Christmas

 It has been a busy three weeks. I got my booster shot and spent the next day resting but other than that it has been go go go. One week was school, piano lessons, dance, and two middle school band concerts. I took Curtis to his on Wednesday and his was short and sweet. It was only his second concert ever and the first one I got to go to. I loved playing in band and really hope my kids continue to find joy and community by participating. Lily's was Thursday and hers was much longer and better overall plus everyone could be there so that was nice. She played so well and has made a lot of improvement this year. 

 

On the 11th Curtis had a basketball game at 8am, the ward Christmas breakfast was at 9am and the youth were in charge so that was Josh and Lily helping out, then Brandon had basketball and then that evening was our Christmas party. I was not sure I wanted to host a party because socially this year has been really challenging but I went for it and it was really nice. I think people enjoyed themselves and it was nice to play games and have fun together. We had some new families but I think it they were into it and everyone had a good time. Josh wanted to make an appetizer kind of pizza so he was in the kitchen way past his time and stressed me out a bit but it all worked. The Tripps had been super kind to take Emma and Brandon home from the ward party and then brought them home for our party so they had a super fun day at the Tripp's house and it did make it easier for us to get ready. 

Josh left on the 12th to go out of town for the week and the kids and I watched White Christmas. The 13th was my piano recital. I held it here at my house and while it was cozy, all the kids played well and I'd say it was a success. The kids were all super helpful in preparing for it too because I served refreshments afterwards and we had to have the house pretty clean and I was really grateful for them. I have good kids and I sure love them. The next day Curtis had his science fair (which he said was torture because he had to talk to people and answer questions about his project) and that night was a nice Relief Society activity where we did a sock exchange. I drove with a new member of our ward and I really enjoyed the time to talk with her and get to know her. Then I went out to lunch with my friend, Olivia, to celebrate her birthday and got everyone to dance and church activities that night. We had a lot of appointments too between the orthodontist and Lily's physical therapy. It was a very busy week with Josh gone but some kind friends helped us out and I felt a special peace and help, probably from Josh praying for us, and everything went smoothly all week. It was a wonderful blessing. 

Saturday I ended up playing for a funeral. I honestly did not want to; it was tragic circumstances for a member of the other ward that I didn't know. I get so sad for people, plus Josh had just gotten home and I wanted to do something fun and Christmassy, not attend a funeral and play the organ for an hour. But I literally felt the spirit remind me that I had covenanted at baptism to mourn with those that mourn so I went and played the organ and it was emotional and sad and I was so awkward talking to the family but I went and served and felt good about it. I took the girls shopping that afternoon, Lily went babysitting and the rest of us watched The Grinch (the cute 2018 version). 

Last Sunday was a busy Sunday musically. There have been two special musical numbers every Sunday since Thanksgiving (well, I guess not on fast Sunday), and then we had four last week. The primary kids sang and were so cute, then I accompanied The First Noel (super nice arrangement with Pachabel's Cannon) then I sang in a double quartet a song called Good Tidings of Comfort and Joy and then we had a beautiful violin solo. It all went so well and was really beautiful. Then Christmas break officially started. It has been so wonderful to sleep in this past week. I went to the gym with Leisa and then they stayed and played for a while. Tuesday we had the Rays and Ainas over and the moms sneaked away for peppermint milkshakes, which was fun. Then book club was that night and it was fun. We read Christmas stories and did a book exchange and ate treats. Wednesday I took all four kids to the dentist and no one had a cavity! Thursday I spent all day baking cookies and cinnamon rolls.

Christmas eve we went to a friend's for a soup luncheon they hosted and that was really nice. Then I spent the afternoon getting the turkey in the oven, making rolls and then we had our big turkey dinner that evening. Things didn't quite turn out the way I would have liked but it was good enough. The Schrams came over and they were nice company and patient with my dinner issues. I make the kids dress up for dinner and we have a fancy Italian soda to drink and we try to make it fancy and festive. Then we sang some Christmas carols and then all the kids played their piano songs since Josh had missed the recital. Then we did a nativity play and then read a story and then we had cookies. It was a nice evening. The Schrams left and we put out our presents and set them up to the spot where we would sit in the morning. That was always my favorite moment as a kid. I loved seeing all of my presents and would wonder how different it would look in the morning after Santa came. My parents always had music playing and with the lights and tree it would make our family room look so magical. 

Christmas morning was fun and exciting. Emma was especially excited and did lots of squealing. Everyone liked their gifts, except Lily didn't like the wallet Santa brought her so I'll return that and Curtis's coat is a bit too short in the arms (seriously that kid has monkey arms) so I have to get him a man sized version but other than that things went well.  I knew Josh wasn't going to like his suit (he is extremely picky) but I came pretty close so I am calling that a win. Josh got me a new watch but it is too small so I can't wear it until we can add some links. The watch I've been wearing for 23 years is one my really good guy friend from high school gave me when I graduated and it has his name engraved on it so as it has been slowing down and having issues, Josh was super excited to replace it. Lily and Emma gave me a cute bucket with 21 things they love about me written on slips of paper inside--that was probably my favorite gift. We spent all day in our pjs and watched Home Alone, talked to family and played Skull King. I had read about it on Michelle's and Lana's blogs that they like it so I thought we would try it and it was fun so thanks, ladies! Then we had leftovers for dinner, watched Elf and got the kids in bed. Josh and I read for awhile and it was really nice to so totally relax all day. 

 

 

Today we had a nice sacrament meeting with three more musical numbers that all went pretty well. Lily played a clarinet duet and we had warmed up and tuned before the meeting and then for some reason she took her clarinet apart and we had to sit there and wait while she put it back together, which also meant she was no longer in tune. She is 13 and doesn't always think things through but it was fine. My in-laws come this afternoon so we are setting up Emma's bed in Lily's room and my kids are finishing up some gifts they are making for them. Looking forward to another fun and relaxing week ahead!