Happy December!

I can't believe how quickly November flew by.  I had inwardly made a goal of blogging at least once every two days but I'm not sure I did it.  So here we are into another month and almost the end of another year.  A quick recap of the past week or so:

Andrea did an amazing job at her Aladdin production and the six sold out shows were a great reward for the 80+ kids who rehearsed for so many months!  I was so very proud of her!

Joshua and I completed another session of Daybreak at our church and as much as I love snuggling babies for people, it is nice to have a bit of a break.

Arianna has been busy practicing for her solo and dance part of the church's Christmas production.

Sarah is keeping herself busy doing Sarah "things".  Baking with Grandma, playing with her siblings and just hanging out!

This morning I read a Facebook post from The Busy Homeschool Mom and today her message spoke deep to my heart.  Here's what she had to say:
 
"The best Christmas presents will never be found in a store. Do you want to make the holidays meaningful for your children? Creating memories that will last a lifetime is really a matter of intentional planning. It has very little to do with money. :) Here are few tips to get you started:

Look at your calendar. WRITE IN things you want to do and then take the time off to actually do them. You only get 2012 Christmas once. :) Here are a few things you might want to consider:

—Make Christmas cut-out cookies
—google "slow cooker hot chocolate" ... and make it
—find Christmas crafts you can do with just paper and glue. You're on the computer already. :)
—Go for a drive to look at Christmas lights. Take your hot chocolate for a special treat
—Make chex mix. 'nuff said.
—Ask your children to DRAW their version of the nativity. Frame it or take a picture of it so you don't forget what their drawings looked like.
—Watch your favorite Christmas movie
—Read Advent stories by the Christmas tree
—Scatter Christmas books throughout your house. I started our Christmas collection from thrift stores years ago; now we have books in every room. The kids, even the grown ones, love it.
—Focus on just the basics for school. Enjoy December.
—Remember the true meaning of Christmas.

Love your kids. Kiss your husband under the mistletoe. Try to appreciate the bickering, spilled hot chocolate, crazy calendar and family gatherings. And when you can't appreciate it, forgive yourself. And start again.

Merry Christmas!"

I really enjoy homeschooling my kids.  I love it MOST of the time, despite the frustrating moments that I think we all have.  I think I often get too worked up in the focus on math, reading, grammar, social and science.  I truly appreciate this reminder for me and everyone else, regardless of how we school our kids.  Deep breath.  Relax.  Enjoy.

I'm hoping and planning for a relaxed December with emphasis on family, friends and simply enjoying the season.  

Happy Tuesday!!