Tis the Season...

Today was crazy.

Like insanely busy.

Tis the season for Christmas programs.

Today Janet & I directed a Christmas Pageant of sorts for our church service.

There was piano, singing, acting,  hands in motion, scripture, and narrating.

And... a lot of little kids.

Last night when we had rehearsal I was convinced that it was going to be an absolute nightmare today.  The kids had the wiggles, there were music mishaps... Pretty much things were not looking good.

But as is the case with our amazing God I woke with peace that it would all work out and it did.

The program went well and a lot of kids had the opportunity to share their gifts with our church family.

Of course I had Josh video... and I wanted to have him take a few pictures, but I left the CF card at home on my desk.  Not the first time I have done that unfortunately :(  At least this time I have video!

When I walked through the doors of the church this morning one of the pastors wives stopped me and said "Rick and I got up this morning and prayed for you."  If that doesn't start your day out well I don't know what will.  Knowing that others are lifting you in prayer... priceless.

Today was also Josh's first day out and about.  

He was pooped out by the time we got home.

During the mini break we had between the two programs Sam and some of her friends went out with 2 of our Pathfinder leaders to a few homes that the girls, while on Walk & Knock last Sabbath, found might need some extra help this Christmas.  They wanted to bring food etc... but we didn't want to show up with food before asking their permission.  So they headed back to the homes, knocked on the door and offered a helping hand.

Sam said it was an incredible experience and that the leaders were crying and the people were crying.  They do need help, and they would appreciate some food.  So this Monday night our Pathfinders bring their donations and then these kids will go and deliver the food to the families sometime over the next week.  I say praise God that these 8th grade girls saw a need while collecting food last weekend and brought the idea to the leaders, and they said yes let's help.  How awesome to see our kids stepping up in our own community, and by this seeing how they can make a difference.  

I am so moved by this whole situation.

After that it was time for Sydney & McKenna's school Christmas Program, #2 on the day.

(just fyi... Sydney is wearing heels... she is not yet taller than McKenna!)

Which I must say was FANTASTIC!  Love my kids school!  

After that it was time for a couple drop offs... Sam to a bday party, and Emma's friend Mariah got dropped home.  Laundry.  Paying bills.  Sorting through the mail.... and can someone please tell me why this task takes SO long?  Ugh.

The most important news of the week is Oma/(my Grandma)

We nearly lost her on Wednesday night.

Without going into all the details by the grace of God she held on.  She is now safely in La Quinta with my parents and other loved ones.  Hospice is there keeping her comfortable.  

The prayer at this moment is that she can make it for at least another week so that we can all be together.  Josh & some of the kids fly down on Monday... and I fly with a couple other kids on Friday.  My brother & family get in on Thursday.  

Praying for the best, but dealing with the reality that I may soon be saying goodbye to someone I love dearly, and who through the years has had a major impact on my life and the lives of my children.

Please join me in praying that this amazingly beautiful woman, on the inside and out, hangs on until we all get down there.

So with all the emotions of regular life, add Christmas Programs, surgery, & illness...

and this is what I really want to do...

hmm... fall asleep laying beside my man.  

Good thing someone in my family got to do it!

cars, "babies", blankets and all :)

Tomorrow.

Early morning basketball practice.  Laundry.  Packing up 4 peeps.  Relaxing.  (I hope)

Thank you all for the prayers.  

And Judy... your home is a sanctuary.  I love it.