Saying goodbye to 2025 feels a little like closing a well‑worn journal. This year was full of lessons, surprises, and moments that shaped me in ways I didn’t always expect. As we step into a new year, I’m excited for the insights, adventures, and growth still ahead. Thank you for walking through 2025 with me. Through the lessons, the surprises, the shifts, and the small wins that added up to something meaningful. Here’s to a beautiful year to come!
I Am Thankful For:
My almost 3 year old grandson explaining volcanoes to me
My grown children aren't just siblings, they are also friends
Christmas cards
Spending the morning Christmas shopping with my husband
An early Christmas gift
Freshly painted nails
A place to get out of the cold
A clean kitchen
Errands done quickly
When it's read to a dog day at the library
New tasks
Something to help me sleep
Dogs in sweatshirts
Making pierogi with my kids
I Am Thankful For:
Christmas shopping with my daughter
A new soup recipe
Planning our holiday get together
Spectacular sunsets
Playing with my dogs
Christmas shopping done
Freshly baked chocolate chip cookies
A cup of tea in front of the Christmas tree
My grandson napping with my old teddy bear
Ornaments for my book club
The holiday book club meeting
Remote start on cold mornings
Stocking stuffers
A day with no where to go
I Am Thankful For:
Waking up when it's still dark
Sunrise
Spending the day with my daughter and oldest grandson's
Reading in front of the fireplace
The light of the Christmas tree
Beans on toast
Panthers beat the Rams
Ordering new glasses
Pulled pork
An idea for the perfect gift
Christmas cards
No icy conditions
Texting with my sister
The Grinch
Texting with my niece
Homemade soups
I Am Thankful For:
Family
Friends
33 years of marriage
Christmas trees
Christmas lights
Spending the afternoon with my husband
My home
Rainy days at the library
Sun shining through the morning fog
Memories
A mug of hot tea
Winter birds
I Am Thankful For:
Sleep
Treating myself to a coffee
An "all clear" pathology report
Sunshine
A pot of gumbo
Morning sun lighting the mountain tops
Getting a quick appointment
Antibiotics
Leftovers
A lazy day
Taco soup
Feeling better
A day with my grandson
Coloring
Watching my husband make our grandson laugh
I Am Thankful For:
Catching up with family
A delicious BBQ lunch
The fireplace is completed
A red sky morning
Feeling useful
Comfort foods
Feeling creative
A warm day before the cold moves in
Breakfast with a dear friend
A beautiful sunset
A warm home
When my daughter and grandson stop by
The first snowfall of the season
When the procedure is done
A sushi lunch with my husband
A restful afternoon
My grandfather, my father, and my husband each answered the call with courage and conviction.
Today, I pause to honor them and all who’ve served.
The holiday season, once filled with the excitement of childhood traditions, takes on a new rhythm as children grow into adults. Work schedules, relationships, and new traditions begin to shape how and where we celebrate. These changes can lead to stress, hurt feelings, and resentment. But they don't have to! Navigating the holiday season with adult children requires a blend of flexibility, grace, and a fresh perspective on what togetherness looks like.
Be flexible with your expectations.
For many of us, the holidays have been a time when the whole family gathers under one roof. But as adult children begin to build their own families or share holidays with their partner’s relatives, we may find ourselves needing to adjust our expectations. This may look like sharing time, or having to take turns with which holidays we spend with our grown children. Flexibility is key to keeping the spirit of the season alive. By letting go of rigid expectations and embracing new rhythms, we open the door to holidays that may look different, but still carry the warmth and connection we cherish.
Celebrate from afar through phone or video calls.
When adult children live far away, holiday traditions often need a little creative reimagining. While you may not be able to gather around the same table, technology offers meaningful ways to stay connected and celebrate together. Set aside time for a dedicated holiday video call. Or coordinate your meal times and sit down to share a virtual feast together.
Celebrate at a different time.
Instead of focusing on the exact date or the traditional schedule, try focusing on quality time spent together. A family dinner in early December or a New Year’s brunch can be just as special as Christmas morning. The goal is connection, not perfection. We now share a big family celebration on Christmas eve. This gives our children time to spend Christmas morning opening gifts with their own children or their in-laws.
Encourage your grown children to create their own traditions.
