PentaWHO?

#23 - I am thankful for Pentatonix

There is no Christmas tree in my house, there are no candles in the windows, but the elves move around each night, we're excitedly opening advent calendars each morning.  We are listening to Christmas music....a LOT of it! 

I'm obsessed with Pentatonix this year. I think I was introduced to them via a Facebook post a year or 2 ago. I discovered a cappella music in college and instantly fell in love so these guys were totally in my wheelhouse.

This Christmas season we are playing and replaying Pentatonix from YouTube. I'm partial to their version of Little Drummer Boy and Do You Hear What I Hear?

Sometimes we're a little Bah Humbug about Christmas in Romanskiville, but give them a listen....they'll put you in the mood!

#23 - I am thankful for Pentatonix

Fit as a Fiddle

#22 - I am thankful for good health

Last week, the 6 year old granddaughter of a colleague died after repeated battles with cancer. Her celebration of life will be on Wednesday. 

Tuesday, I have the funeral Mass for the mom of an amazing friend to Paul and then me. 

An acquaintance is in the hospital, preparing for the end of her life. I think she's in her mid-30's.

It is 15 days before Christmas.

In early November, Kristen was sick - REALLY sick. Home from school for a week and a day, no energy, no appetite and it went on. She moved from her bed to the couch and back to her bed. 

One day she ate 5 saltines - ALL DAY. The next day, half of a Popsicle. A trip to the doctor and then another ... after 9 days .. we started an antibiotic and 3 days later there was some improvement. 

We have friends and family who are not as lucky as we continue to be. We have people in our village who have children with cancer, long term heart conditions, and other serious health issues. 

I think when you have good health you too easily forget the gift that it is and, perhaps, you become a bit complacent. 

I'm going to stop doing that.....

#22 - I am thankful for good health

A Christmas Miracle

#21 - I am thankful for surprises

Earlier tonight, I sat down and wrote most of a blog post with the intention of adding some pictures when I got home. It talked about all the texts, emails, and other messages I received all day long wishing me congratulations and good luck. 

I wrote about how excited I was to have the girls there with my brother and sister in law to watch me be sworn in. 

I wrote about how I was anxious and nervous and ... a little sad. I wanted so desperately for Paul to be there but after 15 years with this UPS man .. in peak season .. the thought that he would make a 7:30 pm event is well sort of ridiculous. I promised him in the morning that there would be pictures and video and it was all good ... 

A little before 7 a dear friend texted "Where is the ceremony tonight?" I answered and wanted to say, "please come" but I know how hectic and crazy her schedule is -- so I didn't dare.

The girls and I loaded up and made our way to City Hall. I was glad that I decided on the nylons and fancy boots when I saw the honor guard and bagpiper. I was taken back by the pageantry ... the dress uniforms, the suits, and that there was a formal procession into chambers. I was a little more disappointed when I saw what a "to do" this was and that Paul was missing it. 

Cindy, David and the girls found their seats and I waited in the hallway with a fellow board member. James and I were chatting away, talking about the meeting next week and then I saw a guy in a UPS turn the corner, I didn't even have to look at the face to know who it was .... HE MADE IT and walked in with my sister by his side. 

When we took our seats in Council Chambers, I saw my family all sitting together and looked to the left and saw my friend who texted earlier sitting near them. My heart was full. 

Needless to say, I had to rewrite this whole post. Truth to be told .. it was worth every minute. I am so grateful for every single one of my "people" who showed up tonight and so very thankful that we had another opportunity for a #CoreFour moment

#21 - I am thankful for surprises