Tonight was filled with John's favorite places:

Chick-fila

Sam's Club

Bass Pro

He was so excited to see the fish!!

Sophia has stayed home the last 2 days. Another ear infection (in the other ear) and a sore throat. We did find out that she weighs 22.2 lbs! Matt stayed home with her yesterday when she had a fever and was feeling yucky. I got to stay home today and she didn't have a fever plus she was in a great mood. I got the better end of the deal.

Last day of school tomorrow for the year of 2010!! So excited to spend some time with friends and family for the holidays!

Merry Christmas to everyone!!

Aunt Wendi: "John who is coming to your house this week?"

John: "Huh?"

Aunt Wendi: "Is someone coming to your house to give you presents this week?"

John: "Wendi...It's Jesus Birthday."

And he walks off.

Wendi: "That was a better answer than what I was looking for."

Oh I love this kid.

Sophia is feeling better (She had a temp last night). She hasn't had a temperature, but she isn't quite back to her cute, lovable self. Hopefully it is something that will go away quickly before the holidays this weekend.

Turnbough-Beard Christmas was today. I love this Christmas brunch that we do on a yearly basis. It is a laid back, relaxing day that is filled with laughs, food, stories, reminiscing, and a game or two. Aunt Sarah and Uncle Andrew got the kids wonderful books that share a wonderful message. Two of the books are by Francis Chan. If you haven't read his books, they are wonderful. Crazy Love is one of my favorites. He has written kids books based on his adult books and they are wonderful! These two books are Halfway Herbert (based on Crazy Love) and The Big Red Tractor (based on The Forgotten God)...they can be found here . The other book is The Big God Story and it is AWESOME! The other thing that Sarah and Andrew always get our kiddos are ornaments. Sarah lets the kids know each year "These are ornaments you can take when you move out of the house. Your parents can't keep them!"

This sweet couple also donated money to charities that were special to people for Christmas gifts. They graciously gave to my classroom to kids that need school supplies.

It was a great day and I feel so grateful to have these wonderful friends in our lives.

Love you Beards!

It was quiet in the kitchen and John was in there...that is a scary thing. He comes in with a traveling coffee mug and says "Mommy, your coffee." I look inside and ground coffee beans and white specks appear. I say thank you. He looks at Daddy "Daddy, your next!" and off he goes. I sneak in the kitchen and I know that I probably should have stopped the mess. However, my instant thought is...oh a blog entry!

John had certainly made us coffee. See below....

Unscrewing the lid to the travel coffee mug for Daddy.

Ground the already ground coffee. Oh and a step is missed here....sugar is poured into the ground coffee.

Oh and we can't forget the chocolate syrup! He was so proud.

I must say....coffee in the morning should be interesting.

Yesterday was Narnia Day at our church. It was huge event and the people involved did an amazing job. I know nothing about Narnia however, I learned new things yesterday and my children had their first face painting jobs done yesterday.

Sophia the White Witch

John the Mouse (I can't remember the name...sorry Narnia fans)

The favorite of the day was the carnival at the end with the Moon Bounce. I need to get one of these things because my John slept almost 3 hours after bouncing on it.

My favorite of the day....the amazing dragon made out of balloons. Scary but amazing.

The standing has begun...before crawling. Today Sophia was trying to pull up on John's rocking chair. When I helped her, she stood up like a pro. We moved onto the learning table and she loved it. John was excited to see Sophia standing. He kept saying "Good Job Sophia!".

What a big girl!

Singing ABCs

I have spent many an afternoons and evenings at the Blue Springs Starbucks with this blue notebook and my computer. Facebook has been my life line to see what is going on in my friends' lives. Tomorrow is my final for Research. I am so ready for it to be over. I must say, and I know I have, it has been the hardest semester I have ever had. I am excited to have the feeling of "complete" when I walk out of the room tomorrow night. At this point, I don't even care what I get on the final. I can't believe I am saying it, but I really don't care. I am excited to not be as stressed and to be able to have relaxation time. They say next semester is easier...it better be.
I am excited to go out for coffee with my friends, do some craft projects, blog more and watch movies. Oh and I have to say that I am looking forward to a few naps while my kiddos are sleeping. These are things that I didn't get to do this semester because I was in constant research mode. So Research...bring on your final.

We got to see Santa tonight and hear his real story. John would not have it any other way but to have the whole family in the picture. I love the holidays!

It was a great Thanksgiving. I am so thankful for the people in my life.

Of course, we couldn't get a picture where they were both smiling or laughing...so here are two (above and below). Notice John's sneaky grin.

Present time!! It was strange to see John with presents this year. He was such a little boy. He ripped the paper and opened the present all by himself. It seems crazy that just last year I was helping him get the wrapping paper off of each present.

Sophia enjoying some Thanksgiving puffs! She did get to enjoy some mashed potatoes and bread.

The four cousins with Nana and Papa.