...And To All A Good Night

Christmas day is winding down and for our family it has been peaceful and filled with wonderful moments strung together like my favorite white lights on the tree in our yard .  So, the children are all snug in their beds and I've kicked mtly feet up to enjoy some quiet and cocoa and reflect.
A pajama day and brunch-with some near perfect cinnamon rolls.  Scavenger hunts and gifts enjoyed: not rushed.  Unwrapping was interrupted by brunch, visiting, and exploring gifts just opened; following the pace if the children: often forcing the adults to slow down.  While others kept losing their coffee mugs,  I sat, enjoyed mine and took in the morning.  It was magical.
We shared time with friends, saw family near and far through video chats and spoke with others with sounds of children's energy vibrating in the background.
Each conversation enjoyed.  Each discovery savored. Every moment treasured.
May you find the moments to treasure from your Christmas Day.  Merry Christmas!

A Silent Moment

At 9:30 this morning I sat in my living room joining my heart with many others in a moment of silence, of remembrance for lives cut tragically short.  Snow fell.  The power went out.  It almost seemed fitting.
Last Friday morning I was driving with my children in the car when a report came across the 11am radio news that there was a shooting at an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut.  Fear gripped me as I pulled to the side of the road and started calling family members: my brother, my mom.  My niece is a first grader in Newtown.  Within a few short minutes we established she was safe at a different school.
This week has been one of mourning for so many.  I pray today that grief will be replaced by peace and anguish with joy and despair with hope, one breath at a time.

Christmas Baking

This week begins the annual tradition of Christmas baking in our house.  Fudge, Praline Caramels, Sugar Cookie Dough and Peanut Butter Balls are all on this week's list.  And my little sidekick is right there for quality control!