Had a wonderfully exhausting day today. Church service was so good- the songs were very uplifting and it energized me to be there. Then we took a lady we've sort of 'adopted' into our family out for her 70th b-day at lunch. She grew up in a foster home and was never adopted- has no family, never been married, but a sweet lady. We met her because she used to keep our dog for us when we went out of town. So it was nice to be able to spend time with her today. After that, we came home and I curled the girls' hair and dressed them up in their holiday dresses and we went to their Christmas program at their school. It was probably the best kids Christmas program I've ever seen. The music was so moving, and the kids were so into their singing and interpretive movements that it was just beautiful. Not many things bring tears to my eyes, but that program did. They did a wonderful job focusing on the true meaning of Christmas and it was good for us to be reminded of that. I'm so thankful for their tiny little private Christian school. They're so happy there and they are loved there.
Brian's office party was last night- and it is always a ton of fun. We played a lot of games and Santa was there and we had a DJ and karaoke. Everyone really enjoyed themselves. But I was so hyped up when we got home at midnight that I couldn't fall asleep- so I ended up with about 3 hours of sleep and I am feeling that now. It doesn't help that I have a warm kitten asleep in my lap and the only light in here is coming from my computer and the lights on the Christmas tree. What a great day. I feel so blessed to be able to say that. I do have a heavy heart tonight. One of Emmaline's 8 year old friends just found out that her mom's experimental chemo did not work, and they have given her mother 3 weeks to live. I just cannot imagine. There are 3 young children (I think the oldest is 11- the youngest is 6) and I tried to think of what it must be like to hear that kind of news- not only as the mother, but as the child. I pray that God will draw near to that family and that they will feel the comfort that only He can give. Life is such a precious gift.

Joy Comes In the Morning

Woke up still in a bad mood- have been trying hard all day to change my attitude and thankfully, the day has improved and I expect to wake up tomorrow feeling good again. I know I really have nothing to be stressed about- sometimes I just let little things get to me. Our family of four actually sat down at the dinner table tonight over some chicken, made from scratch mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese (Southern style, of course). And it was nice to reconnect like that. Didn't hurt that the food was really good, too! This week has been so hectic that it has been a few days since we've been able to do that- and dinner together is very important in my book. I also enjoy cooking, and it has been a while since I've had time to make anything good. I also think that doing grief counseling has helped me tremendously with my view on things. When I talk to people who have truly been through heart wrenching times, it puts my so-called 'troubles' in perspective.
Today it was so nice not to have to go anywhere (with the exception of the grocery store) and I don't have to go anywhere tomorrow, either. I need to get some things done in this house- there is cleaning and organizing that needs to be done and I'm the one who needs to do it.... I've been thinking a lot lately about the amount of time I spend in prayer and how I can see that it is directly related to my stress most of the time. I've decided I need to increase that time- especially since recently there have been days that have gone by without me saying anything other than the blessing at mealtimes. It's so important to me to have that time alone with God and I miss it when I don't have it. Do you feel alone- unloved- stressed- like you don't know where to turn? Talk to God-tell Him everything- He wants you to and He is waiting for you. He loves you like no-one else ever could. I promise you won't regret it!

They Can't All Be Great Days....

Today was one of the busiest days I've had in a long time. Had to drive to G'ville (30 mins) to counsel a client at my office. Drove back here to get the girls from school. Immediately drove back to G'ville to take Emmaline to ballet, was there for an hour for her class, came home and cooked dinner, left (without eating) to go counsel another client in a different town. On my way home from that, picked Annelise up from bball practice and finally got home around 8:30. But, even though it was a super busy day, I was in a very good mood. Funny how quickly that can change sometimes. Came home to a mess, Emmaline still not in the bed, and my (normally sweet) husband just goes off on me for absolutely no reason. I'm exhausted- I'm now in a very bad mood- I think it's time to call it a night. I've been reading a book about living a life of gratitude and thankfulness- but I just am in no mood tonight. I'm so glad that I don't have to be anywhere tomorrow and Thursday.....