Loving: The Unbalanced Chronicles: December 2023

Christmas 2023

This year for the first time, my kids didn't want to meet 'Santa', or write letters, or throw out reindeer food (sigh).

BUT, the good thing is Christmas always ushers it's own magic at every stage of life. While my heart had to adjust when I had to wake up the ONE kid who use to wake me at 2am in excited delirium, I still had a blessed and wonderful season.

First we had to finish those last 8 days of school. Every break has to be earned and this one really stretched me.

I have five reading groups this year and for Christmas I gifted something I thought could be put to student use- pen/stylus combo for iPads. Add a candy cane and you have the prefect student 'gift' at a reasonable price.

Carlee's team has been so amazing this year but she has six teachers! I wanted to show them that we were thinking of them this holiday without having to get a second and third job (I'm over the SPENDING. Older kids are expensive).

I found the cutest pioneer woman ceramic bowls. Add a Christmas gloss and a Starbucks card and you have a teacher gift ( I forgot this but a few holiday Hershey kisses would have been great too).

🧧

This half of the semester I had a former student as an INTERN. She did a great job helping me with my holiday/ winter door based on 'The Starry Night'.

Connor finished up his high school classes and is officially a college student. He begins in January. I know I am the mama but there can NOT be a more handsome and sweet senior in this world.

Where did my Christmas baby goooooooo!?!

Speaking of growing up.

My little quiet, shy girl is rocking middle school and is being a great team cheerleader!! This holiday was littered with a Christmas parade and nightly ball games.

I'm so proud of her.

Christmas Tree Decorating Time!!

Normally Connor gets on Darren's shoulders to place the star but with two guys at six foot tall, we didn't have the roof space. We tried to get Carlee to get on Connor's shoulders but she freaked out each time! It was pretty hilarious watching her. We finally resolved to use the tallest kid with a step ladder.