Because being a Christmas tree in the program is never that simple

Peyton announced she would be a Christmas tree in this year's school program. She had her heart set on being a microphone, but her teacher, Ms. Nikki, in her great wisdom, assigned the fidgety first graders their costumes. I would have done the same thing just to avoid the myriad voices echoing, "why can't I be the candle... but Ms. Nikki, I wanted to be the saxophone, Johnny always gets what he wants...my daddy said I'm not allowed to be a candy cane, and he's a police officer, he can arrest you!"

My response? Great. Where's the Benadryl because I can already feel the cardboard rash coming. I mean, "oh, how exciting my baby, you're going to be the best Christmas tree ever!" Now the truth: I should have put in a protest too, because being a Christmas tree, I know, I've done this for years, is never simple! A microphone needs maybe two colors and does not require sophisticated glitter detail. A Christmas tree, whew, that's an entirely different story.

Peyton, thankfully, is not the type of child to eat her crackers blissfully while mommy frantically designs, cuts, glues and manufactures a masterpiece in the wee hours of the night. She has always been the "roll up my sleeves and get dirty with you" kinda gal. My kinda little girlfriend, for sure. From beginning to end, with the added challenge of Sommer, the Christmas-time Mischief Maker, Peyton and I were a team. Here folks, is our Christmas tree story.

The template for a happy child and glue for binding memories

No full mommy shot, wouldn't want to disclose how disheveled I looked throughout the production phase. Notice the green t-shirt? Recycle, reduce, reuse!

Hope trying on the topper. She was technical help and created the ornaments that adorned the tree. Tony was at band practice most of the time, but he agonizingly cut out all the strips you see on the topper and tree while studying for his English Pre-Honors exam. Sommer did nothing. We don't hold it against her.

Don't let this smile fool you, underneath the twinkling eyes

hides Kung Fu Kalani!

Peace on earth

Peyton gets some creative consultation from the man himself
during his visit to GES. Santa says the less glitter, the better Pey.

Quality control: Peyton takes the topper to practice.
There's still work to be done securing it for danceability.

Viola! Success and jubilation. The tree is done, the rash is gone
and mommy and Peyton can rest ...until the next school function.

Rockin' around the Christmas Tree 2007!