December

Yes, the title is correct. I am still in December, I suppose.  But I have been reviewing my month in pictures since February, and I didn't want to miss the month of December.  So if you'll allow me a peek back, then I'll be moving forward...I think.  (By the way, I am going to begin a winter recipe series this Tuesday. So you see, I am thinking ahead a wee bit.)

***

For all of my intention to be "uncomplified", our month was everything but.  It was full from start to finish. There were birthdays. There was a chandelier fire...and a new chandelier. There was shopping and wrapping and decorating. There was a house photo shoot. (I am still amazed!) There were visits with my aunt. There were Christmas gatherings, both here and there. There was even our annual  girls' Starbucks outing because at the beginning of December, someone said that it was one of their favorite Christmas events, and so we made time and let some other things go.

There was lots of help from my girls. Oh, how they helped! They did almost all of the baking and did such a beautiful job. Bekah made fudge for the first time. She also made gorgeous (and delicious!) truffles for gifts, and the rest of us were noble and taste-tested them. The girls helped clean and wrap and decorate and address Christmas cards...and I accepted all offers. I can't forget Ron either, who brought home pizza or Chick-fil-A on more than one occasion.

Yes, the month was full.  Full of joy, full of sorrow, full of busyness, full of mercy, full of peace. To God be the glory. Emmanuel..."God with us."

Glimpses of our celebrations...glimpses of His gifts...