The gift to our family this year from Michael’s mother was a night at the movies. She specifically thought the children would enjoy seeing the movie Charlotte’s Web. It took us a while to get our act together, but finally the date was set, guests invited (Todd & Ben), and the excitement mounted. We rarely take the children to movies, so they were excited about this gift.

We couldn’t decide what to do with Judah, and I really didn’t want to wrestle him in the movie theater, so I offered to stay home with him. Michael suggested that perhaps he could stay home with Judah so I could go to the movie, but I fiercely guarded MY Christmas gift from my mother-in-law… a quiet evening at home to work on my scrapbook project.

The noisy group finally tumbled out the door leaving me with only one little companion. Quick as a wink I hurried Judah off to bed and I sat downstairs in complete silence. Aaaaaaahhhhhhh. No words. Nothing. Judah was even quiet (after his initial protest at being put to bed). I sat for a long time on the couch, looking up a few things on the computer. Finally I decided to start on my project. What a joy to be able to work in peace and quiet, with no one asking questions, no one grabbing my things. Best of all, I knew they were all having a marvelous time.

The hours flew by, and soon the gang was back, tumbling back through the door carrying big bowls of leftover popcorn (it was “bring-your-own-bucket” night!) and a cup of leftover soda. Since it was late, we didn’t have a long discussion about the movie. But the kids did share some of the highlights.

In the two days since they went to see the movie, I’ve heard lots of bits and pieces from the kids about the movie. Luke didn’t like the spider, but I think it’s because he doesn’t like spiders anyway. (The big spider scene from Lord of the Rings rather ruined him on spiders in general.) Amelia keeps reminding me that the spider died at the end. Isaac asked if it’s really true that every spider egg sack has exactly 516 eggs in it. Mike told me that all the baby spiders went away, but a few stayed. I’ve had fun asking questions and hearing their stories. I’m looking forward to seeing it when it comes out on video. But most of all, I keep remembering my very quiet evening, and that I enjoyed it very much.