Pachelbel Canon in D with a million kids up there are the group class finale... cellos, violas (Abigail), violins...
So much to catch up on - on this blog!
Have a great week everyone!
Monday, January 13, 2020
Something Good
The only pictures from the weekend are these two taken on our way {late} to the Suzuki group class concert. Anna didn't make it to the concert because she's having some issues with her left eye - and ya kinda need your eyes to play the viola. So she stayed home to rest her eye {study for midterms} and I took Abigail to the concert.
Pachelbel Canon in D with a million kids up there are the group class finale... cellos, violas (Abigail), violins...
So much to catch up on - on this blog!
Have a great week everyone!
Pachelbel Canon in D with a million kids up there are the group class finale... cellos, violas (Abigail), violins...
So much to catch up on - on this blog!
Have a great week everyone!
Tuesday, January 7, 2020
Taking Care of Your Heart
One Saturday morning...
This morning I got dressed in my workout clothes and walked and walked listening to a favorite podcast. I saw the sun rise over the hill and loved how it hit the white picket fence near the golf course.
I made a cup of tea and took a banana muffin out of the freezer I had made last weekend. I sat on the porch swing - still too early for anyone to be up and I just sat there breathing in the quiet.
I snuck into my house quietly and sat at my 'Bible table' where I opened the Word of God and my notebook.
Later that afternoon I slipped on my favorite necklace - the one that Scott bought me when I was in the hospital when Abigail was born. Because Anna was three and Abigail just a day old it brings me sweet memories and happiness in my heart.
In the midst of so much flurry of life, my soul needs quiet, perspective, time to remember who I am.
What a lovely gift God gave to me this morning.
Now I will change sheets, start laundry, make breakfast, love on my girls, and walk through this life with Scott, but I will be in a better place then if I hadn't spent this time. Taking care of your heart is always a good move when your life is demanding.
It comes in seasons of course. And for this fourth grade classroom teacher, the school year and school days are one of those times when my life is demanding. For my family: two students, one fourth-grade teacher, and one middle school principal, it is our 'busy season' for us all at the same time. And I'm so glad that God has taught me how to to take care of my heart.
This morning I got dressed in my workout clothes and walked and walked listening to a favorite podcast. I saw the sun rise over the hill and loved how it hit the white picket fence near the golf course.
I made a cup of tea and took a banana muffin out of the freezer I had made last weekend. I sat on the porch swing - still too early for anyone to be up and I just sat there breathing in the quiet.
I snuck into my house quietly and sat at my 'Bible table' where I opened the Word of God and my notebook.
Later that afternoon I slipped on my favorite necklace - the one that Scott bought me when I was in the hospital when Abigail was born. Because Anna was three and Abigail just a day old it brings me sweet memories and happiness in my heart.
In the midst of so much flurry of life, my soul needs quiet, perspective, time to remember who I am.
What a lovely gift God gave to me this morning.
Now I will change sheets, start laundry, make breakfast, love on my girls, and walk through this life with Scott, but I will be in a better place then if I hadn't spent this time. Taking care of your heart is always a good move when your life is demanding.
It comes in seasons of course. And for this fourth grade classroom teacher, the school year and school days are one of those times when my life is demanding. For my family: two students, one fourth-grade teacher, and one middle school principal, it is our 'busy season' for us all at the same time. And I'm so glad that God has taught me how to to take care of my heart.
Thursday, January 2, 2020
Homebody
I left my house exactly 3 times after Christmas before school started today.
1. We went to Mass {feast of the Holy Family} at the Cathedral
2. We went on a hike because we all needed a bit of fresh air.
3. We went to Little Women {which we allllll loved, loved, loved}
Only leaving the house 3 times in a week meant that I was rested and ready for my 22 fourth-graders. And I loved being back in my 'home away from home', room 124! It was the best teaching again!
Oh, and so I'm totally caught up vacation week consisted of total relaxation {and putting away Christmas}. I only have a few pictures from our week off.
