Stopping to smell the roses

The countdown is on...Christmas is NEXT week, school gets out this week, need to shop, wrap, bake, etc...but I'm going to try to "stop and smell the roses" this week, too. My heart continues to break with each new story from Newtown, Connecticut. I don't have anything new to say about the situation that hasn't already been said, but like so many of us moms, I'm paying a little more attention to "the little things" with my kids, I'm never leaving them without a hug, a kiss and an "I love You", and I am just super grateful for the life God has given me...definitely not always "fun and games", but I wouldn't trade it!!

Blessings,
The Buzz

Monday, December 17

• The Scaleybark library hosts Preschool Storytimeat both 9am and 10:30am this morning. More info...
• Head to the McDowell Nature Center for Gifts from Nature at 9:30 and 11am. More info...
• Don't miss the Parent and Tot Splash Time at Ray's Splash Planet today 10am-3pm. More info...

Tuesday, December 18

• Check out the Gaston County Museum's Victorian Christmas as part of their Terrific Toddler Tuesday program. 10-11am. More info...
• Tonight you can take your furry friend to the Santa Paws Pawty at Monroe Crossing Mall, 6-7:30pm. More info...
• Cirque Dreams Holidaze begins today at the Knight Theater with shows through Sunday. More info...
• Head to Matthews to hear the holiday sounds of the Matthews Concert Band tonight at 7:30pm at the Matthews Community Center. More info...

Wednesday, December 19

• Ages 6 to 12 are invited to Passport to Christmas at the JAARS Center today and tomorrow, 8:30am-12:30pm. Reservations required. More info...
• Today is a Wild Wednesday at the Berewick Recreation Center at 11am. More info...
• Enjoy Yoga Storytime this morning at 11:30am at Imaginon. More info...
• Children in grades K and 1st are invited to the South County Library for Creating with Books: Gingerbread Jamboree at 4:15pm. Registration required. More info...

Thursday, December 20

• Head to the Latta Plantation Nature Center for Animal Discoveries: Amazing Amphibians this morning 10-11:30am. More info...
• You can Swim with Santa this afternoon, 5-7pm, at Ray's Splash Planet. More info...
• Don't miss the Dickens Carolers this evening at Chick-Fil-A Cotswold, 6-7pm. More info...
• Did you make the "Nice List" at Monroe Crossing Mall? If so, don't forget about the Nice List Party tonight, 6-8pm! More info...

Friday, December 21

• Ages 4 to 6 are invited to McDowell Nature Center for Tree Decorating at 9:30 or 11am. More info...
• Enjoy Brunch with Santa this morning at the Tom Sykes Recreation Center at 10am. More info...
• Head to the Naomi Drenan Recreation Center today at 11am for A Special Merry Christmas Celebration. More info...
• The McDowell Nature Center hosts Evergreens for Everyone today at 1:30pm. More info...
• Celebrate the shortest day of the year at the Latta Plantation Nature Center for On a Winter's Solstice, a short sunset hike at 4:30pm. More info...
• This is your last weekend to catch the North Carolina Dance Theatre's The Nutcracker at Belk Theater. More info...

Saturday, December 22

• Head to Chick-Fil-A Cotswold this morning for Cookies for Santa this morning 10:30-11:30am. More info...
• The Reedy Creek Nature Center hosts A Morning for the Birds today at 10:30am. More info...
• Carolina Stixx percussion group will perform in center court at Southpark Mall today 1-5pm. More info...
• The Charlotte City Ballet presents Holiday Enchantment today at 3pm and 7pm at the Matthews Community Center. More info...
• Recommended for ages 8 and older, The Actor's Theatre of Charlotte presents Winter Wonderettes with shows through January 5th. More info... 

Sunday, December 23

• Head to the Reedy Creek Nature Center for a Holiday Trails hike at 2pm. More info...

Save the Date:
December 27: Belk Bowl More info...

Have an event or happening that The Queen City Buzz should know about? Email queencitybuzz@gmail.com with details.