Mass on New Year's Eve on Lake Murray

I just had an absolutely wonderful experience watching Mass with everyone during sunset on New Years Eve! Even Mom & Dad! AND snuggling with Annie. So amazing to me that it would be God's Will for me to miss physical Mass to share it with them, livestreamed, on Lake Murray!

After Christmas at the Lake

The Downs' Christmas Cake

It's such a small thing, and one I thought was insignificant back in 1995... but Cynthia & Frank Downs have this tradition FOR OVER 30 YEARS of making multiple homemade Christmas Cakes (doughy cinnamon rolls with sprinkles & cherries on top) shaped like a Christmas tree and delivering them on Christmas morning to all of their friends, including Carol & John (Grandma & Grandpa) ... and every year they save it for us, and it becomes a staple for breakfasts with the Thompsons after Christmas.

Christmas 2023

Annie got daddy a lock for his Ben & Jerry's! 

Pikmin or Breath of the Wild!?! ;-D

My Present Christmas Eve : Our Lady of Guadalupe Back in the Main Sanctuary!

Advent with Miku

Thompson Christmas 2023

A Christmas Gift for New Ways Ministry!

Sierra Nevada Tour with Leia & Harvest

A Few Christmas Treats 2023

My Favorite Wreath / My Favorite Hutch

Made by William and Emily

Courtesy of Annie

Christmas Card 2023

Annie is 17, a junior at Early College HS & valedictorian with hopes of the Ivy League (or UNC Chapel Hill) to study Biology. Annie's 2 cats, Miku & Bello, are her loves while stained glass is her passion (Best in Show at the Mountain State Fair). The biggest news was her foreign study trip to Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands where, among other things, she caught & ATE a piranha!

  Leia turned 21 this year, graduated from BRCC & is now studying Biology (pre-med) at UNC Wilmington! Leia mastered the art of crocheting & makes many of her own clothes. Leia's fiancé, Harvest, is also at UNC Wilmington studying filmmaking. They love gaming & the outdoors. The most exciting news? Marriage plans in the summer of 2025!

  Always grateful for our trips to Edisto Beach & Lake Murray (& Florida to visit friends & family), Noelle turned 50 (!!!) & lost 20 lbs. through the fast pace of personal shopping, kayaking & biking. Harvest's mom is Noelle's bestie, Shana, now successful at yoga & reflexology. We added parasailing to our adventures, but lost a great friend in Shana's dog, Petey. Brian still adores his job as senior chemist at Exela where he also works with his best friend. These days, his hobbies include playing Pikmin & collecting the music of John Williams.

  Most importantly, Annie & Leia & Harvest will be able to celebrate the holidays with ALL of their grandparents! In fact, Papa turned 80 this year! Thank you, God, for the gift of life & extended family!

Leia's New Hair Color

Advent Calendar 2023

Pre Christmas : What Brian Waits For vs. What Annie Waits For