Letting go of "how we've always done things" can be difficult. Especially during the holidays, when traditions can be deeply personal. But giving our adult children the space and freedom to create their own traditions is part of being a parent. This might mean they host their own gatherings, blend traditions with a partner’s family, or start something entirely new. And who knows - some of their new traditions might become cherished parts of our own celebrations too.
By approaching this season with open hearts, flexible expectations, and a spirit of encouragement, we can create space for deeper connection and lasting joy. The holidays may look different than they did years ago, but they still offer us the chance to celebrate love, family, and the beautiful journey of watching our children become who they’re meant to be.
I Am Thankful For:
Halloween slippers
Pumpkin pecan praline coffee
Trick or treaters
Homemade soup
A cozy blanket
Spending my birthday with family
Birthday wishes from far away
Another year ahead of me
An extra hour of sleep
A little self care
Panthers beat the Packers
Earlier sunrises
An unexpected invitation
A new mug for my morning tea
Birthday cards
I Am Thankful For:
Dog costumes
A delicious cup of coffee
Brisk Autumn days
An afternoon watching my grandson play tennis
My husband bringing home donuts
Unexpected finds
A pot of homemade chili
Rainy Autumn days
A cup of hot tea
The quiet before dawn
Sunrise
Catching it early
Time to read
Early birthday presents
I Am Thankful For;
My grandson winning his tennis match
Donuts
A change in the weather
Friday
Decisions made
Comfort foods
Rainy evenings
Community
Lazy dinners
Monthly book club
Packing for a short getaway
A burger and a beer
Art museums
Seeing Stevie Nicks in concert
A safe trip home
Being greeted by my dogs
I Am Thankful For:
Blue Autumn skies
Prepping the fireplace for winter
Chilly Fall mornings
Birthday cake
Watching a spooky movie
Family
Spectacular sunsets
Cozy pajamas
Slow mornings
Homemade soup
Panthers beating the Cowboys
The librarians at my local branch
Sunshine
Good skincare
A cooling Autumn breeze
Doggy zoomies
Having people who understand me
Iced coffee
I Am Thankful For:
Finally getting a skin check
Iced coffee
New rugs for the kitchen
Lunch with my husband
Beautiful weather
Starting a book I have wanted to read for a while
Picking out trim for the kitchen
My husband making breakfast for me
A heating pad
Pulled pork
A chat with a neighbor
My sister making me laugh
Talking on the phone with my grandson
My husband's birthday
I Am Thankful For:
Finally feeling better
A decent night's sleep
Planning a new creative project
Changing leaves
Lunch with my dad
Family movie night
A simmering pot of chili
Finishing a good book
Getting back to my usual routine
Rainy fall days
The beginning of October
As September comes to an end, I always feel a subtle shift—not just in the weather, but in my mindset. I find myself lingering in the quiet moments a little longer. This time of year always seems to me as if the world is gently encouraging me to slow down for a moment before the rush of the holidays begins.
It's too close to call as to which post on the blog was your favorite this month - Cozy September or Shopping My Closet: Transitional Fall Style. I also shared what I love about Fall in Welcoming Autumn.
September was a month of long awaited accomplishment. Our countertops were installed. We were thrilled at how quickly this happened. We had originally been told it could take 6 to 8 weeks. As it turned out - once we approved the slabs, the installation took place 10 days later! They are so beautiful. There's still work to be done. For example: tiling the back splash, putting up all the trim, and figuring out window treatments. But we once again have a functioning kitchen and I love how it is coming together!
Our new deck passed final inspection. And we have been enjoying as much time out there as possible! We bought a giant cantilever umbrella to provide shade even when the sun is past the trees and beats down on that side of the house. And we've already hosted a small family get together on it.
No one seems to be happier about the deck than the family dogs. Ziggy would spend every waking second out there if I let him! Although he has tried to squeeze through the gate and make an escape once already. We need to figure a way to prevent that from happening!
Mid-month I was sick for over a week with what must have been a nasty cold. The day it started, I thought it was just some fall allergies. But by the next morning I felt terrible and there was no doubt that I was really and truly sick. I felt bad enough to test for Covid and the flu. Fortunately, all results were negative. And by the end of the week I was starting to feel a little better. Although, I still haven't completely gotten rid of the cough.
