CELEBRATE This Week XI
I’m glad you are here to celebrate! For more information, check out the CELEBRATE This Week page. Please use #clebratelu to share.
One.
Christmas. White lights. Joy. Family. Smiles. Giggles.
Survival.
It has been a very good first Christmas as a forever family of six. Although it hasn’t been our traditional laid-back, momma has everything ready ahead of time, kind of Christmas. Because of my grandma’s funeral, I lost three days to prepare for Christmas.
I learned this year that everything gets done. Even though it wasn’t done on my time table, I still had time to finish everything. I am also exhausted. We have been in 7 states in the past few days. The kids have been remarkable.
Two.
The kids are remarkable. They’ve had to adjust and be flexible and sleep in cars and shared beds and there hasn’t been any major meltdowns. (Yet.)
This is a sign of healing. I’m thankful.
Three.
My family and I stomped around in my grandparent’s “backyard” (aka the Ozarks) while we were there for the funeral. It was bittersweet — to share a place where I spent a bit of each year of my childhood with my own children, yet at the same time to know it will never be the same because now Grandma is gone. (You may remember this post from last summer when the kids and I visited the valley.)
Four.
It would be so easy for me to lament about not blogging this past week. I could be sorry for not deciding ahead of time to step away from blogging. I could feel like I’m not enough because I didn’t keep up.
Instead…
I’m choosing to celebrate CELEBRATE This Week. I’m thankful for this blogging community that continues to give more than I can give back. Thank you for stepping out on this adventure with me. I’m looking forward to watching our community grow in 2014.
Five.
I’m looking forward to this.
and…
I think my OLW (One Little Word) for 2014 has found me.
and…
I’m looking forward to settling back into my writing routine rather than grabbing a few words here and there — like at a rest stop or while waiting for a shower. This means back to regular blog posts and making gains on my current writing projects. I’ve also decided to redefine regular blog posts — three times a week is what I’m going to define as success. Anything else is bonus.
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Love the challenge you posted and my OLW has found me too. Hugs on a winter break that had its own unexpected challenges. Grateful you all have made it through.
So grateful that His Grace sustained you during the sad times to give room for celebrating. You also made me think about the celebration 2013. What shall I include? There is now a definite task for the coming week.
Ruth,
Glad to hear that in the midst of challenges you also found moments to celebrate. Thinking of you…
Sorry to hear about your grandmother, Ruth. It's great you had that trip in the summer. Happy your Christmas was happy in spite of changes. Maybe 'different' meant good too! Happy New Year to all the clan!!
Ruth, my comment accidentally jumped onto last week's celebration post, probably operational error. I am still searching for the perfect word. Have a Happy New Year! See you next week.
It sounds like you've not only survived the last week, but thrived. The loss of your grandmother is so painful, yet you've been able to celebrate. That's what life is all about!
I had a feeling that I would find others who are as excited about the new year than I am and sure enough I did. Have a great rejuvenating New Year!
Grandmas are such special people. It sounds like your family pulled together and you found something to celebrate. I'll bet your grandma is smiling down on you. 🙂 Thanks for sharing the link to Holley Gerth. I'm going to spend some time on her blog tonight. Happy New Year!
I'm looking forward to hearing about what your OLW will be for 2014. I just committed to my word today and shared a picture of my intro page for my OLW album in my Celebrate post.
I loved seeing the picture of your family and hearing that you are enjoying time with family.
I am off to see the link you shared now.
I appreciate the positive twist on your outlook towards writing. You have been accomplishing so many things, gathering ideas for the writing, being alert to the family around you, and enjoying the moment. This is real and it's beautiful. I hope your heart has been filled with celebration during this season. Hugs my friend.
So that's where you have sadly been–saying good-bye to your grandma. So sorry to hear about that. I'm glad you're back. I had something to share on Friday's one word, but that's okay. Linda and Terje are tuned into my blog (which I didn't know) and have read my two new ones that I haven't linked. I was really encouraged by this. I also heard at Christmas my one sister-in-law in Michigan has been waiting to read more posts of mine again (which I didn't know either!) I didn't see your post of Celebrations until today. I see you're celebrating life as “it is.” Wow, visiting the Ozarks–special. So glad you linked your trip of last summer–did not read this one before. One little word has not hit me yet. My OLW from last year didn't kick in until this last week–“rock”–just in case I needed to be one this year. Don't want to write about it really, but it fit. Does it still count? Maybe my one OLW should be “rock 2.” Thanks for your inspiration as always. I think about you when I need some strength and stability. Happy New Year, Ruth!
I am sorry for the loss of your grandmother. Especially at this time of year. I think I have my OLW as well. Happy New Year.
Ruth,
I love how you reminded me it always gets done. Sometimes in the craziness of the holidays or work this doesn't seem possible, but in the end it always is.
I love how you pick a word for the year. I'm trying to think of what mine could be.
Thank you for inspiring me and encouraging me to join this community.
I'm so sorry for the loss of your Grandmother, but I love you still find so many things to celebrate.
Happy New Year,
Jen