The Cottage on the Hill

My computer is in for repair, but I can steal a few moments on husband's laptop. Days have been drifting as they should post-holidays. The decorations are packed, much to my son's dismay. There isn't much to do, which suits me just fine. The children are enjoying time with Mommy as we do art watch videos, read stories and learn manners. I have been taking advantage of the days and getting rest. (I am dealing with some unpleasant pregnancy issues). The lack of a computer has proven beneficial as well. My journal writing has been renewed.I've returned to my Bible study and came up with a way to teach Proverbs to my children. There are so many things I'd like to do but I am in a different season of my life. Although, admittedly, those seed catalogs are quite the temptation!

I had a very nice Christmas, but now that it is over my brain really goes into housekeeping overdrive. I love how the house feels so much more open after the tree and decorations come down. Also, the days are slowly getting longer and January is usually a fairly sunny month. Those things combined really inspire me to freshen up the house. It's also a good time of year to do house-freshening because Spring, Summer and Fall are all busy months out of doors with little time to do much indoors beyond basic cleaning. My mother and I are already putting our heads together for repainting several rooms. The living room will look so much better with a fresh coat of paint. I've been dying to repaint the master bedroom for years, but haven't really settled on a color. Add 2nd trimester nesting insticts kicking in full gear, and this house will be a candidate for an HGTV makeover! Maybe I can do before and after pictures for my readers! For now, I'm just going to relax after...

these last 6 weeks have been trying and exciting at the same time! I was quite Sick because of the pregnancy and hubby and I went through a literal whirlwind of change as the Good Lord opened doors for his career change. Even our dear daughter has changed so much! She's sleeping better, talking more, has grown and is looking less like a baby and more like a little girl every day. throu Throughout it all the out pouring of blessings from our family and church family has been overwhelming. It has been hard to receive such agape love from so many because I hate to be a burden on people. However, God spoke to me during this time and told me, "Allow yourself to be blessed!" And so I have. It has brought so much Joy to givers and receiver alike. So, I am reminded on this Christmas Eve of Christ's enormous sacrifice to us. I remember to Take Joy, as Tasha Tudor has said. I am thankful for so many blessings from so many loved ones. It is indeed a Merry Christmas!