Countdown to Christmas - Days 16-21

16 – Saturday

Las Posadas begins. Although we have done things in the past to celebrate Las Posadas, we did not this year. There are still several days left of Las Posadas, so perhaps we'll do something at a later date.

We went to Joanns to pick up Olivia’s framed puzzle. It turned out very nice. She will officially receive it on Christmas and can hang it up after that.

We went to my nephew's college graduation.

My nephew and sister.

Jordan is the first grandchild of my parents to graduate from college

so this is a big deal for our family.

Mary's other son will graduate in 3 1/2 more years, and

then it's Sophia's and Olivia's turn to go to college and graduate.

 Sophia, me, Jordan, and Olivia.

Afterward the graduation ceremony and reception, we had dinner at my sister's condo. Before dinner, the cousins were braiding one another's hair.

Then it was time for dinner. This is the meal that my sister had in celebration of Jordan's graduation. There also was pulled pork.

We looked at Christmas lights at night on the way home. There were some very pretty and creative displays.

17 – Sunday 

Sophia played the harp at two services at church. She is playing here during the prelude - before the first two pews were filled with the adult choir singers.

The church's photographer got a close-up of Sophia playing the harp during the second service.

Paige took Sophia shopping and to White Castle for dinner. (He took Olivia shopping and to Taco Johns last week.)

18 – Monday

Finished and mailed all Etsy orders that have come in to date.

I went Christmas shopping and did errands for many hours. I was tired when I came home.

19 – Tuesday

Sophia played the harp at the assisted living facility at the nursing home.

There were about 50 people attending the event.

Tia sang along with some of the songs that Sophia played.

Olivia talked with some of the residents and helped with the set-up and clean-up.

I took photos of the residents with Santa. Some residents had just their photo alone with Santa; and others who had family and/or friends visiting them, I took group photos of so everyone could look back on the day.

One of the residents said that she wanted to kiss Santa. She was so excited and happy to be there.

I had the girls stand with Santa by the Christmas tree.

 

20 – Wednesday

I finished Christmas shopping and did more errands which was a huge relief. Went to the post office, bank, Family Pathways, Music Connection, White Castle, Walgreens, Kohls, Michaels, Maurices, Fleet Farm, Goodwill, Mr. $6 Large Burrito, YMCA, and Wal-Mart.

During the upcoming year, I am going to shop during the year rather than the week before Christmas. I used to be much better with planning and preparing for Christmas. The past few years have been a challenge.

Source

The girls went shopping with a family friend; and they spent an enjoyable afternoon together.

21 – Thursday

Sophia and Olivia played the harp and piano respectively at the nursing home for an hour in the morning.

In the afternoon, Sophia and I made a fleece-tied blanket and started going through the comfort bags to make sure that each one had all the items it was supposed to have for the children and teens who have cancer.

There are 23 items in each bag.

Sophia received donations and a grant to be able to create 30 comfort bags

for children and teens with cancer who are undergoing chemotherapy.

Olivia had gymnastics. While she was there, Sophia and I went to Target to print photos that will be given as gifts. We enjoyed looking around at different departments in the store that we normally don't go to - like children's toys, the line of items by Chip and Joanna, and shoes/boots.

Made sesame chicken in the wok and served it over rice for dinner. We haven't had that since September. It's one of the girls' favorite meals.