surprise lunch date

little sister is always asking me why i don't come eat lunch with her at school, so today i surprised her by sneaking away from work and meeting her for lunch, with one of her favorites (mcdonald's).  she ate that, plus a few things from the lunch i packed her that morning.  she invited two of her crazy friends to sit with us.  she was really happy to see me, but most importantly - very surprised!

new pajamas

our elf on the shelf, nicole kristine, left the girls a gift last night - santa pajamas!!  they look so cute in them!!

twins??

we couldn't resist when we saw a kid's t-shirt that matched almost perfectly the one that daddy wears every year.   the girls will just have to take turns wearing it!!  ;-)

winter wonderland dance

big sister attended her first school dance tonight.  and it was all her idea.  a flyer came home from school, but i just set it aside.  then a few days ago, she asked if she could buy her ticket at lunch.  i said "sure, do you need money?"  

"no, mom, i have $4 in my wallet."

well, okay then.  she and a few girlfriends made plans to meet at the dance.

when it came time to get ready for the dance, she picked out her own outfit and accessories.  she requested that we put hot rollers in her hair.  when it was almost 7:00, i told her we needed to get going, since the dance started at 7:00.  she said, "not yet, mom.  we can get there a little late."

when we drove up to drop her off in front of the school, she got nervous and asked that i come in with her.  i gave her a hug and told her "you'll be fine.  go in and have fun.  text me if you want to come home early."

she texted me about an hour later: "having a great time"

my heart swelled with happiness for her.  middle school can be so tough, but it seems like she is managing it just fine.

sparkle & twinkle

finally, we are no longer the darkest house on the street!

choir concert

all five of our school district's elementary schools descended upon one school tonight for their holiday music showcase.  little sister was very excited for us to hear what she's been working on at choir practice each week.  her group sang three songs.

turn off that nose

 

carol of the bells

 

this holiday

holiday concert

big sister made her band concert debut tonight at the middle school.  she, along with all the other clarinets, played "carol of the bells."  she has  been working on this song for a few months now.

the other instruments played different songs, but for the finale – everyone played "jingle bells."

it was quite thrilling to hear the gym fill with musical sounds as each group played their part.  we are very proud of big sister for learning the clarinet and devoting so much time to perfect playing it.