Above, is an old picture, from years ago. Elizabeth and Maggie used to put on their pink snowsuits and crawl around under the big fir trees in front of the house, pretending they were explorers. The trees have been home to families of cardinals and bluejays for more than twenty years; they would fly off, squawking, when the girls began to play there. If you look closely, you can see Elizabeth under the left one...

Christmas is over, everything put away til next year, with a few goodies bought at one of those after-Christmas sales, tucked in the boxes as a surprise for whichever one of the kids brings them down next Advent...

When I brought Joe back to his school after vacation, all the kids gathered round. The ones who could speak shouted, "Joe's back!" and they all wanted to hug him. Joe just sat there, grinning at them. They are the sweetest bunch of guys. No wonder he likes it there.

Just started a new job. I'd been working part-time in advocacy and looking everywhere for a good, full-time position with benefits, paid holidays, time to be with my children. Praise God, I found one, working with families of children with special needs, again, but much better pay, and guaranteed full-time, with lots of potential for advancement. Nice people, too. I wake up every morning and just give praise for all His goodness.

Why, then, do I feel so empty? Joe took up so much of my time, I had no time for a social life. Now, I suppose it's too late for that. Never mind; I have my children, a good job, time to write and pray. That will have to do.

I am truly grateful for all I have. Why do I still want more?