This picture represents two rites of passage; one for me, one for Norah.

First, Norah was old enough to help me put out the Christmas village earlier this winter. She's wanted to help me for years, but she was never tall enough and her hands were never steady enough.

The second, and perhaps the most noteworthy thing this picture represents is that I actually let her help me. I used to care about every little detail of this village. But, now, with two kids and so much going on, I don't have the time or the energy to worry where all the little people go anymore. There are always dishes to be done, clothes to be put away, butts to be wiped, so I yelled from where I was in the laundry room,

"Put the lady carrying the packages wherever you want, Norah!"