of all, my calendar is 4 feet wide and 3 feet high. The boxes are crammed full of appointments, flight numbers, and the school holidays are highlighted, so we don’t forget and accidentally drop our children off. I could hardly decipher the information, let alone organize it and make it sound lovely.
Be Very Afraid
I tried to conjure something up from the top of my head but the good was TOO good and the bad TOO bad.
Here, I’ll show you. Pictures and all. This is like a Coleman Christmas Letter test-drive.
“Lucy’s rabbit, Snowball, died the week before Christmas. We all cried. Leah found the dead rabbit and brought it into the house as she cried her eyes out.
Lucy: “This really hurts!”
Leah: “Sissie, I am so sorry. I will buy you a new rabbit in the spring with my own money!”
The timing was terrible! I had just told Leah to check on the rabbits, because Aaron and I were leaving for the airport. (Now you know why my babysitters quit! “Bye kids! Oh, by the way, Lucy’s rabbit just died. She’ll probably cry for days. Have fun!”)
I hate seeing my children in pain and not only were they in pain, we had to abandon them right in the middle of it. My great-aunt died the week before, but she was 89, so that’s ok.”
(See! That just came out weird. Let me try something else…)
Lucy and Snowball
Ummm. “We all did a liquid diet with Lucy before her bowel and bladder surgery. Please don’t ever use the words ‘jell-o’ or ‘broth’ in front of us, because we will dry heave… The surgery was Hell went great but it has taken months to figure out how it all… never mind.”
(Note to all- Leave bowel and bladder updates OUT of Christmas cards. P.S. No one wants to see your scars. No one.)
Pretty Good for 5 Hours of Surgery
“Aaron and I went to Aruba twice this year!”
(Enough said. No one wants to hear it how you were all warm and tan and visiting exotic locations. Leave gratuitous bikini shots out of Christmas letters, unless there are screaming children in the shot. If you must comment on the beach vacay, look miserable or REALLY put together. Put children in matching outfits and we will all know they are miserable- especially if they are smiling!)
NOT THIS:
Wish You Were Here
THIS:
Who Wears a Dress to the Beach
(By the way, they were SO miserable, heaven forbid your mother makes you wear a dress for an hour on Easter Sunday.)
So far, family and vacation segments were terrible. I know! I’ll tell you about work!
“Signing Time has music videos on Nick Jr.!”
(Just sounds like you’re bragging. I could try, “We haven’t been on public TV for a year.” <—But that sounds like whining. How ’bout “I didn’t get nominated for an Emmy this year.” But really, who did? How many people get nominated for Emmy’s? I really blew it by NOT sending out a Christmas card that year.)
SEE!
Do you see my dilemma?
In a perfect world. I would have a stack of photo-perfect Christmas cards ready to go in the mail with shiny Christmas stamps and all! Each card signed by each member of my little family.
But it’s not a perfect world. Is it?
Or… is it? Somewhere along the line I must’ve decided that sending out Christmas cards equals Having It All Together. <—-Which I don’t even pretend to do.
There is no perfection. It’s all imperfection, so that must be perfect!
Instead of a card, (because we’ve already been through how you are NOT going to get one) I’m going to let you peek in through our snow frosted windows and see three of my favorite Christmas moments. I may suck at cards, but I can safely say that I’m pretty good at videos.
Lucy’s Christmas Gift
The giant box with red ribbon had been under the tree for a week. Lucy kept eyeing it. She knew her name was on it. But, since she can’t hop down and shake her gifts, she didn’t know it was empty… until I put something in it on Christmas day.
I Can’t Believe You Are Crying!
It took me a little while to explain to Aaron why this gift made me so emotional. It’s one thing to buy gear before leaving for a trip. It’s another thing to buy it when there are no trips on the calendar. It was received as a promise of warm weather and good times to come.
Let’s Go Out With A Song
A few years ago, for Christmas, my dad gave me and my sisters some new arrangements of Christmas songs, with 5 part harmonies. This is the first one.