This month I read "Lightning Strike" by William Kent Krueger for book club. I also read "A Resistance of Witches" by Morgan Ryan and "The Reformatory" by Tananarive Due. I am currently reading "Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil" by V. E. Schwab. The man of the house and I finished reading "Equal Rites" by Terry Pratchett. Any suggestions for what we should read next?
Some of my favorite things from September included: mornings and evenings out on the new deck, iced coffee, the subtle changes in the weather, and the man of the house grilling every weekend.
How was your September?
I Am Thankful For:
A little treat
Negative Covid and Flu tests
An afternoon of rest
Cold medicine
Starting feel a little better
No damage from the hail storm
The new moon
Panthers win!
Pretzel bites
The first day of Autumn
Watching the sunset from our deck
Shepherd's pie
Fall nail polish colors
Watching the falling leaves
Getting my yearly fall vaccines
Houseplants
A morning with my youngest grandson
A rainy afternoon
There’s something almost magical about the arrival of autumn. The air turns crisp, the days grow shorter, and the world begins to shift into a palette of warm, golden hues. For me, autumn is a season of both change and comfort.
There is something special about the sky on a clear fall day. It’s as if the blue deepens, becoming richer and more vibrant. That brighter shade of blue feels like nature’s way of saying, “Slow down. Take it in.”
Fall also brings football season. I love cheering for my favorite team and gathering with family on game day. It's an extra special experience when the man of the house and I can visit a stadium and catch a game in person.
Crisp fall mornings are another favorite. There’s something refreshing about stepping outside and feeling that cool air on your face. It’s the perfect excuse to pull out cozy sweaters, sip something warm, and savor the slower pace of the season
Of course, the changing leaves are the stars of the season. Watching the trees transform into reds, oranges, and yellows never gets old. It’s a reminder that change can be beautiful, and that nature always knows how to put on a show.
And let’s not forget the unofficial mascot of autumn: pumpkin everything. From lattes and pies to candles and decor, pumpkins are everywhere, and I'm here for all of it! They are cute, comforting, festive, and delicious—what more could you ask for?
So here’s to autumn—the season of vibrant skies, football cheers, colorful leaves, brisk mornings, and all things pumpkin. May it bring you joy, peace, and plenty of moments to savor.
Welcome back, fall. You’ve been missed!🍂
I Am Thankful For:
No bad news at the Orthopedist
A bright blue fall sky
Comfort foods
A colorful sunset
Our beautiful new deck
Trip to the warehouse club with my husband
A small family cookout
The funny things my grandson says
Grilled rice ribeyes
A lazy Sunday
Fall nail polish colors
Buffalo wings
When my hold at the library is finally available
Hot tea with honey
Cough drops
Sleeping the morning away
As soon as the temperatures start to dip and the first signs of fall appear, I find myself craving a wardrobe refresh. I’m dreaming of cozy sweaters and stylish boots—but the weather here isn’t quite ready for all that yet. So in the meantime, I’m shopping my closet for outfits that work for this in-between season.
Look One: Casual Comfort in Overalls
These overalls have been a staple in my wardrobe since last fall. They’re incredibly comfortable—like wearing pajamas—but they look much more polished. And let’s be honest, the compliments I get when I wear them don’t hurt either! For warm early fall days, I’m pairing them with a cheerful yellow scoop-neck tee and layering on beaded necklaces, including a faux pearl pendant for a touch of elegance.
Look Two: Light Layers with a Pop of Turquoise
I love the classic combo of jeans, a tee, and a cardigan for fall. But since it’s still warm out, I’m adapting the look with straight-leg jeans, a turquoise tank, and a short-sleeved knit cardigan. I kept the jewelry simple with my favorite bee pendant necklace featuring a toggle clasp—just enough detail without feeling heavy.
Look Three: Summer Dresses, Reimagined
You may have noticed that I paired each of these looks with my Tieks in Sunset Stripe. The colorful stripes are perfect for both summer and fall, and they go with just about everything. Tieks’ flexible design, cushioned back and insole, and thick non-skid sole keep my midlife knees and feet happy—no matter where the day takes me.
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| Tieks in Sunset Stripe |
As we ease into fall, I’m finding joy in rediscovering pieces I already own and styling them in fresh, transitional ways. Each of these outfits blends comfort with personality—and my Tieks in Sunset Stripe are the perfect finishing touch. Their vibrant colors complement both summer and fall palettes, and the comfort they offer keeps me moving with ease and confidence. Whether I’m running errands or heading out for a weekend adventure, Tieks help me step into the season in style.
