Time Can Stand Still

When you don't have a ton of laundry or a mile long errand list, it seems like time stands still. There's time to breathe and enjoy everything around you. That's what I've been missing since school started. Time to just be in the moment. Time to make bread and cookies and play with barbies and read stories and just enjoy. These last few days of the new year are just for that. I've almost finished a scrapbook project that I found in August and I've got several layouts floating around in my head. I'm even considering doing a Layout A Day Challenge in January. I've certainly got plenty of photos to do it. :)
I read a book last year entitled Chasing Daylight. It's the story of a CEO's life after he was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. It's a great book and even though you know how it will end (the book is in the grief section at the bookstore) there is such inspiration in it. It's worth the read, but you will need some tissues while you read.

We took the girls to Chuck E. Cheese last night for dinner. They had a blast! Sydney spent most of her time on the riding games and Shelby did some of the older kid games. She only threw the ball for skeeball in the air twice - nobody was injured. I found a cool pinball machine game, but she wouldn't let me play it more than once. Neither girl wanted to leave, but on the way home Syd wanted to know if we could go back real soon.

Christmas Morning

The girls had a wonderful Christmas. Below are some pictures of them opening presents. Both girls got some toys, games and clothes. Clothes and shoes are high on Sydney's list. (Check out the sparkle shoes she's wearing in the photos.) Shelby was excited about her fairy dolls the most. Mom and Dad came over for lunch and to visit with the girls. Neither one took a nap, so it was in to bed early for them. We enjoyed some quiet time watching TV after they went to bed. Now the relaxation time really starts. :)

The Night Before Christmas

and all through the house we've heard shouting and yelling and screaming about. The girls are so excited about Christmas. We've spent the day picking up and cleaning the house. Sydney took a good 3 hour nap and Shelby had about a 1.5 hour nap. Shelby helped me make gingerbread cookies for Santa and I did the sugar cookies by myself. She was too busy coloring in an activity book that we found from last year. I've still got to clean off the dining room table, but the rest of the downstairs is finished. I thought I'd get a chance to work on a scrapbook project, but it didn't happen. Maybe on Wednesday I'll get to work on it. I've got to cut some heavy chipboord for a cover and I need the table so I can spread out. (And some time without the kids to use the craft knife.) Hope everyone has a Merry Christmas!

Must be Santa

So we went to see Santa today. We got to the mall about 9:50 and waited in line until he got back from feeding his reindeer. The girls were very excited to see him. They were telling me everything that they were going to ask for Christmas. Shelby had it down to a pony with wings (My Little Pony), some BRATZ dolls and a princess video. Anything else that he wanted to surprise her with would be fine too. Sydney kept jumping around saying a baby and toys. When it was our turn to get up there, Sydney decided she didn't really want to talk to him (or sit on his lap) and Shelby was so excited she forgot what she wanted. At least Sydney didn't scream like last year. :)

And The Verdict Is.....

Bronchitis. According to the Dr. that I saw this afternoon. I guess two weeks of crazy work schedule and not enough sleep plus being around children that spread germs will lend itself to picking something up. I've taken some medicine and feel a little better - thank goodness for the "Z pack".
My concert was Tuesday and it went very well. Now we just have a school wide assembly (tomorrow) and a trip to the elementary schools next week. Students are only there for a half day on Thursday and then we're out. Can you hear the "HallelujaH Chorus" in the background? I can!
I'm in need of some serious nap time. I've also got some scrapbook projects to work on. Luckily we'll have finals in January, so I won't have as much work to do at home.
Christmas cards are on their way out and hopefully the tree will be decorated soon. Only 11 more days until Christmas - guess I know what I'll be doing this weekend.

Survival

This past week has been my busiest so far. I judged high school region tryouts on Tuesday (phase one) and we had the parade of lights on Thursday with my students. Of course we had dance on Wednesday and Friday-with the latter being an extra long practice so all three performance teams could practice together. This morning was Sydney's dance class and this afternoon Shelby had a team performance. We've still go a parade to do with the dance team tonight, but I can see the light so that must mean I've survived! ;)
The girls had a wonderful Thanksgiving break and I even got a few things done. I finished my secret santa gift and got the Christmas tree up. Some of the lights don't work, so I'll need to buy a new set, but at least it's up. Maybe tomorrow we'll get it decorated.
The biggest news is that I got a new vacuum cleaner! It's a Kenmore and I love it. I use it all of the time. It even works great on dog hair - which means Rusty can co-exist with us a little while longer.