Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

I wonder what it is that makes everyone consider years past, future goals and change at the end of every year.  Maybe it is because a period of time is coming to a close according to the human calendar?  Or maybe something entirely different.  Christmas and New Year brings a lot of emotions to many different people.  For me, there is always a mixture of emotions...Joy over celebrating my saviors birth, excitement over a new year with new possibilities, frustration over goals not met, sadness over lost opportunity, wonder of what will be, comfort that no matter what God is in control...and the list goes on and on.

 

We try to hold certain traditions at Christmas to commemorate the birth of Jesus and celebrate our family.  One of the favorites is brunch with Santa.  Every year we take pictures and every year it is amazing to look back and see the growth of the children.  Shelby has finally overcome her fear of the jolly old man.  She won't sit on his lap, who can blame her...she is 12 after all, but she doesn't mind being in the same room as him. 

 

Back in the day Dove Street lights were actually on Dove Street and they were amazing!! One of my family traditions was to drive down to see the lights and every year it seemed that the lights got bigger and better.  Well, as the years have gone on the lights got to be too much for the little beach street so now they put up the "Dove Street" lights at Shelter Cove. We took the children this year and it was so much fun to see the excitement and delight in Sadie as we walked down the street.  She would skip from tree to tree and then call out the color of the lights on the tree.  It tickled us pink to watch her and listen to her.

 





 

This is another picture that has changed so much over the years.  Sadie was being camera shy Christmas Eve so she wasn't in the picture this year, but can I tell you...these children are growing up and growing up fast!!!  We have been taking Christmas Eve pictures with the Alberts since JP was in diapers. 

 

As I reflect on this past year it is amazing to think of how much things have changed.  Some changes were exciting to watch and be a part of, some changes were tough to grow through and some changes are still being played out into the new year.  Whatever happens we know that in all things God will work out His perfect plan for His glory and for that I am thankful.

 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!