Aidan - Canon - Quinn: 2011

RACK

My intention wasn't ever to post about this ( I wanted to enjoy it and not stress about pictures and wording, etc...), but as I was reflecting on how much fun we had doing this, I decided maybe others would like to do it too. This December we had 2 advent calendars.....One with candy that simply counted the days down sweetly and the other was our RACK calendar which helped us count down the days thoughtfully and purposefully. Random Acts of Christmas Kindness. The RACK Calendar had 25 days of Random Acts of.....you guessed it...Kindness. We also had a bible verse to go along with each day. I made it all out of very simple post it notes and magnets and it hung on our fridge

Simply put I wanted the kids to focus more on the gift of baby Jesus, the greatest gift, this year and every day!!! We so got to do that and it was awesome. They were so excited to wake up everyday to see what we were going to do for someone and so were we! We had to get creative some days and I don't have pictures but for a few, but here they are. It was a blessing for us and I hope it may be for you too. There really is no greater joy than giving!

We volunteered at a water table at the St. Jude marathon

Made treat for the police officers (also brought donuts one morning to our firefighters)

Started a collection of coins for Heifer International ( we bought a flock of chicks)

Put coins on vending machines....

If you are wanting other ideas we also brought hot chocolates to our crossing guards on a snowy morning, we made bird feeders (birds need kindness too), volunteered at the animal shelter, brought treats and food to the animal shelter, donated food to the local food bank, wrote notes to Uncle Bryce (at basic training for the Air Force), took treats to teachers and neighbors, cleaned out our old toys and books and donated them to goodwill and our local library, and paid for someones Christmas gift shipping....and others (it's been a while) We hope to keep up the random acts of kindness throughout the year and to always be on the lookout to help others.

Santa

Christmas Early

I must have been good this year because I got my very own hot yoga room.......

and a new way to get my bakerella on......

my hubby is so good to me!

Christmas Parties

I was able to go to Aidan's Minute to Win It themed Christmas party. It was tons of fun and the kids were really good at the games! It was pajama day too!

And I also got to attend Quinn's Party. I was game mom so too busy to get many pictures :)

We are ready for Christmas!

Parade

We had a great time at the Germantown Christmas Parade. The kids came home with big smiles and pockets full of candy!

I Say It

All the reason for celebrating Christmas in just one short week, Quinn (and Canon) has learned in a simple and magnificent verse.

Isaiah 9:6

6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Mighty Quinn(Quinn the Eskimo)

We just learned the lyrics to Mighty Quinn (Quinn the Eskimo) thanks to one of Quinn's friends dads. He sings it everytime he hears her name and Quinn is now in love with the song. Pretty cute!

5.5

Our sweet Canon celebrated his 5 and a half birthday at school. They are celebrating all the summer birthdays. When I asked him what treat he wanted to bring it was of course, dinosaurs. He is officially obsessed with Dino Dan and even wants us to call him Dino Dan! He knows so much about them it's crazy. We had some fun with shortbread cookies (in my new fancy mixer) and then made royal icing and had a blast decorating! The kiddos loved them, especially Canon, I mean Dino Dan! Crazy to think he will be 6 and starting kindergarten before we know it!

Suzy Snowflake

Quinn finished up her session of dance and got to do a mini recital for us. Too precious!

Piano

Aidan had his third recital. He played some Christmas songs and a Minuet. He is really doing well and we even got to be the choir for his Christmas songs. It was awesome. We are so proud of his dedication to practicing and the hard work pays off.

Our piano teacher asked Canon to start doing "mini" lessons before Aidan's lesson. He is doing great and enjoying himself!

Thanksgiving

I was lucky enough to be at Canon's Thanksgiving party. Part of the great thing about our neighborhood and schools is that the parents are overly involved, so we can't attend everything. It's a great problem to have! Here is my little Native American!