Live. Love.: Blessed!

So much has happened since I last blogged. . .

First I must admit that I am totally bothered by the fact that work gets in the way of fun -- especially at Christmastime. I didn't get in all of the fun things that I wanted to do this year. But the things that I did fit in were wonderful!

On the December 16th we celebrated Gavin's first birthday. Quiet family party -- Just Zach, Sarah, Cassidy and I. Much different that Cassidy's first birthday (with 50 guests). I promised not to tell Gavin when he gets older. I also promised Sarah that he wouldn't remember.

December 19th was Project 23 at St. Johns. It was a huge blessing and we were able to serve nearly 750 people that Saturday morning. We had 3 generations of our family serving -- very cool, huh? Rick, Ev and Lo arrived at 5:30 AM (yes, AM), Sarah followed a few minutes later (Zach, Sarah & the kids spent the night at my house -- Gav had a rough night = no sleep for the adults). After a very cool devotion and prayer, we manned our stations and were able to serve the homeless and less fortunate in our community. This was my fourth year (St. Johns 6th) volunteering for Project 23. Every year, I walk away feeling so full of love that I think I'm gonna burst! It warms my heart being able to share the joy of Jesus with others.

For the last 14 years or so, the kids and I have Christmas Eve together. It works out awesome -- I get them all for the entire evening. There's no rushing off to visit extended family members, etc. We end the evening by going to church -- which if you know me -- there is nothing I love more than sitting in church with all of 'my treasures' next to me. However, I do believe that I am going to have to supervise the seating arrangements next time we are all together (I'm not mentioning names Zach & Lo!) to ensure that we do not disrupt the rest of the church! ;o)

This year may have been the BEST Christmas Eve we've had in some time. The kids were so much fun. It was utter chaos at Grammie/Bammie's house! I loved it!