This morning it is still dark.  There is a cozy fire burning in the fireplace, to the right of the oversized chair I sink into.  And above that fireplace hang five stockings.  The stockings are still empty, but my heart is full.  Because it is a reminder that today all five of my kids will once again be under one roof, talking, laughing, reminiscing. 🙂

There is a very instinctual contentment that resides in a mother’s heart when all her grown babies are in one place at the same time.  It’s a warmth I can’t describe but Mark tells me it’s all over my face when it happens.  And I kind of know what he means.  This goofy grin creeps up and overtakes my face.  A smile that won’t go away.  A sense of just wanting to sit back and take it all in – listening, watching.

Now that my kids reside in three different states, these times are rare and precious.  And not one minute of it will I take for granted. I can’t afford to – it will pass all too quickly.

I hope that your Christmas is filled with family and friends.  That old memories are enjoyed and new ones are made.  May you have a new sense of awe at what we celebrate.  And may you smile like never before. 🙂