This many days into our break, feeling better, we are easing into the free time in the morning.There is a leisurely, do as we please, atmosphere.And always some wildness thrown in because in our house we love to laugh.Before I can even compliment her name writing and Christmas tree drawing she is off and running. It’s Christmas Eve and there is excitement in the air.

defined as awe-inspiring, admiring, astounding, marvelous, surprised…a miracle.

Our days were busy until I came down with the stomach flu. I have been mostly in bed the last couple days. This evening I made it to the couch and noticed a little boy busy typing up a story.Meanwhile Henry built a temple for Olivine to play in.
They will keep themselves busy as I rest and hydrate.

Kindergarten is a fascinating age of discovery and curiosity. Sometimes I love just watching my middle bear. He loves ramen and noodles, just like his papa. I can mix in veggies and that’s lunch.He has an obsession with making notes for Santa. He has drawn several pictures and is ready to leave them out on Christmas Eve. His test is that if they are gone, Santa is real.Also he has a sweet friend who he adores. These two are peas in a pod. They like to race on their classwork and climb on the monkey bars at recess. I snapped this at pick up.I am looking forward to school ending for two weeks. A little more time with this guy, who has to correct me when I say he is five. Is he really already six?

The kids couldn’t wait to build this gingerbread house covered in candy. A team effort.I was more excited about meeting friends at Lola’s. We dined in the parklet.The kid friendly nativity scene for their bedroom (found at Target) is a way to tell the story again and again. These post-it notes are everywhere. It’s Henry practicing his writing with some style.
The highlight was putting up our tree. It’s real but much smaller this year. A compromise. Plus a walkaround the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve.
We did the two mile loop with such clear weather and sunshine.What else could I possibly need?

This week has been great. Christmas lights make everything feel more mellow.Wrapping up class for a few weeks and toasting ourselves! These ladies are the first ones I met in the cohort. Each has been promoted since joining the program. Exciting.
Then there are my students at Long Beach City College. I get a little sentimental as the semester wraps up. Some of them write notes that make me cry (it has been my hardest semester at the college with student needs).Feeling sentimental, I also heard from a mother of one of my second graders. She emailed to say thank you. Charles is now in eighth grade and making choices about high school. Can’t wait to be at that graduation in four years.
Little ones even survived flu shots today with no tears. What?! The list of reasons to be thankful seems to continually grow.

The hats
The mistletoeThe fun of a board game The sugar cookie decorating
And yes, if you look closely Paul tore off a leg, added a peg leg and a pirate hat to his cookie (in honor of his favorite version of the gingerbread story).Our oven is fixed, so looks like we can do some more baking around here. Any good recipes?

This journey back to school couldn’t have happened without support from my home team. The time spent on readings, homework, paper writing, and going to class is hard to make a priority when my family is having such a good time.Thankfully Joe believes in me. He is my proofreader, coffee maker, and comic relief. He has to sacrifice as much as I do, and in this three year commitment there is plenty to consider. Yet he is invested and by my side, as I wrap up this semester with doubts about my purpose. He gathers up the children to write a card, set up flowers, and treats to celebrate.He also does not judge when I binge watch documentaries as an escape from the studying (the Wolfpack, Twinsters, and I’m Still Here just to name a few).

My mom took us to brunch at a spot my grandfather loved.
We even sat at the booth he preferred.Hard to believe we have gone on without him.That little twinge of heart ache may never disappear. We have each other to lean on and celebrate with smiles, because that is exactly what he would have wanted.

Can’t get enough of reading around here these days.This little guy can devour books like no one else. Thanks Cara.
These are the books I have been reading for entertainment. I am laughing hard.
We like to reread books at bedtime with a captive audience. We are hoping to purge a few in the upcoming season.