Luke, Travis, Justin, and Julie were waiting for me to set up my camera for a family picture. This shot captures them all having 'true smiles'. More than that, maybe it shows the camaraderie, the family bond of humor, and a developed appreciation of each others' quips and comments. I remember when Julie was first dating Justin, and I could hear her laughing so much in the living room. I figured Justin was absolutely smitten, having a girl admire his amusing wit. And so it is with all my men...

Merry Christmas from our house to yours!

This year it seems I'm being bombarded/ reminded of the prophesies about The Messiah. Throughout the Old Testament and in Jesus' teachings there are predictions that God would offer Himself as a servant who would come to earth, die for the sins of all people, and raise back to life.

Last year we attended a concert with multiple Christian artists, one of whom was Andrew Peterson. Here are the words to one of his songs.

Behold, the Lamb of God
Who takes away our sin
Behold the Lamb of God
The life and light of men
Behold the Lamb of God
Who died and rose again
Behold the Lamb of God who comes
To take away our sin

Broken hearts--behold our broken hearts
Fallen far--we need you
Behold the Lamb of God

Son of God--Emmanuel
Son of Man--we need you
Behold the Lamb
The hope of man
Behold the Lamb of God

I watched kids meeting Santa the other day. I have no recollection of my visit to Santa in the mid 1970's. However, since my grandma bought a photo of my sister and I sitting on Santa's lap, there is proof that I did. I'm surprised to see that I'm not teary-eyed. The fact that I'm smiling is because I was a "good little girl". You can see I was scared and DID NOT WANT SANTA'S HAND TOUCHING MY ARM!

On Thanks- giving weekend, my Gram invited the extended family to meet for a potluck. She has a great gathering space in her apartment building, so there's enough space to hang out for a few hours and catch up with aunts, uncles, cousins, and second cousins. I enjoy talking with Clint because he is SO resourceful and full of information about building, and projects, and machines. His wife Heidi shared about a new venture this summer with a wedding location and a garden she planned. My Uncle Dave gave me hints on how to help my two apple trees, as he is the entrepreneur of his large apple orchard. The little ones were running around, playing games, or just being cute.

This cold weather is convincing me to stay inside. I look outside, see a temp- erature of 1 degree, and recall how I shiver in the bitter cold. But I need to tell myself, "Do not hibernate for the entire winter." When I bundle up and finally get outside, I like it. I wonder why I don't come out more often. It's all about the layers...and being comfortable (not always stylish).

Seventeen years ago we were married. Said our vows, made a covenant, exchanged rings. I was young. I didn't know much. But I did love John, and I knew he loved me. I am so grateful that God allowed marriage (and motherhood) to stretch, convict, teach, and mold me into a more mature woman. One of the greatest things I have seen displayed in John is unconditional love. He cares for me beyond my expectations and is patient with my faults. John's best feature is his desire to follow Our Lord. We both agree that our love for each other grows deeper with each passing year, and that is attributed to God's amazing grace.

Every year at the family gathering we have a fun 'white elephant' exchange. Each family brings a bag of small wrapped gifts, totally anonymous, to pass around the circle. Some are bad (floral shower cap), and we try to market their usefulness so that another person might take it off our hands. Some are good (bag of candy), and are received with appreciation. Luke opened one gift of a temporary foam visor, then later lucked out with a yo-yo. He started doing round-the-world tricks in the living room, with a large glass oil lamp behind him. It was suggested he try it in the garage! My parents (and his brothers) remembered when Luke was a young boy and he broke the hall light fixture with a yo-yo.