A Real Christmas Card

I love receiving Christmas cards. I love the photos, I love the sweet sentiments. I especially love when they come with a letter, summarizing the year. It's like a yearbook of our friends' lives. All the joy and loveliness wrapped into one sheet of paper.

I check the mail much more regularly as Christmas approaches, because I can't wait to see who sent greeting in that day's batch of letters. I loathe the fact that this tradition is falling by the wayside. I get it. I know it's easier NOT to collect the photos, make the cards, write the letter, address the envelopes, and buy all the stamps. I know there are already so many demands on our lives during the Christmas season. But I love them.

My Brother

Two weeks ago, I sat in our marriage counselor's office, talking about my "family of origin". J had to work that day, so he wasn't able to come. Which was fine, because it gave the counselor and I some time to get to know each other a little better, and for her to learn a little more about my history.

We talked about me being a first child. We talked about my pretty much idyllic childhood. We talked about the relationships I have with each of my wonderful parents. And we talked about my brother.

Giant Banners

Our church is preparing to participate in the annual Albuquerque Twinkle Light Parade this Saturday night. It's our first time participating, which means everything had to be made from scratch. J and I put together a stable for our float on Monday morning. It is made of 2x4 boards and wood screws and only cost about $20 to put together the whole thing.