Hide That Turkey!

It must be a first grade tradition to "hide" a turkey. Connor did it in first grade and now Isla is doing it. I tried finding photographic proof of Connor's hidden turkey and couldn't find pictures anywhere. Given I know I take loads of photos, I am guessing it is among the thousands and thousands of photos that I didn't sort though on my old laptop...hence the reason the laptop is sitting in a drawer a year later, still waiting for me to deal with all those photos. And by thousands of photos, I am talking like 40,000 photos. Such a daunting task and the reason the laptop is sitting in a drawer. But back to Isla and her hidden turkey.

When she brought home this project, I came up with an idea that I personally found brilliant. I told her we could dress the turkey up like her. We could print out a picture and make a face mask out of her face to go on the turkey. Even Connor said, "How come you didn't have these good ideas when I was in first grade?" But Isla didn't like it. She had other plans. She wanted to disguise her turkey behind a Christmas tree. And since I'm not the one in school, I let her do what she wanted. 

I am convinced the kids think the best part of any school project is going to hobby lobby. It's the best part for them and usually the most stressful for me, haha! They have a vision and I am trying to help them realize their vision without spending a small fortune. Besides having to talk Isla out of buying 32 packages of small ornaments, the trip to the store was actually pretty drama free. So was disguising the turkey. I will actually file it down as one of our easier and least stressful school projects to date. And Isla was really proud of it, which is what really matters. 

Isla was so excited to take her turkey to school this morning. But, it wasn't just excitement about her turkey. She told me, "I am so excited to see everyone's turkeys mom. I just know they all will be great!" I like her enthusiasm and positivity. 

Now here's to hoping they don't do a class vote on the best hidden turkey this year. Because, well, that truly caused some drama in my life two years ago. 

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Isla's Thanksgiving Performance

Isla had her thanksgiving performance at school this past week. It is something only the kindergartners do. And it is the type of thing I totally eat up. They sang a few song, with hand motions of course. Isla was quite animated with it, specially the fat turkey part. She was also on the end, so literally turned and did her performance directly toward us the whole time. At one point, she also tried forcing the boy next to her to participate in the hand motions because he was just standing there...haha! It was a really cute little performance and she was totally jazzed about it.

^^ That moment when you see your mom and dad in the crowd...not that we were that hard to miss, with an uncooperative toddler in tow. 

^^ Performing just for us

^^ The fat turkey line

^^ One of her two new signature picture poses. The other one is a curtsey in which she does not look at the camera while doing it. 

^^ Isla and her buddy Pierson in what may be my favorite picture ever. Callum loves him just as much as Isla does. 

You guys, I seriously love kindergarten. It is such a sweet age. Also, there is a camaraderie among both the kids and the parents at this age. I don't know if it's the kindergarten only playground or what, but I really like it. All the kids play. The parents are more friendly, wanting to do play dates and there is even a once a week park date for the whole class after school. And it's not just Isla's class because it was the same way when Connor was in kindergarten. Maybe it's the age? Or that everyone isn't jaded with school yet? Or that it's half days? Who really knows, but I do know that I like it. 

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A Preschool Thanksgiving

^^ She thought she was so funny...but her teacher made her uncover her eyes. For a minute there I was getting flashbacks to Connor being the little drummer boy with his eyes closed!

^^ What Isla was thankful for on their thankful tree at school. And I'm told that she truly said beautiful three times...haha!

^^ She ate all the whipped cream off her pie, then went back and asked for seconds of whipped cream. 

I'm pretty sure 95% of the time, wherever we are, people are always like, "Who's child is that?!" about how my kids act. But, you know what, I fiercely believe in letting them be independent little thinkers and also in letting them be children. Sure that can embarrass at times. But it also reminds me that I really don't need to care so much. I too once was an unabashed whipped cream lover. And I'm constantly told that Isla's fiery spirit comes from me. So yeah. 

I don't know how I wondered there, but I did. Anyway. Isla had her thanksgiving feast at school on Wednesday. I always eat this kind of thing up. The song singing. The sitting in tiny chairs around tables. The homemade crafts. I dig it all. And I was not disappointed. Isla did an excellent job singing both songs...and even looked at us and smiled when singing about family...the type of thing I totally eat up. It was a good time. 

