Greetings from the land of baseball and football world champions.... Well, I guess I've taken procrastination to a new level. With only one real Christmas "card" to write, I can't even get this out on time. That said, once I accepted my defeat, I was able to comfortably enjoy the holiday :D. My apologies for my tardiness.

Here's the recap: we bought a house in Toledo, OH sight unseen and spent the first quarter trying to decide whether or not to move and then scrambling to sell it. Luke turned three in April. Bolander's wedding in LA. Luke got his first stitches. Ben turned one in June. Gjone's wedding Breckinridge. Ben's baptism. Schweitzer family reunion. Caputo's wedding in Chicago. A grand week on Cape Cod with Luke's and Ben's uncle, aunt and cousins. My 10-yr college reunion. Luke's first day of school. Luke's second set of stiches. Thanksgiving with Grandma Kari and Aunt Abbey. Christmas with Grandpa Bryan, Bernadine and her girls (story and photos pending). Good times in a good year.

We have had the good fortune of living in interesting times. I'll leave Libby's activities to her Reflection. Suffice it to say, she's been really busy. Through it all, the kids have been the brightest lights. They are truly amazing and provide ample opportunity for me to learn. Once again, I give Libby lots of credit for shaping the boys into beautiful people.

Since I'm the master of cliches, I have to say that the boys were my favorite gift this Christmas. Their excitement for the holiday really took me back to a joy that I'd forgotten. Beginnings of traditions are really cool, too.

Sports haven't changed much. I did a couple triathlons this summer and actually had a little fun with them as opposed to lots of stress that goes with pushing a little harder everytime. Squash is the winter sport that keeps me going. It really is a fun game that has the perfect combination of mental and physical components.

As I look back at my previous reflections, I realize I have a little less to say this year. I guess I can only think of so many different ways to say that I love my family, and that's definitely where the focus is. The boys, in particular, inspire me daily, and I'm still trying to find the balance between paying bills and simply wallowing in their power. Yet again, I'm grateful for my blessings, and if you're reading this, I probably miss you :D.

Happy holidays!