We're Still Here...

Hail the victorious!

Give congratulations to the First Annual Obnoxious Christmas Sweater Contest winner!

EG decided to take an old sweater and aim to make herself look like a tacky Christmas tree for the school's competition.

We stayed up late the night before sewing on her carefully chosen tackiness.

Those are jingle bells on the neckline, so the sweater even sounded obnoxious.

And the little creepy nearly-neon baby reindeer? Eek! 

But we felt the ugly, fuzzy $1 bow was the piece de resistance!

CA's first grade class had a special party called the Awesome Authors Show. Each child wrote her own version of the traditional gingerbread man story. Her teacher had prepared beautiful tables and treats for the parents and kids to share, and had helped the children write sweet notes to their moms.

CA's story was about a Gingerbread Doctor named Dr. Kayla Johnson. So funny.

She was fearless in the presenting!

Daddy got to come, too!

He was Super Hero of Keeping Littles Happy, as CJ and BH were a tad restless...

CA's card and letter to me were lovely.

It was a special, sweet time with her.

Can't believe the school year's half-over!

*

I'd hoped and intended to write long before now, but...

My heart is simultaneously full, heavy, hopeful, and exhausted.

God takes care of me.

One big way He's blessing me right now: school is out for a month. Seriously, hooray! I praise Him for His care and love.