Sarah and Sheila Day 17--

Sheila Day 17--

Today was SUPER easy for me, whereas, some of the others have been a little more difficult.  I think one of the major challenges of 25 days of giving is actually deciding what to do!  I woke up early with a plan to head BACK to Walmart for, you guessed it, MORE Candy Cane Poinsettias that I could deliver to some special people in my hometown! 

I decided after this weekend of hanging out with some of the older ladies, that I wanted to spend some quality time with my grandma.  I wrapped her Christmas gift as I thought that she might like to wear it as she goes into the holidays.  Grandma always appreciates it if someone buys her new clothes as getting out and about to purchase her own is almost impossible.  I picked a really pretty black zip up with silver snowflakes scattered on the front.  It was fuzzy fleece inside so grandma will stay warm and cozy.  I also got a turtle neck for her to wear underneath.  AND of course, her poinsettia in tow.  I got hugs as soon as I got in the house and a hot cup of coffee.  I set down her flower, unwrapped it, and she commented on how BEAUTIFUL it was!  She said she had never seen one like that and she is 90 years old, and like I said last night, I can only imagine that in 90 years of life she has seen A LOT of them!

Grandma and I sat and visited about life, faith, the little ones who lost their lives, the teachers, heaven, and everything in between.  It was an AWESOME couple of hours and it was time I will treasure.  She loved the gift and it fit perfectly.  Grandma looked really pretty and she always appreciates anything I do for her, which I love!  It is nice to be appreciated:)

I texted my best friend from high school, Mary, asking if she was home.  She was in the middle of mass chaos, but yes ideedy, she was home.  I told her I would make it quick as I just had a lil something to drop off for her.  She met me at the door, I hugged her and thanked her for being so much support in my life and especially throughout the past year.  I told her how much I loved her and she got choked up.  Before you knew it, we were both in tears hugging.  I am so lucky to have had her in my life for . . . well, for A LONG TIME!  I wished her a Merry Christmas and scooted off to my next stop.

Next stop, my daddy's.  I wanted to drop off a flower for he and mom as they too are what has given me solid roots from which to grow.  Dad and I had the chance to just sit down and visit all by ourselves for about an hour.  Again, great conversation about life, lives lost, accountability, and anything else that warranted a little daddy discussion time.  I love the time that we spend visiting as I truly am a daddy's girl!  It was a great morning, but I had still had one more stop so I headed north to Thief River Falls for some more girl time.

Lunch was with another friend that I have not seen for awhile.  It was her birthday on the 12th and today we celebrated her life and I bought her lunch.  We had a little Chinese, a glass of wine, and some conversation where we caught up on our kiddos.  Again, just time to talk about anything and everything while reconnecting.

My acts of kindness today just made me feel incredibly warm and fuzzy inside.  I love the feeling of being wrapped in good feelings.  It was kind of weird because in all of the places I spent time we talked about the folks suffering in Connecticut and something that was bothering me.  I read something on MSN that said there will be no Christmas in Newtown, Connecticut.  This statement really got me thinking because Christmas is not about presents, gifts, or even celebrating.  It is about Christ.  There will be Christmas in Newtown because Christ is working in those who are giving hugs, those who walking with the families, those offering any support they can give, those who are sending love, and all who are lifting up those who have lost in prayer . . . Christ works through us and in us. 

My prayer tonight is that there is indeed Christmas in Newtown . . . the gift of Christ being offered through each of us . . . God working through our loving hands.

Prayers of Christmas,
Sheila

Mary's Poinsettia 

 Sarah Day 17--

Unlike my mom, today was a more difficult day for me than many of the others have been. Mom is completely right when she says that the hardest part is trying to decide what good deed to do. It is not that we don't do anything nice for others in our day to day life, because we definitely do. It is about trying to go out of our way to do something for someone else and making time for someone else. Sometimes, that means going out of our comfort zone and doing something that makes us nervous and anxious. Other times, it means simply recognizing the people in our lives who have really made a difference for us.

Yesterday, I talked a little bit about Sam, who is my brothers fiance. I did not get into any details about her, or who she is as a person. Other than that she absolutely completes my brother, which is the most important thing in my book. However, for those of you who do not know her, I have a little bit more to share.

Today was a big day for Sam. This winter she graduated from NCTC with her LPN and today was the pinning ceremony. Sam has always been a hard worker and she really focuses on her school work. She puts many, many hours into studying every week. Very rarely do I see her without her school work plopped right on her lap. I truly admire her dedication and I think it's safe to say that all of that hard work has finally paid off. Sam look so great today and extremely happy! We are all very proud of her and she should be proud of herself.

My mom, dad, brother, grandma, grandpa and I all attended Sam's pinning ceremony tonight. It was nice to see my everyone there supporting her achievement. My family has always been very supportive of each other and our accomplishments, and I have no doubt that we will always be just as supportive for Sam. Before we know it, we will be celebrating her at the pinning ceremony for her RN!

Sam has been and will continue to be a wonderful addition to our family. She is such a happy, fun loving and caring person. Three qualities that I feel any great nurse must have. Our family always shines so much brighter when she is around and we are lucky to have her in our lives. I am looking forward to many more wonderful memories with her in them. What a blessing she has been! Love you Sam!

Sincerely,
The Maid of Honor