Merry Christmas!

I've had a hard time getting into Christmas this year, but you'd never know it by looking through the photo album on my phone!  It's loaded with pictures that capture all of the holly, jolly (and folly) that Christmas with little ones brings.  Afterall, I may not be into it, but they sure are!  

We searched the tree farm for our Christmas tree:

The kids pleaded their case to Santa. (Well, 5 out of 6 of the kids have.  Mason won't even look at him.)  Here's jolly old St Nick with Mason's stand-in/body-double, cousin George: 

The older four entertained us at their school Christmas program:

Everyone counted down the days with a daily Advent treat and saying our Advent prayers at dinner:

Our yearly visitor, Jingle the Elf, sometimes surprised us!  (that is, when he remembered to move from his spot the day before!  He's been kinda very lazy this year......)

And we even squeezed in some long winter's naps between family gatherings:

But of all of the pictures I have taken this Christmas season, this picture means the most to me:

The circle of life  My dad is facing his first Christmas (since 1944!) without Mom.  Looking at him breaks my heart, because I know part of his is gone. And yet, in his arms he holds a bit of their legacy, their 25th grandchild, our Annie.   A little part of Mom came back to us and provided some light while we were in the midst of darkness and grief.

Kinda reminds me of another little baby we celebrate.....

This year, amidst all of the hustle and bustle this time of year brings, I have found a new peace.  Above all, I'm grateful for life.  For my Mom's life and for Annie's, and all of my children's, life.   Two souls who crossed paths in Heaven.  Two souls who have blessed my life, defined my year and re-awakened my faith.   

 

  

 

From our family to yours:

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS!