the end of 2013 is drawing near

It's almost the start of a new year.  Last week my little girl took a big step and did a solo in church.  I was so proud of her.  This was all her.  She wanted to do it and it made this momma's heart very proud.  I think I was more nervous than she was.  Josh also did a reading of scripture, and surprisingly  he was nervous (he usually handles this pretty well).  He wanted a credit for youth group for taking part in a service.  I'm glad the youth group does this and helps the kids get more involved.

I wanted to try to set monthly goals instead of yearly goals this year.  My goal for January is to lose 5 pounds and to run twice a week.  Since my kidney stone in September, I have gained a few pounds and I haven't really been able to run.  I did run a mile yesterday for the first time in a long time, so even if I just concentrate on mile runs for January, I would like to get more comfortable running the mile.  I would really like to do 3 races this year and my dream is to actually place in the top 5 of my category.

santa

I think this was the last year for santa.  My kids didn't want to go this year, but we went with friends and it's funny to go.  Josh begged me not to take this picture, knowing that I could post it on FB, so I will just use it as blackmail in case I ever need it!!!  I'm always amazed by this house in Apex.  The decorate so well and let you go through their back yard.  The man dresses like santa for 4 nights and sits on his porch.  His wife dresses as an elf and they give little gifts and candy canes to the children.  They are getting old so this is the last year they are doing it, but we have enjoyed it for several years.

Christmas Program

I was SO happy that Jenna and Jacob got asked to sing in this small group.  They both like to do things like this but because they are a little shy like mommy, don't always get asked to do so.

quiet but busy

Things in our house have been quiet but busy.  Thanksgiving was SO quiet with just us plus my dad.  I cooked my second turkey ever.  It turned out fine, but not as good as so many others make theirs.  My dad stayed a few hours and then left so we spent the day watching football and looking through the ads.  I did most of my black Friday shopping on line.  I'm not really liking this holiday (thanksgiving) as much as I used to.
It's been a busy week, but quiet.  I didn't have any kids in the morning on Tue/Wed, so I was able to get a few errands done (groceries mainly).  Still have some shopping to do, but although it's been quiet around here, it has been so busy.  Monday was play practice/and Josh has a basketball game, Tuesday basketball practice and Jake's lesson, Wednesday Jenna had a lesson, Thursday Southside Christmas program, tonight is the ladies event plus another basketball game and tomorrow is Jack's company dinner.I'm thankful for the all the craziness of running my kids around.  I wouldn't want it any other way.  I love every minute of it even though sometimes I lose my sanity or wonder how I will get from point A to point B.  It also takes my mind off some of personal things that I seem to struggle with inside.I can't believe Christmas is 19 days away.  I'm like a child....I just can't wait!!

turkey week/my family

this week was turkey week at our house.  we made the classic handprint turkey on Monday.  On Wednesday we make a turkey using a toilet paper roll and paint samples from Lowes.  Today we made handprint and footprint turkeys.

Last week we had family pictures done.  Loved the way they turned out. These are just a few of my favorites.  This year we went to the NC State Arboretum.

basketball and pilgrims

Basketball season has hit the McLean house.  I love nothing more than to watch my kids play sports.  Last night we went to Greenville for our first basketball game.  Last year we got blown out every game, but had fun.  Last night was actually a nail biter.  Although we lost, we played hard and was with the team the entire time.  At one time we actually pulled ahead. I'm excited that this year we actually have "home" games played at First Baptist in Garner.
     This week is pilgrim week for Jack and Kara.  Today we made handprint pilgrims.  I think on Friday we will make pilgrim hats using black cups.

Give Thanks

This week is "give thanks" week at the McLean preschool (ha).  What a timely theme.  Things have been hitting me and getting me down, especially today and here I'm teaching the kids "oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good".  Even in my down days, when Satan discourages me and things start piling on me, God is still good and he deserves our thanks.  So we made these tissue tea light candles out of old baby food jars that I had (do they still make those?) and we made thankful leaves today.  They are still young to tell me what they are thankful for, but we still talk about it.  Hoping to make some sort of thankful tree for Friday. Jenna and I made some jello candy corn desserts too.

Last week we talked about how the leaves were changing colors.  I traced their hands for the tree and then we dot painted colors.  Both kids were out on different days last week, so the only other leaf project we did was a "leaf man" and then on Friday Kara and I did some leaf rubbings with the crayon.  I love these two kids so much!!  They are fantastic to work with!!