We never made an "official" decision that we would keep the holidays simple, it just sort of happened. Like most couples, early in our marriage our income and our time were both very limited. Even a few years later when we became parents, I was in graduate school, scraping together enough money to pay the bills and spending most of my "extra" time with my nose buried in books or running statistics. Going all out for holidays just wasn't financially an option and we didn't have a lot of time or energy to build complex traditions. Perhaps a lot of the reason we have a simple holiday season is just a reflection of our own experiences growing up. When I think back over the many...
I LOVE CHRISTMAS! The holiday hustle and bustle, the general good will of people everywhere, and the twinkle of holiday lights gets me giddy from about Halloween on. I (being an overly organized planner) begin thinking about holiday plans around Labor Day and love to make the holiday season last as long as possible! I was raised to fully believe in the "magic" of Christmas. Even before my children were born, my husband and I fully celebrated the holiday season. Now that I'm a mother, I want my children to know the magic of the holiday season just as I did when I was younger. My mother loves Christmas, my grandmother loved Christmas, and now I hope to raise...
I’ll never forget that day in mid November in 2012. I was in Bible study and received a text from my sister. She discovered a lump near her collarbone and wanted to know which kind of doctor to call. My sweet precious friends stopped Bible study right then, and we prayed. I was certain it was nothing. My baby sister was only 25 years old, after all.
She had an appointment for the coming Monday with her primary care physician. The doctor immediately ordered a battery of tests, including a biopsy to be done that Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving. Momma, Daddy, my sister’s fairly new boyfriend, and I sat in the waiting room laughing and joking and enjoying each...
As I've journeyed through my second pregnancy, I've tried to consciously savor my time with my little girl while it's still "only us." Drink up every moment I can of her at this age -- her wonder of the world, her precious laugh, her fiercely independent spirit -- and at this moment in time where she is my only child, my baby. But changes are coming - wonderful, exciting changes - but changes just the same.
The idea of "only us" meaning my daughter and me may seem a little strange since I am married to a wonderful man. But, as so often it goes, things happen in life that you never imagine or expect. My dear husband was diagnosed with a chronic,...
I used to love the holidays. Thanksgiving and Christmas were my annual highlights. I relished the decorations, the music, the food, and the overall jolly spirit. That laid-back attitude of enjoyment has subsided in recent years and has become overshadowed by stress, panic, disappointment, and comparison. Now when I think about the impending holiday, a growing dread comes over me. I obsess over gift-giving. I worry about family expectations. I procrastinate and then live on edge until Christmas is over. This is not okay. Baby Jesus did not intend this for me on His birthday. I long for a Christmas that is beautiful and low key and fulfilling. I want laughter and smiles not tears and overwhelmed sighs.
The last...
Around Baton Rouge
Best Places to Order Catered Thanksgiving Dinner in Baton Rouge
Best Places to Order Catered Thanksgiving Dinner in Baton Rouge
The holiday season is upon us! In all the chaos, so many of us are...
