Merriest Christmas to you! Happy last week of 2011! Things have gotten so busy since going back to work, I skipped over some life events I had hoped to post (like Gus’ baptism), but I’m off this week and hoping to catch up a bit.
Hope your Christmas was happy, and the sacred mystery of God becoming flesh was the center of your celebration. We had a banner weekend. Christmas Eve the weather was mild enough to go for a winter hike. It was our first outdoor trek as a family of 7! It went well, I must say. The fresh air and family time was the perfect way to start Christmas Eve:
Christmas Day was the stuff dreams are made of. A warm roof over our heads, a healthy family, including 2 babies added in one year, and a few gifts under the tree to top it off. Nothing fancy, just the important stuff, God and each other. Some of the highlights include…
Garrett’s Yoda-like patience and wisdom as he taught Karolina how to operate a light saber:
A princess kitchen for Karolina!
You knew this was coming…..
For Jim, the kids and I gave him a few little things (cell phone case, outdoor gear). His highlight came today when we scored some great deals at the Bear Grylls online store.
My highlight was registration into the 2012 Canton Marathon!
The race is in June, which gives me plenty of time to train, even WITH our expanded brood and limited free time. I had been dropping hints about this for months, so I was giddy to see Jim signed me up and it’s officially on!
The best gifts of course. are those you cannot place a monetary value on. My dad being here cancer-free, celebrating, and feeling better than he has in months. Our daughter Karolina Elizabeth, HOME with the family and knowing she will never again be alone for Christmas. As we begin family traditions that now include pink ornaments and dolls under the tree. 🙂 Augustine, our child whom we prayed for year after long year, finally a reality in our lives. His toothless smile is a precious present every day. It really is a wonderful life.
I wish you joy and God’s peace as you soak up the last days of 2011. Merry Christmas!
Same to you and your beautiful family!