Home from Europe

The other two teachers who went with us- it was so much fun with them! I hope they go with us on the next adventure!

Of course, my husband always finds a snack. He was sitting outside the creperie on Mont St. Michel .

I did buy Ladybug some precious Hello Kitty clothes at H&M in Paris- I think she likes them!We took seven students and four other adults with us on our Europe trip this year. It was really fun getting to know the other people in our group- this was the best year, yet. I was amazed at how much I really missed the children- it did not help that monkey kept sending me photos and texts, letting us know how much he missed us. So sweet. Next year, we are looking at a trip to the south of France, then on to Italy. I plan to take monkey with us. Ladybug may have to wait a few more years.

Now we only have one term left for the school year, and we are really counting down the days. I love these short weeks- three days before Easter holiday!

just a few more photos

The entrance to the Chinese New Year Party had this really cute blow up -
what a perfect photo spot!

The dragon parade started the party- Monkey and Ladybug were close to the end. They were pretty serious about it.

I love this! One of my Christmas gifts [to myself, I do believe]

This is part of a pair of lamps for Ladybug's room. I think they are wonderful. Karol Ann spotted them in an antique store, and knew that I would need them !

Chinese New Year/Super Bowl/just a good time

yesterday was the local Chinese New Year celebration. Monkey and Ladybug wore their Chinese outfits, and had the best time in the parade. Ladybug made crafts, played, and ran around the party. Monkey was in the big-kid-blow-up-thing the minute it was inflated, and stayed in until we were ready to leave. I am looking forward to the photos that were taken of them- and will post them asap

Today we had the "Souper Bowl of Caring" at church, and had lots of great soups to try. Ladybug and I ate our vegetable beef with kasha, but the boys tried several different things. It all looked and smelled fantastic, and I hope we raised lots of money .

In a little while, we are going to a Super Bowl party, and I am trying to decide--- should I take a book to read, my laptop, or pack a scrapbooking bag? I really only like to watch football in person, but Monkey loves it , so we are going. I will take some type of craft, for sure. [and I am sure Clark will sneak his crossword puzzle book in with my craft]

Valentine truffles and cards to make this week- and I hope you all have a great Valentine's Day!

one more day

Only one more day of classes, and then exams! How exciting! My students are weaving some beautiful baskets- I think their parents will be very pleased to get these as gifts.

Why did no one tell me how difficult it is to take a photo with two children, and expect them to smile at the same time? I really do not know how many I have taken, but I do not think I have the card-worthy one just yet.

Ladybug has been really good with the tree- she does play with a few of her ornaments, but she has not broken any of them yet. Monkey was like that, too. I guess we have been lucky.

Basketball season has started- Monkey is really enjoying it, and Ladybug is learning cheers to yell for him.

Now we have gifts to make, cookies to bake, and lots of fun activities to attend. I hopeyou all are having as wonderful a Chirstmas as we are. I cannot remember how many, but lots of people have been telling me that this would be a great Christmas, since it is Ladybug's first one. I have to say, I think they were all right.

thankful

What a great weekend -
I had my scrapbooking group at church friday night, and we all had a great visit. Oh, and we did manage to make a few pages, too. Monkey spent the night with a friend, and went to see Ole Miss play. Ladybug was at church with us, entertaining every one with her dancing.
Saturday was a long day- we napped, cleaned, and folded laundry. I even managed to unpack my scrapping supplies, and clean my craft room. Well, as much as I can clean it with a Ladybug running in and grabbing things.
Today was church day- Monkey went home with a friend to play, and we all had naps, a walk, and delivered afghans to the girl's home. Doesn't that sound like a great way to spend a pretty Sunday? Now it is time for lesson plans, ironing tomorrow's clothes, and bathing children. These might not sound like fun , but they are reminders of things that I am thankful for- for jobs, a home, and a precious family.
We are really looking forward to next week's vacation- just staying at home sounds pretty good to us all. Maybe we can squeeze in some crafts and baking, just for fun.
I hope you all have a great week - and be thankful!

November already? What happened to October?

So, I really meant to post in October, seeing as so much happened around here. Obviously, there was just SO much happening, that I never managed to put any news on. So sorry.

We have had several adventures- all pretty close by.

Monkey and Ladybug both loved wearing their Halloween costumes -both at the 'trunk or treat' at church, and 'trick or treating'this past weekend. Monkey was pretty worried that people would "think he liked the Bakugan show" if he wore his costume. I don't think it bugged him too much, because he has already slept in it a few times.

We are still playing flag-football, and it is going to be a little cool out there tonight. I may just take my new snuggie that Ladybug's future husband gave me for my birthday! Toasty!

Hope you all are staying warm and dry- I hate to mention the rain, but we have not had any for three days now. This might be a record.

September- will it ever quit raining?

Honest to goodness, I think it has rained every day for the last two weeks, at least. We have had not been able to play flag football lately, and the monkey has been pretty down about it. After all, he has a perfectly new pair of cleats to wear out, plus a jersey.

Ladybug is just happy to be here. It does not seem to take much to make her happy. Right now, her favorite toys are the sock monkey jack-in-the-box, some gel food coloring tubes, and some cookie cutters [ they are her new bracelets]

We are all still loving school, having a great year, and wish you would come for a visit!