Christmas Parties

Last Friday was a busy day. It was the last day of school for the boys until the New Year and they both had their Holiday parties. I was able to sneak out from work and attend both affairs. Yes, I did have to miss my company holiday lunch and my chance to win folding lawn chairs and other great prizes, but it was absolutely worth it. I got there while Matthew was having lunch with his little Kinder classmates in the cafeteria. I look of joy on his face when he saw me was precious. I would not have traded that look for a million folding chairs. These are the moments when I know that I would never trade motherhood for any amount of money or anything else in this world. He kept taking my hand and kissing it while he was eating his lunch.


Matthew had his first fruit-flavored candy cane and he was not giving it up until he had finished the whole thing. They had a book exchanged and I thought the way it happened was pretty creative. Ms. Sheffield told the little ones to get in a circle and handed each child a wrapped book. Then she pulled out a Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer story. Every time the named Rudolph was said, the children were to pass the books along to the person on the left. It took a couple of turns for the kids to get it, but when they did, it was so much fun to see. Every time Ms. Sheffield said “Rudolph” there was a chorus of squeals. The boys may have squealed louder than the girls. And they all had their little reindeer shirts they made with their hand and footprints on. So cute.

Michael’s class had a talent show at their Christmas party. Michael was not really into it. He had explained to me earlier that he was not participating. Like he was too good for that nonsense. I encouraged him to, of course, but he had made up his mind. I suspect that he is not comfortable getting up in front of people. In fact, I’m sure he did not want to get up in front of people so I let it go. When it was time for him to go up, I was surprised at how firmly and confidently he said “ I don’t have talent to show.” Although I would have loved to see him go up and perform, I am more proud of him for knowing what he wants firmly communicating it.

We tried to go see the ICE! Exhibit at the Gaylord Texan on Saturday, but were thwarted. Who knew so many people had the same idea? We weren’t able to get tickets, but we did get to walk around the beautiful hotel. The lights, and the train and the crowd, oh my! It was so beautiful. I brought my camera but it ran out of battery. I was able to take a couple pictures of the boys though before it died.