You know how months and months of waking up to the blasted alarm wears you down?

And how making a kazillion PB&J sandwiches gets tiresome?

How, eventually, the workout routine becomes–yawn–boring?

How Monday after Monday after Monday of sorting, washing, folding and putting away socks and t-shirts gets redundant?

How there comes a point when the weekly menu begins to look eerily similar to that of the week before?

You know, don’t you?

You’ve been there.

All that work is not without reward though.

Because along comes Christmas break and you sleep to your dreams content.  You eat tinfulls of peanut butter balls and pralines and macaroons and fudge.  There are parties.  Wine.  Spiked nog.  Rum that’s all hot and buttered.

The days become lazy.  There is not an alarm to be heard.  Not a menu to shop for.  Nothing to do but sit on the couch and zip through your Netflix queue.

It’s blissful.

Heavenly.

Maybe a touch gluttonous.

And then one fine day you look down into your crumb-filled lap and wonder, hmm.  Have I always been this wide?

All the sleeping in catches up.  And throws you off in the wee hours of the morning when your brain can’t handle a singlesecondmore of REM.

Your hands turn idle.

Your heart turns restless.

Your body?  All the more.

In the nick of time really.  Because just when you think you can’t take the lazy?  The nowhere-to-be, nothing-to do?

Reality comes knocking.

So you open the door.

And welcome her home.

Come on in.  Stay awhile.

Have you made your big plans for New Years Eve yet?

We have.

Jeff, Jayce and I have reservations at our favorite Mexican restaurant.  We’ll have an early dinner and then come home so that Jayce can get to bed at a decent hour.  Jeff and I will probably hit the hot tub for a bit before crawling into bed by, eh, 10:30 at the latest.

We know how to live it up, don’t we?

It’s okay; we’re homebodies by nature.  And anything but late night’ers.

The girls won’t be home for New Years Eve this year.  But in years past we’ve done some fun things to ring in the new year.  I thought I’d share a few ideas for those of you who are looking for a festive, family-friendly first night.

1. Midnight Balloon Drop: Times Square has its ball drop, but a balloon drop in your living room is WAY more family friendly.  We did this one year by taping together two oblong plastic tablecloths (readily available in the party supply section of most stores). We also taped curling ribbon along the entire length of one side and left a decent portion of ribbon dangling (to later use as a rip-cord).  We then used packing tape to adhere the tablecloths to the ceiling in our living room.  Once three of the sides had been secured, we filled the “pocket” with colorful balloons (not helium!), confetti, and streamers.  We used a broom handle to push the balloons all the way to the far corners of the “pocket” we’d created.  Once it was stuffed with all the balloons it could hold we taped up the final edge.  At the designated hour (which for us was 9 o’clock – midnight central time), we pulled the cord and shouted our “Happy New Year!” wishes as the balloons rained down from the ceiling.  The kids were thoroughly impressed!

2. Mocktails: Have you ever seen these glowcubes?  They’re fabulous.  And quite festive.  They’re lighted ice cubes that are safe to drop into drinks.  It may be too late to order them online (which is the best way I know of to score great bulk pricing) but in the past I’ve seen them at Z Gallerie and Target (near the party napkins/ paper products).  You could make good use of them in various mocktails that are a-okay for kid consumption.  Check out great recipes here.

3.  Bubble Wrap Stomp: Forget noisemakers.  Forget horns and shakers and all those obnoxious poppers.  All you need to do is head to a shipping supply store and purchase a length (preferably five’ish feet or more) of bubble wrap.  Place it on a hard, flat surface (like a concrete porch, patio or sidewalk) and when midnight rolls around, let the kids stomp away.

4. List of Firsts: Think resolutions with a twist.  Kids aren’t typically prone to making goals of changing habits or behaviors like us old folk, but who says they can’t resolve to do something new this year?  That’s where the idea for a list of first comes in.  Sit down with a pen and paper and think up a few goals for the next 12 months.  Perhaps this will be the year in which you bake cookies for a local fire station.  Or visit an art museum.  Or learn to ski.  The only rule is that everything that makes the list has to be new to you.  Aptly titled a list of firsts, right?

