Holy hell you guys!!!  I guess in my former life I over indulged allllll the time so I just didn’t realize how excessive and over the top December was. I did not mentally prepare myself for the parties, pot lucks, goodies, traditions, celebrations, dining out and outings…why does this month want me to stay fat!?!?!  I have officially gone into survival mode. I just keep telling myself you cannot have a plus sign on that chalk board!!!  I really needed a plan considering the weekend I had ahead of me.  Saturday morning I met up with my ladies who lunch and ballet group!!!

You may remember us from such past posts as Two Meatballs: The Surprises Keep on Coming and  a Sexual Ballet!   This group consists of my sister Kelly and her friends who have adopted me; Sarah, Ashley and Laura! Today we went to my favorite thing on earth…THE NUTCRACKER!!!

Thank you so much Sarah!!! My parents got me this cd when I was a kid and I listened  and interpretive danced to it until the grooves wore slam off! #nerdalert I know every song by heart….every harp pluck, every bassoon crescendo!!!!  My Bff Katie and I went to go see it with our moms when we were 7 and I’ve been hooked ever since. We walked into Memorial Auditorium and right off the bat saw a hilarious opportunity!

Bahahahahahahhahahahahaha! I love Santa…this guys was such a great sport!  Then I had an even better idea.  Whose mom doesn’t want a pic of their thirty something daughters with Santa sans grandchildren ?!

 

#burningthighs Merry Christmas mom!!!  Her reaction was hilarious.  We thought she was going to get choked up but instead she started hysterically laughing!!!! An even better reaction!!! I guess some of the sentimental magic fades over the years…

And it becomes two crazy grown ups on Santa’s lap! Ha!  Ok onto the show.  The dancing, costumes and scenery are so beautiful but truth be told…I’m here for the music!  I started playing piano at 7 bc my dad played and I thought it was amazing!  #hellobusterfamily And from the moment I was able, I played something from The Nutcracker for every Christmas performance!

 

 

Look how excited we are…a what a fun group! #imareindeer #elfyou

 

We had amazing third row seats and even got to meet some of the orchestra!!!

I feel like I’m wearing the same outfit I did when I was 7!!!!  Ps I love my Silpada necklace Aunt Carole…thank you so much!!!  The show was amazing!

And bonus, My client Nina’s daughter was a dancing cupcake…she’s living out allll of my childhood fantasies!!!

Ugh-dorable!!!!  What a fun day!  And what date is complete without a bathroom selfie fail…

 

#imablogger

Then we went to lunch at Raleigh Times and I had a somewhat healthy salad and a calorie free selfie win

#lovemysister #whatdopeoplewithoutsisterbestiesdo!?!

…then Kelly and I had to run bc we had our family Christmas party at my house in just a few hours!!!  Thanks Sarah, Laura and Ashley for including me!!! Love y’allllllL! You guyyyyyysssss…plan b of survival mode is control #ilovecontrol #missjanetifyourenasty Offering to throw our family holiday function is killing two birds with one stone for me…first, I LIVE TO THROW A PARTY and second, it gives me a little more control over the menu!  I know I will make yummy paleo offerings and my sweet and supportive mom and sister did the same!!!

Now all I have to do is avoid dessert

#thatface #seriousaboutsweets and cram 40 people into my 700 square foot downstairs!!!  Take a look at my family whom I adore…did you guys know I love my family!?  I’m not sure if I had mentioned that before, winky face!

Uncle Marty and Aunt Retha brought their dog Harley and I have never seen my nephews more in love!

Then our life long family best buddies of thirty plus years and former next door neighbors for half that time, The Tedrows stopped by!!! #friendswhoarefamily #framily

 

Now…the time has come…for the kids to open up their gifts!!!

 

#success Is their anything more exciting than watching kids tear into wrapping paper and squeal with delight at toys!?!  I think not!  I hit a total home run with Chase and a Paw Patrol game…so me and him, Wyatt and Auntie Katie went to my room to check it out and play!

And dance…

And cheers…

And take some fun selfies…

Shew…Christmas is exhausting!!!

Well, I ate pretty healthy and avoided desserts!  I also got to catch up with family that I hadn’t seen in years #loveyouandy My heart and home were bursting at the seams tonight with family and love.  To my family, I love you all so much!  Thanks for your support and Merry Christmas.  I literally can’t wait to do it again.