Character Award

Every month, the school district picks a different characteristic like honesty or individualism to teach the kids about. For the month, a student with that trait is selected to receive a special recognition. This month, Lexi and Sofia (different classes) were nominated. All the nominees were recognized in the morning broadcast.

Birthday Celebration

This year, I wasn't up for a huge birthday celebration. I told Lexi that we could just invite the neighborhood kids that show up on a regular basis and feed them cookie cake. They jumped on the trampoline for a while and then enjoyed the cookie cake. It wasn't about presents or anything else, just a little celebration right here - easy peasy. 

Birthday Lunch

This birthday girl turned 11 today, so I brought lunch to school to celebrate and eat with her. Yum!!!

Digging for Fossils

Lexi was digging for fossils today with her classmates.

Third Win for the Aggies

Lexi's Aggies team won again today. It was definitely a nerve wrecking stressful game. It was tied or a basket up and down the entire game. One of Lexi's teammates made a basket for the other team and I thought that was it. I also thought we were finished when our best player landed on her back and banged her head on the floor so loud that everyone heard it over the shouts. We all froze. She cried. The coach ran. She decided to shake it off and came out tougher. The score was tied at the end of the 4th quarter, so we went into overtime.  We made a basket and held them off until the end. Final score: 20 to 18.

Holocast Museum in Houston

Miriam has been studying the Holocaust in school lately. Her English teacher offered extra credit to anyone who went to the museum in Houston, brought back a ticket, and wrote a short paragraph on it. I have been wanting to go to a Holocaust Museum for years, but didn't make it and then worried that it might be too much for my kids to handle. This was the perfect excuse. I warned my kids about what they could see and told them to stick close. We also invited our friend, Avery, because she is in 8th grade too and is learning some of the same things. 

I was impressed by the museum. The subject matter was tastefully displayed and even the architecture of the building was designed to invoke thoughts and feelings. The most difficult pictures were in trays on shelves that took a little more effort to see, so it would have been easy to pass it up if desired. At the end of the tour, I wanted a picture for a memento. Miriam, of course, decided that it was much too difficult to smile in a place like this.  

Second Win for the Aggies

Lexi's Aggies team had their second win today. It was another tough game, but they pulled it out 12 to 11. Right before it started, I realized that we knew a player on the other team. Her name was Lauren and she was on Lexi's team last year. Both Lexi and Leah (Aggies), had to play her and they were chosen to guard her. It isn't a big deal, but it adds to the drama of the game because with her height she is good at rebounding and putting it right back up.

New Years Eve

We celebrated New Years Eve at the Jones' house. We always have a good time with them and this was no exception. The evening started off with outdoor games including corn hole and yard Yahtzee. Next, we had dinner. They always have pork chops and sauerkraut for their New Years Eve dinner. We could use all the luck in the world, so that's a good thing. 

Later, we played some hilarious games and laughed too much. Did you happen to notice a lot of maroon clothing? Would you believe that it wasn't planned??? Somehow, several of the kids decided to be Texas A&M fans. My kids got theirs for Christmas since they are both on basketball teams called the Aggies. 

Christmas Morning

We have had quite a week filled with the flu. Yesterday, low grade fevers sprang back up on us in the afternoon and evening. This isn't a great way to spend the first week of school off or Christmas, but we'll make the best of it. 

Before heading downstairs, I always like to take a picture of my kids. I think it builds anticipation. 

Posing with their stockings.

After stockings, we eat breakfast before diving into the gifts. I had them post for a family photo while the chocolate croissants were cooking.

Lexi had a great Christmas. I am pretty sure her favorite thing is her new kindle. 

Christmas Photos

Star Wars Movie

We saw the new Star Wars movie - Rogue One. It was fabulous because it makes the rest of the Star Wars movies better. 

5th Grade Chillin

One of the things that always amazes me about this group of kids (Lexi's grade) is their willingness and even enjoyment of dancing, singing, and line dancing. Whenever there is a party with music, they all line up and start grooving. They don't even care what songs are being played. Their teacher posted this video of them today doing their thing.

Polar Express Day

It was Polar Express Day today, which means the kids get to wear pjs and only go to school for half a day. They also watch the Polar Express movie and drink hot chocolate. 

Costco Dinner

Harvest Party

Aunt Paige is in town, so we made her go to the school fall parties. Lexi's class has been working on silly knit caps and she had one on for the party. As you can see, they also had donuts outside. 

Teaching Each Other

Lexi's class taught each other about floods and wildfires.

Creating Thermal Energy

A whole lotta shaking going on..... 5th graders are creating thermal energy while using mechanical energy!

School Garden

Writing Long