Merry Christmas

Today was the last day of school for the year. Now we have a nice long break, and I am so excited for it. I got each of my students some stickers, a pencil, a notebook and a piece of chocolate. They were so happy with them. I was a little worried that they would think it was boring or dumb, but they loved it. I think what made it even more special was the wrapping paper and bow. They spent at least 20minutes just playing with their notebooks and writing Christmas letters and putting stickers on notes. I have a small stack of pages that they made for me.

Some kids went crazy with the stickers, putting tons on each pages, until there were none left. Some just looked at the stickers and didn't use a single one. Some "saved them for later" and put just one or two on a note. My biggest joy was that their first response was to use their gift to make something for some one else. These kids are so full of love. Not that they aren't selfish or disobedient, but they love to show affection. After apologize they want to shake hands or hug and move on. They like being friends with everyone. I love it.

The three day weekend before this week was just what I needed. I enjoyed these last two days immensely. We were able to celebrate and have fun without them going crazy and being naughty. (I am having a problem with little boys climbing on things in the bathroom, but I can't catch them at it and I don't trust them enough to just go on the reports/tattling of other students.)

Today we also had a Grandparents' Party. Each student brought at least one grandparent, or elderly friend/relative. It was a very special time. One grandmother told about her grandmother bringing cookies to a Grandparents party when she was in Kindergarten. She was thrilled to be able to carry on the tradition by bringing in cookies for the students. My students were adorable, of course, and we had a fun time together.

I think I will miss them over the break.

But I will enjoy being able to miss them, rather than having to deal with them every day.

Quick story. Last night was the school Christmas program. It went very well. One of my little boys was so happy afterward. As I was saying goodbye to him and his parents, I wished them a Merry Christmas. He responded very loudly, "Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas to everyone." I couldn't help but think of "God bless us everyone."

Christmas Tree!

On a beautiful, late Saturday evening, Thomas and I went out to a Christmas Tree Farm and pick out our tree. It was the perfect trip. It was cold enough to want coats and scarves and mittens and long johns, but not so cold that you couldn't move. It wasn't windy at all, but as we got there, a light snow began to fall. We looked at the pre-cut ones, but I have always been skeptical of pre-cut. I like to do it myself... or at least be there when someone else cuts it. So we got a saw and a tree cart and went down to the field. They didn't have any juniper, which was what we really wanted, so instead we got a fraiser fir. We didn't know at the time, but seemingly they are a good type to get because they aren't so prickly. When we got back into the car, with our tree strapped into the trunk by my brilliant husband, I brought out a Snickers bar for each of us that I had kept a secret until that point. We both think it is a good tradition to have.

We had more difficulties when we got home, but thanks to the genius of my husband, all our problems were overcome without too much headache. We decorated it on Sunday afternoon and now it looks wonderful. I love having a Christmas tree. It makes the whole house look happier, or something. 

Maybe it is just me that is so much happier.

Christmas is coming and the goose is getting fat

Please to put a penny in the old man's hat

If you haven't got a penny, then a ha'penny will do

If you haven't go a ha'penny, the God bless you

Run Run Reindeer

Run Run Run Run