It’s been a wonderful Holiday season and it was a blessing to head back home to celebrate with family. Michael and my parents used to live in the same town, a mere mile from each other, so it used to be so easy to share family time when we’d head back to Kansas. Not the case anymore. My parents have moved on to Clinton, MO while Michael’s family still resides in the military town of Leavenworth, KS. We weren’t sure where we’d spend Christmas this year. My husband decided that we could still fit in both families, but it meant more traveling and that we’d only see one set of parents on Christmas day. I know how fortunate we are to have family close enough to visit for the Holidays and I don’t ever take it for granted. I know that not everyone gets to spend time with loved ones on special days like these. Many don’t have an option to get in a car for a road trip or board a plane to get to those that are dear to them. Even if we didn’t get to travel for the Holidays, at least I’d know that I had my husband and daughter with me to share the joy of the season. I’m so thankful for that fact. We had a great time with our families and Lily was thrilled to have Santa visit her THREE times! {What a busy man} We enjoyed the quality time we shared with those we love – singing, eating, exchanging gifts and watching movies. It may have been a short visit, but every minute was cherished and will be remembered for years to come. Hope you all had a blessed Holiday season and that the new year brings you much joy. See you in 2011!

Growing up I always wanted a fireplace, especially for Christmas. As a little girl, I worried that Santa wouldn’t be able to deliver our presents since we didn’t have a fireplace and I wanted a place to hang our stockings that would be a bit more suitable than in a doorway. It’s what I always saw in all those Christmas movies and in my favorite books and it was something I envisioned for myself. When Michael and I were looking for our first house many years ago, one thing that was a MUST was a fireplace. We both wanted a place where we could cozy up in the cold winter months and of course, a place to hang our stockings with care for the Holidays. Well, we got our wish! For our first Christmas in our new house, I sewed up some stockings for our fireplace and after Lily was born, I made one for her as well.  Every year when I look at those beautiful treasures, hanging from our mantel, I’m reminded of how lucky I am to have this simple tradition for myself and my family. I think of how I yearned for this as a little girl and how wishes really do come true. Santa can now come down a chimney to deliver our presents and on Christmas morning we’re able to open our stockings to find those lil’ surprises that only fit in these tiny gems – just like in those movies and books that I love so much! Santa, we look forward to your arrival. We’ll have some yummy cookies and warm milk waiting for you and don’t worry…we’ll remember to put the fire out so that you have a safe landing.

The other day Lily and I were playing piano and she asked me to play some Christmas music. I didn’t know any from heart, so I opened up the piano bench in search of some Christmas sheet music. To my surprise there were a few different books of Holiday tunes sitting there that were passed down from my mom. You can tell they’ve been used a lot and I love that her handwriting is scattered throughout the music as well. A smile came across my face as I remembered all the times my mom played this very same music in our house growing up and how we’d all sing along. Great family memories that I can now pass along to my own daughter. My piano skills aren’t quite what they used to be, but I was able to play many of the tunes just fine and Lily was delighted. We’ve been playing Christmas piano tunes every day now and nothing else gets me in the holiday spirit quite like this. I’m so grateful for these pieces of sheet music. It’s something being passed down through the generations of my family and for that…I’m thankful!

Nothing warms my body and soul like a good cup of hot cocoa in the cold winter months. There’s something a bit nostalgic about it all. Reminds me of those winter days where I’d play out in the snow until I couldn’t take the cold any more as a lil’ girl. I’d come inside take off all my layers; carefully place my wet mittens, scarf and boots on the radiator so that they would be warm and dry for my next outing; rub my hands together before placing them over my mouth and nose to warm up my nose; and then the best part…the hot cocoa waiting for me with marshmallows and perhaps a candy cane to stir it all together. Ahhhhhh… Great memories. I still enjoy my hot cocoa, but now I get to create memories with my daughter over a great mug of chocolaty goodness! For that…I’m thankful!