37

Back in November I turned 37. It's pretty close to 40 and I'm not happy about that, but what are you going to do. I was surprisingly shocked when we went to the airport Friday night to pick up our nephew (who is a pilot and flying all over Florida right now) and in walks my best friend.

I really can't believe the hubby pulled this off. Obviously he had a lot of help from Shannon and a little help from my friend Beth, but I give him a lot of credit. I was completely surprised. I woke up Saturday morning and participated in my first 10k race. Nice little run to start of my birthday. Runs, and birthday's, are a lot more fun when you have friends with you.

 That's a photo finish right there.

I had one birthday goal and that was to finish this race under a 10 minute mile. Well, there you go.

The day was full of surprises. My friend Magaly, who had no idea that Shannon was even in town, decided to stay the rest of the weekend. We all went for massages and then we were off to dinner that night. But before dinner, a competitive round of Bingo. They didn't even let me win.

 Taken before we walked in the restaurant.

Where, guess what? Another surprise was waiting for me. A table full of friends there to celebrate me. Here I was thinking it was just the 3 of us and then I realized Shannon pulled another fast one on me. She had been in Facebook communication with a group of my workout friends and coordinated this whole thing from NY. See people. Social media is sometimes a good thing.

It was a pretty special 37th birthday. Definitely one for the books. You guys better start planning my 40th for me. This one is going to be hard to beat.

the rest of the long weekend

Zarkle still comes on Thanksgiving night, even if we are at Grandma's house.

Since we were in Gainesville on Black Friday, we carried on the Santa tradition too. For some reason there is never a line and we walk right up. So much better than fighting the long lines and people here in Jacksonville. Plus, he's a pretty good Santa. Addison asked for a grown up jewelry box and a light up hula hoop. Morgan asked for a leprechaun house. I seriously thought she was joking, but nope. She was dead serious. What exactly is a leprechaun house? (More on this later.)

 

A visit to Westside Park is always on the agenda when were in Gainesville. The girls ride this merry-go-round the entire time. Complete with sassy girl pose and all. I don't know how they do it. 

 More Zarkle adventures.

Morgan discovered the cinnamon roll. I think it's safe to say she's a fan.

 On Saturday we headed home to find the perfect Christmas tree. We found it!

So what if it took up half of my living room. I didn't care. It was the perfect tree. Switching over to a real tree a few year ago is one of the best moves we've ever made.

thanksgiving

We spent Thanksgiving at my mom's and then headed to my Aunt's house for a little backyard fun.I was so happy that I got to spend the day with this little turkey.

You know when you pick up a baby and your body just starts to rock from side to side. The mommy sway. I think it naturally occurs in all mothers. I still got it. I swayed baby R right into her turkey coma.

And just like most holidays, we ended up at my aunt's house to visit with first, second and third cousins and eat dessert. There's always some swinging.

And some teeter tottering.

Tractor rides from cousin Ben were a fan favorite.

There was a little sliding.

And a little mothering. Morgan loves when there are kids younger than her. She takes such good care of them. It's sweet to see this side of her and Dylan loved every second of the attention.

I'm thankful for so many things. My friends, my family, all of my many blessings. Especially these two.

My family means the world to me. I'm thankful that Michael puts up with all of our shenanigans.

And last but not least, our Thanksgiving tradition. You can't finish the day without watching Elf.

I love Will Ferrell.

merry christmas

From our house to yours...

Merry Christmas!

morgan's awards

Morgan's teachers do something a little different for awards. They call each child up and list the awards they will be receiving. Morgan was a doll. She stood up there for her 15 seconds and smiled with excitement. And then when I wanted a picture of her so I could send it to Michael, this is what I get.

Finally! A normal smile.

I admit I was a little worried about Morgan and Kindergarten. She showed no interest in reading and I knew she was a social butterfly. Yeah, she's had her lollipop taken away a couple of times for not listening, but she's still a five year old. Recently I've noticed her really taking an interest in books and reading them to us. Like this...

It's amazing the progress she's made in 4 months. I can't wait to see what else she has in store for us.

my soaring eagle

There's an award that the school gives out called the Soaring Eagle. Addison got the Soaring Eagle in Kindergarten when it was decided on by just her teachers. This year, in addition to the teachers, the kids in her class had to nominate someone for the award and give reasons why. Hearing her teachers read this as they gave her the award made my heart swell with pride. It gives me hope that maybe we are doing something right as parents.

Addison and her teacher Mrs. C.

Addison and Mrs. L.

I'm so proud of her. She's such a hard worker and takes so much pride in her schoolwork. I never once have to remind her to do her homework or read her book. Keep soaring high my eagle.

Now Morgan, that's another story.

kindergarten pow wow

It's that time of year. Time for all of the fall activities at school. The Kindergarten Pow Wow is something special. I remember Addison participating in Kindergarten and I was amazed at how much work went into this thing. It doesn't disappoint. Things kicked off with a tribal dance by Chief Chets Creek.

Then it was time for the kids to do their little dance. 

She did all the motions and sang all the songs. And she checked to make sure we were watching the entire time. There is not a shy bone in this child's body. She was all smiles.

I love her sweet face. She was so excited about the Pow Wow and couldn't wait to participate. I heard Indian songs being sung for weeks.

I wasn't able to spend the day doing crafts with her, so I gave her a big hug and kiss and told her how proud I was of her.

I'm lucky to have a couple of mom friends in the same class. They sent me pics from the day. I was a little sad I had to miss it, but it looks like she had just as much fun without me.

Leading up to the Pow Wow they had the build your own longhouse night. Morgan was the Iroquois tribe, same as Addison. So I was very familiar with how to make a long house.

And let's not forget the Indian. We had a good time making this thing together. In the end we decided Morgan's Indian name would be "Luminous Creator". We just went with it.

The second and last Pow Wow has officially come and gone. Thank you Chets Creek for making this day special.