Texas Bluebonnet Reading Program

From 3rd to 5th grade, Texas has a Bluebonnet Reading Program. The school kids get the list of 20 books for the program. If they want to attend the school party, they have to read 10 of the books and be ready to discuss what they liked/didn't like about them. Then there is a party during school so they can vote on which one they liked the most. The 3rd graders are invited, but few of them go. Lexi wanted to do it this year. She ended up being 1 of 4 third graders at the party. The pink and purple shaded books above are the ones she read. If you read the last post, you can probably guess which one she voted for.  

Literacy Night

Lexi and Jordan had literacy night at their school this evening. They brought along one of their favorite books. Lexi had Flora & Ulysses. Her favorite part of these evenings is socializing with her friends. Of course, she doesn't refuse the homework pass.

Foggy Walk

It was foggy on our walk to school this morning.

Stomach Bug

Lexi wasn't feeling well. It was her turn to have the stomach bug that has been going around. Jordan is mostly over it. I am so glad we use essential oils. Most of the people around us were suffering terribly for 3 - 5 days. We were able to lessen the symptoms and move past it quickly.   

Norwegian Friends

This evening, we went skating with our Norwegian friends/neighbors. Lexi and Matilda have become quite close this year. People even think they look very similar. Matilda has a brother named Jens that is Jordan's age. I adore their mother, Charlotte, too. Sadly, they are going to be moving home soon because Matilda's parents are getting divorced. We'll have fun while we can though.      

School in the Winter

Winter break is officially over.  The kids went back to school today. Back to reading logs and homework too.  

Reading at Bedtime

Owl Pillow Craft

Lexi decided that today is the day that she would work on her owl pillow craft. She enjoyed adding the little details on the front of the owl. She happens to love owls, mostly because of Harry Potter movies.  

Christmas 2014

We had another wonderful Christmas and were again spoiled by friends, family, my boss, and church members. We had nothing but big smiles all day.  

We had brunch with some church friends. The kids begged me to bring homemade cinnamon rolls, so I did.  I only make them a few times a year. This is a special treat that they didn't want to miss out on.

Christmas Eve PJs

 My family has had a long tradition where we get to open one present on Christmas Eve. It is never a surprise to what it will be. It is always PJs. That way, we look nice for pictures on Christmas morning. I ended up making the kids' pj pants today using material that they picked out about a year ago. They were happy though and it was a bit of a surprise because they didn't see me making them. I think they had forgotten about the fabric. In fact, I have been working so hard lately that I didn't think I would be able to carry on the tradition this year. Yesterday, their dad called out of the blue and asked if he could see them. I realized it would give me a chance to make pjs and prepare for Christmas. Lexi & J spent the day with their dad who we hadn't seen or heard from in several months.

Christmas Show at 2nd Baptist

This afternoon, we went to the Christmas show at Second Baptists with some friends that go to church there.  It is always a GIGANTIC spectacle.  It is entertaining in a Disney World sort of way, but certainly different than the humble birth of Christ that we are used to. They also have an amazing display of hundreds of train sets all throughout their lobby.    

Nutcracker Art

Lexi brought home this art project she did in school.  Funny that they did the project right after she saw the ballet.

Nutcracker with Friends

Lexi got to spend the evening dressed up all fancy to attend the Nutcracker with one of her best friends from church, Heather.  Heather's mom planned out the evening and invited a bunch of mother/daughters to attend.  She told me that she would be happy to take Lexi if I couldn't make it.  I thought that would be best because it would be difficult to get a babysitter for Jordan on a school night.  The picture below is of the entire group, which a friend posted on Instagram.  We know all of them from church.

Journey to Bethlehem

We went to Journey to Bethlehem at a local church.  It was amazing last year, so I decided to invite neighbors that moved here from Norway.  Their daughter's name is Matilda and she is Lexi's age.  Their son is named Jens and he is Jordan's age.  Lexi and Matilda became fast friends this year.  They look and act just alike.  Jordan and Jens aren't exactly fond of each other though.  They seem to manage but get very competitive around each other.  This is sad, because I think they have a fun mom, Charlotte.  The other sad thing is that their dad decided he wanted to get divorced only a few months after moving to the US.  Looks like they will be returning soon.  This made our Journey to Bethlehem even sweeter though. We all had fun tonight.

Group shot: me, Matilda, Lexi, Jewish tour guide, Roman soldier, Jens, Charlotte, and Jordan

Cowgirl Christmas

Christmas is here so Lexi is wearing her Christmas skirts to church.  She picked out her cowgirl one today and paired it with her boots. 

Church Christmas Party

Mathematician Poster

Lexi is going to be the mathematician for the week at school.  She has to bring a poster, guessing game, and do a few other things. I thought it would be great for her to make a Christmas themed math poster.  I took pictures of her doing math-type things.  We had them printed along with Christmasy clip art.  She figured out the placement on the poster and added a few hand-written blurbs.

Christmas Card Pictures

This morning before church, I decided to take pictures for our Christmas card.  I didn't know if they would turn out.  First, my camera is broken and all I have to work with is my cell phone that is getting old and not working so well.  Second, sometimes these characters are not that cooperative.  The pictures turned out pretty good considering the equipment.  As for the characters, I decided to share some of the silly photos that will not make the cut, but are definitely full of personality.  

Christmas Tree Shopping

Today was a beautiful day for Christmas tree shopping.  Last year, it was very cold.  This is much more enjoyable even if it isn't in the spirit of Christmas.  Lexi's favorite part of this task is decorating the tree.  She likes to ensure that the ornaments are spaced evenly and look just right.