Christmas this year was a quiet one. Somewhat subdued. We were unable to be all together this year and this was the first year since Dad left. We purposed to keep things simple out of desire and necessity and managed to do so. We are thinking we may just get a little table top budget friendly tree again next year!

A couple of weeks before Christmas we enjoyed a wonderful weekend with Amber, Jesse, Jaxson and Evelyn. Oh what fun Jaxson was this year! At two and a half the wonder and magic of Christmas was so sweet to watch. And Evelyn is just the sweetest angel. We cherish the time we spent with them. Their gift to me was an incredible pencil sketching of Dad made by a friend of theirs. AMAZING!

Christmas eve we celebrated Mom’s birthday with a family dinner. Isn’t she beautiful! Our home was filled with joy having Joshua and his parents here. Love waking up on Christmas morning knowing there is a child in the house. Joshua is constant motion which makes it nearly impossible to get a good photo of him, so I included one from Thanksgiving which is when he was a long-haired little hippie freak. He has the cutest little smile that will melt your heart. Now he looks like a big boy. Amber and Jesse also gave Mom a sketching by their friend. This one is in ink and the detail is amazing.

So here we are nearing the end of 2012. Many thoughts as we review and reflect. Maybe I can come back and share. In the meantime I want to wish you all a blessed new year and express my appreciation for your love, support and prayers for our family.