“Sleigh Ride/Jingle Bells” arranged by Lex de Azevedo
Performed by Rebecca, Rachel, Julie, Emilie, and Carrie
Here’s to 2010!
Love~
Rachel, Aaron, Leah, Lucy, & Jack (the rabbit)
Tags: 2009, Aaron, Aruba, Azevedo Sisters, Christmas, Christmas Card, Christmas Letter, holiday greetings, Jack, Leah Coleman, Lex de Azevedo, Lucy Coleman, Rachel, Snowball
January 5th, 2010 at 3:13 am
Well, I guess I’ll comment since I have the chance…and because I am first. That was a lovely Christmas card, honey.
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January 5th, 2010 at 3:46 am
I agree, much better than a Christmas card! I haven’t managed to send them out two years in a row. I will, of course, attempt to do it again next Christmas.
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January 5th, 2010 at 4:18 am
I had to laugh… I thought I was the only person on the planet who bought christmas cards every year to send out and didn’t send them… I don’t think I have sent cards since 2000! Must be because we are so busy! (I have 4 kids 17,13,11, and 5) It is because of the 5 year old that we discovered you! He has Downs Syndrome and major congenital heart defect. He loves your videos…watches several a day… and today was his birthday… you can bet we watched and signed “Happy Birthday to you!” I am so thankful for your videos! They have helped open the door to communication for him. And I appreciate your gift of sharing your wit and family with us. I laugh and cry whenever I read your blog! You inspire us all! The videos were an extra special touch! Thank you so much! And Happy, Happy New Year to you and your family!
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January 5th, 2010 at 4:35 am
So much better than a Christmas card! Thank you!!! The video of Lucy receiving her surprise bunny was priceless…..I watched it 3 times through tears. And the music was beautiful…thanks for sharing! Have a blessed 2010!
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January 5th, 2010 at 5:08 am
You’re right: those videos are far better than any card could be! How very awesome to get a peek into your real, full-color, full-motion lives. Looks like you all had an awesome Christmas. Thanks for sharing it!
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January 5th, 2010 at 5:17 am
That was very nice to watch. Not every minute is warm and loving, but seeing those that are help you remember the ones that are precious.
Seeing Lucy get a bunny was really nice – especially the way that Aaron successfully distracted her. He distracted me too – because I was watching Leah and thinking, “what’s she doing wearing Alice’s pajamas?”
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January 5th, 2010 at 6:46 am
This is an awesome Christmas card!!! You’ve had a busy year & I’m glad to have spent some fun times with ya.
And for the record, I’ll be the last card people receive this season. I still have to design ‘em, but was waiting to get our family portraits in.
Love ya!
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January 5th, 2010 at 7:03 am
Lucy and the bunny…made my heart smile!
Thx for sharing
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January 5th, 2010 at 7:14 am
Actually, I think that this post would make a great Family Newsletter. I love the funny, honest ones. Life is a little messy. Why not show our struggles? Everyone can relate to them. And when we can see how funny our machinations are, so much the better. A couple of years ago, our “Christmas Newsletter” turned into our “Happy February Newsletter” because I was determined to send it out, even though it was 2.5 months late. A year ago, I used these great cards made by a working-at-home mom whose blog I read. The cards had this really ornate writing and a drawing of a deer – the kind of thing you wouldn’t bother actually looking at, but if you did, the writing said, “May you find JOY this season! And let it never again be said that I don’t have my sh*t together enough to send out Christmas cards.” This past year was our third year of the family newsletter and picture.
It is work to do it. And my partner and I *do* have some tense moments around this endeavor. You *do* have to start at Thanksgiving, *especially* if you want to take, print, and send a picture. But, in the end, it’s all worth it. For us, anyway.
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January 5th, 2010 at 7:23 am
Best not-a-Christmas-card I’ve ever read/seen! Anny keeps telling me we are going to send out a Christmas picture… yeah, it’s January 5th. I think last night I convinced her to do one for Valentines Day, so I now have a task of taking a perfect picture in the next three weeks or so… yipes!
