WHITE CHRISTMAS!!!!!!

The snow if falling and it doesn't look like it will stop soon. The picture here is a little strange b/c there is no snow around Chris' car but the steps to my house are completely covered. There really are only a few inches out but there are some deep snow drifts here and there. The biggest one in the neighborhood is at the edge of my driveway so Chris could not get out even if the mustang was slightly better than a snow sled (with heat and a radio). The suburban however loves this and Chris digs driving over the snow drift. I think he made up reasons to leave the house just so he could pop it in four wheel drive and get out of he drive way (kidding of course). Thankfully they have scrapped and sanded all the roads in and out of our neighborhood. The worst spot truly is the edge of my drive way.

I am excited for Christmas tomorrow and looking foward to some skiing. I don't know if we will go up today or wait until Friday but it should be fun either way.

Andy and Susanne came by for a visit. We haven't seen them in a long time so that was nice. They brought their dogs which the kids loved. We went to Susanne's parents house last night for a little party. Tonight we go to Mass, read A night Before Christmas and wait for Santa!!! So exciting.

Holiday Happenings

There has been so much going on that I thought it was time to create another slide show. They boys had a Christmas Pageant and Jonah had his last performance of "a Christmas Carol" last night. Tanya came out to get our Christmas tree. We spent time decorating the tree and then took a trip to "Santa's". We went out to Santa's house in the trees. We saw his workshop and then we went inside to spend some time with Santa. It was such an amazing thing. The house was decorated beautifully and after we had cookies and cocoa in the kitchen. Tanya, Trav and the kids came with us and it was truly a wonderful experience. I forgot my camera but I know Tanya will be sending me pics soon. I love that they are so close and we get to share these memories together. The kids adore her children and it is nice to have family around. I guess you could say I am finally "in the spirit."

I taught Sunday School today and we talked a lot about waiting for Jesus. How we as Christians are always celebrating and always waiting in one way or another. We talked this week of rejoicing while we wait. As those before us worshipped and rejoiced the coming of the birth of Jesus. We remembered that while the anticipation for Christmas is great there is an important part of our waiting. We are meant to prepare the way for the lord. I am so blessed that my kids get it. We talked of how we prepare ourselves and I am reminded of all the gifts I already have. All in all it was a wonderful day. Today we Rejoice!

A Holiday Slide Show

Opening Night

Last night we were treated to a full dress rehearsal before opening night. It was a performance geared for families. These are pictures from that show. Tonight was opening night. It ended up being a very emotional experience for Jonah. I have to say I was surprised and at the same time not so much. Jonah has always been a very tender hearted, thoughtful young man and he proved so tonight. While he was eating dinner he jumped up and came to give me a giant hug. With big old crocodile tears in his eyes he said "thank you mom, this is my dream and you made it happen for me." I said "no, Jonah you made this happen." He just hugged me and cried. It only took a few minutes to gather himself. He got very nervous just before the show and in between scences he would panic and cry a little. He kept finding me back stage to give me a hug. I continue with words of encouragement and I have to admit I was beginning to wonder if he was going to be ok. However, when he went on stage it was like BAM! He was on. He did great and all his scenes went smoothly. Anita, the Religious education leader at t our church came, along with the childrens librarian Kate and a family that we have known for years. I mentioned to Kate what had happened back stage and she truly looked shocked. Jonah was so relieved after the show and I think now he knows he can do it. He also kept thanking me for getting him an audition. The hugs and love were almost overwhelming for me. He is such an angel, and a little ham too. I hope you enjoy the pics. He has two shows tomorrow and two more next weekend.

It was so hard to pick my favorite pictures. The guy who took them took over 400. I tried to limit, I even left out three small scenes he was in but still I overwhelmed you with Mom bragging pics....