Countdown to Christmas 2024….Day 9

Happy Monday!

We had a full and happy weekend. 

Friday night I got to speak at the Women’s Christmas Event for our church. Disregarding multiple microphone fails and a nose that persists in running when I am fighting back tears…it was a fun and sweet event. 

I got to share a story about Joy and how it surprises us that involves the family of some long time friends. I didn’t know the friend was in attendance because she had slipped in at the back just as I was starting to speak. 

Our pastor’s wife happened to be in a position to catch a photo of us when I realized she had heard my story. It was all evidence of God’s timing and I may end up sharing it here sometime this Christmas season for those who were not able to attend. 

Saturday we went up north to make sure sis got to her recital practice while others were running the game circuit in two cities. I helped Rachel serve pizza to the basketball team and cheerleaders, while Russ hung out with Joel and the Gators.

We had our last pre-class popcorn stop for the season. If she gets out the door in time for me to get a good parking spot, girlfriend gets a mini-low salt reward.  

We were going to have the kiddos while mom and dad went to a Christmas party for Rachel’s office, but the times they are a’changing. 

The boys and Papi got to go to an Illinois State game, while Caroline and I hung out with cocoa and a movie. While not what I had envisioned it was good for the heart to know everyone was where they wanted to be. 

On Sunday, I had asked if the sisters could take little sister to see the Nutcracker with me. They made it happen and we had a fun lunch at the wonderful Medici’s in Uptown Normal before the ballet. 

It was everything I could have wanted. We all loved the music and dancers, but the best part was sometimes watching our own little dancer as she took it all in. 

A best weekend ever, for sure <3