We got one letter with a recently slayed deer still hanging. He was proud, and I might not open their letter next year!
Many blessings to the whole family!
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January 5th, 2010 at 7:39 am
Well I did manage to get my card out this year, but I think that’s easy compared to what you do. You keep us updated all year long with this blog. You allow us to share in your life, all the fun, silliness, frustration, sadness and inspirational wisdom that you experience. You do this all year, year after year. So I can forgive you for not sending out the lame holiday card that gives the brief overview of a “year in the life of…” if you promise that you will continue making me laugh, cry and be inspired all year long.
P.S. Loved the video’s! Michael has always thought my family was weird for putting the bows on our head, nice to know that I’m not the weird one, he is
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January 5th, 2010 at 8:18 am
Oh, I just LOVED this Christmas V-Card. The bunny clip made me all teary eyed. Beeootiful!
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January 5th, 2010 at 8:44 am
I love it!!!! So much better than a christmas card. The singing was great!
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January 5th, 2010 at 8:49 am
Rachel, you crack me up! I can’t believe that someone who is such a great blogger would stress over writing a Christmas letter, but what you came up with was better than any letter that I actually received through the mail. I loved all the videos… I think the one of you and your sisters singing was my favorite (you all are so talented… it’s sick, really). Thanks for sharing!
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January 5th, 2010 at 8:56 am
Smooches. That is all.
Oh, and I totally dig the giant moon behind you and Aaron in Christmas card #1…circa 1997…
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January 5th, 2010 at 9:04 am
soooo nice we got to see the bunny video. All the tweets about it only scratch the surface, seeing the video is just awesome!
This Christmas card blows every card I’ve ever sent to smithereens! Glad you had a lovely Christmas.
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January 5th, 2010 at 9:04 am
Great “Christmas card!” This is the way I send mine too!!!
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January 5th, 2010 at 9:12 am
Wow! Now that I can see through my tears (from the Lucy video) I can reply. I love that girl! SO much like Cole (or him her).
So, don’t feel bad about the non-Christmas cards..we all get to see you and your beautiful (sorry Aaron…handsome
) family through here. I feel so obligated to send the lovely (always dreaded by my boys) family card. This is the only way some family and friends get to see how the boys have grown. Well, I’m not very good at it either. Last year they went out at Valentine’s Day. This year..I ‘thought’ I was doing great! I even had my brother (my photographer) order them for me and they were at my door the day we came home from the Vegas marathon. Guess where they are! Yep, they are still waiting for addresses on about 1/3 of the 100 (yes, rediculous huh?) ordered. But, they WILL go out!! Simply because of the fight I always have just to get the picture, the cost, and I’ve already invested too much time into addressing to NOT. 
I will just say it now…Thank you for your beautiful Christmas card! Hope yours was lovely and Happy New Year!!
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January 5th, 2010 at 9:13 am
Awwwww the bunny! My little sister has a bunny too, named George! So the real question is what did Lucy name it??
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January 5th, 2010 at 9:18 am
I was thinking last night that I haven’t seen a blog in awhile. That I should hop on and see if I missed it by chance. I was glad to see you had posted. As I sit here clearing my face of happy tears and sniffling, I wanted to say I enjoyed reading your “Christmas card”. I loved the video of Lucy opening her surprise. Leah was so sweet to say she would help name the bunny if she needed it. How precious. Jack is a great name! I look forward to another year with the Signing Time community. Thanks for sharing.
April
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January 5th, 2010 at 9:53 am
C’mon Rachel…WHY Christmas card, when you can Holiday Blog, instead? LOVED reading such a personal and completely humorous account of what life with the Coleman’s is like as you juggle two beautiful daughters, a family biz, friends, travel, school schedules, shopping, bulb planting, cake making and so much more. You are an uber-super-mom and should be so proud of all the stuff you DO do, and less focused on the silly little details that just don’t make your radar–like a holiday card. You are amazing–don’t ever change!!!
