Giving and Receiving

Another Christmas has come and gone, and while I'll soon post all about our festivities, I wanted to first post a very special Thank You to our uber-generous family and friends who thought of us this Christmas season! The gifts under our tree were piled ridiculously high with most of the tags reading To: Adam. He is so loved!

While he was easily spoiled by his aunties, cousins and grandparents, Adam also wasn't forgotten by his Florida buddies with fun puzzles, bathtub basketball, and so-appropriate nesting dolls, or by his ever-doting Godparents Bud and Abby and their boys with the Tonka Chuck's Garage and hand-me-downs. (That's gift-enough alone!)

Thank you all for your long-distance lovin' on our little man!

But more than the gifts, I realized how excited I get when my family opens gifts from us that I think know they will love. Like when Angie opened her winter hat and scarves (sounds silly, since it's such a simple gift!) and for Kim and Josh to open the enlarged, framed photograph I snapped of their initials carved in a wooden bench. I love that such joy can come at such small costs. I relish simple joys!

And while all the running around and packing and loading and driving and visiting and cooking were exhausting, it's these joys that I was so blessed to share with family now that we live so close to everyone. Through the act of giving, I was fulfilled. And as a bonus, I got some nice sweaters, too. :)

Thank You again!

Yes, I realize that a public blog posting is no suitable substitute for a personal phone call or a hand-written Thank You note. I am giving a blanket thanks to everyone to tie you over until you receive more deserving gratitude. I hope you know we cherish and appreciate all of you abundantly.