just some random updates:

My Christmas shopping is pretty much done. I have a few more gifts to buy, but my kids are done and wrapped.

My house is pretty much decorated. I wanted to put a few more lights up, but the weather hasn't cooperated with that this week. It's been freezing cold outside.

My studens are nuts! The only thing that is getting me through these crazy days before Christmas is "Maniac Magee". I read that book every year and the kids ABSOLUTELY love the book so much that they are really good in class for me.

My children are really excited for Christmas to come. I bought an Advent Calendar this weekend. My mom used to always have one for my brother and I. Jordan actually just reminded me about it, so I found one for the kids. The kids are cute. They all take turns opening a door and reading the message. Then if there is a scripture to go along with it, I make one of the boys get the bible and read the passage.

Corynne, Isaiah and Jeremiah all got straight A's on their report cards! I am very proud.

Isaiah started basketball. I like basketball. You can enjoy the game without worrying about the weather. I love football...don't get me wrong, but it is nice to not freeze while I watch the games!

I've been making my own spaghetti sauce. For years, I prided myself on the fact that I could make yummy sauce from a jar just by doctoring it up and not spending all that time over the stove like my grandmother. Well, I got to thinking that I really didn't want that tradition of making sauce to be lost on me. So all summer long, I have been experimenting and tweaking to get it right. It is funny, but it really does taste better than jar sauce. (Sorry Nunny--should have never doubted!)

I am trying so hard to enjoy this Christmas season and not be so busy. I am usually so busy doing so much that it is over before I know it and I am totally exhausted. So I am making a conscious effort to slow down and enjoy this season and to enjoy my kids enjoying this season.

My favorite Christmas children's book is "You are My Miracle" by Mariann Cusimano Love. She also wrote another one called, "You are My I Love You". I love those books. Corynne has me read them to her nightly. If she catches me at the wrong time, the books are definitely tear jerkers.