Christmas Breakfast with the Gonzales'

As is tradition, we spend Christmas morning with Greg's moms side of the family. It's usually been held at Uncle Steve and Aunt Darcie's place which has a wonderful view of San Pedro. Tamales, eggs, sausage, tortillas, & mexican bread is just a taste of all that's served up. We enjoyed catching up with the aunties and uncles and seeing Grandpa Gonzales. Unfortunately, it never seems to be enough time to visit because we rush off to our home to prepare our annual Christmas dinner we put on for both parent sides. Too bad Christmas day can't last longer than 24 hours. I'm already looking forward to next year!

Friends, Food and Fun

This past Sat. we enjoyed a fun evening with our friends. Tami and Jeevan threw a feast of a Christmas party. The little over acheiver made roast beef, ham and duck! Not to mention all types of side dishes to accompany the tasty vitals. Greg and Izzy played a game of chess, the gals dished on the sofa and a good time was had by all. It especially became hysterical watching Tami & Jeevan's award winning performances as James Brown and Gloria Estefan from a cruise they took this past summer. Tami you're house was beautiful and the food was superb, boy we're glad we know you guys :-)

A Cotillion Christmas

Thurs. Dec 14th was the last night of work for Cotillion until we start up again at the end of January. As per tradition, we held a Christmas party after work and were spoiled by an array of goodies from co-workers and Mr. & Mrs. Martine. The big hit of the party - the famed Burke Williams Day Spa gift certificates. They sure know how to build loyalty in their staff :-) In addition to that, Mrs. Martine put together tower boxes filled with goodies from Mrs. Fields as well as movie passes. In the background of the pics you can see a portion of the elaborate decorations we put up and tear down each evening of work. Yes, the swag garland is ours too! I must say, I am very blessed to work with such fun people and such a generous company. It's wonderful to be able to say I love what I do.

Billy's 15th Birthday

I can hardly believe that it has been 15 years since I first became an Aunt. I'll never forget the day Billy was born. We were all in the room together awaiting the Doctor's arrival, however, the doc didn't quite make it in time. Billy wasn't waiting for anyone. Out he came as the midwife asked my sister to help hand over different tools to assist in the birth. It was something else! I loved holding that little guy and watching him grow up and now he's taller than me. Just makes you realize you need to enjoy every moment with people b/c before you know it they're all grown up. Happy Birthday Billy!

Handel's Messiah

On Sunday evening, my folks and dear friends Jason and Traci spent the night listening to Handel's Messiah at the Crystal Cathedral. While this was my first time ever seeing it performed live I am no stranger to the music. Mom made sure to play it every year at Christmas time, so it was fun to recognize many of the songs (not to mention she was tickeled pink that we were finally seeing it performed live). There couldn't be a more magnificent way to use scripture as song.

Christmas Party in Palm Springs

On Sat. the titleholders got together with members of their families along with our directors for a wonderful luncheon at Spencer's in Palm Springs. We were presented with our official autograph pads & photos, new luggage, and jewelry

all stuffed in an adorable "high heeled" stocking. Greg and I decided to stay for the evening and enjoy ourselves to PF Changs at "The River" in Rancho Mirage - very cool place to walk around. It just so happened that a church was putting on a production of the Nativity so we had fun watching, eating and just being with eachother for a fun date night out.

That's what it's all about

Today I was able to spend the morning with 100 children from the Bellflower School district. These children were nominated by their teachers to be a part of a Christmas wish shopping spree. The Bellflower Lion's club puts this event on yearly and it's held at the local K-mart. Each child first meets Santa and has their picture taken w/ him and then gets a 25$ gift certificate to purchase whatever they would like. I had the opportunity to meet each child while they were in line waiting to meet Santa. The little girls were so excited to be able to put the crown on and the boys just wanted to know if it was real :-) What really got me were some of the comments made by children as to what they wanted for Christmas. One young boy told Santa all he wanted was a family. That hit me straight to the core, to think a child is not asking for all the materialistic things they could have but just wanting to be a part of a family unit. That gave me confirmation that I need to continue advocating for these children who so desperately need loving homes. It also made me appreciate my own family. I've so often taken for granted my family and the stability and love I've had all my life. It was a good reminder that as we approach Christmas day, it's not the "stuff" or all the parties or the decorations that make this day important. It's celebrating the birth of our Savior, who came in human form as a tiny child to save us from a world where there is so much brokeness.