That's a Wrap

Christmas 2019-

That's a Wrap.

I've been two steps behind all month but we made it through with a very blessed Christmas.

Christmas Morning Excitement

A custom made Sofie Dossi Shirt (does anyone else have a Sofie Dossi lover at home?) 

and a NEW game system.

Even though Christmas brings growing children, my kids were still so excited about everything

(especially the 14 year old).

God is good-
love these two  

Christmas Moments:  

Denny Hamlin, Root Beer, and Family Fun.

Carlee wanted a computer for Christmas but we felt she is still a bit young at this time.  I was so excited to find a Discovery computer with built in games for typing, counting, and spelling to gift.

I was given one like this for Christmas when I was a kid 

and I loved it so much. I actually learned to type faster through one of the games (I wish I still had it).

Don't you love Christmas morning? So much excitement and messy fun!  

I told the kids no opening until 6am.  Connor had everyone up and downstairs by 6:01 sharp.  I really believe Carlee could have slept in a few more hours. 

This girl got the one special gift she asked from Santa-

A gymnastic bar.

She really had her heart set on this MC2 Makeup Kit.

 

Holy Cow it was nearly 100.00 and the reviews were terrible on every website.  I couldn't do it.

BUT, 
I found this sweet set for a fraction of the cost.

Cute. Cute.  

It had fun glitter eyeshadow and lipgloss for girls.

I don't think anyone noticed a difference.

New Year Sugar Cookies

I love the message on Carlee's new shirt (anyone remember what movie this is from? hint- Cinderella).  

We should all Have Courage and Be Kind in this world.

Prankster Gift from Dad- 

Girl's Bobby Socks 🤣

Even though Christmas is geared toward giving gifts to kids, I definitely got excited about some gifts.

Some of my favs included a lighted essential oil diffuser, a lovely pair of black slacks, an Erin Condren bullet journal, a bookstore for my Christmas Village, and art pens.   💗

Another favorite- this framed black and white of Carlee.

We were at a cousin's wedding when it began to rain.  Everyone went inside the house and music began to play.  

Here my shy Carlee is dancing to herself with no shoes and no clue anyone is taking her picture.  

I just love this capture of my sweet little dancer.

We had so many great memories with family and friends and so much laughter.  I'm so sad to see our time off come to an end.  

I pray that 2020 brings spiritual growth, more energy, the best kind of love, and more moments of togetherness.  

I haven't made Holiday cards in about 4 years so until the day comes....

from my house to yours, 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Matthew 19:14

I believe that when people feel a spiritual disconnect, God is there with help.  For different people this takes the form of different things.  

This month, I was signed up to teach Carlee’s Sunday School class.  At first I thought, why am I doing one more thing during the busiest month of the year!?!?  But Carlee asked me and she rarely asks anything of me within church. 

Surprisingly, this is the only time I never felt like it was ‘one more thing to do’ this month. I felt good after walking out of the little room to the left each Sunday morning.  I encourage everyone (as a resolution) to sign up for ministry that includes children at least once this year.

Why? Top 5

Children are honest

Why are you reading that first? Did you write down the agenda?  Do you think this craft has anything to do with Jesus? Your outfit doesn’t match.  

Being honest with positive motivation equals being authentic to me.  I have no interest in people telling me how much they love something if they don’t (and I can always tell you big fakers).  

Jesus called us to be tactful yes, kind yes, but he also called us to be honest.

crafting

making dough holiday cookies

hanging ornaments

Children are curious.

Did King Herod actually die or was he killed?  what about the other baby boys did they die of plague or massacre?  Could Mary and Joseph not plan ahead or ask the angels for a warm place? Was Jesus really born in December?  Could the Wise Men not have made the journey easier (being wise and all)? Who were the neighbors? How did the animals get feed in winter? Did it tell if the shepherds were super scared? Do you think Jesus ever got in trouble for talking too much as a boy in the temple?

Yes, the questions almost overpowered me but they were listening, they were curious, they were thinking on God’s word.  

Teach one lesson to adults (insert crickets).  

In the rare moments I realize I’m actually an adult, I get too afraid to ask questions for fear the teacher will think I wasn’t listening or I’m not spiritually smart enough.  

These children are living in a different world and they know more than ever.  They are not spiritual robots that just take your words and move on.  They are armed and ready for all you naysayers who think we have no place for Christ in this “modern” world (so watch out).

lessons

making santa hats for snack

Iron Chef:  dough cookie cutting 

'angel'ic snacks

Children will tell you when (they think) you are wrong.

I think it’s pronounced Ana not Anna.  That isn’t from the book of Luke.  Are you sure we don’t need to google that?

Do you think an adult would dare correct you during a lesson? I also dare you to reach a level of spiritual maturity without some correction or at the very least double checking.

edible tree

veggie tails anyone?

sound the bugles a baby is born

Children think “outside of the box”.

Let’s build a tent. Let’s play a game. Let’s go outside.  Let’s sing this random song of worship!  Let’s do something totally different than you planned.  BTW- Can I recite this scripture in the middle of your story?

One thing that KILLS me is the stifling unwritten rules of certain organizations.  Sometimes we miss the forest for the trees of regulations.  A child appeals to my creative heart and knows that there are many ways to worship.

