Merry Christmas!

I have been so bad about posting regularly...life gets crazy in December.  (New Year's resolution...be a consistent blogger.)

Well we are bustling and hustling around here to get ready to leave tomorrow.  We are headed back to Landon's parents' house to enjoy the next week and a half celebrating the holidays.  I am planning on making some Christmas treats to take, we have almost all the gifts wrapped, and I am searching for a book to check out of the library to take...I'm thinking a good mystery.

Landon will work in their Columbus office for a couple days after Christmas, so I get to tag a long and stay in the hotel and go out with him in the evenings.  We'll leave Finn with his grandparents and they'll have a great time.  We treasure those times when we get to spend alone time without our sweet baby boy.

I must admit, there have been a lot of things lately that have gotten me feeling blue despite all the holiday cheer.  The tragedy of lost lives, the mad materialistic dash I see every day, some decisions that are popping up for Landon and I to make very soon...it's all a little overwhelming.  But then, I looked closer and I saw and heard things that inspired me and completely blew all the sad or anxious things out the window.

I heard about how my boss and her husband sacrificed their entire Christmas to adopt two families in need...and gave generously to them without thought or care about themselves.

I saw my dad lead a group of people from our old church back home to spend their entire day ministering to the elderly and shut-ins and bringing cheer to those that don't have family or can't get out anymore.

I heard about how my mom has taken the time to listen and hurt with a fellow student in her study group who has experienced loss these last few months, and makes time in her busy schedule to be available to just listen.

I heard about how my sister made a small (but big) gesture of giving, and paid for someone's coffee...and she didn't even know them.

I witnessed my husband excitedly give away a huge chunk of his bonus, and all of his birthday money to a cause that brings clean water to those without.

And I was concerned about finding the right outfit to wear to Christmas Eve, or if we'll be where we want in a couple months, or if I have enough chocolate to make truffles.....

See, even though this world is full of hatred and loss and evil, I still see a glimmer of light and kindness and self-sacrifice.  The little things that I get anxious about each day don't really matter.  I see how I am loved by an amazing group of people, and how I am loved by an even Greater love than those.  This season isn't about Santa or elves or cookies; it's about sacrificial giving, self-less-ness, and unconditional love.  I am so inspired and humbled when I think back and reflect on all I've seen this season.  I hope that you are inspired by things you see in your day to day tasks, and that you would also take some time to reflect on if you've been able to give freely to someone as others have done before.

Merry Christmas to you all, and the happiest of New Year's!!

A Very Thankful Christmas, Day 4

Well we are heading out of town today, and I'm not sure if I'll be able to post anymore...so Merry Christmas from Landon and I!!  We sent these out to our friends for the holidays this year.  It was so fun designing them and taking the photos.  I just love Christmas cards.  We've gotten quite a bit this year, and it's so wonderful to see our friends' photos with a holiday cheer attached.

I hope you all have a wonderful and blessed Christmas this Saturday.  Enjoy your time with family, friends, and take a moment to relax from the busy stuff and just take everything in.  I am so happy today, and thankful for all my real blessings, like my brother's kind heart, my sister's genuine spirit, my brother-in-law's calmness and generosity, and my whole circle of amazing family and friends.

Have a Merry Christmas!

Love,
Leah

A Very Thankful Christmas, Day 3

We decorated gingerbread houses with our small group last night and had a ton of fun!!  I love decorating, and Landon is so good at it too!  We had good conversation with amazing friends while we made our little Christmas cabins.
Later when we got home, Landon and I ate some of ours.

Tonight I am thankful for genuine friends who are so meaningful.

xo

A Very Thankful Christmas, Day 2

Well, I have made through one whole day without complaining....a whole lot.  I was trying to keep this on my mind so I wouldn't complain, but here and there little slip ups happened....wow, I didn't realize how much I complain!  I was folding the laundry last night, and I started to say (in my high-pitched little kid whiny voice), "I don't like to fol..." and quickly cut myself off.  It's been fine not complaining about big things, but it's the little things that are so easy to whine about.  I am excited to be trying this challenge out though.

So, on day two of this thankful/no complain week, I am super thankful for my health.  I take it for granted so often and don't realize what a blessing a healthy body is.  Landon and I worked out last night and it felt so good to be able to work up a sweat and strengthen my muscles.
I am so thankful to be able to walk to my car, stand up to do the dishes, run with the kids I nanny, and be active every day.

What are you thankful for this Christmas?

It snowed a lot yesterday and it's beautiful outside today....like a Christmas card!

Love,
Leah

p.s. we had peppermint hot chocolate last night and it was delish!

A Very Thankful Christmas, Day 1

I can't believe Christmas week is finally here!  I am so excited for the holidays and time spending with family and friends.  The other day, I saw this post on A Cup of Jo, and it really inspired me to try not to complain for a week.  And why not try this week?  I know it will be hectic and busy, and there might be grumpy shoppers, but I think trying to focus on not complaining will make this week fun!

In order to get me in the mood, I did this little cheery santa design inspired by an old record cover.  I also decided that for me to not complain, I need to find things I am thankful for, and think about those instead.

So, while this may be a small thing, the first thing I'm so thankful for is Peppermint Hot Chocolate!  We have had this almost every other night this past week or so, and it's so delicious and good.  We like to take a regular hot chocolate mix and add in a couple of Andes Mints, and it really hits the spot.  Try it out sometime and think about why you are happy for the holidays.

Love,
Leah