Great December

Happy New Year!

We had such a fantastic year. Can not wait to see what 2010 has in store.

Christmas is a little nuts.

Let's face it people...Christmas is a little nuts. I mean, who doesn't go a little crazy trying to make it be everything they "think" it should be? Running to the store for just one more thing. Making that last batch of cookies even though you would rather eat a bowl of lettuce leaves. Discussing when, where, and how the gifts will be exchanged. Balancing the checkbook, crying, and realizing you forgot to get your father-in-law something. Nuts.. Nuts.

So we try and find those moments where we can say that this IS what Christmas means. Here are a few of mine this year:

My Saint-in-Law decided to adopt two group homes that house 14 children in them. She dreamed up a glorious Christmas morning for them and went out and recruited friends, families, churches, teachers, and neighbors to make it happen. Then she invited everyone over to her house to wrap (Check out these amazing ladies below!). She fed these people, entertained their kids, and give the husbands beer and a football game in exchange for help.

We didn't deserve it - Your are amazing Sister!!
Then there are these crazy people called MOMS that live in a city near you. They wipe snot and listen to kids cry. They change diapers and read. They give baths and rub backs. They also coordinate sing-a-longs at Senior Centers and bring - wait for it - homemade SUGAR FREE cookies for the audience! They are the Christmas Givers.

And lastly we come to these which are my own. I hope they were watching. I hope they know.

That even if all the Christmas Cards you send out come directly right back to you because you did not adhere the labels properly and now you have know idea who got a card and who didn't... there are small Christmas miracles happening everyday.

That, yes, Christmas is nuts. But if you look really close it is spectacular.

P.S. If you did not receive a card from me, and would like one, kindly tell me. Or, just know, that I really was thinking of you this holiday season and I will try again next year.

Not Early Enough

I have spent the last year of my life in Washington being led into my day with anticipation of the newness it would bring. Most mornings I was able to wake up, at least with, the rising sun and we would great the day together. (Yes, there is sun in Washington!)

But, oh know, not here. In Arizona I wake up and am MOCKED by the gleaming sunlight in my window. "Duh, the day has started...without YOU! You are now behind in all you need to accomplish." It is almost as if the amazing brightness from the ball of inferno is shining directly onto only MY weary eyes. Highlighting the age I am and forcing me to feel it's heaviness. If I could quote Carissa when the sun is shining into her eyes when we are driving " I hate the sun!".

So this is Christmas... (can you hear the song in your head?) for near and for dear ones...

The Junie B. Jones production at the Tempe Arts Center was wonderful. I can not go on enough about how happy I was to be able to take my daughter to this performance.

As we were looking for our seats I start to have a mini anxiety attack because apparently I booked two seat with an AISLE in between us. Good if you are going with someone you don't want to sit by but not so much with your 6-year old!! Thankfully the box office was kind enough to switch me and in exchange we received the 6th row back from the stage right in the center aisle! Check out our view!

Carissa spent the day with Daddy seeing "The Princess and the Frog". He doesn't take pictures and has no charming stories to add. I think she had a great time.

Just one more Christmas joy to post... Audrey received this special package yesturday from her first grade class in Washington.

It was filled with the school supplies she didn't take when she left. Her ID cards and an awesome card from the class. It showed little colored gingerbread cookies with the faces being each kid in the class. Probably on my top ten list of most thoughtful things I have seen in my life.

Sending a little prayer up for those first grade teachers :)

Christmas Frenzy

Ahhh... the "Winter Wonderland" music performance at school!! Who doesn't get enjoyment out of watching a bunch of 6 year-olds sing "HO HO HO, who wouldn't know?" What a great Christmas tradition.
I am hoping to try and keep up with posting as Christmas is getting closer. We still have the tree to get and decorate, a special day planned with me and Audrey to see a play, and also the Nutcracker Ballet. That is just this weekend. The plans are made all the way out through New Years and that feels good!

All our love ~

The in thing is the TOOTH out!

First Tooth Out!!

It was hanging by a thread but it still took 3 hours for permission to even get my hand close to her lips! I was finally granted access and joy quickly traded fear. How much did you get from the tooth fairy? Audrey had it spent before the Daddy fairy could make it to the ATM!

Is it wrong to be jealous? To have a fun little hole in your mouth you can play with all day and take your mind off of what other tasks you are supposed to be doing? How about starting to cook dinner then stopping mid-stir just to twirl your tongue in a little groove in your mouth...