Joy of December

This December it took me longer than usual to get into the holiday spirit.  I know everyone has the holiday moment meltdowns but I was starting to think that I would just not feel "it" this year.  Then a few days ago my fog started to clear and I was able to refocus.  I began thinking that the Joy of Christmas was around me in a lot of little moments this year instead of one great big TA-DA moment. 

For starters we have not only got to see 1 Christmas performance - but 4!  Carissa performed beautifully with all the Kindergartner's. 

 Audrey performed with the show choir at 2 Holiday events and then again with the 3rd Grade Class at school.  She had a solo one night and just rocked her lines!

 We typically never go see Santa unless the line is short and we just happen to bump into him.  (One time we saw him and Mrs. Claus in their car...).  This year we lucked out and the girls even got to take a picture. 

 And, as I was going about not finding the Christmas Joy this little lady (we named her Candy Cane Jane) showed up and has been doing mischievous things daily.  Two days ago we found her on top of the fridge with the food coloring and she had dyed our milk green!    I owe her a big thanks for continuing to help keep the magic of Christmas alive in our home.

 No holiday season is complete without the Nutcracker Ballet in this family.  Grammy treated us, once again, to the special performance.  The girls looked beautiful and were so good.  They laughed at the Russian dance and were mesmerized by the Sugar Plum Fairy.

 We even arrived in time to listen to one of the dancers read the Nutcracker story before the show. 

In addition to all that we have been reading from our Advent Calendar and studying the bible every night.  It is something we have never done before as a family and the girls LOVE it.  Last night we learned that Joseph and Mary walked about 80 miles to get to Bethlehem - that is almost from here to Lake Havasu! 

It is clear to me now- 4 days until Christmas - that while I was so busy in my fog the Christmas Joy was happening without me.   I didn't even have to walk 80 miles to see the miracle - I just needed to look up - it was right here the whole time.

For the Record

Thanksgiving Weekend in Lake Havasu.  This was our 3rd year in a row.  We camped at Cattail Cove and the weather was so perfect.  I wish I had more pictures!  Mostly what I can say about it was that it just felt comfortable.  The kids felt at home and just played and enjoyed each other.   The food was delicious, as usual, and Audrey ate up the Green Bean Casserole.   We watched the old movies from the 60's and heard some great stories. Everyone came to our Campsite on Friday.  Matt, Suzanne, and Lola even camped for one night this year.  It was so fun to have them there.  Here are some pictures...for the record.  

Nothing better than a squeeze from Grandpa!!

Grandma & Grandpa

Hanging out in the Backyard Playhouse

10 years

November 3rd 2011 - Our Ten Year Anniversary

Ten years ago I married a man that I knew for the minute I saw him would be my husband.  I tell the story all the time but the first time he hugged me it was like coming home.  It was love and caring, security and adventure all mixed together.  It was right.

Woodinville Boutique Wine Tour

 Ten year later I can still feel it but it is so much more.  It is knowing when to push and knowing when to let up.   The feeling of joy when you can make each other laugh or see the other through a hard day.   

St. Edward Park Trail

 It is sharing memories and moments that only you both know. 

 Eating great food together and loving that the other one loves exactly the same thing.

Spread from Pike's Place Market

 It is just being...together...

Edmonds Marina Park

happily ever after.

Happy Halloween

Today is November 1st and I can honestly say that I am suffering from a Halloween Hangover.  I am so happy that we did so much Halloween..er..ing but I am so glad it is over. 

Of course we carved the pumpkins and played with the squishy insides.

This was our happy Jack O'Lantern results.  I am particulary proud of the ghosts because it was my first ever carved pumpkin!  I might just have to get my own to do next year.

On Halloween I helped spook out Audrey's third grade class.  I made slime with the kids and recruited Grammy to help with the cookie decorating.  I am so grateful I get to help in the classroom but again, am glad it when it is over.  Hmm, I am starting to see a pattern here.  Small doses...tiny small doses...

On Halloween Night we invited our family and neighbors over for a potluck and Trick-or-Treating.  Justin moved the truck and some spooky kids jumped in the back. 

We didn't pick our neighbors but somehow ended up with some great families.  There is Wyatt and Wes and Ella and Cole.  They all ended the night dancing to Thriller in the dark on the lawn and it was super cute.

One of our neighbors, Rachel, brought over the Eyeballs (Chocolate Covered Donuts).  I was super impressed and they were really yummy.

Now we have enough candy until Easter.

Minus the Almond Joy's, which I quickly hid for late night snacking. 

Each year just gets better and better.  The girls are into everything and it makes my heart happy when they can enjoy all the little things I try and make special. 

It's all about the Hair...

The latest "new thing" is having feathers in your hair.  The girls have been talking about it from the summer and we finally had the chance to get them (thanks to Auntie Sara).    I have to admit at first I had my doubts but now that the feathers are in they are pretty fun and really maintenance free.  

This past week was "Spirit Week" at school.  Everyday was a new theme and the girls went all out.  The first day was Crazy Hair Day.  I learned my lesson early on that just waking up and going to school without brushing your hair is just NOT crazy enough.  

No - Audrey needed colored hair spray, spoons, and a mermaid.

Carissa though was not quite sure.  She opted for just braids and some color because she said she wanted to look crazy, but NOT nuts! 

Another day of the week was decade day.  The girls and I had so much fun looking through my old pictures for inspiration for the '80's.  We were able to "rat-out" Audrey's hair and she looked, well, like me when I was 8.  Carissa went like a '70's chic and I think it suited her great.

 This school year has been great so far.  The girls are doing excellent, Carissa is starting to read and Audrey received all A's the first semester.  They are learning so much  - we are so proud!!

Achievements

I am here to document that you were Student of the Month and figured out how to blow a bubble in the same week...inspiring!

Now that I am 34

... I know they say age is just a number but I would have to disagree.  

Age is a milestone and a journey.  It is a story and a path. 

When I was 14 it wasn't just a number; it was my second year of being in the "teens".  It was working for the first time and having a little independence.  It was learning how to have and be a really good friend.  It was walking around the mall without my mom.  It was church summer camp and learning God was there.

When I was 24 it wasn't just a number.  It was putting on my wedding dress and walking down the aisle.  It was becoming a wife and learning how to love a man unconditionally.  It was paying my bills on time and buying enough groceries for the week.  

Now that I am 34 I can say for sure, age is not just a number.  My convictions are stronger and my expectations are higher.  I know what I am good at and what I am not.  I know what makes my heart ache and what brings me pure joy. 

I am happy to have been 14 and 24 and I am grateful for my journey and the choices and chances I have received along the way.  I am proud to be mom and a wife.  I am glad to be 34.  ~