So this is Christmas

Just what we wanted. Nellie -cowgirl boots, princess jammies, Sam - drum set, Keaton - army guys and air craft carrier (it does fit in the tub but nothing else fits with it maybe a cup of water but that's it), Hattie - the cookie jar of her dreams, Justin - a shirt (he got a new camera also but by the time he opened it he was a little distracted to get a good picture of with our little camera)

The funny (ironic) thing about Christmas at our house is Santa. The man could bring everyone just one present, not even that just the stockings, but he gets credit for the whole morning. The gift could have been wrapped and under the tree since July with big letters saying from Mom and Dad and the Big Guy still gets the credit. Oh well, I guess Justin and I don't have to fret in the future, we can leave it all up to Santa.

It is the Sweetest Thing! Justin finished his last class for his Masters Degree. In a little while he will receive his diploma for a Masters in Special Education from NAU. Just knowing he doesn’t have to sign up for more classes is even better than the real thing. He gets to stay home in the evenings and help with the kids. (This is better than coming home to a lady with a spinning head.) During the 12 year endeavor we thought some days are better than others, it was like tryin’ to throw your arms around the world. In the beginning we were hoping for elevation, to become one with the mind. But soon it became a feeling that we were stuck in a moment you can’t get out of. Justin received his Bachelors in English Lit 3 years ago. He learned about Miss Sarajevo and Shakespeare where the streets have no name on ASU’s campus. He said, “I still haven’t found what I’m lookin’ for.” Through mysterious ways he found a direction (GLORIA)! Then it was a race against time, however it felt like running to stand still. Oh to be the fly on the wall. Night and day he did walk on and realized in this Zoo Station of a house, that sometimes you can’t make it on your own. Toward the end we were all Numb to school and OH Beautiful Day he is done. Congratulations my Wild Honey!

Gingerbread House

In Sam's class this year they did alot with Gingerbread Houses. They read many books and did many projects. Sam was very excited to build one at home. Last year Keaton's teacker (Mrs. Lasher) gave me a gingerbread house cookie cutter set. I was excited to use it. I knew it would be a big project. (That is what I kept telling myself)
Sixty Million pieces of candy (every item with the main ingredient 'high fructose corn syrup' in our house) later. Here it is. Sam took 47 pictures of the house. It was a fun project. We'll have to do it again sometime.

It's the Holiday Season

This year was great fun to decorate for Christmas. The boys have been excited since April when we moved in to hang their stockings from a real fireplace. We even had a few fires in it this year. Justin loves to decorate. It is the artist in him I guess, an easy way to express himself. I love it. (Sometimes I would have done it different but then I would have to do it) On unofficial count from Keaton we have 63 snowmen that we display. This number changes every year because I shop the after Christmas sales for the ones that I can't live without. One of my favorites is a porcelain doll that I got after Christmas at Walmart 7 years ago. He has a top hat and everything. Maybe next year I will get a picture of him. Merry Christmas!

He's a Star

Keaton was adamant at the beginning of the school year that he wanted to play the cello. We had a violin in the closet but he kept on insisting. Finally his teacher was able to acquire one from the school for him to borrow. He is a very willing musician. He is always glad when he is taught a new note. This adds new dimension to him figuring out the Darth Vader theme song. He has he Dad's ear and can figure out just about any song. I am excited to listen to him as he progresses and gets really good.

His concert lasted about 12 minutes. 3 songs worth. There are about 60 4th graders in the program. Kaisa did such a great job on her pink violin.
Sam was very happy to take pictures of the event. This one was great, no nostril shots. Thanks Pappy, Granny and Grandpa for taking time out to listen to our boy.