J O Y

It is intricately linked with gratitude. To feel true joy, we must remember to have a grateful heart. How many times during this time of year do we hear the words JOY, PEACE, BELIEVE. The phrase “BE MERRY” is printed on cocktail napkins, gift bags and greeting cards.

But how many of us actually are able to feel true JOY throughout the holiday season? For many it is a season of financial stress, over stimulation and endless social engagements. For some, It is a season that reminds us of what we do not have. We know that we should BE MERRY and full of JOY, but sometimes that is not easy to feel. Interruptions of daily life as we know it, whether by traveling or hosting out of town guests can really drain us of our patience and good nature.

If I stop and think about what could have been on our Christmas card this year, it’s heart wrenching. But I’m choosing to focus during this time on what I am grateful for and what brings me JOY. For those of you who have prayed for me to feel at peace during this time of year- thank you. When I saw yet another single pink line on a test this month. I didn’t cry. I felt like I could accept that this was not the month for us. I felt a sense of peace, that everything would be okay. And that everything IS okay. I thought of all that I do have. My husband, my sweet pups, our friends, our family, our jobs, our home, our health. These are all precious gifts that I never intend to take for granted.

I love Christmas cards. I string them up each year in our living room and some cards are so beautiful- that they get to be rehung until their replacements arrive. If you ever wonder who appreciates or saves the cards that you send out each year, I do!!  So where is OUR Christmas card? It’s going to be late this year. (Sorry!) We welcomed a new furry addition to our family this week and we wanted to show him off!

To embrace the JOY this month, I crafted like it was my job. (Hopefully it will be again someday!) Crafting brings me such JOY.  In addition to new stockings, a mini wreath, Christmas bow-tie and bow for the pups, I crafted an ornament for each pregnancy loss.

DIY Wreath from Dollar Tree Garland

I have “decked the halls” and played Holiday Pandora (Pentatonix, Straight No Chaser, Michael Buble) until my phone was drained of battery. We attended a holiday concert, a Christmas season bucket list item) and absolutely loved seeing Straight No Chaser live. Listening to them instantly lifts my spirit. We planned and attended our super successful 3rd annual Jingle Bell Ball. And I rented a gorgeous red Kate Spade dress with a bow in the back.  We traveled to Kansas City to watch a dear friend get engaged! I definitely cried more than I was expecting to- it was a long time coming and I was so thrilled to be invited to witness their special moment!

And then we brought our new puppy Theodore “Teddy” home early this week.  We first met Teddy on election day (what a happy thing to do on such a difficult day) and chose him out of the litter because he crawled right into our laps to take a nap.  Our first pup Pippa is showing more and more acceptance each day towards her new little brother.  And any glimpse of her playing with him warms our hearts!

Merry Christmas to all you lovely people who read this.  I pray that it is a day full of TRUE JOY.  For those of you who feel sadness and longing, I pray that you are able to focus on what you do have- security in faith, family and in HOPE for the new year!

with JOY,

Kate