Christmas Morning...

I will not speak for anyone else, but, for me, the warmth, joy and the very presences of love on Christmas morning 2012 was truly a miraculous gift from God.  It is only through Him that such love is known and I know He was there because I invited Him.  Thank you Kate, Kristin and Ben for being with us  through  phone calls or an email, you were truly there with us in spirit and my quiver was full.  I know no better gift, but I must mention a few of mine because they were  exceptional.

1)  gifts of sound, beauty and prayers
2)  gifts of humor, art and music
3) crosses... I loved being thought of, by so many, as a recipient for this gift.
4) the many gifts of family time:
a.  Miniature golf at Pirate's Cove, followed by a cookout at Mike and Mary's house for all the family.
b.  over night trip with the girls (daughters and granddaughters!)
c.  a family-leadership challenge (ropes course) at Georgia Tech.                  
d.  a surprise family outing to be announced at a later date (from everyone!) .
5)  gifts of comfort
6)  precious gifts of love from Korea

My cup runneth over.  You all knew just what I wanted.

More joy comes in the morning...Kristin, Alan, Keegan and Aidan are here and we have yet to share our love gifts with them!  Just having them here is enough.

Wait for it...

7)  Gifts produced in California (Aidan designed the grocery bag for me!)

Merry is indeed merry!

More Sights and Sounds of Christmas from Atlanta

1.  Kim enjoys the company of a client's pet.

2.  Making cookies and chili for the annual Carolling Party.

3.  S-C's and neighbors give their time and love by Carolling at a local Nursing Home.  (Another annual tradition!)

4.  Me getting ready for a Christmas party.

5.  I bought myself 5 golden rings. :)

6.  A package arrives from Korea filled with Christmas gifts!

IMG 2320 from Croft on Vimeo.

7.  We went to hear the glorious singing of the Messiah...It was powerful and reminded me of why we celebrate Christmas.  I am sorry that my phone stopped recording at such a pivotal moment, but none the less my heart and mind heard every word and felt the glory.

Occasionally, I have also felt a loneliness at Christmas, now that all my children are gone and making Christmas happen for their own families, but then I am reminded (by scenes such as those captured above) how exciting the season truly is for those blessed by the greatest gift of all...love.

Three days 'til Christmas!  Are you ready?

Some of my Sights of Christmas 2012

1.   Handmade gift tags from Kim and Tom.
2.   Nana's new Christmas tree.
3.   Kate sends a picture of extraordinary flight.
4.   Kate's Christmas tree.
5.   Joe at home while Mom puts up their tree.
6.   Shannon, Molly, Ford and Morgan's tree.
7.   Mary and Issy shopping in New York.
8.   Regas' tree.
9.   Shopping at Phipps.
10. Small group loading packages for our troops.
11. Small group Christmas dinner.
12. Annual lunch with Santa at the S-C's club house.
13. Lawyer's Club Christmas party.

Six more days until Christmas!

Christmas with Kate

Christmas with Kate 2012 0003 from Croft on Vimeo.

I look forward to each precious Christmas moment I will share with those I love.  Count down...seven days!

Merry Christmas, Kate.  I will see you in my dreams.

To the birthday girl...

Oh happy day!