Saturday, December 29, 2012

Christmas is like childbirth

After Santa came this year, and after I did a preliminary clean-up, and as I looked at all of the projects that needed managing, but for which I hadn't the time, because I was managing small children: I texted my mother-in-law:

"Considering skipping Christmas next year. lol"

She texted back. "Awww. I get it. Big time. But it's like childbirth, I always forgot by the next year! Such a great Christmas you put together, Rebecca. You need a long winter's nap. Xo."

So nice when empathy comes your way. And from someone who has been-there, done-that, many times over!

Look at Santa's face.







Wednesday, December 26, 2012

I'm Telling You Why....Santa Claus has Leverage

Silly me.

I actually forgot to use the Santa leverage this year.

It could have been such an awesome Fall! How could I have forgotten?

When Julie Pennell and I took the kids to the pumpkin patch in late September, Julie was already in full Santa-pointing mode. "Now Eva, don't you DARE unbuckle your seatbelt! Santa can see you, and I know he won't be coming if you do that!" With raised and pointed finger.

I thought: great idea, I am so going to do that this year. Jack is actually old enough to know who Santa is, because he remembers that Santa brought trains last year.

Alas, I let it slide; we had another naughty few months. The Pennells came over for a Christmas dinner & music. We decorated gingerbread persons. Eva did something naughty. "EVA!" cried Julie. "Santa will NOT be coming if you keep doing that!" Eva quickly retracted. Julie whispered to me, "Hasn't this year been great? We've really been able to use Santa for everything he's worth!"

I almost cried when I realized my lost opportunities. I could've been the one in charge, the queen of my household. Instead, it was just another few months of Jack poking the baby with sticks and positioning her at the top of the stairs when I wasn't looking.

The joke was on me, big time. Especially since I still had to spend my weekends being Santa. I used precious Daddy childcare time to drive around procuring the items that would appear Christmas day...because I just didn't have the heart to take "naughty or nice" seriously.

It's too soon to start with Santa leverage now. But--Son! You better watch out, because thanks to iPhone reminders, it's coming Fall 2013.



Monday, December 10, 2012

Banjo & Flatpickin' Christmas Singin'

Santa Baby: You are our gift!
Jack and Cora had the time of their lives visiting with Santa at the Luberecki's. Santa popped in and gave treats and ornaments to all of the children.  Jack sang Frosty the Snowman with Ned's banjo accompaniment and Steve Mougin's guitar accompaniment. Lucky kid!