I baked...

I've been busy...

I made a bunch of these guys.

They took forever. I loved it.

Did you know I have a baking blog? The details for these sweet Santas are there.

Feeling Festive

Elementary teachers are the ultimate resource when you need a little something to wear for an ugly Christmas sweater party. I didn't have anything in my closet, but after asking around, my co-workers came through big time. I ended up with six!
We had a great time partying, eating and laughing with friends the other night. Thanks Scott and Tiana for being such great hosts. Three parties down, one more to go before Christmas. I love this time of year!
He's still handsome...even with an ugly sweater and an unshaven upper lip!

a simple gift

Because I want to remember it...
Today, right in the middle of math, I had a sweet interruption. One of the cafeteria monitors came to me with a holiday gift. I was pretty surprised by that. I don't see her much; it's usually just in passing when I'm walking my kids to lunch. She's a second language learner herself, but she still communicates fine with the students and staff.

This sweet lady felt horrible disrupting my class, but as I walked into the hallway she handed me a beautifully packaged present. Tears were in her eyes as she said, "Teacher, you always smile at me. Thank you." I teared up too and gave her a hug. What a reminder for me to do one of the most simple things more often -- smile. I loved that moment.
Oh, and my class visited our kindergarten buddies to help them with their gingerbread houses today. Candy overload, but oh, so festive! Being a teacher at this time of year is so fun!

Hello Snow!

For our friends in colder climates, I know this is not impressive in the least. But when you're living in 'sunny' California, snow is definitely a rarity.

Look what we woke up to this morning!

I loved seeing all of the cars on our street covered in a nice, thin blanket of snow on my way to the gym. I miss Utah winters. In college the first snow (and second and third...) always made me just a little happier -- except not so much when I was walking up that horrible hill south of campus just praying I wouldn't slip. But other than that, I'd be pretty content to live in the white stuff.

Looks like our attempt for a white Christmas came a little early!