All I Want for Christmas...

Jenna lost her bottom two front teeth!

Other things that have been going on here are:

::Kellen, Jenna and I met Tomie dePaola, the children's author, last Saturday. He was such a jolly, genuine person. We went with Lisa, Maddie and Beth and were 4th and 5th in line. He did a presentation, answered questions and then signed books. Kellen asked him how many books he had written (over 275!) and Jenna asked him where he wrote his books (in a converted barn studio in New Hampshire). When we got up to see him, he told Jenna that she had on a pretty tiara and that the girls asked good questions. After, we went to Friendly's to have lunch. It was a fantastic time. I think he might be Santa.

::The girls have been sick on and off now for over a month. They keep passing strep throat back and forth, we've had at least one ear infection, Riley had the beginnings of pneumonia and now Kellen has bronchitis and pink eye. Yuck.

::We have a new president! But you already know this. I am just amazed that my girls are growing up in a world where there are NO limitations. I am so proud to be an American right now.

::Yesterday was Veteran's Day. Monday was "Bring a Veteran to School Day" at Kellen's school. She invited her Papa who is a retired Colonel in the Army and he served in Vietnam. He went to her class and talked to the kids and answered their questions. Then they had an assembly with the whole school and over 70 veterans who had come with the kids. I think they had a wonderful time. Kellen was SO excited and I think Papa was, too. Kyle is also a veteran. He served 6 years in the Army. I am proud of their service to our country.

::Speaking of Kyle, he was recently promoted! He really deserves it. He works hard so that I am able to stay home with the girls. I appreciate all that he does for our family. This promotion is a big step in his career.

::One year ago today, our little Gizmo died. We miss her so much. I'm glad that we have Miss Patty Cakes (Patches) to help ease that pain. She lost her first tooth yesterday, too. So, of course, the girls assumed that the Tooth Fairy would come for Patches. Well, of course she does. {Panic sets in now ~ what does the Tooth Fairy bring a dog?} We found out this morning that she brings Greenies. Whew. I'm glad she thought of that.