Photos Galore AND Polar Express Day Essentials

I wrote on my facebook page that going back to school after the tragedy was the best thing for me.  I have never cried as much as I did this weekend- I cannot imagine what those families are going through. In the spirit of letting kids be kids and holding on to each small moment- I decided to really step it up this week for my kids (both biological and adopted through teaching :) ).

Emmie and I were invited to a tacky Christmas Painting Party this weekend.Don't worry- I don't normally wear bows- we were supposed to look goofy.

This is Emmie's idea of helping....

Her help- or lack there of- is probably why it looks like I painted all by myself!

Ta-dah!

Sometimes I forget how therapeutic art can be!

In that spirit I broke out the paint on Monday....I also seemed to have forgotten how basic first grade painting skills can be. 

 Here is my sample I did with them and here is one of my students' paintings....

We also made MAGICAL reindeer food!

And last but definitely not least, today was Grinch day.

Nothing like feeling like a giant next to a 6 year old :)

I don't always go this overboard with seasonal activities, but I decided the activities would distract my kids and myself enough not to think about the scariness of this weekend.  

We are also looking forward to Polar Express Day tomorrow!! Here is a list of my Polar Express essentials:

1. Bells

2. Believe Tags for bells

3. GOBS of Hot Chocolate

4. My Polar Express Unit

 5. Comfy pajamas and slippers

 6. A copy of the best book ever.

 7. Stephanie's adorable craft

 I hope you got some ideas for this week! Hugs friends!