5. First Night Food: A festive menu can make or break any party – this one included.  Why not spend a little extra time whipping up one or two treats that will make their eyes light up?  I’m especially partial to these.  Or this.  And for a breakfast treat while you watch the Rose parade?  These are sure to elicit smiles!

Check out THAT family for more WFMW ideas!

My little guy is tucked snuggly beneath his covers.

Cinnamon rolls have been left to rise.

The fire is all aglow.

Shadows cast by candle flames dance across the dark room.

My heart misses my baby girls.

But Grams and Gramps help to make my spirit bright.

Baby it’s cold outside.

I’m warm though.  Here in this place of fractured perfection.

Oh so close.

Blessed tonight.

And every night.

May your Christmas be full.  And warm.

May your blessings be many.  May you hold them tight.

May His light make bright your path.

Tonight.

And every night.

I went on a date last night.

Complete with a cocktail hour, dinner, and a show.

And, psst.  Between you and me?

My husband wasn’t with me.

Shhh!  Don’t tell.

What?

Okay fine.  You can tell.

He probably wouldn’t mind anyway.

Considering I was out with Becca.

We went to downtown Tucson.  For margaritas and Mexican food.  And then after dinner we made our way to the bea-u-tiful Fox theater to see these guys…

Ever heard of them?

I hadn’t.

But I was looking forward to seeing them for the first time.

And–for the most part–they didn’t disappoint.

Why for the most part?  Well, there were bits of opera thrown into the show.  I’m not so much an opera kind of girl, so those parts didn’t appeal to me.  And then there was this one medley of Australian folk songs, and that did nothing for me either.

Other than that though?

I actually kind of dug the Ten Tenors.

It’s fun to say that.  Ten Tenors.  Go ahead, try it.

See?  Fun, right?

Back to the show though.

I had no idea what I should expect, considering the fact that they’ve never done a Ten Tenors week on American Idol.  Nor does my local radio station play them.  So I went in blindly.

I was pleasantly surprised.

The show wasn’t chock full of Christmas music, as one might expect.  On the contrary, “the boys” (as they referred to themselves) sprinkled in a few holiday favorites throughout the evening.  Strangely, they also performed some 80’s hits, a few oldies but goodies (think early American Bandstand), a couple of Queen numbers, and even some hits from the movies.  As I’m typing this I know it sounds like a really weird iPod playlist, but it actually worked quite well for them.

Their sense of humor certainly didn’t hurt the performance.

In fact, there were moments that were downright hysterical.

My personal favorite?  The “sexy songs” bit.  Hilarious.  Really.

Like I said, there were a few sleeper moments.  But those were few and far between.  And once they revved up with their renditions of the songs I know and love, all those unrecognizable (Italian?) stanzas were forgotten.

The boys had the crowd on their feet multiple times throughout the evening.  And for good reason really; they are definitely a talented group of performers.

I didn’t notice a ton of young men in the audience, and I can’t say it’s something my husband and a buddy would have bought tickets for.  I can, however, attest to the fact that it would make for a great date night activity.  Or a girls night gig.

The Ten Tenors will be in Tucson through December 20th.  And if you’re looking for a unique holiday experience, I recommend you give this one a go.  It would be an especially fun event to take visiting family to, should you be inclined. :)

*This post is sponsored by Broadway in Tucson.  They were kind enough to offer me tickets to the show.  Their generosity, however, did not influence my opinions of the show! *

We had Christmas on Saturday.

I realize that Saturday was but the 12th of December.  Still, we had Christmas.

We sometimes have Christmas on a day other than the real thing.  Because three of our children will be elsewhere come the 25th.

At their dads.  They’ll be at their dads.

