Wow! A week has gone by so quickly.

What have we been doing? Work (both photography and home), school, projects, decorating for Christmas and a four day adventure with my husbands side of the family as an early Christmas celebration.

We had an awesome time. It's always nice to be with family. We shopped a bit, ate too much, went out for several lattes, celebrated Christmas, celebrated a few birthdays and went to a girls symphonic choir Christmas concert, which my niece was performing in. The cousins played and played and played. I love when they all get to be together.

And I love when we venture to the city, take in the culture. Coming from the city I find that at times I do miss it, but I love where we live now, such a great place to raise kids.

The weather is frigid, about 13 degrees in the morning. Still below freezing by mid-day. So wintry ... I do love it.

I love the holiday season .... the kids and I have decorated the whole house, lights, homemade ornaments, stockings, candles. The kiddos spent a cold afternoon on the roof, helping Dad put up the Christmas lights. They love "working" with him. Then we decorated a tree in our yard ... it was our living Christmas tree from years ago, now planted and quite large in the front yard. Its now covered with lights and ornaments.

I love the feel of the season ... the sights, the smells, the hearts. Family and friends getting together.

Tonight we enjoyed a quiet evening, just us. A simple meal, Christmas carols as my sonny boy and husband played guitar, my sweet girl ringing her Christmas bells. The kiddos wrote their Christmas letters to Santa. So sweet ... my boy asked for world peace, gifts for his family, as well as a few goodies for himself. How his heart shined! Then snuggled in for a Christmas movie and ate warm chocolate chip cookies.

Enjoy the moments of each day, of the season, whether at work or home. A simply smile can make someones day. Enjoy the season ...