It is December 23rd, 2011 and in keeping with our budget we have procured no gifts for each other.It sounds a bit harsh when I write it on paper, but this entire year is a gift and we are lacking nothing. In fact, unemployed and homeless as we are, it is by far our richest year yet.The richness I believe comes in being and learning together.

It's not easy living on top of each other in a confined space, moving constantly, packing up, setting up, on a budget, meal planning, scheduling (seriously - we can't all get ready at once! we even have to schedule brushing our teeth!). But we have our voting process deciding what to do together and our family pow-wows discussing (resolving) the sacrifices we make for each other.

Some days are more raucous than others yet some are pensive and introspective.All however, are spent together.It is this inescapable being of togetherness that makes our journey the ultimate gift.We lived in our modest little home (by western standards) for nine years together, and never knew each other like we are getting to know each other now!Some things about us we are not so glad to know, but other things are astounding. There are some things about me, I'm afraid, that really aren't that charming (shocking I know!). There are however, things about Tim that I had forgotten over the past two decades that I absolutely adore!And many things he has discovered about his children that he never really knew...Together we are becoming.

Tim and I are constantly amazed at our kids.The wisdom and wit that overflows from their minds and mouths is endless (sometimes regrettably) but ultimately engaging.

Naomi is sixteen and meditative.She is our cautious one, thoughtful and sensitive, eager to make the world a better place.

Eden is fifteen and whimsical, our carefree, spirited one, who maintains her own rhythm and does things with flare and passion.

Eli is fourteen and self assured.He is our courageous one who possesses an inherent sense of justice as well as a tender heart.

We are the Smith's!