If You Just Ask

There is a club at the school where I work called Interact that focuses on community service. One of their major events is done during December called "Dear Santa." The get names and (some) details for children or families from a local social services office that are in extreme need during the holiday season. As far as I can remember I have always participated with my classes in this endeavor and for the past few years I and usually about 9 other math teachers band together to collect for families. This year we had five families we were "adopting." I tell my students a little about their situation and then ask if they will be able to donate. I don't promise them anything in return - no extra credit, no perks, no party, nothing - just a warm feeling when they give. Every year they AMAZE me with how much they can and do give. I always set a lofty goal of $1000 for all five classes combined and somehow I make that goal each year. This year was the best my kids have ever done and I was so proud of what they could do together. I collected over $1500 from just my students! Just from donations! With the other classes we had almost $6000 to spend on the five families. We got each of the 26 people a gift as well as gift cards for gas, groceries, and clothing / general stores. We got a little Christmas tree for each family and wrapped it all up in a big storage bin. It is an amazing thing to be a part of and just wanted to share with you how great my students were!

Ornaments of Fun

As is our tradition every year we do an ornament exchange / steal with the folks from church. We had a great time this year. After some great food and company, the strategy and competition begins! There was a lot cute picks this year and therefore lots of stealing - always fun. In the end, the Fox family was the new keeper of our "Stanley Cup" of ornaments. The Caldwells signed off on the ornament and it now hangs from a hook in our living room ceiling.

A Tale of Two Teas

The first Saturday in December was a busy one for me. I decided I would throw my annual Christmas tea and brunch for my church family and real family in the morning. The ladies that were able to come were true examples of my theme this year - being thankful. We thanked each other for things we had not thanked them for before, we shed our tears (usually a goal of mine), and grew closer to one another. It was a lovely way to start the day. (I was so busy playing hostess, I forgot to take pictures!)Later in the evening, Kassidy, out guest Oma (Susie) and I attended at dear friend of ours tea. (She is the lady who influenced me to start my own Christmas tea tradition.) We enjoyed a program on friendship and enjoyed an evening with our closest friends.

It was a nice (albeit hectic) way to begin the Holiday season. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all the ladies who made my day so meaningful.

Big Kids Now!

Here's a snapshot of what it looks like very often around here these days.

That's right, we are now the proud owners of a set of potty-trained twins! Remarkably it only took a week, some new fancy undies (Lightning McQueen for Konner, Tinker Bell and princesses for Kassidy), and some fruit snacks Jason picked up (jelly beans, not really doing the trick). I am not saying we haven't had our share of accidents here and there, but we have gone on numerous shopping trips and even saw a movie without incident! A victory of epic proportions, if I say so myself. I even smiled to myself as I just walked right past the diapers at Costco the other day. We have some very proud parents over here and just wanted to share our new found fortune!!

Kyler is Five

Dear Kyler,
When you turned five last month, I just has to think, wow, what a big kid you have turned into. You even no longer look like a baby - even your sweet face has a new look to it. You have adjusted to full time school very well, learning to write neater, reading (wow!!), discovering the world out there. Your teacher says that you are one smart kid, have a great imagination, and are one heck of an artist. She also said you could be so much more if you weren't so distracted (and distracting!) sometimes. I guess we will be working on that. You love to be the leader (I think that comes from me) and that will come in handy later in life - bossing your brother and sister around right now though, not so much fun for them. You are a character (that I am sure is daddy's influence) and very sure of yourself - good for you. When you say your prayers at night, you only thank God for one thing. It changes from night to night (dragons, firepower, lately holidays), but it is always just one thing. You always have to sit on our front porch to say goodbye to whomever is leaving our house and can't move until their car is out of sight. One of your ultimate things to do is to do projects - or at least gather supplies for your projects - it is quite amazing what is in that head of yours! With all of the things you are learning each day, I can't wait to see how much you continue to grow and mature in the next year. I love you big guy!

A Sleeping Princess

When a princess turns in for the night, I am pretty sure it looks something like this...
Did you see the fluffy pink tutu and the pink slippers? Just what every princess needs!

Nice Ride

Kyler's birthday present from us was a trip to make his own car at a new store (at least to us) in Downtown Disney called Ridemakerz. (Think Build-a-Bear for the male set.) It was way cool and he grinned the ENTIRE time. He got to pick out the car's body - a green racecar, of course - the wheels, hub caps, got to make it remote controlled, got a hood scoop and some fancy side tail pipes, plus some decals to top it off. We spent too much but it was so much fun and Kyler, Jason and Granddaddy were definitely impressed at his new ride!

Giving Thanks

On the way over to Aunt Wendy's yesterday, Jason and I talked about what we were thankful for. While the kids napped (thanks needed for that one), this is what we came up with.
Twin Toddlers
Hosting parties and get-togethers
Almost being done with diapers
New opportunities at work
Kyler's Kindergarten
Supportive spouse
Grammy's love of our kids and shopping
Intangible blessings from above
Very good friends
Incredible kids
Non-stop...well, everything
G-mama being able to watch the kids
We are thankful for you, too! Hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving.

A SUPER Hero Birthday

When a super kid turns five it is only fitting to have a superhero party.With our cheesey old-school superhero sayings...a city-scape for ambiance...and a cape cake (that matched his own superhero cape), we were ready to go!All the kids had or got their very own cape and even did a little coloring before it all got started.We had a superhero obstacle course that sent up the ladder, down the slide, through tunnel, around the cones, over the ropes to a "building" to save the babies and kitties (of course) trapped inside!With the candles blown out, it was time for the best part...Presents!!!There were so many great and thoughtful gifts! Kyler is still unwrapping one a day finding all sorts of things to play with!Our traditional birthday picture.

We had a great time, it only lasted 2 hours (lunch included - we are getting pretty good and moving these parties along), all the family was able to come out, one of his friends from school came, Kyler was spoiled with all the great gifts, and the kids had a great time being their own superheros for the day.

A SUPER party on a SUPER day for a SUPER kid! Happy 5th birthday Kyler!!