Of Sickness and Blessings

The last month has been rather stressful. Micah was patient zero and it went downhill from there. Cayden had a fever and horrible cough for nearly a week. Then Ezra got the flu, in spite of having had his flu shot!! Chase was next with bronchitis and the flu. We had planned to host our first ever extended family Thanksgiving, and nearly had to cancel. It ended up being a wonderful day, even though some people weren’t able to attend. I thought we had reached the end of the sick train, but nope. It circled back around with Cayden and Ezra both running fevers for an additional few days.

 

 

Last night was our first night at church in four weeks, and it was refreshing. It’s so easy to get out of the habit of going to church, especially with kids and jobs and it being a forty-five minute drive. But I am always so glad once I get there. The fourth annual Live Nativity is taking place next weekend, and I volunteered to help in some way. Seagate Baptist Church is such a blessing to my family, and to the community. Hopefully this will be the biggest year yet for the nativity- last year several thousand people attended and heard about Jesus. I want to be a part of that. I get so caught up in my own life and kids that I ignore that need deep inside me that wants to reach out and help others. I surrendered a long time ago to whatever God wanted me to do and, at the time, I thought that was to work in church ministry full time. That dream ended along with my first marriage. For years I was focused on just supporting myself and son as a single mom. But now life is more stable and I want to make the time to make a difference in my world. I’m still not sure what that difference will be, but there’s got to be a first step, right? This is a rambling post today, but the bottom line is, we have All been blessed. Find a way to pass that forward to someone who needs it.

The Five Best Holiday Events in Southwest Florida

I somehow managed to make it into town a whole half hour before I had to be at work, so I went to my dangerous place- Target. We all know you can’t leave there without at least five things you don’t need, but I had immense self-control today. I did leave with an excitement for the upcoming holidays, though, and Southwest Florida knows how to have a festive season! Without further ado, here are my top five holiday events you can’t miss in and around Naples.

The Tree Lighting on 5^th

Full disclosure- I’m a little spoiled with this particular tradition. My father-in-law is in charge of the event so we get reservations at Yabba’s Island Grill and watch the festivities from the perfect vantage point with drinks in hand. At the flip of a switch, the huge Christmas tree and entire street light up to the cheers of the crowd- it’s really a magical moment. Santa and Mrs. Claus make an appearance, vendors sell food, and all the stores are open to start the holiday shopping.

Ice Skating in Ave Maria

This event holds a special place in my heart because we moved from Naples to Ave Maria a couple years ago. It’s a tiny college town about half an hour away andI love the friendly, close-knit community. The event is technically called the Celebration of Lights, but I just found that out recently. Right in the middle of the town square is a large ice skating rink, a novelty in humid Southwest Florida. It is always packed with kids and families alike. The college has a stables on property and they do pony rides- if your child doesn’t scream hysterically, ahem cough. Not mine, of course. Then there’s the parade, which mostly consists of decorated golf carts. They’re the proud creations of enthusiastic retirees and things can get a little competitive. Last year we saw a life-size reindeer mounted on the roof of one such cart while a large sleigh was dragged behind and inside were two dogs dressed as elves. Sooo entertainment all around.

 This is right before he had a meltdown...

 

3^rd Street South 

This is one of my favorite places to go in December. Every evening snow falls down on the street. How it happens in Florida, I don’t know- it’s part of the enchantment. I recommend sitting outside at Campiello enjoying a glass of pinot noir while watching people shop in stores you can’t even afford to walk inside, or maybe that’s just me. Then, move on to Tommy Bahama’s where there’s always live music and my personal favorite, a pineapple yuzu mojito, waiting for you. Finish the evening off with a trip to the BarbatellaGelato Bar and indulge in the ice chocolate Italian sundae- you won’t be disappointed. 

Live Nativity at Seagate Baptist Church

 

Even though this is a relatively new event in Naples, it’s grown each year. Seagate Baptist is my church and their live nativity starts in the Naples Christmas Parade and goes for a weekend at the beginning of December. There’s singing and animals and hot cocoa. Pastor Wiggins gives a clear presentation of the Gospel and we’ve had quite a few people renew their relationships with God as a result. Just so you know, Cayden was baby Jesus the first year of the nativity. 

Unfortunately, he's grown too big to pass for a newborn in subsequent years.

Teddy Bear Tea at the Ritz-Carlton 

Put on your best sparkly dress and get dolled up for one of the fanciest places in Naples! What’s not to love when you, I mean your kids, can snuggle up with their favorite stuffed animal, have their fill of snacks and hot chocolate, listen to a professional storyteller read stories, and then top it off with a visit from the jolly man himself. Then, they’re so tired and full, they nap all the way home, so you have some peace and quiet. Win-win!

There are so many other fun things to do in Southwest Florida during the holiday season. I didn't even touch on the Edison Estate Winter Nights, the boat parade in Bonita Springs, or the dazzling variety of custom drinks at the Mercato. But never fear, I plan to enjoy them all this year!