There was an after Christmas present for Anna from Abigail. Boy, this was a special present {that involved a L O T of tears in the making, including on Christmas Eve morning}
Abigail got one of Anna's drawings and made an embroidery of it. She figured the whole thing out herself. Found a way to print her sister's drawing, bought a special tracing pen, and did the whole thing! She even added some Christmas mistletoe on her own. That little girl has never worked so hard on something.
And even though Anna knew about it {there was such drama and tears as she was trying to finish it}, Anna made a big fuss when it was finally time to open it!
Oh! And we celebrated New Years with a yummy cake!
In our PJs!
Yes, it was totally a great week and so wonderful to have all of those days home! But school is great too! Plus, only one more day and it's the weekend!
1. We went to Mass {feast of the Holy Family} at the Cathedral
2. We went on a hike because we all needed a bit of fresh air.
3. We went to Little Women {which we allllll loved, loved, loved}
Only leaving the house 3 times in a week meant that I was rested and ready for my 22 fourth-graders. And I loved being back in my 'home away from home', room 124! It was the best teaching again!
Oh, and so I'm totally caught up vacation week consisted of total relaxation {and putting away Christmas}. I only have a few pictures from our week off.
There was an after Christmas present for Anna from Abigail. Boy, this was a special present {that involved a L O T of tears in the making, including on Christmas Eve morning}
Abigail got one of Anna's drawings and made an embroidery of it. She figured the whole thing out herself. Found a way to print her sister's drawing, bought a special tracing pen, and did the whole thing! She even added some Christmas mistletoe on her own. That little girl has never worked so hard on something.
And even though Anna knew about it {there was such drama and tears as she was trying to finish it}, Anna made a big fuss when it was finally time to open it!
Oh! And we celebrated New Years with a yummy cake!
In our PJs!
Yes, it was totally a great week and so wonderful to have all of those days home! But school is great too! Plus, only one more day and it's the weekend!
Wednesday, January 1, 2020
The Wonderful Things About December
In December we had a 'family date' on the couch with snack-ish dinners and a Christmas movie every Friday at 6:00!
In December 2019 we welcomed snow!
And had fun playing in it!
In December we picked out our tree!
And Advent began!
In December we continued cherished traditions!
We prepared gifts on more snow days!
In December we had our Christmas Getaway Weekend in the Berkshires!
and went to a few {many} concerts both at school
and privately!
In December we decorated!
and baked cookies!
In December we had a most memorable Christmas Eve
and celebrated our Saviors birth on Christmas Day!
What a blessed month is was!
Tuesday, December 31, 2019
~ Christmas Day ~
"Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmastime." đź’šLaura Ingalls Wilder
When I was looking through my photos of Christmas morning I look for that O N E... that one that has all of my feelings all stored up in it. And this is it... this was my favorite... girls in swishy white nightgowns, that antique table right in the middle of them, brown paper packages tied up with white ribbon, the pure joy on Anna's face... read on and I'll show you why...
It is difficult to find the words to describe Christmas morning so I will choose just one: magical. It was simply magical.
The fireplace was blazing, the candles in their brass candlestick holders were glowing, and that oil painting of Santa set the stage.
The lighting was just perfect for my favorite six hours of the whole year. Soft sunlight was shining in the windows. {If I could order weather, it would of course be cloudy, freezing cold with snow fluttering down}
This is the scene my girls walked into on Christmas morning...
"Imagination is the main weapon in the war against reality," ❤ C.S. Lewis
I dream up this scene all year long and when I first see what Santa has done, I could cry...
The gift tags were stamped in cursive with white ink. So elegant I thought - those elves really know me.
And the sweetest little Christmas tree on that antique white table was filled with the prettiest birds. It was the first thing they saw when they walked in.
Noel was awake and ready -- this was his third Christmas so of course he knew what to expect
Scott and I stood behind the tree, kind of peeking out. Scott recording and me with my big camera...
This is what we've always done, it's all they've ever known.
Anna's eyes straight for the sweet little birdie Christmas tree ~ Abigail's eyes looking at the huge pink bean bags.
but then quickly she loved that little tree.
