Christmas 2011...

Christmas was GREAT!  I can't believe how quickly time passes at this time of year.  Too fast for sure!  Mack was thrilled with everything...and received way too much!  He will be rotten!  We opened gifts at our house Christmas morning and then went to Mom & Dad's later in the afternoon.  When Mack woke up he was most concerned with the cookies we left for Santa - he ran to check the plate.  Then enjoyed the goodies in his stocking and finally noticed the gifts under the tree.  His amazement and excitement was priceless!

Mack LOVES his new desk...

At Grandma and Grandpa's...

Oh what fun it is...

The house is clean, presents are mostly wrapped, and winter break is right around the corner!  Yay!  I don't know what it is, but I REALLY need a break this year.  I can't wait to enjoy the holidays and just bum around the house during our winter break.  

Mack has a new love...changing his clothes as many times as possible.  Oh my!  I thought it was great when he mastered taking his pants/underwear on & off by himself (this really helped his independence in the bathroom).  Then he figured out how to get his shirt off and can do it (mostly) by himself.  He can also put all of these articles back on with minimal help.  Today he has changed at least 3 times.  To be honest - it drives me CRAZY.  Who needs to go through that many clothes in one day?!!  However...his little eyes light up when he decides what he wants to wear next...AND his sense of pride is evident as he puts something new on all by himself!  Some mornings are difficult (more like a major battle) now that he wants a BIG part of deciding what to wear.  I guess I will just have to stop worrying if he matches and start enjoying his new found independent happiness.  There is not much 'baby' left in my almost 3 year old (I tear up a little as I write this...where does the time go?).

Here he is before church this morning. I picked out this outfit and surprisingly he didn't complain :)

After church Scott, Mack, Soxy, and Moon went out to play for a bit.  It was a beautiful day and they all enjoyed the fresh air!  With Mack's new independent streak he wants to do everything by himself.  He struggled with the jacket for a minute but got it in the end.

He still takes a GREAT nap.  But is not always thrilled when it is time to go lay down...he wanted to go back out for a little bit.

Here it is...his one last 'little boy' trait.  He pulls his hair when he is tired or needs comfort.  If you know Mack, you know he has done this forever.  He has never sucked his thumb, took a paci, or had a blankie.  You know it's serious when he uses both hands.  I LOVE IT!  Some people suggest that we need to cut that hair...but I CAN'T!  It's too ADORABLE!... and he won't do it forever, so I'll enjoy this tired, snuggly little boy while I can. ;)

Mack is such a JOY in our lives and we are thankful and grateful for each day!

 

During our break I plan to catch up on our family scrapbook, clean out Mack's closet, and learn something new...

I have always wanted to learn to crochet.  I have attempted before but never really got it figured out.  I plan to watch a tutorial (probably on you tube) or find a tutor.  If you have any tips or suggestions feel free to send them my way.  

Yay for Winter Break... we have an early dismissal on Tuesday and I am just hoping and praying that I can make it until then!

Have a FABULOUS week!

First Snow...

We woke up to snow this morning!  It gently snowed until afternoon...how peaceful.  It didn't really end up snowing much, maybe 2-3 inches.  Mack was absolutely thrilled!  He came down stairs, looked outside and said, "Now it's time for Santa to come!"  Then he said, "I need my big coat, gloves, hat, boots...I need EVERYTHING mom!"  We let the dogs outside before we left and Mack was so excited about the tracks they made.  He said, "I need to get out there and make tracks, too."  Needless to say, we made some tracks before we buckled up to leave. 
He is hilarious!

The kids at school were very excited and it made for an interesting day. Of course, Scott and I are looking forward to a couple snow days here and there as winter continues.  That is one of the beauties of living in the midwest... an unexpected day home from work.

You will be glad to know my holiday troubles are mostly over...we went shopping in Quincy on Sunday and I got most of the shopping done!  Yay!  I only have a few more items to pick up.  My parents went with us and we all enjoyed the day.  Mack got to visit with Santa and loved it.  He climbed up on his lap  and told him what he wanted and then sat patiently while I took some pics.  We were worried that he would get shy and not do it.  Not the case, he did great!

