December 2013

At the beginning of the month Camille had a school music program. She was by far the very cutest.

She's having a lot of fun in kindergarten and this was the cherry on top.

The kids were extremely thrilled for the Christmas decor to go up. We've had this artificial tree from our very first Christmas as a married couple. Camille had a mishap with the tree and broke it. I wasn't disappointed as I've always wanted to get a real tree. Jeff came home and glued some extra pieces here and there...after a while the tree was up.  Maybe I'll get my new tree next year.

I took the kids to several Christmas events. One was at the First Methodist Church. This is the same place Jill went to preschool. It is a gorgeous old church. They were putting on a "Walk through Bethlehem". It was so cool. We signed the scrolls with a feather ink pen when we entered. Everyone was dressed up and in character. We got a bag of coins that we had to pay at each station to participate. There was carpentry, leather pressing, bread making, poetry, etc etc. Of-course, if we followed the star we found Baby Jesus. This is an albino camel that was part of it. So cool.

It's been a really cold winter. Someone forgot to turn off their sprinklers and all the plants looked like this. The girls loved it.

 Jeff took the girls to a couple hockey games this season. He really loves the venue and going to the games.

We saw Santa at the beginning of the month at the Round Rock Christmas tree lighting and then again at the ward Christmas party. The second time around Jill was disenchanted and didn't go see him (I was super sad about that, she's only 7!!). Camille was all about it, and Coco was interested but mostly kept his distance.

The YMCA put on a huge Christmas party too. They brought in snow and had several hills the kids got to sled down. It was soooooo fun. I really miss having real snow.

Here's the baby bump with less than 4 wks to go.

I've been taking piano lesson since January and we had a recital. I played Somewhere Over the Rainbow, and Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree. I'm really pleased with my progress, especially because I can now play several hymns. I'm not going to continue lesson because the new baby. Hopefully, I can keep learning though.

Here's my three at Brushy Creek. Can't believe that number four is so close.

Jeff and I went to an Ugly Christmas Sweater party. It was hilarious to see what people wore. I wasn't too creative with my clothing but I made up for it with my veggie tray.

I didn't get around to scheduling family pictures or sending out a Christmas card this year. I had our home teachers snap a few pictures after church one day and sent it out via email. Hopefully I can get it together next year.

This year on Christmas Eve we read and acted out the Christmas story. It was a lot of fun with the kids, and Stan got to join in too. I'm hoping to make this a tradition.

They kids also got to open their Christmas pjs. Here they are Christmas morning.  Camille was the first awake and looked through everyone's stocking.

Everyone seemed happy with their loot. Jeff got a remote control helicopter, Jillian got a large stuffed dragon, Camille got a music/jewelry box, and Coco got a lot of cars.

By far the best gift we all got was a hand-me-down trampoline. I even got up there and jumped a little with my big ol' belly.

November 2013

We've been trying to explore our surroundings a little more as a family. We've found several cool, little parks with trails connected each one and river's running through them.  Coco never ceases to throw about a million rocks into the water each time.  His mannerisms when he's happy or excited are so hilarious and exactly like Amy's were when she was younger.  Jeff and I call it the mini-grand mal because he shakes and dances and makes some crazy faces.  Its awesome.  

In an effort to get Camille more excited about soccer, I offered one dollar for every goal.  It really fired Jill up more than anything.  here's a sweet action shot of Jill.  Jill ended the season with four and Camille (kinda) got one (she kicked it and it bounced off an opponent into the goal).

I took the kids to a Fall Festival.  The best part was the pony ride.

The girls have been wanting bangs so I finally gave in, hoping it would make them look younger. Didn't work so well.

In class Camille make a cute Turkey hat. When she came home she told Jill to chase her. She named the game Kill the Turkey.  Seriously, these two are the best together...I love having breaks from school so they can reunite.

Jeff's hair is the longest it's ever been. It's really grown on me (no pun intended).

Jill had her first field trip this year to the museum in Georgetown. She said it was really boring. I laughed out loud when she said it. Coco and I got to meet her at the park for lunch. Coco really loves being around the girls.

The belly keeps growning and I often become overwhelmed with gratitude that I am able to experience a healthy pregnancy again. This body of mine amazes me. Jeff would say I complain A LOT to him at night but I really feel so happy.

 

I didn't get any good pictures on Thanksgiving. It was super low key. We had Stan over and we ate the usual dinner. Jeff played in the ward turkey bowl and was sore for days after.  Each year it seems to get worse. Oh boy are we getting old! I am, above all else, thankful for my Father and my family.