Gifts

Finley loves his sweater, Aurora adores her new doll with matching outfits, and Clark was thrilled to get his Grave Digger monster truck. This year the kids asked Santa for books and little toys and they were not disappointed - well, he brought the wrong version of "Into the Woods" so Aurora may be a little disappointed, but it's kind of cool that with very little effort on our part they both seem to believe in Santa! Nancy and Zeland are here and I keep trying to convince Zeland that the best (and probably most expensive) gift is traveling to be with family... he's not convinced, but it is great having them.

Magical

It's the night before Christmas Eve and I finally have a few minutes to myself. Actually, I had quite a bit of time to myself today as the County closed its offices at Noon! I did yoga and got a pedicure before picking Aurora up from her Harry Potter themed winter camp at the Zach Theatre. She spent an awesome 3-days going to classes like History of Magic, Charms, and the Care of Magical Creatures. Clark spent two days with Grandma, Grandpa and Finley, then today he hung out with Chuck. It sounds like the boys had a good time shopping and going to the park.

Last weekend we saw the Starlight Symphony Orchestra playing holiday music at the Hays County Performing Arts Center. We sat up in the back this year and they sounded great!

On Sunday we got to visit my friend's new baby before Amelia and Braden came over to decorate cookies. The last time we did this, Aurora was the only little one. Now she's the only little one big enough to actually decorate cookies!

This year I have to cram all the holiday magic into the weekends. I used to get these two weeks off as the Foundation always closed from Christmas to New Years. By next year I'll have accrued time off, but I'll be spending next week at work. Nancy, Andrew and Zeland will be here and I'm sure Chuck and the kids can keep them busy without me. Of course, I'm very excited to have the family together for food, presents, movies, video games, and all sorts of fun festivities. Until then; Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

My Boy

You already know that Clark is a mama's boy. When we aren't at work and school, he spends most of his time making me hold him, which is very sweet but makes it difficult for me to get dressed, make food, carry other things, etc. He's completely potty trained now and has been waking me up in the middle of the night (every night) asking me to help him go potty. I've tried limiting his water at night, but alas - when he's thirsty, he is thirsty! Recently he's been having a little trouble falling asleep, and we'll hear him bonking around and singing (or yelling) songs for awhile before drifting off. The past two nights I've gone to check on him once it's quiet and this is what I've found. What a silly sleeper!

Yesterday at school he was running to the potty and tripped and fell and hit his mouth on the toilet. You always hate to get that phone call from daycare saying your child is sick or hurt, and let me just say how relieved I am that only his gums were affected - not his teeth, lips, or nose. His teachers said he was very brave and didn't make any fuss when the nurse cleaned and rinsed the cuts with antibiotic mouthwash. By the time I picked him up he said it wasn't hurting anymore. Aurora said it hurt her just looking at it, and I agree!

Today he brought home this adorable framed picture for me, photo clearly taken pre-mouth bonking. Such a sweet gift from Clarkie and his teachers!

Over the weekend I took Aurora out for a mommy-daughter shopping trip to buy gifts for their teachers. Clark was very upset that he couldn't come and told me he wants me to take him out for mommy-boy only time. I may not get a ton of one-on-one time with him, but I figure I can at least dedicate a blog post to my sweet, loving, goofy, handsome boy.

Capitol

Today I finally woke up feeling strong and healthy - and so did Clark. I was so busy being sick that I didn't realize he was miserable, too. He was cranky, coughing and barely had an appetite, but today he was just about the happiest I've ever seen him - and I had enough energy to go running for the first time since the Turkey Trot! After my run, we all went out to the Capitol for the Austin Philharmonic Orchestra's annual Christmas concert on the rotunda. Clark and Ruby danced and had a great time watching David conduct, and Aurora loved exploring the Capitol building. She found a HUGE Christmas tree in the Senate Chamber and insisted we get a picture.

Afterwards we headed to the Midway food park for Valley View's annual cookie social. The kids got their fill of cookies, candy, frosting, and hot chocolate with marshmallows.

Then we headed up to Mozart's for their holiday light show. Mom and dad joined us and while it was crowded, it was well worth it. The songs were great and the lights were awesome. They even featured the Austin skyline, which got Clark all excited. "Look mommy! It's the cap-sit-ol!"

After two weeks of sickness and exhaustion, today was super fun. I'm so glad everybody's feeling better and it's a relief to be getting back in the groove with my half marathon training. Going to the Capitol was easier than ever now that I have a job with a parking garage 2-blocks away! If only parking at Mozart's was as easy... 

Blessed are we...

This week we've been lighting candles on the Menorah that Grandpa and Bernice sent us when I was pregnant with Aurora. They were so happy that our little one was on the way and proud to share these traditions so that we might pass them down to the next generation. We have indeed lit the candles each year since having kids. I'm sure I don't do it all just right, but I try to include stories about Grandpa Sandler so that he is never forgotten. Last night Aurora asked "Was he real? Was that really your Grandpa?" And I said "Yes! You even met him when you were a baby!"

Per tradition, when lighting the Chanukah candles, three blessings are sung, or read (translated and slightly amended):

1. Blessed are we for kindling the Chanukah candles,
2. Blessed are we for our forefathers who made miracles in those days at this season,
3. Blessed are we who have been sustained and have lived to this season.

Chag sa'mayach, happy holiday!

Santa!

I don't usually go over a week between posts, but this week has been a especially exhausting. It was my first full week at my new job and I spent most of it fighting off the flu. I was tired, medicated and miserable, but I muddled through and made the best of it. It wasn't all misery, and last weekend was actually quite festive as we put up and decorated the Christmas tree, went to the movies, then saw SANTA!!!

Both kids asked Santa for very reasonable gifts so I know he will deliver! It's been lovely having the tree up, listening to holiday music and working on our cards. Today Aurora and I volunteered for the YMCA's annual Children's Christmas party so that hundreds more families could have a magical visit with Santa. We got the coolest elf shirts and our job was to help the kids with a craft project. Aurora handed out stickers and organized supplies like a pro. I'm still tired but it was a wonderful way to spend the morning.

While Aurora and I were volunteering, Santa (er, Chuck) made a quick visit and left some presents under our tree, which was quite the confusing surprise. We have advent calendars so I think Clark understands that there are 19 days to go, but man, once there are presents under the tree, littles want to open them!!! Oh well. I can be patient enough for all of us. Tomorrow we'll spend the day resting, doing laundry and food shopping. I expect another busy week ahead and I'm hoping we're all healthy this time around.