Getting ready for Christmas

We have had a sick week with everyone except Jack having something or other. I can always tell when I start feeling better because I crave burgers and also driving around yesterday I was just so happy and thankful for everything I saw. I was thanking God for Ava being a good shopper, for coupons and deals, and even for 610 that allows me quicker access to school than 694 would. It was a fun day and always better when you feel good!

I discovered World Market! So many fun and cute items for gifts and home decor. I've already been there a couple of times and can't wait to go back!

Jack has been cracking us up. We will put on a DVD on his little DVD player before he goes to bed, and he watches the previews. So he will yell from the other room all of the "new" cartoons and that they are coming in 2006 or 2008. It's so cute when they don't have a concept of time quite yet.

Well we are heading into the church decorating weekend. It's a big job because the church is big. I'm thankful we have help! Here are a few pictures of the house.

Thanksgiving and more...

We had a great thanksgiving weekend with the family! I'm so thankful for my family! It's always been such a special time for us, and I would probably cry if I had to miss it. Matt worked through his sickness and is doing better now. We had a good Black Friday shopping experience and got a jump start on Christmas so that was fun. We are lowkey Black Friday shoppers. This year Heidi joined me and Bek as we headed out around 5 to the Mall of America. It's nice there. We don't have to stand in the cold but still get in on some deals. And I have to say that even though I'm not a coffee drinker (one of the last in the family), the sea salt caramel mocha from Caribou was delicious!

The kids are learning how to push each other's buttons so that is not always fun to deal with. And getting up for school after time off is tough! But I still want to record everything Ava says, and I still love hearing Jack's chatter.

We decorated for Christmas, and the kids were so excited about it. It was a blessing to hear Jack say, "This is nice, but it's not what Christmas is about. It's about Jesus." Yes, he got that from a book we read and maybe from school, too, but what a blessing to hear your children talk that way! It also made it fun since Matt and I were so tired from the weekend. Pictures will come soon! On a lighter note, Jack was talking Matt's ear off, and Matt finally said, "Jack, can you just stop talking?" Jack said, "I can't help it. God made me that way." And then, "I'm supposed to help people." I don't know if that means he thinks his talking is helping or what, but it gave us a laugh.

Last week we also went downtown for the 8th floor of Macy's display. It's the same every year, but we just keep going and still have a good time. We also love the bakery and toy shop!

Thanksgiving was early this year and that gives us plenty of time to enjoy the holiday season without being too rushed. We are looking forward to all the goodies involved in the next few weeks!

Jibber jabber

Ava says she wants to baw down for get down. I kept thinking she wanted to fall down. Weird! It's so funny to hear all of the new stuff. She says guy now when she sees a man. It just takes me off guard sometimes. And then to hear a whole sentence can be crazy...Today she said Mommy, how are you? And then jabber jabber jabber.

First report card

We got Jack's report card yesterday, and it was mixed reviews. A+ on Bible memory and math and phonics and a B+ on writing. Needs improvement in cutting. I struggle with cutting too so I guess I understand. For the most part, he is an eager learner, but gets distracted very easily. So we will be working on self control.

Ava is saying so many things. I know I say that about her in most posts, but I just want to follow her around with a recorder so I never forget the little voice saying, "Yes, Mommy" and the many other things she says. It's funny to hear her tell on Jack. Socks are "hockeys" by the way. Flower is still "wawa".

We have been so busy. I feel like I'm going to wake up one day soon, and the kids will be grown up and out of the house. Time is just flying, but what a wonderful time in our lives.

Best day ever!

"Jack had the best day of kindergarten ever!" Said his teacher to me this week. He was the Writer of the Day, faced forward in line, did not lose any marbles, and generally amazed everyone with his Christian spirit, brilliant intellect and athletic prowess! Ok I added the last part, but we were pretty excited for him. We will take it!