Anybody Tired?

I absolutely LOVE Christmas!! It is my favorite time of year.  But those of you who are around my age can probably identify with this.  I sorta woke up to the fact that I am becoming the President of the Christmas season.  You know kinda like the head PTA mom...except there were no elections.  I just realized that Christmas is now whatever I make it.  

It used to be my grandmother.  Then the torch was passed to my mom.  And now suddenly, without warning...I am running through this season with this Christmas torch that I never campaigned for.

I did all the preparations.  I did all the cooking.  I did the shopping and wrapping.  Need I make a list?  You already know.

But guess what!!  I had the best time of my life!!  It hit me around 5:00 pm on Christmas Day that I was having the season of my life!!  It hit me that I was all grown up now and perspectives and priorities had changed without me even working on it.  It just happens.  Now, it is MY joy to watch everyone eat the food I have prepared.  Now, it is MY joy to watch as they open presents.  Now, it is MY joy and fulfillment to put my head on my pillow...finally...and smile with a warm fuzzy feeling down deep in my heart, knowing that I did something that REALLY matters.  I created a moment in time that will be logged in tomorrow's sweet memory book.

Anybody tired now?  I am.  I will sleep very well.

The Children's Christmas Play

That's my little sweetheart on the right with the bling head wrap.  She was mad that I was taking pictures at the Christmas play.  On the left is her "Bethlehem Sister", Mikayla Pete.  

The Morning After

This weekend was another remarkable weekend.  Last night was our annual Winter Wonderland Christmas concert.  The choir was so incredible!  Our guest soloist, Gene Moore, from Houston, Texas was simply phenomenal.  My dad (Pastor Murrell Ewing) was awesome, as always.  The kid's performance of Christmas Around The World was so adorable.  My friend, Loida Howell, came in to perform her fabulous Creative Worship and rocked the house as usual.  Our Eastwood Quartet (oh how I love quartet music) did a great job.

Just wanted to mention that some very special people were in attendance last night.  One of my very best friends for life, Julie Finical (and her husband Tony), was there.  My one and only first cousin, Dana Clark Heinen (and her husband Mark and their son Will), was there.  Our city mayor, Mr. Randy Roach, honored us with his presence.  And then, all the way from Baton Rouge, the "President of the Vonnie Lopez Fan Club", Tina Timoll and about eight of my sweet friends came to the concert.  (Note for sensitive readers: The whole "fan club" thing is just an inside joke :-)  

And then at last I must give credit to my dear friend, Shelly Buller, for pulling stuff together like only she can.  If anyone reading this is getting married...you will want Shelly to help you! She is so awesome!!