Thankful

We had such a wonderful Thanksgiving break ... we had beautiful weather, a full house, and lots of laughter (and some obligatory two-year-old meltdowns, too).  Our week started with a trip to the doctor (for Emma) and a prescription for steroids to help with her asthma.  After that, though, we were good to go.  

Tuesday's main event was a trip to the American Girl Doll Store, where Sara chose Rebecca as an early birthday present from Grandma and Grandpa.  Have you ever been in that store?!  It was our first time, and it basically rendered us speechless.  We were overwhelmed and super excited all at once.  We spent a long time picking out outfits, pajamas, and accessories for Rebecca, and because my mom brought with her my old Samantha doll, we waited for her to get her hair done and skin cleaned at the salon on the second level of the store.  Samantha was ordered out of a catalog back when American Girl was the Pleasant Company, but she's in great shape for her age.  She got a couple of new outfits, too, and has become Emma's doll.  The girls spent a lot of time during the week playing with their dolls - changing outfits, doing hair, tucking them in for bed, etc.  Rebecca's main dress is purple, so Sara has been committed to wearing purple each day since she brought Rebecca home.  That's love.

 This beautiful two-story tree was in the center of the store.

Grandma Lou arrived on Wednesday afternoon, and we were all glad she made the trip to spend Thanksgiving with us. Sara was so excited to have G-Lou at our house, and spent most of the first evening talking to her about anything and everything.  

We had a fantastic Thanksgiving, complete with watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, a trip to the park, delicious food, football, and "Christmas Vacation."  Sara donned her vest and hat that she made at school for the Thanksgiving Feast, but she only wore them for the picture - she said she was too embarrassed to wear them for any longer.

Along with a large turkey, we had mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, roasted brussel sprouts, stuffing, cranberry sauce, rolls, and pumpkin pie.  As always, it was a lot of work, but totally worth it (especially since we had enough leftover for round two on Friday).  There are some things that I believe can only be done one way, and Thanksgiving dinner is one of them.  Steve was in charge of carving the turkey, and he saved the wishbone for the girls.

Friday was dedicated to Christmas decorating.  We got the tree up, as well as the outside lights.  It definitely looks like Christmas around here.  As expected, the girls have spent a lot of time pressing the buttons on all of the ornaments that play music, and Sara added some homemade pipe-cleaner decor to make the tree even more festive. 

 Four generations in front of the tree...

Unfortunately, Frosty hasn't been inflated much because the winds have been outrageous, but there's still hope for him over the next few weeks. 

 Yesterday morning, after we dropped G-Lou off at the airport, my mom and I went to Target.  We didn't shop at all on Black Friday, but of course we looked at the ads and decided we couldn't pass up 40% off all clothes at our favorite spot.  We felt a little guilty about not supporting Small Business Saturday, but sometimes you just need to go to Target (plus, I needed laundry detergent and toilet paper ... what were we to do?).  It was nice to have some quiet time together to browse the store and find a bunch of things we couldn't live without.  During the afternoon, the girls worked on a gingerbread house.  I think they ate as much candy as they put on it, but they had a good time and it looks great on our table. 

My parents are on their way to Florida for the winter, and part of their luggage this trip included their bikes.  Steve and I still don't have bikes, but I was able to take a couple good rides on my mom's, which was a nice treat.  Throughout the week, the girls spent a lot of time doing crafts, playing at the park and on the driveway, and our evenings together were spent watching our favorite Christmas movies.  We also got G-Lou to Ojeda's for a margarita and some delicious food ... so, all in all, it was a great week.  We have so much to be thankful for.  Now, as usual after a break, we're getting ready to return to work and school feeling totally exhausted.  But it's good tired, and that matters.  We're ready for the December portion of our holiday season!

We made it!

It's been a long stretch, but we've made it to our week-long Thanksgiving break!  For the first time, our district's calendar didn't allow for any breaks between Labor Day and Thanksgiving, and that is a l-o-n-g time for both students and teachers.  However, going without a three-day weekend earlier on has allowed us the entire week off next week, and for that I am super thankful.  I do realize that people in professions other than education may feel that "all of our breaks" are unfair, but it's totally different in so many ways that I won't even begin to argue here tonight.

Even Sara, who LOVES school and acts all disappointed when I pick her up in the afternoons, is excited for a break and a week of sleeping in.  She had a big week, with her first field trip to the Dallas Zoo yesterday.  She was so excited to get on the bus and go that she dressed and ready (all on her own) before 6:00 am.  Of course she had a great time!  Emma needs a break, too: within 20 minutes of dropping her off at school on yesterday, she threw up twice.  As a result, she and Steve spent the day lounging around the house sipping 7-Up.  She's much better today, but all signs point to the fact that we all could use a little R&R ... and food and football and Christmas decorating and everything else that comes with Thanksgiving week around here!

 This afternoon I got back from 5th grade camp.  Our weather was perfect for camping and hiking - not too hot, not to cold.  The kids were so engaged and well-behaved that I was able to relax and fish for a bit.  Some administrators despise having to go to camp, but I just love it.  We go a little ways up north where the air is cleaner, the stars shine brighter, and kids are introduced to experiences that many have never had.  I'm already looking forward to going again next year.  (By the way, the fish were not biting today.)

I just have to share Sara's turkey that she made for school.  I couldn't be more proud.  And now that basketball season has started, we can all hold our heads high.  This one's going on display in our house.  Forever True!

