Happy Monday…and I hope you had a blessed weekend. Mine was full of sweet moments and memories created. It actually began, on Friday morning, with a funeral which I know does not sound wonderful but it was, truthfully, a sweet time remembering a very special friend. I have mentioned my “senior friend” many times here on my blog. We had such sweet times together and her friendship will impact my life for years to come. There were, truthfully, not a lot of tears on Friday (a few, of course) but mostly just smiles as we listened to so many talk about the influence Juanita had on each of us. She was a special lady and I am grateful to have known her.
Friday evening, my brother and I went out for our annual “holiday event.” He is the one other person, in my family, that appreciates and enjoys “events” as much – if not more – than gifts. We saw the Nutcracker (again). Although we agreed last year’s performance was a bit better, we still had a great time. We always do. And we found a new to us Thai restaurant which was delicious. So, wins all around!
Saturday, I had a final practice with the children before our Christmas program yesterday. Practice went well (as well as I could expect) but I still was not sure what to expect on Sunday morning. I had no reason to worry because it was, well, beyond cute. If I do say so myself. It was their best “performance” yet….of each song and each speaking part. The whole thing! It was the first time I had seen the children in their costumes as well. And, yes, they were adorable. The moms really put their hearts into making their shepherds just the cutest:) Truthfully, I am starting this week off with a full heart. I also have a full plate…and lots on my mind so I am extra grateful for all the blessings of the weekend. God is so good! I also came home with a sweet thank-you gift. There are cookie stamps in that cute Christmas bucket. Any idea what cookie stamps are and/or how to use them???
I will end with an extra photo to share. My son went to National Harbor this weekend. He (and a friend) went to see the Gaylord and all its decorations…and they rode the Captial Wheel. The 180 feet Ferris wheel at the harbor. It was super cold but, apparently, the views were amazing and well worth it. He shared this photo (not from the Ferris wheel but of the harbor) and it does look pretty but, if I go, I’ll be sure to keep my feet on the ground, thank you. Have a wonderful week, friends! Christmas is almost here:)
Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14
I’m so glad your kiddos performance turned out so well! I know that was a rewarding experience. I love that you and your brother have that tradition! How special it is to spend that quality time together. I LOVE the Nutcracker! I haven’t seen it in years. That harbor view is beautiful! I hope you have a great day, my friend!
The harbor really is pretty – but it looks cold!! Glad you stopped by, friend. Happy Monday!
Good morning! Sounds like a fun weekend (and a sweet life-celebration for your friend). I have no idea what a cookie stamp is! I’m assuming you can stamp the dough, rather than cut it?
Yes, one week until Christmas! And Texas is expecting an arctic blast! Brrr!
I suppose if you have to get an artic blast….the week of Christmas is the best time for one!!:) (Stay warm!!)
I’m so pleased that the performance went well – I bet the audience loved it! I don’t know what a cookie stamp is but I’m guessing you cut out your cookie (or biscuit as we would call them!) in a slightly larger circle than the stamp, then press the stamp onto the circle to imprint a design.
We had temperatures down to minus 10 Centigrade last week, but they have risen today and our snow has finally thawed – thank goodness, because walking on those icy pavements made me very cautious!
In answer to your question on my blog, we tend to say Happy Christmas rather than Merry around here, and certainly never Happy Holidays, it’s always a Christmas celebration.
How lucky you were to have such a special friend in your life, and how wonderful that she lived to such a great age, I bet you all had so many happy memories of her to share.
Thanks for the insider tip:) And no Happy Holidays from me either. I’ve never been overly concerned with being politically correct – but certainly not at Christmas!:)
I’m sorry to hear that your friend passed away but glad that she lived a meaningful life that touched so many people including you. Congrats on a successful performance by your junior kiddos. I wasn’t worried about it; I knew they’d do great ;). What a kind thank you/ Christmas gift. No idea how to use the cookie stamp. I bought a couple on clearance one year after Christmas, never used them, and got rid of them after a few years of non use. I’ll bet the Gaylord is pretty. That view sure is! Have a great Monday!
My friend, Juanita, really was a gem. And definitely touched my life and many others! Hope your Monday is going well, too!!
I love that harbor photograph! I’m like you, my feet would have to stay on the ground too. lol Hope you have a blessed week.
Hope you have a wonderful week as well!
So happy your children’s program went well! I knew it would…even if they made mistakes, the children are always so cute and special no one notices little mistakes. They just love watching the children sing and talk about Jesus! Thank you for doing your part to make it so special. My sympathies on the passing of your dear friend. She sounds like she was very special indeed. I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas!
Hello! Prayers for you as your mourn your beautiful friend. I am so happy to hear all went well with the program. Have a cozy week leading up to Christmas. We are supposed to get snow!