Christmas Stars

Lola and Locke's preschool class staged a holiday program last week. The kids had been busy in class the weeks prior, making decorations and cookies, learning songs, and decorating candles to give to the parents. We all knew they were gearing up for the show and, after the Thanksgiving program, we had an idea what to expect at this performance.

As the show began, the kids filed out wearing the reindeer headbands they'd made with their hand prints, and they sang several Christmas standards, including "Rudolph," "Jingle Bells," and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas."

It was seriously the cutest thing I've ever seen. I was so proud of Locke, merrily belting out those tunes like a pro. And Lola, who was so afraid to even look up at the Thanksgiving program, was smiling and singing and having a great time — I'm sure I was noticeably beaming.

I'm crazy for these shows. I can't wait until the next holiday that warrants a show. Maybe they'll surprise us with a Groundhog Day show? Presidents' Day? I don't care what they're celebrating, I just want to watch Lola and Locke singing and having fun.

Here Comes Santa Claus

We've come a long way in a year. Especially Lola. Last year she refused to even be in the same room as Santa, let alone sit in his lap and chat with the big, jolly stranger. Of course there's worse things than being cautious about strange hairy men dressed in red fur.

But this year Lola made up for lost time, sitting happily in his lap (along with her brother, of course), giving Santa very specific descriptions from her wish list. For example, "pink thing in magazine." This turns out to be a stationery set in a cute pink handbag from the FAO Schwarz catalog.

Locke, as always, was as comfortable talking to this stranger as he is talking to his best friend. He had to be persuaded to leave Santa's lap with the promise of a trip to his favorite cupcake cafe.

Thanks, Everyone!

I have a lot to be thankful for. I'm thankful for my sweet, beautiful, and talented kids. I'm thankful for my gorgeous, wonderful husband. I'm thankful for our loving and helpful families. I'm thankful for our friends here and the ones back in Texas. And I'm thankful for Thanksgiving.

I LOVE Thanksgiving. Probably more than any other person I know. Thanksgiving combines all my very favorite foods — turkey, dressing, cranberries, and my most beloved pumpkin pie. Plus, you're practically obligated to drink wine (or champagne) in the middle of the day. And, because we're very strict about what and when we eat and drink, Thanksgiving is my free pass for overindulging.

This Thanksgiving was special because the fabulous Mimi (Kelly's mom) was visiting. She made most of our delicious Thanksgiving dinner. And, in the days prior, she helped Lola and Locke make festive centerpieces and name cards for the table, and she bought them adorable Thanksgiving Day outfits. Thank you, Mimi, for a wonderful Thanksgiving.