Learning to Breathe, Pt. 12

Where has this year gone?? It is December! Christmastime is all around and I LOVE it!

There are so many fun Christmas activities going on around my area, so I am trying to take advantage of as many things as possible. It allows me an opportunity really enjoy the lights and music that makes this season so special.

Last Saturday night, my mom and I went out to Sauder Village in Archbold, OH for their lantern tour. It was so much fun! We rode around in the freezing cold on a wagon filled with hay bays and strung with white twinkling lights. We stopped by homes that reflected the holidays in the 1880s, 1850s and 1920s. I couldn't believe how new some traditions are. It was a great way to start the Christmas season.

December is often full of craziness! I hope that you find time to reflect on the true meaning and hope of this wonderful season. A tiny baby was born in deplorable conditions so he could grow up and die on a cross for a sinful people like me. We celebrate Christmas because we know that Easter is coming!

Reflections on Thanks

Reflections on Thanks

Reflections on Thanks

Reflections on Thanks

Easy Thanksgiving Project - Blessings Bucket

November = Thanksgiving = Gratitude. Instead of just writing about the people and things I am thankful for, I decided to create something that I can use all year long to remember how God has blessed me.

Enter the Blessings Bucket. First I thought of a Blessings Box, then a Jar, but I found a really cute bucket at Hobby Lobby for 50% off! This whole project cost less than $6, but could easily be done with things found around the house.

These were my project supplies. My bucket, jumbo popsicle sticks and Washi tape. I wanted my Blessings Bucket to have a little bit of pretty to it.

I added the Washi tape to the top of the popsicle sticks. I used all three colors of Washi tape for variety. But you could give each member of your family a different color to use. Or you don't have to use any at all.

This is the fun part! Write down what you are thankful for. I have sticks for my family members, my home and of course, for my dog, Luna. There are many empty sticks waiting to be filled up.

The unused sticks are upside down, so I can easily grab one to write on. I am looking forward to filling out my sticks. And when I am having a bad day, I can look in my cute little bucket and see I have so much to be thankful for!

Learning to Breathe, Pt. 11

Happy November!! Autumn is moving right along. Some of my friends already have their Christmas trees up! I am going to hold off until next week. :) It is going to be in the 70s this week in NW Ohio and I am having a hard time getting in the Christmas spirit with the warmer temps.

November is a bittersweet month for me. I love Thanksgiving and the start of the holiday season, but it is also the month when I lost my dad. It will be four years this year. Every year, I can't believe it has been that long. This year is no different.

I have had a few friends lose their dads in the last year or so. It always bring back memories of how I felt during those first few days after my dad was gone. I was blessed to be with my dad for the last week of his life. That time is so precious to me - both the good and sad memories.

This November, I want to not only be thankful, but to show my thankfulness. I am still working out what I am going to do, but will be sharing my ideas throughout the month. Even though my home will be filling up with Christmas cheer, Thanksgiving is not off my radar!

Enjoy the last of the fall colors and be thankful!