where on earth to start, if there is anyone out there who could possibly still care with my horrible maintenance skills. it is NEVER because i don't want to be writing. i always want to be writing and reflecting. the season enveloped me.

whats for sure is that I actually feel i experienced a full and long December. typically i dread the end of December because i LOVE the season so so much, this year i do think i got my feel and i have great anticipation for the new year. Maybe this is because we began the season earlier than ever with a visit to the Christmas tree farm the weekend after Thanksgiving. Maybe this is because i spent half the month sick, or maybe just because I am ready for 2010. The tree farm was a delightful new experience with our dear friends the Millers. Hannah and Hannah loved running around the trees and we brought home a beautiful tree that i can't believe is still standing.

Other notable December events include my needing to increase my hours at work to 30 hours. I experienced a human and graceful experience with my boss and a great opportunity to have more work during a difficult season for Bright Yellow Jacket. I am amazed and comforted by the commitment of Sean and Stephen to their firm and one another as well as the support and faith both families have that it is not yet time to close those doors, its time to continue diligent work and creativity. Most people don't have their dream job at 30, Stephen has been pretty dang close doing what he loves with a partner that he respects and enjoys working with.. it feels very difficult to imagine letting go of now. I of course am struggling leaving Hannah one more minute than i have to much less 10 more hours. I feel much much better knowing that those hours she will spend with my mom and Stephen who are splitting the additional care needs. My mom has been absolutely incredible to support the whole family, but really her daughter during all these transitions, Hannah is quickly loving SuSu. (and Ba for that matter, Dad is pretty incredible with her as well!)

Okay, i went on too long there so other points quickly: road trip with old friend Whitney on fun journey, enjoyed the seasonal joy of hosting a party in our home for the 7th year, it was very enjoyable and lifted our spirits to enjoy the season with our wonderful friends. Caught a stomach virus that unfortunately hit my new system a little too hard. Missed quite a bit of activity and work trying to fight the virus, slowly got a little stronger, but had symptoms for over 10 days and unfortunately blood tests lead the Doc to believe it caused a Crohn's flare up and they put me back on steroids. That's pretty much the worst scenario we could receive considering after the surgery they said that the Crohns could return in 2 months, 1 year, 4 years, 5 years, or NEVER. i was certainly hoping towards the later. oh well, we'll do some additional testing to figure out how to move forward well and get a good pic of my current system. and finally, we enjoyed a great time with extended family here in Charlotte for a little Christmas celebration. Great food and fun games will leave us with wonderful memories. Hannah had a complete blast and I just so appreciate how much our family wants to all be together. finally and very significantly, amy made it to her 12th week of pregnancy safe and sound. Praise be to God. We are so so grateful and hopeful for Amy and Aaron. we will continue to pray for little SO as we are calling the baby and wait joyfully for her/his arrival. Okay, more on Christmas itself to come with lots more photo. Hope everyone enjoyed family, rest, and celebrated God's life and Presence. Cheers! Oh, and my word. thank goodness America picked Russell. He was TOTALLY my favorite.