Christmas Morning

Christmas morning started a little different for us this year...

M and I woke up before the kids.

We made a pot of coffee and just waited...for.an.hour!

Finally, C2 came down the stairs wondering if he could get up. Upon hearing that yes, he could get up, he hurriedly woke up his brother and sister and they all mozzied into the living room.

Boy! Have times changed!


C2's main gift was a DSi.


C1 received an iPod Touch; that thing is amazing!


B got a weight bench. Soon we will all be buff!


Overall, they were all happy.

C1 is now counting down to her birthday!

Wonder what she wants?

Time To Get Busy!

That's right...it's time to get down to the nitty, gritty business if getting ready for Christmas!

We are having Christmas here at our house again for M's family on Christmas Eve. Everyone decided it was so nice last year, we'd just do the same. Actually, it was here, or the restaurant. No one really wanted to do that...

We will eat, go to church, then come back for presents and fun! I'm actually pretty excited; just have to start getting ready!

All the Christmas shopping is done. Most of the presents are wrapped. I need to go to the grocery today with a list a mile long. Then, the fun part, cleaning.

Things aren't too bad, just a few details to take care of. C2's room needs a good pick up; that's where the kids will play. I've noticed a few cobwebs that need to be knocked down, and my curio cabinet needs a good Windex shine. Other than that, just the basics.

Oh! And the cooking. M wants to make some fudge and cookies. He says he and the kids will take care of all that though.

Sounds great to me!

Well, I Went

Today, with two other teachers, I visited Jack.

I was a little anxious about the visit. Wasn't sure what to expect.

But, I am so glad I did.

He is doing so well. He almost looks better than he did before. His coloring is better, and because of the chemo, his face has filled out.

His hair is very thin, but his mom said it is actually starting to come back already.

He was in good spirits, and actually getting around pretty good. I guess a week ago, it was a different story.

Before we left, we all got hugs. He warned us first to be very careful of his port. He DID NOT want to get bumped there!

God bless you, Jack!

Jack

In September, one of our kindergartners was diagnosed with cancer.

He is doing well, and is home now, for Christmas.

To watch a video that one of our local churches put together about Jack, click here.

Tomorrow, along with our school principal and two other teachers, I am going to visit him.

I actually have very mixed emotions about this. I am going, because it is the right thing to do, but I know I will be an emotional wreck after. After his diagnosis, I had a really hard time.

Watch the video, and say a prayer.

He has a long way to go...

The Best Place To Be?

This time of year, the best place to be, is in the Kindergarten classroom. Now, I know there are a few of you out there that will disagree, but hear me out.

Here at my house, my kids no longer believe in Santa.

Christmas is still a fun time around here. The kids all still get excited about decorating (even B), we bake cookies (that never happens the rest of the year), and there is constant chatter about what they are getting (they seem to think I'm going to tell them).

But just the wonder and magic of Santa...is gone.

As soon as we go back to school after Thanksgiving break, all the kids are just so excited for the season.

"It's almost Christmas!", they all say.

And of course, they talk about Santa. I.love.it!!! I really do miss the innocence that goes along with believing in Santa.

If you believe, all is right with the world.

There are always one or two kids that I do feel sorry for.

The non-believers.

Because there has to be no worse feeling than being verbally attacked by 23 of you best friends yelling...

"UH HUH! SANTA IS REAL!!!"

They always look over my way and I just give them the look that says...

"You're on your here. I learned a long time ago, you don't mess with Santa."

Kindergarten Birthday Wishes

Every year the teacher I work with and the kids "surprise" me with pictures and birthday wishes.

This year was no different.

I wanted to share a couple of my favorites.

I really like this first one. I think I'm looking pretty good...


Now, this next one, was drawn by my cousin's little boy, B.

B has a sense of humor that is just not right for a six year old!


When the teacher shared this last one with me, she made sure to tell me, "I want you to know, this is NOT how I drew you on the board!"

Then I saw who it was from and understood immediately!

That crazy B!!!

One More Thing Learned

Last year for my birthday, I listed 39 things that I have learned in my lifetime.

Well, on this last trip around the sun, I learned one more thing.

If you hurt the ones that love you, it takes a long time to get back to where you once were.

I'm so sorry...