Petite Vieke: Sickness and Happiness

Where to begin. Our little family has been in a roundabout of illness. Thankfully, not more than a severe cold, but enough to slow us all down. Jake had it first right around Jameson's birthday, and it took him some time to feel back to 100%. Then one Sunday morning Jameson woke up with an extremely snotty nose, nothing else, just the nose, and has been carrying that around for about 3 weeks now. He did have one or two puny days around the same time I battled round one right before thanksgiving. Round 2, which was even worse, came last weekend. I don't know what it is about whatever has got us down, but it just keeps lingering! Anyway I hope to say we are out of the woods but I am still looking for some resolution in my poor snot nosed kid.

I am happy to report that the interior of our house is fully decorated to celebrate Christmas. Our shopping isn't done and our cards have yet to be started but we will get there. Remember when I said I am a work in progress? I'm still working on it. My friend Lindsy over at Space for Joy wrote a post that was exactly what I needed to hear the day I read it (which it usually is, she's a true guiding light). It was called "Giving up Good". Sometimes I make a list a mile long of tasks or accomplishments I burden myself with and I can even get them all done but at what cost? I am focusing on those few things I feel truly deserve greatness, and giving up all the hundreds of things I fill my life with that keep me from focusing on the most important things, God and family. Simply put, it means things like laundry and christmas cards have fallen in the good category this week, among other things. And a lot of that deals with my terrible desire for perfection. And without boring you with all the details I have been able to push my burden for perfection aside this week and I know all these things will get done in due time.

I mean what could be more important than these moments: