December News

The month of December is upon us, and the bills are getting paid, which is the first source of good news.
The second is my dad's on his way back to PA after months in Detroit. I will get to see him on Thursday, I believe. I'm anxious about it.
Next good news, mom, dad and Nate are coming here, due to arrive after midnight on December 25th! What a Christmas surprise for the kids, awakening to Santa's loot and Nana. Oh, the joy of it all.
Additionally, we volunteered yesterday and today at the Presbyterian church in Sparta, packing food for the hungry with PeopleHelp. It was quite an experience, both humbling and awe-inspiring. The kids were with us Sunday evening, we went back alone this afternoon and did a bit more.
Then, we went to the Blessed Kateri church and got our Christmas gifts from them. They sponsored us, and the gifts were lovely. The kids got some very nice things, and the presents they got John and I were just what we asked for.
Going back a bit, Joshua's play was Friday and was a tremendous success. He did wonderfully. Kathleen was there, and some volunteers from IHN, mostly just to see their own kids.
Kathy took the kids out on Sunday to shop for gifts for John and I. I remarked to John that evening as they wrapped their surprises, I didn't hear them bicker or shout once in nearly an hour, and they were all three in a room together. Truly a gift, there.
Saturday was my Christmas party given by Shop Rite, or Ronetco, rather, for employees with kids. It was at the very posh Perona Farms. It was quite an affair, and the kids received nice gifts, sat on Santa's sleigh with him for a photo and we had a delicious breakfast. There was face painting and sand art, a train and characters of all sorts, like Dora, Scooby and Marvin the Martian. There was a DJ, complete with four alien dancers, and a full wait staff seeing to all our needs.
In closing, I've been filled with appreciation for the family this week, with gratitude for the grace and mercy of God, with love and with light. With a sense of competence and with a feeling that it's all going to be good.