So, in an hour and fifteen minutes (as I write), it will officially be the year 2010. I'll say it with my cousin: "2010? Does that even make sense?" I don't think I ever comprehended this century, as those who lived at the turn of the last century likewise, probably, felt.
It's been a long and short year. Long, in the sense that there were many things left unresolved, economically, politically, and so on. Short in the sense that, well, anyone who is getting older knows...time just passes right on by while you were busy folding the clothes (or what-have-you).
Who has time to recount the last 364 days? Someone else, but not me. But, I will say that for our family, the closing out of this year is not without some pretty profound changes. "LOVE" is at the forefront of our hearts and minds. That is pretty profound in itself.
A couple of pictures from this last month are below. A brief explanation here: For the first time in our lives we decided to participate in the lighting of the candles for Chanukah. After this experience, I think we're definately planning on building on it and celebrating it year after year. We read a different scripture each night dealing with "light": the "light of the world", the word is a "light" to our path, etc. One of the "traditions" is to set the candles outside so that others can see them, so that was food for thought 'in and of itself' (as we say). There is so much commercialism in Christmas, and so much distraction, that, for us, it felt like a "return" in a sense. We also had a great time spending time with my family over Christmas.
Our make-shift "Chanukah Menorah" on night four; I thought it was so pretty!

Photo-op, taken on Christmas Eve with the new jammies from Grandpa Steele and Patty!

Many changes lie ahead for us in 2010. We pray for all of our friends and loved-ones to have a blessed year.