The most wonderful time of the year...I think

This time of the year is bittersweet for me. Christmastime is absolutely my favorite time of the year. I decorate the day after Thanksgiving, and listen to Christmas music non-stop. Yes, I'm one of those people.

However, this will be the second Christmas with only Piper and I. (Third, if you count the one where Dusty wasn't home on Christmas Eve because he was with his girlfriend, but told me he was getting batteries for Piper's toys, so I had to put together all of her toys alone. And then was only with us for a couple of hours on Christmas morning, but he suddenly needed "time to his self." But, I digress.)

As elated and blessed I am to be able to provide a Christmas for my child, and be present for it, there are times that I am saddened because I have no one to share such a happy occasion with. And, I know that next year she will be with her dad on Christmas morning, so I will be all alone then. I know I should focus on the joy of the present, but sometime misery likes to sneak in and steal my happiness.

Single motherhood is straining on the bank account. Thankfully, I am able to find the funds for Christmas gifts for Piper this year, but I don't know what the future holds. There may be years when I can't afford an extravagant holiday for her, so I am striving now, while she's young, to instill traditions, and the meaning of the season with her.

I want to buy the book, The Elf on the Shelf, it looks like such a fun tradition. I want to take her to look at the Christmas lights, I want to bake with her, let her talk to Santa, read Christmas books, watch Christmas movies, drink hot chocolate, teach her about giving, and read the most important Christmas story, the birth of Jesus Christ....And I pray as she gets older, she will not focus on material gifts, but truly know what wonderful time of a year it is.

The First Noel

Well, it was the first Christmas since my divorce, at least. It was a tough week. I shed some tears, had some anxiety and overall worried about the day. It would be the first year of many that involved switching houses and juggling different family functions. I can't help but think of that scene in Talladega Nights, when after finding out about their parents' divorce, the boys say "Yay! Two Christmases!"

I went to the Christmas Eve candlelight service at the church I grew up in, and it wasn't until about half-way through that I realized it was also the church I was married in. Cue the tears. Amidst my sorrow, I felt like I was suppose to be there. I sat next to my High School Sunday School teacher, and we briefly talked about my situation (i.e. divorce), and he reminded me that his first marriage didn't work out, but he "got lucky - no blessed- the second time." These words hung over my head all night. It was so reassuring to be reminded that I will be "blessed" with the perfect mate one day. I see how happy he and his wife are together and see how their daughters - I once babysat - have turned into beautiful, Christian young women. The peace I received from that conversation may have been the best Christmas present of the year, even better than my iPhone*!

Piper had a great Christmas, she received so many great gifts from all of her extended family. And most importantly, she was showered with love and hugs.






*I haven't had a new phone in 4 years, so I am more than excited about my iPhone!!

Polar Express

My parents, Piper and I went to East Texas last weekend to visit my grandmother, or as Piper called her "Grandmama." While there, Piper and I went on the Polar Express. It was a blast!

We rode on a train to the "North Pole" while we enjoyed hot chocolate, music and lots of fun! Santa even came aboard and gave all the children silver bells, like in the story.





I enjoyed this little mother-daughter adventure so much. It was so rewarding watching her face light up!! These are the memories I will keep in my heart forever.

Christmastime

I love Christmas. I love everything about it. I proudly call myself a "Christmas Nerd." And I am determined to not let my divorce keep me from celebrating the joyous holiday season.

I let Piper decorate her pink Christmas tree.


Piper and I decorated our Christmas tree while singing "O Christmas Tree."


She favored one branch, and I found it adorable.


Life goes on. Santa will still visit our house. And Piper will have a great Christmas filled with love.