Piano Holiday Performance and Party

Yesterday, Mrs. JoAnn had all of her piano students hold a Holiday performance at Parkway Hills Baptist Church. After the performance, their was a nice reception for the kids. Well, I wasn't sure how this was going to work, but originally I thought it was going to be more like a party and the kids would just take turns playing their songs informally, but as time drew closer, I felt it might be more "recital" like. Well, we get there yesterday and Reese was first to perform in the program. The minute we walked into the room, she kept saying she was NOT going to do it (she has been saying this for weeks). I went to find Ms. JoAnn and tell her, it is probably not going to happen, just want to prepare you. Jeff and I had already discussed we weren't going to make a big deal out of it--if she wanted to do it then great and if no, then no big deal. So, sure enough Mrs. JoAnn speaks a little then calls Reese's name--she hides behind me and is saying "NO!", so we pass on her turn. I felt so bad for her because she really enjoyed listening to everyone else play and at one point said, "I really WANT to play my song, I am just too shy". It made me tear up because she has been practicing for weeks and she is SO proud of herself when she plays at home, I just don't know how to help her overcome this fear---open to any suggestions???? Anyways, she didn't play and I felt she was sad about it, but maybe this experience will help prepare her for next time. Mrs. JoAnn came up to her at the reception and told her she was really glad she came and that maybe she could play next year...and Reese shook her head "NO"....so not sure what will happen in the future, I guess time and maturity will only tell. More than anything, I hope Reese can develop a love for playing the piano and it can be a hobby for her--I wish I could play! If this doesn't end up being her thing, then that is completely fine too, but she does seem to enjoy it in the privacy of our own home, so we'll see.

Merry Main Street-Frisco Square

I had one goal in mind when we were discussing going to Merry Main Street--that was to let the kids shop in the "Kid's Holiday Store". This is where the kids get placed with one of "santa's helpers" and they can shop for Mommy, Daddy, and siblings. There is a $5 maximum per person, they get to pick out the gift all by themself, and then the store wraps it for them before bringing the kids back to "us"(parents). I just thought the kids would get a total kick out of doing this. Well, when the "helpers" brought them back to us, Reese had one package and she said, "it is for BOTH of you". Collin came back with 3 packages and said he shopped for himself. We can see inside one package and it is a Diego coloring set, he has said a million times he got himself a jump rope, and we didn't know what was in the other package. I kept asking him all day yesterday, did you buy something for Daddy? Sissy? Mommy? All he kept saying is he bought things for "ME!" (meaning himself). So, I peeked last night and the 3rd package is a Buzz Lightyear cup/straw....so yep, he bought 3 gifts and they are all for himself---how generous--HA! So, now I am not sure what to do because when we open gifts he will have 3 extra "little" things and Reese will have gotten something for Jeff & me....could possibly cause a little drama. I think this is so funny...I just love that with kids you never know what you are going to get. They always keep us on our toes and add so much fun and laughter to our lives. Love it!

It was just too cold to do anything else at Merry Main Street, but we ran into Santa, an elf making balloons was so cute and made a balloon for each of the kids and then we went to eat at Babe's--the last couple of pics are of Collin doing the Hokey-Pokey at Babe's...we can never get Reese to do it.

Breakfast with Santa

Well, we went to Breakfast with Santa at FUMC on Saturday morning and Reese and Collin had such a wonderful time. We went in lieu of the Adolphus Children's Parade in downtown Dallas, because it was just too darn cold! What a wonderful time the kids had meeting and visiting with Santa, eating a yummy pancake breakfast, and doing art and crafts. Reese didn't actually "talk" to Santa, she just sat on his lap and took her picture. Collin spoke very little (surprising for him) and he said he didn't tell him what he wanted. I reassured both of the kids that Santa understands being a little nervous and that is why we sent Santa a letter. He will know what they want, even if they didn't tell him in person. Kids are so funny, I would totally expect Reese to be a little too "shy" to talk to Santa, but can't imagine Collin--glad they got to see him anyways, they loved it!

SNOW!!!

We woke up to snow this morning and the kids were squealing with delight! They were so excited and had to get out there. My kids are so into scarves right now, so they were thrilled to get a chance to wear them. I love watching the pure joy the snow brings.

Christmas Tree Celebration

Growing up, our family always decorated our Christmas tree as a "family"--it was a very special time that I look back upon and cherish those memories. After we would finish decorating, we would all sit down for a snack filled evening of family and Christmas music and just enjoy starting the Christmas season. I have decided to pass this same tradition down to our family. So, we hung the outside lights, decorated the Christmas tree, Reese and Collin decorated their own playroom tree and we hung the stockings, etc. After all the hard work, we snacked, had hot cocoa and enjoyed hanging out as a family. Such a special time that I hope our kids will look forward to and enjoy for many years to come!

Thanksgiving Day

We shared Thanksgiving Day with Jeff's side of the family and had such a wonderful day. Jeff fried a turkey for us and it was delicious! We had such a fun time hanging out and enjoying one another. It was a gorgeous day and one to remember that we have so much to be thankful for.

Reese -- Chuck E. Cheese

Reese earned her 10 beads for exceptional behavior as well! She chose to go to Chuck E. Cheese with Daddy. They had such a fun time playing games, seeing Chuck E. and eating pizza and drinking SPRITE--such a treat! Pictures aren't great because Jeff took them with his phone, but wanted to share.