December, weeks 2 & 3

Our December has been brimming with fun!

Anslie and I went to see the Nutcracker. We had been reading the book and dreaming of ballerinas since October. The big day finally arrived. We both wore our prettiest dress and curled our hair. She held our tickets and carried them in her purse. In our fancies, we first we went to a cupcake shop and indulged, then drove to the theater. Anslie was riveted by the dancers gliding across the stage. She was equally riveted by the small bag of popcorn I bought her at the concession stand (a luxury I would normally never permit. That was half of the magic). I hope she felt special.

Anslie with ballerinas at intermission.

Anslie and I before the show.

We are starting to have some fun holiday traditions in Texas. We returned again this year to the free carriage ride at the Shops at Highland Village, splurged on a cup of hot chocolate that we split between the four of us, then afterwards soaked up the lights and the huge Christmas tree in the center of the plaza, took pictures of the kids, and read books to each other at Borders book store.

Carriage ride!

The baby.

Tyler's hat hair!

Merry Christmas!

My three.

Freeman took the kids early in December to Bass Pro to have their picture taken with Santa and enjoy the Christmas festivities.

We enjoyed mingling with our ward at the ward Christmas party. It was simple, which allowed us to focus on talking to people and enjoy their company.

On a random Thursday night I drove my little self to a choir concert at a church in downtown Dallas. I’d read about the choir online and it sounded interesting. I was surprised to learn that one of the choir members is a Mom in our preschool co-op and the director is Mormon! I LOVE beautiful choir music. Sometimes its good to go on a date with yourself and remember what it is you like.

Freeman’s sister Collette came to town December 20th – 23rd. Tyler went roller skating with the big cousins and loved it. I just love Collette’s family. Those boys are so good to their cousins. Collette is a powerhouse, but so humble. She always makes you feel like she is on your level and that what you are saying to her is important. A talent.

I love having my home full of people who are enjoying being together. I didn’t pull off much of that this year, but we did have a small holiday piano recital for my students. I only have 4 students, so the performances lasted a total of about 15 minutes. Afterwards we had cookies and the families lingered for awhile.



Our friends, the Browns, invited us over for their traditional “Bethlehem dinner.” We ate foods that would have been used in Bethlehem: meats, olives, pita bread, and ate on a floor table. Jeremy and Audrey are some of our favorite people. Jeremy offered a simple prayer and explanation of the dinner before we ate, and the kids enjoyed running, playing, frosting cookies and watching a movie after dinner.