a long winter's nap

She arrived home in tears about not getting to say goodbye to her teacher that day.  Later we realized that she thought school was over permanently after December 19 -- after all, we counted down the days, talked about the "last day," and discussed things we would do together during the day when they weren't in school.  Never did we explain that this was just a winter holiday and not a final end.  

She cozied up in her folksy winter PJs and laid down on the couch while I made dinner.  In a moment's time, she was lured to sleep by the quiet twinkling of lights from the Christmas tree and the familiar sounds of and old Christmas classic on TV.  She slept so peacefully as she relaxed from all the tension that had built up in her little body -- tension that could have easily been avoided if we more clearly explained that this was a winter holiday and not the end of the school year.  

I often forget that kindergarten is so new to these little ones.  Long days, clear academic expectations, and a classroom of 20 take their toll on these sensitive little kids.

I am grateful for a long winter break and the long winter's nap she had on the couch that evening.  We will be ready to start anew in a few weeks, but now we are happy to move at our own pace and enjoy the season.

Jingle bells and Jammies

Today she stood on stage at preschool for the first time, dressed in her cozy winter jammies and sang with the rest of the preschool children.  Her little group arrived on stage last and sat down just in time for Jingle Bells.  

She sat with her little classmates and rang her little bell.  We were delight that she didn't push, pull hair or dart away.  It is neat to see my third on the same stage as her sisters once stood.  Just last year we watched her middle sister's final Christmas performance and 2 years before that, we watched her older sister.  I love that this little school does the same thing each year.  The consistency is good for me and gives all of us lots to look forward to each year.

sugar plum faries

There is something so timeless about watching ballet during the holiday season.  We had the opportunity to watch our ballerina at her holiday recital downtown where the real ballerinas in town practice.  We arrived extra early to be sure we found a place to park amidst the flurry of downtown traffic and construction.

When we got there, we noticed the real ballerinas warming up for their Nutracker performance later that afternoon.  My girl stood outside the window and warmed up with one of the real ballerinas in the window.  They silently warmed up, mimicking each other, for the better part of 20 minutes.  My girl was entranced to be interacting (through the window) with a real ballerina.  We were grateful to the ballerina in the window who took such great interest in our little girl standing outside.  

It was a magical morning for all of us!

santa

Dear St. Nicholas,

We visited you today at your little workshop.  You carefully listened to their wishes which included an Elsa doll, Lego van, bunny rabbit in a cage, pinata and "Santa's toys."

They were enchanted by you and delighted by your quick wit and deep, "ho, ho, ho."
We know it is a busy time for you but we sure do appreciate getting the time to visit with you in person.

Fondly,
All of us

Me, I am me

While we were out today, someone asked you what your name was.  You excitedly piped up and said, "Me!"  "I am ME," you proudly responded.  When I attempted to correct you and state your real name, you stomped the floor and said it again.  "ME!"  "I am ME!"

I stopped to laugh at your response and realized that everything these days is ME, MINE, MYSELF and I.  Yes, you are infatuated with yourself.  We are at that stage of the game.  The world revolves around you at two.  It was funny that your response quite accurately reflected this stage of growth.

Together

As we stood in the setting sun waiting for the trail riders to return, she beamed with delight to be with me alone.  She was relieved to skip the horse riding and stay back with me. Together we visited the horses behind the gate, watched the sun sink low behind the red barn and did what we came to do...spend meaningful time together.  I enjoy the sweet time with you each year at our favorite camp.

advent days

Yesterday marked the beginning of the Advent season.  My children love to count down the days until Christmas.  Each year we do something a little different to mark the days.  This year, I found some wonderful little Advent calendars by Playmobil (actually, I found them on clearance last December and held onto them until this year).  My girls loved opening their first door this morning and had a lot of fun setting up the little cardboard scenery beforehand.  I like this calendar better than the Lego Advent calendars because the figurines are so much bigger and more sturdy for little hands.  They also have a ton of different Advent calendar themes too.  Something fun to celebrate the season! 

Playmobil Advent Calendar