I know it’s Christmas and not Thanksgiving, but it’s okay to be thankful regardless of the season, right? And as horrible as this year has been for me, I realize I have a lot to be thankful for. This list is in no particular order, and does not cover everyone, not by a long shot.... Continue Reading →
“Oh My God, The Tree Just Fell Over”
It wasn’t the dog. When our Christmas tree crashed to the floor in the living room only minutes after we’d finished decorating it, for a brief moment in time, it felt like my entire world was crashing down around me. Again. The day had been hard enough. First, there were the tears when my daughter... Continue Reading →
Traditions & Decisions & Real Christmas Trees
My family and I are “live Christmas tree” people. We love the difficulty getting it in the front door, vacuuming pine needles literally all year long, the daily shouts of, “Did anybody water the tree?” Okay, maybe those aren’t the reasons we love live trees, but clearly the positives outweigh the negatives, because as long... Continue Reading →
A Grieving Mother Dreads Christmas Traditions
Today my daughter asked whether we would hang my son’s stocking for Christmas this year. Our first year without him. My honest answer is, “I don’t want to.” I don’t want the reminder. I do better without the reminders, which makes me feel guilty. But then again, practically everything seems to cause Mom Guilt, so why... Continue Reading →
School Pics & Deep Thoughts
We received my daughter's school pictures today. It's a day I've dreaded since March. Not literally because it was her sixth grade pic - for such an awkward age, I think she looks pretty darn cute, actually. The school pics are proudly displayed in side-by-side, 8x10 inch silver frames. Each year when we receive new pics,... Continue Reading →