I\u2019ve been sitting here in the glow of Christmas tree lights, I\u2019m looking back over 2025 and thinking about what is to come in 2026. This year has been a struggle on many levels. The first 6 months felt more like 6 years! Once we were finally moved into our new house in Surry, time seems to have sped up. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The move into the house was stressful and chaotic\u2026our house wasn\u2019t completely finished. Had we waited on the general contractor to finish, we\u2019d still be waiting. Anyway, there were so many hiccups along the way. Bixby and I have learned more about construction than we ever wanted to know. We\u2019ve learned that trust but verify is truly important! Thanks, Daddy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Because we had construction guys in our house off and on for months, we unpacked in stages. Essentials first. Everything else later. That included decorating. Today, I still have pictures that have not been put in place\u2026.yet! That day is coming next week once Christmas things are tucked away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speaking of Christmas, this is the first time since 2022 that I have wanted to do anything to celebrate the holiday! Christmas 2023 was just 5 months after Mom expectedly\/unexpectedly died. I could not find it in me to celebrate anything. The thought of leaving the year that held her in it, broke me. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Christmas 2024, we were in our rental with everything we owned packed away in the basement. We did have a tiny tree that has since died\u2026I\u2019ve never had any luck with those little trees. That little tree was a start to coming out of the dark place I had found myself in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This year, I felt ready to celebrate the season\u2026as a tribute to my Mom. Nothing big. Everything was intentional and sentimental. The decorations were sentimental. The recipes I used all brought back memories. It was comforting to be carrying on traditions while making new ones in our new home!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As I sat at our table surrounded by family, making new memories, old memories flooded back. All the holidays with my family and friends. I couldn\u2019t help but think about my people who are hurting this year because someone they love is gone. I sent up a little prayer for them to find peace and strength for the days ahead. The firsts are the worst! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today is New Year\u2019s Eve. I\u2019m sitting here surrounded by twinkling lights. I pondering the year ahead. What will 2026 bring? What joys? What sorrows? What memories will be made? Whatever lies ahead of us, I\u2019m sure we will get through it as we have everything so far! But, my hope is that 2026 is good to us and to you, dear friends!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Happy New Year!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Peace and blessings to you and yours!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
lp<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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