We lit the second candle of Advent tonight - this one was the candle of Light, to remind us of the star that the shepherds followed to Bethlehem and to remind us of the light that Jesus brings to the world.  It's amazing to me how taking the time to light the little candle on our Advent wreath can make me feel so much more peaceful and joyous.  It was a long day - Gracie is still sick;  I worked almost ten hours;  Steve pulled double-duty as house-cleaner extraordinaire and cruise director for the girls.  Abigail is feeling better and she's manifesting that by running pell mell through the house shrieking.  I think all four of us are tired and we're all wearing our feelings on our sleeves, but, at least for me, seeing the light coming from our two candles calmed me down and renewed me for the coming week.  I don't have much else to say tonight - I'm headed to bed.  Here's Gracie blowing out the second candle.  Her face was so beautiful, lit only by the candle - my camera did not do it justice...