Christmas This Year

Christmas is in Chicago this year.  Our new home.  James tells me "Merry Christmas."  Small and thoughtful gifts.  Spending laughs with each other and eating good food with even better wine.  We have a blanket of snow and it is simply gorgeous.  I love the way it collects on the bare branches.  Grammy is here for Christmas this year.  She taught James how to throw his first snowball. 

Our pond is becoming frozen over. It is a great view from the breakfast table.

And of course, our tree.

A Christmas Sentiment

Today, I told James what Christmas means.  He said, "Jesus' birthday" and it was the sweetest sound.

These are a few of my favorite things

I love the smell of fresh cut grass, the sound of James laughing, the sight of my mom smiling, and the feel of my fingers in the garden. Naps, sushi, lemons, a good book, long strolls in the bookstore, a good cup of coffee, a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie, watching Under the Tuscan Sun when I need encouragement. A four-year old telling me, "you're going to be the best teacher I ever have." Friends, family, Dave. Dylan and Kristan for infinite reasons and a long talk with Donald I can't wait to have. I'll tell him how much he meant to his mother and he was her sunshine when things went dark. My dad giving me a hug when he knows I need it. My stuffed animal, Cal, I still sleep with, my sister's PJs in my nightstand drawer. A phone call from Aunt Linda passing down words of wisdom she learned from Grandpa. A big glass of chianti, a long bubble bath with fresh sheets waiting for me. The color yellow, exploring new places, and telling someone, "I'll be there for you." My dreams I want to pursue. Flip flops, fleur-de-lis, and a passion to visit the Italian countryside. This list that will grow with time....these are a few of my favorite things.

Kira Louise

My sister.

Kira is my sister.

Funny. Beautiful. Smart. Clever.

She read. She loved. She cooked.

I can only think in fragments. One day she will fill in the empty spaces for me.

I miss you. I'm sorry. I love you.

Bee Hopeful @ Etsy

Bee Hopeful represents an idea that gifts should be thoughtful and gentle. A gift that comes from the heart.

Bee Hopeful started as a thoughtful and gentle gift that was given to me when I faced a delicate time in my life. I'd like to extend this gift to others.Prayer beads

Prayer beads are handheld pieces that help to guide through prayer. My hope is that each user finds peace and inspiration with any life challenge that needs prayer. I include an instruction card which reads as follows:

These beads are designed to help you focus your prayers and to always remember to count your blessings each day!

The first large bead is for you to recite your favorite Bible verse.
The second large bead is for you to thank God for the blessings you received that day.
The third large bead is for you to pray about your biggest concern that day and ask for guidance.
Now enter the circle of beads. As you hold each bead choose someone or something in your heart to pray about.

Why bees? Bees dance. Bees work. Bees make life sweeter!

James

I must start with him.

He is a two-year old boy with eyes so blue and full of wonder. Skin so soft, cashmere none compares. And a voice so sweet that reminds me of songbirds in spring.

As James' Mommy, I get to rediscover all that life has to offer. From ants to airplanes, every new sight is met with immaculate wonderment that you can't help but follow along and learn something new.

We go to the library many times a week, he loves to swing at the park, and will yell, "Obama!" at every photo or new's spot he sees. I love my boy!

Although, as I write he just looked at me with a mouthful of juice, smiled, and proceeded to spit his juice over the couch. I must go and clean my kid-friendly, best purchase I ever made, microfiber sectional.