Christmas Catch-up

you'd think on a break from school that my blog would have been a bit more bursting with activity...but i guess it's lack of anything much has been a greater indication of the way i have been enjoying the freedom of very little "i should do this" or "forgot to do that" or "just wish this was over." it has been a good break, though always seemingly too short. the boys went back to school yesterday and i am working this weekend--probably a good way to give me a little kick in the pants back into the reality that school begins again on monday = another semester to tackle. i know i have many thoughts on this...but for now, i will leave you with a few pics from Christmas that were never posted!!

with my dad up with Ben in Chicago before Christmas, James was given the task of his first time putting lights on the tree. he did a good job :)

One of my favorite parts of Christmas morning these days is Judah--he truly is like the little kid that never grows up. he KNOWS when it is Christmas and that there are treats and new toys in his stocking...he hates having to wait till everyone is awake and spends all morning running around and sniffing and waiting until he can finally conquer his new domain :)

have you ever seen a dog so happy?

this year ben got a Wii for Christmas/birthday which was very exciting...especially considering the poor guy had to walk around on one leg for all of break because of a very recent and unexpected surgery on his ankle. he still managed to play and beat me at tennis and bowling many times. he got it just in time for our 4-night cabin get-a-way as a family between Christmas and New Years. we had a great time of quiet reading and reflection, family games, watching the stars and sunrise in the hot tub, and a chance to just be still. (and of course, play the Wii haha) it was really nice...

It's a bit late, but I pray you had a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Years. I am excited for 2010, it is going to be a year of transformation and growth and blessings from the Lord! I sense his pleasure in knowing us and desire for us to know him even deeper than yesterday, last week, or 2009. Yay, welcome to the new decade!