The Ornament Tradition

Ever since I was a little girl, my Grandma Weber has given me (and my other cousins) an ornament for Christmas. She has helped build my collection over the years and turned me into a sort of ornament collector. This year she gave me a crystal ornament that works like a prism. It is so unique and I can't wait to hang it on the tree next year and watch the lights shine through. I am very thankful for these ornaments now, and I know that one day they will help me tell a story of where I came from and of the wonderful person my grandmother is. Thanks Grandma!!! Oh yeah, Mallory's collection of ornaments is up to 2!! I hope that we continue to watch it grow for many more years!

A Makruski Christmas

After all of the preparation and waiting, Christmas has come and gone. We had a wonderful Christmas this year and once again I am incredibly thankful for everything we were given, especially the time with our families. I know that we often take for granted what wonderful people we have in our lives and it is occasions such as this that help us remember. Unfortunately, Mallory woke up on Christmas day with her eyes crusted shut. Anyone who has kids or has ever been a kid knows that is a tell-tale sign of pink eye!! Bummer! Luckily, her spirits were not affected and we had a great day! But, as you can see in the pictures, our little girl looks sick. Don't feel too bad for her though, Santa brought extra presents to make up for it.

Oh Yeah, My 23 OTHER Children!!

As I mentioned in my 'About Me' section, I am a teacher (which is only the beginning of the list of titles I generally hold in a standard school day). I teach first grade at St. Joseph School in Amherst. This year I am blessed with 23 students, who have slowly become my friends. I am not that teacher who meets their children on the first day of school and immediately loves them as if there were never another group of children in the world. I AM that teacher that meets them on the first day and realizes that just by knowing each of them, I am going to be a whole different teacher by June. This year, I began loving them about the second week of October. I began calling them "MY" kids and knowing things about them that are generally reserved for parents, such as the color underwear they are wearing and how often they go to the bathroom (and not just #1 either)! The forst 2 quarters have flown by and although I keep names confidential, I would like to highlight a few children that cannot go without mention. Anyone who is a teacher or loves children will understand. Here they are:

1. Child #1- There are many stories about this child!! I love him, he has only 1 front tooth (as most first graders) and the best laugh ever. He often chooses to call me "Makruski" instead of Mrs. Makruski, and although I correct him, I actually kind of like it. His favorite cookies are chocolate chip, and even when things are most difficult, he is secretly one of my favorites.

I think I'll save the rest for another time, that way you will all have something to check back for!!!

Where to begin?

In this, the Christmas season, there are many things that come to mind when I try to describe my family and my life. Unfortunately, there is not enough time in any evening for me to share all of that information. I am sure over time that it will all come out anyways. I will take the time to brag about the 2 people that are closest to me in my life, my husband Joe, and my daughter Mallory. They both bring something to my life that I cannot find anywhere else. Joe brings me a balance that I both need and want. He reminds me when I need to slow down (and when I need to get my butt in gear!). And Mallory...oh, where do I begin? She brings me a joy that I thought I would never feel and never knew I was missing. Her bright spirit is contagious as is her little laugh. I thank God everyday for the wonderful gift he has given us. She is everything we asked and hoped for. Our little princess, in every sense of the word!