Kids' Christmas Party

God laid it on my heart, a month ago, to have a party for the kids to kick off Christmas break.  This time of year is about sharing God's love, as He did with us.  So, it was a nice way for my little ones to take part in sharing their home with others.  The plans were easy: make an ornament, eat lunch (pizza), watch a movie (with pillows and blankets and popcorn), and then games outside.  There were some challenging moments with 18 kids ranging in age from a year and a half to seven.  Much thanks to my many helpers or it would not have been possible.  The kids truly enjoyed spending time just being kids together. 

So Much to Say

It is hard to decide what to write about after not blogging for so long.  So much to get off my mind.  The thought of writing sometimes is too overwheleming, but as soon as my fingers start to type, I'm relieved.  The wheels are turning, sometimes I pause and put on the brakes.  And sometimes I feel like I'm at a red light that just won't change.  But when the trip is over and I have a result, an entry, I feel much better.

So here I go:

Christmas- I love little white lights glowing in my house. I love that red and green compliment my living room quite well.  I love that my kids finally eat the cookies we bake and don't just pick out the chocolate chips anymore.  I love that the kids are so excited to GIVE each other gifts.  I love that they know that Christmas is about sharing God's love, as He shared with us.  I could go on....

But I have to get a lot off this mind....

KIDS.........(pictures are on the dud computer....still working on moving them over.)
Ella- Such a copy cat.  Every move the kids make-she's there following along.  If they cry-she cries.  If they want more-she wants more.  If they drag out all of their bedding because they are going on a flight from "Los Angeles to Miami," she is right there with her pillow and blanket in hand ready to roll.


Cailin- Still sweet. Still shy.  Still screams.  I can't believe that next year she will be in PreK.  We took a break from our ABC time when I started to sub more often.  I'm looking forward to getting back on track after Christmas.  She knows most of her alphabet...need to work more on handwriting...she's showing  more of an interest.  She, too, is still a copy cat.  She loves her some Alayna...her hero.


Alayna- Oh Miss Lanie.  She is four.  And I admire her too.  Not much phases her at all.  On the playground a few weeks ago, she runs into a little boy who is blocking the entrance to the tunnel.  "Hi. I'm Alayna.  My sister needs to get through.  Could you move? What's your name? How old are you? Could you move now?"  As a little girl I would have gotten my mom and had her tell that boy to move...much too shy.  But not her.  Maybe that's why she's Cailin's hero.

Eric-  He loves superheroes.  He loves football and most sports for that matter.  He loves chillin' out with Daddy.  He loves making plans for his family.  And when he tells me he loves me...his eyes sparkle and I know he means it.  


Yes, there's more....


House-I don't like clutter.  I don't like objects not in the right place.  Dusted. Organized. Vacuumed.  Sprayed. Scrubbed.  Mopped.  Shiny. Fresh.  That's the way I like it.  However, it's an uphill battle everyday.  If I'm not doing something for or with my kids, I'm  cleaning.  


Work- I truly love being in the classroom.  I truly love "staying at home."  I'm thankful to have my parents help on days I sub.  Slowly working on finding the balance.  


Back to Christmas- So much still "to do."  Gifts, cookies, wrapping, cards, activities, and yes...cleaning.  I am so very blessed.  Thanks for sending your Love.  What a time of year to share it :)

Fall '10 Snapshots

Beautiful.

Cailin taking a "rest."

Ella, her partner.

Ella tried to climb up for a pyramid shot.  Not a good idea.

So much time has passed...her teeth have been filled in. 

We love dress up!

Especially Cailin.

Eric reading to his sisters.

Eric had an awesome soccer season.  Tons of goals!

Jacksonville Zoo Trip.

Mommy and her ladies!

Eric and Ella, the copy cat.

More Halloween.

Ella at Aunt Sarah's Potluck dinner.

Firehouse Trip.

Sock Season

Ella said...."Coooold" as I opened the front door this morning.  She's a Florida girl.  It was fifty.  I can remember being a kid, we were so excited it was fifty degrees out because we thought that was warm!  It's sock season, as I call it.  Socks everywhere! Socks in the car, socks by the door, socks in the playroom, laundry room, bedrooms, bathrooms. Socks in my purse.  Socks at other people's houses.  Really...these kids do not like socks.  (Since I typed this...yes, I had to collect and wash and dry them all.)  Eric said the other day, "How do these socks get folded in a nice ball like this in the dryer?" I think he's a bright kid, but really??? Don't you see Mommy washing, drying, and folding all the time!!!  Ahh, yes, sock season.

Break

I needed a break. Doesn't everyone? So I had a plan. Work crazy hard on Wednesday. Enjoy the hour that the oldest three kids were gone at AWANA. It's much better relaxing, after you've worked hard and have a clean house to show for it. I was going to sleep in a half hour later on Thursday. (The phone rang much much earlier then I excepted and woke me up...oh well.) This didn't stop my plan. After the shower, I made coffee and sat down to read. Billy was on the clock. He put laundry in, woke up the kids, got breakfast, got them ready for school, cleaned up the dishes...and on and on. I sat and read. That's it. He blessed me with precious time. Then he took the kids to school and the little ones went with him. Yes, a quiet house for 45 minutes. Glorious. When he returned we packed up for a walk and lunch at Ravine Gardens. And this weekend we have a beach day and zoo day plans in the works. (All at no cost!! Except gas money....boo!!) I have felt a need for a break for a while and I am so happy to have had simple quiet time this morning. Family time will be this weekend. Precious.

Currently the pictures will not load onto the computer. Soon I'd like to post pics of soccer and of our mornings at home with my two little girls, but right now that's not happening.

Psalm 118:1

Headed to soccer.  Eric has scored 5 goals in 3 games.  5 goals out of his team's total of 6!!  Go Eric!! We all scream!! The girls bring a soccer suitcase with Barbie on the front.  It's equipped with books, coloring books, crayons, magazines.  I have a cereal bag for when they get the munchies. We eat dinner after school.  We leave the house a mess and cross our fingers we have time to get in the bath when we get home. I hope to have enough energy to gather the mess together a bit after they are asleep and before I hit the couch to veg out.  Headed out the door now....knowing my fate.  I have a headache as usual. I'm going to use bunches of money on gas.  Eric doesn't know where his socks are or how to get his shin pads on.  I can't forget to feed Jersey or pack dinner for Billy.  Cailin will fall asleep. Maybe Alayna.  Cailin will scream when she wakes up in the parking lot.  And when we leave the game.  Its been a habit since day one of soccer.  Ella will not want to stay in her stroller.  She'll want to jump out on the field.  Alayna will have the soccer suitcase items spread out everywhere.  Billy and the rest of the family will meet us there.  We will cheer Eric on.  The sun will set.  The air will get chilly.  And I will thank the Lord....for He is good. 

Substitute

In the last two weeks I have substituted in three different classrooms: two special needs and a second grade class.  It reminds me how much work and love goes into teaching.  Both in school and at home.  If I "slack off" for 30 minutes at home, I am very behind on the upkeep. Being gone for hours at a time, really puts us behind!  It takes a lot of love to spend hours and hours a day, sharing knowledge and caring for little ones.  I have a completely different perspective teaching now, compared to teaching years ago.  Actually having a school-aged  child  has helped make gain more insight to a student's daily life and needs.  Helping in special needs classes has given me much to be thankful for and much to pray for.  Prayers for the students, teachers, parents...prayers for progress, for hopefulness, and understanding...prayers for enjoyment and rest...prayers for tomorrow.