A good way to end the year

The girls and I headed out this morning.  Samantha liked putting our outgoing letter in the mailbox, we all giggled while I "drove crazy" to the bookstore.  We said goodbye to the story time lady (Amy with the crazy socks), who has known Samantha and Sofia their whole lives and is starting her own family.  We ate cupcakes in the cafe before noon(!).  While waiting in line at the car wash, the kids cleaned the entire car and played all over the car.  We cranked the tunes and sang.  I granted their request to drive by the ski area multiple times.  Eventually, we made it home and I showed Sam how to play scales on the piano.  Now they're off continuing the tradition of spending New Year's with their Nana and Papa and it's quiet.  It's nice and I'm feeling so appreciative that this is how I ended the year with them. 

Recently in stores, people have commented to us that our girls are very well-behaved.  I don't know if we have a lot to do with it, but we are both very proud.  It's a good thing and I appreciate their choices!

Relaxing weekend

I decided to forget about the non-urgent work that I took home and hang with the family.  It was a good decision (as it nearly always is).  We made progress on some projects that had been waiting and just spent time with each other.  The time went by too fast, but it was nice for us all to be together.  We saw both sides of our extended family and while it was busy, it was relaxing most of all.  I needed the perspective change from "I've got to squeeze everything in somehow" to "It'll get done when it gets done because I'm with my family right now". 

Life is short.  I'm reminded of that witnessing my kids grow and watching our dog show his age.  It's natural and while I've dealt with the deaths loved ones and lived on a farm, I'm sad and resigned.  Fonzie continues to be as cherished and as frustrating as any member of our family.  I tell Daddy and the kids that we never know how much time anyone has, so we should appreciate the time we have now.  I'm grateful that we've got today.

From a quote my father recited to me:

The past is a memory, the future is unknown, that's why today is called a present.

Make it most of it.

Feliz Navidad with Grammy

We went down to Aunt Leana's parents house on Christmas Day this year.  It was a wonderful day and I'm happy we got some pictures out of it.  It's not often we all get together, but it's fun when we do!

Hanukkah dinner at Uncle Todd and Aunt Shelly's house

Random fun things

Culver's Night with friends (the 2nd time we've pulled it off with these friends!)

Lots of baking, especially cookies. 

They each got a hand to paint and could not decide on a color.

Just playing with their "kids"...

Cinderella with my girls

One of my birthday gifts this year was 4 tickets to see "Cinderella".  Antie She opted to come instead of Daddy.  It was a nice surprise for me when the Fairy Godmother told Cinderella it was up to her to make her dreams come true, since I believe you rescue yourself.  The girls were great I got to wear the jewelry that I got for Hanukkah too! 

Weekend without Daddy

Daddy went to visit Uncie in St. Louis so the girls and I were on our own again. We had lots going on though, starting right away Friday night and continuing through the weekend.

Friday night we went to synagogue for Shabbat dinner with Samantha's Sunday School class. It was a great gathering and we all enjoyed ourselves.

Saturday afternoon we went to see "The Nutcracker" with Grammy. It was beautiful and even more special since we knew some of the dancers. After that I took the girls to see Nana and Papa who were staying with Jordan and Dylan. It was fun, but we were all overly exhausted by the time we got home.

Sunday morning started off with Sunday school, during which time Sofia and I shopped at the Social Justice fair. Then we picked up some Hanukkah gifts and made it home just in time for Daddy to return!

Whew!

Sofia's Holiday Program

Sofia's program was tonight and it was so fun to watch her!  She sang her songs and danced very well.  I thought it was great that it was all about Sofia.  Nana, Papa and Grammy joined us, which made Sofia shine even more.  Samantha sat with the other older siblings that she knew.  All the kids ran around afterwards and enjoyed themselves.

Samantha's Ballet Recital

This past fall Samantha took a ballet class and today was her class performance.  It was short and nothing like the showcase we've experienced in the past.  Samantha has elected not to continue at this point, which is fine.  She was told to continue the class as it was already paid for and didn't make too much of a fuss thankfully.  It was too serious for her and she was ready to try something else.  (Both girls are very excited to start gymnastics after the holidays.)

There was a delay to the start of the show.  Her instructor acknowledged Samantha directly by thanking her for keeping the rest of her class settled during the wait.  When I asked her later, Samantha told me she got everyone to play, "Duck Duck Goose" to keep kids in a circle.  Like it was typical of her to take the lead (and it is).  I know she works her tail off and I love that she steps up in chaos to do what's right.  Daddy and I are so proud of her.

She did enjoy herself and loves to perform!