Sunday ~ 345/365
Sunday December 11, 2011
Ryan snapped this pic of me and cousin Kristy as we headed to the airport...it was time for her to head back to CO. We had lots of fun hanging out for the last 4 days though!Monday~346/365
Monday December 12, 2011
In Sc. Studies we studied Holidays Around the World...each kinder teacher choose a tradition from a different country; I taught the Legend of the Poinsettia from Mexico. We read the story, talked about the tradition and made our own poinsettia...best thing...I actually got to talk/teach about the birth of Jesus! The kinder students also learned about traditions from Greece, Germany, Italy and Australia.Wednesday December 14, 2011
Colin Boy lost another tooth. Sad thing though...the tooth fairy didn't come the night he lost it...sad but true...but the trooper that Colin is waited it out until she finally showed up. And since she was late, he earned an extra $1!!
Thursday~349/365
Thursday December 15, 2011 
Thursday afternoon we had a special all school assembly outside on our basketball courts...as a school we raised so much money & did so awesome on both of the fall fundraisers that we earned this totally awesome BMX bike show.
Friday December 16, 2011
In Germany (of our Holidays Around the World) the students learned about the Christmas Tree...they were able to decorate their own tree and then 'snow' paint it using an actual bough of a Christmas Tree...I must say that this was one of my fav projects of the season; I just loved how they turned out!
Saturday night I scored FREE tickets from the Epilepsy Foundation of AZ to the Coyotes hockey game against the NY Rangers. Since Ryan doesn't like heights and these were upper level tickets, Kennedy came with us. We did lots of cheering for the 'Yotes!
Sad to say that they lost with .01 seconds on the clock...bummer!
Sunday ~ 352/365
Sunday December 18, 2011 
Sunday was baking day!! My mom, Kennedy, the boys & I spent all day baking tons of cookies, making peppermint bark, peppermint thin mints, dipping marshmallows and pretzels....lots of fun for sure!
Monday~353/365
Monday December 19, 2011
Monday night I finished up the finishing touches of my students' presents for their parents. They made snowflake ornaments with their pictures on them. They glittered them too. I was putting the hangers on them with my hot glue gun! They turned out so pretty!
Tuesday~354/365
Tuesday December 20, 2011 
Tuesday was my class Holiday Celebration and gingerbread decorating day! We had lots of fun getting messy! I also received some gifts...this clock was a gift from 4 families...isn't it amazing?! In the 15 years or so I have been teaching this is the first time I have received something so touching...I love it!
Wednesday December 21, 2011
Thursday~356/365
Thursday December 22, 2011
Last day of school for the calendar year 2011...YaY! Brendan also designed, built & decorated a gingerbread house in his class! I think he did a great job!
Later that night was the annual cookie exchange I always attend...SO.MUCH.FUN. 20 ladies talking laughing and eating...it's gotta be a good time! I came home with about 9 dozen yummy kinds of cookies! (not like I need anymore cookies or anything...but oh my yumminess!)
Friday December 23, 2011
A new indoor trampoline place opens up by our house next week...we were fortunate enough to be invited to the friends and family pre-opening event. The boys were able to jump for about 2 hrs for free...they had such a blast! This place is way cool...a huge jump space, 2 dodge ball courts, a basketball court, and a foam pit! Next time I'm jumping!!
And keeping with tradition with opening presents from out of state family, the boys were able to open their gifts from Gramma & Papa, and Aunt Jenni & Uncle Brett.; here they are enjoying their gifts...Brendan got Skylanders for the Wii and Colin got City Legos Space Station from Gramma & Papa and movie tickets from Brett & Jenni...Thanks everyone!
Before leaving it was time to snap a pic of Ryan and his girls, Morgan & Brooklyn...but Brendan wanted in on that as well!!Join in with Sara...It's not to late to join the fun!
The school where I teach & the boys attend was awarded an A status and Excelling school...isn't that awesome?! Today was our Excelling celebration...we had an Olympic themed day with a parade of scholars, gold medals, the passing of the eternal flame of knowledge and donuts!! It was an amazingly fun day! Here I am with my class and the flag we made representing our class.
Saturday I made another entire Thanksgiving meal to share with some of Ryan's students...I must say that is way much better tasting the second time around!
I finally put up our family portraits that were taken over a year ago!! I went to Michael's on Thanksgiving night to get an AWESOME deal on frames. I am loving the way the layout turned out!
Dr. Joy came to talk to all 5 kinder classes today to press the importance of staying healthy, washing hands, covering our coughs & sneezes and getting our flu shots.
We spent 26 hrs in New York City on Tuesday & Wednesday. We were there to honor and celebrate my father in law for being inducted into the college football hall of fame. It was so much fun...although I wish we had more time to see the sights! The dinner was formal so we were able to dress up! Above are my in-laws and all the kids with their spouses!
