Homeschool Christmas Party

Today was the long awaited homeschool group party. We were supposed to do it last Sunday but a couple families couldn't make it. Then it was scheduled for today but a couple families weren't going to make it either. AGH - what to do?!? We went ahead and had it anyway. We were only missing one family when all was said and done (and we did miss them!!).

But let me back up some. I had woke up with a cold or something yesterday. I felt stuffed up and icky. I thought it might be something more in the afternoon when I got cold to the bones and couldn't warm up. I ordered pizza for dinner so I wouldn't have to cook. After eating, I did feel some better but not quite good. I went to bed early and J woke up almost immediately. Daddy Piper tried to comfort him but at night, he usually only wants his mama's milk. I got him and crawled back into bed. He and I slept wonderfully for the next 3 hours!!! Daddy Piper came to bed, moved J back to his bed and back to sleep I went until 4 this morning. I got up at 4 for the day. J got more of his mama's milk and went back to sleep until 8:30 - WOOHOO!! I napped a bit on the couch until the kids all started getting up. I woke up and felt super great. I think I was just extra run down with the holidays and stuff. I got up and got the morning going (the fire was already going since 4 - thank you Daddy Piper for cutting all the wood yesterday!). I had a ton of stuff to get ready for the afternoon. I had some good helpers though so it helped. My niece came down to spend some time with us. L & S had fun making the peanut balls and L helped decorate the pretzels. I lost my cool and was frustrated for a couple of hours, just trying to get ready. I finally gave up feeling overwhelmed and things went smoother. I will never learn, it seems, to relax and enjoy the process of getting things ready. Treats got made (yummy peanut butter balls and chocolate dipped pretzels) and I got the food set out. I also made pico, which was yum!

After showering while the kids napped, I got the rest of food ready. We had burgers and dogs with chips and salsa, veggie tray and a scrumptious salad. Everyone started showing up at 4 and the show got on the road. It lasted until about 7. We had a great time. The kids played well, food tasted wonderful, all the dads got along beautifully. We are so lucky to have built such a wonderful group.

L has seemed to find a kindred spirit in another member of our group (GL). It is so neat to see them play together. She grabbed his hand while running out to play. I so enjoy seeing her so happy, playing with him and the other kids.

L did mention today that her fish was the wrong color. She had asked for a gold one - yikes! This is the second time Santa messed up her request.

S enjoyed the company of all the boys from our group. He has grown into himself lately. He used to be really uncomfortable around groups of people but not anymore. He enjoys the other boys now and plays very well with them.

J spent most of the time with his Daddy. He has become a Daddy sidekick lately, truly loving being outside. He helped start the fire :-)

Now my niece is out and about with some friends. I have another hour or so to wait up for her before going to bed. Thankfully it's years before I have to do this with my own. And who said you get more sleep once the kids outgrew the baby stage???