Carlson Christmas!

We are so thrilled to have Mom and Pop Carlson with us for a few days! They arrived on Saturday after skirting the North and South Carolina snowstorms. After getting unloaded and giving them the tour of the house Christmas decorations, we headed out for pizza at our favorite pizza parlor, Lupis. Once we had finished our delicious meal and got up to leave my parents ran into Dennis and Angie Albee who were in their youth group in Normal. I tell them they know people everywhere they go!

We took a tour of the Christmas lights in some nearby neighborhoods and then went home to open our presents. What a fun time of laughter and love!

Today Pop taught Brian's Sunday School class and gave a wonderful lesson on patience in James 5 using the Biblical example of Job. What a wonderful reminder that God is in control and through Job's sufferings he received patience. Sometimes it isn't about the bad or good circumstances we face, but the work it is doing in our lives. Our pastor also had an outstanding Christmas message which we all received a blessing from. Then for lunch I made our traditional Christmas Eve beef stroganof. Again we enjoyed the food and fellowship. Mom and I took long Sunday afternoon naps. She and I had to stay home tonight because we both have been under the weather. Pop and Brian went to the evening service together and now are watching the Vikings/Carolina game. Of course, my dad has always been a Vikings fan, but he is especially proud at the present of his boy, Brett Farve! I guess we'll see if he pulls it out for them tonight. Will post more of our festivities this week!

Ten days ago I was the birthday girl.

Thank you to so many who sent cards, Facebook messages, texts, phone calls, etc. I am so blessed to have such wonderful family and friends.

It is hard to believe that I celebrated another birthday. When someone actually asked me my age and I admitted it:), they said, "Oh, my, you don't look that old." I was always the youngest in my class and started teaching when I was 21. How is that now I'm "old"? That's OK, I'm enjoying every stage and I would not want to go back to 21, that's for sure!!

Brian gave me the sweater and scarf--very warm and cozy! Mom and Pop got me a Dooney and Bourke purse -- love it!!

Fall 2009 Play "Cheaper by the Dozen"

Well, here is the exhausted play director. We had a great time preparing this year's play. By presenting it in the fall we are hoping to alleviate some of the craziness during the spring (basketball season, competition, etc.). The production was fabulous! We had an excellent cast, helpful, supportive parents and pack-out audience who howled with laughter.

Some special blessings were the dad that built the set and did the lighting. . . the mom who is a professional hair dresser and did all of the girls' hair in 1920's style . . . another mom who made 4 gingham dresses. The costumes looked very "period."

I'm not allowed to post pictures of my students on the internet any more, so if you want to see a picture of the cast I can email you a copy.

These were the cast t-shirts that we ordered. We had posters, programs, tickets, etc. with the same design. I have a fabulous artist that always makes us look good with her design ideas. This one reflects the excitement and comedy of the play.

Once again, special thanks to my wonderful, supportive husband who has gotten used to my panic as well as elation during the production process. He used to say to me in the midst of it all, "Kristy, why do you do this?" I noticed he stopped asking . . . because now he knows. The struggle is so worth it! I praise the Lord for 20 years in Christian education and the many, many productions that I've shared with precious students. Many are using their communication talents to serve the Lord. And it all started by trying out for a little play. . .

Wow! It is December already

We have had a wonderful fall. When my mom told me today that my last blog was July 4th, I realized that time has really flown. Once school starts the days become a blur. One change this fall was that we did our school play. I will write more about it in the next blog. Good news is, it is over and it went very well. Brian's birthday was the same day of our first performance, November 12th. Poor guy, he was very supportive and a good sport. We still did a lot of celebrating and everyone got in the spirit.

Even Essie knew it was a special day and stayed up late for me to get home from our play performance to open presents.

Here is the birthday boy opening his favorite gift -- what a shocker . . . a new tie! Wonder how I knew that's what he wanted?? He's pretty easy to shop for now.

Then to top off the presents he got a pair of pants to go with the tie. Mom Walker and I work well together. I love this pic of Brian -- hair a little tousled (it was late), but a big smile because he really enjoyed his gifts. Reminds me of when I realized clothes were more fun to receive than toys. When I made that realization, I knew I was all grown up. We still enjoy receiving clothes (and don't even mind a few toys). Hope you are doing well. We'll try to get caught up on the news in the next few days.