But can you see something hidden behind the tree? Just a little something peeking out? A little magic perhaps.
Yes, you can! Behind that birdie tree was a new friend for Noel our little yellow bird, a new baby that Santa named Mistletoe.
He was trembling and breathing a little quick ~ only 3 months old.
"Nothing much happens unless you believe in it, and believing there is hope for the world in a way to move toward it." Gladys Taber đź’•
And then they saw him -- and this is what happened next. Those are the Christmas morning eyes I look forward to all year long.
And there were screams of joy... as I'm sure our new baby bird thought, 'where am I'?
I have stared at these photos over and over. Pure joy.
Anna so in love.
And I love how Abigail looks to her big sister for it to feel real.
"Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies!" đź’š Frank Church
Anna can't take her eyes off of him.
Look how handsome he is in his Christmas morning smile đź’›
It was so good this Christmas morning so far that the girls wanted to 'walk in' again. So they did!
She cried
While her face was full of love (and Santa in the background looked on)
"It is good to be children sometimes, & never better than at Christmas." ❤ Charles Dickens
And this is the way they were for the next 30 or so minutes. Not a present around their feet could pull them from this spot.
Hand fed and trained just like Noel came to us - this new Christmas baby was ready for cuddles and love.
After so much time went on we needed to break for breakfast. Ahhhhhh tea time! 🤍
Piping hot tea -- can you see the steam coming out of the teapot?
Christmas tea cake that I made ahead and froze -- I only make this for Christmas morning so it's really special to us. It's the kind that filled with fruit and spices, so so good!
We had a yummy egg casserole too -- sauteed the onion the night before and had the eggs all ready to whip and put in the pan. So easy!
We lingered for a long time and then it was time for stockings.
I know that Christmas morning faces are only once a year so I try to capture as many as I can that morning to hold on to in my heart.
Some things the girls have been wanting for a long time...
...others are surprises!
Little things and pretty things are all a part of Christmas too.
I love when gifts stir up memories like our trip to the Vermont Country Store so long ago and these crackers that Abigail was sampling in the store that day. Santa ordered this time later!
And this... she has no idea, none
Now she does!
Daddy had to help her get it out of the box.
And we all watched her like this for a while. She's smitten
Under my breath I said, just stay little, just stay little, just stay little. Dolls do that ya know, I'd never say no to a doll. Ever.
Merry Christmas baby girl
While Abigail still holds on to bits of being little while growing up, Anna asked for clothes this year. "skirts and matching blouses"
Into the family room for gifts to each other.
They look on so excited to give daddy their gift
A whisper and a secret...
This was kind of a joke gift from out trip to Vermont in the fall. We were all laughing at that 'loud' bathrobe in the store but the girls bought it and let me tell you it has been worn all this cold December week!
Sisters
A book, always a book
Same look on their face opening a 'together gift'
And then around 3:30 we got to my parents house -- I took a few when we just got there and then put my camera down to enjoy the most amazing Christmas dinner and family!
"Every Christmas is better than the Christmas before," Laura thought. "I guess it must be because I'm growing up." Laura Ingalls Wilder
"The best gifts are ties with heartstrings."
Oh how I adore Christmas. And even as we begin to take things down and pack them away I just can't be sad. Because it will come again. Just next year.
Merry Christmas dear and precious family. You are my Christmas dreams come true.
When I was looking through my photos of Christmas morning I look for that O N E... that one that has all of my feelings all stored up in it. And this is it... this was my favorite... girls in swishy white nightgowns, that antique table right in the middle of them, brown paper packages tied up with white ribbon, the pure joy on Anna's face... read on and I'll show you why...
It is difficult to find the words to describe Christmas morning so I will choose just one: magical. It was simply magical.
The fireplace was blazing, the candles in their brass candlestick holders were glowing, and that oil painting of Santa set the stage.
The lighting was just perfect for my favorite six hours of the whole year. Soft sunlight was shining in the windows. {If I could order weather, it would of course be cloudy, freezing cold with snow fluttering down}
This is the scene my girls walked into on Christmas morning...
