Sara's Kindergarten Christmas Program

I don't think I have ever seen anything as cute or purely joyful as Sara's Kindergarten Christmas Singing Program.  I could not stop smiling - like a huge, dorky, face-contorting grin - the entire program and hours afterwards.  Watch and see if you can stop smiling:

Sara knew every word and every action.  She even led a song because she knew it so well.  Honestly, I think it was the highlight of my holiday!

She adored being the center of attention.  I think Sara also loved out going out for ice cream afterwards.  Truly the cutest thing ever; I can't stop grinning even as I write this and am remembering. 

Christmas Piano Recital

Laura had another piano recital on the first day of December. She had to do it with family and since none of us are musical, she had her sisters ring some bells. It worked out! Laura and the girls were adorable! Oh, and Laura played perfectly. She played the piece "Christmas Bells" by Lyon.

Meeting Santa 2012

The day after Thanksgiving, we purchased our one important Black Friday item (a Sonic drink discount sticker) and went to meet Santa. The girls watched him arrive by helicopter and almost jumped out of their skin with excitement - ALL the girls.

Then we stood in line to meet the "real" Santa and Mrs. Claus. They adored her, and did remarkably well with Santa. Laura asked for the American Girl doll Josefina. Sara asked for a lap harp with pick. Eliza asked for a barbie buttar (guitar).

Karyn's Sprinkle

The other big event in November was Karyn's sprinkle. Obviously, I hadn't been feeling well. So, the Andreas, being the best friends ever, stepped in and helped me get it all done. We threw a great party! I loved being able to spoil Karyn, since she usually spoils me it was a nice change.

We did the onesies again, ate breads, opened gifts, and laughed. It was wonderful!

Thanksgiving 2012

I started new meds right before Thanksgiving to stop my fainting spells. It has been (and continues to be) a rough transition. So, I don't have many pictures of Thanksgiving. However, I am no longer fainting!

We were super lucky and got to have Thanksgiving with both families this year. It was the year to be with Jason's family, but they couldn't get together until Saturday. So, we spent Thanksgiving day with my folks and Saturday with them - what a TREAT!

The little Thanksgiving was simple and fun. The girls (mostly Laura) helped set the table and Sara made beautiful pipe cleaner napkin holders. (Sara is obsessed with pipe cleaners and beads right now.) We had turkey breast in the crockpot, Alton Brown's Mashed Potatoes, hot rolls, gravy, delicious drinks, and Mom brought stuffing, corn, and raspberry jello salad. For dessert we had leftover pie in jars and key lime pies. It was simple and fun!

Jason's family affair was HUGE. There were so many people and so much food. It was a blast! The girls adored being with their cousins. Jason and I loved catching up with everyone. The food was delicious and the company was wonderful! I am thankful to be a part of that family.

Posters

Sara was "star of the week" this past month at Kindergarten.  She had to bring in a poster.  I thought it was perfectly her.

She was adorably quiet and shy when she presented it to her class.  I learned to print her explanation on the pictures themselves and that made this poster even easier to make.

Laura did a poster on "Bud, Not Buddy" one of my favorite middle-grade historical fiction novels. So, we went all out on the poster.  She (and her teacher) loved the results and I loved how we made it look like a suitcase.

The silhouette got a real workout and I loved how nicely they turned out because of it.