What We've Been Up To...

First, we did this...

Then we did this...

And because we did that, we made this...(that's actually The Chatham News)

You can check out the full story, along with color photos, here. Just another benefit of living in a tiny town - where everybody knows your name (that is, of course, unless your performing criminal acts. Then, well, it's hard to hide!).

It's been a VERY full week and I don't see things slowing down over the next 7 days. The horizon for me holds last minute shopping (stocking stuffers mostly), a little more baking and travel home to No. VA Friday evening to spend Christmas with my family next weekend. I am so thankful to be able to actually spend Christmas Eve AND Christmas Day with Michael! Turns out his schedule fell so that those were his two days off. We plan on being very lazy, enjoying our home and "Christmas surroundings" here in the house and remembering the true meaning of the season... I was fortunate enough to participate in our church's annual Christmas Caroling Friday night. That is always such a treat. The best part is piling into the trucks to get from house to house. You really get to know your church family members when you're crammed in like clowns in a VW. Pizza and fellowship followed and we called it a night around 11:30. And then last night Mike and I attended his SWAT team captain's annual Christmas party. I always love being involved with these people. I never feel more safe and secure than when I'm surrounded by 13 strapping cops/SWAT specialists packing heat! Ha! Awards were given and recognitions were made and a good time was had by all... I'm very proud of my husband...and all the team members and their wives. This is a group of highly trained men who are called out on a moment's notice. And many times they're creating a surprise situation for a volatile criminal (drug dealers usually). They trust each other implicitly and literally have each others' lives in their hands. But I couldn't ask for a better group of men to help protect my husband or the wives that support them and each other.

Oh, almost forgot. We had our Christmas luncheon at work Friday afternoon. It was held at The Old Granary Restaurant in Fearrington Village. Another lovely way to celebrate the season (and yes, grace was said again before the meal...did I say I think I'm going to like it here?).

So, I think that brings me up to date. This working at an office away from home really affects my ability to blog...and cook decent dinners...and clean my house...and, and, and... But I am grateful and hope to be falling into a less structured pattern soon!

I'm praying that all of you have a full heart and will soon be surrounded by those you love and who love you most. I'm also prayerful that your travels will be safe and that you'll be making more sweet memories with your families and loved ones.