First Winter Storm...

Blustery wind, blowing snow, and reduced visibility. That's the gist of our evening here in the Red River Valley today. Actually, I have to whisper a little confession ~ I was giddy when I saw the snow flurries blowing outside this afternoon. I was excited, and cheered on the flakes as they blew through the air, despite the fact that it was hard to see my way home. I figured I might as well embrace the inevitable! We live in North Dakota. It is almost December. It's only a matter of time until we dig out our shovels, don our hats & mittens, and get in the habit of plugging in our cars at night. So, if it's going to happen sooner or later, why not embrace the sooner, than have anxiety over the later?

With the arrival of the first winter storm, I am also made aware of a new burst of energy and reduced stress as this year's holiday season approaches. I started making homemade gifts this weekend, and haven't even felt stressed about it. I think a lot of that has to do with the new job in my life, along with the renewed ability to handle stress and sort through old wounds/nightmares. Someone dear to me pointed out that maybe I'm more equipped to embrace the upcoming Christmas Season because over the past year, I've dealt more with my past. I started the support group within this past year, and I think that's put a lot of things into perspective, and helped me realize the importance of loving life, cherishing family, and letting the old hurts rest.

I hope you all can also embrace whatever weather comes your way as we move into December. I wish you the blessing that the magic of the Season can bring, and I pray for your peace and love at this most Glorious time of year.

Season's Greetings to you all! And may the Joy of the Holidays fill your hearts!

Thanksgiving Weekend ~

I can't believe that I let this much time pass since my last post! November jumped from my b'day weekend, straight to Turkey day! I suppose it's been a "good busy" this month, but not too busy to keep from taking the time to stop, think, and Thank God for my many blessings!

I am so fortunate to have a loving family whom I adore. My husband is strong, loving, caring, funny, and handsome. He's loyal, protective, and sensitive. I am so grateful God brought him into my life. My sons are equally amazing... they're talented, loving, hilarious, smart, creative, compassionate, and motivated. I love them with all my heart.

I am also blessed with a great house, a super job, and many talents through which I strive to brighten other people's days. God has richly blessed me with many dear friends, countless opportunities, and the strength and courage to face anything that He throws my way.

Thanks God, for everything! To YOU, I raise the praises in my heart!
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!!!!

Cold Long Weekend...

It actually isn't THAT cold... I think it even got into the 50's today. But when we were outside before 8am this morning, and the wind was blowing over 30mph, that earlier temp of 37 degrees felt AWFULLY cold! Ed, Ben, and I helped a couple other guys put up an ice skating rink in our town, near the school. It was cold & windy, but it sure was fun, knowing that we were providing some winter fun for the kids in town. I know I'll have an easier time trying to figure out where my son is after school each day. ha.

It was a nice relaxing day yesterday, as I had the day off!! At my new job, we get a "free" day off during the month of our b'day, so I opted to use that yesterday. And, working for a University system, we also have Monday off for Veteran's Day... so I get a long 4 day weekend! What a great way to start out being another year older.

We have some delicious tilapia chowder on the stove top, some corn muffins in the oven, and Ed's just cutting up apples for some apple crisp. Can't ask for a better family evening than that. Ben got out a couple board games to choose from (Yahtzee and Clue), and Matt's bringing his girlfriend over for supper. I had to laugh when Ben made the comment that he hadn't seen our table set for a family meal in a LONG time..... guess we'd gotten a little relaxed with eating together, and our days of balancing our plates on our laps in the living room must be getting to him. At least he knows how to appreciate the simple things ~ like easy family time.

I hope you have had a wonderful week, and can make time to clear the table, and dine together with the ones you love! Slow down from the busy schedules of the daily routine, and count your blessings.

Love ya!!!

November already...

I cannot believe that it's already November. As I wrote last week, it's hunting season, the colors are now almost all gone from the trees, and the chill is in the air now. Although I like November for the changes I just mentioned, I also start to get a little anxiety when the calendar tells me I have to start thinking ahead to Christmas.

Christmas is always a bittersweet time for me, and so I try to take it as it comes, with a slower pace, and a lot of deep breaths. But although I know I have time before I start hanging the lights and decking the halls, I still end up sweating the fact that I'd better get my poop in a group, and think of what to do for a Holiday letter this year. I've started putting my thoughts together, and I'll get there in time I know, but it's an unnecessary pressure I place on myself.

I hope the rest of you don't stress over stuff like this during the upcoming holiday season. It's not what the holidays are supposed to be about. Instead of fretting over the stress and pressures we often place on ourselves, keep this one tip in mind..... "Don't SHOULD on yourselves". (thank you to my friend Glenda for that amazing phrase). Don't tell yourself you "should" send cards this year, if you don't want to. Don't tell yourself your house has to be decorated just so; don't get frazzled over Thanksgiving preparations if you don't feel like it. Don't let other people's expectations (or what you THINK other people expect of you) make your holidays uncomfortable or stressful. Just do what you want to do, and make these upcoming holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year) fill your heart with Joy, Love and Laughter! God is with you, and you can have a celebration of LIFE with the Lord at the center of it all!