Oh dear

It's the busiest ballet week of the year, and our little performer started complaining of a scratchy throat this evening. I'm attempting the difficult feat of keeping her on the couch. We've already hit the Z*cam, the cold snap tea, and vitamins. So, hopefully between those tricks and a good night of sleep, we'll nip this cold, or whatever it is, in the bud. She actually doesn't seem to be feeling very bad at the moment.

On the way to her class this afternoon (the car trip during which she announced her malady), I was offering that we could turn around, skip class and rest in the hopes of quick recovery. Her thoughts on the matter: "Well, Mom, we don't really exercise our throats very much in ballet, anyway."

That made me laugh. But, in all seriousness, missing tomorrow's important rehearsal would mean sitting out of the Nutcracker. It wouldn't be the end of the world, but it would be a sad day for one little eight year old (and her parents and grandparents who already bought tickets).

Oh well, we pray for the best and see what happens.

I'm thankful for...

...safe travel to and from 3 family gatherings.

...2 good nights of sleep after 1 really bad one.

...cousins and all the joy they bring to each other.

...mothers who cook and cook and clean and organize so their families can enjoy one another.

...one really cute new baby who is sweet and cuddly and a bundle of happiness.

...my sister who encouraged many of us to run and walk in a 5K near her home this morning. That felt great.

...down time after a hectic but happy few days.

...Advent which is right around the corner.

...online shopping which allows this grateful mommy to be almost done with her list just in time to prepare hearts and home for Christmas.

...Thanksgiving itself. What a wonderful holiday. I'm proud to be an American.

...the best quote of the holiday (from Victor, of course, to my mother-in-law whose Indian-inspired Turkey recipe is divine): "Nana, your turkey is even better than a real turkey!"

Christmas Shopping

So it begins.

Normally, I'd be at least 3/4 finished by now, but this year Thanksgiving snuck up on me...

We've never gone terribly overboard with Christmas gifts, but after last year I vowed to keep things even more simple and more focused on things sacred.

The trouble is, when the toy catalogs start pouring in, I'm the one who wants to buy everything. I see things I know the kids would love, and I'm tempted. All religious and character-formation considerations aside, one can only really enjoy a few nice gifts. After that, saturation sets in. And I want the kids to enjoy the gifts they receive from other family members, too...

So, I'm trying to choose a few nice, relatively small (there's a move in our future) gifts for everyone.

Victor wants a anything vehicle-related and a dinosaur. Easy.

Felicity likes animals and princesses. Easy.

Lucy wants a makeup kit. Here's where I'm stuck. She has a friend who has one, but that little girl has a big sister. It's totally innocent, but I'm not sure I want to go down this road. It seems a bit mature. And her little sister will surely eat it for a snack (today this little sister ate a napkin). I'm pretty certain her daddy will put the nix on it anyway, so it's likely a non-issue. But it's the only thing she's asking for, besides clay.

Maybe we could compromise with lipgloss and nail polish.

If I had to guess, I'd say her dad's reaction will be to remind her that she won't be wearing makeup in the convent anyway, so why bother?

Two-Year-Old Sweetness

My little lovebug 2-year-old has been uttering new phrases every day. I love this phase when language really explodes. I especially love it when the new words are all about admiration of mommy. Yes, I know it's pathetic, but after my son called me an idiot the other day (where in the world did he learn that??!!), I need the boost of self esteem.

Here are my recent favorites:
"Hair pretty, Mommy" (after yesterday's haircut)

"I love you"

"oooh, cute!" (when I tried on a new outfit)

I'm going to enjoy every minute of this, because it won't be long until she realizes that I'm not the coolest, most beautiful person on the planet.

Picture Perfect Plans

Today, while Lucy was at ballet class and the younger kids were at home with Daddy and Pada, I had a half an hour to make a quick trip to the mall. Each year I tend to splurge a little bit on Christmas outfits for the kids. I don't go too nuts, mind you, since I was raised by one of the most frugal and practical women on the planet (thanks, mom, sincerely). It goes against my nature to buy outfits that will be worn only a handful of times. But, the Christmas photo op beckons, and I am lured by the bait of matching dresses and sweater vests in Holiday colors.

I knew the Childr*n's Place was having a sale, so off I went. I wasn't disappointed in the selection.

The dilemma, however, was this: I don't want to get a new family picture taken until our new son gets here. So, I debated, should I get the outfits in traditional holiday colors, or the ones that are more passable later in the winter? What's a girl to do when faced with such a difficult decision?

Buy it all (and hang on to the receipt!).

So, in the closet, we have traditional red plaid options and bright green options. Even if this turns into an Easter photo shoot (let's hope not!), I have things that will work. And they're really cute things, to boot.

The lady working in the store asked me the ages of my children. Without hesitation, I said, "8, 7, 4, and 2!" That felt good.

Costume Fitting Today

 

She's a parrot. They accompany the Arabian dancer. She is psyched.

If I don't say it out loud...

...does it still count as tattling?

 

The Goofiest Trick-or-Treaters in Our Neighborhood

 

 

 

 

Interesting Logic

From the backseat as we were driving home from swimming today:

"You know, Mom, David was just a tiny speck compared to Goliath, so that means I should be able to drive. Didn't you hear Dave [as in Dave and the Giant Pickle of the Veggie Tales] say that even little people can do big things!"

So there you have it. The take home message from Sunday School and Veggie Tales is that 4-Year-Olds should be eligible for drivers licenses.