Blessed beyond measure.

I keep thinking that I need to post something, but I'm maybe just a little overwhelmed at how much love we've received lately from neighbors and friends. I couldn't get my brain around what I wanted to say. Mostly, I just want to say that this has been such a wonderful holiday. By and large, the children were very well behaved. There was very little arguing. There was no grumpiness about getting the right gifts or enough. We had so much in the way of extra unexpected love come our way. We are loved, and that is the best feeling ever - especially at Christmas. I am so grateful to be living here in this area. Our neighbors and church community have been attentive to our needs - I can't even begin to tell how wonderful they have been. The are Christians of the highest caliber. They inspire me.

The other thing I have been thinking of today is the sweetness of my children. Yes, they've had their moments. Yes, I've had frustration - but I've also had pure joy that has persisted and rested on our home for nearly three days. A will be three years old tomorrow. Her little voice and precious pronunciation makes every thing she says ring in my ears. I love to hear her express her thoughts and feelings. When she is very excited, she speaks very quickly and I realize that I am not quite fluent in her language, but I love every syllable nonetheless. Q has moods that swing with the hour, but mostly he's just said, "Mommy, I love you so much." He is so sincere and darling. It is good to see him settling in and feeling like home here. The big boys were touched at the outpouring of Santa's gifts this year. My 10 year old believes. That is so much fun. My 13 year old was grateful to those Santas that made his Christmas merrier. He was amazed, happy and grateful. If you have a teenager you know that those things don't often happen in the same sentence let alone the same day. E was such the quintessential almost 8 year old girl. She loves the mom role. She is affectionate (to near overload). She is precious with her younger siblings, and had a great time all day long. She dressed up for the trip to Grandma's.

This year has been so confirming. D and I have done the right thing. Last year, there was no peace at Christmas. This year, there was just happiness, love and relaxation. There was no angry stain on the day, no overhanging tension in the air, it was just wonderful. It was absolutely perfect and wonderful. I have no reason to regret our current course - although I know that future Christmas seasons will surely be more complicated. Life brings with it it's own sorrows and joys. If I didn't know the sorrowful days, I don't think I'd know to be able to say - Yesterday was splendid and perfect in every way. What a blessing.

It was a lovely Christmas. Today was lovely, too. I have to head back to work tomorrow, but it will be with a light heart. I am so happy today. I hope I can make it last a very long time.