Kindergarten Holiday Blessings!

Kindergarten is such a fun grade to teach. It is an age where school and learning is exciting. I am even told that I am a great artist, singer, storyteller, etc. These kids sure know how to make you feel amazing... if only they really knew. Ha! But I am one blessed lady. I love my job. Now that does not mean that each and every day is perfect. I definitely have my struggles, but I couldn't be more excited to have these 18 kiddos and to work with a team of ladies that are truly inspirational. And while I have these next few weeks off, these journal writings will remind me how truly blessed I am.

Before our break, we enjoyed several fun winter activities. From making measurement holiday trees to making these tear snowmen. Aren't the super precious?!?

On our final week, our school hosted a Winter Wonderland Party. Here is my team leader, Kathi, dressed as our favorite Frosty the Snowman! I thought it was a super cute idea. Behind her are our Kindergarten penguins that each child made. I love the creativity. :) Talk about march of over 80 Kinder penguins... and yes the boy ones with bow ties are my kiddos. Love it!

Meet Boobah dressed in his Christmas gear. Boobha is a "loveable" (questionable at best) little mascot of the ELC. So how could you spend a holiday without him?!?! I love Trout's holiday spirit as she set Boobha on Wallace's desk.

This afternoon, Kindergarten enjoyed a fun Holiday Party. I am so thankful for such amazing parents who help go to Dallas and back searching for a book, Gingerbread Friends, just to make sure that we had it to read to our kiddos on this very special party day. Our kids enjoyed story time, gingerbread ornament crafts, and decorating their very own gingerbread cookie. My kids were sure filled with holiday cheer and SUGAR!

After the party, the Kindergarten team got together to enjoy a staff lunch and a little gift exchange. This year we decided that we would each purchase $10 in lottery tickets and would split the winnings four ways. Well after scratching all the game pieces... we WON... $20. So now we will be purchasing a pizza after the break. :)

Before we left for the break, they called all staff members to the gym to announce teacher of the year and beginning teacher of the year. It is an exciting honor but more importantly I am just honored to have a job that I love, with kids that are amazing, and a team that truly wants the best for each child.

Happy 2 week vacation to all teachers!

Harley turns ONE!

This afternoon, Ray and I had the opportunity to celebrate Miss Harley's first birthday. Sally and her husband, Paul, welcomed Miss Harley Raider into their lives on December 8, 2010. She is such a beautiful blessing and I am so thankful for her sweet parents. Sally and I worked together at Checkpast for over 3 years together. Sally was my best gal pal, friend, confidant, and partner in crime. It is so amazing to see where the years have taken us both and I am so thankful to be here and help celebrate another great milestone in her life. Here are a few pictures of her sweet daughter's first birthday party.

Harley was no stranger to sweets. She was so ready for her cupcake. In this picture it looks as though she's telling her mama to hurry. :) I love it!

Let the present opening begin. Of course as any one year old she was super excited about the tissue paper and wrapping. Plus as many of us had the same idea, little Miss Harley had no idea she would receive 3 little tea pots.

Miss Harley... we wish you a special first birthday and all those to come:)

Our Tacky Christmas... ABF Style!

Happy Tacky Christmas
love the Zellners

On Thursday our ABF held it's annual Christmas party... and boy was it tacky ;)! The Crumley's hosted an amazing party filled with so much fun and Christmas cheer! We ate delicious Mexican food, caught up with great friends, and even shared in a fun white elephant gift exchange all while looking beautifully tacky. Some of our favorite gifts made a reappearance at this year's exchange. I'm pretty sure they will continue throughout the years. Also to our surprise, two more couples shared that they too were expecting this next year. What a fun and exciting party! Here are our pictures of the night. We are truly blessed to share our lives with some pretty amazing couples.

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas... even a tacky one ;)

(sorry for the bad camera lighting, red eyes, the works. Also a big thanks to Kristin for letting me borrow the four year old super special sweater deal from Goodwill.)

Green Tosies, Mexican Food, and a Favorite Tradition!

Tonight, Kristin and I enjoyed our traditional pedicures and dinner date night...and after a day like today... it was absolutely necessary. I have to say that this is becoming one of my absolute favorite traditions. For each birthday that passes we enjoy a ladies night out, filled with pampering and deliciously unhealthy Mexican food with margaritas of course. This has become so popular between us that we are adding a celebratory half birthday as well. We are worth it;)

Here's to Christmas toes, Christina's Mexican food, and great company! I am looking forward to the next half birthday:)

Happy Two You!

Bryson's Birthday Flight departed on Saturday, December 3, 2011 at 2PM in the afternoon. The flight was filled with many wonderful friends and family members that could not wait to celebrate the birthday of this sweet toddler. Packages were wrapped, the in-flight meal had been served, and we had officially arrived at our party destination.

Happy Birthday to you sweet B-rice. (nickname given by the husband). I cannot believe Bryson is almost two years old and is no longer a baby but a happy, healthy child, with all the energy of a toddler. He is such a little ham and I am so thankful for him and his fantastic family. Here's to sharing his special day and for all the family and friends that love him. Enjoy some photos from Bryson's Birthday Bash Take Two.

Stephanie, Kristin, baby Jacob (10 months) and me

The in-flight meal

The super cute decorations

Kristin and the boys. Bryson and Jacob are such cute friends!

Adam and Jacob playing with cute party decor

The Duke family

Bryson's new birthday hat


His new bike!

Bryson's "toos"

Kristin, the aunts, Bryson, and me

It would not be a party without a red uni brow

What an absolutely fun and super creative party. I know that an amazing time was had by all... especially the birthday boy!

Bryson's Birthday Bash Take 2 Preview!

Fant Airlines departed at 2PM this afternoon in honor of Bryson's second birthday party. From Elmo, "toos," and Happy to you's, this adorable little toddler had an amazing birthday party. We were so blessed to share in such a special moment with his family and friends. Here are two of my favorite photos from the celebration. Enjoy Bryson's Birthday Bash Take Two... Preview! (More pics and a post to come!)

P.S.

I am in love with our friend photo shot. I love watching us grow. I can't wait to see where we will all be next birthday bash:)