Last Week of December Faves

 

It really is the last week of December! It's been Winter for over a week now and we still don't have snow here in eastern NY.  In fact, this past week has looked and felt like early March!  (we did have a dusting of pretty snow for Xmas Eve though and then it was gone by Xmas night). 

I've been off from work all week of course since most schools in NYS have Christmas break.  I head back to my little ones on Monday.  I've definitely enjoyed the down time although I confess I started getting a little bored. I mean, I can only clean house for so long! Clearly, I am NOT ready to retire yet.

I'm sharing FIVE of my FAVE blessings from the past week.  It is good to look back and be thankful for what came our way. Click on the link to learn about our host and the guidelines to join in!

Christmas Eve Family Pic
at our church Grace Fellowship/Latham

• CHRISTMAS EVE:  I love everything about this day....from the baking of special treats (Chocolate Orange Fudge, Russian teacakes, Chocolate Shortbread Cookies, Italian Bean Soup and Garlic Bread) to the candlelight singing of Silent Night after an hour of worship and sermon.   I love that we were finally able to get a family photo compliments of our young friend Amanda and that we got to chat with and hug our pastor's wife (one of my spiritual mentors and for whom I have the  greatest respect for).  I'm so thankful that Courtney spent the evening with us watching our all time fave Xmas Musical Movie (White Christmas) and having dinner and dessert with us.  She left all the gifts she had bought for us and went to her apt to sleep.  I'm so thankful for my family and for the love of Christ. 

Claire on Xmas morning 

Courtney and Dave on Xmas

• CHRISTMAS!  Christmas, as most of you know, is my absolute fave holiday with Easter following close behind for obvious reasons.  I love the stockings and the surprised looks on my daughters' faces even now as they are young adults and not expecting much. Courtney arrived about noon, after Claire, Dave and I texted her numerous times asking where she was!  We spent about an hour opening gifts and talking and then Dave and I cooked a Roasted Chicken dinner with his famous vegan stuffing.  Claire had all the veggies while the rest of us enjoyed the veggies with chicken. We also shared a bottle of wine which was delicious.  After dinner, the girls set up my wireless headphones with my Mac and I was able to watch a Christmas movie Courtney had recommended while everyone else chose A Christmas Carol, Muppet style.  I'm thankful for my family and that Courtney stayed well into the evening before going back to her apartment.  

my youngest sister, Jill and her 2 daughters
Mady (age 13) and Emma (age 18)

My next younger sisters Hope and Joy
with Joy's son Luke (age 29)

• FAMILY GIFT EXCHANGE:  My 3 younger sisters and their families all gathered at our house (crammed into the living room where the tree is even though we have plenty of room in the family room...everyone wanted the tree...hahah) on Sunday afternoon to do our annual gift exchange. My sister Joy is a single mom and brought her son Luke.  It was good to see him although we see them often as they only live about an hour north of us.  My next younger sister Hope and her husband Donny came (they don't have children together) and we see them at least once in the summer so it was very good to see them both.  And my youngest sister Jill and her husband Mike and their 2 girls were here.  We hadn't seen them since Emma's  high school grad party last June! (And they only live an hour north).  It was wonderful to all be together to share desserts and gifts.  I'm thankful for my sisters and brothers in law and the kids.  Everyone is growing up so fast!

small brook along the bike path

Erie Canal/Mohawk River 

Colonie Bike Path/Walking Trail
from River Road

• WALKS IN NATURE!  I've continued to do my power walking outdoors due to our very mild start to Winter.  I've  gone to our town park, our local bike path/trails, and throughout my neighborhood for my power walks this week.  Tuesday was an especially lovely day...i just loved spending time in the fresh air and getting my heart rate up.  I'm thankful for pretty nature spots.

• SLEEPING IN!  I RARELY sleep past 5:30/6 am.  Every work day, Monday through Friday, I get up at 5:30 to meditate/read Scripture, shower, do my stretches, breakfast and get dressed for work.  It felt GREAT to not have an alarm going off, to stay up later than usual to read books or watch a movie, and to then sleep in until 6:30/7.  One morning, Dave and I didn't get up until 7:30!!  (Sunday).  I'm so thankful for the extra rest as I know Monday is going to be a LONG day back in the classroom. 

That pretty much sums up my week.........

.....how about you? what were your fave moments?

Have a blessed NEW YEAR's EVE ringing out the old and  ringing in 2022!!