bell ringing #2 and gifts from kids

Tonight Rachel and I did bell ringing for the Salvation Army.  It was just us two and we had fun.  She's so crazy... love her!  We were at the mall.  It's always fun to watch all the people getting their last minute Christmas shopping done - which I have a lot to do myself. : )

Everyone always tells Rachel that it's really nice she's ringing bells for such a good cause.  Tonight a lady even gave her a McD's gift card.  How nice was that.  I could see she had a stack in her purse... she must hand them out a lot when she sees people doing nice things.  I've thought about doing this same thing... just haven't acted on it yet.  I really need to though - it really got Rachel excited and I'd love to see other kids/adults get excited like that too when they're acknowledged for doing something nice.

Today was the kids' last day of school before Christmas break.  And, they had a two hour delay... pretty nice.  They both had their winter parties, too.  What a fun day!  I helped out in Rachel's class.  The kids played Minute-To-Win-It games, had a hot chocolate bar and plenty of food to eat.  They all seemed to have a great time!  We had lots of parent helpers to make it run very smoothly... a big thanks to everyone who was there.

Eli had a fun day, too.  They got to wear pjs today and they watched a movie.  They also had a fun party.  He brought home some goodies, too.

Here are the gifts we got from the kids... thanks Rachel and Eli!

[Rachel: hat ornament]

[Rachel: santa]

[Rachel: cheese head ornament - love this!]

[Rachel: hand print snowmen ornament]

[Eli: card]

[Eli: tile xmas tree ornament]

[Eli: snowflake magnet]

Christmas break is here... yeah!!!!!! : )

Keep smiling!