After having been on the preschool scene for four years now, I am feeling a bit sad about how all these little things are the last one for a few years. Sure I am excited for new things with the kids, but it's also a little sad to know I will be leaving behind something very regular in my life...and that's exactly what preschool has been for me. Wow, it's not even halfway through the school year and I'm already getting all sad and mushy about it ending! That has to be some sort of record. 

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Twas the Day Before Thanksgiving...

The morning before Thanksgiving was a crazy one for me. Both kids had school Thanksgivings. Connor had a performance at 9…the exact time I am supposed to drop Isla off at preschool. And her school isn't one you can take kids early. Thankfully, her teachers allowed me to drop her off early that morning and let her chill with them while they were getting the class ready. Connor's class performed three Thanksgiving songs. Connor participated in the hand movements for every single song, but did not sing one single word. He was particularly animated for one of the songs and got a lot of laughs out of the audience…and I got some comments from parents later. Not unusual for this kid! Now, since his performance, he has sung the songs with movements for his grandparents and some others. I think he just must not like singing in front of groups of people…though obviously don't have a problem with attention on him, given how animated he gets. 

^^ Isla and her friend Gracie. They have been good little friends at school since last year. 

^^ Sweet mother, daughter pictures

^^ What taking pictures with Isla really looks like. I ended up with several pretty funny outtakes…think her lunging toward the camera or squeezing my cheeks. The good news is, holding her while trying to take pictures is an ab workout all of it's own…hence the reason I haven't worked out at all this pregnancy…haha

I had a doctor's appointment across town between the kids Thanksgiving shindigs. Thankfully they weren't running behind that day, so timing ended up not being an issue. At Isla's Thanksgiving thing, they performed two songs, then we had a Thanksgiving feast…like an actual Thanksgiving dinner. Isla did well singing. She literally didn't look away from her teacher the whole time. She looked extremely serious, but sung and did all the had motions. She wasn't quite as interested in her feast. She did eat some turkey and fruit though. She was more excited about them being able to take home their owl crafts that had been hanging in the class for a couple weeks. That literally consumed her thoughts. She didn't want to waste her time eating and just wanted to get her hands on her owl. 

It was a good, albeit busy morning. It's always fun to see the kids differences in personalities come out in things like performing for audiences. And it's always fun to watch them beam with pride to have us come to something at their school. 

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A Morning of Parties

Both Connor and Isla had their school thanksgiving parties on Wednesday. Thankfully, the school timed them so all three of us parents with kids in both age groups could attend both parties. And Isla's teachers kept her and the other two girls in her class while us parents ran to the older kids party. I have to admit, it was really nice being able to focus on each kid individually. 

First up, Isla's party.  

I have never seen kids so excited to see their moms as when Isla's teachers pulled back the curtains revealing all us parents sitting there. Above was Isla, all excited to see me. And, in keeping with family tradition, Isla did NOT sing at all during the performance. She mostly started at the other kids singing and would do the hand motions from time to time. Of course, she has been singing the songs like crazy ever since! 

After the performance, we ate a light lunch. Isla was very proud of the turkey craft she made and kept talking about it being in a pumpkin. She also kept putting her hand up to her turkey hand print that was on her placemat craft. When it was time to go, one of Isla's teachers came and sat with her while I left.

On to Connor's class...this boy is such a ham. He was practicing the song hand motions and making funny faces before the performance even started. And in this above shot, he pointed right at me while "singing". He didn't actually sing during the performance, but he did do all the hand motions and that is a HUGE improvement from last year...when he would just stand around and try to distract the other kids that were actually singing.

Just like in Isla's class, Connor's class had a meal. Except Connor's class had a full on thanksgiving feast, complete with pumpkin pie! His class drew pictures of their families (below). I asked Connor who was who and he quickly explained to me that he is the big person eating the rest of us. Awesome. This guy certainly isn't lacking imagination or personality!

I had a lot of fun getting to do something special with each kid for their thanksgiving parties. It is fun watching them in the school setting and seeing how they respond to everyone and everything around them. And these two little buckets of energy are at the top of my list of thankfulness. I feel so blessed to have them and love them so much.

