Christmas Cheer!

Many times, I have mentioned how much I do enjoy my work...

After many years of working as an Accounting Manager at a Weight Watcher Franchise (which sold to National) and then working as an Assistant Controller for a Canon Distributor... stress caused me to begin breaking my teeth. Yes, I'm a bookkeeper and still have a small bookkeeping biz (I am very proud of my little piece of entrepreneurism). So I came to one of those infamous 'crossroads in life'...and chose to become part of the "Desperate Housewife" crew at a local garden center. After a year, our location was closed and I was offered a position in the D.C. location...which I refused (travel time at least an hour for a part-time job). So...off I went to interview at Good Earth. Five years later, I can honestly say that I love going to work! The people I work with are a second family. We take care of each other. Over the past four weeks, while I have been completely down for the count with a sinus infection...they have covered for me. Thankfully, four antibiotics and two rounds of steroids later...I can say I do feel better. Last week, one of the guys from Good Earth delivered a Christmas Tree to our home!!! Yep...an absolutely gorgeous 9-foot Fraser Fir! This weekend, Hubster set it up and we now have it decorated! Yay! I wasn't sure how Christmas was going to come together this year...I shopped for about an hour on Black Friday, until I almost fell over in a Target restroom (would have been truly traumatizing if I hit the icky floor-for me and my daughter!) My daughter drove me home...and other than a bit of on-line shopping for the babies...nothing has been done. But it is all good. Bumps in the road remind us of the road we are on...or should be on. So this Christmas will focus on the babies. What a sweet blessing they are! We have also invited John's girlfriend who has been on a Stateside Deployment at Andrews AFB to join us on Christmas Day. We have opened the invitation to Airmen she works with, to join us on Christmas Day. Men and Women who are unable to join their own families, can share a yummy meal, sing some Christmas Carols and enjoy watching little ones playfully enjoy the Spirit of Christmas.

So...back to Good Earth...This is the second year we have taken donations for our Soldier Drive. This year, we received 210 pounds of gifts! Hubster and I filled 25 boxes and mailed them to Justin, Leslie and Darrell. My warmest thanks to all who took the time to shop for our Soldiers! The boxes were filled with lots of toiletries, candy, Beanie Babies, Trolls, Puzzle Books, Pen, Envelopes, Cocoa Mix... and special thanks to Erasmus Perry Chapter DAR for all of the hand-made Izzy Dolls and special thanks to Sandie for the dozens of hand knitted Helmet Liners!!!! Hubster at one point told me he had goosebumps, while we packed box after box. When I first saw all of the items, I cried. Such an incredible outpouring of love for our Troops!

I am so grateful to live in a Nation where we have all the Freedoms we do. My heart if filled with thanks for all who have ever served, those who serve today and those who will make the choice to serve tomorrow! May Almighty God Bless and Protect each and every Airman, Soldier, Sailor and Marine!