Playing with my new camera

Me and Michele

Annabelle and Copper

This weekend we have had lots of visitors. Michele was able to come into town and we spent one night just talking and talking. We also played with our new cameras and Michele got to experience the downtown Starbucks for the first time. Right now, Sarah's family is staying with us and they brought along their poodle, Copper. I am not sure how Annabelle feels about another dog on her turf, but they did like posing for the camera together.

Christmas and kids

One of my favorite traditions in my family is our Christmas Eve festivities. We play games, eat finger foods and open one gift...always a new pair of pajamas. As our family grows, the more fun we have! Ever since my niece and nephew were born I cannot imagine the holidays without them. Kids are so much fun on Christmas morning! Every time Jack opened a gift he wanted to stop and play with it and even try on his new clothes. The one thing he has wanted for a long time is a real guitar. At the age of four, he already can play, sing and make up his own songs! He does not know all the guitars chords, but I am sure it won't be long before he learns them. Samantha loves animals and likes to play veterinarian. She received a "Dr. Samantha Glas" coat and Dr's kit. She was still checking the heart rate of all of her toy animals when we left. Spending time with them helps me realize all that I have to look forward to, should the Lord someday give me children.

"Dr. Glas" taking care of her horse:)

Jack opening his drums. Jack's mom and dad reacting to Jack opening his drums!

Jack and his new guitar. Brian, his dad, is in the back 'happily' putting together Jack's new drums. Our little rock star!

Celebrating the Holidays

This year at the CP Center my friend Alice and I planned the annual staff Christmas party. Planning an event is as much fun for me as attending one! We got a bit carried away and turned a party into an all day celebration with food, Santa, games and best of all, the reading of the Christmas story from Richard Parks, the new hospital CEO. We set up a 'Christmas living room' in our gym and everyone sat on cushions around the 'fireplace' and listened to Mr. Parks read from Luke 2. Then a few of our talented staff lead us in worship. I cannot post pictures of our clients because of confidentiality, so I wish that I could find the words to describe what a great experience we had together. The best part of the day, however, was earlier in the morning when we were treated to some Christmas carolers from another organization that works with adults with disabilities. A blind man sang "O Holy Night" and there was not a dry eye in the room. Before they left, we asked him to sing it again and he started by sharing his thoughts on the birth of Christ and that "O Holy Night" is a song we should sing all year around. It is a holiday memory, I will not soon forget.

Me and Alice in the "Christmas Living Room"

A Night in Nashville

Last Thursday a group from my church went to see Andrew Peterson's "Behold the Lamb" at the Ryman in Nashville. If you have not heard this Christmas album it is well worth getting! You can read more about the album at Blogged Down World.

It was also good to spend time with friends. Nashville is such a great city to walk around this time of year. The cold weather and the Christmas lights made for a wonderful holiday evening. Me, Sarah and Heidi outside the Ryman

I was REALLY excited about Panera!

Another Rainy Saturday Morning

I think it was about a year ago that I awoke on a rainy Saturday morning and posted my "warm and cozy" feelings about rainy weather. Once again, I was greeted this morning with a chilly wind and the sound of rain pounding on my window. I won't like it as much when I have to get out, but from my warm bed it is quite a treat. Add my pumkin spice coffee and watching Racheal Ray make gingerbread waffles (in 30 minutes, of course!) and you have a perfect morning!

"Rudolf the red nose reindeer..."

One of the things I like about the place I work and the people I work for is that ever so often I get to help with something totally fun that has nothing to do with my job. Today my boss let me dress up as Rudolf and walk around the CP and the Kiwanis Center greeting kids while he passed out candy. Getting the top of the costume to fit me was quite the challenge! The head band kept slipping over my eyes and I was completely blind. Most of the time I was lead by the hand so that I would not walk into anything (which still happened a few times). It looked like Rudolf had a little too much to drink last night:)

If you have ever worn a costume like that, you know that it can be very hot. I am hot natured anyway and man was I sweating. Thanks to my friend Heidi taking pictures, you get to see just how wet I was when I was done. We had to take several breaks so I could go outside and cool off.

Going around to all the classrooms was such a blast! Most of the kids (those who were not scared) were so excited when they saw us coming. They were giving me hugs and grabbing the flashing red nose. When doing something so interactive with the clients, it does not take long to realize how special they are and how important it is that we continue investing in their lives. The staff who work with them everyday were doing such a great job. I loved having the chance to make them laugh.

I don't know what is happening in this picture, either Ron is adjusting my head so that I can see, or he is trying to keep me quiet:)

Under Contruction

Just for the fun I have been adjusting my template. Hopefully I will have it all put together in a couple of days!

Christmas Spirit...Poodle Style

If you have not already done so, I am sure many of you will stop visiting this blog for fear of seeing something like this again! I think she is so cute!!!!

Frontiers

This past week I had the pleasure of visiting the Frontiers team in Phoenix. It was so exciting for me to learn and talk about missions all day! I think I spent most of my time talking about Cafe 1040! I can't tell you how much I loved telling people about the overseas program. The staff at Frontiers are so excited about missions and it was refreshing to spend some time with them. If you are considering going overseas, call them or get online and submit a Journey Form! http://www.frontiers.org/opportunities/apprentice/index.htm

Good Morning from Sky Harbor!

Even though my trip to Phoenix has been short and fast, I really enjoyed getting to see a little bit of my "homestate" (I was born in Arizona, but my family moved shortly after so I have never actually seen the state). Phoenix reminds me a little bit of Mexico and a little bit of the desert cities in North Africa! Everything was beautiful (except the palm trees with colored Christmas lights...weird.) Most of my time was spent in meetings so I did not get to take any pictures of the scenery, so here is a pic I just took of myself as I wait for my flight:)

I have been up since 4:30am so I am a bit loopy!