a trip to the north pole

The other day I was writing the date on the board at school.  I do that every day, so the students can see how the date is written differently in Latin America than it is here in the U.S.  But as I was writing, I got to thinking...there aren't many more days for putting "2011" up here.  Time is so fleeting.  Wasn't it just 2001 and I was starting college?  Wasn't it just 2005 and I was getting married?

Which also got me to thinking that since the end of 2011 is fast approaching, I want to fill it up with memories and purposeful activities that will make us look back on this year and say we took life by the horns and put an exclamation point on the end of the year.

It just so happened that on the day when these thoughts were tumbling through my head, I came across an idea online for a North Pole Party.

My initial thought was...."Wow, that would be fun to do someday."  I mentioned it to Hubby, still thinking that some year, we should organize something like that.  Then I asked him, "Do third graders still believe in Santa?"  He laughed.  "Maybe one or two."  REALLY?  Are you kidding me?  His third graders are 9 years old!  That gives me a precious 6 more Christmases to make it magical.....

So, I polled a few friends about possible dates.  And everyone was free THIS FRIDAY.  I know, I know....call me crazy.  But, I spent the whole week in a whirlwind of lights, markers, paper, glitter and all things twinkly.  I stayed up waaaay past a responsible mother/working woman's bed time. I shopped.  I baked.  I decorated.  

 And it paid off.  

Peach was twirling all about the house, just itching for her friends to arrive.  I could feel the magic in the air.

Put a little Christmas scent in the air...
Turned on some Holiday carols...
Got our girls cozied up in their jams...

And soon, the house was full of good friends (which is really all you need - the decor and sweets are just bonus), chatter, laughter and even a few little squeals of delight.  Perfect Christmas cheer.  Here's the proof....

we made food for the reindeer

oooh how I loved helping these little jamma' wearin' angels to scoop up cocoa and magic flying powder

i loved how their eyes twinkled when i told them that the glitter would sparkle in their yards so the reindeer would know just where to land

the mess on the floor was so sweet...

evidence that tiny hands had been at work preparing for this most special of days.

after the reindeer food, these sweet kids hunkered down in Peach's room for a "grab-whatever-toy-you-can-find" fest

later, we got them all downstairs to listen to "The Night Before Christmas"

Hubby and his flashlight were downright spellbinding.  :)

even the momma's and poppa's were intent on the story of Santa and his once-a-year voyage....

there's nothing like this story to take you back to childhood.

we told Santa what we're hoping for
and my job is to mail it all away to the North Pole later this week.  :)

the look on his face...yes, this is what i was hoping for

this only comes once a year, so drink it in, buddy.

this little cherub won't remember our party...

but i hope that the feeling of a wonder-filled Christmas settles down upon him this season

wasn't long before a kid-inspired dance party put a little unexpected "extra" in our Christmas cheer

the tunes were festive and the dance moves?

adorable.

then headed back upstairs for some more pretending, playing and making of memories

home made cookies and ice cold milk topped off the night

along with a Christmas miracle announcement from one of the best mommas i know...

cannot wait to welcome and snuggle another little in our circle of friends

Tulip stayed up way past her bedtime and got loved up by little arms.  :)

ahhh...after a night like this, who can sleep?

but, finally, it was time to go home.

after one more story....

the kids left all bundled up in warm winter gear with milk mustaches and sticky peppermint fingers

It was all kinds of wonderful...

I have since made a promise to Hubby that I will dial down my party passion and just be for a bit.  Because that's important, too.  Sometimes we push forward.  Other times we pull back.  Now that the parties of 2011 are over...at least the one's we're hosting...I'm looking forward to pulling back a bit and enjoying quiet evenings at home in front of the tree with the three people that I cherish most.

I'm hoping for little noses pressed up against cold windows, hot apple cider and popcorn under blankets.

But, as much as I'm looking forward to a little bit slower pace, I'm happy that I dove in head first.  It was spontaneous, fun and meaningful...three qualities that I want our kids to look back and say were abundant in our home. 

Turns out that some year was this year.  Might just do it again next year......