From the Front Porch
Happy Friday from the front porch, sweet friends, thanks so much for making us a part of your day today!
The first week of January seems to have its own kind of bliss, doesn’t it?
Week two though? It feels like it’s time to get down to business.
How are you holding up?
If you would have read my gratitude journal this week, you would have seen the most basic yet impactful entries…
- A weak smile and a thumbs up
- X-Ray and CT Scan technology
- Friendly and competent nurses
- An understanding driver
- Hugs from my sisters
- Unexpected cups of coffee from my brother in law
- Texts from my double first cousin
- Endearingly funny messages from my aunt
- A hot shower
- Quiet time by the twinkling lights of the Christmas tree
- Getting the laundry caught up
- Savoring the opportunity for a winter reset
- Grace
What you don’t see are the hours of worry and the gray hairs I’ve acquired this week thanks to my parents 😆
On Tuesday, my Mom was cleaning out the cabinets in the kitchen at Bliss Barracks and broke her toe. She is currently in a boot.
A few days later, my Dad was hospitalized with double pneumonia, the flu, and some sort of superbug.
Thankfully, they are both on the mend now and are expected to make full recoveries in 4-6 weeks. But goodness gracious, they gave my sisters and me some sleepless nights.
I don’t ever want to hear how difficult it is to raise teenagers again because aging parents are no joke 😂 Even super sweet ones who are endlessly loved, adored, and treasured ❤
I’ve spent most of the week canceling our annual birthday trip, getting our home back in order, and trying to get everything else from sleep schedules to Piper’s daily routine back on track.
As scattered as I’ve felt these past few weeks, I’m beyond thankful we’ve allowed ourselves to ease into January without pressure or expectation.
It’s truly been the biggest gift.
And while 2023 did not start out as I expected, I know there’s still plenty of time to chase my dreams.
For now, though, I’m looking forward to getting back to basics, hugging my sisters a little tighter, and helping my parents heal.
Cheering you on as you pivot, regroup, and reset all while savoring the unexpected blessings of the season.
A Few of Our Favorite Things from Around the Web…
The Fabulous Portfolio of Grapevine Interiors
This Santa Barbra home is giving me some serious Nancy Meyers vibes.
Speaking of cozy vibes, this home is amazing too.
Have you seen this cabin in Montana yet? It makes me want to snuggle up ASAP
A Beautifully Crafted Tiny Home on Wheels (I could totally see my baby sister in this)
7 Amazing Trends To Try In Your Home Right Now
Currently soaking up inspiration from Mary Stuart Flowers
Toast (bookmarking these, they all look so good)
How to Create a Capsule Wardrobe With The Clothes You Already Own
5 Simple Exercises to Help Improve Your Posture
Struggling With Weight Loss but Not Sure Why? Here Are 5 Possible Reasons
Words to Live By…
On My Nightstand…
(Amazon affiliate links have been provided for your convenience. As an Amazon and Impact Media Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Any sales made through such links will support us with a small commission at no extra cost to you. You can read our full disclosure policy here)
Manifest: 7 Steps to Living Your Best Life by Roxie Nafousi
On the Menu this Month…
Cozy Winter Finds We Spotted Online at Amazon This Week…
(Amazon affiliate links have been provided for your convenience. As an Amazon and Impact Media Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Any sales made through such links will support us with a small commission at no extra cost to you. You can read our full disclosure policy here)
Candle * Barefoot Dreams Cardi * Bath Caddy * Throw
PJs * Coffee Scrub * Nail Concealer * Candle Warmer
Book * Slippers * Moisturizer * Towel Warmer
Lip Mask * Library Kit * Nodpod * Dusting Powder
If You’ve Missed Anything from the Blog Recently or the Archives, Here’s a Peek At What We’ve Been Up To…
37 Self-Discovery Books to Enjoy This Year…
How to Create a Simple Nightly Routine in 4 Easy Steps
The 15-Minute Task We Use to Cut Clutter
January Bucket List…
- Do All Our Favorite Things on New Year’s Day
- Celebrate Birthday Week
- Continue 6-Minute Journal
- Continue Skincare Routine
- Eat Greens with Every Meal
- Drink Water Before Coffee
- Create a Cozy Winter Home
- Revisit Bible Study/Devotion
- Reestablish Morning & Nightly Routines
- Transition to Afternoon Workout Routine
- Plan Valentine’s Day Activities
- Read the Book of the Month
- Keep Sundays Sacred
*You can find more Word of the Month Activity Ideas here.
