January

This morning when I glanced at the calendar I did a quick double take. In the pre-dawn, pre-caffeine fog, I momentarily forgot about that January has 31 days.  

Don't get me wrong, this is one of my favorite times of the year. I love the cold. I don't wish a dangerous Polar Vortex (and its dangers) on any one, but I have really enjoyed this week, with it's "snow day" (no show, as it turns out). From someone who loves everything about winter, I agree with the consensus that January has been lengthy. 

Has January been long for you? 

George

More reasons to love January... cozy snuggles. 

Pixie

We had the coziest of weekends. The girls retired from basketball this year, and we have completely enjoyed our lazy Saturday mornings. The girls served as acolytes yesterday during the traditional service, meaning we had two days to sleep in. The trio definitely needed the rest, and Pixie always enjoys a good snooze.

Hygge

4:06pm

This is why winter is my favorite. 

George's Field Trip

Yesterday George's class (+ 3rd through 5th grades) went to see the UAB Women's Basketball team play. Chaperones were not needed for this trip, but I started receiving texts from teachers telling me to watch the news because George had been interviewed. 

The clip aired while I was waiting for the girls at dance, but I managed to stream a live feed and film the feed with my iPad (a technology miracle, for sure). George and his friends (plus the many other students who were featured) were so excited to be on the news, and they were fired up about cheering the Blazers on for a win. 

See the full clip here.  

Bus Selfies

Grace and Lauren are so awesome. They are ready to embrace the second week of school after Christmas break, and they are even wearing smiles. They are rested and ready to knock out some work.

How is your Monday?

The New Year

Our New Year started January 7th, and the first week back had its highs and lows. 

High: We celebrated Gran's birthday. 

Low: The Alabama Crimson Tide was unable to obtain it's 18th National Championship.  

High: William George showed his support the next day with Bama gear and a big smile.  

High: My mom and I started a new Bible study.

High: A couple of the girls' teachers spared them the usual homework, allowing them to gently ease back into their routines.

High: George finished the week with a much needed pajama day. 

High: We redoubled our efforts to have nutritious home cooked meals and have been having the leftovers for lunch the next day. 

High: Every afternoon the trio report that their lunch was "SOOOOO GOOD!" We love a hot lunch during the winter months.  

High: We are LOVING the cold weather and are embracing all things hygge (pronounced: hooga).  

How did your first week go? 

Christmas Break

The trio had some extra days off after New Year's Day, and we enjoyed some hibernation time while doing some of our favorite things. 

We cautioned Lauren and Grace about this, and the time has arrived. This year they have had no extra time for recreational reading. Their assigned reading, homework and projects have kept them busy, leaving little or no time to read just for fun. They have missed it, and George has been busily reading through the Harry Potter series. 

Santa brought George cowboy boots for Christmas, and he has been wearing them everywhere, even out to lunch.  

William George was my big helper taking the tree down, and he was kind enough to pose with a special ornament he made this year at school.  

We took Skip's advice about "dialing back" on the nightly bedtime and began getting up early. While part of me wanted to fly wildly into that first day back, we were glad to get adjusted, and we enjoyed the upside of having such long days for our last days off. 

George's second grade teachers are so awesome. At their Christmas party, they passed out a ziplock bag filled with various science experiences that students could perform at home over the break. This proved to be fun for the whole family. 

Shown below: does a candy cane dissolve fastest in cold, warm or hot water? What is your hypothesis? 

Fast: Cold water

Faster: Warm water

Fastest: Hot water

We loved enjoying the last few days of freedom but are ready to get back in the swing of things.