I’ve been mulling over what to share this week. Sometimes I sit down with a definite message to share. Sometimes I ramble. Today, my feelings are a bit of a mix. We had a fantastic holiday weekend. Lots of Christmas stuff is happening. Parties and movies and goodies. However, I’ve also been struggle with a cold that doesn’t seem to want to develop into a full on cold, but also doesn’t seem to want to go away. I could share a very sunny and smiley version of the holidays, which would true, but I also realize that I’ve let stress and/or tiredness have me on edge at times. I know that I am not perfect. As an Enneagram type one, I might strive for perfection at all times, but I have to be okay when I don’t make the mark of my own personal, high standards.
Remember the Proverbs 31 women in the Bible? She’s amazing. The woman never sleeps because the Bible literally says she stays up late and gets up early. She must be the type who can live on a solid 3-5 hours of sleep. I feel like I could create a Proverbs 31 Woman: Holiday Edition. The list includes making all the family traditions come true like a visit to Santa and parades and Christmas light viewing, making lists and checking them twice to make sure the perfect gifts are selected and wrapped with care, all the holiday baking, hosting Christmas parties, attending Christmas parties, not gaining weight from all the Christmas parties, etc. I want to make the holidays magical for my family and friends. I want to be fully present and give time to my people. I want to keep up with all my commitments and give 100% to them. There can be a lot of pressure to make a picture perfect holiday happen.
Honestly, I’m not doing bad. I’m almost done with my Christmas shopping. I have a Christmas sweater ready for holiday parties. In fact, I had my first Christmas party this week. I hosted my MOPS & MOMSnext Steering Team Christmas Party at my house. It was a great night and I put all I had into making it the best party ever from food to games to gifts. And then after I was completely spent, I got up the next morning and volunteered at Owen’s school where his teacher asked me if I was a baker and if I could make gingerbread cookies for the class. Why yes, I am a baker. Sure, I can make gingerbread cookies. When Jeremy came home for lunch and suggested that Graham tag along on errands with him that afternoon, I wholeheartedly agreed and sent my boys off to shop. I decided to take a bubble bath in the middle of the day and watch a Christmas movie.
For all the hustle and bustle, I’m am also prioritizing rest. And that is the only way I’m going to get through this busy season – or any season for that matter. Thank you to Hallmark Channel. My DVR is stocked with Christmas movies to watch. Our weekend will be full, so I have intentional downtime built into this week. I still have plenty to keep me active around the house, but there is something about the act of staying home that provides the rest that I need. Oh and those cookies I agreed to make, I don’t need to have them completed for another week. And my pantry is fully stocked with gingerbread mix so I am set.
I find that this season is such a mix. There is so much I want to do and so many opportunities I want to provide my children with. I also want to be restful and not stressed. I want to have enough mental space and physical strength to enjoy my outings and activities. I am constantly reminding myself that I know what my capacity is. It is not the same as others and that is okay. I have to set myself up to succeed and thrive within my own calendar of commitments. So some days will be a bustle of activity and some days will be slow. Both are okay. Both are good.
Okay. That was a bit more on the rambling side today, but those are the thoughts inside my head. I’m off to make gingerbread cake for my class of church girls. We’re doing gingerbread house decorating tonight so gingerbread cake seems to fit the theme. I love seasonal things like peppermint and gingerbread. Don’t be surprised if you see gingerbread goodies in the background of my Christmas posts!
Wishing you all a merry month full of fun, love and celebration! And maybe some rest, peace and calm as well!
Picture from Owen’s teacher – they had a pajama party and a feast on the half day before Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving Day – so thankful for my boys! We had fun day full of family and good food! There is so much to be thankful for!
The Scott cousins! We got to enjoy seeing Frozen II for a second time with the cousins on Friday. Now we are playing the soundtrack on repeat around our house. I might be listening to Frozen as much as I am listening to Christmas music.
Took the kiddos out for a little local Black Friday shopping. Graham found these glasses that match his donut perfectly!
And slippers were the big Black Friday purchase!
First snow on December 1st. It was a dusting, but the kids were so happy. We prayed for snow the night before and Owen was so excited that his prayers were answered. I love childlike faith and wonder. I wish I could be more like my kiddos!
Kicking off Advent season. We have a calendar with verses and the bags full of chocolate.
Starting a new tradition with our church congregation – Advent wreath and candles. We had the best conversation about HOPE with our boys on Sunday night.
MOPS & MOMSnext Steering Team Christmas Party 2019
The sparkly bags are from Owen to Graham. He went shopping at the Santa Shop at school.
Ready for gingerbread season!
Time for Go Fish
Graham got a chance to go shopping for Owen while he was out running errands with Jeremy yesterday. It’s going to be hard for him to keep a secret from Owen. I don’t know if he’ll last until Christmas.
Amy Scott's Thoughts 