Happy New Year

Reflecting on a year that has past and a new slate opening for 2019, I think of all my blessings and joys and challenges.  The more mature my thinking gets, I realize that life is not always joyful.  Yes, I used to childishly think life should be like a fairy tale where good always wins.  It has challenges that must be dealt with.  Being positive remains a strong suit for me and I'm so thankful for that bent in my personality.  I refuse to let the joy that comes my way go unnoticed!  

There is plenty in this world of mine to get discouraged about!  But then Joy comes in unexpected moments.

Like the squirrels that hides nuts and seeds and then joyfully finding them, I'm looking for the joy that surrounds me.

I like to think of Joy as something that must be looked for and pursued daily.  Don't let the disappointments of life take it away.  

"Beneath the rust and grime which dulls the shine of our weathered hearts, Joy patiently waits to be discovered. "

John Mark Green

So as I say goodbye to 2018 and hello to 2019 I will continue to seek Joy!  Happy New Year, my friends. ♥ 

Christmas Joy

We've been decorating more and more each day and it really is beginning to look and feel more and more like Christmas.  Having a helpful husband certainly takes the burden of trying to do it all away. 

Our Christmas tree pretty much looks the same every year as we use the same ornaments that have been collected over the years.

Beloved ornaments from our parent' s trees as well as gifts from our children find a special spot each year.

Our family history is all tied up on every branch!  If you've been reading here very long, you've seen the same ornaments year after year.  I'm not one to do a themed tree.

I'm an old fashioned gal when it comes to Christmas.  I tend to want the same menus, the same decorations, the same family members visiting though I know changes happen over the years.  Embracing traditions, I have to be careful to embrace change as well. 


Having snow over the weekend has certainly added more joy to our environment.  Even though quite early for us to have snow, the blanket of white certainly makes it feel like Christmas, even if we hardly ever have that! 

The above photo was taken from the indoors where the Christmas tree lights seem to light the Leyland Cypress as well.

As you can see I need to change out the Autumn pumpkin garden flag to a Christmas one!



"Christmas is a bridge.  We need bridges as the river of time flows past. Today's Christmas should mean creating happy hours for tomorrow and reliving those of yesterday. "
Gladys Taber

We never get too old for cookie making at Christmas!

Chocolate chip are my grands favorite, so their grandmother indulges them.

Merry Christmas to you, my friends!  I hope as you add all the layers of Christmas to your home and heart you feel JOY! ♥

It's December

Hello my friends.  It's been a while since I've posted here.  I'm sure you are as busy as I am as December seemed to arrive when I least expected.  Not feeling too well has kept me unmotivated to get much done in this busy season.  We've celebrated our son's birthday and enjoyed Thanksgiving with family.  Warning: If you are looking for inspiration, you might as well move on to another blog.

There are still many gifts to buy and cards to write.  I'm trying to focus on the reason for the season and not my anxiety that is visiting my brain and heart daily. 

Feelings aside we have decorated the Christmas tree and boxes of decor have occupied the Florida room waiting for me to bring them out to see the light of day. 

We had new windows installed in our basement last week.  The task of putting the blinds back up has fallen to Grayden as new woodwork has been installed around the windows.  So I'm in charge of decorating, though not feeling up to par.  I'm beginning to sound like a broken record, so I must apologize.  I am so blessed with a wonderful family and a home and food to eat.

 Do you have expectations of what the Christmas season should be?  Are you feeling overwhelmed by it all?   I'm promising myself to do what I can and not add more pressure.  Blessings to you as we ponder this Holy season. 

"Christmas, my child, is love in action."
Dale Evans