Sweet Adrian

Our family has been enduring some sadness over the last several weeks. Our daughter (in-law), Adrian, was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Our hearts hurt for Adrian, Cody and their little family. On a positive note, this has brought our extended family and friends together to help with the fight. Everyone has a job;  prayer warriors, meal providers, house cleaners, baby sitters.

Below is the link to Adrian's CaringBridge site.
 http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/adrianmcdaniel

Family Pictures 2012

We received our family pictures back just in time for Christmas cards; very thankful for that. Below are some of the highlights.

And so it begins...

For us Thanksgiving extends until Saturday evening when we have our get together with my husband's family. Other activities are jam-packed into the days in between: Christmas shopping on Black Friday, putting up Christmas decorations, and even hosting a baby shower. Busy Busy Busy.
Hoping you enjoy your time with family and friends as we begin the whirlwind of parties and bustling around that comes with this time of year.

Thankful

Happy Happy Thanksgiving!

I am very thankful for:

• God
• My family
• My friends
• Living in the USA
• My job
• My list could go on and on...we are very blessed.

I am looking forward to watching the Macy's parade and then heading to my sister's house for dinner. Fun times with family! gobble gobble

Making Memories

I was working with HR for a project for our corporate Christmas party and I came across this picture of my Dad and I. I wrote the date of 1972 on the back of the photo, but I am not sure it is correct. I think I look too tall for a five year old?? Anyway it brought back many wonderful memories of spending time with my dad.

 And here is a recent photo of us together...still making memories.

Go Mighty...

For awhile now I have been reading Maggie Mason's blog MightyGirl. It is a lifestyle blog so it is all about style, travel, cocktails, etc. Anyway she just launched a new website called GoMighty. Seriously you need to check this out...seriously. The main idea is that you write down your "life goals" and then they have sponsors who might possibly help you achieve your goals. Its all about challenging you to find and fulfill the possibilities in your life. I signed up and have my list started, you should too.

42 Days...

How is your Christmas (Holiday, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, etc.) shopping coming along? I usually start very early because if I delay it to the last moment, I get grouchy. Grouchiness is not a good holiday feeling. I start out with a spreadsheet of everyone I will be buying for and add in ideas or items they have on their wish list. I do a combination of browsing/buying in stores and ordering online. I have been pretty lucky with getting most everything shipped for free, which is a nice bonus. And I have been wrapping them right along as I get them, so I am not overwhelmed at the last moment.

42 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS

Thankful...

Not sure if it is because the holidays are right around the corner or just because...but lately I have been feeling very thankful. Especially for my family; parents, siblings, children, grandchildren...you get the idea.

The weather outside is frightful...

Ok, not really, not yet. Just practicing my holiday tunes...

Actually this weekend is probabably one of the last warmish days we will have in awhile. I am glad God has given us this potentially warm day, because I still have leaves to rake. I am sure the neighbors are irratated with us (sorry).

Anyway, some of us are ready with our cute hats for cold weather.

Cheers!!

Wine tasting at the Round Barn Winery.
$8 for five samples and you get to take the stemless wine glass home with you.
Fun times with amazing friends...

My friend Steve posted this on FB and it was exactly what I needed to hear.

As much as some people are hurting over the election, as a Christ follower I just want to offer this. Many people will move forward after today with anger, bitterness, and resentment. But now is when we need to pray for those in power and for our neighbors, no matter what side they are on. We may disagree with the outcome, but vengeance and unforgiveness are not our calling. Just remember, while the outcome may have been a surprise to many, it was not a surprise to God. And while I still believe America is the greatest country on earth, I also believe that God does not care about furthering a country, he cares about furthering a Kingdom. So, despite whatever your political views are, the only views that will truly matter moving forward are grace and forgiveness.

My husband and I spent the weekend in Union Pier, MI. We stayed at the Firefly Resort, which is a super cute place to stay. Check out their website.
We had a great time! Relaxing, eating, wine tasting, and walking on the beach. The water looks cold, doesn't it.

Friends drove down from Chicago to spend Saturday with us. Really...there is nothing better than time spent with family and friends.