Problems!!!

Oh my goodness!

Spent a crazy weekend wondering what to do about my beautiful new kitchen floor.  It's not looking the way it's supposed to and the floor guys have returned 3 times for a "fix".  Hasn't worked so far.  So this morning they came, ripped and re-installed using a different technique.  Hope it works this time.  It's covered now and will be "revealed" tomorrow.  Keep your fingers crossed.

All that beautiful snow we received is completely gone.  Yesterday the temperature was in the upper 40's and today it rained.  All gone!!!!

The candy store is in high gear!  This is the peak season for them and Brett is making candy as fast as possible and Emily is making gift baskets at that same speed.  They will close hopefully by 4pm Christmas Eve, go home and collapse.

With all this going on it's still important to focus on the celebration of the birth of the tiny baby who grew "in wisdom and stature" and gave his life for each of us.  I have found myself remembering past Christmases and the love within our hearts we shared with each other.  My new home is across the street from Topinabee Community Church.  I have met several members and asked them about what happens there.  It is non-demoninational (what does that really mean?) and of course it's very small.  BUT...Christmas Eve at 7pm is the candlelight community service.  I will be there with an open heart and excited expectations.

The candlelight Christmas Eve service at St. Matthews Baptist Church was always a part of our family's Christmas experience and especially emotional for the past several years.  I remember the last service Mike McCormick was to be with us.  HC and I stood next to Mike and Carla and as beautiful as the service was, we knew it would be Mike's last.  In 2008, HC had put one infection behind him and we thought we were home free.  2009 was an especially happy time because HC had survived 2 open heart surgeries and a month at the Mayo Clinic.  Then in 2010 he was gone.  Last year my entire family joined me at St. Matthews because it was the first Christmas Eve without HC Baker.  I am amazed at what can happen in such a short period of time.  You know the "life is short" saying?  It is.

Because life is short, each of us needs to take full advantage of every moment.  Say a prayer for each person who is special to you.  They might not be where you want them to be but pray that the love of a tiny baby is in their hearts.  Pray that they will take that love and share it with others.  We all need prayers and we all want love.  If you are reading this, I know you are blessed.  Pass it on.