Hello Friends! Long time no see! I did not expect to be away so long, but days turned into weeks and now here we are - mid January! Rest assured, all is well. Life has been hectic and I've been busy, but things are starting to slow down now and I can finally start to breathe again. The weather has been freezing cold, but isn't it so pretty?
As I type this post Christmas seems like a lifetime ago (and a bit of a blur to be honest with you.) Didn't is seem to go by way too fast? I think it was because Thanksgiving was so late and we had so little time to do all the things before Christmas. I was at the bank this morning having this same conversation with the teller and she told me that next year Thanksgiving is also late, but this time I'll be prepared for it! And God-willing won't have pneumonia in November like I just did. That did not help my situation at all : )
Anyway, let me give you a quick catch up. December was nuts. Mainly because Rob and I purchased my Dad's house (the house I currently live in and is my childhood home). We are the official owners now which is great and a huge relief for my Dad. We've taken that responsibility off his plate now and he can be happy as can be in his cozy chair and do whatever he pleases. For us, it meant lots of paperwork and forms and everything else that is involved in buying a house. Thankfully, everything went well, we're up and running, and I'm so happy that part is behind us. The house needs some updating and we're slowly chipping away at it - room by room - trying to enjoy the process. Put that on top of Christmas and all that goes with it - decorating, shopping, wrapping, and just trying to enjoy the holiday season, AND working a full-time job. It was also a constant reminder that it was the first one without my mom and that felt very very different. December was a rollercoaster of emotions.
My Dad hadn't been well leading up to Christmas. I was so worried he'd be in the hospital for Christmas. I just felt something coming (hoping I was going to be wrong). It was a relief he wasn't in on Christmas day, but December 26th I had to take him to the ER. He was admitted and was in for 5 days. He needed a blood transfusion for a pre-existing condition, he had a bunch of tests run, and a small procedure that ended up being very beneficial (that he should have had months ago, but I won't go into the healthcare system and my feelings on it...because I'm trying to be positive here :)
He came home on New Years Eve day and has been feeling better ever since. Thank you, God! I'm sure many of you have experienced what I'm going through - having a parent or family member who is elderly, and you constantly worry about them - back and forth from the doctors and hospital all the time - it's a lot. I'm very grateful when we have good days.
SO that's where I've been. But now I'm back! As I said earlier, Christmas seems like a lifetime ago, but I can't go without sharing some pictures of a lovely Christmas lunch my mother-in-law hosted the Sunday before Christmas. It was definitely my favorite day of this holiday season. It was so cozy and relaxed, and I loved it.
I wish I could go back and relive this day again because it was that nice. I also wish I could eat the meal again! I'm looking forward to next year!
The week between Christmas and New Years was the week my Dad was in the hospital. By the time he came home on New Years Eve we were ready to have a cozy night in and a very good sleep! We all needed it. It's a miracle I made it to midnight, but I did! I'm happy to leave 2024 behind and start fresh in 2025~!
But before I wrap up Christmas with a bow, I just quickly wanted to share with you the most lovely gift I received from my mother in law. This perfume is my new favorite thing in the world.
She picked it up in October while vacationing in Capri, Italy (but assured me it's available on Amazon if I run out!). I'm honestly in love with it! It smells like the most perfect spring day. I've been wearing it every day since it was gifted to me : )
And now on to 2025!
So normally I'm not one for New Years resolutions, however I do like a good starting point and I always think that Jan 1st is a good time to begin something new. I made a little list off the top of my head of "goals" for the new year. I posted this on Instagram on January 1st.
So far (14 days in :) I'm doing pretty good. I'm trying to get out everyday day and walk, even in the bitter cold. I don't mind bundling up and the fresh air always makes me feel good. I'm trying to be better about meal planning and making more things from scratch. I want to be better and keeping up with friends and writing letters, accepting help when needed, and being more positive in my life. I'm definitely glass-half-empty girl and that's no good for anyone. Being more mindful of my spending, shopping small business, and going to thrift shops...something I do really enjoy, I just need to set aside time to do it. That's just a handful of things I have been thinking about and trying to improve. Did you set any goals for the new year?
On Sunday I made this bread recipe I found on Pinterest. It came out delicious and only took 2 hours to rise. If you want to jump into bread making, I highly suggest this recipe. I've got another loaf rising right now.
I also made my mom's sour cream coffee cake which made the house smell like she was in the kitchen baking, and it was like a great big hug.
And now as I ease into the new year, I'm enjoying quiet days at home.
I've always loved January for that reason. After all the hustle and bustle of December I feel like we can all recharge our social batteries.
It's been FREEZING cold here and I've been loving being more aware of nature and all its beauty.
My walks are helping that. I'm looking forward to seeing everything come back to life in spring.
My Christmas cactus is blooming for the first time in years. Yay!
And despite the bitter the cold, we have sunshine. Thank goodness for that!
A little sign spring will be here soon.
*fun fact I thought this plant was dead so seeing this little flower blooming was very exciting! lol*
I live a very quiet and small life and it's my intention to keep it that way. I'll do little things each day to be good to myself and I hope you do the same.
Just like the flowers....we rest and then we bloom.....hopefully....♥
I hope you all had a very happy Christmas and New Year (I hope it's not too late to say that!!).
Happy Tuesday my lovely friends.
Stay cozy and enjoy the sunshine if you can find it ♥
XOXO
