Christmas 2010

This year Joe's company underwent some restructuring due to being bought out by Cannon. Mostly the changes have had light impact on our lives, but a few months ago they told us they were changing the vacation schedule structure from a fiscal year to a standard year. The old way started in November and Joe took his first vacation over Christmas, but now that wasn't possible. Not that staying home was a bad thing, we just so enjoyed Pennsylvania and Ohio last year.
The lack of an extended vacation wasn't the only thing that changed this year. Our artificial tree broke during take-down, so we looked and looked for another one. We couldn't stand most of the ones we saw, and we definitely didn't like the price tags. So we thought we'd go with a real tree for a year and hit the clearance after Christmas.
I also decided I needed to be a better mom and let my kids help decorate this year. They did a pretty good job.

Though, well a certain little girl doesn't quite get the concept of "spread the ornaments around" yet.

I also made several new ornaments for the tree. I have lots of crocheted snowflakes, but I put a lot of thought into how to make some in a more spindly fashion (with starch stiffening) instead of doily style.

Once the tree was up I couldn't get the presents under it, so I cut off a few branches and made a wreath for my head. I wore it quite a bit, and ended up filling several special requests from friends.

Here are the kids on Christmas:

We didn't get a white Christmas this year, but woke this morning to canceled church and just enough fluffy white stuff to hide the grass and freak out the Southerners. As behind as I've been running all month I don't begrudge the sky being a bit tardy.

Tali's turning ten

The weekend before Talitha's birthday we went to Jack Nicholas Park with our friends. The kids had a blast. They have a zoo, a petting zoo, a carousel, rock panning, miniature golf, and a playground.

Tali's school projects

This year is going to be a one to two project a month year. For reading Tali has to do a book report project every month, and then there is all the other subjects.

I try to see it as a good opportunity to pass down important life skills, like making 3-D objects, sewing, modge-podging, and using the keyboard. I'm not the best at keeping my cool during the process, but hey, I'm getting better. By the time Jordan graduates I'll be so laid back I won't care at all, lol.

Anywhoo, book report project:

Lighthouse project:

Link to pics of real lighthouse.

He really is psychic

James came up to me and said, "I know what you are giving me for Christmas."

"Really? What?" I reply, not being the least like my sister in thinking of these things in advance. I had no clue, but I try not to miss opportunities to GET clues.

"Books," James says with that smug all knowing look and a nod.

He's so smart.

I just ordered a whole pile of books on eBay, all from the same seller so I'm getting combined shipping and everything, yay!

Now to figure out Christmas for everyone else.

James' Science Project

You'll recall Talitha's iris from last year.


Well here's James' version. We took a trick Aunt Jerie taught us and ran with it. It was a bit of a risk to combine an 8 year old boy, polyester satin, and flame, but he did a very good job. He claims he will miss the marbles that are at the centers of the flowers, but as many as I find on my bedroom floor... I doubt it.

"I told you so," said James.

Looks like we need to add clairvoyance to James' list of talents.

We were sitting at the Employee Recognition Luncheon and James leans over to ask when I'm getting my award. "Honey, they don't give them to everyone, I'm not getting one today," I tell him as I cheer for the others being recognised.

The room is crowded, and I am very pleased to see three of my employees there. It's meetings like this that help you feel like part of the whole, that help you see what a fabulous organization you are part of.

I'm at a table with the Yoga instructor, her family, James, and on my lap is someone else's kid who wanted some "Miss Thora" time. There is nothing so gratifying as the honest adoration of a child. That's my award, that the kids love me back. That's what tells me each shift that I'm doing something right. I thrive on those hugs, the snuggles, the way they fall asleep on my shoulder, refuse to leave when Mom comes to take them home, or run to me with arms wide.

Working with kids is like getting an award every day, when you put your heart in it, and I do. Last year, watching the award presentation I decided that while I would likely never get those awards, I wanted to do better. I wanted to be better, I wanted to embody the values we uphold. I gave it a valiant effort, and fell short, but the progress I had made was another award in my heart. Self-improvement is it's own reward.

5 years of service awards are handed out. Then 15 years of service goes to my boss, and dear friend. I think of all she has accomplished in 15 years. I wonder where I will be in 15 years and if by then I will have half of her ability to say the right thing.

The spirit award is awarded. It goes to the guy in maintenance that has the best attitude of pretty much anyone I have met. I clap heartily for him, though he isn't there to receive it, he deserves it. He has an eye twinkling smile for everyone who passes as he waxes the floors and changes light bulbs. He's got a can-do attitude, and he does-do asap. What a gem.

But as I clap I hide a secret shame. My heart skipped a beat when the big boss glanced my way just as he called the other guy's name. "Great," I think, now I'm so proud I'm expecting awards.

The big boss (who btw is one of the most amazing, Christian to the core, inspiring people I know) starts reading off the qualifications for Employee of the Year. I continue my self berating as I half listen, simultaneously hugging the little girl on my lap and hoping both of my little girls are behaving for the "family" they are sitting with instead of me.

"It won't be me, it won't be me," I am repeating so loudly in my head that it took a few seconds for my own name to filter through. My jaw drops as the applause erupts around me and somehow I find myself at the front of the room. I hug my bosses as they hand me my award. Then the big boss tells me he's going to make me stand there a minute while he embarrasses me some more. I make a quip about it being a good thing I wore red.

He read the nomination, which was beautifully written and I wish I had a copy of it. I could frame it. No, I wouldn't really frame it. I'd tuck it away for down-days, to pull out when I need reminding that I'm not a horrible person.

When I got back to the table James was ecstatic at his own precognition, and my hands were shaking as I tried to open my gift bag. I always get the worst case of nerves AFTER being in front of people. I wasn't even thinking about what could be in the bag, the recognition had been such a gift already. Someone WAS thinking of what I would want in that bag though, because the gift cards were to MICHAEL'S!

I seriously have the best bosses ever.

Weeds

Or growing like them anyway...

Here are the first day of school pics that I was able to locate:

2008-2009


2009-2010


2010-2011

Talitha is now in 4th grade, James is in 3rd, and Jordan is in 1st.