As you know, we have guests coming for Thanksgiving.  My parents will be here in a couple of days, and Grandma Lou arrives Wednesday afternoon.  This weekend I have to do a bunch of laundry, clean the house thoroughly, and hit the grocery store with this list ... yikes!

We're looking forward to a low-key week.  Hopefully the weather is nice so we can make some trips to the park.  On Wednesday we are going to take the girls to the American Girl Doll Store, and on Friday, per tradition {we WILL NOT shop}, we'll put up our Christmas tree.  And of course we'll take part in the season's first screening of "Christmas Vacation".  I know the week will fly by, so I'm already telling myself to just slow down and enjoy it.  Family, laughter, food, holiday spirit, football, the Macy's parade  ... what's not to enjoy?

a good weekend

We have had a good weekend - low key and easy (and stress-free since the Cyclones and Cowboys were both on bye weeks).  I love it.  Friday night Steve made us a delicious dinner, served by candlelight.  What a nice surprise at the end of a busy week!  We watched a movie on TV and went to bed early.

Saturday morning started with donuts, always a hit in this house.  Emma insisted on helping me clean, and although I think she left more prints on the window than she cleaned off, she sure is a cute helper.  In big news, on Saturday I treated myself to my first Diet Coke in 5+ weeks.  Not gonna lie ... it was delish.

 During the afternoon, Sara and I went to the mall to buy Christmas presents for someone from the Angel Tree.  Sara chose a 5-year-old girl named Sophie, and she did a great job shopping for her.  She picked out shoes, clothes, a doll, and some accessories from Claire's.  I was proud of Sara because she really put a lot of thought into which items to pick, and she was pretty thrilled when we handed in our bag full of gifts for Sophie. 

Today has been cold and rainy, so we've settled for an inside day.  I was really hoping to avoid the store today, but when it became apparent mid-day that I'd have to get a few things for the week, I ran to Target.  Did you see the coupon in their ad today? With a $50 grocery purchase, I got a $10 gift card.  Score!

I made chicken noodle soup for an early dinner, which hit the spot on this chilly day.  Despite our crummy weather, the fire is going and we're comfy and cozy in our home.  Oh, and Thanksgiving is just around the corner and Christmas Carols are back on the radio ... reason enough to smile.  Hope your weekend was a good one, too!

Wordless Wednesday

Big Girl Bed

We transformed Emma's crib into a toddler bed yesterday.  She was very excited about her big girl bed!  Yesterday's nap and last night's sleep were both successful, so we're off to a good start.

Steve and I agree that the next thing to go has got to be the diapers ... but we don't have quite as much control over that time frame, unfortunately.  One thing at a time!

scattershooting

Finally, a few minutes for a brief update.  The weeks have been dragging by, and Thanksgiving break can't come soon enough.  Things have been good, but we're all ready for a little rest.  Tonight the best I can do is a quick bullet point catch-all/catch-up ...

• I'm so happy with how Emma's speech is developing.  Her teacher keeps telling me how well she is doing at school, having mastered colors, numbers, and a variety of signs.  She said Emma loves to be her helper and tell the other kids what to do (which I know means bossy), but I'm glad she's thriving at her new school.  She loves to go there to the point that, on a rough morning, we can threaten not going to school and she usually shapes up!
• We have Sara's first conference next week.  I think it will go well, but am still anxious to hear what her teacher has to say.  Sara is still loving school and was excited this week that she got to climb the rock wall in PE.
• My head is really starting to wrap itself around Christmas shopping.  Sara has been mesmerized by some infomercials lately, and keeps saying, "I've wanted _________ my whole life!"  Despite her suggestions, I'm not even sure where to start on gifts this year.  So far, I know the girls are getting underwear.  Probably going to have to up the game.
• I haven't read a book in a while (as you may have noticed).  I've been spending time reading some educational materials, and have also been involved in some really great professional learning network Twitter chats on different education trends.  It's been engaging and enlightening, and networking with new people has challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone in terms of technology.
• We don't have a single plan this weekend other than a grocery trip.  The last few weekends have been busy, so I'm really looking forward to a total lack of schedule.  Actually that's not 100% true: Mexican food is on the agenda at some point.  But that's manageable.
• After watching "The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" nearly 1,000 times leading up to Halloween, Emma is in love with Charlie Brown.  We walk in the door and she starts asking for him.  We're waiting for the Thanksgiving CB to come in the mail; the Valentine's one has been holding her over in the meantime.  She's definitely a kid who finds something she likes and fixates on it relentlessly (until something better comes along).
• My meatless month is still going, although I haven't been as disciplined this time around.  I've allowed myself some grilled chicken on the weekends; it hasn't been a whole lot, but just a little here and there mostly because it makes life easier if I'm eating the same thing as the rest of the fam.
• On the other hand, I've been totally caffeine free.  The first week was terrible.  I had headaches everyday.  Now, though, I'm feeling great.  I think I have occasional Diet Coke cravings, but I know it won't taste that great and I'll be disappointed in myself if I cave at this point.  I've been drinking ice water (plus a La Croix flavored water with lunch), and, if nothing else, I have to say I'm sleeping more soundly.  I never say never, so I can't claim that DC won't be back in my life at some point, but I still have to give it a while.  I know that if I drink one now I could easily fall back into my old habits.
• This morning Steve and Sara left early to go have a special breakfast at McDonald's.  It was Steve's last minute idea and Sara was thrilled!  Here's what a TGIF plate o' pancakes looks like:
  
   
  Happy Weekend!