Catching up - Part 2: And then it was Christmas!

We are just now catching our breath from the whirlwind fall. Actually, I find I'm always trying to catch my breath. There's this big baby - and I don't use the term big lightly - in my belly taking up all my lung room. Then there's this active boy - and I don't use the term active lightly - in my house who keeps me on my toes, on my knees, outside, inside, up, down, round and round... You get the picture? Just thinking about it leaves me taking big, deep breaths again!

December was unforgettable. We kicked off the month with a huge community Cantata. I served as assistant director and even got to direct one of the songs. Standing in front of a 70 voice adult choir was amazing. Something I'll never forget. I also was the director for the children's choir. I had 50 kids sing in the choir this year. Almost double as previous years. I didn't realize we had 50 kids signed up until dress rehearsal. I then realized why I'd been so tired every Thursday night after the kids' rehearsals!

(Photos courtesy of Stacy Ideus. Visit her blog here.)

A couple days before the huge show I caught the stomach flu and ended up in the ER. I became extremely ill and got dehydrated very quickly. Preggos are usually just one glass of water away from dehydration, according to my OB. My blood pressure plummeted and my heart rate became tyachacardic - really fast. So, the ER doc pumped me full of fluids and drugs and send me home feeling much better. By the performance day I was feeling pretty good! Nothing was going to keep me from performance day.

(Photos courtesy of Stacy Ideus. Visit her blog here.)

We performed in the brand spankin' new Wahoo Learning-Arts Center - an amazing theatre for such a small town. The kids were fantastic. Cute. Ornery. But as soon as those lights came on and the curtain opened - they were pros. They smiled and followed my flailing directing arms. I was so proud!

The next weekend, my brother and his girlfriend flew in from California to celebrate Christmas. Luke's lady is named Cara. And I love her. I hope they are together forever and they come visit us more. I somehow conned Cara into making a huge Christmas dinner for our family and my inlaws. She was such a trooper and never cussed directly at me even though I kept saying, "Just one more dish..."

We decided to have a blended family Christmas this year, combining my family and Andy's family. There's only so many days we all get to be together now that everyone is spread out. And it was way easier on this mama.

Little did Cara know - we would be making: Lobster Stuffed Beef Tenderloin with Bearnaise Sauce
Real Creamed Corn Pudding
Broccolini with Pecan Brown Butter
Spiced, Glazed Carrots with Sherry and Citrus
Mushroom Potato Gratin
Libby's Pumpkin Pie
Pecan Pie
(Click on the dish and it will take you to the link!)

Dinner was so good. So special. So special to have most of our family gathered around our table. We sure missed those who couldn't be there though.

Christmas was kinda lost on Adam. He enjoyed the tissue paper and gift bags for awhile. He really appreciated Santa who didn't wrap his toys and just assembled them and set them by the tree. Santa brought him some art supplies, a bubble blower lawn mower, and a car that he can ride in while mom and dad push. He loves them! He also got a potty chair and is learning potty signs. We're not ready to potty train just yet but we're making it familiar and he definitely is getting the hang of it!

The rest of December was a fun blur of family get togethers and then a not so fun blur as several members of the family got sick. Including my husband. Who got the flu. The real flu. The kind the flu shot prevents. I know someone who will be getting their freaking flu shot next year. Anyway. This is a happy post!

Now we are on to the doldrums of winter. Its been amazingly nice out and we've still managed to keep up our long circus walks with our neighbor. But with this baby due in less than 3 months - my walking is turning to waddling. We're starting to nest like crazy people. Well, I am starting to and Andy is helping me along and keeping very busy with his new wood workshop hobby.

I hope you all are having a good 2012!