So we pick a day and we call it Christmas.  And it’s not ideal, I know.  But it works for us.  Because it has to.  Every other year.

We had cinnamon rolls.  Egg casserole.

We opened gifts.  Stockings.

We spent the day playing: Scrabble, indoor bowling, Leapster.

It was a good day.

A family day.

A great day.

Albeit early.

Sunday was good too.

Church.  And then girls day out.  Torri and Kennedy and I hit the mall for a movie. New Moon.  Before this movie I can’t say that I’ve ever sat in a theater knowing the movie was about to end, but wishing it wouldn’t.  I did that today.

And then they hit a couple of stores, to make good use of those gift cards.

It’s weird because it seemed to me like all of the Christmas decor was expired.  But it wasn’t.  Because the rest of the world is still looking forward to Christmas day.

Kind of like when the mail lady brought a package to the door yesterday (on our Christmas) and for a moment I was shocked that she was at work.

Oh yeah.  Christmas isn’t here yet.

You’ll have to keep reminding me; I have Christmas events yet to come.

Jeff’s company Christmas party this week.

Baking.

And then the real thing.

These “off” Christmas years do have a silver lining in that by the time the real Christmas rolls around we’ve gotten all of the less important stuff out of the way and we can focus fully on the the one true king.  The real reason for the season.

For that I am thankful.

The real Christmas will be quiet around here.  Joyful.  Reflective.

Our focus will be where it belongs.

And that–I believe–is a gift in itself.

I hope yours is just as merry.

There is a train up in Northern Arizona that operates year-round, making trips to and from Grand Canyon.  During the holiday season the train undergoes a bit of a transformation and–with the help of Christmas magic–becomes the Polar Express.  It sells out early in the year, and tickets can be hard to come by.

It is for that reason that I was incredibly excited to have been one of the lucky June planners who scored tickets for the whole family.

Last Thursday we left home en route for Phoenix, where we enjoyed dinner out and spent the night in a hotel.  After breakfast on Friday morning we kicked off our little holiday celebration with a trip to see Disney’s A Christmas Carol in 3-D.  There were a few parts where Jayce was a bit scared, but the bucket’o'popcorn in his lap helped to distract him.

After the movie we drove the rest of the way up to Flagstaff.  After a hearty dinner at Cracker Barrel we were on our way, golden tickets in hand.  The further north we went the more the temperature dropped.  And by the time we had reached our destination I was hesitant to get out of the car because temperatures below freezing don’t suit me well.  I sucked it up though, and we all threw our heavy coats on over our PJ’s (as is traditional attire for the Polar Express) and headed for the depot.

It was tough to get good pictures because of the lighting and the unwillingness of anybody in my family to pose for long stretches of time in the freezing air.  Can’t say I blame ‘em.

The arrival of the train was announced over the loudspeaker and we took our places in line to board.  We were greeted by attendants wearing white chef coats and hats, just like they do in the movie.  As soon as everybody was seated they played the song about the “hot, hot, hot, cocoa” and came through the car passing out cookies and hot chocolate.  Cassidy would have been pleased as punch if that had been all there was to it.  But there was much more in store for us.

We made a short journey to the North Pole, which had been festively decorated with lots of twinkly holiday lights.  Santa could even be seen waving from his sleigh full of toys.

And then the train stopped, and went in reverse.  When we passed back by the sleigh, Santa had disappeared.  He didn’t go far though; he boarded the train!

On the way back to the station the attendants walked the aisles showing pictures from the Polar Express book, as a read-aloud version played on the loudspeaker.  Once the book had been read, we sang carols from a songbook that had been provided for us.  And once we sang loud enough, the jolly guy himself made his way through the car handing out special gifts for all the children who believed.