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Thankful

I have so much to be thankful for in life. I almost feel like it would be a tragedy to not mention it at all. And since there won't be any posts on the beautiful table I decorated for Thanksgiving (we had it at the in laws) or the amazing food I made (I may not have made thanksgiving dinner, but I rocked at the side dish I did make!) or any cute family photos (just a total fail on my part), I really just want everyone to know how thankful I am for this life I have. There truly are many things I am thankful for. So here you go:

My husband, who I think is pretty dang amazing

My children, who are full of life and for that I am grateful

My health and my family's health

Parents (and in laws) who are married

That we can afford to put good food on our table

Wine

Friends - old friends and new friends that I am making

Staying out with said friends until 1:30am on Tuesday...I had so much fun CRAFTING into the night

Taco Bell...yep, I am totally thankful for Taco Bell!

A car with seat warmers...I haven't had one for years and to have these again, it keeps my butt warm. What more can I say?!

Working plumbing...remember last year in my home?

Preschool art to decorate my home with

Coffee...and coffee tumblers so I can have my coffee on the go!

A washer and dryer

I'll stop before I start telling you about my socks (that keep my feet warm), the feeling of the sun on my back on a cold day and babysitting (to enjoy a kid free dinner with the hubby). But I really am thankful for this life of mine. It isn't always a walk in the park (hello public tantrums), but it is all appreciated (I have been given the opportunity to have kids). I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving!

Thankful

I have a lot to be thankful for this year...
First and foremost these two adorable little people. They may cause loss of sleep and make me feel like I am a full time referee, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
And my hubby, who is such an amazing man. Always there to take over the parenting duties when I need a little more sleep or need to get out with some friends. Not to mention, he always rubs my feet when I ask!
We have our health and for that I am infinitely thankful. There may have been some hiccups lately (hello, double ear infection!) but nothing major and for that I am thankful.
I am thankful for my little house that I love. Our street may have its share of crime, ok more than its share, but we have some great neighbors and live in a great neighborhood.
Then there are our families. Both equally amazing in their own ways. We really were blessed to be born into such great families (and marry into great ones too)!

The list could go on and on. For some reason, this year I have really reveled in thankfulness. Maybe I am just getting old growing up maturing, but I really feel thankful for this life I have been given.


And just so you know life isn't all peachy keen over here, here is the first photo we took. Isla is getting her two year molars at THIRTEEN MONTHS! She has been an awful mess. Two are mostly in and a third one broke through today. Hopefully she will get some relief soon and we will have a little more peace again soon as well.

Cause seriously, this picture about sums up my life the last few days.

Thanksgiving

 

Aww, the holidays.

I have a love/hate relationship with the holidays. I love them because of family getting together, days off work (well, for Ian), good food and more. I hate them because of the chaos they cause in my days. Shuttling children from one house to another to celebrate with both our families. Feeling like we have no downtime at all. And being at people's homes who aren't child friendly. It all stresses me out a bit. But still, we got to see our families, dress our kids up cute and eat a lot of food. Even though it was stressful, it was still good times. 

And in case you are wondering, I hit up the black Friday deals...with my 6 week old. Not the brightest of ideas. I know she has her fussy time in the late evening (usually lasting until about 1am). And even out of the house, that fussy time still happened. At one point, while waiting in line for Target to open, I went and sat in the car to avoid the stares of others in line...I was getting a lot of them due to my screaming babe. I do need to give a shout out to my mom and friend Chandra who both took turns holding a screaming Isla for me. Thanks ladies!

Next year, I will be up for black Friday again. This time I will leave both kids at home. And, I won't hit up the mall. It was way too crowded and not very many good deals.

Thankful

Some of the things I am giving thanks for today:

Jesus
Ian
my beautiful babies
coffee
my awesome parents
my house
food
a car that runs
health
my brothers
friends
church
MOPS
fall weather
iphone

sleeping in 

laughter

fireplaces

I am thankful that everyday I get to live this life that I live with my adorable family by my side. The gift of staying home with my two babies and watching them grow is such a blessing. And doing this life with my awesome husband really is a blessing from God. I am so thankful for my little life!