3 Christmas', 2 Long Drives, and a Happy Little Girl

Christmas time is an exciting time of year...not only am I out of school for a few weeks...but I get to see and spend time with most of my family. Kelsey was very much spoiled this year having 3 Christmas' to attend. Her first was on Christmas Eve at her Grandma Janice and Papa Keith's house. She played with her cousin Josh and was eager to open all the presents under the tree. She knew exactly how to unwrap each one and was so happy to have new toys to play with.

Then the next morning, Christmas Day, she had gifts that Santa left her under the tree...and I guess she was really good this year ;) because there was way too many!

We packed all day and drove to Florida that evening to see my family. Poor Jon, I don't know how he does it, drove all through the night for 10 and 1/2 hours. I was extremely elated to see my family. You think after all these years I would be used to the long distance relationship we have, but I don't think I'll ever "get used to it."

Grandpa Gordon loved passing out presents to Kelsey, and she quickly learned that after she opened one, all she had to do is walk back to him to get another ;) It was soooo funny! It was nice spending quality time with my parents and siblings.

Kelsey quickly and easily bonded with Grandma Cheryle. She wanted to be Grandma's little helper the whole time.

Jon, Shane, Megan and I played Taboo everyday (must be our competitiveness) and we unfortunately played ALL the cards (front and back), so now I guess we'll have to put that one on the shelf until we forget what's in it...or until we find more cards to add to the collection.

On the day before we left, Mom and Dad took us out to the beach. It was terribly windy and much colder than we thought it would be, but we were able to take a few pictures before we ran into the restaurant nearby. The sand is vibrant white...almost like standing in snow! Kelsey loved the water and wanted to run into it...which makes me super excited for summer this year....its been almost 2 years since we've been to the beach (Jon and I used to go twice a month BK...before Kelsey). So we can't WAIT!

It was sad to go...and it always is. The love of family is life's greatest blessing.

After our trek back home (again...Jon driving the whole way) we were left with one happy little girl and a room full of toys. Merry Christmas everyone!

Everlasting Friendships!

Winter break has begun...and the rest is much needed!!! I can't believe that in one more month, I will be half way through this school year. Time is just flying by...seriously!!! On the last day of school, I gave my class a multiplication sundae party. They have been studying since the beginning of September to know all their facts...and believe it or not, over half the class knows them all!!! I am such a proud teacher these days!!! Here is a picture of my class enjoying the 8 minutes of snowfall that got us out of school an hour early!!!

My school recently had a Christmas Dinner at McCormick and Schmicks. I had so much fun getting to hang out with all my buddies from school. We laughed the entire night....I'm not kidding, my stomach hurt the next day ;) I appreciate all of them and everything they do to keep me sane in my little world at school. I know a lot of people who just aren't happy with their job or where they work, but I've found a place where I don't even conceive the notions. It truly depends on the group of kids I get each year...and I'm extremely thankful for the motivated group I have this year! So many blessings in my career!

Recently Jon and I got to have game night with a few of our close friends. We of course played lots of Cranium, our new favorite game. I'm not sure when it all began, but Jon and I have always enjoyed playing board and card games. We have a whole closet full. The next game the was recommended to us and that I've heard is so terribly fun is the game Quelf...anyone ever played it?!?!? Would love to know if its worth the money. Here's a picture of Sarah drawing a picture with her eyes closed as Jon tries to interpret it:

Christina is in town this week to spend Christmas with her family. Kelsey and I snagged her for a few hours to catch up over lunch. We talked the whole time and were rudely interrupted by Creepy McCreeperson almost 5 times during our lunch. Creepy McCreeperson is the lady who kept stopping to talk to Kelsey. Kelsey is such a little magnet...and the worst part is she actually will go to them if I let her. She is fearless and loves everything and everyone. A trait I'm sure that will change over the next year. Here's Kelsey and Christina and Kelsey's new baby (Minnie) that her auntie got her:

A good friend is hard to find, hard to loose and impossible to forget. The best friend I have, is my husband. Through the ups, the downs, there's no one who I trust more to stand by my side than Jon. He is such a patient husband and a remarkable father. Forever my soul mate.

Cheese!

Why it is so stressful being a teacher today!!!

This video says it all!

Click here.

Long Time Gone...

I feel like its been 4-EVER since I've written. We have been jam packed busy the past few weeks. We traveled all during Thanksgiving to Rockingham and back, and then to Virginia and back. Sounds short and sweet, but being stuck in a car with a mini me is not as easy as you may think. Kelsey actually did surprisingly well on our long excrusions. I sat in the back with her and tried my best to keep her entertained. I guess this was in preparation for our LONG trip to Florida in December ;)

Kind of random...but have to brag...yes, this is what time I was in the car on my way to Old Navy the morning after Thanksgiving. I love bargain shopping and pretty much have always loved competition, so this "holiday" was meant for me!!!

It was so nice getting to see all the family this week. I am so blessed to have relatives that are so caring and loving. The food was yumm-o as predicted, from a traditional Thanksgiving to an Italian Thanksgiving! The worst part was thinking about my classroom weigh in this week...yes, my class is weighing me once a week now to see if my weight can "decrease." Looks like they might have to wait until after Christmas...there's no way I can say "NO!" to good food. Kelsey was quite the entertainer. She has grown up so quickly and in such a short amount of time. I never realized how fast babies grow. She can now do all the following:
1. Pull up her shirt to show off her belly.
2. Throw her own diapers away (aaaa-le-lu-ia!)
3. Say "nigh-nigh" (with a kiss afterwards), "la-lu" (love you), "hi-yah" (like the karate kid), "naa-nue" (thank you), "all da" (all done), "hel-ah" (hello)...
4. Twirl in circles on demand.
5. Point to her tongue, nose, toes, ears, and we're working on eyes now.
6. Shake her head.
7. Knock on doors.
8. Bounce.
9. Run.

10. Climb on the couch.
11. Brush her own teeth (of course after we do it first).
12. Brush her hair.
13. Throw a ball.
14. Give others hugs and kisses.
15. Take care of her babies ;)
16. Pretends to eat invisible food off her pretend plates.
17. Eats everything except macaroni...she hates it and we don't know why!?!?!
18. Talk on her pretend cell phone.
19. Carry a purse.
20. Take off her shoes.
21. Clean up by putting her toys away.

22. Climb the stairs.
23. Do the "Itsy Bitsy Spider" and "Patty Cake"

Wow...I'm sure there's more that I can't even think of right at this moment. She's learning so quickly! Almost time to start working on letters ;)

Jon and I are so in love with her. She makes us laugh everyday!!! Even though I'm an overworked and underpaid teacher, I am blessed to have the love of my husband and daughter to come home to everyday! I couldn't ask for anything better!
Mom...here's a little present for you today on your birthday! Kelsey loves her Grandma!!! Can't wait to see you after Christmas!!! Wish you were here...we "love you heart" ;)