Christi's Final Chat with Santa

Shayne stopped dressing up as "Santa" when Christi was diagnosed because he knew it would be emotionally too hard to ever do that again. December 2005, Christi, 8, Shayla 6. I knew I had to get the girls to see Santa for their yearly picture, but they weren't thrilled about stopping their play to go into town so I made them a deal. They had to get dressed up in dresses, but they didn't have to wear fancy shoes. It worked! They looked riduculous walking into the mall in fancy dresses and dirty tennis shoes, but I got the pictures and video I wanted! (Christi is wearing the dress that Shayla then wore to her funeral, weird, sickening actually!)

Here is Christi explaining to Santa for Shayla.



We really enjoyed our visitor today! My dear, dear, dear friend, Becky (and Shay's 4H advisor) stopped by and brought Shayla an incredible Christmas gift - an OSU Piggy Bank! She loves it! Thanks, Becky!

Per a posting blogger's request. Sorry, I don't have the photo that was taken, but this one is close.


GREAT NEWS: This afternoon I received my official "Your Research is Exempt" from Ohio State. As my Advisor told the Office of Responsible Research Practices today, "Thanks - we appreciate your help and guidance in attaining the exempt status." And now that I have the letter, she texted me, "You may officially begin your investigation!" YIPPEEE!!

My data base is being completed and I believe I will be folding and stuffing 1400 stamped envelopes, soliciting National Board Certified Teachers to participate in my study, the rest of the week with hopes of making my mail date of Friday. This is sooooooooo exciting!

WHAT IN THE WORLD? Shayla's not playing "Where in the World?" (although that game is coming very soon), but she wants to play, "What in the World?" Does anyone have a guess as to what this might be? Please post your guesses for Shayla - THANKS!