This month made a drastic up-tick from the last (morale-wise), and for that I am so grateful. But the shift didn’t come in the way I expected. We discovered this exceptional book filled with wonderful fables at our favorite book shop in Sedona. One tale is about a farmer and his son and a depiction of the “bad” and “good” things that keep happening to their family. The father repeats throughout the story, “who is to say what is good fortune or bad?”. Because the “good” things that occur bring on the “bad”, and it keeps circling back around. Even though I know this to be true, it took a children’s book to lock that piece in place. How do we know if that “bad” event didn’t save us from something worse and lead us to something great? I have a fresh perspective that I’m taking into the New Year, but first, our joy-lights from December:
We’ve officially become “regulars” at Picazzo and it’s a first for our family. Never has there been a restaurant where we can each enjoy a delicious meal that meets our (challenging ð ) dietary needs! 
The skate park in Sedona with the most exceptional views. It helps my mama anxiety, just a tad ðģ 
This gorgeous rainbow over the Red Rocks that my friend Jen captured. A framer! 
I’ve written about these so many times but I can’t stop with them. The most delectable treat that has ever graced my tastebuds. Vegan, gluten-free cinnamon bundt cakes, and would be my last meal without a doubt. If you find yourself in Sedona, you must get them at Oak Creek Espresso! 
The only picture where a haggard Dad wasn’t chasing his family of four out of the background ðĪŠ. Sweet man! 
Saving this idea for next Christmas. I adore these cacti trees! 
Jon found a way to capture my pure JOY. On a hike, with my people and our pup, feeling on top of the world. SO very lucky. 
Coach Jon! My heart melts for this. His first time coaching Grey and he blows my mind with how good he is with these kids. An absolute natural and Grey is so proud to have him there with him! 
The air, the people, the views. Heaven on Earth! 
Thank goodness for the self timer. What would we do without it? 
He will be annoyed with me for posting, but, Jon doesn’t get enough credit. Best husband. 
It may be cold in the mornings but we are thankful for sunshine and bike rides during the day (in December!). 
My Aunt Sis got Grey an easel and painting supplies and he is convinced he’s Bob Ross. It is so much fun to see him start (and thoroughly enjoy) a new hobby! 
A beautiful evening in Tlaquepaque. The twinkle lights really got me this year. It’s the longest we’ve ever kept our tree up and I loved every second!
And some not pictured, like having a working sink in the kitchen ðĪ, and catching up with friends. Also, living in a year-round amazon world made homemade gifts stand out so beautifully this Christmas. My Aunt made us ornaments with a picture of my Grandpa and a piece of his shirt on the back, my Uncle had mugs etched for us with phrases from my Gram, our neighbor brought over jars of jam from all of the bounty in her garden, my mom made us stockings, and good friends of ours sent homeopathic remedies and heartfelt cards. What treasures! It inspired me to want to do things a little differently (more mindfully and thoughtfully crafted) for the next holiday season.
I hope you had the most extraordinary celebration with your families. I feel so thankful for all of these adventures we get to experience, and the hands I get to hold along the way. Thank you for stopping by today. I would love to hear some of your December joy jolts in the comments below! We can’t wait to see you tomorrow for Scrolls ð. Be well + joyful, kind friend!
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