Walking in a Winter Wonderland

 Our official christmas card photo, my teenager does not want to participate this year, not worth the battle!  So little Myah agreed on the first snowy day to oblige mommy in a few photos. 

 I had found the snowy crown in Wisconsin last month and knew it would be perfect for photos with her dark hair. 

 Walking in our neighborhood.

 This cracks me up!

Thank you and Holiday Decorating

I cannot begin to say what I feel in my heart today, after reading your sweet, encouraging comments, I surely felt loved, I have been so blessed in so many ways, but never did I realize how much support my bloggy friends could provide me with.  I read every word, and felt every virtual hug that you sent, you are all amazing and I wish that I could send a hug back to you all, thank you, thank you, thank you.  We are doing better, we have a "new normal" around here, we still feel pretty raw and vunerable but we are doing our best to move forward. I was so touched by your stories, it was very difficult to put myself out there and I apreciate all of your honesty and your bravery, I truly drew strength from YOU!!  God Bless you all!!

I am trying so hard to make this a special holiday for my little family.  We went and cut down our own tree, a tradition we started last year and one that we will have forever.  I have kept things very simple this year, I just have not had the energy or creative thoughts this year to do much more.  I found the cute banners at Pottery Barn and knew that was going to be my focal point, simple and easy.  I hung some greens in the house, set up our Willow Tree nativity set and purchased a few driftwood reindeer.  Wa-la, decorating is done.  Christmas cards are not even began, cookies have been baked and already consumed (thanks Grandma),the kids get out of school next week and I have not even finished shopping.  Oh well.  This past weekend we attended the drive through story of Jesus and the Glory of Christmas at a local church, two events that truly get us in the Christmas spirit and helps focus our attention on the real reason we have to celebrate this time of year. 

I am still taking things day to day, somedays I feel very strong, other days, not so much, but I am moving on, focusing on the positives in life and not the negatives, excited about the future and putting the past behind us. I will get back to my happy little self again, I am determined!!!  What a better time than Christmas to start anew.