I do exist!

So, I know it's been forever since I last posted. Things have been crazy for the last month with the holidays and work, but it's Christmas so I'm taking a moment to reflect on the chaos and pass on another update.

Thanksgiving was busy, but I was able to come home to see my family. Paul came too, making it our first real holiday together. I was supposed to join his family in Tulsa on Thanksgiving Day and then on to my family the following day, but the airlines thought otherwise. The plane we boarded had an instrument broken that tells whether the nose of the plane is pointing up, down, or straight ahead--a pretty important part. So, they were delaying my flight 3 hours to fly in a new part from Atlanta (yes, I said Atlanta). I did manage with some finangling to get a different flight out and arrive in KC 2 hours before my delayed flight would arrive. My plan was to change planes in KC and then head to Tulsa, but even with my new flight plan, I could not make that connecting flight. So, after a day of stress and negotiating, Raoul and his sis and bro-in-law came up to KC with Thanksgiving leftovers at my sister's apartment. The next day we left early for Hutchinson and then came back to KC to look for bridesmaid's dresses and show my mom "the dress". After a thumbs up on the dress and finding one that the girls liked for them, Raoul's family and my family met up for dinner. Then it was back to WA the next day. A whirlwind with a few kinks, but worth it to see my family and get the dress stuff done.

The following weekend I went to Spokane with Jaimee and Adrienne to find "the dress". We found it in the perfect size, color, and length, so I bought it right off of the rack. They gave me a discount, so I ordered this really great veil to match. Now the shoe hunt begins!

Since then I have been really busy with work--end of the year surgeries are really starting to pile up. I played piano for the kid's Christmas program at church, so that took time for practices and the performances. I also got to play two duets with another woman at church on Christmas Eve--hurray for getting my piano at home! Raoul and I picked up with our pastor again on our pre-marriage counseling. We had a discussion on conflict and how we handle it. The whole discussion was really encouraging. I guess after being together for four years we've been able to learn a lot about each other, and I am really glad we waited to get married as long as we have. We've had some invaluable time and experiences to be better prepared for meshing our lives together. On top of those obligations Christmas things had to get done. I mailed some of the packages (the rest of you will get them when I get back home!), sent out our save-the-dates/Christmas letters, did my Christmas baking, and got things lined up for my trip home.

Raoul and I did discover a new winery in Clarkston that is doing really well for their first wines. I also found a red wine that I didn't find too dry as well--so maybe they'll convert me from white to red afterall! I really am facinated by the whole wine making process, and found a wine course at the local community college that might be interesting to look into.

So, Christmas finally came. I worked this weekend, so tons of really great friends invited me to spend Christmas/Christmas Eve with them--and I took a few of them up on it. Last night I went to a couple from church's house and spent time with their family, including participating in a theatrical reinactment of the Christmas story directed by their 8 year old grandson. This morning I worked and then went to my pastor and his family's house for lunch and a few games of cards. Then it was off to have Christmas dinner with my boss and his family. Overall, considering I didn't get to see Raoul or my family, it was a fun Christmas. I've been really blessed with wonderful friends who care about me!

Now I'm rearing up to head back to KC on Sat. Tons of packing, laundry, etc. to do. But, then I get to see my family and Raoul's family! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday! Merry Christmas!