Idiart Family Christmas

Tonight we gathered for our extended family Christmas dinner. We ate a delicious meal, had a short program, and watched the children exchange gifts with their cousins. I love this tradition.

Recital at the VA

We had our annual Veterans recital this evening. Mary played Deck the Halls and Noah played We Wish You a Merry Christmas. They did a wonderful job. I was especially happy that they both had their pieces memorized. After listening to all the violin performers, Mary told me she is interested in learning the violin. This is very exciting to me because I LOVE stringed instruments. We'll see what happens there.

Unfortunately, my camera wasn't working properly and I don't have a recorded copy of their piano pieces. But Aaron did get a cute photo of them with their teacher.

The best part of the evening was sharing the gift of music and goodwill to all our kind and grateful veterans.

Shopping & Clay Dates

I have been shopping up a storm today (thanks to the help of my angel mother who is babysitting) trying to get all the presents gathered up for Christmas and upcoming activities. I had the kids bring some friends home after school. Noah had basketball practice, so he grabbed some snacks and left with Aaron. The girls (and Cameron and Ben) made several items with the baking clay I bought at Walmart today. I debated saving it for Mary's stocking, but I think this was a much better idea.

Rainy Mornings

I specifically planned last night to stay in my pajamas as long as I could this morning. Cameron and I read some books in bed. It was a cozy morning listening to the rain fall and slowing it down to a nice simmer.

Stuck in the Mud?

It's been raining non-stop, which is good because we really need it. I know the Bay Area is getting drenched; some of my friends are preparing for flooding. My mom dropped by this afternoon and parked on the driveway. To get out she had to reverse her car onto the grass/weed area a little bit. Since it's so saturated her car got completely stuck in the mud. She left it there for some assistance and walked to her place. My dad and Aaron gave it a try a few hours later and couldn't seem to get it unstuck. Then, Damian drove up and told them to just reverse the car backwards right off the grass and onto the driveway. It was simple, but worked beautifully.

This morning I took Nicole and Cameron to the doctor for their yearly check up. The appointments went well, including their shots, but the doctor did suggest keeping an eye on Cameron's speech development. She felt she had a hard time understanding him for his age. The doctor asked if we felt like he was appropriately progressing. It made me think about my efforts as a mother compared to maybe the attention I gave Mary when she was four.Was I 'stuck in the mud' perhaps? Maybe I needed to refocus and reverse to some better parenting efforts from my past?

I think it's time I stop thinking, "My stuck in the mud" is cute enough not to correct.

Definitely something to think about.

Christmas To-Do's

The last few nights I've burned the midnight oil working on all our Christmas to-do's. An added perk is that I get to watch several Christmas Hallmark movies while I update addresses, lick envelopes, and tie bows. It's not so bad because I love sappy movies dripping with cheese and a quiet house.

Trying to avoid all the sweets and treats in our home, I thought it would be smart to make a non-edible neighbor gifts this year. I saw this cute idea on pinterest. It was fun taking them around last night and finishing them up today. I have to say, it's not very exciting handing a bunch of kids a roll of wrapping paper, Wah-wah. It's definitely a gift for the ladies of the house. Maybe it will come in handy when they are up late wrapping and watching the Hallmark channel.

"We with you a merry chrithmath!"

Noah's speech without his front teeth is so cute that I had to record it. I hope I never forget these moments.