Joyeux Noel

Christmas to me is... ice-skating on frozen ponds, crunchy snow, Willy Nelson's 'White Christmas', cross-country skiing to the dacha, my family, leftover turkey sandwiches, Jesse's homemade Whiskey Cream, waking up to my mom's baking, fireplaces and ugg boots, stockings, decorations spanning 3 decades, steamy kitchen windows, laughter and reminiscing, snow falling under a street light, hot chocolate from a thermos, cold toes, mint coconut balls, my dogs bounding through the snow, rosy cheeks, hearing Cody's laughter in another part of the house, friends dropping by, the silence that comes with a snowfall, skates that don't fit, frost on my dad's mustache,... and so much FUN! Family gatherings are always a good time, but there's something extra special about Christmas...

I'm officially off for the holidays... and then some. A speedy trip back home to enjoy a few days with the family, then to Vietnam and Cambodia for a month. I have an interesting project I want to share, something very dear to my heart. Stay tuned... and in the meantime, have an amazing holiday with your loved ones. There's never a better time to be in the moment and feel the gratitude for all that we have.

Happy Holidays!

Today was a good day...

Today was waking up in a cozy bed. Hot shower. Sheepskin slippers. Peppermint tea. Christmas hugs. Baked french toast. Opening presents. Laughter. Crying. Friends visiting. Baby smiling. Stories. Christmas cookies. Skating on a frozen pond. Orange light on the hills. Reminiscing. Cold on my cheeks. Hot tea in a thermos. Meeting new people. My family. Lifetime friends. Pinot noir. Turkey. Wearing silly hats. Eating too much (again). Laughter. More stories. Surf video. Comfy couch. Cozy bed.

Yes, today was a good day... xoxo

Ice skating up at Saddle Lake, a Christmas tradition that goes waaaayyyy back. In the top 3 all time favorite things to do... and one of the best parts about growing up in a small town.

One Big Happy

We have many traditions over the Christmas holidays. Most are quite cheesy, like waiting for everyone to come home before we decorate the tree with home-made ornaments spanning over 30 years, and listening to Willie Nelson's Pretty Paper when we open presents. We find steep backroads that aren't yet sanded and race our wooden sleds we brought back from Germany, and when the river is frozen, we meet a group of friends for daily hockey games. But one of our favorites is to put on the cross-country skis and go to the local mountain where we ski up to the dacha, a small hut built by some of the locals. For me, the best part about this is that I get to spend the day with my whole family. This wouldn't be such a big deal if my parents weren't divorced. For those that know my family, they are used to this dynamic, a comfortable dynamic where my parents house sit and dog sit for one another... where my mom and step-mom hug when they see each other, where laughter and stories flow easily... where they choose to be friends. I know that this is not normal. In fact, this is exceptional... and this day of skiing and laughter and cheering each other on as we ski through the snow laden trails is the best Christmas present I could ever ask for. I have four amazing parents that have worked hard and sacrificed over the years to give me the best life they possibly could. They supported me, they supported each other, and they created a space for my brothers and myself that was filled with love and respect. Through their commitment and selflessness, they created a strong, beautiful family.

I cannot begin to thank my family for the part they have played in shaping all that I am. They are my center. And from that, I draw the strength, courage, and love to be the best person I can be and live the life I dream. I love you... xoxo.