January Simplified and Organized Home Challenge…
Focus of the Month: Your Health-Wellness Routines & Home-Keeping Systems
- 01/01 Morning Routine & Workout Routine
- 01/08 Nightly Routine with 15 Minute Clutter Catcher
- 01/15 Cleaning Schedule
- 01/22 Meal Planning & Grocery Shopping
- 01/29 Organize Pantry
*You can find the entire list of activities in this post, 52 Weeks to a Simplified and Organized Home Challenge
TCG Housekeeping Notes, Dates to Remember, and Upcoming Posts…
- 01/14 Buy Valentines Cards, Gifts & Countdown Calendar Supplies
- 01/16 National Use Your Gift Card Day
- 01/17 Cozy Winter Decor Blog Hop
- 01/17 Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- 01/23 National Pie Day
- 01/24 National Compliment Day
- 01/25 National Plan for Vacation Day
- 01/26 National Green Juice Day
- 01/27 National Chocolate Cake Day
- 01/31 National Hot Chocolate Day
As always, we appreciate you more than you could ever know, and we hope your weekend is peace-filled and relaxing. We can’t wait to share even more with you next week!
Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.
Many blessings,
CoCo
I’m glad your parents are doing better. Hopefully everything will get back to normal soon!
Me too Susan! They tell us all the time not to worry about them but this felt like a small glimpse into our future and it was definitely scary. I’m so thankful we have each other. Big hugs, CoCo
CoCo.
I hope you are having the best week. Thanks for sharing.
Oh my sweet friend. Very scary and relieved everyone’s on the mend
2023 hasn’t started great for us either.
Out best friend who’s like our sister lost one of her Dachshunds on New Years day.
He went to the emergency room in the afternoon By morning he had a heat attack and was brain dead.
My friend had to take him of life support and put him down.
Needless yo say we are all devastated.
His brother misses him.
Our dogs being close and 1 year apart has hit John and I hard too.
We have known her dogs since they came home
It’s been so hard for me yo concentrate. I haven’t posted since Christmas.
You’re in my thoughts and prayers
xoxo
I am so sorry to read this, Cindy. Losing a loved one is difficult any time of the year but can be especially difficult around the holidays. My heart breaks for you and your bestie because I know firsthand when they hurt, you hurt. I’ll definitely be keeping all of you in my prayers and lifting you up. May you find strength and comfort in each other. Big hugs, CoCo
Oh my goodness Coco, sending prayers and healing thoughts your parents way. I’ve discovered that the week between Christmas and the New Year is my favorite. It’s like much of the world takes the time to just relax and regroup. Every week after that just seems so much more hectic. Here’s hoping 2023 is everything we want it to be and more.
Kim
Thanks so much, Kim, I really appreciate it. I love the week between Christmas and New Year’s too. It’s so nice to be able to breathe after a hectic holiday season and just give yourself the opportunity to dream. I hope your 2023 is all that you need it to be as well and I can’t wait to see all the good things coming your way. Hugs, CoCo
Thank you again for such a beautiful weekly post CoCo. I am praying for your mom and dad’s quick and full recovery, my friend. It’s so hard to have to worry. Wishing you the very best week ahead.
I really appreciate it, Kim, thank you! We could not believe they both went down at the same time. Gah-it’s been crazy but we’re finding ways to make it work. Thankfully my sisters live in town and are able to help with their care as well. I told my parents yesterday they need to take turns next time 😆 Big hugs, CoCo
Oh boy, you’ve had quite a crazy start to the new year! Sending prayers for complete healing for your parents! I’m so glad you have sisters who can help you! Hang in there, Donna
I really appreciate it, Donna, thank you so much for your kind words. I could have never imagined in a million years we’d have such a wild start to the New Year. I’m thankful we have each other though and we’re getting through it. Big hugs, CoCo
Happy birthday January, CoCo! My birthday was the first week in January so happy birthday to you!!! 🎂☃️🥳 I’ve been home with a third round of Covid (ugh!), but it’s nice to catch up visiting friends here online.
Love your goals lists! I’ve been mentally thinking, okay, I want to get Christmas decor put into new boxes for Hubby’s new garage overhead racking system. Worked on that the past two days. Also starting seeds for planting in March in the garden.
That’s what’s up over here! Hope your mom and dad are healing well!! My MIL broke her arm last spring (80 yrs. young), and a heart issue in the fall (too low heart rate; good now with increased thyroid med). Not easy getting older! Maybe the teen years are our preparation for now?! Lol!!
Big January hugs,
Barb 💕