Day of Changes

I know that it has been a long time since I've updated my blog for various reasons, so I thought that I would go ahead and skip to present time instead of letting the gap grow larger. ☺ I plan on going back and filling in the holes eventually.

Today was a day of change for us. Mara started third grade, Jack moved up to the Pre-K1 class, and I went to work in our brand new building for the first time today. It was a lot of change all at once, but it seemed to go well (despite how Jack looks in his first picture).

Scuba Experience

Aunt Diannie gave Mara a scuba experience for her birthday back in March, and she finally got to do it today. They started off the class with a video outlining the basic instructions for scuba diving. Mara wasn't too sure about the No. 1 rule, which was to not hold your breath. It took her a little bit when they got in the water, but she eventually felt comfortable enough to go under, and then she realize that she could still breathe with her tank! She was down at the 8-foot depth for the rest of the time and didn't want to get out of the water. She wants to do it again and is really looking forward to when she is 10 and can get her scuba certification.

Christmas Parties

Monday, December 17

I spent this evening wrapping a bunch of presents. It's nice to finally see some presents under the tree.

Tuesday, December 18

See today's post here.

Wednesday, December 19

We went to Wendy's for dinner to support Mara's school on spirit night.

Thursday, December 20

Jack had his Christmas party at school today, and then we went to a Girl Scout Christmas party in the evening where we handed out the patches that the girls have earned so far.

Friday, December 21

Mara's school had winter parties before they let out for the break today. After the party, I took her out to Subway for lunch, and she got a whale shark bag with her meal. When we picked up Jack, they were still celebrating with cupcakes they didn't eat yesterday, and Jack was eating his without his hands.

Saturday, December 22

See today's post here.

Sunday, December 23

When we were in Oklahoma City last month, we got both of the kids Eskimo Joe's Christmas shirts.

Christmas with the Haleys

We spent a fun-filled day at John's sister's house celebrating Christmas today. Before we left, I finished wrapping all of the presents.

Korean Beef

I found this recipe, so we gave it a try this evening. It was pretty easy and good too.

Korean Beef
1 pound ground beef
1/4 - 1/2 cup brown sugar (use more if you want it sweet)
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 Tablespoon sesame oil (optional)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon ginger (powdered or fresh and minced)
1/2 - 1 teaspoon crushed red peppers (to desired spiciness)
salt and pepper
1 bunch green onions, diced (optional)

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and brown hamburger with garlic in the sesame oil. Drain most of the fat and add brown sugar, soy sauce, ginger, salt and pepper, and red peppers. Simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors. Serve over steamed rice and top with green onions. 

A New Bedroom

Wednesday, December 12

Mara and Jack both wore Christmas shirts to school today, so we thought it was a good opportunity to get pictures of the two of them together.

Thursday, December 13

At Girl Scouts tonight, the girls made ornaments to give to family members or to anyone they want. When they finished the ornaments, they wrapped them.

Friday, December 14

John's kung fu class met at Fuzzy's Tacos for a Christmas party tonight. Jack insisted on wearing his reindeer headband.

Saturday, December 15

While John and Jack stayed home to wait for Mara's furniture, Mara and I went to a Girl Scout meeting to help prepare for Thinking Day in February. They tie-dyed their Army shirts and made an American flag using our hand prints.

Sunday, December 16

We finally got Mara's new bedroom set in place with the beds made today. She's excited to have sleepovers so that she and her friends can sleep in the full-sized bed on top.