Amy Writes

Chloe wants a Ballet Costume for Christmas. That's all. Ask her and she'll tell you: "I want a ballet dancer costume." Or when faced with the standard "What's Santa Going to Bring You?" question, she answers: "Santa is going to bring me a ballet dancer costume." So yesterday, her class had a Christmas party, and the man in the red suit made a surprise appearance. She stoically took it all in, sitting politely at her table with her hands folded until her name was called, when she properly took her place on his lap, formally smiled for the cameras, and returned to her seat with gift bag in hand. The kids were asked to wait to open their gifts until every child had one in hand. Chloe clutched her bag, nervously smiling, tentatively watching the other kids visit Santa. When it was time to tear into the bag, Chloe pulled out this really cute Tinkerbell doll. Me: "Chloe! That's so cute! How did Santa know you wanted a Tinkerbell doll?"

More than 20 years ago, my grandmother built a doll house for me. I remember the weeks of time that she and my grandfather spent on it. I remember her painting the house blue, and then changing her mind and painting the house pink. I remember her meticulous handling of miniatures, how she created little picture frames and rugs and houseplants out of things she had in her sewing basket. I remember how proud she was of her work. And it was beautiful work. The house lived with me for many years and saw hours of play. It would be decorated for different holidays, serve as a hideout for my brother's GI Joe guys, and spent ample time as a clothes hanger. For the last 10 years or so, the house has been rotting in my parents' garage. Pieces broken off, inhabited by small creatures of various kinds, covered in dust, but still occupying enough space in my heart to keep me standing between my memories and the dumpster. Possessed by I don't know what, I have declared this year The Chri

In spite all of my very best efforts to plan ahead and be able to have a relaxing few weeks around Christmas, I am not having a relaxing few weeks around Christmas. And the truth is, when I'm being honest, I kind of prefer it that way. I love having long lists of things to do and places to go. I love crossing things off as I go along. I love hustle and bustle and household management (except for the cleaning. i don't love the cleaning). So, even though I talk big every year, I don't think I'd be happy with a few relaxing weeks. I think I'd be bored, and would therefore make up things to do. So in this coming series of mini blogs, faithful readers will learn about some of the things I've been doing in the last few weeks, that have kept me so very far away from my bloggy home. Hope you're all having a wonderful Christmas!!

I've never known how to spell "hooky." Is that right? Hookie? Hookey? Hmmm...the last two both earned little red squiggly lines so "hooky" must be right, though it looks the most awkward. ANYWAY, today, the big one woke up in a foul mood. There was stomping and pouting and arguing, which is sometimes indicative of a 5-year-old in the house. But then there were brain lapses and tearful outbursts, which is more indicative of exhaustion. Normally, I'd pack her up and send her off to school where she either rises to the occasion or becomes the school-system-that-demands-attendance's problem. But today is Science Club day. We count down to Science Club day. It is her favorite day of the week. And when she comes home late on Tuesday afternoons, she is completely fried. Though it was early in the morning, I did the math. (One already-fried-kid with an immune deficiency) plus (one overstimulating day in a germy environment) equals one sick kid. To complicate m

My favorite Christmas albums, in no particular order: Michael W. Smith: Christmas Maybe the first Christmas CD I owned, this was my introduction to the majesty & wonder of Christmas. It's such an inspiring, peaceful, beautiful album. "All is Well" is one of the most perfect Christmas songs ever. Chris Rice: The Living Room Sessions Christmas Best enjoyed with a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of wine, sitting in front of a fire with the Christmas tree lights reflecting off the piano next to you. If that scenario isn't accessible, then anytime will work. Harry Connick, Jr.: Harry for the Holidays It's Harry. The Carpenters: Christmas Portrait It's a classic! I love the less-than-popular song choices on this one. The Epcot Candlelight Processional In our copy, the Christmas story is read by Louis Gossett, Jr., The mass choir and orchestrations are really powerful and fun to sing along to. If you're into that sort of thing. Garth Brooks: Garth Brooks & T