A Sweet & Bright Beginning

Reflecting on 2009, it was certainly a year of changes, starts and stops and of sheer generosity. Our children hit milestones: I-Dude, 7 and found his inner artist; J-Pony, hit the double-digit age and learned "why and how" kids her age grow up; L-Infinity, 17 and college bound. We have seen some of the most amazing examples of kindness, patience and friendship while simultaneously tried to stretch our own. I learned to bake and took on three different disciplines in Sociology. Mr. Man found himself in Chicago and Houston for work and enjoying some weekend time which has been denied us for at least six years.

Despite how it ended, 2009 has been one of our best years to reflect on. Our family's stronger for it. So how do you top that? You start it off right, of course!

I decided to make some FUDGE for the very first time- 1/2 with nuts (almond and walnuts) and 1/2 plain. (It's still cooling and solidifying in the fridge, so I had to borrow this picture).
"LaurelVChocolates dot com"
As I was quietly contemplating how 2010 would unfold for our "recovering" family, we saw this beautiful and bright moon-- illuminating the wispy clouds underneath it. It made me wonder if our future adventures will be as "reflective" of who we are.

The future is unknown... But one thing we are sure about, we believe in each other and in a loving God who knows what we need to strengthen the bond that have kept us together and strong. We believe in our friends and the impact of even one good deed.

I like those odds... This year promises to be another great one. :-D

Coaching Update & Big Moon (13 Days to go...)

Today, I found out that there was a pizza party for the UIL participants, coaches and parents. So, even though I am somewhat sick, I showed up since I didn't for the awards ceremony.

Megan was so happy to see me, we gave each other a hug and I was so happy for her that I twirled her around!

This is what I found out from the two teacher coordinators about UIL and how the Ready Writing category is judged:

1. This year, 7 schools competed, including us
2. The other 6, all had the 3 maximum kids competing in their teams.
3. Our school had no money for UIL because they weren't sure if they were going to compete.
4. The judges chose the best 6 out of all the competitors, so Megan's was the best out of 19 essays!

Megan couldn't believe her ears when we told her that she beat out 18 kids! She thought that each category was judged per school, and since she was the only one from our school, she thought that it was for that. She was so happy to know that her writing won because it was the best!

Some of the PTA moms and the coordinators were very proud of the both of us, and encouraged both of us to "team up" again.

You know, I just might agree to that... :D

Tonight, because of my Math finals, we only had time to fetch some new Christmas lights and watch the movie Elf.

Activity: Be together and watch a Christmas movie of your choice

(Elf, the movie)
Oh, yeah, have you seen the moon tonight? It was 14% bigger since it was closer to the earth. Right outside our door, its beam created a massive ring that feathered out at the bottom. It was an awesome sight!
(Can you see the ring and the feathering?)