The Nutcracker was splendid. Both James and John thoroughly enjoyed the entire performance. I don't know which I enjoyed more -- watching the performance, or watching them watching the performance. The intermission was a tad too short for the three of us to suck down a small (small-small) soda - could've used another five minutes in the lobby. But really, that's the only complaint. The baby mice - oh. my. word. How cute could they be?!? The Cavalier was absolutely, perfectly, spectacular. He took my breath away with his performance. It was just... wow. Wow. Of course, we couldn't find the camera, so there are no photos. But trust me, we had a lovely time, and the boys were so handsome decked out in their holiday attire.
Since we're having some freakishly warm winter weather, we worked on the windows some more, worked on the property, and then headed out to pick up a tree. We went with our first artificial tree.
(OK, yes, John looks like he's ready to fall over. He was. And no, that's not blood on the wall. It's art. Just ask EmBaby. It's also a very good argument not to buy cheap paint.) Anyway, I never thought I'd want an artificial tree, but truth be told, I'm good with it. No water to worry about spilling on the floor. No water to worry about refilling. It's pre-lit, so that eliminated a tremendous potential for conflict between *ahem* certain parties of our household. The kids liked it okay when we got it up. They liked it a little better when we plugged it in. When we got each limb "fluffed", though, it hit them: this is a beautiful tree! So, four happy children. Can't get better than that. Oh, wait, yes it can. This tree? It. Can't. Die. No matter what we do to it. No matter how many times we tip it over (not saying we will, just saying it could happen). No matter how long we procrastinate in taking it down (ok, I am saying we will do this one). It'll be just as green, and just as non-needle-dropping in March as it is tonight. One happy mama, that's for sure.
Here, we see The Fluffing of the Tree. A new tradition. Perhaps next year, there won't be cans of paint stripper peering in the window.
Oh, and those 3M adhesive hook things? Yeah, they don't last a full year. And the sound of a six-foot bough leaping from the wall in the dead of night? Not the best thing for one's blood pressure. However, it missed the anole set-up, missed the heat lamp, and missed the tree. Since nothing caught on fire, I think it can wait until tomorrow to be dealt with.
Unfortunately, one by one, separated by only a few hours each, the children came down with The Snots today. All four of them. So what began as a routine holiday excursion ended in a menthol-scented, Puffs Plus-filled evening of short stories and an early bedtime. Hopefully, this round will be short-lived. Hopefully, this round won't hit anybody in the house over 5' tall... *cringe*
And in that hope, I'm hitting the hay!
Kiss those babies!
~Dy
8 comments:
Very funny! I thought at first that the picture of the box was your entry - hilarious! I'm posting a link for a download on my blog. Come on over and get your planning page.
The Nutcracker is truly magical, isn't it? (And I don't usually like to use that word, but there it is.)
Your tree looks just dandy and I like that prelit thing. I do love the color of those walls, too. The green, not the artwork in blood or catsup.
Boy, your description of your fake tree makes one sound very tempting. Our tree is so full at the bottom that we have to use plastic tubing to siphon water in.
Wash your hands frequently!
As a former Live-tree-purist I heartily endorse, recommend, applaud fake Christmas trees now! It was the lack of dried evergreen needles everywhere for months after Christmas was over and gone that won me over. Even a cheap, obviously plastic tree is a thing of beauty now. And for moms of little ones and moms of many (both of which apply to you!) it makes for a much more restful holiday season. Enjoy!
Oh....(sniff,sniff) everyone's just getting so big. 17 years we've had a live tree......and this year...the artificial tree has invaded our space.The idea being that we can keep it up till Race comes home. The actual bringing it home in a box thing was sort of a big let-down, but after that...hey, we were all good.
Yep, artificial trees are the way to go! We used to love going out into the National forest to cut our own in Colorado, but since then, we've gone artificial. It's just too easy, and I am basically a slacker mom, LOL. Plus, they have nice candles out there that smell fairly authentic! We bought a new artificial one last year that is also pre-lit, and I am SOOO happy with it. I love not stringing all the lights! That alone puts me in a very merry spirit! : )
I was going to mention that my mother says I was sick year at Christmas until she got an artificial tree. But then you mentioned that the kids were getting colds, which kind of made the point...pointless.
I am an artificial tree devotee. Enjoy your fake tree in the best of health.
I love that first picture..."Uh...it's in a box? Uhhh...we have to assemble it!? Uhhh....????"
LOL at "the fluffing of the tree".
We have art like that too...I think it's a girl thing...Maybe the Martha Stewart gene in it's early stages.
I hope everyone is feeling better.
Have a great day!
mere
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