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January 5th, 2010 at 10:32 am
I would be nice to see more “real” christmas cards like that! it was perfect!
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January 5th, 2010 at 10:33 am
That was so incredible-thank you for sharing your precious moments with us. It was wonderful to see Lucy get what she wanted – Mr. Bunny. What did she name him?
Angie Sellers
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January 5th, 2010 at 10:44 am
I LOVE seeing your family videos! I showed Addy and she kept signing Leah! How cute is that! My oldest definitely wanted me to come and ransack your house and sneak Teen Wolf out the door! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
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January 5th, 2010 at 10:47 am
Remarkably, this is the first blog entry of yours in a very long time that has NOT reduced me to tears! Instead, it just gave me a nice warm feeling to see everyone happy and enjoying the season. You’ve done a great job creating your non-traditional Christmas card. Thanks for sharing (again!).
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January 5th, 2010 at 11:01 am
Ok Lucy’s present so made me cry
I could see the excitement in her eyes.
As far as the christmas card goes you can always do what I do (along with many of my other friends)…..Pick 1 or 2 picture of all of you or just the kids and upload them to Costco photo and put them in a pice picture card, then pick them up in an hour. Meanwhile print out your family address labels. Make the kids stick labels and stamps on envelopes and seal them…And Voila they are ready to be mailed. Easy as can be.
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January 5th, 2010 at 11:36 am
Can’t say I teared up at the fins, but I did at the bunny!
I wanted to say thank you for what you and Signing Time have brought to my house this past year. My son, who is 2.5 and mostly non-verbal signed and said “eat” the other day. And my 8 month old girl is already signing “more” and “milk.” I could hardly believe it.
Thank you for sharing your family with all of us. Happiness and peace in 2010!
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January 5th, 2010 at 11:39 am
Rachel, You’re crazy to think that you are slacking without a card! Your blogs are amazing (and entertaining), not to mention chat, making videos, traveling, being a mom… I keep telling Nick that we should start a blog… well, I can get a picture card out, but not everything else you do!!!
Happy New Year!
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January 5th, 2010 at 11:40 am
Rachel, this was a beautiful Christmas Card, you have a great heart. we sent our Christmas letter as a New Years notification that we are alive and well! LOL.
Have a wonderful 2010.
Diana
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January 5th, 2010 at 12:07 pm
*sigh* STILL crying over the bunny.
And you know, that picture of all the unsent cards? Looks very familiar! This was the best non-card card I ever saw.
Happy New Year to you and your family.
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January 5th, 2010 at 12:51 pm
Thanks for sharing those beautiful family Christmas memories. Getting your blog updates is better than any Christmas card!
Thanks to you and your Dad for sharing your incredible talents. Signing time has added many wonderful new songs that I love singing (and signing) to my babies.
Happy to you and your family!
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January 5th, 2010 at 1:00 pm
My dad just laughed at me when I told him on the 26th that I was picking up my holiday greeting cards…but he admitted he would not discard a Christmas card that arrived after Christmas Day!
This was super! An interactive update capturing some really special and personal moments. I feel like we (who follow your blogs) get many more updates than what would fit in a holiday year end letter. I much prefer this! There would be no color in a letter that only hi-lighted the good and perfect…how dull would that be!
I loved your touched response to your flippers gift.
I believe my water-works response was triggered when I was on maternity leave (after my first of four was born)watching The Price Is Right and a mom on the show won a mini van. She was so hysterically appreciative, saying over and over, ‘I really needed that!’ I couldn’t help but tear up too.
Your happiness was evident in that clip. Enjoyed the joy in Lucy when opening up her bunny gift, and the five part harmony song was so festive….my daughter Mia had to watch it several times in a row and tried to sing along.
You color our life – with more than orange and taped fingers too! Happy New Year!
Anita:)
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January 5th, 2010 at 1:37 pm
Who says cards have to be sent in December? I usually get my cards done over Thanksgiving weekend, but this year has been WAY too busy! I ordered my picture cards on 25 Dec, & will mail them by 9 Jan… I really don’t mind being late… This year anyway!
