I can’t believe it’s been so long since I last wrote.  We have been in a fog of moving and recovering from weary-bones and I am just now coming out of my post-busy-stupor.  We have finally settled in to our new home; I know where to put the paper towels now and we have a routine again…something for which I’m very thankful.  I’m hoping to be here more and actually put down some thoughts now that I’m feeling less frantic.

I cherish the coming of Winter.  Although I’m looking out the windy on a sunny, warm, windy day, I’m hopeful that Winter will show his face soon.  This sounds odd to some of my family members (ahem, Russell), but for me it means so much to my soul to have the reprieve of cloudy days, early sunset, and snow crunching under my feet.  It means rejuvenation and renewal, a clean start, the preparation for growth, rest and togetherness.  I am so looking forward to our first Christmas in our new home! I’m excited about Christmas break for the kids, making chocolate covered pretzels, playing with Ollie our elf, seeing lots of family and friends, listening to lots of music, looking at Christmas lights and drinking apple cider and hot chocolate, making corny Christmas decorations, reading, watching movies, sitting still and smelling my beautiful real tree and thinking of the mountains, and on and on and on.   Most of all -celebrating the birth of my Savior and somehow trying to wrap my head, body, soul, and spirit around the fact that He came to Earth for ME…and YOU!!!

Yes, lots to look forward to this Winter….