the holidays

I normally love Christmas more than anyone...except maybe my husband. Our house vomits Christmas - the tree, our expansive village, outside lights, nutcrackers....we just love everything about it. This year, not so much. I didn't put up any decorations....even the swag i bought for my door is still laying on the porch because i couldn't' find the right bow and then i just gave up. It's hard to be in the Christmas spirit when your loved one is thousands of miles away in a sandbox.

What's funny is for as much as i was not feeling Christmas at all, i had one of the nicest and most relaxing Christmases in a long time. Sure i was wrapping presents at 7:30am on Christmas day, but i had a nice time with my family. and an added bonus - i don't have to take down any decorations now! (well, ok, my fall decorations are still on our hutch so they need to be put down).

I guess my takeaway from this Christmas is that sometimes not having any expectations allows you to find delight in unexpected places. and for that i am thankful.

Falling Back and Springing Forward

Perhaps it's the because we are in the season of giving thanks....or because i am just getting older....or because life finally slowed down, i'm feeling compelled to dust off the old blog.

While many are lamenting that summer and warm weather are really gone, i am celebrating that fall is finally here. I love fall. I love the crisp air, the beautiful colors, being able to snuggle under warm blankets and the idea of bunkering down for the winter. I also love the idea of a new season starting...time for change.

The past year has certainly been a season of change - losing both in-laws and getting married all within a 2.5 month span. But life goes on. We still have much to be thankful for and much to look forward to. This past year has made me appreciate the little things in life and find the humor in any situation. In order to spring forward, you have to do that, i believe.

I cannot wait to see what this season brings.