First Christmas as a Family of Four!

We even have the photo to prove it!



I can't believe that's our first photo of the four of us together, but what better time to have a photo taken than on Christmas day at church, just after Abigail's baby blessing? It helps that it's a good photo of all of us, and that Elijah isn't flailing in Matt's arms (yet...he started to about 10 seconds later...)

I feel a complete jumble of emotions today. I think about this time last year, when we were celebrating Elijah's first Christmas, and it seems so long ago. My little boy has grown so much since then, and is quite the little man now. Last Christmas Abigail wasn't even in the picture (although technically I did get pregnant on that cycle) and I was wondering when I actually would get pregnant again, and what this year would hold. It has been such a busy year for us, and an incredibly happy one. I dare to say our best one yet. It makes me feel a bit like 2012 can't possibly be as good as 2011, but I know that's just because I haven't lived it yet.

I have so many hopes, dreams and goals for the new year, but I'll save that rambling for another post. I'll simply finish this by saying just how thankful I am for the Christmas season. I have given and received so many gifts, but none of them compare with the gift of having a loving and supportive husband, two beautiful children, and family and friends all around who we love so much. I have been so richly blessed in these things, and yet even these abundant blessings pale in comparison to the ultimate gift that we were all given, that we remember this Christmas season. Without the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ, without his perfect life and the gift of the atonement, we would not be able to have hope in this life, or experience the joy that we do. I know that I can repent of my sins, be forgiven, and improve myself each day. I know that I can one day stand, unashamed, in the presence of my Maker, and live eternally with him and all those I love. All of this because 2000 some-odd years ago a little baby was born to save the world.

I love Christmas and I truly do hope that everyone has a wonderful and blessed Merry Christmas this year.