'Tis the Season

Well! Hard to believe it's the 20th of December. To say this month has flown by, is quite an understatement.

Here are some highlights of the month thus far (you can double-click on photos to enlarge them):

KARI VISITS GRANDMA. My Grandma turned 100 years old this month! Yes! So much has happened in the last 100 years. And that's just in this country. I went to Arizona for a few days, to catch up a little and wish Grandma a Happy Birthday.

HOLIDAY CONCERTS. We've gone to Kara's chorus concert, and her band concert in the last week or so. She's been playing the saxophone for this school year, and is doing a really good job. There is also a "5th grade chorus" that meets weekly before school to practice. They did great with their holiday songs.

Teresa also had a chorus concert, at the middle school. As an 8th grader, she is in the "7th and 8th grade chorus", and also "Select Chorus," for which she auditioned.

WINTER GALA. Parexel had its holiday party, which is certainly not a "given" every year (last year they didn't have one), but this year they did. Lots of good food, and it gives me a chance to rub shoulders with some of Frank's coworkers. Dinner and dancing, and this one had a casino theme so we all got some "chips" to play with. We mostly stayed at the Roulette table, and Blackjack 21 (?? is that the name of it? You get two cards, and try to get as close to 21 as you can. Ask for one more card, or stick with your two. Add them up, and if you are closer to 21 than the dealer is, you win.).

A NIGHT IN BETHLEHEM. Our family got to take part in the Christmas Story, as our church Christmas party was called "A Night in Bethlehem." We followed the scriptures as Luke told of the shepherds (Teresa was one of them), and the Wise Men (Frank). David was a centurion guarding King Herod, and Kara was one of the angels singing! It was a nice evening, with good food, good company, and a really nice production of the Christmas story.

I could go on and on about how much baking has happened in our kitchen, as Teresa and Kara have lists of friends and teachers to whom they want to give gifts. Also class parties, and shopping for Secret Santa gifts. The best part for me is, THEY are planning and carrying most of it out! I chauffeur, provide the ingredients and offer tips here and there, but they are doing most of the "work." They bake and wrap and think of the gifts. The kids are having a lot of fun.

We are of course looking forward to Christmas at the end of this week. This is my favorite holiday, my very favorite time of year. I read inspirational Christmas stories that make me cry. I vow to do better -- to value people over things and to-do-lists.

The Christmas program at church was full of beautiful music and scriptures and messages. We have a lot of local musical talent, including instruments and vocal musicians. There was a 15-piece orchestra including a cello and a harp, playing for the choir up on the stand.

I'm afraid I'm going to blink, and Christmas will be over! Here's wishing you a peaceful and joyful holiday. (Note to self: Slow down and smile...breathe in and meditate upon the beauty of the season.)

Kari