This weekend will be all about packing away the last remnants of the 2006 Holiday Season. Although I am a little wistful seeing everything bright and glittery packed away, I won’t waste energy begrudging the passage of time. Besides, the beginning of a new and what I believe will be a wonderful year is hardly reason to be sad.

December was a whirlwind of different activities, and with it I know each of us takes some wonderful memories.

For the first time EVER, I volunteered to be a chaperone for one of the rugrats’ school field trips. As Riley is my baby, the chances to do this are quickly coming to an end; I thought it was time to experience Momhood as a chaperone. Riley’s class took a trip to Polar Ice Skating rink, to ice skate and have a pizza party. Riley and I worked out the rules for Mom, including what I’m allowed to say and not say while in the presence of his classmates. No “I love yous” and no hugs. He did allow me to sit next to him on the bus, and to eat pizza with him and his buddies.

I found the experience rewarding. A chance to observe Riley and how he interacts with his classmates; I was actually surprised to see how low key he is around his classmates. Riley’s teacher has a special gift and bond with kids, and maintains control of the class with relative ease. Which meant what I mainly did was snap photos of the kids having a good time.

This month brought Tayler’s Holiday Orchestra concert as well. It amazed me at the amount of improvement in their music, just from the Fall concert. Watching her play beautiful music brought tears to my eyes. Of the good kind of course.

The hubby and I took the kids to MAC (Mesa Arts Center) to see the Mesa Symphony perform Handel’s Mesiah. A new experience for Riley, not-so-much for Tayler, who is in her school’s orchestra. Honestly, I have to admit that listening to classical music is something I would rather do in the privacy of my own home. Sitting for more than a couple of hours, even in the beautiful MAC was, well, torture. I’m getting old, and sitting in the same position is more than a little uncomfortable. Had it been a musical play, possibly it would have kept my interest more. How Riley got through it is beyond me. Overall I’m glad we went and had the opportunity to expose Riley to the Arts.

Kevin’s brother Jim, and his family, sent us a gift card to the Broadway Palms Theatre that we’ll use to take the kids to see a musical or play. I think this will be a much more enjoyable experience for the kids. (OK, as well as me) It was a wonderful idea and thoughtful gift. We have been talking about taking the kids to a play now for a couple of years. Now we just need to pick one. Tayler will love it. Riley? We’ll see. I’m thinking since his first experience was a symphony, seeing a play will be far more interesting and fun for him. (I know it will be for me.)

Close to Christmas I had a Christmas brunch for the girlfriends that I have met through blogging. We had a wonderful and relaxing time, visiting, eating and drinking. I want to thank Rhonda, Rachel and Jade for taking time out of their busy holiday schedules to come out to our house for a visit. I put together stockings for each of the ladies, stuffing them with different goodies I thought they would like. (I love playing Santa!) Kevin played bartender, and I don’t believe anyone could have done a better job at it! I am really amazed at what wonderful friends came from this hobby. I love each of these ladies as if we had known each other for years!

Christmas Eve, we went to my X-husband’s house for a little celebration with the kids, and their grandmother. (The X’s Mom) They had a wide variety of appetizers and champagne, and Tayler and her Dad put on a little Christmas concert for all of us. Her Dad played the guitar and Tayler her violin. Robby, my oldest, and his grandmother provided vocals. It was enjoyable, if not a little Norman Rockwell-ish. After all, my kids were performing, and they did my favorite Chritmas song, Oh Holy Night. As odd as it might sound, socializing with my X and his Mom, the joy in my kids’ faces, having all of their loved ones together is worth any slight discomfort there might be. I thank my understanding and confident husband for handling this situation as well as he does. I know if the tables were turned, well....I don’t see myself handling it quite as well as he does. (That may be putting it extremely mildly)

We didn’t end up making the turkey Christmas dinner as we had tentatively planned. It’t just so easy to make a reservation at a close resort for their Christmas buffet and let the kids eat themselves into a stuffed state of contentment. And it meant that the hubby and I could take off for Laughlin earlier in the day, not having the mass clean-up and prep a Holiday dinner carries.

Now it’s time to pack it all away, and look towards the first half of 2007.
I hope it’s a good one for us - and you!

Love,

3T