THE GRINSTEAD FAMILY

RECAP

Another week has come & gone...way too quickly! It seems that the days just fly by & before I know it, another week is gone....

Monday: After school we rushed to Allie to dance class. I made Jake do a little Christmas shopping with me in the downtown area while Allie was at dance. He wasn't pleased, but dealt with his fate just fine. After dance we went over to UNI to the planetarium for Jake's Pack meeting. Jake really enjoyed learning all about the constellations & planets.

Tuesday: The kids had their last night of swimming until January. Jake capped off his night by jumping off of the board & swimming the length of the pool alone. Allie ended her night with a jump off of the board & swimming alone to the side. I also had a PTA meeting that night.

Wednesday: Jake had religion class. Allie & I wrapped a few Christmas gifts and baked a batch of Christmas cookies for the freezer.

Thursday: After work, I went to Jake's classroom and made tray favors for the local hospital. We made turkeys out of paper bags. They turned out really cute. After school, Allie had her Daisy meeting where she "officially" become a Daisy Scout. Jake & Allie before school on Thursday. They were to wear their favorite school shirts for American Education Week.
Jamie, Makenna & Jake with their turkeys.
Jake made Arthur glasses at school...here he is acting dorky & getting a laugh out of the class.

Allie saying the Girl Scout Promise.
Allie & her Daisy friends (Chloe, Allie, Madison, Krisha, Riley & Madison)

Friday: My last day of work at Cedar Heights. I didn't think I'd be sad, but I was. I'll miss the kids in my classroom. I was showered with cards & hugs as I left. After school, the Cub Scout popcorn was delivered to my house to be sorted...all $9000+ worth. A few parents helped & we had it sorted & to the den leaders by about 7:00.

Saturday: I took the kids to Santa's Workshop at UNI. They got to make crafts, have cookies & see Santa & Mrs. Claus. Allie was thrilled by the activities, Jake not so much! Allie had her friend Madison's birthday party that afternoon. The theme was High School Musical & all of Allie friends were there...she had so much fun.

Allie, Mrs. Claus, Jake & Paul
Jake, Paul, Allie & Santa
Allie working hard on a craft...note the snowflake crown that she is wearing. Jake REFUSED to wear his crown.
Jake by his favorite tree...it is a "martini" tree...he liked the bubble lights on the tree, not the martini glasses!
Allie by her favorite tree...a teddy bear tree.

Sunday: The boys got up bright & early & left to Minnesota to see the Raiders play the Vikings. Jake couldn't wait to see a professional football game. Allie & I spent the morning baking & cleaning. We went to the Teddy Bear Tea at UNI & had a wonderful time...in fact next year I may be co-chairing this annual event!

Me & Allie before the tea.
Katie, Jordyn & Allie on the "Polar Express" (a bus that took us across campus to the tea)
Rebecca, Jordyn, Allie, Madison, Kayla & Madison at the tea.
Allie, Abbie, Jordyn, Allison & Katie at the tea.
Allie gives Santa a BIG hug!

This week: I start my new job on Monday & I am really looking forward to it. Allie has dance & we have a fundraiser for PTA at Texas Roadhouse that night. Tuesday evening Jake makes his first Confession. We have no school on Wednesday & I'm planning to bake pumpkin pie & get our sour cream potato casserole ready to bake on Thursday. We are planning a quiet day at home on Thanksgiving with a big noon dinner. Allie & I are going to get some holiday decorating done while the boys watch football!! I am shopping with Mandy & Kim on Black Friday while Mom keeps the kids. We love doing that!!