For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us;

And the government will rest on His shoulders;
And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace

Isaiah 9:6

We spent this Christmas at home and invited Grandma and Pa Pa (Hughes), and Aunt Megan to join us. We ate food, watched football, played with crafty things, ate more food, made the girls giggle, changed a few diapers, played with puzzles, opened gifts, ate more food, made the girls giggle... And we gave thanks. So thankful for a God who gives us pleasurable things. A God who gives us parents. God, who gives us memories and pine trees and snowstorms and sunshine. Crying babes and soft arms, delicious food and storytelling. He who gives us life eternal and promises still to be seen.

I am so thankful to be living this life with people who love me and show me what it means to give oneself to another. I am (learning to be) thankful for the beautiful things that I possess, and (learning to be) thankful for the beautiful things that I've lost. Soon, it will all be made right...

Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to you all.



Josh, Noa, Mandi, Nancy, Megan

Pa Pa and Noa

Bryn and her favorite toy - the balloon. She rarely let go for fear of losing her turn.

Daddy and Bryn

Evening walk at Garden of the Gods - a nice way to end Christmas Day!