Christmas Concert

Friday morning Eddy and I attended Isaac's school Christmas concert. With the school shooting in Connecticut one week prior, the Governor of that state asked for 26 seconds of silence to honor the victims. Afterwards, the 4th graders sang first...and I pretty much cried the whole time they were singing. Those poor parents and family members of the victims--I cannot imagine the sorrow in their hearts. Eddy and I have have talked this past week about being grateful for all we have, giving our kids extra love, and having faith that God has a plan for us. I tend to get worked up about life's "little things" and need to instead have more gratitude.

When the kindergartners came on stage, Isaac somehow was quick to find us in the crowd. He did such a great job! For the first song, he and some other kids sat in the front and rang bells.


Eddy and I were really impressed with the choir teacher. Each grade level sang a song from different cultures. The kids also do a log of hand motions, moving to the beat, and playing/using a variety of instruments. Isaac was on the top row, third from the left.


At one point, we noticed that he was rubbing his right eye, which usually happens when he's fighting back tears. We asked him that night what was wrong, and he said he was getting "a little scared" in front of all the people. Just like his mom, he feels things deeply. All of the kids did a great job. We are so proud of him!

The Polar Express

We surprised the kids tonight by picking up the kids early from day care and taking them for a ride on the Polar Express! It's been a family tradition, this being the 6th year we have gone!

We got tickets for the earliest train, so it was still light out when we boarded.


Isaac giving the conductor his ticket.


Listening to the story.


Isaac asked for ANOTHER train.


Piper is still unsure about Santa.


On the ride back.


Another fun ride on the Polar Express!

A nephew!!

Whew! My sister updated her blog, so now I can post...Jason Eugene Menard was born to Lindsey and Paul on Sunday, 12/9/12 at 12:29pm. I came down to St. Cloud Saturday night, due to an impending snow storm. I am so grateful I got to hold Jason just a couple of hours after he was born.


Such a beautiful family!


Isaac and Piper have been able to see lots of pictures and Lindsey has sent us a few videos of Jason. We hope to travel down as a family next weekend to introduce him to his cousins!

A Baby!!

My kids have a new cousin!! We are so excited for Lindsey and Paul! But...as much as I want to post all 50+ pictures I took, they haven't updated their blog. So out of respect for them, I'll have to wait to share details.

But I can say we love this baby super duper much!!

Technology, A Sassy Girl, and Winterfest

Technology is amazing. Earlier this week Isaac and Piper sat with Eddy--Isaac on the iPad and Piper on the iPhone. And they probably know how to work them better than I do!


Piper is 3 1/2. And SO sassy. And whiney. It is painful to listen to at times. I remember when Isaac was this age, we made a sign and put it up on the wall. So I decided to try it again.


Unfortunately it's been an epic fail. Piper will look at it, point to the words and say "no Mommy whining". I used to be able to point to the sign when we had it for Isaac and he knew he was supposed to cut it out. Instead, Piper puts her hands on her hips, looks all exasperated and says, "YOU are not in charge. I am in charge". Oh my. I ordered a parenting book from the library, so we'll try that instead. This to shall pass, right?

Thursday UWS had their (almost) annual Winterfest. They got to frost and decorate a cookie...





See Buzz...


Play in a mini-house...


Go down an inflatable slide...


And talk with Santa...


This was as close as Piper was going to get!


It's a fun event and we're glad UWS resumed the tradition.

Blessingway

I was able to host a blessingway for my sister on Sunday. We use a friend's house in Richfield and had a lovely afternoon, honoring Lindsey, her pregnancy, and helping support her through her last few weeks preparing her for birth.

Brooke opened her house to us.





She looks so good!


I asked everyone to bring a candle. It could be lit when she was in labor, if she needed to feel support, or simply wanted a beautiful glow.


I also asked for everyone to bring a bead, which was then turned into a bracelet. Again, a symbol of support.


We also did henna tattoos and made string bracelets that reminded us to think about Lindsey and not to cut it off until the baby was born. It was a beautiful afternoon. So grateful I could do this for her.