Welcome 2010

The author of this New Years prayer is unknown. I think it expresses my New Year's wishes pretty darn well:

God of new beginnings and wonderful surprises, thank you for the gift of a new year. May it be a time of grace for me, a time to grow in faith and love, a time to renew my commitment to following Your Son, Jesus. May it be a year of blessing for me, a time to cherish my family and friends, a time to renew my efforts at work, a time to embrace my faith more fully. Walk with me, please, in every day and every hour of this new year, that the light of Christ might shine through me, in spite of my weaknesses and failings. Above all, may I remember this year that I am a pilgrim on the sacred path to You.

Amen

The Christmas People

The Christmas People Foundation was started by a Group Health employee who as a chaplain saw that the the local shelters had wonderful Thanksgiving dinners but often not so much on Christmas. They prepared and delivered 800 gourmet Christmas dinners this year.

They were cooking in a rented building about 5 minutes from the folk's house yesterday. I was able to deliver the 13 dozen cookies Diana, Jim and I made last Saturday. I was also able to provide them a beautiful poinsettia from Chris at work.

What a fun visit! I asked them lots of questions but mostly just followed them around. They were very welcoming and even insisted on taking a picture of us Group Health employees with the Poinsettia!

Santa's Christmas People elves did a fantastic job and God willing I will visit and help them again next Christmas!

Mary Did You Know?

Have been having lots of fun listening to Christmas music on youtube. Kenny and Wynonna really seem to put their heart into this performance. Merry Christmas!

Christmastime

Family polar bear Lugnuts (don't ask) is guarding our living Christmas tree. Silly Christmas crafts are done and distributed to friends and family. Christmas dinner is purchased. Cookies have been cooked. Christmas cards in mail. Christmas festivities have been attended.
I'm joyously tired!

Sunday evening at the kennel

Newcomer from AZ wants back inside! It's rainy and cold outside!

Warm Beach Camp Lights of Christmas

Had a great time last night at the lights w cousin Diana. Had just about everything Christmas including carolers, petting zoo, nativity scene, beautiful crafts, and of course cute kiddos.
Photos courtesy of cousin Diana photography!

Yup, that's a real Christmas tree on our bulletin board

Our department at work has a bulletin board which we take turns decorating. The ladies at the front desk decided that we should have a real Christmas tree bulletin board for December. People brought in their favorite ornaments and several of us went a little overboard making paper snowflakes.

By the way, got the good news today that the reduction in hours I was told about won't start until 2010. It's a blessing to have a little time to plan for a reduced paycheck and a little extra time on my hands!

Book Club Christmas Party

Had a very enjoyable evening at Kathleen's. Wonderful company, wonderful conversation and wonderful food. Missed our absent friends. Had an amicably heated discussion about Expecting Adam - always more interesting when people don't see eye to eye on a book. Martha Beck - inspirational strong survivor or whining child neglector?


Jonathan was kind enough to take our picture.

Kitty Marley really warmed up to us by the end of the evening

Happy Birthday Diana!

Had the chance to celebrate cousin Diana's 35th tonight. Picked up nephew Ben at the UW and joined the folks and Diana for a movie. Saw Men Who Stared at Goats with George Clooney and Ewan McGregor. Very funny movie in parts and some great acting!

Were joined at dinner by Diana's friends from Snoqualmie Pass with their baby. What a beautful loving family! So glad that mom and baby are now healthy after some serious health issues. Also wonderful to see Diana feeling so much better!

Storefront on the walk to Bellevue Transit Center

Joseph's lullaby

One of my favorite Christmas songs, and one of the newest. This video is of the original artists Mercy Me.