Kirsten (9 years old, female) & Nevaeh (2 years old, female)

I used to be Kirsten and Nevaeh's guardian ad litem and they are absolutely adorable. They are now living with their grandparents who are wonderful. They struggle financially but are doing an awesome job raising their grand-daughters. When Kirsten's poem was published in the school newspaper, they framed it and threw a party to surprise her. Kirsten worries a lot about her mom, who has used a lot of drugs on and off in the past but is doing great right now.

Kirsten gave me one of my favorite moments of all time working with children. I took her out to eat and she said, "Susan, I'm beginning to think that Santa is not real." I asked her, "why in the world would you say that?" She said, "well, when I turn over my toys, a lot of them say 'made in China' on the bottom." Although she was looking at me expectantly, I don't think she saw the panic fire through my mind. I looked at her and said, "don't you think they have elves in China?" She looked so relieved and said, "do you really think so?!" Kirsten is super-smart and absolutely adorable. She loves to try new places. When I took her out to eat the night of the Chinese Elves conversation, she chose an Asian restaurant because she'd never tried it before. I love this little girl! Kirsten loves being a big sister and is very loving and kind to Nevaeh. Nevaeh is a sassy and independent little girl. When her caseworker was last visiting at her house, she wanted to show her caseworker the potty. As soon as they got into the bathroom, Nevaeh said, "goodbye" and shut the door so she could have some private time in the bathroom. 

Kirsten's Wish List:

Barbie clothes

Barbie clothes carrier

Barbie accessories

"Zhu Zhu" pet animal toy

Justin Bieber poster 

bike helmet (wants something girly)

Nintendo DS game "Imagination Designers"

Nintendo DS game "Imagination Babysitters"

winter footie pajamas (child's medium)

long-sleeve shirts (child's medium)

pants (size 8)

snow boots

tennis shoes

sweaters (size child's medium)

winter dress (size medium)

Kirsten added gift certificates to movies, activities, and restaurants to her Christmas list so her family could go out to eat.  Really?  She could not be sweeter.

Gift Certificates for Dinner to California Pizza Kitchen

Gift Certificates for Movies

Nevaeh's Wish List:

doll house 

little people to play with doll house (doesn't need to be Barbie, thank god!)

doll and accessories set (Costco)

"zhu zhu" pet animal toy

snow boots (size 4.5 or 5)

play shoes (size 4.5 or 5)

pants (size 2T)

long-sleeve shirts (size 2T)

winter dress (size 2T)