The Nutcracker

We took Audrey to see the Nutcracker Ballet performed live at the large auditorium we have in Corpus Christi. It was very exciting as it was family night - no live orchestra so lots of kids and 'audibles' were allowed, to an extent. Audrey reported liking the sword fight the best - she is not into princesses. Also, on Monday, when I tuned in to the Nutcracker on the television and asked if she liked ballet, she gave me a very curious look. "Ballet?" "Yes Audrey, Ballet. Dancing like they do for the Nutcracker."

(Audrey didn't miss a beat...) "That's not ballet. That's yoga!"

Christmas Giving

I admired this necklace that a friend had on at church on Sunday - we're both in the choir, so we see a lot of each other. After my remark, she promptly took off the necklace and placed it around my neck. She explained that she always wears two - and whenever someone compliments the necklace, she takes one off and shares it. Now, she said, she would go back and purchase another. What a great idea! Such good friends in the choir. It's like a second family in many ways.

Life is full of so many blessings!

Speaking of Santa...

Audrey's first visit with Santa occurred recently. This Santa was awesome - the real deal including beard and belly. I think he's a relative or at least decendant of the North Pole resident. Audrey required no prompting. She didn't ask for a thing. She just wanted to hug Santa to death, and he thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Did I mention she didn't ask for anything? Experiencing life through a three year old is a joy and reminds us all of the reason for the season!

Santa's either early or...

I've been in the same apartment since coming to Corpus Christi in December of 2005. They're old, but wonderful. Three bedrooms, 2.5 baths, fireplace, huge rooms, covered parking, about 1800 sq. feet...but they were built in the 1960's as townhomes so they have some wear and tear. So do a lot of the residents who have been here for 20+ years but that is another story. Age brings some problems - plumbing is one example. Several leaks have come and gone, a commode that literally blew up one weekend when I was not home - but as a renter, you don't care as you don't have to pay for repairs. And, it sure is nice to call and have them come fix things and not worry about cost. The pic is a leak that is being investigated in my entry way - they have had to take out sheet rock in the ceiling to locate the leak. Again, no worries as far as I was concerned. But Audrey was quite surprised when she walked in and saw the hole. She looked,she frowned, looked puzzled, changed her stance and looked again. She finally asked me, "Momma, did Santa try to get in?"

Yeah, poor Santa. He missed.