Saturday, December 17, 2011

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year. . .

"There'll be parties, for hosting, marshmallows for toasting, and carolling out in the snow. . ."
-1 out of three ain't bad!! (There was no marshmallow toasting or snow to speak of!)

Like almost all weeks, this week has been a mixture of highs and lows.  So much has happened this week, that I can't hardly remember it all!  So here is a summary by day:

Last Saturday was our Casa Iggy Christmas party.  One word to describe it- Legen. . . wait for it. . . dary! (Legendary!!)  We had over 70 people in total, 40 of whom were JVs! 

Sunday was equally great- a nice breakfast spread for all the JVs that slept over, and when they left, a Titanic viewing!  (I'll never let go, Jack!)

Monday was work, then spirituality night where we discussed the poem, "Give a Little Jesus."

Tuesday was a crazy day at work with many pitfalls.  Later that day was our free night, so we all just vegged out!

Wednesday was Laura's birthday!!  We gave her gifts, had friends over and played Euchre, a card game the casa learned over Thanksgiving. (We play it all the time now!)

Thursday was chaotic at work!  Maryhouse, the women's program at Loaves & Fishes, had their Christmas brunch.  Over 200 women showed up to sing karaoke and eat a wonderful and hot breakfast!  Right after that, Women's Empowerment, a non-profit across the street where Alice and Laura work, had their graduation ceremony.  After a 6 week course, where women learn job skills and build self-esteem, they have a graduation ceremony to celebrate their achievement.  It is a very busy day for W.E., and everybody involved.  At the same time, Jesuit High School in Sacramento called Tim and I to pick up their coats and things from a month long drive.  This is the second time this month Tim and I have been called out, with the high school boys donating almost 200 sweaters and coats each time!  One boy was even so generous, that he donated his used jock strap!

Later that night, we celebrated Christmas at the Casa, because it was the last night we would all be together.  We did Secret Santa, and we got showered with presents!  I had Alice, and I made her a photo album and filled it with photos of the year so far.  Tessa had me and made me a BEAUTIFUL gray circle scarf, green coasters, and red jewelry wire!  Our Christmas was great!

Friday, when I should have posted, was Friendship Park's Christmas.  Anne led carols and the workers had a pizza party!  We played White Elephant, where I made out like a bandit!  I won straws, cat odor eaters, and a Chicago puzzle!  Santa even left a specific gift for me- a brand new jock strap!  I will cherish it forever!

After that, Krystal and I drove to see my brother-in-law, Tom!  He is checking out some training facility an hour and half away, so we got together and had a wonderful dinner!  It was so nice seeing him, and it reminded me that I will see the rest of my family in less than 2 weeks!!

Today, Saturday, we are just lounging around the house. Tessa left for the holidays Friday night, and Kathleen left this morning.  :(   Anne, Laura, and Alice leave us on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, respectively.  Our house will not be all together until I come back in January!  It is amazing how much of a family we are! 

2 comments:

  1. Nicole, how nice for you to be able meet with Tom while he was down there. I look forward to seeing you soon, only 2 more weeks.yeah... Have a good week. Love, Aunt J

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  2. I can't wait to come home!! Miss you!!

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