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!