Sunday Tea – November 27, 2022
We spent the last week making and eating (and still eating) food for Thanksgiving. We were surprisingly adventurous with our recipes and methods preparing Thanksgiving dinner this year. I think the only thing we didn’t experiment with was Grandma’s jello salad and my pie crust. Minus a few food fails, (the make ahead potatoes were really destined to become soup anyway) we made some really good food to share with our family on Thursday.
In between and around all the leftovers, I am spending time tonight to reflect on everything that we have to be grateful for. Our lives often feel cluttered and chaotic. We literally can’t stay ahead of Hurricane John as he tears through the house each day. Our laundry situation is out of control because Ella spits up all over everything. And I am so thankful for all the clutter and chaos because it’s a reminder of the love and life that fills our home and hearts.
We attended the lighting of Swan Park on Friday. In addition to seeing the beautiful display, we got to see the amazement in John’s eyes as he looked at all the lights. Since Friday night, he has 100% been in the Christmas spirit. He found a Santa hat at home and made a sleigh out of his chair. He pretends that the reindeer are going to help him get presents for us. I am so thankful that our little boy can see joy and wonder in the world around him and that he is so willing to share that joy with us.
The cat has settled herself on my lap as I write this and the dog is curled at my feet. These two have been a constant in my life for almost 10 years (2013 for Bella and 2015 for Wicket). They have been with me through a lot of major life changes. I am thankful for them for so many reasons. Our two fur babies are a calming presence in our otherwise busy lives. They love our children and are so patient and tolerant of their tiny hands.
Our plan was to put up our Christmas decorations this week. We got our tree from Annabelle’s on Friday, but haven’t decorated it yet. We brought up the boxes of lights for the porch, but haven’t hung them. I found the pattern for Elliana’s stocking, but haven’t made it. John is 100% in the Christmas spirit even though we’re taking it slow. And that, in a way, makes it even more beautiful. It’s like the Grinch realized “Maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas…perhaps…means a little bit more?” I am thankful that we have the time to slow down and that John and Elliana are here to remind us to.
John is cuddled up and sleeping in daddy’s chair. Ben is holding the baby and she is fast asleep. And I am enjoying our plain tree while sipping my Sunday tea.
Our Favorites This Week:
Recipe: Grandma’s Jello Salad
Event/Activity: Christmas lights at Swan Park
Book: Don’t Call Me Moana by Nina Macheel (purchase on Amazon)
Game: Hues and Cues
Tea: Earth Mama Organics 100% Organic Milkmaid Tea with cranberry juice and honey
Quote: “Maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas…perhaps…means a little bit more?” ~ The Grinch
