"God bless us, every one!"

So... in case you haven't noticed, I've been rather absent from the blog world (as I'm sure many of you also have been)... not much posting and not much commenting, either. There sure is a lot of catching up I have to do! Getting back into Tasty Tuesdays (which have sadly fallen by the wayside of late), the latest belly shots, Annabelle's 3rd birthday, and I might even blog about Disneyland-- FINALLY. :) But I've decided that it shall all just have to wait until we return from our trip to Denver, which is fast approaching (we leave this Sunday) and will make the rest of this week a busy whirlwind.

I can hardly believe how the weeks have flown by leading up to Christmas. And this last week has been busier than any of them. Between finishing up Christmas shopping, making the last of my homemade gifts, getting some baking done, preparing for Annabelle's birthday and our trip, running last-minute errands, church functions, family gatherings, and trying to stay on top of laundry and cleaning the house so I can go away with a clean conscience and home... it's been all I can manage just to drag myself out of bed some mornings, in all honesty.

But, in the midst of it all, I am blessed to have joy.

Joy in a quiet morning time of devotion and prayer as the girls play nicely.

Joy in climbing into a warm bed after a long day and snuggling up to my husband.

Joy in looking out my window and seeing crystal clear mountains with new-fallen snow on top.

Joy in seeing delight on my children's faces as we sprinkle sugar on Christmas cookies.

Joy in seeing the presents under our tree and knowing that they will soon be in the hands of loved ones.

Joy in the peace and warmth of our cozy little home; it truly is a haven to me.

Joy in being with the friends and family that I love so much-- and joy in the thought of soon spending time with the rest of them!

But most of all, joy in knowing that God sent His Son to be our Savior. That we have everlasting peace and joy through Him.

There could be no greater gift.

Merry Christmas, my dear ones!!

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!

Let earth receive her King;

Let every heart prepare Him room,

And heaven and nature sing,

And heaven and nature sing,

And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing.

(see you in January)