<p>I am so happy because younger S returns home tonight from Costa Rica, where he took a post semester 10-day course related to a fall course he took in college. Not only am I thrilled to be seeing him soon, but also I am thrilled that he just visited a country that no one else in our family has been to. I can’t wait to hear about his adventures.</p>
<p>And he comes back in time to see me perform as a ditsy church lady in “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.” </p>
<p>And while older S – whom many have heard the long saga about including our worries with him – seems to be doing very well. While he won’t return for the holidays – indeed has never returned home since leaving for college in 1999 (He had always loathed our state since we moved here when he was 8. When he left for college, he warned us that he was never returning, but also said we were welcome to visit him), called and had an hour long newsy conversation with H this week. S had tried to call when both H and I were home, but missed me because of rehearsal.</p>
<p>Among the info was that S, 25, has a vegetarian girlfriend. The fact that S even mentioned a girlfriend indicates he is feeling closer to us, and also is settling down from his wild streak in his late teens early 20s. While he never returned to college after flunking out after freshman year, he has worked in the same place for 2 years, and has had several promotions plus is happily working on the great American novel.</p>
<p>I wear reindeer antlers and cats eye red glasses for the play. In real life, when I had lunch with a friend the other day, I wore a headband with a foot-long Christmas tree sticking up out of it. I have fun during the holidays.</p>
<p>Definitely sounds like fun! I wore reindeer antlers last week as I hosted a breakfast for 1000 kids at church. I love them- the antlers and the kids. </p>
<p>Do you have cute Christmas sweaters and clothing?</p>
<p>Aw, Northstarmom, I am happy for you! Have fun with S2 and your play. And what great news about your S1. A vegetarian girlfriend, a steady job and a creative project… he sounds just great!</p>
<p>Glad to hear “Life is Good” ! I feel that way most of the time. What is the scouting report from Costa Rica? I hear it has become a preferred retirement destination due to paradise environment plus low cost of living. We are happy here too, S2 arrived safely last night in slushstorm after nailing down internship + part time job for next semester - what a relief!</p>
<p>NJres: Congrats on your son’s internship and job. What kind of internship/jobs did he get?</p>
<p>With the flip camera that I gave him as an early Xmas present, S posted a brief youtube about Costa Rica, so I have seen that the scenery is beautiful. Otherwise, he hasn’t told us anything except that he has “been to the end of the rainbow” and would like to stay there forever. I’m looking forward to hearing a full report later today. I just hope he doesn’t insist on sleeping first!</p>
<p>Glad to get an update about your ‘boys’ and you! </p>
<p>Sounds like a fun time as the ditzy church lady. I know the book and it’s one of my favorites to share, and kids love it too. That’s a great play to do this time for year.</p>
<p>NSM, I have read your posts over the years. You deserve to feel happy and good!! All the best to you and yours, and Merry Christmas! I won’t wish that you “break a leg”, but good luck in the play!</p>
<p>Which ditzy church lady are you? I played Mrs. McCarthy in our community theatre’s production of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” just before Thanksgiving. I had never heard of the book, film or play before, so it was an entirely new experience. It was a blast! So many kids wanted to be in it that the director had two casts of 30 people each and we alternated performances. All eight shows were sold out! My only regret is that my D (who did several plays and musicals in HS, including 3 at that theatre) couldn’t see it because she was 6 hours away preparing for finals in her first semester of college. She 's home on break now, and we too are “happy today,” hearing all about how much she loves everything about her university while we watch the snow come down. Enjoy being in the play and your time with your sons!</p>