Yearly events are a great way to gage the changes in your life. For instance, the neighborhood winter holiday craft fair. It's crowded, full of precious hand-made breakable items, and on three different floors in two different buildings. I can remember trying to squeeze my way around the people in front of the candle stall with David in the frontpack grabbing at the candles and Rose choosing not to hold my hand while she slipped towards the 4.00 lip balm and whined for gluten free treats of which there were none. The musical performances were too loud for the kids and then too enchanting to ever leave. I was happy to emerge with a bracelet I bought from a friend and all of us still breathing.

In the last few years, I've just plopped them in front of the stage and made my merry way around the rooms. If they want me, they find me. It works. If they want a gluten-free treat, I know where the popcorn and hot cocoa are and, if they haven't run out yet, the homemade cookies. John came with me this year and seemed a little flummoxed by my cavalier air. I'm sure David is chatting up the clock man who would rather be meeting a paying customer and Rose is not going to buy a 60.00 sweatshirt, but they also aren't going to steal or knock anything over.

We spent almost two hours there. I got some holiday shopping done. Everyone admired my Christmas sweater, made by Mom, and we saw lots of neighbors and friends. Someone called the 8-12 ages, the golden years where they are getting more independent but still want to hang with you. I'm trying to focus and appreciate.