i never meant to skip a week at this busy time of year. so much happens that i can't keep track of it all. but now we are DONE. no more parties, ballet, activities or places we have to go. it makes me so happy!

the tree has been decorated for 2 weeks and now looks like a fire hazard. we made gingerbread houses last night and i totally messed up. the batch only made 5 houses instead of 6 and i dumped too much powdered sugar in the royal icing mortar so it was pretty thick. none of that mattered to the kids and they were glad that dad was their 'helper' to decorate and build. he usually makes his own modern masterpiece but never said a word about it!

we're done with the nutcracker performances and driving. the last 2 shows on saturday were like a marathon but all that fades away standing off stage watching my girls beaming (yet elegant, ballerina-esque) smiles while they perform. oh, i even cry watching my friends daughters dance, thinking of how they've changed over the years. i remember myself at 10 and 12 and marvel at the abilities my girls have. they are confident and certain of what they are doing and where they belong, and there is no stage fright involved. there is really something rewarding about creating moments so beautiful on stage that can only come from this. they have some friendships that really grow while they experience this together. it is the same for me as well. other moms that i may know on a superficial level become good friends and allies when we are rushing around dressing, placing costumes, organizing and sewing. there is time for talking and enjoying working together.

our primary christmas party is over too. again, what a good feeling to enable these children to enjoy being together, especially at this lovely time of year, and seeing how hard others are willing to work to create this experience for them. there are always those hairy moments but my counselors really jump in and take care of things. and we came home with candy and christmas trees!

this afternoon i am happy to sit down and look at my favorite blogs and figure out what projects we still have time and energy for. i've got a triple batch of sugar cookies to decorate, and jammies to sew (one down, 5 to go) as well as various kid made presents. safety cone orange felt is really hard to find. we get to do what we want to do instead of what we have to do and now i really feel like it is christmas.