Christmas Day

Merry CHRISTmas! I enjoyed the day with my sister, brother-in-law, nephews and parents. My sister hosted a relaxing day with an abundance of gourmet yummies.

My nephews (19 and 16) graced us with their presence to open presents!

Andrew became a Twilight Zone fan while spending time with my parents last summer. Now he's got episodes a plenty!

We set a dollar limit and draw names for our gift exchange. This year we did one gift per couple. I didn't make the rules... power to the singletons! :O) It just meant that I didn't have to share my gift! LOL! I scored a 2 year 24 Hour Fitness membership. Darn New Years Resolutions

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I drew my mom and dad. They put a wii and wii fit on their wish list. I can't wait to see the two of them box, bowl and do yoga in the comfort of their own home...

The obligatory Christmas morning photo.... sleepy eyes, no makeup and pajamas. Comfy cozy.

We spent the afternoon at the movies where we saw Sherlock Holmes along with the cajillions of others that had the same brainiac idea.

Jake and Mayo were model onlookers of the festivities.

Mayo wore her Santa Baby uniform... courtesy of her Aunt Melinda.

After a delicious meal of prime rib we looked out to see a gorgeous message from God.

I hope that y'all enjoyed your traditions today!

Christmas Party with Saddleback Peeps

Last month I joined 13 others to become certified as an HIV rapid tester and counselor. We all serve on Saddleback Church HIV / AIDS initiative ministry and are becoming a tight knit group. Tonight we gathered for a small party and enjoyed desserts, conversation and a bit of caroling too.

Carol (who also lives up the street from me... shweet!), Danny and I. Danny is the HIV /AIDS Initiative Pastor and is the ring leader of us. Pray for him! :o)

With Valerie, Lisa and Laura. I am joining Laura's small group and am looking forward to getting together weekly to grow together.

Lani, Jan and I

With Laura

Little did Danny know...

With Kay (Warren)

Elizabeth played the harp. She is very talented and when she plays it seriously sounds angelic!

Kay and Elizabeth shared a few words. We talked, as a group, about what we have accomplished this year (training and our first HIV testing day!, care teams, etc...) and our dreams for the future. We all pray that, one day, there will be know more HIV / AIDS and future generations will read about this devastating news in history books!

The Grinch at the Pantages Theatre

I'm loving the tradition of seeing shows at The Pantages. I've had the chance to see several shows this year and am excited for the 2010 lineup! Tonight Mike, Mickey Rachel and I saw The Grinch. It was fun to see this heart warming holiday classic!

Rachel and Mickey were a bit envious. The "cheap" seats that Mike and I had were upgraded to the second row orchestra! We always joke that the theatre gods are always hooking us up!

The gang ~ Rachel (yes, this is your good side!) Mickey, me and Mike

I have to sport the glasses now for distance. Thank you thirties!

The girls!

Next up? The Color Purple!

Christmas Photos for T and B

xoxo!

Rwanda Cuties

Here are a few photos to hold you over until I can get my postings up. I was going to spend this afternoon uploading and journaling... but... instead I ate ice cream and brownies, took a nap and went to the movies. What else do families do on Christmas afternoon?

These kids live up in the hills in Byumba. The girls in the blue dresses are wearing their school uniforms.

The kids LOVED having their pictures taken. For some it was their first time being photographed and they couldn't get enough of seeing themselves on the digital camera screens.

The one in the front is Yvonne. She was super social and a quick learner. I taught her the hand jive and school yard clap-clap routines. She taught me some Kinyarwandan and I shared the English essentials.

My mom wants me to go back and adopt the second girl on the left. Aren't her eyes gorgeous? The kids were crack ups and I loved playing with them and watching them be carefree kids, depsite the circumstances they live in. Many are orphaned, have parents living with HIV / AIDS and illness and the majority are severely below the poverty line, living on less than $1.00 a day.

The women all carry their babies on their backs. When a baby is 8 days old they are old enough to earn back priveleges. The women all have excellent posture and carry many pounds of bananas, water... I tried it and it is not an easy task!

Hanging out in Byumba

This little guy (yes he is wearing a skirt!) was one of the few children I saw with longer hair. The majority have shaved heads. This is for convenience, hygeine and is a requirement for all children attending school.

I had to bring on the busted knuckles. The kids giggled and before we knew if they were all doing it to each other. It is customary for all Rwandans to greet each other and visitors by extending their hands to shake. I may have created a social faux paus by teaching them to, "pound it!"

More to follow. I took over 1200 photos... so I'll narrow them down and get them up here. Hopefully soon.

Happy BIRTHDAY, Jesus!

Christmas Questionnaire...

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Gift bags! I'm wrapping paper challenged and never have quite learned the art of wrapping paper approximation.

2. Real tree or Artificial? I love real trees, and always grew up having a big ol' one in our living room. But, for now I have a few, "artificial" ones. I have two in my living room. One with St. Jude ornaments and one with my glass / Radco collection. In my room I have a small siver one with my Hello Kitty collection of ornaments and decor!

3. When do you put up the tree? Thanksgiving, but they haven't made it up yet...

4. When do you take the tree down? January-ish

5. Do you like eggnog? Not even a little bit

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Hmmm. My parents and family are awesome gift givers and are thoughtful and generous. I like the sentimental gifts the best ~ probably a quilt that my mom designed and made.

7. Hardest person to buy for? Nobody! I love challenges and shop all year... and pick up things as I find them. My sister Dana is the one who takes most everything back... even if she picks it out!

8. Easiest person to buy for? My parents.

9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes! And I just put one up that I bought in Rwanda. Pictures to follow! I want one like Tysha's. It's on my wish list.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail. I've been known to do an annual Christmas letter. My siblings make fun of me though. This year I'm thinking a photo will suffice.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? A oil painting of my cat.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Elf

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? January!

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? I"ll never tell.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Cookies with lots of frosting

16. Lights on the tree? Yes, more is more!

17. Favorite Christmas song? Oh Holy Night

18. Travel at Christmas or stay at home? Both. Christmas in Oregon is my favorite.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Of course. :) Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen & Rudolph

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Star

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Morning

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? The commercialism and hype about Santa.

23. What theme or color are you using? Bright and Whimsical

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Anything homemade

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? To be with my family