When we moved into our house 8 Christmases ago, I knew right where the Christmas tree would go - in front of a window in the living room, and it has been there every year. But, we always miss having the lights in our family room. However, I did not have the energy to put lights on 2 trees. (One day I'll blog about my light journey, but not today.) Anyway, along came pre-lit Christmas trees. If there was ever something to tempt me away from live trees, that is it! This year, I found a skinny, pre-lit, cheap tree for our family room. We have so many homemade ornaments that are perfect in the family room. I still had a few on the "real" tree, but most of the homemade ones were in the family room with us this year. You can sort of see the tree behind the kids. This is a great picture because it captures a spontaneous moment of sibling love! The kids argue so much, this is a great reminder that at times they can get along!
Here's a picture of the tree in the living room with a flash.
Here's one without a flash. Which do you like better?
Miss Preston is our super hero 1st grade teacher. Bryant had her, and we fell in love with her. She has babysat for us each summer, puppy and kitty sat for us and in general become a treasured part of our family. We are so happy that Ann Bennett is able to have her as a teacher this year. We have certainly had our issues with the kids' school, but 1st grade with Miss Preston is a respite in the storm! One of the things she does is called Christmas Around the World. She divides the students into 4 groups. Each group presents information about that country to the "audience." She gives each parent a passport, so after the presentation, you visit each country to have your passport stamped. She ends the day with a party with foods from as many countries as possible. That part falls to parents, but she coordinates it. One of the great things about both children having the same teacher is you end up with the same artwork -- like the Christmas trees on the board behind AB. Christmas trees with lights started in Germany.
Frances, AB and Preston at the party.
Halo Hoops basketball started this month as well. Halo Hoops is similar to Upward, but it was started locally. It is an amazing program, and I love basketball season. It is the only season that we have 1 practice and 1 game a week. It is not controlled by weather, so there are no changes. It is completely predictable, and we have a great coach. He somehow manages to coach, teach and motivate without ever raising his voice. I wish I could be more like him! Bryant is going to kill me for posting this picture, but I love it. He often hangs his stuff up the night before a game. It's kind of like his locker. Plus, I love pictures of sleeping children. It is a gift of God to see children sleep. They look so angelic and make it easy to forget the conflicts from earlier in the day!
We were supposed to leave for Atlanta on Saturday before Christmas right after Bryant's basketball game. But, we made the decision to wait until Sunday morning, and it was one of those decisions that relieved the Sasser stress ten fold! It meant we had some sleep that week, and I was not furious with everyone when we left. Plus, it meant Ann Bennett and I were able to go see Annie with her friends. Thank you Wendy and Anne Cathryn. AB loved it. All the girls did. They were fascinated. This picture was at intermission.
AB, Frances, Anne Cathryn, Lydia and Ella -- all looking a little too grown up!
AB and Annie. AB wanted to meet her so badly, but when we got to her, she was so nervous she couldn't speak. Apparently Annie just moved her from Los Angeles. She was really good.
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