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!