Comfort and Joy

The King/Bazail party was a big success yesterday. Our smallest branch of the family tree is growing slowly! My only cousin, Sarah, and her husband Roland just had their second baby in November. Little Lincoln is just beautiful! Yesterday was his introduction to the family. He and Alex were dressed in matching plaid oxfords and cable-knit white sweaters. They were adorable! We have a special place in our hearts for Alex, our only godson. :)
Notice the pink snakeskin superhero cape on Freestone. He got it from Santa at the DeBry party, and has had incredible super powers ever since. At the King party, Santa asked him where he got his cape. Freestone had no idea what to say. You could see the wheels turning in his head, thinking about how Santa had just given it to him the day before. Had Santa forgotten? Was it a trick question? Was there more than one Santa? Ari saved the day by laughing hysterically and saying, "You gave it to him! Remember?" She thought it was amusing that Santa had such a short memory.
This morning, I heard "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen," and the words, "comfort and joy" really struck me. Those are things I have been blessed enough to feel in abundance this holiday season, through the company of family and friends and the presence of our beautiful children. I hope that all of you have the security of comfort and joy this Christmas, and that your deepest prayers are answered.

And let's not forget why we are celebrating today...Sarah Scheuller's birthday! Happy birthday to one of my dearest friends. Thanks for all the years of ice skating and tree trimming parties! What would we do without the "Scheuller cousins!?" :)