A blur

It feels like the last few weeks (and the few before that) have been a blur of activity.

And before the next frenzy of Christmas celebrations begins, I want to remember what we've been up to:
Birthday celebrations, big piles of leaves and big smiles -- before we had even had a thought of hospital waiting rooms.

Long drives home at night, after exhausting days, siblings quiet, curled up, sharing their space and their rest.

Boisterous days. Lots of smiles.

Cold nights, warm blankets. Books.

Rare celestial sights that we won't see again for decades.

Appreciation that even my point-and-shoot camera can capture some of the intensity of Venus:

The joy of watching raw ingredients combine...


to create overflowing mounds of potential.


The knowledge that the end product, no matter how tasty, is never as important as the process, the lesson, the time together, the memories made.

December traditions.
The payoff for many after-school music practices.

Precise care taken with every ornament.

Not stepping in, even once, to replace a decoration. Thinking the tree has never looked more beautiful.

As the next blur of gatherings, food, cold and travel come upon us, may we remember not to lose focus on the memories that define us.

Merry Christmas to you and yours.