Merry Christmas

Such a magical time for the kids.

 

Cookies for Santa

Hope he likes them.

Lots of TCL went into creating these tasty treats.

Snowflake Lane

This year's visit to Snowflake Lane.

Can't beat clear, dry skies, good friends and lots of smiles.

N-I-N-E

Today is the day. Nine years old. Incredible.

And, incredible is the kind of girl you truly are.

You amaze me with your demeanor, your ability to be stoic and mature.

You are clam, responsible and have a presence about you.

At times you are wise beyond your years.

At other times you are wild, loud and playful.

I love all of these times. The serious to the silly.

You are a creator, an inventor.

Your mind works in magical ways.

You think through things and then execute.

It's fun to watch your wheels turn.

From Legos to baking.

You come up with solutions, things I would never even dream.

You have confidence which I admire.

You like what you like.

You don't care what others think.

You are comfortable in your skin.

You are brave and kind.

You are willing to try almost anything.

And you don't need a friend by your side to do it.

You are capable.

Wow, all of this at nine.

Don't get me wrong, there are moments.

Moments of not listening and flat out ignoring.

Moments when you think you know everything and I know nothing.

Moments of weakness, 

but you are nine. 

It's to be expected and it means you are normal, growing.

I am so proud of the person you are.

The person who tests me and pushes my buttons.

The person who challenges me to be better.

The person who I love so much and would do anything for.

Happy Birthday my dear sweet Carmen.

The world is yours.

Food Drive

This year I was in charge of the school food drive.

Our goal was to collect 550 bags of sugar.

The school pulled together and exceeded our goal,

along with collecting lots of other food items.

It was a lot of work but so gratifying to see it all come together.
There was lots of support and participation from teachers, staff, parent volunteers and kids alike.

This is what 1,077 food items looks like.

Max's class made posters and a video to promote the cause.

This sweet girl contributed some of her own money to purchase sugar.

We went as a family to help box up all of the food for more than 550 families in our community.

An amazing site to see.

So humbled by the generous people in our community!

Candy Trains

This year Jim had a work event for families -- building candy trains!

It was a sight to see. More candy in one place than I've ever seen.

Every kind of full-size candy bar imaginable along with all the extras for decorating.

The task was to build the best candy train you could conceive and then execute.

The creativity was amazing.

Here is what the Skurski kids came up with.

Not bad for their first attempt.

Red is back

Red, our elf, made his appearance on December 1, 

kicking off the holiday season with advent calendars.

He has been spotted in various places around the house, keeping tabs on behavior 

and reporting back to the Big Guy. 

Every once in a while Red brings a little something for Carmen & Max.

This time, The Crayons' Christmas, a fun continuation of a book series.

Both kids were over the moon for the book.

Both kids read together.

Both kids took turns doing the book activities and crafts

A Christmas miracle? Perhaps!

Basketball Season

Basketball season is kicking off. 

One practice per kid under their belts.

Carmen is back for her second year with the Shooting Diamonds.

Max is testing the waters and playing this year for the first time. 

Team name = TBD but will no doubt be a fun season with 9 of his buddies.

Movie Madness

A gaggle of 3rd graders took to the theatre to watch Frozen II.

It was a fun movie for both kids and adults.

Action, adventure and humor.

Us parents were just happy to have our kiddos contained for two hours.

Highly recommend! 

Sock Hop

Carmen had a fabulous time running around with her friends at the school Sock Hop.

She was especially into striking a pose and showing off her poodle skirt.

They spent the majority of the evening in the photo booth.

Who can blame 'em…?!

Helpers

Carmen and Max have been big helpers lately. 

Brookside school 'drives' have been in full swing and they have been actively participating.

For the school food drive, we've been collecting lots and lots of apple boxes.

Several trips to local grocery stores, counting and sorting.

Over 100 in our garage.

 

Luna was a 'helper' too. 

They also helped collect socks for the annual sock drive.

This is what 700 pairs of socks looks like!

They did a great job sorting and tallying.