I could tell you that it's because I've been really busy, but that's not so. This has been the most relaxed, slow-paced December I've ever had, and I love it.
I could tell you I've been sick which would be partly true. I felt terrible for a few days last week but thankfully it was short-lived. Y'all, I swear by Emergen-C! It really does seem to help me!
I guess the truth is that I've just felt a little blue.
So many of my friends are going through hard things right now. Things like job loss, deployed husbands, financial stress, marital problems, and scary medical diagnoses. On top of those things, it looks like our much loved elementary school is going to be closing at the end of the year. Our district is facing a sizeable budget deficit and sadly, closing this school is necessary. The future? It's still unknown at this point, and I feel very caught up in the emotion of the looming decisions.
So yeah, I haven't really felt much like blogging these days.
I did however start a list of things that make me happy, and I think I'll share it because it really does change my attitude.
THINGS THAT ARE STIRRING MY HAPPY POT THIS MONTH:
- My Christmas shopping is 99% completed. Only a few stocking stuffers left!
- Wednesday night soup suppers/Advent worship at our church.
- A short week of school. We finish up Thursday then have 2.5 weeks off!
- John will be home with us a LOT over the kids' break.
- We get to stay home and not travel for Christmas!
- Our Christmas tree.
- Yummy-smelling candles. Especially this one and this one.
- No stress--I've been fiercely protective of our schedule.
- Hearing people talk about Touching Wonder.
- Christmas music!!!
- My kids! We had such a great weekend with them. They love this time of year and their joy is contagious.
- A Girls Night Out this week with great friends.
- And last but not least, my husband. We were sitting side by side at the table with our laptops last night and he was wearing his Harry Potter (Gryffindor) hat and scarf. We took some goofy pics and were laughing out loud and it just made my heart smile. He makes me laugh (even when I don't want to) and I love him for that.
John posted this picture on his Facebook page earlier. I titled it: Harry and Merry.
I think I look super tired. And desperately in need of some lipstick.
So I guess that's what is up with me. Hope you're having a great week! I'm making pecan pie muffins for a get-together this morning and so I must go. Adios, amigas!
I bet J won't be happy that I'm posting this one. Will thought it was extremely HILARIOUS...and it kind of is.
21 comments:
Mere, LOVED this because it's so great to focus on the happy that outweighs the sad.
And I soooooo love those pictures!!!!! :)
Our calendar is pretty empty this month, too. I'm LOVING it!
Praying for you, friend. Enjoy your time with your kiddos & hubby!
I LOVE the pictures! And I love the fact that despite it all you were able to find more things to be happy about than things that make you sad. We should all think that way. I hope that you continue to find happiness and gladness anywhere!
I think printing off that pic of J sticking his tongue in your ear and keeping it in your purse so you can pull it out whenever you're blue would be a smart thing to do :)
I agree it is the emergenC.
Your pictures made me smile!
This is always a tough time of year for so many, but it's always wonderful to focus on the good things, the happy things. Good for you Meredith! You do have a lot of wonderful things going on and I hope you and your family have a happy, blessed, full Christmas!
Love the pictures, btw, and also, I keep hearing about Emergen-c, thanks for the link, must check it out, LOL!
Happy pictures!!!
Happy list!!!
I LOVE seeing this side of you and your hubby!! How can these NOT make you smile? :)
Yeah for uncluttered calendars! Boo for school closings! Goofy husbands are wonderful people to have around - I know, I've got one, too. :)
Focus on the blessings, especially your goofy family. It won't make the bad go away, but it will make it more bearable.
Mer,
I was just recommending Emergen-C to someone this morning. I agree it seems to help. And by the way, I found some cheap at Extreme Bargains this fall, so you should check there.
Hugs Mer! :) I know how you feel.......I do try to think of the positive things. It helps most of the time. :)
I've been wondering about you. I know what you mean about the gloominess around us, but being purposeful in seeing the 'happy'. Love those pictures, and no, you don't look tired. You're beautiful!
Sometimes at this time of year it is difficult to remain positive when all around us bad things, tragic things are happening to people we care about. I think you did great remembering the things that make you happy. That is half the battle. The other half is to look toward God.
Sorry you've been feeling so blue. I've learned as I get older that the holidays are sometimes just as sad as they are happy. Hopefully that Balsam will cheer you up. I got the oil for my burner and it adds just the right touch of "something extra" to my mood.
Kaaaaaaa-ute! Sorry you're blue - I think it's so common around the holidays, and mostly people feel like it's them and everyone else is merry and bright. At least there's the yummy CHEX MIX - right!!
It really is hard to be happy and cheerful all the time, especially when so many people we know are having a tough time, Mer. But I admire you for making a happy list.
Love that title - "Happy and Merry." And I really, really love your photos. Y'all are all REAL cute. :-)
Having the kids home for the winter break may be just the medicine you need. Kids have a way of making us forget we're sad.
Wishing you a Happy and Merry Christmas.
I hear you on the "crazy things in life" that can bring a girl down. I can count on both hands the number of friends I have that have big, unhappy things going on in their lives.
And the truth is that I have been dealing with sadness of my own for a couple of weeks, but I, like you, have had to sit myself down and try to put things in prospective...
I loved you happy list.
And I literally laughed out loud at the Harry and Merry pic! So fun!
Had a stressful day myself--don't really know why--just felt stressful. So coming here and seeing your silly pictures and happies, but also hearing that I'm not alone, really helped. You're such a treasure to me, Merry.
Had to post the stuck-out-tongue pic, huh? Vell, that opeeens ze door for paybackz, Merry...
It took me a while to get into the Christmas spirit this year too.
I have not heard of that book, but must check it out!
Today was my last day of work through next week! I can't wait to spend it with my kids and husband!!!
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