What's your favorite summer-to-fall transitional look?
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary pair of Tieks by Gavrieli in exchange for this post. https://tieks.com/reviews
I Am Thankful For:
New countertops are installed
The start of football season
Planning a family dinner
Fridays
Trips to the home improvement store
Butterflies
Football Sundays
Lasagna soup
The full moon
Good book club discussions
Chilly mornings
Book recommendations
The new deck passed final inspection
Early morning phone calls from my daughter and grandson
Huge new deck umbrella
Dinner outside
Slowly getting things back together
I Am Thankful For:
Frozen cherry Coke
An amazing sunset
Moving items into the new pantry
Dinner outside
Long weekends
Candy corn
A gorgeous day
Meeting the new neighbors
Family
Time with my grandsons
Seeing the first physical copy of my daughter's next book
Deck ready for inspection
Colors selected
Neat and organized shelves
My husband picking up my Rx for me
There’s something undeniably comforting about the arrival of September.
September wraps the world in a gentle kind of coziness that’s hard to resist. The mornings greet us with a crispness that invites sweaters and warm mugs. It’s the season of soft blankets, simmering soups, and the comforting scent of pumpkin spice and apple cider drifting through the air.
The pace slows just enough to let us savor the small pleasures—reading by the window, baking something sweet, or simply watching the leaves begin their quiet transformation.
What's your favorite thing about September?
Was August even real? It feels like we blinked and suddenly landed at Labor Day weekend, wondering where the month went. One minute it was Friday, August 1st, full of summer plans and sunshine, and now we’re staring down September with a pumpkin spice latte in one hand and a fall to-do list in the other. This August might just go down as the quickest month in the history of months—proof that time flies when you're in midlife.
The most read post on the blog this month was Mix, Match, and Imagine where we talked about how the fashion plates toy sparked my childhood creativity. This month we also explored why so many of us find ourselves itching and scratching through perimenopause. And, as usual, I shared bits of my gratitude journal every Thursday and a little quote each Sunday to hopefully inspire you for the week ahead.
One of the reasons August seemed to zoom past was that it was a whirlwind of remodeling, renovations, and rebuilds.
We finished installing the new cabinets in the kitchen. And by "we", I mean my husband with a teeny bit of help from me. He also put up the new over-the-range microwave. The kitchen was measured for the new countertops last week. This week we went to see and approve the slabs of granite, and they are scheduled to be installed next week.
As I write this, our deck is still under construction. And I'm hoping with every fiber of hope I can muster that it will finally - Finally - be done before the end of this week. They told us this would take about 2 weeks. It has been over 2 months now. I'm ready for it to be done so I can use this beautiful new space!
In August I finished reading: "The Sugar Queen" by Sarah Addison Allen. I also read "All the Colors of the Dark" by Chris Whitaker and "Legends and Lattes" by Travis Baldree. I have started reading "A Resistance of Witches" by Morgan Ryan. My husband and I are reading "Equal Rites" by Terry Pratchett. And I am listening to "Lightning Strike" by Kenneth Kent Krueger for September book club.
August had me going for my annual mammogram. My first appointment had to be rescheduled because of a power outage at the hospital. Fortunately, they were able to reschedule quickly and the images showed no changes this year. Yay!
Some of my favorite things from August include the new rocking chair set we ordered for the deck, my new glasses (I went for the progressive lenses this time - what a difference!), and the cooler temperatures we've been enjoying over the past week.
How was your August?
I Am Thankful For:
New rocking chairs for the porch
Blemish patches
My stomach feeling better
Treating myself to a coffee
Planning a creative project
A quiet evening
A morning breeze
Sunshine
Butterflies in the yard
Being loved
My husband picking up breakfast
Cheesecake
New deck furniture
A beautiful fall-like day
A short road trip
Countertop install is scheduled
I Am Thankful For:
Finally falling asleep
Mammogram done
Comfy pants
Perogi
My husband home from his work trip
Getting a lot accomplished
Weekends
A good check-up for one of my little dogs
Bear sightings
Relaxing mornings
Mammogram showed no changes
Replacement cabinets arrived
Libraries
Foggy mornings
Countertop measurements done
The dogwood leaves are beginning to change color
