If ever there was a time I would love to revisit, it is childhood at Christmastime – back when Christmas was magical and simple. The frantic cooking and last-minute shopping were all lost on me as I could not think of one reason not to love everything about my favorite holiday: the lights, the decorations, the presents under the tree, the family time... it was the most wonderful time of the year. Somewhere along the way, I grew up and started worrying about typical adult Christmas worries. Are the gifts I bought good enough? Is the food I brought to the party tasty enough? Is everyone … [Read more...]
Simplifying the Holidays with the In-Laws
I want to begin this post with a disclaimer. I have wonderful in-laws! They are sweet, generous people who love God, each other, and enjoy loving on others. So, when I felt the need to touch on this topic, I wanted to make sure our readers know it is in no way in a poor reflection of them. ~smile~ When they leave us or we leave them, I feel pangs of sadness and wish we were not 3,000 miles away from each other. Sadly, many others cannot say this of their in-law experience. Too many times, holidays end in tears, confrontation, or discouragement. Sometimes problems between in-laws are due to … [Read more...]
Seven Tips for Simplifying Your Wedding Preparation
He knelt beside a beautiful river. He popped the question. She glowed with the anticipation of a betrothed woman. It was a gorgeous moment we happily enjoyed through pictures on Facebook. They were engaged. (How precious!) Then, our eyes widened when we promptly received an invitation to their wedding... in three weeks! This couple was not messing around with long engagements. We know we want to get married. Now let’s do it! ~smile~ Who can blame them? Long engagements are rough! Thankfully, we were able to attend their big day and we were happy to see how well everything came … [Read more...]
Ten Ways to Simplify December
Can you believe it… December is in a few days! Eric and I love Christmas! We wanted a Christmas wedding in June. ~smile~ Part of the reason we chose our home is the beautiful evergreen “Christmas” trees growing on the property. Our song is even Greensleeves (i.e., What Child is This)! However, our love of Christmas does not always remove the stress of Christmas. My introverted, conflict-hating self is not a fan of shopping during December. Emotions are high, people are stressed, and the season of love, joy, and peace does not always bring out the love, joy, and peace in everyone. Even I … [Read more...]
Fifteen Ways to Simply Remaining Thankful
It is often easier to be thankful at Thanksgiving. We go around the table and say something for which we are thankful, eat turkey until we fall asleep, and then wake up to football or some other family fun. We are off work, with our families, and our tummies are full. Well, of course we are thankful! But, what about every other day? I don’t know about you, but I struggle to be thankful when I am not 100% comfortable. When it is too hot or too cold, I want to complain. When I am too rushed or too bored, I want to complain. When I am too busy or too lonely, I want to complain. Human nature is … [Read more...]
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