Peaceful Days

I just love Christmas vacation ~ it stretches almost as endlessly as summer vacation. I don't know who was more excited this year, me or my two boys. We have been doing the minimum so far (only on day 2), and spending more time in our pjs than dressed. Our meal times are more relaxed, not at a specific hour, and overall we are nestled into our home for the holiday.

After we got back from doing the last bit of errands today, my oldest happily informed me "We can stay in pajamas until we go visit Nana and Grandpa tomorrow!" One of our traditions is going to my in-law's house for Christmas Eve dinner and gifts.

Until then, the world is within these walls. I am enjoying searching and reading blogs online, getting ideas for projects and recycling.

I am very pleased to report I did not charge presents this year, and in fact will have no credit card bill going into January. With the financial cliff looming (and my salary being very minimal), I am thankful the debt I do have (mortgage) is not cumbersome right now. I add the proviso right now, because circumstances usually fluctuate.

This season, I am considering what we have to be thankful for: family to love us, a roof over our heads, food in our bellies, and heat and light. Every day we can wake up in a land of freedom,  with the future stretching before us, full of possibilities.

December Musing

I read an interesting quote "If you don't ask for what you want you won't get it." I would change this to reflect my view "Know what you want and don't be afraid to achieve it." What I desire is peace and happiness and harmony. I have worked hard to get to where I am right now. This past year, I have readjusted many things in my life. My new normal, health wise, is much changed from last year. I am ok with that, I am learning to take it slow and elect for quality over quantity in exercise.

I have revamped my to do lists. My routine is to write a list the night before of what absolutely needs to get done for the next day. Most times, there are a couple of priorities with a few "it would be nice to get these crossed off the list." I don't stress about getting everything done; what doesn't get done gets moved to the next day's list. I am taking time to just be and play with my boys and talk with them. If I don't vacuum for a bit, meh, that will always be waiting.

I am making more time to just sit and dream. I've realized I stopped doing a lot of that.

I am making time to just enjoy, moment to moment, each crystalline facet of my day. From the time I wake up to the time I rest my head, there are glittering seconds to be treasured.

For that, I am most thankful.

Holiday Thankfulness

With chagrin I am realizing I haven't been keeping up on here. My days have been consumed with busy school schedules, working, doctors appointments (my oldest goes to an orthodontist now),getting ready for the holiday season. We have been baking, wrapping, and decorating.

I am most thankful this year for being home, for enjoying each moment. Even the everyday is a cause for rejoicing: I am content with the chores and bustle of upkeep in the house. The ritual of washing dishes, the routine of dusting and vacuuming. Honestly, there is nowhere else I'd rather be. And the boys round it all out.

This season, I am in a happy contented place within  myself.