Excitement is the word around here this week. In case you have somehow lost count, there is no less than FIVE days until Christmas as of today (four if you count like Nathan, who figures that today is basically over already).

Even though our kids have school through tomorrow, the teachers have all but given up on getting any work done, and tomorrow is a designated "fun day" at school for all. The kids are looking forward to decorating gingerbread houses, Christmas concerts, snow sculpting competitions, games, treats, parties and for Mercy (the junior high student), a dance. This weekend we also have a church Christmas party, a Christmas movie at the theater, a Christmas street fair downtown and a sledding trip planned.

On top of that, my younger brother (who is ultra cool in the eyes of my kids!) and his girl friend arrived late last night to share Christmas week with us. We are brimming over with holiday excitement.

As we have been enjoying the festivities and excitement of the holidays, I have been touched by how much we truly are a family. All of the kids are extremely settled, well-adjusted, happy, healthily attached, strongly bonded and just thriving. Nobody is "new" this year, and everyone knows what to expect for Christmas and is very excited about it.

Despite their high excitement levels, the kids are really being awfully well behaved and are getting along really well too. We are just having a whole lot of fun. And despite my "adoption stress", I have done a really good job of just enjoying the holidays and not stressing over them. I got my shopping done early, I get gifts I hope our family and friends will enjoy but I did not stress over them, I have not gone crazy with tons of baking or challenging projects and I have been taking the time to just enjoy the season with Josh and the kids.

A few minutes ago I looked in at my kids, who are sprawled out all over the living room with blankets and pillows watching a Christmas movie with my brother and his girlfriend. Maggie is snuggled up with Mercy. Shane,Ben and Marcus are sharing a big pillow and blanket. Belane and Amanda are curled up on my brother. Des is laying with her aunt-to-be. Nate and Ry are sharing a pillow and blanket front and center. Everyone is comfortable. Everyone is settled. Everyone is happy.

It is a beautiful picture of what a family can be, and that is what this holiday season is all about for me.