So, Christmas is coming in two weeks and I have not even completed my Christmas cards.

This year, it seems I am being taught the lesson of "you can't do it all". I usually have all the presents bought by the end of October, 80 homemade Christmas cards sent out right after Thanksgiving and all the gifts wrapped under the tree. I love preparing for this holiday. I guess my kiddish heart still relives all the magic once upon a time. I can recall many nights when I would go into the living room, turn out all the lights and lay under the glistening tree dreaming of what the treasures there could be. Sometimes, if I was really brave, I would try to tear just a small corner off a gift in hopes that I would reveal the mystery. One Christmas, I even went looking for my gifts and found every one in my parent's closet. What a fun secret to keep, until the morning I had to unwrap each one and fake the surprise and joy that had slowly faded.

Though my anticipation for Christmas day is not less, the worries and unbought gifts make me wish that day was not quite so close. And yet, the other part of me just wants to get it over and move on to 2006. We have made some big difficult decisions these last few months and the new year feels full of promise, freedom (and hopefully a new job).
So though you may not receive a card from us this year,know that we are so thankful for our family and our friends who have supported us through this year of constant change. You have helped us keep our emotions in check, our hearts softened and our eyes straining to see what He'll bring next.

Merry Christmas!!