NuTcRaCkEr

I was so excited when I saw the sign announcing a performance of the Nutcracker in Vernal!! And best of all, it was free. I talked Mike into us taking the whole family. He had never seen the Nutcracker (I know, I am shocked too!) and the kids hadn't either. So we got all dressed up (okay, the girls and I did, the boys just got church clothes on) and we bundled up and headed out. We got there early to get a good seat, and it started 20 min late, so we played in the hallway a lot until it started. Once it started the children were mezmerized. They watched it better than they have ever watched a movie. (I know, not saying much) Savannah kept asking where the Nutcracker was. She had to go potty but said that she didn't want to go until it was over. They were almost the only children there, and they did this mommy proud. It was the one hour condensed version...with no Mice...what is up with that? But it was perfect for four young children.

Katie L.O.V.E.D it, so she asked me to take her back last night on the final night. I decided to and invited the other children. Jeffrey and Savannah had spent the entire day downstairs building a fort...or something. They played so well together and Parley would venture down there and play for a little bit. I won't go down stairs because I know it is a mess, and I am not ready to deal with that. I heard that they took everything off the storage shelves and were playing that they were their beds. I am guessing that the stuff they took off wasn't placed nicely on the floor. We worked hard to finish the school books so we could take a break until Jan. It was worth the push because I was burnt out and now I am having a guilt free no school week. I am sure I will be sneaking something in.... the tyrant I am. Oh, so the Nutcracker...We went and it was PACKED with a million crying kids. We obviously picked a good night to go with the whole family. Katie still loved it, and I got to see the Nutcracker this year. Nothing like that to put you in the Christmas mood. I have loved the Christmas season this year. I will be sad when it is over. The kids have re arranged the tree a million times, and the snow has lost its novelty, but singing and listening to Christmas music, the secrets and the wrapping and making of gifts, the plates of goodies, I love it all this year. We aren't doing much in way of presents, but each of the kids made something for each other, and that was fun. The kids aren't even talking about what they want, or what they are going to get, they have left the presents under the tree alone, it really isn't about the gifts this year...how nice is that! We went to the grocery store on Sat and santa was there and he waved me over when Katie told him what she wanted and he said "Do you want me to bring her a real puppy this year" I just laughed and said no. I am so glad we have chosen to tell the kids the truth from the get go so I don't have to worry about having to get them whatever they tell santa. A friend of mine searched all over for the thing her son told santa he wanted, she didn't even know what it was at first, but got it for him. Throw the tomatoes....but why train them to think that that is how life is? Ask for it and you will magically get it! (yes, I will step off my soap box now thankyouverymuch!)

ps I love it that it is telling me to capitalize santa...nope, I don't think so.