It was Christmas decoration day at Cornerstone on Tuesday!
Like everything else at Cornerstone Christmas decorating is a team effort.
Details matter.
The work involves all the generations of the church.
Every corner needs its glitter.
Another awesome day for the books!
Today I am spending the day prepping for ministry tomorrow and cleaning and Christmasfying the Vicarage.
The fam helped me decorate the Christmas tree on Thanksgiving. But the tree is just the beginning of the Christmas plans. I am going to do a little bit every week as we get ready for this year’s Christmas festivities.
This morning I set the mood with a scented candle.
Nature helped out by sending us just a touch of winter.
I can tell you that the chickens were none too happy about the snow. They wouldn’t even come out of the coop for breakfast until I spread an extra covering of hay to cover up the white stuff.
But the grounds of the Vicarage are filled with Christmas cheer. While the chickens may not like this weather, it has the sparrows gathering by the dozens in the bushes just waiting to be fed. The squirrels were waiting eagerly too by the edge of the wood waiting for their daily allotment of birdseed.
I switched out the autumn porch hangers for the winter porch hangers. A dear friend of our family by the name of Cheyenne has volunteered to make the Vicarage a new wreath for the front door so I am waiting for that to be delivered today.
I am cleaning up the front room and doing laundry today too in between prayer sessions and sermon practice sessions. So a busy day at The Vicarage!
What does your Saturday look like?
This year a dear friend blessed me with a 24 pound turkey for my Thanksgiving feast. I stayed up until about 12:30 A.M Thanksgiving morning cooking and slicing the bird for dinner next day. Then after a few hours sleep I was back up and cooking the rest of the meal. I love cooking Thanksgiving dinner! I love spreading the table for this holiday.
This year we were 11 around the table. It’s been a long time since we have had that many at a holiday feast at the Vicarage. We hosted both of my nephews this year. I haven’t seen Ryan (the man in the recliner) for about a decade or more.
Melanie brought the Mac and cheese. Kristine brought the pies and spring rolls. Tyler brought chocolate peanut butter cookies. Dinner was a hit all around.
I opened presents for my birthday. I got cash from my son and his wife.
I got this amazing cross-stitch from my daughter and her husband.
I got these cards. This year my grand daughters were old enough to pick out their own cards for me.
And my daughter, Amanda, bought me this gorgeous wood burned portrait from one of my favorite artists, Tamie Charbonneau.
After dinner we set about decorating the Christmas tree.
It was a day full of blessings. From The Vicarage to your house….Warmest wishes!
Today is my 57th birthday!
Last night I was hosted by one of our church groups for a birthday party for me and their leader (she and I share our birthday). The cake and the conversation were wonderful! Thank you to the people of the Strengthening Circle!
Today I came into the office to a gift of fruit slices a twenty five dollar gift card to Dunkin’ Donuts and an invitation to dinner with another of our Doing Life Together groups! After our staff meeting we took Kim Stowell, one of our missionaries out to lunch at William’s Restaurant.
I have received so many messages from family and friends wishing me a very happy 57th birthday. Y’know what? I am happy!
Tonight I will finish off with a family prayer circle at my son’s house. It has been a great day!
WHAT MAKES A GREAT DAY FOR YOU?
Notes From the Vicarage 