We LOVE you videos & songs!!! Rachel -you’re an amazing woman for bringing the gift of communication to SO many more people thru your work!!!!
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January 5th, 2010 at 1:43 pm
God bless you and your family. Cards are nice but your love is real and that is what counts. Thank you for helping my non-verbal begin his communicating. Keaghan is now 3 and is talking! He and his sister (Gwen-18 months) love the videos. You are a blessing to many families. Thank you.
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January 5th, 2010 at 3:04 pm
I just can’t stop watching Lucy get that bunny. I cried. Then when you say, “She’s your mommy,” I can’t help but watch it again.
May you never send Christmas cards again!
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January 5th, 2010 at 3:43 pm
Best Chirstmas Card! I always do an EChristmas card (ya know save a tree and all) so count this post and your Card!! Beautiful song!
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January 5th, 2010 at 5:13 pm
This was absolutely awesome. First, the very real and humorous background to the (non)creation of an annual letter. Next, tears at the bunny reveal. Finally, warm fuzzies at the family sing-along.
You and your family rock, Rachel.
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January 6th, 2010 at 9:14 am
I am not commenting to this blog post because you didn’t send me a card this year. Oh, wait, I just commented…
Well since I blew it and commented already, It’s the thought that counts and not the gift right? A card just gets thrown out, now a blog that’s different. We can print it out and read it and then, well I guess throw it out. Ok, but still thought that counts.
Ok, I stop now.
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January 6th, 2010 at 9:40 am
WAY better than a Christmas card!!
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January 6th, 2010 at 2:38 pm
Totally love this blog, and I’m wishing I were there! Thanks for the memories and including the world with a glimpse of a super Christmas morning!
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January 6th, 2010 at 3:02 pm
Now that I’ve stopped laughing – well, almost! It’s such a relief to know that I am not the only with a mountainous stack of good-intentions cards. I finally got rid of them this year, except for the few that I might send next year…or next life. Sigh.
My two year old son is obsessive about learning ASL; this thrills me to no end, as I will have at least one person to converse with after my hearing is gone. Thank you so much for what you do!
The singing was absolutely amazing. Our family tradition has always been singing the carols accapella in four part harmony, and that’s my thought, too – “doesn’t everybody do this?” I am the HOH one in our family, and as my hearing gets worse, so does my singing, much to my horror and that of everyone around me
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January 6th, 2010 at 3:13 pm
I really cried seeing Lucy get her bunny!! It was so nice of you to post your family moments for us to see and almost experience with you. My 17 month old daughter had some physical delays and had a physical therapist visit every week since September. This wil be the last week her teacher will be coming. It’s a joy that my daughter has improved, but we will still miss her teacher coming and giving her personal attention. NOW, my daughter climbs up on EVERYTHING and I’m constantly saying “GET DOWN!!”
I can’t say enough about how sign language has helped my daughter. It’s amazing all the words she can sign!! My sister (who is a 1st grade teacher) for some reason thinks I should not teach signing to my Hearing child, but I know that when she is ready, she WILL verbalize words. Signing just helps her communicate to me what she wants. It’s almost always “EAT” and “MILK” but the point is she IS communicating to me. She is still learning to verbalize “MAMA” “PAP PAP” “GUY” and “ALRIGHT!!”
Have a Wonderful 2010!!
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January 6th, 2010 at 8:42 pm
Ok, so I finally watched the vids. As you were opening the flippers, I am wondering why that guy is just standing there behind Leah, not moving. I thought it was Aaron, but he was videoing.. so confused. Duh, I forgot Leah’s gift. Ok, I am a dork. Back to my harassing my kids…
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January 6th, 2010 at 11:40 pm
Thanks for sharing the videos Rachel! Your family is so sweet. When I saw the video of your sisters, I told my hubby that your fam is like mine…only talented.
Our version of “12 Days of Christmas” is ear piercing but full of giggles.
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January 7th, 2010 at 5:27 pm
Well what started out as xmas cards this year became early MLK Jr Day cards as I just sent them this week.
