THE GRINSTEAD FAMILY

IT'S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR

I can't believe the holiday season is upon us. It seems like we just celebrated Christmas 2010 and now we are quickly approaching Christmas 2011. I guess when you keep busy time flies by!

Allie continues to take piano lessons at UNI. She is doing a nice job. She participated in a "studio session" one Friday evening where she gathered with other UNI piano students and they all played the songs that they've learned. She also has a recital in December and is working hard on her songs for the recital.
Football ended for Jake. His last game was a close one and they ended up winning in the last 2 minutes of the game. Jake had a great catch for a 1st down that helped them win the game. It was a fun one to watch.
Kim, Michael & the kids came for a visit and to watch Jake play football in the Dome. It was fun hanging out with the kids, they are so good.
I am still taking my sign language class. I'm learning quite a lot and teaching one of my students some words. Jake has to attend with me every once in awhile and he's picking up on some signs too.
The kids are done with their Wednesday religion classes until after New Year's. They still love going. Jake's group played "Fear Factor" the other night and had to consume some gross foods.
Jake went to a Lock In at church. He stayed up way too late, played games, ate tons of junk food, watched movies and swam. He had a great time.
Allie is still going to UNICC. They are preparing for their December concert. I haven't been able to be at many rehearsals so I'm anxious to hear them at their concert.
We went to several Cedar Falls football games this year and followed them through the playoffs. Scott even took Jake and a bunch of boys to Cedar Rapids to watch them win during the playoffs. He said it was loud and cold.
My friend Luke had a scavenger hunt Halloween party. It was tons of fun and felt good to get out with friends.
Jake started basketball for the season. There were a lot of kids that went out this year, so there were 4 teams formed, rather than 3. There was a bunch of shifting to make sure that all of the teams were fair as far as ability goes, so Jake didn't get to be on the same team he's been on the past few years. He was disappointed, but is doing great on his new team. Once the Tiger tournament is over in January, there could be some shifting of teams again, as kids decide not to continue, so we will see how that all plays out.
We celebrated Halloween. Allie brought her friends Skylar and Morgan home with her and they trick or treated around our neighborhood with no adults. Jake handed out candy with some friends and then ran around the neighborhood.
I worked a shift at the PTA book fair.
Allie had a Brownie meeting. She excited to sell Girl Scout cookies again this year.
The kids had great conferences this year. Allie had all A's and 1 B. Jake had all A's and 1 B as well. I am really proud of how smart my kids are!
The kids had dentist appointments. No cavities! Yay!
I have attended a couple of Professional Development Days through work.
Jake started a pitching/hitting clinic at Wartburg College. He is enjoying it.
Scott and I went to a wedding reception for one of Scott's co-workers.
Allie helped me bake a lot of holiday cookies and treats.
Jake slept over at Parker's and Ben's house. He also went to 2 different UNI football games with Nick and Nicholas. He went to a UNI women's basketball game with some of his former basketball teammates and had fun messing around with them.
Allie attended Sturgis Youth Theatre at UNI. They did "Play in a Day". She loved being a part of the DRAMA! Go figure!
Jake had safety patrol for a week.
Jake had his vocal music concert for school. It was a pirate play and he didn't like it at all. He is my sporty kid, Allie is my drama kid.
Allie and I got all of our Christmas trees up. We got rid of the big one and went for 10 smaller, skinny ones throughout the main level. We both love it!
Jake had his first basketball tournament of the season. They lost 2 and won 1 game. Jake looked really good. He played super hard. Took shots and made some. Rebounded well and had a couple of steals. I was proud of him.
Allie had friends eat lunch with her in my room. I won a silent auction basket and the secretary bought the lunch and goodie bags.