My Grown-Up Christmas List

It's been a while, friends, but I've been blessed to be busy this holiday season. I've been blessed with friends and family who have lent their time and hands, and I've been blessed with love and support from family, friends, and customers alike. So, before I get into my "list", I wanted to begin with giving thanks.

Now, I suppose it seems cliché to say that I have a "grown-up" Christmas list, but in the 21 months since my daughter arrived, I feel so much has changed in my life and in my heart. I find now that I am happiest when I see someone open something that they are truly happy to receive. That makes my heart happy. My list, however, is less tangible. So, without further ado, my list:


1. More Time: More time with my husband and daughter, just the 3 of us. More time with my siblings who live across the state. More time with my family and friends. More time laughing and smiling. More time finding the best part of each day. More time in the sunshine, breathing in beautiful days. More time with Leah, letting her be silly, making believe, making messes... more time with little Leah before she is no longer little.

2. More Good News: I love staying connected with friends and family on social networks. However, I want to see positive news and more of the "good stuff" shared. The story about the guy or gal that spread happiness rather than hate, that lent a helping hand, rather than a hurting one. I want to see good people doing good things go viral, not hateful people doing terrible things. I'll read or watch the news to stay informed, but would like to enjoy my social feeds for positive anecdotes, light-hearted humor, and up-to-date notes from friends and family.

3. Change: I will continue to pray that the world we will one day leave for our daughter will be a better one than the one we live in now. Can I change the world? No. However, I can influence the way that she sees the world. For instance, I can teach her to love rainy days, because she can pull on her boots and stomp around and then come inside for a hot shower and cocoa. I can teach her that rainy days force us to be imaginative and make pillow forts or paint all day. Or, I can teach her to appreciate rest and quiet and the simple joy of sitting on the porch with a book listening to the rain. The point is, I can teach her to love all the days; to change her point of view and spin a dull or upsetting or hard day into an exciting or learn-from-it day. If I can help her do this, than the world that she will live in can be changed and she will have the power to change it!

Is it a dreamer's list? Maybe. However, it is truly what I will wish for this Christmas and all to come.

Merry Christmas, folks! Love and blessings for a fabulous 2016! ♥