Be Our Guest

Be our guest!

Be our guest!

Put our service to the test;

tie your napkin 'round your neck, cherie

And we'll provide the rest!

(Be Our Guest, Beauty and the Beast)

Dear Reader,

It has been a LONG time since I last posted, and believe it or not, we are quickly approaching the Two Year Anniversary of the passing of Chris.  So much has happened in two short years...which also sometimes feels like a lifetime.  

But this evening's post isn't specifically dedicated to honoring his memory.  Rather, tonight's post is to share, here in this space, the way I try to honor his memory by creating a home that nurtures our three children and celebrates all the good things about life...especially the little things...

Like in giving thanks!

Seasonal decor.  Wool and knit blankets.  Bittersweet.  Pumpkins.  Candles.  And a new Christmas tree.

(Right now my house feels a bit seasonally confused...1/2 Fall and 1/2 Christmas....anyone else?!?!)

And while mealtime has always been a priority, I've insisted that it be especially prominent during these busy teen years...which is a joy to do at our BRAND NEW DINING ROOM TABLE!  

The table and two chairs were delivered in late October, but the other four chairs were on back order...stuck on a container ship docked in port somewhere.  Well, last week I received a call that the four additional chairs had arrived and were available for delivery!  After Thanksgiving...of course...but just in time for Christmas!  

I am smitten.  

So are the kids.  

Believe it or not...even with all of the teasing...the tears on especially hard "dad" days...or the anxiety of lots of homework waiting to be completed, the four of us love to eat dinner together.  

And now we do so here...

My table runner is barely long enough!

I cannot wait to host dinners for family and friends at this beautiful table!  I hosted an impromptu Homecoming Dinner for my daughter and her sweet friends when their dinner reservations were cancelled and they had nowhere else to go.  So much joy and laughter was shared around a very tiny kitchen table last September.  I can't wait to do it again next year...only this time planned...and with lots of space for ramen and dumplings!  :)

And lest you think I forgot...Happy First Sunday of Advent!  The kids and I attended Mass on Saturday night...giving thanks to God for all of the blessings and graces bestowed upon us since Chris' passing. This past year has been very challenging (rather than easier) compared to Year 1. (perhaps, reality has set in for us?)

Wishing all of you a blessed start to the Advent Season.  Listen to HOPE here!