Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

We just returned last night from a nice, loooong trip to California. We had a lovely Christmas with my family and I enjoyed the nice break away from reality. I always feel like I'm in a different world when I'm there and I'm able to rest and relax, without thinking about all the responsibilities waiting for me at home. The warm weather was heaven-sent and we soaked up the sun as much as possible. Poor Tommy got so used to playing outside, I'm afraid it's going to be a long winter here until spring arrives. I haven't downloaded my pictures yet, but I will post some next time.

I had the honor of praying for A at This Cross I Embrace. I was so excited when I got her name! Not only because we have met in real life, but hers was one of the first blogs I found and read many years ago. I knew that she had a few specific intentions and I wanted to be a good prayer warrior for her. I prayed an Advent Novena for her each morning and I felt called to pray a novena to St. Joseph for her husband. I knelt before the St Joseph statue each week at Mass and prayed for her marriage and family. I also remembered her intentions during our evening Rosary and at Mass. I continue to pray that the Lord will bless her marriage and bless them with children.

Thank you SO much to my prayer buddy - Donna from What If God Says No. I hadn't seen her blog before, so I'm looking forward to reading it and catching up. Thank you Donna for your prayers - I am truly so grateful!

I also have to thank Mrs. Henderson from Standing Still for her very sweet gift. She sent me one of the books I had posted about seeing at the Shrine and hoping to get in the future. You are so kind and thoughtful! :)

Happy New Year everyone. I hope and pray that you are all filled with God's great blessings during 2012.