The first of December

Somehow I thought I would be much farther along on my list of things I need/want to get done than I am. Teaching pre-school this month was not a good idea, but since I made the schedule, I can't complain too much:)

This first week of December has been busy and full of craziness. First, on Tuesday I went to a Christmas party with some of the ladies from the neighborhood. They are great! (and soo funny). There was wonderful food (the yummiest ham), good conversation, and fun games. We had a white elephant exchange and, though there were some great gifts, no one could top K's.Lucky S took home a stuffed bobcat (i think..maybe a cougar?..). It was the greatest white elephant gift ever. I tried to get it for the Hs annual Christmas party, but there's no trading in this game--you get what you get. (Doesn't she look thrilled?--I would have died to take that cat home--Can you imagine S's face when I brought that baby in!)

Next, on Friday we got our Christmas tree, Happy day! It was soo much better than last year. (S was out of town, so I took the three girls and got it by myself--It was halfway through the month. I had some great friends that helped me get it in the house and in the tree stand.) But not this year. S was home and it is up and decorated. I love it! Now I just need to keep the kids from knocking it over, looking for "the pickle". And, not to ask too much, but it would be reeeeaaaaally nice to have some lights on our house this year. (hint...hint:))

Saturday was a big day. First, I took the girls to the Festival of the Nativities while S stayed with the napping Ms. M (who would NOT have done well with all the "please do not touch" signs.I don't actually have pictures of any of the nativities, but it was BEAUTIFUL! The girls got a little bored after a while but the spirit touches you. It's a great way to start the month, remembering why we celebrate Christmas. The paper said there were 825 nativities, 103 from other countries. The girls liked seeing a nativity from the Phillippines, where G and G K are. They also liked the childrens' room, where they got to dress up as nativity characters (a sheep and a shephard) and "Joseph's Workshop" where they had crafts. It was such a nice event (and soo much work--wow!).

That afternoon we went with some friends to see the Vancouver Dance Theater's production of The Nutcracker. Lucky E got to experience my crazy driving (I missed a few turns). But, sigh of relief, we made it and the girls loved it. I was a little worried about A, because we went to the 2pm performance and that is naptime. She did fine. I did not; I slept though almost the whole first act.

The girls being ballerinas (except for Ms. A)

And...a picture with the Sugar Plum Fairy. (You can tell how into this A is). It humors me:)

Last, (I'm almost done, I promise) Saturday night was our church Christmas Party. Again, lots of planning and time when into this event. S and his friend, J, were asked to be Roman Gaurds They greeted everyone as they came in the doors. (and I heard they were giving people a rather hard time--no good). We were asked to come dressed in clothes from the time of the Savior's birth and bring a blanket to sit on. The culture hall was decorated like Bethlehem.

They had games and crafts for the kids, yummy food, and a wonderful program. It was really a great event and, again, helped us better focus on the true meaning of Christmas. Overall, a crazy, lovely week. And it looks to continue being crazy up until I finish teaching pre-school. Why am I doing this again? How was your week? I hope lovely and bright!