Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Christmas Spirit

Well, each day the Christmas spirit gets a little brighter in our household.  After lots of events, we are finally down to the school parties.  They are tomorrow, which is the last day of school before break.  The kids are excited for these, but are taking to heart the meaning of Christmas more this year.  We have been doing some giving back this season..."Light 'em Up" is what we are calling it (thanks to Pinterest!).  The kids have been handing out candy canes with a thank you note to adults who make our lives easier, like the Sonic carhop or the man who held the door open at the store.  We've also donated toys to children who are less fortunate than us.  The kids made snacks for the people working in our neighborhood, the trash collector, the man fixing our door and the police officer at the school this week.  It's been heartwarming for this Mommy to watch the recognition in my children's faces of the feeling of kindness and generosity each time they light up someone's day; that Christmas is not just about the presents, the elf or school break.

Beyond Christmas, Claire earned a place in the spelling bee at school.  Each third and fourth grade classroom had their own bee and the top two students competed in the school-wide bee.  Claire was VERY nervous, to say the least!  But she did awesome!  She made it through the 6th round; and was awarded 5th place.  Pretty good considering the 9th round determined the winner!  Claire was a gracious competitor and was just glad to have that experience under her belt.

                                    Claire spelling at the bee.
                                Claire with her flowers from Daddy after the bee.
                             Christopher the elf has been a little naughty!
                                   But reminded the kids why he was there....
                                     And then was naughty again!

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