Nativity

We had a fabulous visit with family this past weekend. We attended a gorgeous display of over 1000 nativity scenes from around the world.

There were so many beautiful ones, it's hard to name favorites.

This live one made up of our kids and some of their cousins will be one we won't soon forget though. It was fun for all and very cute!

Proof...

It snowed in Austin last week. Here's the proof.

We saw it, falling down in thick flakes! Our kids ran and played in it with delight. It lasted about an hour, then it stopped. Nothing stuck. That's ok though, because it was a fun treat while it lasted, and then the sun came back out.

We sure love living in Austin!

Front yard fun...

Everytime we get near the door, Cameron is ready to go outside. He just LOVEs to be outside. So, this day we just lingered and I let him wander around to his hearts content.


He wanted to climb trees, so we did that. He collected rocks, picked up sticks, dumped out our cats water dish, and l00ked f0r bugs.

It was a good time. He's quite the little outdoorsman. :-)

Appreciation

My kids celebrated Veterans day recently. Austin joined other uniformed cub scouts in a flag ceremony at the school assembly. Brooke wore her patriotic red, white and blue clothes. Cameron and I stayed for the assembly to snap a few pictures and I'm so glad we did.

Veterans day is a holiday that I don't always acknowledge the way I should. I was grateful for the opportunity that the school gave me, to remember and honor the men and women who have sacrificed and those who continue to fight for our country and our freedom.

I thoroughly enjoyed the heartfelt tribute to our nations heroes. The music, the visiting soldiers and veterans, the flag ceremony were all part of a very patriotic morning. I'm thankful that my kids attend a school where their country is honored, freedom is cherished and the veterans were remembered. I know I would not have done them justice if I had tried to convey the importance of this holiday at home.

I'm proud to be an American and so glad my kids are too!

Grounded

Last week, my kids were melting down and got in a big argument with eachother. As a consequence, they were sent to their rooms. When they continued to be mad and cry, etc... I went so far as to "ground them." They had to stay in their rooms the entire afternoon and evening.

The poor children didn't even get to come out of their rooms for dinner.

Aren't I a mean Mommy?

Of course I fed them. I brought it to them in their rooms. Hmmm, punishment for them, or more work for me?

Regardless, I had to follow through with the punishment. So, they ate in their rooms, did homework in their rooms, laid on their beds, messed around, etc.

As seen in the pictures below, they were really sad about the whole thing . . .



Brooke set up a cute little "tea party" for her dinner and it was so much fun that Cameron wanted to join her. What a punishment, to get to break the regular rules of not eating upstairs and have a party with her stuffed bunny and little brother. :-)

Austin had it pretty rough too. He got to eat as he lay around in bed, in his underwear, reading a book and having time to himself. Isn't it supposed to make you unhappy when you get grounded?? They were so mad to be confined to their rooms and then they realized that is was not so bad.

In the end, I think my mission was accomplished though. There were no more arguments in our house that evening. The down time did them some good . . . I hope.