Wow.
That was a challenge.
Still, though, it was exciting to be heading out with four healthy kids! Last year at this time, Evany was in the NICU and I was healing from a pretty painful c-section and spinal headache, torn between staying with her in the hospital and still seeing the other kids.
What a difference a year makes, huh?
I love it.
I'm posting some of our pictures from today...the ones that aren't going on the card...those have to be a surprise! I'm pretty happy with how they turned out.
Things here have been a strange mix lately. Some heavy things, some stressful things, some intense things, some good things...there's so much going on that I'm not even sure how to feel! Of course I'll be sharing in due time, but we could definitely use some general prayer right now. As always, I appreciate it more than you could ever know. And I know that, despite everything, my family is incredibly blessed. I mean, really. These kids are ridiculous. They're amazing.
They're also currently "camping" in a tent in the living room about three feet away from me. Ava just called out and said "Donde esta est diary?" Strange child. They are all so excited about Christmas they may die. I'm working really hard this year to make the season about things other than presents, and they are grudgingly joining in. My kids have an abundance of toys...so many, they don't even take great care of what they have. I want to foster the real meaning of Christmas with them, and I'd also like to start doing fun, experiential things with them instead of buying them tangible objects for holidays. They're finally getting to the age where they'll remember the things we do, and I want them to be rich in family life and experiences.


So...is your tree up yet? Our artificial tree is up in the attic and I'm not quite ambitious enough to get it down. Actually, I'm not sure if I could get it down if I tried. So we have our stockings up from last year and they look great, but still no tree. I need more motivation. Anyone want to take a December vacation to Tampa and help me decorate? That'd be fun.