Monday Morning Coffee-Christmas Week Edition!

Good Monday morning! And Happy Christmas Week! Well, here we are, my friends, waiting at the entryway of the most blessed and cozy time of the year. For many of us, arriving at this point has been both tiring and fun. The days of planning, list-making, purchasing, wrapping, baking, decorating, cleaning, and organizing are over. Not to say they are complete. I still have some gifts that won't be here in time. My nails haven't been painted that festive red color I bought when I was ambitious. My laundry pile is overflowing, and the dust bunnies are about ready to celebrate their own holiday. Time has gifted me perspective, though. Those things that would have sent my younger self into a tailspin are but a mere afterthought now. And for that, I am grateful.

I think of what I have done to prepare our home and family for Christmas, and I am content. The work was shared. The expectations have reduced. My family reminded me that what they wanted wasn't a redo of the traditions from past years. They wanted time together as a family. And they all pitched in to help. This Christmas will be the first Christmas of my entire life where I won't hear my beautiful momma say, "Hello, Billie Jo! Merry Christmas!" I won't hear her voice, see her smile, or touch her hand. But I have her strength and joy in my soul. And the peace that comes from believing she has a front-row seat to the celebrations this year. 

Christmas always tugs at our hearts. Along with all the fun and joy, it brings with it memories of years past. I am choosing this year to do what I think best honors my dear mom and dad, creating happy, fun, cozy days with my family. And so, as we wait for the moment we walk into these precious few days of Christmas with our families, closing the door on the world outside, I feel happy and content. And ready! Ready for early mornings that look like this.

Afternoons with sights like this...

And evenings that end like this.

Merry Christmas Week, my friends! Enjoy!

Billie Jo

Festive Friday

Hello, and Happy Friday! How was your week? The closer we get to Christmas, the faster the days seem to pass. They were a good mix of the ordinary and the festive around here. Some things got done: Homeschool, laundry, a bit of cleaning, and thinking about wrapping. Some things did not: Wrapping, cleaning, and baking. Afternoons were spent by the tree, waiting for the darkness that would make the tree lights glisten. More meals were takeout than necessary, and the bed went unmade more mornings than not. That's okay with me, though. December is forgiving. And festive and fun.

One night this week, we all bundled up and went to the most beautiful Christmas market I have ever seen. Madison and Nicolas had been there and loved it. It was a perfect night, and we all enjoyed the time together. This is one of the bridges we crossed over, all lit up for Christmas.

We missed Peyton and Chris, but are so excited they are coming for Christmas!!!

This is what we have been saying all week long! If you don't know what movie this is from, you absolutely must watch it! It is Christmas With The Kranks!

-Flynn with her new haircut and her favorite little pup-

Well, that is what I have this morning, my friends. I have a grocery list to make and some laundry to do. Another cup of coffee will help me find the motivation for that! Have a great weekend. Do some things, but remember to show yourself some grace and take a break just for you. I like to grab a blanket, put on some soft Christmas music and sit by the tree. Whatever it is, be sure to pencil it in. Next week will be here soon!

Billie Jo

One Week To Go!

Hello! Well, we have one more week until Christmas Eve! I say that not to panic, but to remind myself that yes, the time I've planned and thought about all year is almost here. In an effort to truly enjoy this season, I plan to focus on what I can do in the next week rather than what I need to do. 

Let's see how that goes! So, in the final week leading up to Christmas, 

I need to help Steve wrap all the gifts. But I can also watch my favorite Christmas movies while we are doing that.

I need to finalize Christmas brunch and a light meal for Christmas Day. But I can do that because we have a pretty good idea of what we are having, and I am keeping it easy this year.

I need to change the bedsheets and vacuum the carpets. But I have help with that, and it doesn't take that long.

I need to place the final Christmas grocery order. But, hey! Hello, Walmart delivery! Merry Christmas to you!

What I don't need to do is worry, fret, panic, and feel like I have to do everything myself. I don't have to have everything done, create a social media-approved or influencer-worthy Christmas for my family, or freak out if a gift or two doesn't arrive in time. I don't need to count the number of cookies I eat or worry about calories adding up. Because this is the only Christmas 2025 we will ever celebrate. Some day, we will look back on this Christmas, and we won't remember any of that stuff. What we will not forget, I hope, is that we had the best time ever, being together at Christmas.

Have a  wonderful Wednesday, my friends!

Leaving you with a few of my favorite Christmas images, courtesy of people who are not me!

(Google)

Monday Morning Coffee

Good Monday morning, my friends! I hope you had a lovely weekend and stayed cozy and warm. While my family was out and about doing all the things, I held down the fort here at home, comfy as could be. I did warm up the Jeep and venture out for mass and a Dukin' run for coffee, but other than that, I stayed happily busy at home.

This morning was cold. Like cold-cold. So, rather than walking, I admired the beginning of a new day from inside. I did, however, take a few pictures of an early-morning December day around here. 

And then, I sat down with my pups and my coffee. Which makes me think of my Grandma Mil. Sometimes, when I sit with my coffee, I think of her. She was my mom's mom and an amazing woman. She could sew, crochet, bake, write, and tell the very best stories ever. She liked to play cards, watch The Price Is Right, and drink a little coffee with her cream! Today is her birthday, and she would be 111 years old. 

Grandma Mil 

She made the very best pumpkin pie, and when I got married, I asked her for the recipe. She wrote it out on a recipe card with the black marker she always used. I framed it along with a picture of us one Thanksgiving, and Madison had a pie pan made with the recipe on it. I keep these out all year long, and whenever I see them, I tell her hello.

I was thinking back to that cold January day last year, when I had to let go of my momma. I was so overcome with grief to see her go, yet I knew, as sad as I was to let her go, Grandma Mil would be so happy to welcome her home. And that helps. Just a little.

Grandma Mil always sat in her chair by the window in her house. She had a table where she set her coffee, a notebook, her thin black marker, and her phone. I remember stopping at her home and visiting with her when I was a young, newly married teacher. I remember thinking how I would be so happy to do the same. Fast forward some thirty years, and guess what? Yep. I am sitting in my spot on the couch, with my coffee, next to a table with my phone, my notebook, and my thin, black marker. As my mom used to say, "Life is but a dream."

And so, while I was happy to be at home, my children were out living their lives. They know I am always here, cheering for them from the sidelines. One of the most challenging things about being a parent is relinquishing your role as director of activities in your children's lives. It is also, however, the most rewarding. Watching them become happy, responsible adults is one of life's greatest gifts. Even better? Receiving texts and pictures that they wanted to send to share with you all the special and ordinary moments of their lives.

This weekend, while this was happening here at home...

My family was doing things like...

Hunting at our camp in Pennsylvania with Peyton and Chris! And although there exists no photographic evidence of Peyton, I know for sure she was there. How? Well, I recognize her work anywhere!

Madison and Nicolas went to Nicolas' work Christmas party! 

And Rhett and Kyrstin were working. We did have some fun together while the others were at camp! Madison and Nicolas had Kyrstin and me over for dinner and a movie!

And Kyrstin and I had fun hanging out with these guys!

Well, this was a long one today! I am going to get cleaned up, make my bed, and pour another cup of coffee. Then I will snuggle on the couch and spend some time reading and catching up with you! Have a wonderful Monday, my friends. Happy Third Week of Advent!

Billie Jo