Another Scary Running Pic

Mistletoe Half Marathon Dec. 2009

Stole this pic from Kim's blog. I know, I know...another running pic. As awful as I look at races (this one taken after 2 hrs of running in the rain- ugh...are my eyes even open?) anyway, as I was saying, as awful as spandex, sweaty pics can be- these are precious memories for me. For some sick reason I love to run and participate in races ;-) Even better when I can share these times with great gals with Stacie & Kim!

December Highlights

Moravian Stars are everywhere in Winston Salem "The city of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, founded by Moravians in 1766, uses the Moravian star as their official Christmas street decoration. In addition, a 31-foot Moravian star, one of the largest in the world, sits atop the North Tower of Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center during the Advent and Christmas seasons" (Wikipedia). It is so pretty to drive around and see these stars lit up above doorsteps. Apparently because of their nifty 18 pts. they were also used to teach geometry to the children in the 1800s.
Tanglewood lights

Pics don't do it justice. These are huge displays on a pond.

Other fun notable December Activites

Dec. 5th- Mistletoe Half Marathon with Kim & Stacie. We braved the 40 degree rain and ran the beautiful course around Wake Forest University and other pretty historic Winston Salem neighborhoods. Broke 2 hr goal & had a great time.

Dec. 7th- Nice group dinner downtown with Jim's school class, got to meet some of his classmates and instructors

Dec. 10th- Girls' Night Out / Favorite Things Party at Alexis Snow's. Was only able to go for a little while 'cause Jim was working, but had a fabulous time. Brought the Old Navy fleece blanket as my exchange gift and went home with some awesome retro coasters, holiday kitchen towel and a sample plate of yummy cookies. The best part of the evening was socializing and getting know the Winston Salem crowd a bit better.

Dec. 14th- Drove through Tanglewood Lights display in Tanglewood Park. What a great new family tradition! They really go all out and host a nice half hour's worth of light display. Good times!

Also took a plate of cookies to friends & neighbors, had a chance to chat and get to know a couple neighbors a bit better.

Arielle's December Activities

Arielle's school Christmas Party (yes, the only pic I have is this one of me being lovingly choked)
Arielle making scarves at Activity Days (aka laughing and goofing off)

Ditto

Arielle and some of her new Winston- Salem gal pals

Anna (who moved and will be missed!), Lyna & Arielle at school lunch- note Anna & Arielle are sporting the scarves :)

Arielle has had a busy, full December. Besides joining Pony Club (which allows her a trip to the stables 6x a month instead of the previous 4x) she also had a fun school Christmas party and scarf making Activity Days activity. I know I have said it before...but I just LOVE Arielle's Activity Day leaders. They come up with the best activities and take cute pics of the girls doing the activities and put them on a blog (where I get to steal the pics- yippee) so far all the activities have included craft making and service, you just can't get any better than that! In the few months we've been here they have: made baby gifts and threw a baby shower, made pumpkin pies, made thank you cards, and now made and donated scarves to those in need this winter. They also got to keep a scarf, Arielle is so proud of hers.

I also got to help out in Arielle's Christmas party (oops, must be politically correct... I mean "Holiday Party" ugh). Being the overzealous partier that I am, I signed up to make goodie bags for 24 kids, bring in food and help with crafts (bird feeders, gingerbread cookies & snowglobes). The most fun part was watching Arielle in her classroom setting- so telling :)