This year at our annual snapshot, baby Elora was just three days old!  Brandon and I have been taking a photo of our children in the Christmas trees since Aria was just a one year old tot.  We have a tradition of visiting the tree farm the day after Thanksgiving, and even though we could have delayed it this year, it was a wonderful warm day to venture out for baby's first outing.   So we did!

In our prayers at a candlelight service tonight on Christmas Eve, a few lines caught in my throat.  As a congregation we wished, "Joy to expectant parents and relief to those who long for children."  And I thought, yes, yes!

This year my family is filled with joy.  I think back to last year when we were so grateful for peace at Christmastime, when joy seemed to great a thing for us.  After Eleni's surgery she seemed so much better and finally in less pain.  So, Peace.  And very grateful for it.  But this year, Joy!  This year... so much can change in a year.

Looking towards next year, I wish joy for us and all of you.  I wish a year in which we are blessed and in which we are a blessing.  I wish Peace, yes; but also Joy and always Love.

Merry Christmas!