A season of change

It has been quite awhile since I posted. Many things have happened. Christmas and New Year's have come and gone. My Mom came to visit for a few days at Christmas. She and the girls made a gingerbread house together, and they did some baking.

Master Mike called me in mid-December. He needed to talk to me and wanted to meet. He told me he was having to leave taekwondo because he had taken a new job working second shift. I could either take over the school or we could close the school down. I had about four days to decide. Honestly, the decision weighted heavy on my heart. I know I can teach the white and yellow belts; I've been doing that for quite a number of years now. The colored belts, with a refresher, would not be a problem either. The black belts were who I worried about.

In the end, I decided to keep the school open. Then it was a matter of time to see if the students would return knowing I was going to be the instructor. Honestly, I didn't know what to expect. I was surprised when all but one student returned. And the one that didn't return had been struggling; her brother is continuing with us. It has been an exciting month for all of us and I hope it continues.

Last week, however, we lost my Uncle Morgan. It was sudden. He was 69.

A twist

Most people, by now, have heard of Elf on a Shelf. Chloe has been wanting one the last couple of years. John, however, saw the price and thought she was crazy. This year she decided she didn't want one because she didn't want one like everyone else has.

I was in Michael's last week and saw some elves in Christmas sweaters. Jesse had said a few weeks ago she wanted an ugly Christmas sweater but instantly changed her mind when she was standing in a store in front of them. The elves I found were in Christmas sweaters; I thought the two things would go perfectly, so I bought one. lol

Now, we have joined the fun of the elves watching over the girls. The first couple of days the girls were not impressed. They believe I'm improving as time goes on.

Yes, there are two elves (one Chloe made quite a few years ago).

Whoa!

"What kind of cookies do you see?"

Ha! Ha! Trapped you!

Thanksgiving...fifteen years ago

I was just thinking of Thanksgiving fifteen years ago. It was the first time I cooked a turkey, and the family was coming over. My Dad was right there behind me telling me what to do, making me do everything myself.

The dinner turned out great. But it took me about three days to clean. I was exhausted! John was giving me a bit of grief over the pans in the kitchen. I tried to explain how tired I was but even I thought it sounded lame. I told my friend Monica about it at work the following week. She asked if I was pregnant. Well. Hmm. I hadn't thought of that one.

Yep. I was pregnant. Two years later I would go through the same thing, but I knew before Thanksgiving I was pregnant (the test wouldn't show if for another couple of weeks). I told my Mom at Thanksgiving I thought I was pregnant and John didn't believe it. (I have it on video.)  Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays. These memories just add to that love.

A rose by any other name

Our beloved new family member has been renamed. Chloe has now decided her name will be Winnie (from Winnie-the-Pooh). John and I like it so much better than Tuna. Jesse is really hoping Winnie does not stay an indoor cat. lol

Hank is doing...better. He is so funny. Whenever we take Winnie out of the crate, Hank is right there wanting to see her. He likes to tug at her fur with his teeth. He used to do that to Rosie, but she stands up to him so he has stopped. Now, he is doing it to Winnie. Last night the little two pound kitten hissed like a big cat when he did it. We are taking baby steps with Hank. I think he'll get there, but it is going to take awhile.

I have been slipping further and further behind with my side of schoolwork. I am hoping I will spend the next two days working on catching up with school; however, with this icky weather I just want to sleep!

Jesse is about to finish "The Last of the Mohicans" and I am about sixteen chapters behind her. I know. I know! That is ridiculous. I also have not created their October spreadsheets showing what work they will do each day. I have a stockpile of math, science, English, Spanish and papers to be graded. It is rather depressing just thinking about it. I WAS DOING SO WELL!

Last Monday we took Chloe's submission to the state fair. Jesse's is due to go this week. Chloe submitted another picture. This one is of a goat. When she turned it in, Mrs. Betsy laughed. She loved the picture. I hope Mrs. Betsy is there when we turn in Jesse's earrings. She should like those too. We did hear that because there were so many student submissions this year that only the finalist will be displayed.

We finally decorated for Halloween today. I had told Chloe we would do it on Thursday, but it didn't happen. And we'll have to decorate outside after all the hurricane rain passes.

A new year - 2015

We spent last night at home. We always spend New Year's Eve at home. It is what we enjoy: relaxing, quiet, and family. And then right after the new year begins you can go right to bed. lol

Today, we had lunch with the Morgan's. We had the chance to catch up with a couple of nephews and our niece, something we wish we could do more often. Oma had great fun sharing stories about the girls when they were little; John slipped out of the room before she could start talking about him.

I plan on spending the rest of the day relaxing. lol