This is one of those Christmases I hope I remember. Every year I try so hard to pause and enjoy the moments, treasuring things in my heart like Mary so long ago. Yet I can already only remember snippets from when the boys were little! sniff sniff
When I look at this picture, I want to remember how Joe kept sneaking up onto his tippy toes to appear taller than everyone else. Noah was such a good sport about it. And Gabe with his constant antics...
These treasures, as beautiful inside as out. Mia wanting her hair "just like mom's" and Violet still needing a ponytail on the days where things are a bit uncertain. We tucked some braids into it to make it a bit fancier. :-)
How much longer will they love to match each other?
LOVE this picture of Joe getting loved on! Although, it makes me realize we forgot to add Violet's golden bow in her hair. Oops! Still, five kids? Only one missing thing and all on time for church?
Not bad.
This young man, for a day without his beloved camo, counting down days and HOURS since December 1st. Wrestling his way (literally) into manhood. Learning how his sweet and silly personality can mesh with bold and brave.
Such a tender heart in this girl! She was thrilled to receive her first big girl Bible "with all the words!" Before bed, she made sure her doll was tucked safely into her new bed
and the Word was on her nightstand.
She also nearly set her Uncle on fire with her Christmas candle during Silent Night. Oops!
And this character?! No one loves Christmas like Noah. He and Buddy the Elf could be brothers. He rocked his Elf pants with pride and donned his latest hat for his collection. Love that he's proud of who he is! Loved that he jumped at the chance to play the trumpet for church and sing in the choir! Last Christmas with a "kid" stocking. sniff sniff I remember when he got Elmo and moved the Nativity characters every day when he was 3. Sigh
And, of course, we HAD to take a picture of beloved Bean in the lights of the tree. (Ahem)
So much good in this day. Still, we remember our family not here. Our Aunt and Uncle who said goodbye to a beloved dog on Christmas Eve. Randall's mom spending Christmas fighting cancer in the hospital. His grandmother not feeling well, either. My parents enduring power outtages and flooding in their home on Christmas Eve. Truly, hard times for all.
Yet, despite our troubles Emmanuel comes near and whispers
"I have come. I am here."
And we look up in awe like the shepherds long ago and we fall to our knees beside the manger.
All is Well. Hope has Come.
