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!