Risk Night!

Sunday. No snow. Just frost.

Today we are elves.

I am the tall redhead, slightly chubby elf. I can't tell you how embarrassed I am to have my tummy bulging over and under my big belt. I haven't worn leggings and a belt-at-the waist type look in a long time and now I know why. Sigh.

So I will sing bravely and matronly and imagine my shoes have little points on the toes.

Tonight is a risk night where performers can share something they never have before, or something that contains some sort of risk. So... I suppose it is a risk to let my bulges show. There.

There's really no one to blame as I'm the one who initiated this risk night for one of my students who needed a chance to be seen. It'll be good; I'm just not sure who'll show up.

These pictures are from Dave. He took the boys out to the old baseball diamond bleachers the other day.

Our first rehearsal with the kids for the little "Silent Night" play I wrote went well. Both Donovan and Weston did great and all the other kids are fine with their casting and we should roll along until the 13th.

It's strange to be doing things other than being in a play ourselves, and Dave and I still look over at one another with surprise in the evenings, as though we didn't expect the other to still be there.

I can hardly believe we're in the last month of school for everyone -- less than that! Wow.

I still think about Christmas a lot. I'm afraid it may be more of a let down if I keep building it up in my mind. I'm just grateful we get to go.

Yesterday Donovan made TWO detailed dragons. Amazing. There must be about 300 scales on each one. He let me color the most elaborate one and I think we'll show it at the gallery tonight.

The boys finally persuaded Daddy to crawl under the house this afternoon and get out some of your Christmas decorations. We put up our lights and our little tree and got our Santa hat. Our homemade elf costumes really leave something to be desired, but we make up for it in commitment. --Even Dave as Rudolf, bravely sports a bit of fur, antlers, and a red nose. We look better in our own minds, but we have fun telling the story and taking

...a bit

... of

... a

... RISK!