Thanksmas!

Karson and I just got back from a week in Cali with my parents! We had so much fun and I am already a little sad about going back tor reality.:( We spent the first few days of our trip home over at the coast. We enjoyed the waves and the beautiful weather!We also visited Hearst Castle. The weather was perfect while we were there and the view overlooking the ocean was breathtaking! I remember going their as a little girl and it is still just as impressive as I remember it! It makes me want to go back to Europe!When we returned to Bakersfield, we did a little Christmas shopping. Karson took my mom to Chico's and was trying to find her that "perfect" outfit...so sweet...)We decorated the tree. This is Thanksmas, after all...For Thanksgiving dinner, we invited a dear friend over. This is "Grandma Jo", my "adopted" grandma. She really was like a grandma to me since we had no family living near us growing up. We enjoyed a lovely family dinner! I can't believe that it has been TEN years since I have celebrated a Thanksgiving dinner at this table...WOW! Time sure does fly! We also had to squeeze in Christmas morning, since we won't be back for Christmas. Matching pajamas is a Prude Family tradition...

Enjoying our Christmas morning...

We got my Dad a certificate for flying lessons...maybe he will become a pilot someday!

We also enjoyed dinner with some dear friends, Dave and Faye Turner. I consider these to be my "bonus" parents. They have always been so good to me and were such a huge part of my growing up. It was so neat to enjoy time with them to catch up.:)

I can't believe that the week is over ...and the homesickness has started again :( We had so much fun and feel so blessed and thankful that we were able to go to Cali!

HaPpY ThAnKSgiViNG!

I want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! I've included a cute little Kinder conversation for your enjoyment.:)

*****DISCLAIMER: This conversation took place after at least two week of studying Pilgrims and Indians (or Native Americans if you want to be P.C.) and maybe we need a little more education on the subject...:)

Me: OK friends, everybody is going to get to dress up for our feast and you get to decide if you want to be a Native American or a Pilgrim. Raise your hand and let me know what you want to be and we can put your name on the right spot on our graph.

Kid #1: DARTH. VADER! (Ummmm, was he an Indian or a pilgrim???)
Kid #2: A Naked American... (It took me a few seconds to realize that this wasn't meant to be funny...and I was the only one in the room laughing.:) In this kids' defense, "naked" does sound a lot like "Native" and really, how often do you see pictures of Indians who are fully clothed???)

Hope your Thanksgiving gives you as many reasons to be thankful as mine does!

A Few Things I'm Thankful for...

This week in Kindergarten, my kids and I have had many conversations about how blessed we are and what we are thankful for. I have asked them to list several things that they are thankful for. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I thought I would do the same...

1. It only seems right to start with this guy. He's my Favorite, my BFF, the love of my life... Lately, I've really been noticing things about him that I love so much... most are simple things, but just things that are so "Karson." For example, usually at least once or twice per week, I come into the kitchen to see every herb from our garden picked and out on the kitchen counter. It means that he is creating some completely strange, unusual concoction for us to eat...and I love it!

2. I am thankful for my parents. I'm thankful for how much they love each other and for how much they love me. And I'm thankful that I get to see them in 3 short days! It has been TEN years since I have gone home for Thanksgiving and I am so excited!

3. I am thankful for Coke Zero. I. am. an. addict.

4. I am thankful for music. I love to play the piano. There are few things that I enjoy more than playing the piano or listening to music. Whether it is learning a new Chopin song or going to a Pat Green Concert, I love music!

5. I am thankful for Karson's parents. They raised the man that I love and I love them for that.

6. I am thankful for modern technology... I think of how I am able to keep in contact with some of my dearest friends because of cell phones, blogs, etc.

7. I am thankful for our friends that let us be a part of their children's lives. We love babysitting, having them come over to play...they even let us help get their kids ready for bed...




8. I am thankful for Josephine's Italian Bistro. Please call me and we can go eat there sometime...SO YUMMY!

9. I am thankful for my job. Some of the women I work with are my very best friends and I feel so blessed to see them every day!

10. I am thankful for my Room Moms this year. I have always had at least a few good moms, but this year I have so many! Just today, one of them brought me a Sonic drink...and it is not unusual for me to get all sorts of goodies throughout the week. That is just what they do for me! They do so many things for my kiddos, too!

11. And lastly, I am thankful for the 22 kiddos that call me Mrs. Williams everyday. They challenge me, drive me CRAZY at times, but I am so excited to see them every morning and I can't imagine life without their hugs, silliness, and sweetness.

This list is by no means complete, but it is just a few ways that I am blessed! Happy Thanksgiving!
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