Ho, Ho, Ho

This has been a fun Christmas season. I think it started with listening to the Messiah up and back from Jonathan and Kristy’s. We also had to put up the tree and decorations early because of Empty Nestor’s being at our house on Dec. 1^st. So lots of the hard work was done.

Tom and I ordered most gifts online—and while it took a lot of time deciding on the best gift at the best price, it was done in front of the computer. Since we had to mail off gifts, most of that was done early, too. The only thing left to do is Christmas cards.

I had really hoped to get this financial newsletter writing assignment done this week, but we went back and forth on what the offer would include and I had to wait for resource material, so I didn’t get it started until Friday. Sigh. Now I’d really like to get it finished before Deborah and crew comes and I don’t think that will happen.

Tuesday I went visiting teaching. Wednesday I drove Tom to Little Rock so he could fly out to Deborah’s. Deborah and Ian rented a 28 foot moving van and had it mostly packed by the time they picked up Tom from the airport. At least I think it was mostly packed.

Thursday they finished packing it and cleaned the house. Then Deborah and Ian signed the closing papers on their house. Friday they started driving across country. I guess kids and truck and van and drivers have done well. They have been blessed with good weather. They arrived at Miranda’s Sunday evening. They should unload the truck into storage in Springdale on Monday and be here sometime Monday night.

Thursday I wrote—sent off a few spec assignments and did some research on the writing assignment. I had a raindrop treatment. The treatment is less than an hour… the visiting… add another two. I enjoy visiting, but perhaps I should plan appointments when there’s someone coming behind me.

Friday I held my feet to the fire with a solid 4 hours of work in the morning.  Then I did some shopping and present wrapping. Saturday was more work, more gift wrapping and I mailed the last two packages at the post office. That evening there was a gathering for all bishops and wives at the stake president’s house. I went alone. We had a great dinner then the men divided off for a meeting. We women visited and had a great time getting to know each other better. We shared how we all ended up in Missouri/Arkansas.

Sunday we had good meetings. After church I wrote to grandkids and missionaries. Then I drove to Ava for a meeting about Just Serve—a new church program. I’m excited to be a part of it. Tonight I need to write up some information for my RS presidents about the program.

For part of the week I took the computer downstairs and snuggled in front of the fire.  Later in the week the weather has warmed up. Nights are 46-50, so I let the fire go out.  I'm sure it will get cold again.