Back to the real world

After a lovely week with my girls, today is back to school for the girls and work for Tom. As you know, our Thanksgiving was a bit of a downer, but life goes on. Kirsti and Chuck come in today (we probably won't see them), and they will leave with Jan, for Texas, tomorrow morning. Tom is 80% sure he cannot miss work in order to go. He has mixed emotions about this, but we are hoping that his folks will understand. He has been out of the office for over a week and is at least that much behind. Please pray that he will have peace about whatever decision he makes about going on this trip.

Becca woke us up yesterday morning, ready to decorate for Christmas. She has been our bright spot and the keeper of the holiday spirit. My living room looks like a hurricane blew through it. I have a picture to post later. I love watching Becca sort through all of the ornaments and talk about when she made them or what they mean to her. She is so sentimental and I just love it. She helped us hang the lights outside and even put gold tinsel around her bedroom door.

Laura enjoyed her week off and today she is back to school. The good news is that they only go for three weeks and then we are out for winter break. Laura enjoys decorating the tree, but her love is cooking. She made special guacamole for Thanksgiving and I know she will help me with the baking. This is a great mom/daughter time for us.

I have to clean up our house today and get back to my students. We have family coming in, as I said earlier. They might not come over, but it is good incentive for me to get things picked up. This afternoon I will be back to giving lessons. I am preparing everybody for the three concerts coming up in December.

I hope that all of you take time to enjoy the season. I was a bit frazzled when I looked at my living room, but I am trying to see the big picture. Decorating for Christmas is a great family time and I don't want to miss it. Don't get caught up in all the "Holiday Hype". Don't forget that we are celebrating the birth of our lord and that is reason enough celebrate and decorate.

Happy day.