So, every year in Relief Society we have a lesson on simplifying our lives during the Christmas season to focus on what's most important.  I've done that... we don't do our adult Christmas party anymore, we only make one type of cookies when caroling and we go to less houses, I buy the majority of my presents online in October and November... and yet I still feel bombarded with everything.

Maybe it's the four choir concert's Errolyn has had this week, or the three orchestra concerts Cameron has had this week, or the 2 dozen cookies required for Activity Days, or the side dish for the ward party, or the dozen cookies and book for Cameron's GT party, and the doughnuts for Errolyn's party, and the fruit tray for Logan's party, the Christmas Pageant at Emma's school, the side dish for the High Council Christmas Party, the teacher and friend gifts for four different classes, and the practicing for the church Christmas program... on top of the last minute presents, Christmas cards, and regular grocery shopping and teaching violin.  It's just too much.  Honestly, everything would have been fine if we didn't have to waste 4 nights for the SAME choir concert just at different venues, 3 for orchestra concerts, and 3 for church parties... that's a lot of wasted evenings where I could be getting things done.  We can't back out of the orchestra one's because they are a grade, but I think next time we will tell the choir teacher that Errolyn can sing in one concert and he has to choose which one... it's just too much.  Next year we'll have to simplify more.

Thankfully all of the school parties, church parties, concerts, etc. are over after tomorrow and then I can relax, get some sleep, and spend some time with my family.  So excited for Christmas break... seriously!