The Savior is not just in the three piece suit, four rows from the back, with the King James Bible.  

God is also the sun, the snow, the giggles, the snack, the story, the tears, the song…..

I really wasn't sure how I was going to explain this one to his mom.

mini manger set

decorate the tree

igloo reading center

play based Christmas home of worship

Children understand differences.

What’s that- you want to stand up and recite a line from your favorite comic!  And you would like to talk to me about how much you love school! and you want to talk to me about how much you hate school but love making things at home! and you under the table are so painfully shy I can’t get you to talk at all! 

These children are a smorgasbord of personalities and differences and yet they get along and are not bothered by a difference of opinion.  There are just too many other important things to do in the room. They just coexist in the little room to the left without anything from me.  

It’s awesome.

snow prayers and play

mini bag designs

working together

Children will love.

I love you, Ms. Amanda.

I love when you teach us, Ms. Amanda.

(see honesty #1)

Today I am thankful for God’s children-  not to be mistaken for ‘good’ children or ‘perfect’ children.  I’m talking about God’s children, you know, all the real ones.  

If you are searching, you might be surprised to find that it isn’t the young children you are teaching but rather the young children who are showing you the way. 

12 Days of Hectic

Is anyone else NOT feeling the true meaning of Christmas?

I was very mentally unprepared for last week.

If I owned an Elf on a Shelf he would have been in a coma for a week.

I didn’t get as many pictures as I wanted to take, but  

I was in survival mode.  Two days ago I could not imagine having the energy to write a blog post.
Luckily I'm starting to feel a bit better.

I need to reset my mind and heart before Christmas Eve.

This has been my week- 12 days of Christmas in 7 days.

For the 12 days of Christmas my Deadlines Gave to Meeeee...

12  Paperwork Pages

Meeting, meeting, paperwork, meeting....

I was hit over the head with it this week.  I even have an email that I will be making up a meeting after break.  Something to look forward to in the New Year.  
Thank Goodness,

God gave me the sweetest students and parents.  I was given the most kind and thoughtful notes this holiday season confirming that everything will be ok.

11  Building Hours

Connor got the coolest gift from GiGi- a Friends LEGO set.  Connor has never gotten into Legos much. However, he is a FRIENDS Fanatic.  He loves the whole show and was excited to put this one together over the weekend.  It turned out so cool.  

10  State Testers 

Last week we had a state exam (as if this week wasn't packed enough).  I kept ten testers for three hours who really worked hard.  This group has come so far but testing is a true energy ZONKER anyway.

9  Billion Calories

It seemed on every corner of every room there were cookies, doughnuts, candies, catered meals, more food, gifts of homemade bread, etc. etc.

This combined with one stressed out human who uses food for emotional comfort- bad combo.

8  Loads of Laundry

Between sports practice, Christmas programs, and school, I think everyone was having a five costume night!  Santa bring me the gift of free laundry service and gift wrapping.

7  Family Members

We had our first family Christmas gathering at my house.  Mom brought lunch and we had fun exchanging gifts.  I was sad to see them go.  Why does it seem the prep work is ten times longer than the fun moments?

love my new Book Shop

6  PM Program

Second Grade Christmas Program.  

I love to hear children sing Christmas music.

Carlee was precious in her dress.
#ourlittledoll

we put little Christmas bells in her hair

5  Sunday Sweetiessssssss 

This month I had Sunday School planning.

Five sweet children who love the Lord with all their heart, all their soul, and all their mind.  They always give me a reminder of what my focus should be on.

4  Christmas Parties  

-Hosting lunch for eighth grade team 

-Carlee's Dance Studio

-Second Grade PJs Party

 

-I snuck in a little middle school party too (they are certainly not too old).

I made my students little water mugs with hot chocolate, candy, and marshmallows.

3  Sleepless Nights

I can't sleep during times of long checklists/ worry.

Weird things I have discovered due to insomnia:

-I actually watched the most recent three part documentary on Netflix.  I can't even write it out. I can't even show you. I just had to find out if this evil man was going to get what he deserves.  

All I can say is "wowza".  

After I watched it, I really couldn't sleep. 

-I also spent a grand 6.00 to buy a Graphic Novel about a lost love.  The most hilarious and worst purchase ever.   I WAY overpaid but was fascinated with this concept (at 3am). 

Summary:  A "couple with a past" reunite on a news story and catch a potential killer on the loose.  

This is how it ended (it is read from left to right).  

Seriously, this was the last page.  The culprit was never found but the heroine gave up her career for her boyfriend.  the. end. 

Lack of sleep will literally make you insane. 🤣

I know, I really need to get the scriptures out.

Cool things I have discovered due to insomnia:

Did you know the magazine Allure has a youtube channel that showcases the day in the life of women in interesting careers.  I love it!

This book. 

2  Wrestling Matches

Connor's had two matches this week.  I am so proud of his progress but two matches and three two hour practices this week was exhausting (add in make up assignments and a school project, bah humbug).  

...and a doggie who always has to PEE! 

Maggie is doing great but this girl wants to be walked A LOT.  Most of our time was running home, walk, go back out, home, walk, bed.  It is a team effort (she loves me best).  

Dear Santa, 

I need a nap an uninterrupted nap.

With Love, 

A Good Somewhat Good 

Girl

Merry Christmas to All