bug...

The crib is stripped...

 Little L has her first stomach bug... sweet baby girl!

but I am praying soon she'll be back to her silly self...

jingle vs juggle vs peace on earth or just within my home

on the plate/list/calendar right now...

• little l is not sleeping great - make that up for hours in the middle of the night, unless snuggling with mommie or rocking with daddy!
• bub's birthday is friday - no present, no money! oh, but reservations and yummy breakfast planned
• have no idea what presents are on the 3rd floor and exactly how many more need to be purchased - pretty sure not so many and many more (in respective order)
• house is half decorated with rubbermaids stacked in the mudroom
• no tree yet!
• not a single cookie baked
• continue to rock out to Christmas music all day long
• Advent celebrated every night with a verse and piece of chocolate
• continue making hot chocolate with marshmallows
• sit on LL's bed and admire that tiny christmas tree lighting up the night in his room and how much he loves it
• "pretend" to be the live nativity with LL as the director (LL - baby Jesus, me - Mary, Bub - Joseph, Little L - angel and Claire - playing the rest... shepherds, sheep, wise men)
• finally thankful for my part-time gig
• acknowledge the understanding it will all come together and if it doesn't everything will be absolutely fine
• relaxing in the peace that covers my home!!

Hope you are enjoying this Christmas season amongst the hustle and bustle and lists and stuff!!

image: pinterest

A night to remember...

Saturday night, we had the opportunity to see Charlotte's Web at the Arden Theatre Company. I grew up going to plays/musicals/ballets and always thought my children would as well.

When I was presented the opportunity to take LL to the theatre's bookworms class, I jumped at it! He loved it. I loved it. Not only because the program is so well done and fosters individuality, it brought my very shy, sometimes not so confident four year old out of his shell. Typing the words brings tears to my eyes because its such an answered prayer. If you are local, please checkout the program here as well as their drama classes for older children. It is such a safe and warm environment. LL cannot wait until the classes resume in January!

As for Charlotte's Web --- it was performed so well. Kept a little four year old completely intrigued the entire performance. This was LL's first play, so I could not wait to see his reaction. At first, he asked "Mama, where's the actual pig?". I explained that the actor was "playing", "pretending" to be the pig which is called "acting". He totally got it and by the time Templeton was introduced he was totally into all the actors. His favorite performance was, of course, Charlotte, but kindly said he liked all the actors. And for his daddy and mama -- we loved it. The Theatre's depiction of E. B. White's classic story was excellent. They captured the story of a special, unconditional love between two friends beautifully.  The set is realistic with the opportunity to use your imagination to bring the scenes to life -- huge barn, the real dirt patch (LL just loved the fact they brought in real dirt in), "Charlotte" flying down (actor gave complements to her rock climbing coach) and the actors -- most played duel roles, but never did LL or myself for that matter see it as confusing.   They all did a fabulous job and even hosted a short Q & A after the play.

Honestly, if you are local, it is a must see and what a special event to share with your little ones this holiday season.

Special thanks goes out to the Arden Theatre Company who invited me and my two favorite guys (little l hung out at home with her auntie). Before the show, they had a special reception with craft sections, a yummy buffet, popcorn machine and adorable real piggy!   After the show, the Theatre hosted a fun ice-cream social!!

Here is a picture of me loving on Bubbles (she is up for adoption!!) and her taking little nips of my fingers...

Don't you love her tutu!!!  I think Claire would love if we adopted Bubbles...

Showtimes and ticket information - click here >>