The Kelly Crew: December 2013

OK, I am two days early. Probably the first time I have been early since late summer. Seems like we are always pushing the very limits of our time right now. Well, not right now, because I am actually getting a chance to sit and type for a few minutes. School got out Friday, and we have pretty much not planned anything this first part of break. Don't get me wrong, we are not sitting on the couch looking at each other, but for the most part, we have the freedom to do what we want. Right now my kids are bouncing on the trampoline (yes, outside because it is beautiful out there), watching Arthur Christmas, and taking a nap. Not all at the same time of course. Freedom is the opportunity to explore what is truly fun and fulfilling. We have watched movies together, played games, looked at beautiful Christmas lights and built gingerbread houses. We walked to lunch and to Costco to pick up pictures. We enjoyed the sunshine. I love the crazy pace we keep normally, but it is so nice to just stop and feel calm and relaxed. Well, as calm and relaxed as you can feel with 5 kids.
I am so excited to be celebrating Christmas looking at a green lawn. I know a white Christmas is popular and all, but personally I am in favor of a Christmas that is green. We had a "snow" occurrence on Friday, so school was cancelled. It was so funny to see schools delay school when there was barely and inch of snow. I remember NWC was so proud of the fact that they kept open until it was nearly impossible to get to school. An inch was laughable in Spokane, but here it is a major event. So we got our brief white Christmas and we have returned to the weather I moved over here to enjoy. The kids have barely pulled out their winter coats at this point. I am loving it.
We have managed to do many of the traditional holiday things, even with our crazy schedules. We watched the Nutcracker, thank you Kaylee, we got a Christmas tree, thank you Bacon's tree farm, we saw some amazing lights, thank you Zoolights and Spanaway fantasy of lights, we saw a living nativity, we enjoyed our kids wonderful Christmas program, and we watch our favorite Christmas movies. I am baking today, which is probably for the best. I was not forced to eat way too many sweets throughout the month by starting early. The boys have also continued to play soccer outside in December, we were able to watch the boys do great in their first wrestling match, and, for the most part, have felt a little less excited about basketball than normal. Ainsley is the exception. She loves basketball, and so far, seems to be heading in the right direction height wise. She is the tallest on her Kindergarten basketball team. She is also the toughest. I think she may have found something she can use her natural instincts in. We are constantly telling her to be gentle, and don't take things from people just because you want them. Well, in basketball, it is good to be a bit tough and stealing is encouraged. We'll see where that goes.
I have been reminded of the grace our Lord has gifted us with. When I start to feel guilty for not doing enough, or not being enough, I am reminded of Jesus and how He is enough. I fall short so much of the time, but He never does. My teaching has given me a chance to remember why I love science, and how it fits so perfectly with our creator God. I love pointing out to my students the way you can see God's fingers in everything. He is an amazing creator. Anyway, school is good, and I am truly loving it. So are the kids. They seem to be thriving in their new environments. They have been forced from their comfort zones, and they all seem to have taken it in stride.
Other than that, I think I will let the pictures tell the story. We are feeling more settled, but still missing our Spokane friends. Everyone seems to be making new ones, but we will always have a special place for those we left behind. We do pray your Christmas is joyful and love filled.