Christmas is how far Away?

Today is October 29th and already I have been busy planning the Third Annual Ladies Recipe Exchange for this coming weekend. Barb and I really enjoy putting gift baskets together, gathering ideas from other ladies to display small gift ideas; gathering craft & recipe books for copies to be made, but the best part is sharing with ladies there favorite recipe for an appetizer, cookie, square or anything edible to serve during this ridiculous, busy time of the year which is fast approaching. We as women plan and execute all the goings on during this busy time of the year and so a little help from our friends goes along way. Even though we all tell ourselves that we aren't going to let the Season get us all worked up, we enevitably find ourselves going down that same path. We try and have our Christmas cards or newsletters out in the mail on time; make that One last batch of cookies or squares, too only have them all eaten up before our baking trays are made up to be given away and the list goes on, and on. I am not a believer in taking time for myself nor have I ever done this, however this year I am busier than ever before Christmas is even upon us. I still have Breanne and Jack's birthdays to get through before year end and that takes a bit of planning. But I must say that I enjoy working on adreline and checking my list off for each and every event. I love to put my heart and soul into every ministry that I am part of and if I can share just one thing with one person then I feel that I have accomplished something. Sometimes I feel closer to people that I don't know and have more faith in them, then in others that I have known for a lot longer.
Last night at our Small Group we talked about mentoring and even though I never spoke out loud about this I am part of the Ladies Ministry with Barb and she has been my mentor. Even though she might not admit that she has mentored me, I truly feel very blessed to have her in my life. She has listened to me about family, friends, work and even ministry and together I always feel so much better knowing that I can always count on her for some comforting words, a helping hand but most of all someone that you can always depend on. God has truly blessed me with the best Christian friend.
November is almost here and so I must run to make my list up again for this week so that I can start crossing off all the things that I hope to accomplish. And I'm sure that if you are reading this, you're list is all ready written up and that you are accomplishing every task that you have set out to do. I truly wish you the best of luck with your list. As well, find a mentor that can help you along life's path - it makes everyday much easier to get through!

October Update

Well, I didn't know that I had people following this blog so I best be writing something in here. September went by like a blurr as with the CCOC conference in Kananaskis behind me and now I am starting to work on 2008 (20th Anniversary) conference perhaps out in Lake Louise. Jack and I will be going to the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise for our 16th Wedding Anniversary this coming weekend. I have a little work to do there for the conference and Jack will be relaxing. We can't believe that 16 years of marriage have almost come and gone. I must say that I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful husband that loves me, cares for me and places me beside him in every decision that I our life takes us. I love you darling and look forward to many, many more years to come.
Thanksgiving weekend took both of us to different cities as I had to be in Saskatoon to continue planning my parents 50 Wedding Anniversary and there 70th Birthdays, next May and Jack was at Western for board meetings to hear a great speaker, Gerry Rushford from Pepperdine University, Malibu CA. I was torn to go down and hear Gerry after all we have loved all five years at going to Pepperdine Lecturship but I knew that if I didn't get all my jobs done, this anniversary wouldn't be getting planned. Things came together rather well, and I got to spend time with my brothers, sister-in-law and one out of three nephews. My youngest brother, Mark had us to his house for dinner. He was very proud of his kitchen renovation not to mention he is quite the cook. My parents made the Thanksgiving Dinner on Sunday, when Jack returned from Regina and we all got a great visit in. Thanks to Caren for spending some time with me and taking me to different shopping areas of Saskatoon. That city is sure growing! Jack and I left early yesterday to get back before the highway rush. This weekend marks our 10th Anniversary of our horrible house tragedy so I was just a little nervous about leaving the house alone. Nicole came home a couple of times to check on things so that made me feel better.
Well I must get some work done as this will be a short week. A very happy and belated Thanksgiving to everyone.