Trimming the Tree

My parents usually get a real tree and this year my dad decided to chop the top off a tree growing in their yard. It actually ended up being quite an ordeal, but in the end he did get the top cut off and standing in the front room. Then there was the fun of working with the lights to find enough working ones to use. Most of my siblings were out for the night so my dad, Julio, and I decorated their Christmas tree last night. It has probably been about 27 years since I have decorated a tree with my dad, so it was a very nice to make another memory decorating the tree together.

Secret Shopper

As most of you know Ruth works at the local grocery store in the deli. Although at times there is some stress involved in her job she generally enjoys work. She is making a big effort to bring some sunshine to her fellow deli workers as well as her customers. She found out today that she had a "Secret Shopper" recently. The "Secret Shoppers" that came in graded her in about seven different areas. Ruth's boss was quite excited to get the report that Ruth received a perfect score in all areas. That of course speaks highly for them as a store. But we as her parents, are proud of her and how she tries to be a shining light there at the grocery store. Way to be Ruth! Keep up the good work!

Happy 40th Birthday ANNE!

Saturday night my brother Perry had a 40th birthday party for his dear wife Anne. I think it was going to be a surprise but it didn't end up as a surprise. I have missed many events like this in the past so it was nice to be able to attend this special birthday. Also, since I am an experienced 40 year old (sigh), it is always nice to welcome someone else into the life of the 40's. Glad to have you join me in the 40's Anne!

DELAYED

It was quite a rush to get out the door in time for the trip to Buffalo. Since one never knows how long the wait at the border is you usually need to leave yourself some extra time. We made it to the border in good time. We did have to wait about a half an hour but we were still on schedule. When we got to the airport I found out my plane was delayed. So by the time I arrived in Chicago I pretty well read my magazine. The O'Hare airport was looking festive and I thought these decorations looked a bit cool hanging from the ceiling. When our plane landed in Chicago there was another plane in our gate so we had to wait awhile for that plane to finish loading and then leave before our plane could pull in. By the time I walked to the luggage it had been awhile from when we landed. Caleb and Kris had been waiting but saw no signs of me so they thought maybe someone else picked me up. I was pretty happy that they decided to make another loop around in the car to see if I might still be there. All things considered the flight went well and I arrived with my luggage. (YES!)

Not Quite Packed!

I am going to be taking off here in the next hour or so for Chicago. My mother is back in the hospital. We would appreciate your prayers for her and her health and also for safety on the way down to the Buffalo airport which is three hours away. We have been getting lots of snow. Thanks!

Happy Birthday Jesus

We were very happy that the weather cooperated tonight so that we could go to Cubbies. This was the last night before the Christmas break and so we had a "Birthday Party for Jesus". Unfortunately I forgot to bring my camera. We decorated the room with balloons and streamers. As the children came in we gave them each a birthday hat. Our Bible story was on the birth of baby Jesus. For our snack each ot the children got a decorated cupcake. We put a candle in each cupcake so all the children could blow one out after we sang Happy Birthday. During our game time we played games with balloons which is always a hit. At the end of the night we had a little Christmas gift for each Cubbie along with a goodie bag. It was a fun filled night and a great way for the Cubbies to remember what Christmas is all about.

The Singer Christmas Tree

Last night one of the pastors from our church invited us to go to "The Singer Christmas Tree". This was a Christmas cantata. But this was no ordinary Christmas cantata. The risers that the choir stood on were made into a huge Christmas tree filled with lights. As the choir sang there was a beautiful display of lights. With each song the lights would change different colors. It was pretty cool. Besides the choir there was a brass band. It was really awesome to hear them play the Christmas carols. It was a lovely night spent with friends and enjoying good music that gave a good message of what Christmas was all about.

Midlife Crisis

Today I hit the big 45. It some how seems a lot older then 44. And since I don't think I will be living until I am 90 I think I can officially have a midlife crisis. (smile) I have had a very nice birthday. My family spoiled me. Vern and Ruth made me a very special birthday meal. And then Wes and Brenda had us over for a wonderful birthday supper. I received five different phone calls from family and friends which was a very special treat. I will be happy next month when my hubby joins me in being 45. It is so nice to have someone to grow older with.

Lighting Up

Yesterday wasn't really the warmest day and yet each day is seeming to get even colder. Therefore it was time for some Father and Son bonding time putting up the Christmas lights outside. (Titus was definitely needing a cup of hot chocolate when he finished up.) We were a bit disappointed about the netting of lights Vern put on the porch. They were all working but by the time Vern hung them up, the middle sections stopped working. We tried to work with them, but there was no way we could get them all to light up again. However, we are enjoying the lights that are working.

Party Time

For the last couple of weeks Ruth and I have been talking about how much fun it would be to invite a bunch of ladies over to hang out. After looking at her work schedule ,Ruth was excited to find out she didn't have to work on Friday night. (She works almost every Friday night.) Therefore it was a perfect evening to invite a bunch of ladies over for the evening. Ruth and I had a lot of fun planning out the snacks and getting them ready. After a time of snacking and visiting we moved downstairs to play a group game. Then after more snacking, we watched a heart warming Christmas movie. It was so much fun to enjoy the evening with such a great, fun loving group of ladies.