Lost and Found

It's been a good week. As December arrives, along with it comes multiple events, commitments, and odds and ins that have to be completed. Most of it I love, but it's just ALL at once! This week we made wreaths with our small group. It was a lot of fun and the kids did great play with the other kids. We have learned to tote along our bag of trains and with plenty to share- it seems to keep them busy for hours....
Thursday night was Jer's work Christmas party. We debated bringing the boys because we are usually on kid patrol and don't get to socialize very much, and with Jer being somewhat of an administrator- we wanted to be available. BUT- his boss goes to all lengths to have this incredible party, complete with the most real looking/acting Santa I have ever witnessed. He comes into the party unannounced and calls all the children over. He calls them out one by one and has a present that was bought especially for them. (Plus there are incredible door prizes!:) So Jer decided that we should bring them because of all she was doing and because they would love it. It's amazing how much they grow up before your eyes. We went, (Ian very aware of Santa's upcoming visit) and we ate ahead of time since the dinner wasn't until 7 and I wasn't sure what they were having with Luke's issues.... They had their trains and played so well with all the other kids there. A few other kids horded a few trains and Ian didn't even notice. Then the big moment. "HO!HO!HO! (jingle, jingle,jingle)....." He had arrived!!!!! Ian and Luke were all smiles as we walked over to his area. The boys sat patiently and sang songs with Santa and couldn't wait to sit on his lap. One by one the names were called and Santa talked with each child for a full minute or so. (which seemed like much longer). We waited and waited.....Finally the last 2 presents out of the bag (out of like 30 or so) were called out. Ian jumped up with a sheepish smile walked over to his lap. He answered Santa's big question- with a fire truck. (of which we bought an amazing one on Craig's list for $7 that is so big I asked Jer to help me carry it upstairs- it has a 3 ft crane) Santa instructed him to go to bed early and Santa would bring him something special. Then Luke's name was called and I thought for sure he would cling to me and refuse to sit on the old stranger's lap. But he bounced up and ran to him! I could have teared up!!!! It was so precious. Jer and I were just beaming with content to see them in this magical moment. Santa gave them little race cars that they clutched in bed that night. Luke wanted his 4 cars to remain in the plastic and got super protective if anyone wanted to show him that he could take them out and actually play with them.

Then on Friday, I had to take them to get the dreaded flu shot-always a pain. My ped. is in Eagle and I don't get out of school until 4 which is when they have their last appointments. So I made arrangements for my bus kids to go with a co-worker and I raced to daycare to pick up the kids. They had a good day (whew) and we raced to the doctor's office. We arrived on time, (another whew!) and I somehow walked in with calm, obedient boys. They played for a moment in the waiting room and then our names were called. To our great surprise the nurse was going to give them the spray instead of the shot (an amazing advancement). Two boys, two sniffs, and we were done. Not even the $40 copay. (whew). They walked out, received their suckers (a bit of a rip off for only having to sniff- but oh well) and walked to the car. For those 10 minutes I felt relief, assurance and pride for them behaving so well. I felt like a good mom. Instead of always viewing the other children that are sitting so quietly, etc. And it hit me. They are growing up. They're always going to be wild boys with energy and excitement, but they will mature and understand what is appropriate and when. To top it off, Ian loved the Christmas music on the way home because he remembered singing it with Santa.
A good week.

Jer and I went Christmas shopping last night for each other, but we couldn't help to walk into the Disney store and drool over the new WALL-E toys. Jer begged to give them to them today but we settled on giving them their 2 new Wall-e plates at lunch time. Ian was so excited that he said, "Mom, I need you to take a picture of my Wall-e plate and me."
Oh- and I'm can't seem to find my period. Anyone seen it?