Still..untitled as of yet...: December 2008

Lets see...what have we been up to since my last family post of Halloween??

I successfully completed my PTA project, which was Reflections. I was worried I wouldn't have enough entries for our school, so I begged Joey to draw a picture to enter and also take a few photos with my camera. It is really important that the children's entries are completely done independently, without help from anyone. I am proud to say that his drawing took the "Overall Award of Excellence" and his photos took "Award of Excellence" and "Award of Merit". He was so excited. No..I wasn't one of the judges! In fact, the judges were an art educator from the McNay Art Museum, two different art gallery owners, and a local artist. There were 114 entries for our school. Twenty percent are able to move to the next level (chosen by the judges). The winners work is now in the hands of the District and will be judged against other schools in our district. From there the winners will go to State and then to Nationals. Keep your fingers crossed for him.

I'm still active with the PTA as we have lots of projects scheduled through the year. I am so glad to be a part of this organization. I never thought I would be a PTA mom, but now that I am a Chairperson I realize how many programs (including field trips) they supply and how much money they raise for the school. It is wonderful.

My friend Mia and I are going to do a 1/2 marathon in the spring. We haven't chosen which one yet. She lives in California and I am in Texas, so maybe someplace in between so it can be a fun family trip too. My training officially starts today. I may post my runs for your enjoyment :)

We spent Thanksgiving in Dallas with Travis's family. Everyone came in and we had a really good time. We won't be with them for Christmas, so we did our gift exchange while together. The kids thought having a "fake Christmas" in November really rocked.

I started putting up the Christmas decorations when we got home. Tree is up, however it is only decorated in the front and only 3 ft up (kids were anxious to start). I'll do the rest later today. Stockings are hung, garland is on the staircase, village is up and so far nothing is broken yet, and presents are being bought. Joey wants a Wii this year, and it is killing me not to get it for him. However, we told him that if he got straight A's this year we would buy him one. So, I'm sticking to the program. He will have to wait until Summer and produce a report card of straight A's. So far, he is kicking some major arce in the grades. All 100% tests and papers, except for one 80%. I'm so proud of that kid. But don't worry - Santa has big plans for him!!

My sweet Jenna has pretty much asked for everything that comes across the TV screen. "Mommy...look!! Can I have that Mommy? Can I?". I tell her "You will have to ask Santa, Sweetie. We will go see him soon". However, one of the things she wanted which I have gotten is this. Grandma pitched in. Yay Grandma!

Now - I am nurturing a cold that has hung on for 3 weeks. For those who know me well, know how much I hate it when I cannot breath through my nose. I must have 2 points of entry for oxygen to enter my body at all times, even if it is mouth and only one nostril. As long as I have two, I am happy. I panic when my nose is completely stuffed up. Aaacchhhh....

So - now I will share some pictures with you:

The picture he drew which won the overall. He drew it in about 15 min, and I almost didn't enter it because I thought he just scribbled something out and didn't really take it very seriously. In the end, the judging was mainly based on creativity and originality. Please excuse the hair - he SO needed a haircut..