Hello, friend (Love that Bill!)

I know it has been quite awhile since I blogged, because Jesse has sent me multiple pleas for me to blog through the messaging system. LOL

December was crazy, as usual. I am always amazed by the fact our calendar is empty just before Thanksgiving, then blows up just after. This past December we had two homeschool parties, three family parties and one for John's work. We also spent Christmas Eve at my parent's (no deputies with guns this year!).

So, I'm sure after reading all of that you'll forgive me for not blogging. And if not, maybe this will shed even more light. In addition to all the parties, John decided (after decorating for Christmas) that we would paint the living and dining rooms and the kitchen! I love it! A week after finishing the painting, but before getting everything back place, John decided the classroom needed painting and a complete overhaul! Really?! To say our December was busy, would be a vast understatement!

January brought on new adventures...sort of. The girls auditioned for "Music Man". Yes, I know they have done this play before, but not at Kershaw's Fine Arts Center with the lovely Candice at the director's wheel. This time auditions were for elementary and middle schoolers only. Jesse is still a Pick-A-Little Lady, but she is a "main" one this time rather than being in the background. Chloe is Hazel, a part that is being added and created just for her; she too is a supporting character.  They are both thrilled and excited rehearsals have now started.

We finally took a break from everything and escaped to Pigeon Forge last weekend. Of course, that had its own mishaps. Well, one mishap: weather. We were originally going to leave Friday, but I received a call from the office Thursday afternoon saying they were getting lots of snow, but if we had a four-wheel drive and felt comfortable we should be okay. We'll I neither have four-wheel drive or am comfortable driving up a huge mountain in ice/snow. We left Saturday instead and got to the resort just as the power was coming back on. Yeah!

I'll post pictures on the next post.

An unexpected lesson

First, I'll start by saying I forgot my camera last night. BOOOOO!!

Last night we worked our first shift, ever, at the CCT Gift Wrapping Station. I cannot express to how much both girls enjoyed themselves. They could not get over being in a space full of wrapping paper, bags, bows, and tissue paper of all sorts.

Then Ms. Betsy gave us a lesson on bows. We learned how to wrap the ribbon around the package, add premade bows and semi-made bows. I think Chloe's favorite package wrapped was a pink paper with black polka dots, then topped with a black ribbon and bow. Jesse's favorite was a puple paper, with a darker purple ribbon, then a lavender bow. They were both very pretty!

Today, I needed to go to that "box store" (as John is now referring to it) to get some things the commissary didn't have. On the way, we stopped off at Lowe's. Last night we were using some awesome scissors, so I asked where they were bought. Lowe's. But they were bought a couple of years ago. Guess what?! They were still selling them!! Yeah!!!! At the "box store", we found some ribbon and bows.

I don't think we bought enough ribbon.

Not only are they adorable, but they work GREAT!



Jesse HAD to have her picture made; Chloe refused.