Christmastime is here

As I write this post I'm watching the snow fall outside my brother's bedroom window. Can I just say this? I MISS snow - I never thought those words would come out of my mouth after getting clobbered with snow all the time in Buffalo. But it's hard to be in a place that rarely gets more than a dusting. We are in Rochester, NY to spend Christmas with my family - the Smiths! It's been such a great trip already, though far too short. Everyone is here... my parents, my sister & brother-in-law, my grandma & her friend, my 2 younger brothers, and (of course) many puppies running around! This is the first time that we've all been together in a while, and since Tyler's diagnosis. He is feeling strong, though most of his hair is now gone. We continue to ask God's healing in his body and know that He is faithful to answer those prayers. Tyler is the same kid, though, no matter what his health may be. He is spouting one-liners and quoting movies with the best of them :) It's wonderful to see that he has not lost his sense of humor through all of it. We've basically had one long party ever since we all gathered here at the Smith house. We even went to get pictures taken of "just the kids" as my mom likes to say. She wanted one of all of us since we're hardly ever in one place at the same time :) The photographer laughed at us pretty much the entire session. It's a comedy show when we're all in the same room - and I'm so thankful for the joy that God continues to bring to our family. Laughter is wonderful! Here's a couple shots from yesterday - one posed, and one of the boys "not-so-posed" :)

The goofball brothers strike again! If you can't tell... we love being together. There is quite a story behind this picture so if you'd like to hear it, just let me know!

My sister & I are singing a duet at the Christmas Eve service tonight - I can't wait!! It's been a while since we've done that. Tomorrow will be another great day, and another Christmas for us to reflect on what God gave to us so many years ago. Christ has given everything and I pray that I will always live my life in honor of His sacrifice. Thank you, Jesus, for coming to live among us! Merry Christmas :)