In Memory of Six Years Ago

For if our loved ones are with Thee,
And Thou art with us,
How can they be very far away?

-Peter Marshall

Crayola Christmas

A short time ago Mom read a book by Robert Fulghum called "All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten." In it, he has a short story about how everyone, whether they are old or young, needs new crayons. Especially Crayola crayons - the big 64 count green and yellow box with the sharpener in the back.
So, guess who got crayons and coloring books for Christmas?? And not just a 64 pack... I got the 96 count box!
It's been so much fun! There have been many hours spent in coloring - by both Mom and me. So many hours, in fact, that Jed would be proud. I told him on the phone about my gift, and he's pretty excited to have me home so we can color together.

My Favorite Day

You know how sometimes people ask you what day in the year is your favorite? Or it may be a question on one of those surveys that goes around via email. And most often people reply with a globally recognized holiday. I've always had trouble with that question, because I really don't know what my favorite holiday is. I love them all!
A couple months ago I was thinking about this and realized that December 26th is my favorite day in the year. It's not because there is post-Christmas bliss, though I do enjoy looking at all the things I've received the day before.
The real reason that December 26th is my favorite day is because back in 1979 God sent my two best friends to earth on this day. I didn't even know how special that day was when it happened, because I was just a little over one, but as we've grown and they've become some of my closest confidantes, I've learned to treasure this day above others.
So, Happy Birthday Amy & Drewey. I'm so grateful for both of you, and trust that you have a wonderful day as you turn 26 on the 26th!

Christmas in Killarney

Well - here I am. Safe and happy in the house of my parents! It's snowing outside, and so beautiful. Just like what Christmas should be! In fact, last night seemed so Christmas-y, that we each opened a present :)
The trip up went really well. I left work by three on Thursday afternoon, and could feel myself getting healthier as I drove down the driveway. (My goal for this week is to kick this three week old sickness!!) It's amazing what having eleven days off will do for the psyche.
I met Aunt Kathy for dinner, and then made it all the way through the border before too late that night. I stopped at a little motel in St Stephen, and then made the rest of the trip yesterday morning. It was snowy, and not at all good road conditions, and I was incredibly grateful that I come so far the night before, and had only had three and a half hours to drive, instead of the whole trip. I counted four cars off the road, and was very thankful when the snow finally stopped, and I saw the signs for Amherst.
Mom and Dad were at the Farmer's Market in town, so I met them there. We did some last-minute Christmas shopping and headed home. The house is beautifully decorated, and it truly feels like Christmas.

Narnia!

An absolute must-see!
Amazing casting...
Incredible scenery...
Very happy with how they portrayed it!

How Do You Ensure...

... that a class is bent forward, listening enraptured to your every word for an entire day?

You make sure the trainer has LARYNGITIS!

And yes, I now know from experience. Today was the first day of my new class, and I could barely squeak out the words. At least they looked interested - but it was probably because they were trying to decipher the teaching from the wheezing!