December books 2023

This month's reading was significantly influenced by the season of Advent.   

Both of these books were beautiful tools in preparing my heart for the celebration of Christ's birth.  "Shadow and Light" went off of the Liturgical calendar and Honest Advent was to start December 1.  "Shadow and Light" also had an accompanying musical playlist for songs that would go with that day's reading as well as references of artwork that depicted what the author was conveying in her words. 

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In January 2023, I had made a goal to read more throughout the year and had set the goal to read 25 books in 2023.

This year I was able to read 41 books. Some were deep and academic and others were lighthearted and pure entertainment.  Either way, I am so glad to have had the experience of setting and accomplishing a goal!

I am excited to set my list and goal for next year!  

Christmas is coming...

 A little of this and that...

I got my first red cup...

...and then proceeded to watch a family favorite from my childhood.

I added decorations to our bedroom:

I did a craft for our kitchen with gifted sheet music:

Wrapped some presents:

We know Santa and we think he is the BEST and he visited our neighborhood!

(He also goes by the name of Leo and we LOVE him!)

It really is a magical time of the year!

We are so excited for all that these next few weeks hold and the memories we will make!  See you next year!

Christmas time with family!

 This last weekend we got to spend time with our Grandi and Monkey Papa as we looked at lights and enjoyed time together!

Friday night:

Saturday and Sunday was soccer in the morning and Christmas lights in our old stomping grounds at night as well as eating at some favorite spots...

Tournament went to Sunday afternoon where we went to penalty kicks in the championship game.  We came in second because our kicks never made it in the net but Eden blocked like a boss!

It was such a special weekend together!

Christmas at the hospital...

 Today I am at work, thinking of all the things ahead in the holiday weekend.  People who come to our unit come with anticipated joy for the arrival of a new baby.  Other places in the hospital are filled with such sadness this time of year.  My heart feels acutely aware of that emotional pendulum that exists for each person entering our doors...

Prayers for our patients and families will always be on my mind as I come to work...

Elder Christmas Dinner 2023

This week we got to celebrate Christmas with our friends and community on our church Elder board.  Such a special night!

We shared a meal, had a time of sharing, had a gift exchange, and then ended with sining "Angels We Have Heard On High."  Such a beautiful night!  I love these people so much and it such an honor to serve our church and community together!

Thursday...

A  little glimpse of our unit at Christmas time...

I think back to all the years ago when I was doing oncology and the holidays were so incredibly hard because often it might be the last Christmas with that family member.  Here there is just so much joy.  We hand out tiny beanies and socks with candy canes on them too...

It such a special time to welcome little ones into the world!

Soccer mom era...

 In the midst of Italian family Christmas in Saturday and our Biola family gathering on Sunday, the kids also BOTH had tournaments Saturday and Sunday and everyone played their hearts out.  Their was wins and losses and goals made by our Striker and goals saved by our goalie and all the emotions that can come with back to back competitive events...

Eden's team took home the Championship!

We are ridiculously proud of these two!

Biola Family Raclette 2023

 This last Sunday we got to be with our Biola family for our annual Raclette dinner! 

We spent time welcoming in the second week of Advent: 

We ate and shared life together!

We asked the questions to each couple/person, "Where are you growing and where are you stuck and how are you seeing God in those places..."

The evening was absolutely magical for us and we are so incredible grateful for our Biola family... 25 years of friendship has been such a gift!  This is such a HUGE light each year! We love these people so much and it is such an honor to call them our family!

Italian Family Christmas 2023

 This last Saturday we got to get together with my extended side of the family for our annual Italian family  Christmas. There was singing and eating and talking and a gift exchange and more talking and connecting...

My Uncle Sal was sick but that won't stop a sibling picture!

Papa and his tiny twin...

Cannoli dip for the win!

It was a sweet time that we look forward to each year.  I love our family so much!