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| Elia Clara, Eden Ann & Eliezer Matthew |
On Tuesday, I stopped by Lars' Head start Center for a sing-a-long of Christmas carols and a surprise visit from Santa. I was supposed to be in two places at once, but called to delay my appointment so I could watch Lars climb up on Santa's lap. That was a first for him. (I know, he's four and I've probably deprived him of The American Dream in some eyes, but yes, this was a first for him.)
I was smiling brightly because, even though he knew this was a big guy dressed up in a polyester red suit, I knew what he'd ask for. The same two things he always asks for any time of the year: Cars cars and John Deere Tractors. I was prepared, having already wrapped them and hidden them under the tree.
"What would you like for Christmas, Lars?" asked the Chief Elf.
"A fish in an aquarium." said my Lars, without even a moment of hesitation.
Santa's eyes cut to the back of the room where I stood with the other moms, chatting and visiting, taking photos with the center's camera, now suddenly speechless. In a moment of panic, I made the neck chopping gestures, shaking my head violently from side to side and whispering "NO" as loudly as I could mouth it to him. Santa, being wise beyond his years, got the hint.
"Is there anything else you'd like for Christmas if you can't have fish?" Asked Santa, sweetly.
I smiled, sure I was out of the woods.
"A Thomas the Tank Engine Electric Track Train Set" said the boy.
WHAT????!!!! You've got to be kidding me? I know this kid like the back of my hand!! Nothing changes with him, it's always the same. What happened to My Lars? What has Head Start done for him? Possibly made him think outside of the box? Now what was I to do?
I pondered this dilemma as we went into the the next day. Being Wednesday now, I went up to get the weekly newspaper, our Bridgeport Newsblade. I knew that the Thursday prior, Eden's Kindergarten class had walked up to the post office to mail letters to Santa Claus. They could ask for one thing only in their letter.
Again, I was pretty much ready for Eden's response, as she's fairly predictable.
Dear Santa,
I would like a Stamp and See.
Eden Strawn
Mind you, I've never even heard of a Stamp and See, let alone know where to buy one. Therefore, I enlisted some older elementary school friends into researching what this might be. No one I asked had any idea, but Eden wanted one. Bad.
Several Google searches later, I got it. And, if you order today and pay expedited shipping, you can have it by December 23rd. Seeing as this rarely actually works for me, I debated.
Then, I ordered it.
Thursday came quickly and when Allen left to take Lars to therapy, I gave him strict instructions to find an electric Thomas the Tank Engine track, to which he scoured the shops of Scottsbluff three days before Christmas. He's much braver than I.
He found one and, for the price of an arm & a both legs, he bought it. (It looks really fun and I can't wait to see it put together tomorrow!)
Back to thinking about Eden's Stamp and See. When it wasn't at the Post Office on the 23rd, I went and got a secondary gift that I knew she'd love. Only to find that UPS had delivered it to the house while I was out. Thank you, Ron!!
I was safe, on both fronts.
Fast forward to yesterday. I had shared these stories
with friends, relieved to know I was going to make it as Eden & Lars' Greatest Mom, at least this year for Christmas. They thought, however, that it would be a great idea to follow through with the whole 'fish tank thing'. We joked about finding a big shark, and low & behold, they came to the house a few hours later with three gold fish in a bag, an aquarium in a box, fish food and a tie died piece of resin coral for the fish to play in. What are friends for?
The kids haven't stopped watching the fish swim. They are yet to have firm names, though several have been tossed about. I named three kids, so they're going to have to figure this one out.
As I wrapped the last of the gifts this morning, I came to the stark realization that I had not wrapped one single gift for Little Elia Clara. I wasn't nearly as upset about this as the person I was telling, but, being the youngest of three myself, I could see the complex this could potentially have. So, I jumped in the car, ran uptown to find some of the best last minute Christmas deals I've ever seen and came home to begin wrapping again. I'll admit, it was kind of fun shopping just for her.
All said, it's been a productive week. And I'm ready for a nap.
But first, showers for all, supper, candlelight service at 7:00, then kids to bed and Christmas socks out under the tree.
Merry Christmas to all & to all a good night!