I used to do the family newsletter but I haven’t had it together enough to do one the last couple years. But when I did they tended to include things like what we found out would not flush down the toilet that year.
This year I just gave people the link to my blog, I write it all there anyway.
Loved the videos!
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January 9th, 2010 at 12:06 am
I am Jana Francis’s friend. I just wanted to let you know that I saw you on NICK JR. You are flippn’ adorable and I loved it. The kids loved it and then it was time for bed- then they were sad. Kids cry to watch you on T.V. that’s something huh?
I am amazed by you. Jana talks about you! I feel blessed to be her friend and I KNOW she feels blessed to be your friend. Look forward to seeing you on T.V. again. Lucy– she is a doll and she is so blessed. I love her. You are lucky to be her mother. ….and she’s SUPER lucky to have a special mom like you. Just wanted to tell you that you make A LOT of people smile! Love Jess
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January 9th, 2010 at 1:53 am
Steve aka Dadgineer: You ARE commenting and you DID get my Christmas card this year. So there! Also, my mother is the only one who prints out my blogs and she gives them to people LOL. Not kidding. I bet her neighbors hate me. It’s mom braggin’ 2010!
Cindy: Great, now I have to make not sending out a Christmas card, and blogging how I didn’t, and using THAT as a Christmas card a tradition? Stressful!
Linda Jan: Love you mom.
Jess: Yes. Everybody does that. Let’s just keep living in that universe.
Sandra Foreman: Congrats on the “graduation.” Send your sister on over to any of the threads on the Signing Time Forums about signing with hearing kids. You are right. She is wrong. Rachel Coleman said so.
Dadgineer aka (not a) Dork: I thought you were going to ask who the creepy guy on the sofa is. No one asked. And I do not expect you to correlate all of my tweets with all of my blogs. Really. I don’t. So there is nothing dorky about NOT recognizing a Taylor Lautner cut-out AKA “Jacob.” But, have you seen Twilight and New Moon? Did you read the books? Did you L-O-V-E them? Because I may have to reinstate “dorky,” especially if you read the books. I read them. But I have a 13 year-old daughter, so I was “proofing” them.
P.S. Team Edward- all the way!
P.P.S. You commented TWICE after stating you wouldn’t even comment once.
P.P.P.S. Chicago deep dish pizza. March 2010.
Lori: I love it! JUST like yours.
Kristine: Now you’ve got me thinking, what will not flush? I guess we’re pretty lucky at my house. Gotta add that to the list of things to be thankful for… good flushing.
jess bowman: Thank you! Any friend of Jana’s is friend of mine. Wait a minute?? Signing Time is supposed to help REDUCE tantrums, not cause them. Kids cry to watch me… I’ll have to think about that
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January 9th, 2010 at 8:26 am
your christmas letter was hilarious. i started reading it right after having surgery but was laughing so hard that i was hurting myself and had to try it again after a few days. way too funny! ps i don’t bother with christmas letters. i wait until after new year’s. less stress.
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January 9th, 2010 at 1:51 pm
Loved your post/card. it was very real, and very moving. You and your famly are very inspirational! Best wishes for lots of happy days in 2010.
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January 10th, 2010 at 2:02 am
Thank you for sharing your family’s musical talent with us! I’ve also been a big fan of your dad and his wonderful music. What a treat to see all of the girls together singing! I haven’t seen Julie since my days at BYU when she was in a class with my roommate.
You and your family are an inspiration to us all. So often we tend to think of those we see on TV as perfect. It’s so great to know that you are human just like the rest of us. We share your tears and your laughter. Thank you for inviting us into your life and letting us know that we are all in this thing called life together.
Congrats on Nick Jr. May this be the vehicle for bigger and better things ahead.
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January 10th, 2010 at 4:57 pm
chelsea: Glad I could make you laugh, even after surgery. Here’s to an uneventful recovery.
Holly: Thank you. Let’s all have lots of happy days in 2010.
