Christmas Eve

The boys opened pajamas tonight and we headed out to look at Wakefield Wonderland where they have the best lights.  We have a friend whose parents live there and she let us take some photos in their front lawn.  Merry Christmas everyone!

Can You Draw a Pigeon?

We've all been drawing pigeons around here.  Ashton fell hard for Mo Willems "Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus" book.  So we've all taken a turn recreating the sassy pigeon.  Drawing in your pajama shorts is optional.  :)
We're gearing up for the big Christmas celebration around here.  School ends Wednesday and Katie has two programs to direct and then Christmas can officially begin!

Cookie Decorating Time!

Cameron Award

We celebrated with Cameron on Friday when he received the "citizenship" award at school!  Yeah Cameron!

Cameron Soccer Celebration

We're finishing Cameron's soccer season this weekend and had a party with his team last night.  He got a cool soccer trophy and his coach shared some very special words about Cam to the team.  He had a great season and even though it wasn't a winning season, he learned a lot and met some great kids.  Yeah, Cameron!

Deck the Halls? To Get You in the Spirit!

Fa La La La La.....La La La La!

 (He knows the best part!)

Silly photos

 Sometimes, you just gotta laugh at yourself!

Happy Thanksgiving!

We spent Thanksgiving in Apple Valley with the Hubbards.  I made pie crusts with Mom Hubbard and was quite good at it!  Surprised?  I was!  They turned out well!

The boys made turkey sugar cookies and frosted them and Cameron took a special interest in all the food preparations and peeled sweet potatoes.  We took a few sides and pies over to cousin Brian's house and met up with family and had a lovely time!  We have lots to be thankful for!

I am thankful for.....

Our yearly Thanksgiving poster is in full swing.  This year has lots of treasures on it: friends, family, shelter, and warm blankets.  Of course, it's never complete without things like legs, fridge and other items that make you go hmmm......  It's always a great project as we prepare our Christmas lists, focusing on what we want instead of what we already have.  I love my family!

School choir performance

I had the kindergarten thru 2nd grade sing at the Friday flag ceremony last week.  Ashton chose not to be a part of the choir this year which I supported but I think he'll be back in the spring.  Derrik was on hand to run sound for me and I had Cameron play bells on "Over the river and through the woods."  Derrik took a few photos of me in full director mode.  :)

Books, Pillows and Pajamas!

Our school had a pajama story time tonight!  We read and listened to stories and had a great time!

Growing and growing

We were all the school tonight and I had the three boys stand in front of the flag.  Then when I compared the photo against the one taken last year at this time.  Wow....they sure are growing!

Halloween Night

Cameron organizing his loot

Derrik, Cameron, Ashton and I attended the church fall festival ALL in costume - a first!  Derrik dressed as a soccer referee, I was Dorothy, Cameron was Jango Fett, Ashton as Spiderman.  We had a lot of fun trunk-or-treating and the Swarm band did a few songs for the kids.  I didn't get as many pictures as I'd like, but you get the idea.

Ethan with his "Steve" head and pickaxe because the character builds things

It was a little creepy!

Ethan went trick or treating with his friends and dressed as a character from his favorite game, Minecraft.  You'll be proud to know we made the costume ourselves out of cardboard and printouts.  I felt very crafty.  :)  His friend, Austin bought his online so I'm proud of us for saving some money.  Happy Halloween everyone!

Halloween Carnival

Ashton and I attended the Halloween Carnival at the school tonight.  Cameron had soccer practice and needed to be there so he didn't get to go.  :(  But, we had fun and shared all the candy with the rest of the family.  Mom made me a Dorothy costume, complete with shoes!  I did give the shoes a bit of a makeover but I was so thrilled to have a new costume to wear this year!  Thanks, Mom!

Ashton gets an "E" for Effort

Ashton got an award at school today!  We're so proud of him!

Win or Lose Ice Cream Cone

The four of us went to Cameron's soccer game today (minus Ethan at a friend's house).  His team is still growing in their skills and it has been tough to lose games.  We decided to set a new rule: win or lose, you get an ice cream cone.  It's all about the experience, anyway.  :)

Nose boo-boo

Ashton got his nose a little too close to Grandma's candle and burned his nose.  The band-aid provided just the right amount of comfort and a ton of laughter.  Soon, Ashton was laughing too!

Back to school

I've officially started back at Santa Clarita Elementary doing music.  It's going great and the kids are glad to have music again!  Things are busy at home between laundry, dishes, homework, lesson prep and church.  We haven't taken many pictures lately so there isn't much to show.  I will show you my new bulletin boards in my classroom!  I love it!

More soccer

Taking a turn as keeper/goalie

 Cameron and his team played well today winning their game 4-1.  The highlight today was Derrik starring as assistant referee!

Nice socks....he had to change his shirt since there already
too many blue shirts on the field.

Heading to the game!

Cameron Soccer Star

Cameron had his first game last Saturday!  He sure learned a lot and we enjoyed watching him play.  The team lost the game but it was just a practice.  He had fun so we're happy.  We got his pictures in the mail tonight and had to share!