Tiny Miracles

Dec 16
A once in a lifetime kind of day. Aaron Cummings, Marie's brother who is a speech writer for Pres. Bush for a few more weeks, was able to get us tickets to go through the White House to see the Christmas decorations. What a beautiful building; it reminded me so much of the Palacio Real in Madrid. Adam, Marie, Spencer, Emma, Valerie, Laura and our friends, the Coxes, were able to see the beautiful decorations at the White House, and then even though it was cold and rainy, we walked around the elipse near the White House to see the National Christmas tree and trees decorated with decorations from each state. Mexican food for lunch, and then home to crash in front of a warm fire with a cup of hot chocolate. Life is good.
Dec 17
This afternoon I went to see the school concert of my one little cello student. It went very well, and the other little cellist in the group might become my student as well. I'm glad I went.
Tonight I made dinner for the quartet that I play with on occasion, then we played Christmas quartets, and some Beethoven to celebrate his birthday yesterday. Laura went with the youth to see the temple lights; they were asked to bring a friend. She brought Francesca, her friend since kindergarten. Another girl brought a friend who was very interested in the church, and they spent the night teaching the gospel to her. Laura was so excited when she came home!
Dec 18
Many tiny miracles happened today. My visiting teachers came early: 9 AM. One of them happened to mention a store that I went to as soon as they left, where I was able to find the perfect gift for someone. I came home, did some gift wrapping and box-labeling, then headed out for the afternoon marathon errands: Costco, post office, jiffy lube, safety and emission inspections on the car. I thought it would take hours, but I was back home after 1 hr 15 minutes. Incredible! The tiny miracles didn't end there; Brad arrived at Reagan Airport in downtown DC at 4 pm, took a cab home, and made it in time to have dinner with us and go to Laura's winter concert. She is in the Woman's Chorale and sang some fun songs and sounded great. I have to say that I think the tiny miracles happened because I prayed throughout the day, which is one of my goals, but I forget. This day, however, I remembered, and asked for help constantly as the day progressed. The Lord truly loves us and takes care of us when we remember Him.
Dec 20
Happy birthday to Shauna yesterday! Laura's Chorale sang two concerts at middle schools today, so I met her for lunch and did some shopping. Great deals in the outlet malls!
Movie night last night~ ahhh! Nothing better after a long, crazy week that lighting a fire, popping some popcorn and settling down to watch "It's a Wonderful Life". We didn't quite make it to the end. That's a long movie....
Kate finally made it back to VA after a redeye from SLC to NYC, then a four hour delay, but she finally made it and we're so happy to have her back. Today was a nice, Christmassy day with some early shopping, putzing around the house, and our weekly trip to Panera. Yum!
Dec 22
Yesterday we had a wonderful Christmas program at church with lots of music. Laura, Adam and Marie sang in the ward choir, while K8, Brad and I had Spencer and Emma in the congregation. After one beautiful choir song, Emma applauded, which produced chuckles from all around. This child has been to many concerts lately and knows what to do when you like what you hear! Last night we went to Pres. and Hazie Brown's home. They have a Dicken's Christmas village from Dept 56 (if it means anything to anyone). It takes up one side of the dining room and is absolutely amazing. This may have to become a Christmas tradition....