Christmas is such a great time of year for so many reasons: the birth of Christ, friends and family, holiday cheer...and cards!  I love, love, love Christmas cards!  I race home to the mailbox everyday in December just waiting to see what Christmas cards have arrived.  I love seeing greeting cards, picture cards, and Christmas letters.  What a wonderful time of year!!!  Have a GREAT week!

The Holiday Season is here...

Well, it has been a little while since I last blogged.  What is new?

Football season is now over and we have moved on to basketball.  Yes, that is right...Scott is the boys JV coach.  He is busy with early morning practices and games twice a week.  And of course, Mack and I are sitting in the stands cheering him on!

We had a great Thanksgiving and spent the whole weekend at my parents house - just being lazy and enjoying our time together.  I forgot my camera and didn't get any pictures but am thankful for the time spent together.

I have done a little Christmas shopping...very little.  EVERY year I tell myself that I will do better and not let this sneak up on me.  However, EVERY year after Thanksgiving the holiday shopping season is here and it stresses me out a bit!  I think it's a combination of things: finding the right gift, staying within budget, being creative & thoughtful, it's a busy time @ school, time crunch, and loving to give gifts to others.  Don't worry...it's just the gift buying that causes me stress (and it's really not that bad)...other than that I am excited that the holidays are here!  Mack is SO excited about EVERYTHING!  He can't wait to go to Santa's house.  He asks if we can call him.  He tells me every day when I pick him up that he is on the 'good' list.  Last night, I laid down with him and after we read a story he rolled over and whispered excitedly, "Santa will be here in 5 minutes!"  Then he rolled back over and went to sleep. ;)  What a hoot!! ...Also, anytime anyone asks him when his birthday is he replies, "tomorrow!"  Oh what fun this boy is!  I think my favorite part (so far) is that bottom (front) third of our Christmas tree has the most ornaments on it - thanks to Mack's decorating skills.











Have a GREAT weekend! 
Wish me luck with my holiday shopping. ;)

Happy Fall...

quick update...

This Thursday is Scott's last regular season football game, so far we are 6-3.   We are hoping for a big win...then we will begin the playoff rounds.  The first playoff game will be next Wednesday, Nov. 2.  Missouri high school football is GREAT!

First grade is going really well.  It is so nice to be settled in our classroom and moving right along.  My students are doing great and working hard!

Last weekend Mack stayed with my parents while Scott and I went to watch the Hawkeyes beat the Northwestern Wildcats.  The game was amazing!  Kinnick stadium is the best!  There is something exciting about being surrounded by 70,000 Iowa Hawkeye fans!!  

card trick:

   

What a GREAT day!! 

**Our community has decided to start a neighborhood watch program.  As you can see we will all have the highest protection...

As you can see, Mack has decided to be Captain America for Halloween.  Earlier this week he picked out his costume at WalMart.  Then we got it home and he refused to wear it.  Finally, yesterday afternoon he put it on and we could hardly convince him to take it off to change into his pajamas for bed.   He put it on as soon as he got up this morning.  He was really getting into character ...pointing and yelling "Captain America!"  He wore it to the football field with Scott for awhile.  Needless to say, the costume went in the washer as soon as they got home.  He has been asking about it since he woke up from his nap.  It is drying and will be ready for action tomorrow when we get home from school. YAY!

Pumpkin Patch

We visited our local pumpkin patch yesterday evening.  It was AMAZING!  We had a great time...Mack enjoyed all of the activities for children and Scott & I enjoyed watching and playing with him.  I also really enjoyed exploring with my new camera (as you can tell by all the pics).  

 

Scott's team had a big victory Friday night - GO INDIANS!

My school has been cleaned and passed inspection on Wednesday - YAY!!!  I have been moving and organizing my classroom.  I am so HAPPY to get moved in and look forward to welcoming students on Monday.  It will be like the first day all over again... except better! 

Here is the view from my classroom door...

From the back of the room...

The leaves are all changing colors and absolutely beautiful here.  We are loving this great fall season.  We have been enjoying 80 degree weather and lots of fresh air.  Mack and I went for a walk this morning to play and take pictures.
 

Yes, I know... he is about too big for the stroller (look @ his long legs)!  He still LOVES to go...as do I.