I didn’t quite get my Christmas card printing done in time for Christmas this year. I guess they’ll be Happy New Year cards instead. They star our little friend Nutty, the red breasted nuthatch who frequents our bird feeder.

As I reflect on the past year I am so thankful. I couldn’t imagine being happier. That is almost entirely Barry’s doing. He is better than I could really say with words, and I stand in awe of this little family we’ve created– the feeling we have in our home, the rocks and drawings and books and chubby smiles. The games, the singing, the building, the playing. Bringing a fourth little person into the mix has made things a little busier, but has brought us so much closer. It seems like there’s nothing we couldn’t do together.

In so many ways the time goes by slowly– like waiting for Bary to come home from work after a long day of diaper changes, book reading, rocking, fight diffusing. But it goes by so fast! My little baby is already learning to walk. My little girl doesn’t look so little anymore with her big new teeth trying to fit into her little mouth. I really do love this time of having little ones– the boundless energy, the snuggles, the unconditional love and admiration, the hilarious observations, the wonder of seeing things new through fresh eyes. These are my treasures. There are so many things that only I will remember– that time will erase for them. What a gift– as long as I keep my eyes open, my sense of humor, a little patience, joy, love, and remember how fleeting it really is.

The new year will bring new adventures, new dreams to follow, new things to learn. Amid all the change there will be some constants– the beauty of our family, the knowledge that “home” is wherever we are together, faith, growth…

Wishing you all joy, love, and creativity in this new year!!