Shelli Clark: Once someone asked if we are driven around in a limos! I said, “Are you kidding? That would be a total waste of money.”
Not perfect. Not even trying.
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January 11th, 2010 at 12:01 am
Hi Rachel, I first learned about signing time a few months ago from my daugther’s PT. The more I read about you, the more I learn about some similarities in our families. My second child was born with spina bifida and she also has unilateral hearing loss. When we found out about her hearing loss, I wanted to learn and teach her ASL. She can hear on one ear but I think that signing is benefitial for her. My first born is does not have a disability but he also enjoys signing.
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January 15th, 2010 at 9:02 pm
What a beautiful Christmas card! My gf always sends out and after Christmas card! so funny! You made me cry. Lucy getting that bunny. Not a dry eye after watching that. Your girls are so lucky to have been born to such a wonderful mommy and daddy to take care of them. When I see things like this I feel guilty for having a healthy child. God bless and take care! I enjoyed your websites!
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January 18th, 2010 at 1:30 pm
Wow, how precious was your daughter when you opened up the box?! It was so sweet! And you with the fins? What a great pair of family moments.
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January 18th, 2010 at 6:39 pm
Ok, Lucy getting the bunny was like the sweetest thing Ive ever seen, I’m glad I watched in alone because I cried hysterically! Especially after reading about the other one.:( I loved Leah asking her if she wants name suggestions. I love your kids, they are so sweet! Thank you for sharing.:)
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January 18th, 2010 at 6:45 pm
Ps: I cheat and take a cute picture of the kid, load it in the walgreens photo card border with a general nondenominational message for everyone, submit order, pick them up, print and stick address labels and stamps, and mail them on the first. It’s complete horrid slightly impersonal cheating, but the kid wrapped in Christmas lights pretending to be mad disguises this fact, and people think I’m a rock star. Can’t remember what I did without a cute kid to rely on…
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January 19th, 2010 at 11:40 pm
For the past 10 years, I have sent Christmas cards on and off. Some years I did write a lot (of course before kids) some other no so much or even none. This last one 2009, I sent out some cards where I included a picture of my children. The year before I did not send cards. 2008 was the year of my second child’s birth and I was debating what to write, just like you Rachel. My daughter was born with spina bifida and some hearing loss. I did not know what to write, we were waiting to see when her spine surgery was going to take place. We were also trying to figure out how much hearing loss she had.
It’s nice to know that I’m not the only one that goes through the debate of what to write when Christmas comes around. Rachel I think it’s great all the things you do for your daughters.
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February 5th, 2010 at 11:32 pm
I am a Christmas card slacker as well… I did a google search trying to find out if Signing Time was airing anywhere on tv (again) and I ran into your blog. I am so glad that I did. I have always wanted to tell you what an amazing person I think you are.
I enjoyed this glimpse into your personal life, watching Lucy get that bunny brought huge tears to my eyes. The girls have grown up so much since I saw them last. Leah is a beautiful young woman!!
My children love your show, it is so unique to other shows that try to teach children signing, most of them talk at them in boring monotones that kids just don’t care to pay attention to but we watched every episode of Signing Time over and over (and over and over, you know how kids are when they like a show) and *I* never got sick of watching it with them. I even brushed up on my signing as well and I am extremely proud that my children can sign. I owe you. I owe you for their interest in learning to sign and for helping me make it fun for them.
You have such a full plate and you have done SO much for children with disabilities while still managing to be an amazing mother. You’re my roll model. Thank you for everything you have done. I really look forward to ST being back on the television. Every time I hear you singing a clip I rush in to see if its the show again and it is just one of the excerpts being played on a random channel. Do you ever plan to make new episodes?
I wish you and your family the absolute best.
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February 15th, 2010 at 4:05 pm
Rachel,
Loved your blog and getting to know your family! My daughter has Downs and LOVES your videos, (I got ALL of them), and we were SO excited when we saw you on NickJr.
Seriously, thanks again for your Baby Signing and all the signing videos, they are Fabulous!!
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