I know, I know… slow me. But there were some great photos I want to share as well as some good memories. I promise once I get the Christmas parties posted I WILL get back to getting current AND sharing my school resources. Nothing deep and introspective right now. But… that can always change.

Chess

Our tradition has become going to the Novak’s for Christmas Eve. This year we added in a trip to a church that Alex has become very active in to enjoy their Christmas Eve service.

They had a great tree in the lobby, so we took full advantage and took a whole bunch of pictures. Not a bad looking group. And again, mistaken for blood relatives, surprisingly it was Ken and Andy who were asked if they were brothers. Usually it is confusion over whose kids are whose.

Just the god son

After a larger number of photos we took advantage and got a couples picture.

Then it was into the sanctuary for service. It went pretty well with 9 kids, two moms and 2 dads. I will let you guess which ones nodded off.

The little kids got a lovely little gift bag as well.

After all that fun it was back home for dinner. We had a brisket (thanks to Ken) and ham and lots of snacks and lovely foods. Everyone was well filled up.

Presents went over well and we had a nice visit with Andy’s parents John and Maggie.

Each of the boys got a handmade gift, a couple from my fair pieces.

We always have such fun at the Novak’s. Even with Alex recuperating from some rather scary brain surgery the kids had fun, snuck in some sledding and basically left the adults alone to eat too much, sit and chat, play a game or two and enjoy some Christmas music. Wonderful!

Snoopy!

Two of my kids made some image changes these past 2 months. Echo, for the first time ever, was absolutely sure that she wanted her hair cut. So off to the hair dresser’s suggested by Darcy we went for a change.

She found her own style and made her own decision and it totally suits her!

Emanuel, after a summer of growing his hair out and some rather frustrating pony tail issues decided he too wanted to cut his hair. Ken took him to Sport Clips where he used an old picture of Anthony Novak as a reference and snip snip off it went.

I am so pleased with the final look. Very grown up and easy to manage. It is hard to believe how something so simple can make such a big change.

I guess in the spring I am next. My hair was damaged when I dyed it blue (over bleached in some spots I assume) so I have been wearing it up in buns and growing it out so that when I do take the plunge it won’t have to be scary short.

These two are definitely growing into their own identities, it is fun to watch it happen.

June is another busy month… our anniversary, my birthday (38 this year!), Father’s Day, summer beginning and with it our summer ClubY program. Continue reading →