nurturing hope, creativity, family
A night of fun and games with Aunts and Uncles, 
a year gone, and another welcomed in with sparklers on the driveway (thanks to Kristen and Jake).
It’s been a good year, but a hard year too. I’m so grateful for a new beginning.
Best wishes to all in 2010!
Jennifer
I was up early this morning, much earlier than the children, and since it’s Christmas vacation, I could let them sleep.
It felt really good to have some quiet time to read my scriptures, ponder, pray, and record some things that I am grateful for. I want time like this every morning!
I’ve been pondering and praying about what direction I should move in with the start of a new year. I had so many thoughts, and there are so many areas in which to improve. Then I realized that I needed to ask my Heavenly Father what direction HE wants me to move in.
I’ve had some thoughts today that feel really good. I think I have the beginning of a plan. I need to keep praying about it, but I feel like I’m on the right track and THAT is a happy feeling.
We spent Christmas Eve with my husband’s brother and his family last night, remembering the reason for the holiday.
With costumes on, the children (14 in all!) quietly portrayed the events recorded in the New Testament surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ.
As I photographed the production, I noticed something. Having a real baby in our own little manger changed the feeling a little. The excitement really was about that little bundle in a rough wood box.
They all wanted to be close to the manger, gathering around it in a circle.
The baby truly was center stage, the object of their attention.
As I watched this awesome group, I realized that they were teaching us a silent lesson.
Christmas really is all about baby Jesus. It reminded me of my favorite Christmas embroidery:
I hope we all will spend a few quiet minutes today, kneeling in the stable. Adoring Him.
It will make all our lives more stable.
Merry Christmas to you, from our family, 
and especially from our little angel who’s taking this all in for the first time.