Wrapping up the Holidays

Sorry folks, no pictures. Except this one, which was stolen from my sister-in-law's blog (thanks Brit :). Maybe another time. My husband loaded the holiday pics onto his computer, and all it takes is one extra little step for me to say, "forget it".

But, I had a very nice holiday season and thought I should write it down.

A FEW HIGHLIGHTS OF CHRISTMAS 2007 (in no particular order)

HIGHLIGHT #1. Deathly Miserable, Overwhelmingly Discouraging Illness.

I somehow ate poop. I can't recall the exact moment because it wasn't intentional to do so. And so I infested my precious digestive system with E-choli bacteria. I really believed I was dying. It may sound absurd, but for the first time in my life, I was vividly aware of what it might feel like to know that I was very soon to meet my Maker. How did it feel? I'll put it this way- my conscience wasn't exactly at peace and I prayed more fervently, sure that if I should recover, I would change a few things for good (uh, huh)... When I succumbed to my impending mortal fate, I fretted over my husband and children having to deal with the funeral, the messy house-all at Christmas time, poor dears...

My mind went there as I writhed, shivered and moaned in pain. (Oh , the drama. Just call me Anne Shirley). Why was this a highlight?

• I have never been more grateful for the miracle of penicillin, to feel well, to do the laundry and even clean the toilets (which I promise I'll get to ;).
• It helped me get in the Christmas spirit a little more. It forced me to slow down a little...
• I was reminded of how much I am loved and cared for. I received an earnest and beautiful blessing from my husband and brothers in law- Sam sweetly took care of me, my parents and in laws helped to make sure Eddie had a birthday celebration, my uncle (Dr. Dave) patiently put up with my endless calls and questions and helped me get the right medicine.

okay, enough of that...

HIGHLIGHT #2: The First Grade Christmas Concert.

I took pictures of this and even recorded Jack's and Ada's speaking parts. These cute twins memorized their parts and said them with gusto. It was adorable. But all shows have their setbacks and while Ada is a natural performer, this was not a flawless night for her. She accidentally stepped on her reindeer hat and had to sing "Rudolph" with only one antler. She was not pleased. It showed on her face as she lamented the story of the red-nosed hero as if it she were singing the final act of 'Madame Bovary'.

Then, after the concert, we went to the classroom to pick up their gingerbread houses. To her horror, the frosting did not hold and her painstaking work of confectionery architecture lost it's roof. She could not muster a smile for the picture. (The picture also includes Jack, wearing perfect antlers, an ear to ear grin, displaying a simple but perfectly sturdy house).

She cried - no - wailed, the whole way home (snacking on her house in between sobs). It was a delightful performance (the concert, and the meltdown). She felt better when she got some sugar in her.

HIGHLIGHT #3: A Christmas Surprise

For the first time in 10+ years, Sam was surprised at what I got him for Christmas. I was sneaky, tricky, and even spent more money than necessary in order to keep him from knowing. But it worked- and it was quite satisfying if I say so myself! I think he's enjoying it even more than he would have if he had known. (yessssss!)

HIGHLIGHT#4: A Yuletide ER Visit

You can't tell Eddie that Tether ball is a no contact sport. His recess passion of late turned into a nearly blinding experience. He got what professionals may call, a "finger swipe to the eye" and it resulted in a laceration on the eyeball (are you wincing yet?) Poor kid. He was super tough until the doctor said, "Well, we're going to have to put stitches in your eye" (NOW you're wincing, eh?). This news sent young Ed into panic mode. I wasn't much for comfort. As a kid I didn't even have the stomach to recite that ol' "stick a needle in your eye" saying (uch).

We spent nearly 8 hours in the Drs. office/ER- but that was only because a compassionate Opthamologist stayed late, talked her attending resident AND an OR tech into staying late, and walked us to the Moran Eye Center, so that Eddie could have his cut glued together instead of stitched. These people were literally in their street clothes ready to go home. They all changed back into their scrubs just for my cute boy. I am profoundly grateful to them. I think Eddie is too. He asked on the way home if it would be okay to write them a thank you letter.

I was also so impressed with my little 9 year old. While being poked and prodded, he sat, holding perfectly still during the procedure. He did this with no sedation, only numbing eye drops. At one point Eddie grunted and the Dr. said, "Am I hurting you? It shouldn't hurt." The OR tech muttered to himself, "It doesn't hurt, it's just dang freaky when someone comes at your eyeball with tools". I thought that was hilarious. Even now as I think of those sweet helpers, I want to cry. They were so good to my boy.

HIGHLIGHT #5: Watching The Kids Christmas Morning

What was especially delightful was Ada's reaction to her painting set and easel. She opened it and said, "Santa knows Mom! Santa knows I love to paint, he KNOWS!"

HIGHLIGHT #6: THE SNOW!

How can you beat a white Christmas?


Those are just a few. I've loved the family parties, the lights, the food , the music, the reminder of what really matters... I even got to see a magic show. Yeah, it's been a great Christmas.