Every Christmas season we seem to have "that week." And we had "that week" again last week. As much as I love the holidays and the activities, I'm so glad this week is behind us. Here's what we were up to!
Monday: I was last minute with my Christmas cards. We took quick family photos on Thanksgiving day but it was cold and windy and I don't love the photos we got. Then I had in mind to grab a family photo when we were picking out a Christmas tree but that didn't come about either. So, I took the photos I had, the fun memories we made and created a card! They arrived and it's time to get my Christmas letter graded by Mike, printed, envelopes stuffed, stamped and in the mailbox for family and friends! I love doing this gesture but it does take a lot of time! I hope it brings cheer into your home as you read about our family and the goodness of God!
I filled Ritz crackers with peanut butter and dipped them in chocolate for the upcoming employee banquet. This also takes some time but it's a favorite and while I jammed on Christmas tunes, the crackers got covered!
Ashlyn signed up for basketball this year. Last year, she opted to not play middle school basketball and instead we focused on Matthew's senior year games. And, "this is the week" when the games begin and with a bang! Three games in one full week! I love sports and going to watch our kids play sports is never a burden but so fun! I did take a deep breath though because this was a lot for one week! They won! Normally, Mike and I go to games together but he was at the high school boys practice which adds another level of busy for us!
This is Ashlyn's breakfast! It's good to get fueled up before game day!
Tuesday: Weeks ago, I was invited to go along with church friends to Longwood Gardens! I said yes immediately because this place is the closet to heaven as I can get! The beauty is more than my words can express and to go with these friends would be a dream come true!!! I enjoyed the entire day of walking through the gardens, smelling the Lillies and greens and seeing the twinkles and lights and hearing Christmas bells and tones and laughing with my friends! It was the best day!!!!!
Before meeting up with these ladies, I did make a quick stop to see Mommy D and she made my day!!!! She was fun to visit and she makes me laugh!
Longwood Gardens is a favorite place for me and it's full of fun photo options!!!!
Then to top off the gorgeous day, we ate dinner at The Terrain! In a cold yet heated tent! The food, the laughs, these ladies ... it was such a good, good day!
I came home tired but my heart was full!!!! I missed Ashlyn's second basketball game because of this outing but Mike was there and they won again! Austin went home from school with Adrian and Lena told him to just spend the night there. I miss when I don't tuck our children into bed but he was having a blast and I had to wait to see him until Wednesday.
Wednesday: I decided to say no to my morning walking routine for the rest of the week because I just knew every minute counted! Ginger had a haircut appointment and I had her there right at 8 AM. When I picked her up, I asked for cash back so I had some tip to offer the groomer. The manager came and no one could open the drawer for cash and I ended up getting cash back from the groomer. Because of this delay, I was late for my workout class but that was OK. I knew every moment counted for today. The workout class went well and I'm enjoying it. On the way home, the Audi started flashing many things across my dashboard and I pulled over. It shut off and left me set. Of course, I called Mike and he was at my rescue as soon as he could! He was going to try to drive it to get serviced but it shut down for him too and while I took his truck back home, he called the tow truck and had it towed to get fixed. We now drive a borrowed Audi until ours is fixed up.
Ashlyn had a Christmas program that afternoon and again in the evening. I had planned to pick her up at the end of the day because her friend was coming home with her. Well, because of the delay and me still being in workout clothes, I made other arrangements for their way home. And, my hair has a slight tint of green. I need my hairdresser and I have an appointment next week to get it fixed but the Mansion on Main had a fire and burnt down. Now, I have to go with another hair plan to fix this hair!
We went to the evening program and the gym was packed. As Mike and I looked for seats, he remembered that he was supposed to pick up his mom and bring her to the program with us. We laughed and off he went. They got back a little late but we sat and listened to the students sing, play bells and I just chose to not let this busy, off of the rails day, get me down. We dropped Mike's mom off at her house after the program and came home ready to rest!
Thursday: Banquet Day! We've been planning and looking forwards to this special event for some time now! The employees at Lapp Structures are very special to us and we are looking forward to a pretty banquet with great food and entertainment!
I picked Mom Lapp up and we got poinsettias for the tables. Warehouse 100 was a nice space to set up tables and add greenery and lights to the tables. We had everything set up by 1 PM and it looked good! We had a harpist come and play Christmas music while the employees arrived. I loved that! Welsh Mountain Catering did an amazing job with the food and display and everyone raved about their foods!!!! We had Axe Throwing come and pull their trailer into the warehouse and the employees had fun with this event! Gifts were given. Smiles were exchanged! The whole evening was nice! We are so blessed to have great employees and folks to keep the business thriving!!!
It's so fun having our grown children come and be part of the business! Matthew works hard on the prefab crew. Hadassah cleans the offices every week!
Again, I had the kids go to Lena's after school and basketball practice. It sure is a blessing to have family help out on such a full week!
Friday: Laundry. Kids back to school. Homework papers not all completed but we tried! Reading and math facts got pushed to the side. I woke Austin up just a bit earlier to give him a hug because this week was go, go, go! I wrapped up a few more gifts, made sure I had everything we need for tomorrow ... the Riehl family Christmas gathering!
Ashlyn had her third basketball game after school. I picked Austin up after school and we went for a fun Christmas drink!
School art I spied as I walked the hallways!
It's time to finish this up!!!!
And I could not wait to see this!!! Mike is helping coach the basketball teams this year and he's loving it! I've not been able to go to their first games but we went Friday night after Ashlyn's game and it was fun to watch and see Mike help out! They won! Go Warriors!!!!
Saturday: The Riehl Family Christmas Gathering!!!! It's been a crazy busy week but we made it though!
Every morning I woke up feeling blessed! There have been a few fires that destroyed buildings and The Mansion on Main is where I get my hair done and that burnt. So sad! We are blessed to have good health, energy to face the busy week and I continue to focus on why we celebrate Christmas!!!
Jesus is the reason for the season and I am grateful HE helped me through each day this past week! I am so blessed!
