Merry Christmas, 2007

We had a lovely Christmas, with most of the family coming to us in Kansas.....we loved hosting them, creating new traditions, and sharing laughter, music, love, and good food!

(We also missed Katie's family, celebrating in Uraguay)

Flickr Slideshow

I know they are a little fuzzy, but I love the joy in this picture.

They are growing up so fast!

Advent tree

My friend Vanessa and her husband Arlyn designed and created this wire tree as part of a a display in our church. I asked them if I could borrow it over the Christmas season, and have turned it into our advent tree. Each day in December the kids and I add a new snowflake. It has been fun to watch it "bloom." I so much appreciate an advent ritual that requires me to add, to build, to create more....

Thanks Vanessa!

Christmas program at Shalom

It was a beautiful evening. My favorite part was the huge intergenerational, eclectic orchestra who accompanied several hymns and the grand finale of "Go tell it on the mountain." I feel so privileged to be a part of this talented and loving community.



and of course my choir was fabulous!

My little elf

Andy did a wonderful job in his school program, despite his Mother's concern for the explicitly Christian themes in the very public elementary school....when will we learn?

We can't have Christmas until.....

we build the first snowman!

(according to Lydia)

A good day

No pictures today, but I wanted to record some of the memories....

sleeping in with all kids....cuddling until 9!
Aaron's baked oatmeal with blueberries and pecans
sledding for hours in the fresh snow
holding Josie on my lap in the sled
shoveling the walk
family work time (in the basement)
cuddling with Andy by the tree
chicken fettucine (for Lydia)
watching Lydia dance
watching Andy fiddle
sharing the stage with them
singing Silent night from the catwalk
dumping balloons down on the audience

what a good day it has been!

The light shines in the darkness

Tonight we lit candles, prayed, and sang, making a human advent wreath. We all (including the dog) walked toward the center to become the Christ light together.

May the peace of that light spread to all of you.

A sad girl, by Abby

a student who grieves the loss of a child
a friend who misses her mother
the loss of hope
the war growing
death and disease
emptiness
love lost

it is time for Christmas to come

Happy Birthday Aaron

Aaron celebrated by making another traditional Mexican feast. We enjoyed spending the evening with friends-the biggest party we have had here yet!

What I love about Thanksgiving...

walks in the cold, crisp air
listening to aunts and uncles tell stories by the fire
amazing, endless food
soccer and capture the flag
cousins-by blood, marriage, or association
sleeping in
leftover wedding Mimosas
the best pickles in the world
no television
pie-all kinds
laughter
love
love
love