Diary of December 1st – 23rd

December 1st – Deck the Halls and the Driveway

I decorated my house from tip to almost top. Much to my chagrin, Demetrie the Russian who puts my lights on our too-steep-for-safety-otherwise-I-would-be-up-there-myself-roof was a no show this year! Somewhat distressed by our lack of outdoor holiday cheer (but not willing to risk my husband’s life) I begged Lee to put our outdoor lights down the driveway instead. After many days of begging, Lee did put them up. Less than six hours later I ran over them in the SUV thus tragically ending our quest for outdoor lights. Needless to say, I’m not a fan of driveway lights anymore and my reindeer wreath had to carry all our outdoor holiday cheer by itself this year.

December 6th – A busy Festive Fun Day! We held our first annual Santa’s Breakfast for 17 little ones at our home on the 6th! It was so fun. Dress was pajamas and Santa brought smiles (or tears) for every toddler in attendance. Vienna couldn’t get enough of the man in the big red suit. She only cried when she had to get off his knee. Ethan on the other hand was weary of the beard and greatly favored Mrs. Claus. He cordially escorted her to his playroom and watched a significant portion of Frosty the Snowman with her. Overall, we had a blast. There is nothing like breakfast with friends. Later that day, Lee & I went to the Nutcracker. It was simply lovely. Then off to the church Christmas party to see Santa again! (Thanks Brother Smith, you really are a trooper.) This time Vienna hated (the exact same) Santa. I guess a girl is entitled to change her mind. On a positive note, Ethan was a more patient patron of the jolly character the second time around and especially enjoyed seeing Mrs. Claus his fellow-watching Frosty the Snowman fan twice in one day. Note that in the second photo Ethan is actually staring intently at Mrs. Claus, not Santa.

December 10th – Dad & Grandpa call. I immediately leave to Utah with kids.
For months we’ve been planning on staying in Texas over the holiday season. Then on the 10th the following phone calls happened:
Ring. Ring.

Me: “Dad, what do you want for Christmas?”
Dad (gruffly): “Just to see you and the kids.”
And then not ten minutes later on the phone with my grandpa….
Me: “Grandpa, what do you want for Christmas?”
Grandpa (half-growling): “What would it take to get you kids down here? Sure, would be fun to see those kids.”
Well, that’s about all it really takes. My Dad and Grandpa never ask for anything and as I’ve been taught all too well when they say jump (or even hint to jump), your automatic response is “How high?” So less than an hour later, my credit card was out, the flights were booked, and me and the kids were packing for SLC. You don’t argue with the two toughest strongest (and not to forget sweetest) cowboys in the world. You pack your bags and go. Salt Lake or Bust.
December 14th – 18th: Home for the Holidays & Nana Claus
Who needs Santa Claus when you have a Nana Claus? Our stay in Utah was fabulous and the snow made it truly feel like Christmas. Nana gave up on trying to photo all three grandkids herself and hired a professional. All I can say is good move, Mom. The photos turned out so beautiful. I will post them as soon as they are delivered! I had four major social events while I was there. 1) A Cookie Exchange at Nana’s. We ate all the cookies I don’t have the energy to make alone here in Texas. It was so fun. 2) Luncheon at Grandma’s. It was beyond wonderful to see my adorable cousin Katie and her even more adorable daughter Lainey. Lainey and Vienna are the same age and we watched them not really play with each other. 3) Lunch with my Shea. My best friend, Alison, had me over and we just had the most fabulous time in the whole world. I can’t even start. It was so great. 4) Dinner with Kristie & Jonny! This was so fun. Kristie made the most fabulous dinner and we just sat together and talked while the kids ran around. It couldn’t have been more splendid. Wouldn’t have changed a thing, except making each event much much longer. Thank you EVERYONE for showing me a lovely time. It truly made me homesick.
December 19th – 20th: Christmas Blues. Major Christmas Blues.
December 21st – Remembered the true meaning of Christmas. Depression is lifted.
It’s amazing what 12 and 13 year old girls can teach you. I was completely inspired by the Young Women in my church class. I didn’t really prepare much of a lesson, I just wanted all of the girls to share their feelings. The girls really opened up and we spoke about the true meaning of the season and how easy it is to get caught up in other things. I am amazed at the strength of the youth in my church. At 12 years old these girls have powerfully strong spirits. They each come from very diverse backgrounds. I have two Caucasian girls, two Polynesian girls, two Multiracial girls, one Hispanic girl, one African American girl, as well as one girl who has Autism. And yet, you wouldn’t be aware of those differences if you walked in my class. They are completely one in spirit. I think we underestimate these little girls. Anyway, the point of this day was that I was filled Christ’s love and felt His meaning in this special season.
December 23rd – Domestic Goddess Mojo returns. Christmas commences.

It doesn’t matter how much a woman prepares, she always wakes up and is surprised that there are only hours before Christmas! I think it’s so funny. I am always shocked it’s Christmas on the 25th. So today is running around cleaning after two tiny tornadoes, wrapping secret gifts, making gingerbread houses, and baking extra of everything just in case anyone pops in. I love the hustle and bustle of it all, but I’m also so thankful for the spirit that grounds me in why we are giving so much of ourselves this season. It makes it all worth it.
But for those times I forget, I have the pictured sign in my mudroom. It’s especially helpful during the holidays.