"Imagination is the main weapon in the war against reality," ❤ C.S. Lewis
I dream up this scene all year long and when I first see what Santa has done, I could cry...
The gift tags were stamped in cursive with white ink. So elegant I thought - those elves really know me.
And the sweetest little Christmas tree on that antique white table was filled with the prettiest birds. It was the first thing they saw when they walked in.
Noel was awake and ready -- this was his third Christmas so of course he knew what to expect
Scott and I stood behind the tree, kind of peeking out. Scott recording and me with my big camera...
This is what we've always done, it's all they've ever known.
Anna's eyes straight for the sweet little birdie Christmas tree ~ Abigail's eyes looking at the huge pink bean bags.
but then quickly she loved that little tree.
But can you see something hidden behind the tree? Just a little something peeking out? A little magic perhaps.
Yes, you can! Behind that birdie tree was a new friend for Noel our little yellow bird, a new baby that Santa named Mistletoe.
He was trembling and breathing a little quick ~ only 3 months old.
"Nothing much happens unless you believe in it, and believing there is hope for the world in a way to move toward it." Gladys Taber đź’•
And then they saw him -- and this is what happened next. Those are the Christmas morning eyes I look forward to all year long.
And there were screams of joy... as I'm sure our new baby bird thought, 'where am I'?
I have stared at these photos over and over. Pure joy.
Anna so in love.
And I love how Abigail looks to her big sister for it to feel real.
"Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies!" đź’š Frank Church
Anna can't take her eyes off of him.
Look how handsome he is in his Christmas morning smile đź’›
It was so good this Christmas morning so far that the girls wanted to 'walk in' again. So they did!
She cried
While her face was full of love (and Santa in the background looked on)
"It is good to be children sometimes, & never better than at Christmas." ❤ Charles Dickens
And this is the way they were for the next 30 or so minutes. Not a present around their feet could pull them from this spot.
Hand fed and trained just like Noel came to us - this new Christmas baby was ready for cuddles and love.
After so much time went on we needed to break for breakfast. Ahhhhhh tea time! 🤍
Piping hot tea -- can you see the steam coming out of the teapot?
Christmas tea cake that I made ahead and froze -- I only make this for Christmas morning so it's really special to us. It's the kind that filled with fruit and spices, so so good!
We had a yummy egg casserole too -- sauteed the onion the night before and had the eggs all ready to whip and put in the pan. So easy!
We lingered for a long time and then it was time for stockings.
I know that Christmas morning faces are only once a year so I try to capture as many as I can that morning to hold on to in my heart.
Some things the girls have been wanting for a long time...
...others are surprises!
Little things and pretty things are all a part of Christmas too.
I love when gifts stir up memories like our trip to the Vermont Country Store so long ago and these crackers that Abigail was sampling in the store that day. Santa ordered this time later!
And this... she has no idea, none
Now she does!
Daddy had to help her get it out of the box.
And we all watched her like this for a while. She's smitten
Under my breath I said, just stay little, just stay little, just stay little. Dolls do that ya know, I'd never say no to a doll. Ever.
Merry Christmas baby girl
While Abigail still holds on to bits of being little while growing up, Anna asked for clothes this year. "skirts and matching blouses"
Into the family room for gifts to each other.
They look on so excited to give daddy their gift
A whisper and a secret...
This was kind of a joke gift from out trip to Vermont in the fall. We were all laughing at that 'loud' bathrobe in the store but the girls bought it and let me tell you it has been worn all this cold December week!
Sisters
A book, always a book
Same look on their face opening a 'together gift'
And then around 3:30 we got to my parents house -- I took a few when we just got there and then put my camera down to enjoy the most amazing Christmas dinner and family!
"Every Christmas is better than the Christmas before," Laura thought. "I guess it must be because I'm growing up." Laura Ingalls Wilder
"The best gifts are ties with heartstrings."
Oh how I adore Christmas. And even as we begin to take things down and pack them away I just can't be sad. Because it will come again. Just next year.
Merry Christmas dear and precious family. You are my Christmas dreams come true.
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