December Commotion

There are only 24 hours to any day, or so I have been told. But I am convinced that I have been going  at a bit of an extended 'mean' time. ....i.e. I think my clock is perhaps accelerated or extended or spinning out of control. And I LOVE that. I do! It is a sickness. I might have ADD and it is my way of masking with the continuous motion from one task to the next. OR, it might be that despite my countless time management classes and lectures which I have delivered are not being applied by, ah, me! OR it could be that we are just having fun doing......doing....doing. AND now that we KNOW the Mayans were wrong about the end of the world we can reflect on the good days and plan for the future, right?

The fall semester ended with a potluck and many gift exchanges. Cody had a great semester and was able to do many fun and new things. Christmas gift.....new/better camera that will be used when supervised:-) but to improve his photography. He is already amazing. Always centered, well lit, perfect!

The Nutcracker Ballet consumed the last couple of weeks. Practices on weekends then during the week then the show, two nights at the Orpheum in Phoenix. First, Miss Caroline Atkinson. I am so amazed by her stamina and passion, and constantly grateful to know her, let alone call her friend. Second, more than 100 kids and adults in the production with a multitude of gifts and abilities. Third a treasure chest full of New York Ballet costumes and many adaptations that gave us the most stunning cast. Fourth a house full of enthusiastic patrons who were equally amazed by what they saw. An incredible, unforgettable, life changing moment.

Christmas. WHAT? It is Christmas already. I am NOT prepared. I will apologize now for not having my cards done yet. Count on New Years. Sorry friends and family. And don't get too jiggy waiting for gifts either. Some of you are lucky, some of you are waiting........don't give up. I will get them out in the mail the next business day..............right?

My beautiful neighbors added to my guilt by showering us with baked goods. When I told them of my challenges this past month they were most supportive. Of course that was after I promised a treat for New Years.....hmmmmm. It is a great place to be.

Finally we finished our weeks of dancing, acting, changing andwaiting with a position as the volunteer assistance in the 1st and 2nd grade class for Christmas Eve services. Other than losing one (not) we did not have too much  trouble. The church looks beautiful and the train in the children's ministry is awesome. So cool. Anyway, it is a perfect scene with children chasing the train, singing carols and learning about the reason for it all..................... Jesus, in case you aren't sure. :-)

 

When I think about all the preparation and planning and stress, I am reminded that it is the very simple things that bring the greatest joy! Or at least it should be. You see, while Cody LOVED all the decorations and all of his gifts very much, he was most excited for the tape and pipe cleaners for his 'inventions'. There is never enough tape in this house. So I guess the question is, what did it take for you to enjoy the holiday? Did you need lots of things to help you 'enjoy' or was it the very simple things that made the day special? I hope that as another year begins that the very simple, quiet, easy things will bring the greatest joy to you!

The Race

As life has continued, the race is in high speed. There is a blend of sadness, anxiety, pressure, excitement and anticipation. Moving from the end of one life to the beginning of another we welcomed a two new ones. Our great niece, Ruby Maye, was born very early at a whopping 2 1/2 pounds. She is doing well, adorable, TINY so it will be a bit before her family can welcome her home. Thankful for great medical care and miracles!

We also have a new cousin, Norah. She is lovely and her family is glowing. And if that was not enough, I have another great "someone' due in the spring. I am giddy! It is a great reminder of the hand of God in our lives, and for me the prevailing joy that comes with every new life. I am so grateful for new life as I am reminded that God not only knows each one before they arrive but HE, God Almighty, knits them together 'creates' them one by one.

Christmas, a time of celebration and gratitude. Oh, and then every single social event of the year. That being said most of them fell on one day.....last Saturday. SO, first it was the Sharing Down Syndrome Christmas Party. We had a great time helping to set up the digs and watch the children play. What fun. Santa and his elves came as well which was great. When asked what he wanted for Christmas, Cody, after a few moments of thought said "Everything! Or Anything!" Santa let him know he had 'that' in hanger 5. Ha. I guess the good thing is I can not go wrong. Good to know.

Then we had the Sugar Plum Fairy Tea. Our cousins Lizzie and Stephie (and mom Suzy) bought our tickets. THANKS GIRLS! This was a super celebration and fundraiser for the Nutcracker Ballet. Dancing, with karaoke. Several minutes into the entertainment they were looking for Cody to dance. They had not realized the DJ'ing was none other than Master Gates. "You rock it, let's rock it. You can dance. Woohoo! YMCA.....YMCA..everybody...!" He did not miss a beat. Spent most of the party in his new work. Them of course, Santa showed up. Guess what, he wants 'everything!' Crack me up.

   

Well we finished off with the Best Buddy Prom. Cody's beautiful best buddy, Alexandra, asked him to prom. So excited!!!!! So we stopped at Basha's grocery store to change in the restroom as it was on the way (clean as a whistle by the way). I nearly fainted. He is so handsome! First suit. First tied tie. First dance. First prom. Mama's using tissue and sleeves to catch tears. He is a hottie too in his suit. He picked out some flowers for his date. We then went to pick her up. Stunning, beautiful, tall! He was Mister Manners all the way. I am so proud.

We met his girlfriend Andi and her mom Linda at Durant's for a super fancy supper. And it was AWESOME! We really enjoyed a great visit and incredible food. Off to the dance, a pirate theme 'Dance your Bootie Off' was at the Renaissance hotel. Beautiful. Packed. He walked in the door and I was NO MORE. What I am saying is he was in the pack, with tons of friends, dancing with Alexandra and Andi and jumping into every conga line that went by. I am guessing he was thinking
"What mom? I have a mom? Who is that taking all those pictures anyway?" Who knew. I was demoted to the parent club; those of us trying to keep an eye on our kids, talk without saying 'What?' and trying to hip hop so we would look cool. Good times. Some of his classmates nominated him for Prom King. His name was not drawn but fun to know they would submit his name. We finished the night with dessert at the Cheesecake Factory. We were home by 11......and I am going to say it, but you may not repeat it, I am TOO OLD for this. Ha.

So all of that and still business happening as we practice long hours getting ready for The  Nutcracker at the Orpheum December 22 and 23. Check out Ballet Academy of Arizona website for video clips of some fundraising performance this past month (Night the Light and Special Olympics). Cody did very well. He really is getting into performing. I am also going to be in the ballet as a party parent in scene one. We are looking forward to the performance. Hope you can join us. It is always entertaining as it is NEVER the same twice as it is totally UNPREDICTABLE because ...... well.....kids will be kids:-)

Then there is Christmas. A big deal, Jesus birthday and all. The most important thing is 'the gift'. Understanding the gift. If you have not found that gift yet then you are missing Christmas all together. You can get or give a package wrapped in paper anytime, not just tied to a holiday. You can live with those gifts, or without them. You can re-gift them, toss them or return them. They are things. But THE greatest gift is Jesus Christ. He came to redeem the world. He took all of our punishment and was sentenced to death, He paid it all. He bought what no man could buy, with his life. Whether it is on Christmas day or not, what will you do with that gift?