I’m just going to admit it.  I’ve been on a rampage this season.  It’s almost as if the heartbreak we suffered this summer is making me determined to have a PERFECT Halloween, and a PERFECT Thanksgiving, and a PERFECT Christmas.  I have been stressing myself out to new levels I didn’t know existed.  I wake up in the middle of the night panicked about my never-ending to-do list of gifts to buy, and make, and send out in time.  It is, quite frankly, ridiculous.  But I also think this must be part of my grieving process.  My quest to make it a joyful season for my family.  (I’m not the kind of person to inflict my stress on my people…  I’ve never been good at sharing.)  That all being said, I have been pretty happy with my progress, and the things I’ve made this season, and I finally feel like I’m at a place that gives me some breathing room and a chance to relax.

Since the snow hasn’t been cooperating, I never got to do my Christmas Unicorn Princess session…  c’est la vie.  See?  I can roll with things!  Sometimes…  So I had to improvise for Christmas cards and move it inside, with a beloved, but much smaller critter companion.

I have a lot to be grateful for.  I have a supportive and loving husband, a healthy, smart, beautiful little girl, a healthy, sweet puppy baby, wonderful family and friends.  I have a home, and food, and joy.  I am healthy.  I am happy.  My heart is full.  Still healing, but full.  I hope this holiday season allows your heart to be full as well.

Merry (early) Christmas, and may the coming year be YOUR year, whatever that means for you.

~Monica