Less is More or Minimal is Maximum!

With so much talk these days about minimalism and simplicity it has become popular to cut back on spending and gathering unwanted possessions. My friend declared that their family would be exchanging vintage or re-purposed items this year. For us, it was a matter of necessity that led us to scaling back our Christmas. Afterall, this month started off with our daughter's wedding and a trip to Florida a week later to relax at Walt Disney World including The Coffee Guy getting a nasty virus along with The Princess. So even if we did have the money to splurge, we didn't have much time. We certainly have felt the difference.

Less gifts, no parties, fewer goodies baked and almost no tree. (We did get a tree last minute. We didn't need to drag out the stand. We just put it up on the wooden stakes it came on and put up the "special ornaments" with just a small gold ribbon laced through for color. Instead of digging through the boxes for the usual tree skirt, I grabbed a piece of fabric from the craft room.) We've spent more time together this month, listened to more Christmas music and indulged in the laughter of those I love. Less shopping, less stress and less pressure to perform.

This morning, my Ray of Sunshine made my Mom's Breakfast Casserole that years ago received the nickname, "Christmas Quiche". She seemed delighted to  take over the duty and I was happy to pass it on. With her husband of three weeks by her side, we all delighted in digging through our stockings and exchanging the few gifts we had. There were giggles and laughter. Sweet gratitude was the most wonderful gift of all!

I could get used to a simple holiday. Next year I think we'll do it on purpose!

Always,

Hope

Thinking on These Things

My daughter is married. It is still a foreign thing to say but it is a sweet reality that this weekend was the culmination of many months of anticipation and planning. Years of preparation, prayer and hope have been put into raising her to be a woman who follows God, is kind to those around her and ready to face the trials of marriage with her faith firmly rooted in the truth.
The ceremony was beautiful and full of deep meaning. My Ray of Sunshine was walked down the aisle by the love of my life. Shortly before her arrival were gorgeous bridesmaids, handsome groomsmen, giggling flower girls, blushing ring bearers and her little sister, The Princess, who was more interested in her beautiful ivory dress than she was the crowd of onlookers who were wiping their eyes as she was wheeled down to the soundtrack of Disney's UP. On the stage, next to the minister stood her groom, glowing with pride and wiping away the tears as this moment enveloped him. I just kept thinking about what a blessed woman I truly am. 
For years I have helped out with weddings from cooking to coordinating. I can honestly say I have never seen this many things go wrong before one wedding. From illness, flowers delivered late, miscommunication, injuries and forgotten items (the bride's and my dress were sent for steaming and left at the shoppe). The wonderful thing is, in the end, none of it mattered. As it all ran through my head while I tried to sleep I was reminded of one of my mom's favorite verses.

Philippians 4:8

"Finally, brothers and sisters,

whatever is true

 whatever is noble

whatever is right

whatever is pure

whatever is lovely

whatever is admirable

 —if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—

think about such things."

So that is what I did.

Always,

Hope