a day in kindergarten

 Before Christmas vacation started, I got to go spend the afternoon with Hudson and his kindergarten class. First, I got to watch the performance (which of course was adorable- it was kindergartners.) It was a compilation of holiday songs from various cultures around the world. When I first got there, Hudson was on stage and I could see him scanning the crowd on tiptoe looking for me. When he saw me, his face lit up and it made my heart burst. (Especially after completely spacing his end of the year preschool performance last year.) He was so proud to do his speaking part, and did a great job. I could tell the part he really wanted was to play the little drums because he couldn't take his eyes off of them the whole time.

After the performance, I got to go back to his classroom and make a gingerbread house with him. It was so fun, I loved being able to see him with all his classmates and do something special with just him. That is so hard with 5 kids! I think the house we decorated ended up having about the same amount of candy as Hudson ingested while making it- ha.

Afterwards, I took Hudson and Rory out of school a little early (Ella had play practice) and we did some Christmas shopping and stopped to get a frozen yogurt at Mesa Froyo. Now that brought back a lot of memories. I told them about all the times I used to go there with my friends during Jr. high and high school and how I used to be able to buy a size 1 for one dollar even. We even found a picture up on the bulletin board of Ella and Rory when they were 3 and 2.

It was a good day. It is really hard to believe that the school year is halfway through!

soon it will be christmas day

So far, thus Christmas season has been lovely. I've been trying really hard to not stress and not get caught up in the commercialism and general busy-ness of the season. (I am busy enough on a daily basis, thanks.)

Ames is fascinated by the lights, the kids are bouncing off the walls, we are listening to carols 24/7, and snacking on little gingerbread men. I am looking forward to Christmas eve, when we have my favorite tradition, our Bethlehem dinner.

The kids and I were talking about why Christmas has that special feeling (if you let it) and we decided it was that being in the giving mode resonates with our spirits, it's really the mode we should try and be in all year.

So that is what I am trying to focus on this year. And to me, giving can be gifts, but more importantly I think it is time, service, and sacrifice.

Merry Christmas, friends!

heart of gold

This was Ella's first year doing soccer. She loved it, and she had so much fun. I was proud of how hard she worked, always running, going for the ball, trying her best. That is one thing about Ella you all must know. She doesn't give up easily. She keeps on trying, and usually with a good attitude. She quietly plugs along. 

She surprised me today by cleaning up the whole house with Rory. It was probably the best gift I've had for a long time. They did an amazing job and told me I was not allowed to pay them any allowance for it. I know my home will always be filled with love notes as long as Ella is around. 

a spark.

Of course Rory is the one out in the cold helping her dad put up the lights. Always looking to help, always curious as to how things work or what is going on. 

I told her the other day that she's always been like that. I remember Ella would be perfectly content watching sesame street and Rory would be following me around the house wanting to clean toilets with me. At age 1. 

I also told her we got her nickname (little rory sparkles) from a Sesame Street character called "little murray sparkles." I showed her the clip and she thought it was pretty funny. I got to spend a lot of time with those two cooped up all winter in our little farmhouse in Kansas. I remember going a little stir-crazy, but I cherish those peaceful first few years of motherhood with Ella and Rory now. 

Isn't life a funny thing? I'm glad Rory is in mine. 

she's golden

Lately, a certain little 3 year old blondie has been quite studious. She sets up her "work" with the piano bench and little rocking chair, and scribbles, cuts, and glues away for the better part of an hour. She really has been extra fun lately. I can tell the golden age of 4 is nearing.

I have been feeling really lucky lately that I get to stay home with these kids. Really, if I let myself enjoy it, it's pretty wonderful most of the time.

leaves and brothers

I often find these two outside, off in their own little world, getting dirty, laughing, exploring. And it makes me happy. They were made for each other in this house full of girls.

Ames.

You know what? I love this guy. That's all. 

Lord of all to thee we praise

On the way to Thanksgiving dinner, we all went around and said what we were grateful for. Unanimously, everyone was most grateful for family. I couldn't have agreed more. My family is my world, I love them so so much. They teach me things I could never learn on my own, they drive me crazy, they make my heart feel like it is going to burst. I am grateful for many things, but most of all my family.