Welcome 2009.

The day is coming to a close. It's about 11:55 and I am listening to the fireworks taking place outside. All the babes are sleeping soundly. We partied

it up for Gratia in style and now are resting blissfully. We had a lovely dinner, family, some friends and some fine cake in the shape of a heart. Elijah kept asking for more cornbread.

I like cornbread, as does he, and took it as a compliment. Fiamma kept stealing cookies while drinking the rest of everyones water, not to mention a bite of her fathers olive that was left over from his gin martini. "Yucky" was the final answer. We ended the party reluctantly with some giggles. Lots of giggles.  (Happy new years by the way. It is now officially 2009.)

This year has been a whirlwind, like every other year, but it doesn't seem like that long ago that we were walking through the door bringing our Gratia home to meet her brother and sister for the first time. I know much has happened. Mostly change. Not only are the kids older in years, but looking back at photos from last year this time, I am blown away at HOW they have changed. I am truthfully scared at how much more they will continue to change.

The one thing that comes to mind, though, as I look forward to what God has for us, is a prayer that my little girl Fiamma will often say. "Dear Jesus, thank you for Jesus. Amen."

Amen.