Just A Thought ... It Is Enough

Years ago, when my first three were little, I was packing up Christmas on a quiet January day. I remember realizing that, believe it or not, no one outside our little family had seen our home at Christmas that year. I remember that year was frigidly cold in Pennsylvania, and many people were sick. Rhett was a baby, and the girls were young, and so it happened. No other person saw or enjoyed our cozy Christmas home that year.

Looking back, I remember feeling disappointed. Now, much older and hopefully a bit wiser, I realize my focus should not be creating a cozy, festive Christmas home for others to visit and enjoy. Instead, I should hope to make the most comfortable, Christmasy, warm place for us to settle in and spend the fleeting December days together. Of course, my being a homebody makes this easy. Still, I believe we must relish the time spent together for a few days at least, shutting out the chaos, noise, social media, consumerism, and pressure to go and do and buy and be. I will strive to do just that, hoping that this beautiful season we all wait for will not pass so quickly yet again. My motto this year: It is enough. 

It is enough to have soup and sandwiches for dinner on busy December nights. It is enough to set the phone down and be present for another viewing of Rudolph or Christmas with the Kranks. It is enough to pass on those gorgeous Santa plates that I know will look amazing but that I don't need and use the precious ones I have had forever. It is enough to cut the Christmas card list down to a smaller group of people. It is enough to reschedule a visit until those less busy January days. It is enough to do what you want without feeling guilty. It is enough to love from afar and send Christmas wishes and joy. My friends, it is enough. 

What can you add to this list? Feel free to share! And have a cozy Wednesday!

Billie Jo

( Google has these pretty pictures. )

Monday Morning Coffee

 

Good Monday morning, my friends! This is what I saw when I got up Saturday morning. There was no filter, no talent, just God. I hope your weekend was everything you planned and then some! We had a wonderful weekend here in Pennsylvania. Friday evening, we made our traditional visit to the Hallmark Store for "Ornament Night." We have gone to the Hallmark store and had the kids pick an ornament for as long as I can remember! Rhett is not here, but all three girls showed me the same ornament they thought he would like!! I am not saying what it is because I know he usually reads here! Hi, Rhett!

After that, we went to dinner with Steve's brother Todd and his wife Beth. I was so happy to see them and spend time with them. I wish we could do it more. It was a wonderful evening.

The server asked if these two were twins!!! And she brought out this for dessert!

We went to mass on Saturday, and then Peyton and Chris invited us for dinner. She made spaghetti and meatballs with homemade Focaccia Bread. It was amazing.

She also surprised us with a pie bar for dessert. She made the BEST apple pie I ever had, a new chocolate chess pie, and she surprised Madison with her favorite blackberry pie. Madison was so touched because Peyton always makes that for her birthday, and this year, they won't be together, so she wanted to make sure Madison had it. And yes, tears may or may not have been shed.

To round out the evening, Peyton surprised us by playing some songs on the guitar. She has been learning from Christopher's mother, and it was so awesome to hear! She just began last winter, and to listen to her play was beautiful. Christopher's entire family is so talented. Remember Peyton met him at church when he played the violin; he is so supportive. He played some with her, and again, tears may or may not have been shed.

Sunday was rainy, cozy, and quiet. Madison and Nicolas headed back to the beach. We will be here another week. I spent yesterday in my cozy clothes, not watching several NFL games, and reading this incredible book. 

And, That's that! Have a wonderful Monday, my friends!

Thanks for visiting!

Billie Jo

This Week

 What a week! It started out here...

And ended here...

Yep. Last Sunday, we left our cozy home tucked inside the beautiful autumn trees of Maryland and traveled back to our cozy home on a small lake in Pennsylvania. What have we done this first week of November? Plenty.

We voted, had our best friends over to watch the returns and eat Peyton's amazing cupcakes, and rested near the fire and on the couch.

I also went to my semi-yearly physical with my primary care physician at the first appointment of the day, of course. I ran several loads of laundry, attempted to locate all the random things I could not find at the other house, had a cozy lunch with my girls at Petyton's house, and made plans to see some favorite people while we were here. But by far, the very best thing I did this week was this...

 

I spent the afternoon with my beautiful mother! She was doing great, and we had the best time! 

We had a great visit, talking and laughing. It was a good day. I will tuck that one into my heart and pull it out whenever needed. We also prayed the rosary with Mom and the residents. Three of the nicest women I have known since I was a kid come every Wednesday to pray with the residents. Mom and I led the first decade of prayers, and Mom knew every word. Steve and I also met with some of the staff there, so Madison got to visit her gram and help her with her lunch. These two have been this close since the day Madison was born.

As for the meeting, no matter how good or clean the facility is, families must remember it is acceptable and necessary to advocate for their loved ones. Sometimes, phone calls and emails are not received in the intended tone, and in-person meetings, while uncomfortable, are imperative for positive communication among families, staff, and physicians. I can support and appreciate the facility in which my mother resides, but I am still entitled to ask questions about the care she is receiving and the medication she is prescribed. I have said it before, and I will say it forever: I will be my mom's voice as long as she needs me to be. She was my voice, my first teacher, biggest supporter, and strongest advocate, and remains my best friend. So that's that.

Well, I am off to get ready for the day. This morning, we have two dogs to take to the vet, Mocha and Cosmo, for their yearly checkups. Later, we are going to Hallmark for their Holiday Open House, followed by dinner with Peyton and Chris and Steve's brother Todd and his wife Beth. I am so happy to spend time with them. Have a lovely weekend, my friends.

Billie Jo

                                                                                                                           

Wordless Wednesday

 

Billie Jo

Just A Thought

 

My friends, Tuesday is the day. Election Day. While I usually refrain from discussing politics here because, let's face it, we all see and hear enough about it everywhere else, I will break my self-imposed "No Politics" rule just this once. This blog serves as a scrapbook for me and my family; this election is an integral part of our lives. I am not attempting to sway anyone's opinion. By now, all of us have made up our minds. Our vote is just that. Our vote. We are blessed to have a say in who governs us, as so many others worldwide do not. And when all is said and done, I pray that we can each appreciate and respect the outcome while, at the same time, rest assured that it is what our founding fathers intended it to be and what countless men and women have fought so hard to obtain and protect. We are but a link in the chain of Americans exercising our right and duty this Election Day. Like so many others before, we will impact the lives of many who follow. And that's all I have to say about that.

Happy Monday, my friends!

Billie Jo

And Just Like That

But boy, was it fun!

The whole month of October was glorious this year because we were intentional in our love of fall. We spent time outdoors, admiring the gradual changing of the leaves, watched fun and spooky movies, snuggled on the couch with soft autumn throws, and cooked seasonal meals with fresh produce from the farmer's market. We also enjoyed our favorite Halloween treats!

Today, we gather the discarded costumes, pack up the spooky decor, breathe, and start thinking about the wonderful times yet to come. We begin this with the Catholic Feast Day of All Saints, a favorite of mine, in which we remember the known and unknown saints and ask them to take our petitions to God. 

Have a wonderful weekend, my friends.

Welcome to a magical time of year!

Billie Jo

(Google for the images.)