The Giving Bin

It all started with Portia's discovery of a pile of stuffed animals I had gathered from their rooms to donate to Goodwill this Christmas- animals they no longer (at least so I thought) covet. Funny how suddently the chickie that until this fateful discovery had gone neglected and unnoticed under the bed for three years became "my most favorite." I am so glad Portia stumbled upon this pile since I've now turned this donation project over to them; both children are now themselves selecting toys they no longer feel they need and preparing a box (named by Hugo The Giving Bin) to donate to those less fortunate than we are. They've amassed quite an assortment which we'll deliver before Christmas. Midstream, Portia turned to me and pleaded: "But, Mama, of course don't throw ME away!" Then, stumbling across a plastic toy that propels discs when a lever is pulled, Portia excitedly shouts: "Mama, those kids really need these bullets." It's the spirit that counts.

Our gifts are abounding, even in the days before Christmas. We ourselves just received a wonderful gift of Auntie Connie's and Uncle Alex's visit - in town for four days from Singapore. At bedtime last night, after their departure, Portia looked up at me with her head resting on Iago, and asks: "Next time, Mama, can Auntie Connie and Uncle Alex stay for ten weeks?" We loved having them here.

Rewinding a couple of weeks, here's some footage from our annual trip to Pinchbeck's to find a tree.













Girls' Night



Gratitude for his wonderful teachers





Lawn Club Hanukkah Party








Bethesda Winter Party









Will the fun ever end?





Fireside with Connie and Alex





A Winterwonderland!















Apres Ski with friends







Sledding...Day Three





Cookie Swap evening that left us with too much temptation





Looks like it'll be a white Christmas this year!

Dashing through the snow...

in a big black Pacifica. With 2 other similarly frantic families (luckily one in a Volvo and one in a Rover), fighting the blinding snow on the slick roads...We were so cozy at home, amidst laughing and happy children, eating to our hearts' content. Couldn't we just skip it, we tempted ourselves? I am so glad we stuck to the plan and made it to see Emmet Otter's Jugband Christmas at the Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam, CT! The production was very well-done, and the setting even more stunning than usual. The grand old opera house looked especially beautiful in the snow, on its perch overlooking the CT River.



We had fabulous seats (which allowed me to sneak this shot in at the end of the show), and really enjoyed the toe-tapping music and lovable characters up close.



It was a real treat that I think the children will remember for a long time. The snow, while a drag to drive in, made for a particularly festive evening.


In the spirit


The season's first snow!


Intermission goofing around


It's worth the trip just to see this historic opera house
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This evening the Lawn Club had its first annual Gingerbread House workshop. A huge success!





























The month is off to a celebratory start!

Countdown begins...

Advent calendars, holiday cards, gingerbread treats, and sure, why not, a 64-degree day! We had a balmy Mommy and Portia Thursday. Complete with park play, lunch with Ama and Boppa and some Christmas shopping.


'Sushi making' - with sticks and the plentiful mud puddles from last night's monsoon


Patiently waiting (this child was born patient and smiling), with crossed legs, during an Xmas shopping expedition

Portia has begun making her Christmas list. Upon telling her that I want nothing for Christmas except my baby girl and could she please just be with me the whole day, she replies: "I'll try to be near you, but I need to be near Hugo." So if that's not enough of a kick in the teeth (though the other half of my brain is so crazy happy that these two are such good friends), this was also Hugo's first day of, TA DA.... After School!! Hugo's request. It was a mere half hour before piano lessons, but it still meant that I didn't get to see him until after 4 pm. For me, this represents Eternity. I guess the K-3 bunny and other 5 and 6 year-olds are more appealing than....me? Nevva Evva! Pas possible! Bottom line is he's still the loviest, most adoring and adorable sweetheart who, to my heart's delight, loves school and friends and feels really at home when not at home. What more could I ask for?!

Week after week I am reminded of our good fortune to live so close to my parents.






Further good news is that we will have the chance to visit Marc's parents in February in celebration of Chinese New Year. And in just two weeks we'll receive a visit from Connie and Alex, visiting from Singapore.