Dec. 16- I love Kate Smith

This year has been a dream class. I've subbed about 4-5 times for the other class who are lovely as well. We had 27 kids in our class and the day was so smooth. I was tired at the end. Big classes are doable but not necessarily the best. We earned sugar cookies and had a great afternoon enjoying! I'm so lucky to be able to teach these sweet souls!!

 

Dec. 15- George's Party

It was Uncle George's 80th birthday. I was a little emotionally drained from a phone call from the previous day and our party. Just to speak to that phone call, forgiveness is required. No matter what happens to you in life, forgiveness is a gift to you to not carry horrible burdens. Forgiveness defines who you are as a person. You do not have to condone anything through your forgiveness. God is just.  We are all brothers and sisters and must see the divine in each other. Our choices are sometimes not reflective of who we are, so the struggle is to each day choose to be better. To be who our Father wants us to be.

The swim meet was too much. The kids ended up sick from all the sugar. But we survived!! It was nice to see family again!!

 

Dec. 15- Anastassatos Cousin Cookie Party

This party was quite different for me. Jody was with me every step of the way. We had one moment where I was able to clearly express how important his focus needed to be, and he gave me 100% after that. I refuse to not communicate in a healthy way anymore. It feels so positive and productive. The thing is, no one really teaches you how to express yourself in a way that is helpful or actively listen so others feel heard.

Jody cut all the vegetables. I did all the shopping. Papa did cleaning and swim meet. Girls got things as needed that were forgotten.  It took 4.5 hours to bake 30 dozen cookies. I used a whole 10 lbs of sugar and 16 packs of butter. It's amazing what can happen when we work together!!

Family and friends came. We enjoyed time together, food, and a relaxing night. Kids played the Wii. Teens laughed. And adults cried because traditions of family togetherness are important. Time keeps going by and we keep growing, it is such a blessing to see. 

Also... highlight gossip of the party was when roomate's boyfriends bite off people's ears and get prison time.