A Very Merry Christmas Indeed

It's late in the evening and every one is nestled in bed. I am taking the time to reflect on today. I've added some more pine logs to the fire so that it continues to burn a bit longer in the wood stove. The loud crackles of the burning wood ease me and I sit in my cozy chair and stare at the Christmas tree lights.
I chuckle at the new tradition we started this year and how we strongly agreed to ensure it would become a tradition. It was wearing our Christmas pajamas all day! I must admit it felt comforting and somewhat festive for each of us to fashion our holiday specific pajamas all day. I grab an old knit throw blanket and throw it over me. I find myself drawn to the light shining in through the window. It's a glow from the stars and at that moment I am overwhelmed with relief and joy. Everything I have ever wanted and wished for I have.
My little family. These three people who are my whole world are upstairs sleeping peacefully.
When they laugh, dream, believe I am adoringly engaged and find myself dreaming of how to

ensure that they continue to laugh, dream and believe. Their pure love heals me. It is the gift of all gifts and my favorite one.

I hope that this Christmas you were surrounded by those who give you pure love! And as we embark on a new year, may you write down all of your dreams and find ways to make them happen. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Where I've been...

When you know where you belong, you just have to get there. Right? Well, we are there. It took 3 years of living in the front range to realize that we left our hearts here. This iconic town (mostly known for the frozen dead guy in a tuff shed) has always been home. We rented a 100 year old cabin years ago in Old Town and we actually bought our first home here too!

And now we've found the perfect love nest to raise our girls and just be. We came to the realization that modern conveniences have nothing over living smack in the middle of the national forest and having the biggest playground ever in your own back yard! Only made sense that this is where we should raise our children.. And boy are we All happier, relieved, de-stressed, smiling more, giggling more and breathing deeper. Sometimes you just have to listen to your gut and make things happen. I'm feeling more connected to the desires of my heart. I think we all are. Even Amelie who is only 3 years old repeatedly announces how she loves her home in the mountains.

Because this finally feels like our home, I've named our property. It's called Quinta da Saudade. Of course it's portuguese and I have my father to thank for this name. You see my father always had a way of romanticizing the Portuguese language. My father would argue that there is no english words that could possibly do justice to describing the word Saudade. Well, I'm going to try. In a common way it translates as longing for, something your passionate about. Quinta means a villa. And so officially welcome to Quinta Da Saudade. It's where wonderful things happen! May our paths connect soon and may we be blessed with visits from old friends and new!

I am playing with some new looks to gypsybeing. I have this lovely to thank for the AMAZING banner photo.
I also have to thank my dear friend Angie, for helping me create the banner.
Oh and I can't forget this code guru too!