A different little Christmas

I started this blog post on December 17.

My, what a crazy December.

We knew that this Christmas was going to be different. Even as Scott was putting together the tree (compliments of our wonderful friends!),

I knew that it was symbolic of our season to come.

It's as if we are in a place in life where we know the beginning,

and we know the end,

but we're trying to figure out all of the middle parts.

Yet there lies a "gift" for us...a small package, if you will...full of blessing for our family

and those who are journeying on this road alongside of us.

We are confident in God's faithfulness.

We know that He is in control of timing.

We know that He is a good God...all of the time.

This we know.

And...since I didn't get to say it...

"Merry Christmas to you all!"

Thoughtfully...and with much love.

Jill

For these hands...

These hands held me.

These hands loved me.

These hands cheered at every home volleyball game.

These hands prepared my food.

These hands.

These hands taught and worked so that I had

a home,

and food,

and clothes.

These hands.

These hands hold my hands.

These hands hold me.

These hands protect me.

These hand work so that I can stay home

and have food to feed our family,

a home to shelter them,

and clothes to cover them.

These hands are praying hands.

These hands.

These hands help me.

These hands comfort me.

These hands play beautiful music.

These hands.

These hands snuggle me.

These hands explore.

These hands gather.

These hands create wonderful artwork.

These hands.

For these hands, I am thankful.

And these hands?

These hands are so grateful

to have touched

and held

and experienced

so much of God's goodness.

These hands.

Photos taken in Los Lunas, NM Thanksgiving 2010

Brace Yourself...

This is Katie. She's got the BEST smile.

Dr. Orthodontist wants it to be even better.

No candy, no soda, no popcorn, no joke.

And if that's not enough?

She went and turned 12 on us.

She is such a joy, and so much fun, and so smart, and such a great helper, and has such a heart for the less fortunate and oppressed.

She's our Katie.

The only bad thing about her?

She doesn't share in my new found obsession with Seaweed Snacks.

But we still love her dearly...(and I don't have to share.)