Extension

We need an extension for our twelve kind acts. We have five more to go, and we have some good ones we're excited about. The twelve days of Christmas begin on Christmas day, so we'll make that our new timeline. The kis are in Portland for two nights while Daddy and I construct the large gift from the grandparents. I cannot wait for these two to see it!

Kind Act #7

Kind Act #7 was initiated and executed by the kids. I had no involvement at all. While I was fixing breakfast this morning they went outside, picked two brooms out of the garage, and started sweeping leaves off the patio. I'm not sure if the motivation was to do a kind act selflessly, to stay on Santa's nice list, or to make a huge pile of leaves to jump into, but I'll take it!

Kind Act #6

On Thursday Aidan and I took brownies in cookie jars to two neighbors. Each time Aidan grabbed his belly and said, "Ho Ho Ho." It was adorable. Now that Allison is out of school we can really focus on some good acts. Maybe even some that don't involve food.

Party on Wayne

Party on Garth.

(My kids will not get this reference at all in their blog books. Oh well. Still one of my all-time favorite lines.)

Today was Allison's school holiday party, and boy does her school know how to party. I do not remember my holiday parties in school ever being like this. I really enjoyed all the shows myself!

The Kinder and 1st graders were treated to Rafael the Clown in the cafeteria.

The 2nd and 3rd graders received a magic show in the library.

The 4th and 5th graders had a dance party with a DJ.

After all of that fun everyone headed back to their classrooms for cookies and punch. Allison loved it all!

Kind Act #5

Today our kind act was taking homemade chicken noodle soup to a sick friend. We sure hope it helps!

Chugga Chugga Choo Choo!

Aidan's third birthday party turned out great. The weather cooperated, Aidan was feeling much better by Saturday morning, and all of the kids had a fun time at the park. Also, this kid is set up with trains for the next twenty years!

Kind Acts #3 and #4

Kind Act #3: On Saturday morning we surprised our trashmen with donuts.

Kind Act #4: Also on Saturday Allison and Omie went along our street, picked up each paper, and put them by the front doors for our neighbors. One man came out and told Allison how helpful she was.

Aidan is Three!

Yesterday was Aidan's third birthday. He enjoyed his presents and cupcake, but he poor little guy was starting to get pretty sick. He's been to the doctor this morning, and hopefully by Saturday he'll be ready to par-tay.

Allison giving Aidan his gift to start off his birthday.
It's a Dinosaur Train dinosaur. Notice "train" is still involved.

He sang "Happy Birthday" right along with us.

Opening his new Thomas trains from Omie and Papa Fred.

He had to miss his very first Christmas program this morning because he just really did not feel well. He's been napping for over three hours now, and I hope these antibiotics do the trick. Seeing my babies sick is definitely one of the worst things. I wish I could just hug him well.

WAM

Allison has been going with a couple of neighbor friends to WAM each Wednesday night at the church right behind our house. WAM stands for Worship and Music. She loves going. They sing, dance, play instruments... Today they sang for the worship service. This church is enormous, and the service is televised here in Houston. She sang beautifully and even moved along to the music. It was adorable, and she loved it. Unfortunately we weren't allowed to take pictures. We did catch some here at home afterwards.

Omie and Allison

The McAfee Family

Gingerbread Houses

We have started off December in the Christmas spirit. When Allison came home this afternoon the kids decorated gingerbread houses.

Allison decorating her beautiful house

Aidan decorating his stunning abode

As Allison continued to decorate the back, Aidan decided to take a different approach on the back of his house. When I asked them to take a picture of the completed houses, he couldn't even stop for a second. Aren't they lovely?

This is what he was doing...

And this...

Allison's response

The back of the houses

We had a great time, and they are now running around the house like crazed animals.

Kind Act #2

Unfortunately I do not have a picture of our second kind act. Monday night at gymnastics, as the mob was leaving the building, a mother with a stroller and two little gymnasts trying to get out the door behind us was having a very difficult time. I went to hold the door for her, and Allison said, "I'll do it Mommy." She then stood there holding the door for many more parents and children for several minutes. I was so proud of her!

Can You Guess What's Inside?

A very special Christmas delivery came today from the grandparents! Papa Fred, Papa Jerry, Papa Denis, Omie, Nai Nai, and Grandma Renee all pitched in to make two little Christmas cuties happy in a few weeks. Omie happened to be here, so she is representing the crew with an enthusiastic two-thumbs-up! (See Kellie, you're not the only one I make do this pose. :))

Thanksgiving 2011

We headed down to Portland for Thanksgiving this year. We had a nice visit with my parents, Tyler's mother, and my grandmother. Here are a few choice moments from the week.

Reading a bedtime story the first night

Making cornbread for the dressing

How Tyler spent a large amount of time -

perfecting his fantasy line-up

Before the amazing Texas game. HOOK 'EM!

My mother after the amazing Texas game finishing off the buttermilk pecan pie. Sorry Mom, it's just too funny not to share.

Then this morning our friend Zach arrived. I have already seen him work some magic. Allison kindly told Aidan it was not nice to snatch the IPad out of her hands.

12 Kind Acts for the Holidays

This year we challenged our cotillion students to do random acts of kindness and post the pictures on our facebook page. We told them that would then motivate others to go out and do something kind for someone else. Pay it forward. Sarah and I kicked it off this morning by taking donuts and coffee to the firehouse.

I told Allison and Aidan we are going to do 12 Kind Acts leading up to Christmas. They came along for the firehouse fun to start.

Kind Act #1

Aidan's Three-Year Portraits

Aidan and I headed to the railroad museum and tracks in old Katy this morning to take his three-year portraits a few days early. I cannot believe this little guy is almost three! Time flies too quickly.

Stovetop Cover

This weekend I decided to make a stovetop cover. I love that it provides extra countertop space for serving a crowd and hides the ugly burners.

I know a woman in Katy that makes beautiful ones, and since $250 on a stovetop cover would not go over well with Tyler, I decided to attempt it myself. Here's my creation for under $30!

Aidan's First School Picture

Check out this little cutie!

Somehow I managed to delete the driver to our scanner, so I had to take a picture of this picture. I need to figure out how to fix it.

Miss Manners

This week I am teaching a Pre-Cotillion I class to first and second grade students. Allison begged to come along, and since I am a sucker for her sweet ways I agreed. We had classes 1 and 2 Monday and yesterday. On Sunday she'll "graduate". She loves it. She jumps off the bus and runs to the house to get ready. I'm glad she's having such a great time!

Playing Cotillion Bingo

Eating Sprite Soup Correctly

The Fall 2011 Pre-Cotillion I Group

These boys are a hoot! What made her extremely happy was when I put the line dance to Justin Beiber's "Never Say Never".