I'm DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am happy to announce that as of this morning I am a graduate of the University of Central Florida. I didn't participate in the graduation ceremony, but being finished is reward enough for me! It has been a long 2 1/2 years, but well worth it. I absolutely could not have pursued my Master's Degree with two children (not to mention pregnant for the last semester) without Jay. I think he may be happier than anyone that I am done! He has been a wonderful husband and father and I am very thankful to have him!

I am looking forward to being full time wife and mom again for the next few months. Hard to believe that #3 will be here in ten weeks or less! I will be going to work to use this degree I just spent 2 1/2 years earning eventually...but for now the focus is on the family! Stay tuned for many fun holiday posts in the weeks to come and baby updates to follow!!

Teddy Bear Tea Party

Every year at Christmas, the Ritz Carlton in Orlando does a Teddy Bear Tea Party. Elle and I went with some girlfriends today and had so much fun! The girls all got Teddy Bears to have tea with and a live Teddy Bear visited as we had our snacks. After tea and treats, the kids gathered around the piano for Christmas Carols and then read Twas the Night Before Christmas. It was really cute and may be a fun Christmas tradition for the girls!

School Christmas Programs

Elle and Brooks both had their school Christmas programs this week. Brooks' class sang "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" and "Jinger Bells" (as Brooks calls it!). I wasn't sure how he would do because he really doesn't love school and wishes he could be with Mommy and Daddy (mostly Daddy) at all times. I was afraid as soon as he saw us in the audience he would want to be with us, but he did great! They were so cute!
Elle's class was one of two Kindergarten classes chosen to participate in her school's program. They recited "Twas the Night Before Christmas". I was so impressed at her ability to memorize it so quickly and learn the hand motions they put to it! We didn't practice much at home, so I was really proud! They all did great.

Dedicated Fan

Jay loves his Vols and in the recent years has become a huge fan of Bruce Pearl and his basket-Vols. So, he was thrilled when UT was invited to the Old Spice Classic in Orlando this year. He was even more excited when they made it to the championship game against Gonzaga and we got home from Tennessee in time for him to go! Unfortunately, they were not able to beat Gonzaga, and Jay's frustration shows a bit in this picture! I'm pretty sure that backwards hat was thrown shortly before or after this shot was taken. They had great courtside seats and our friend Jason was able to capture this shot of Jay at the game! Not bad for a picture of the TV - thanks Shag!

He's Making a List...

We decided to beat the crowds and try to get in our Santa visit early this year. It was a huge success! No line, and even better...no tears! Brooks was a little anxious, but did wonderfully once we were there. The whole car ride was spent discussing what they would tell Santa that they want for Christmas. This made me a little anxious since we're about done with that and they seem to add to or change their list daily. We are excited about the holiday season. We put our tree up on Sunday, which means our family elf, "Frisky", came to visit. If you aren't familiar with "The Elf on the Shelf" book and doll, I would highly recommend checking it out! It has been a fun tradition in our house! (www.elfontheshelf.com) Next week both Elle and Brooks have Christmas programs at school and Jay's work Holiday party is next week as well. So, needless to say the Holidays are in full swing! We are sad to miss the church Christmas Eve service and pageant this year. It is always a wonderful night spent remembering the true "reason for the season"! However, we are excited to be spending Christmas in South Carolina this year, so we will have lots of other memories and pictures to share. We should have plenty of blog updates in the weeks to come to stay tuned!