Sara's actual birthday

OH, the joys of having your birthday just two days after Christmas. Since we were still at my parent's house, we did have family there. We had a wonderful ice cream cake from Kroger. Sara loved her Hannah Montana calender. She got many great things.

The next day, we went to my friend Ruth's house for a visit. Another long time friend Joe was visiting too, also a friend from HS, so it was old time reunion.I have know Ruth since 10th grade, and that was a LONG time. Ruth and I decided to go get something for dinner, while the rest of the gang went to play at some tennis. As soon as us moms got back to the house, we got a call about an accident that had occurred. Joe went to the back of the court to hit a ball, not noticing that due to ground subsidence, it was no longer level.....he broke his leg. Did I mention that Joe was in town watching his father in a nursing home while his sister was out of the country. SO, Joe did a lot of hopping around until he made it back to Chicago area to see his Dr. Way to be tough Joe.

CHRISTMAS #2

As soon as our Christmas was over, we cleaned up some and loaded the car and headed off for my parent's house...5 hours away. As usual, we had so much fun just being together, but the gifts were great too. I enjoy looking out for special things for everyone in my family through out the year.

Of course, after the presents, we had another fabulous dinner prepared by my mother. Then, the card games began! Sara also challenged so to chess, and actually lost 2 games to my BIL Rick.

My niece Jennifer's fiance Marc's parents flew in from VA to meet my sister and her DH, along with all of us, so they came to Christmas also. They are so very nice.

OH YEA++++ notice the shorts on Sara. Sorry to those up north, but, well, this is Texas.

CHRISTMAS #1

The girls were so very excited about Christmas. They are questioning about Santa, so this may be the last year for this. It took forever for them to get to sleep. The next thing we knew, there was a knock at our door at 6 am. They were giggling and jumping up and down. Sara said that she got up at 2 am and then she got her sister up at 5 am and they were being nice to let us sleep until 6!

The girls loved the feather pillows from Santa and now, I do not have to share mine when they are sick!

VERY COLD

Today was a very cold day, so we decided to start up the fireplace and enjoy it with hot chocolate. Sara said it was the first fire that she every had seen and loved it.

Notice that Ruth has my mug, and Sara has her from China.

Sara's 12th Birthday party

This evening we had Sara's birthday party sleepover. We did crafts, had cake and ice cream, watched movies, and the girls were in bed before me! The next morning it was donuts and Sara's one friend stayed until 5:30 pm. They, including Ruth, had a fun time. The next day the girls did "poppers" outside. These are usually for celebrations, such as new years....the girls love them.

Band Concert

This afternoon Sara's 6th grade bank had their first concert. I was amazed, that though it was not of symphonic level, it was good for kids who had not play until 4 months ag0. Of course I think that Sara's flute section's song was wonderful. They played a number of songs. Sara was disgusted that a number of boys told her that she was pretty " yuck!"

The movie is of Sara's flute section olaying. You can not see Sara, but she is there.

Happy Birthday MOM

Today was my birthday. I am....older :) The girls both made me a beautiful card and Jeff gave me red roses and CHOCOLATE! We will go out to celebrate the day when things slow down a bit.

NASA

Sara's 6th grade class took a trip to NASA just south of Houston. They spent the night in a hotel that was still under repair from hurricane IKE. The best thing was that they got to actually see the astraunauts training in their huge pool.