I have been uncharacteristically excited about this holidays this year. Perhaps it’s because the kids are getting older and the wonders and joys of the season are more exciting to them now. Maybe it’s because I get to cook the dinners myself and we can create our own traditions. I don’t know what it is but I am soaking it all up!

I was SO excited to cook Thanksgiving dinner this year. I have never cooked anything other than dessert for the holidays before and was terrified things wouldn’t turn out… especially since I tried all new recipes. And despite Nathan’s protests that he should hunt the turkey in the wilderness, pluck the feathers and roast it himself, we bought one at the grocery store. I brined it before hand and I think that was the magic trick that made it come out so delicious and moist. I made green beans with onions and tomatoes, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie. The only thing that didn’t turn out was the gravy, which resulted in me sending David out on a frantic trip to the grocery store to buy some. I was supposed to use the drippings from the turkey but there were next to none in the bottom of the pan. I don’t understand it. But since good gravy seems to stress me out so much, I think I’ll stick to buying it from now on.

Before kids, Thanksgiving was my favorite holiday. I never cared for Christmas and dreaded it every year but since having kids, Christmas is slowly making it’s way back up to the top of my list. To make things even better, there are so many wonderful things to do here around this time of year. Now that it’s officially December, I can start planning out new traditions. One tradition that I started about 9 years ago is going to see the Nutcracker every year. Unfortunately, since the kids were born, we have only managed to get out and see it once, but I am pleased to report that I have childcare lined up and we bought our tickets once again! Before I met David, I dragged my dad to see it each year. After David came into the picture, my dad was almost gleeful to hand the tradition of taking me over to him. But he didn’t get off the hook that easily since I insisted the three of us now go see it together. Ha! But since dad is safely in California, he now is protected from suffering through another ballet production.

Next week I fly back to Los Angeles for my absolute last assignment for all of nursing school! I have to give a 30-minute presentation on a group project and then I can finally close the door it. I can’t even describe the growing elation I am feeling about finally being done! To replace nursing school, I am now signing up for classes about things I actually enjoy – like writing and photography! Yay!

I can’t say that my trip to CA doesn’t come without some anxiety. The longest I have ever been away from any of my kids is 7 hours. This time, I’ll be gone for en entire day and a half. Yikes! But David has taken off work so he can stay home with them so I know they will be in good hands. But still, I can’t help but worry. Although I must admit that my worry alternates with complete glee over this mini working vacation. In fact, I think it’s safe to say I am entirely guilt-free 😉