Christmas Sing-Sing

Bailey's class had their Christmas program this morning. Her class sang " I Want a Hippopatomus for Christmas" and it was darling to see so many 5 year-olds sing their hearts out with no teeth. See Bailey, front row, third from left.

note: Why did this teacher HAVE to stand in front of me? Oh well...

Advent Calendar

A couple of days ago, we put out the once-a-year Advent calendar. Since summer ended and fall began, I've had this feeling of wanting to have everything completed for the holidays (shopping, planning, wrapping, etc...) so that we can enjoy the wonders of winter and the spirit of the season.

That being said, instead of the girls opening a door on our little wood house each day to reveal a semi-melted, foil-wrapped holiday bell, they are now finding a little note that gives them something to do each day. One day it might be to do something nice for someone (that was today's note and Bailey told me that she told someone she liked her hair...oh well, you have to start somewhere), the next day may be to bake cookies, it may be an outing to the movies or something as simple as lighting a fire and watching Christmas movies or singing Christmas carols as a family. It doesn't matter what it says behind each number, the point is to REALLY take in the true spirit of Christmas and spend time together as a family. I'm happy to report, it seems to be going really well and it's so fun to see the excitement on their faces as they see what the next day holds...

Pee Pee Dance

We need to take a brief timeout from what was going to be a Christmas post but is now a potty post. Yep, she finally did it. You have never seen a more excited group of people (myself, Gracie and Dana). We danced, sang, praised and rejoiced.

Now, back to our regularly scheduled program...

Give Thanks

I am so thankful for the wonderful life I have been blessed with. It's been an awesome year and now more than ever, I'm reminded of just how great life is!

1 glorious and faithful Savior (who continues to bless us beyond measure) 1 wonderful, handsome, devoted father and husband, 2 beautiful, fun little girls and the world's best dog. How much more could a girl ask for? Oh, and I'm pretty sure we have the greatest friends and family!!!

We give thanks today and everyday after and are so happy you all are in our lives...those here and those far away. Blessings...

Grateful

The girls love to bake, so in the spirit of the holiday we baked pumpkin bread and delivered it to our awesome friends. We are so grateful for the many wonderful friends we have.

We Love You All!!!!

Recognition

Bailey received 2 awards today at school for attendance and excellent academics. It was so weird to be one of THOSE moms with my camera, my other little one and a huge smile across my face displaying how proud I was! Times are flying by and we are getting older but they days keep getting better!

Family

My mom and I made a road trip to Santa Maria last weekend to visit with family. My grandmother's sisters were visiting from Texas and it was so nice to see them. My aunt Laura is 93! Couldn't believe how great she looks. It seems like no time has passed since the last time we saw everyone. Missing from some of the photos were my dad's other sister, Aunt Shirley. She was a blast to hang out with for the rest of the day.

I love my aunties so much. It was a blast!!!