ch ch ch changes …

well, day 2 of “operation no agenda, merry & bright” was lovely. we took miss piper to school and then wen, stella jane & i scooted around town. it’s a rare occasion when it’s just the 3 of us, so that felt like such a special little treat. we (wen & i) both acted like first time parents and giggled and ‘oohed & aahed’ over every cute little thing that bitty did. i forgot how much i love this age. every little glance or word out of her mouth is so yummy.

this afternoon while stella napped and wen wrote, i wandered around the alstadt and really had my first “it’s christmas!” moment. i think it was because i wasn’t rushing through the crowds with any sort of agenda – i just took my time and took it all in. the music and the falling snow and the christmas markets and this amazing young man singing carols in front of H&M. it suddenly struck me: i’m in germany. it’s christmas, and i’m in germany. and all at once i was both thrilled and so very sad. i miss my family beyond, but am also so thankful to be right here, in this small-ish town in bavaria. 6 (almost 7!) months into our adventure, and it still catches me by surprise at times.

i set up my timeline on facebook today, and the first thing that popped up and caught my attention was pictures from last christmas. the lacter / burdick / maxey clan in new york city. crazy to think how much has changed in 12 short months. i scrolled through the pictures a few times – examining our smiles and thinking how strange it is that you can be living one life one day, and then within a matter of days / weeks / whatever, everything is different. thinking about this made me wish i had a crystal ball, and could somehow see into the future 12 months from now. you know, just to make sure that everyone is good and happy and ok.

but as crystal balls seem to be scarce these days, i’m going to instead turn to my faith – which never fails to offer peace and comfort. we’re heading into a new year, with so many unknowns. and all i can do is trust.

much love to you & yours. xo.

… and here’s a picture of bitty at the adidas store. feeling the love!