It was really cute.  And hopefully will make for a lasting memory for all the kids, even the big ones! ;)

Oh ye of little faith.  Whatdya mean you didn’t think I’d post today?  Sheesh.  Give a girl some street cred would ya?  I mean, just because I posted for thirty-one straight days in a row doesn’t mean that I’m going to use that as an excuse to suddenly disappear and leave you all waiting on bated breath to see what is going on in my little corner of the desert.  I mean really, what kind of blogger do you think I am?

Now that we have that straightened out I have something to tell you.

I may be scarce for the next few days.

What?

I’ve got places to go.  People to see.  Flights to catch.

That’s right.  I’m a regular world traveler these days.

I’m headed back to… (go ahead, guess).

If you guessed Orlando, you’d be right.

But first the family is headed to Northern Arizona.  We’ve got golden tickets for the Polar Express.  This will be the first year we’ve done it and I’m just a touch excited.  Maybe not so much excited about the forecasted high of 35 (yes that was THIRTY-FIVE degrees Fahrenheit).  Seriously.  Thirty-five?  In Northern Arizona?  You’d think we’d entered the Tundra or something.  But no, I’m not excited for the cold.  I’m excited for the sight of the train chug, chug, chugging into the station.  And making the short trip up to the North Pole with my family.

And then I’m leaving on a jet plane en route to Florida (where the high better be at least double what it is in Northern Arizona).  I get to meet the new Moms!  Of course, seeing the castle all aglow in thousands of twinkly lights ain’t so bad either.

But I’ll be home soon enough.

With pictures.

Pinky swear.

There are photo books yet to be designed.

Cards to address.  Stamp.  And ultimately mail.

More shopping to be done.

And the wrapping.  Oh the wrapping.

Cookies to be made: a half dozen different kinds.

Fudge to be devoured.

Christmas stories to be read.

Garland to string.

Mistletoe to hang.

Eggnog to sip.  {Heavy on the brandy pretty please}.

Fancy Christmas clothes.

Photos.

Maybe even a party or two.

I’m forgetting something.  I just know it.

Oh yeah.  I’m making Kelly’s chocolate covered pretzels for the bus drivers this year.  Add that to the list.

Sigh.

It’s officially December.

The countdown has begun.

The hurry-up, no-time-to-waste, gotta-get-it-done countdown.

The one that leaves little time for what matters most.

For reflecting on the reason for the season.

For just being.  With the ones I love.

For breathing out.

For twinkly lights.

For savoring.

Sipping.

Roasting.

Smiling.

Toasting.

Things worth squeezing in.

I’ll bet I can fit them in somewhere.

And I hope you will too.

Recipe for a fabulous holiday weekend:

• Enough turkey, dressing, and sweet potatoes to require changing into stretchy pants.
• Leftovers.  Plenty ‘o’ leftovers.
• Family.  Preferably not the Griswald rocket toilet variety.  But beggars can’t be choosers.
• Shopping.  Shopping is good.  Doing so in place of sleep?  Eh.  Not so much.
• Knocking out the Christmas shopping though?  Score.
• Shiny ornaments, scented candles, and mistletoe.
• From-scratch hot chocolate.  With gads of whipped cream.
• Not a lick of exercise.  In spite of the gads of whipped cream.
• Sleeping in.
• Scrabble.
• Jewel singing Winter Wonderland.
• Brandy-spiked hot apple cider.
• Squeezing five-wide onto the couch to watch UP!
• Writing off Black Friday shopping for next year.  And every year thereafter as long as I shall live.  Amen.
• Substituting cheesy blog posts for those with real content because I’m too busy cooking up a fabulous holiday weekend.

Am I missing anything?

You know those crazy people who don’t bother letting something as petty as sleep get in between them and the great Black Friday deals to be had?

Yeah…count me among them.

I don’t go it alone though.

I’ve recruited accomplices.

Don’t ‘tsk tsk’ at us though; we’re not the trampling type.

We’re more the tap-politely-on-the-horn type.

Hopefully that won’t be necessary this go ’round.

Pfft.

Who do I think I’m kidding?

It’s a jungle out there.

Wish us luck…