Sunday, December 19, 2010

Modern week before Christmas...

The office is clean...

The snowman is up...

The stockings are hung by the chimney (pipe)...

Santa (who rocks) and the Grinch are hanging out...

The movies are prepped...

The corner has a tree...

Decorated even!

And the train runs around the bottom...

Ah, happy moments!

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

New Music...

I love holiday music - blame Mom & Dad. They always had this amazing mix running through the house this time of year. I can't find some of my favorites, like Barbra Streisand's version of Jingle Bells, but here are some oldies and new ones - I've decided to go upbeat this year, but you can't go wrong with Josh Groban and Johnny Mathis. Enjoy!

Happy...December!

Yes, it's that most festive time of year...the numerous birthdays, 25 lbs lost, and then Christamas. Oops! did I write that? I think I heard a little kid say that once when they were trying to enunciate clearly, and it stuck. So, celebrations abound (except around here...we're on the dl). I'm thinking that with a couple of tests today it will be a low-key night at the White house. He's got quite a few more before the 17th when this semester will finally be over.
Did I say "25 lbs lost"? Why, yes, I did. I really never thought I'd have it in me to be so...disciplined??? But, it is fun to watch the numbers drop and to have to cinch up the belt another notch. I'm thinking that by birthday time for me, I may invest in a new pair of pants.
Also, another moment no one ever thought would come...after 13 years, 3 districts, 5 schools, I have hit the ultimate point in my career. A group of 7th grade boys have come back to say that I am cool. I know, I don't know how it will ever get better. I despaired (literally) over getting through to these guys last year, but they have been hanging around the last couple of weeks and today they decided that they are going to come see me when they graduate high school (I'm not holding my breath). I have to say that when they left, I did a little jig. Of course, I'm not entirely sure if it's me or if it's the red goop that Uncle Jim bought one year as a stocking stuffer at the Mesa flea market. I'm soooo not kidding. I have had SERIOUS offers on that thing - it FASCINATES kids! I think it's just corn syrup, red food coloring, and some cheap plastic in a cylindrical "hour glass" configuration, but there are kids who don't take their eyes off of it. I have used "the goop" as a reward, motivator, and even hidden it when they can't focus. It's amazing. If you have kids, I highly recommend it.
Of course, does anyone else remember Grandma & Grandpa V's blue and white sand thingy? I could stare at that for hours, come to think about it...