Joys of January

My husband reminds me often to "take joy in adversity."  It's a phrase his football coaches would use, and I think the word January could be subsituted in place of adversity.  It's about that time now, where winter seems to drag on and on and on and warmer temperatures seem far away.  I actually don't mind winter weather, but I could do without the bitter cold.  Thankfully, it has warmed up in the twenties this week compared to -35 degrees last week.  Yuck!  So here's how we are allowing the joys of January to get us through this stretch of winter.

And this was without windchill!

Cross Country Skiing - Good exercise and an excuse to get outside to enjoy the winter landscape.  We visited Papa's Ski Shop, aka his garage, to hook Matt up with a pair of skis this year.  There are a lot of groomed trails in the area so check them out!

Part of Papa's ski collection

Crockpot Cooking - It's SO nice to come home to dinner already made and saves time in the evenings.  Try it out!

Reading - As our childhood hero Wishbone would say, "Put your nose in a good book."  One of our resolutions this year is to read more.  I just started reading Spectacular Sins and Their Global Purpose in the Glory of Christ by John Piper.  Matt is reading Right Thinking in a World Gone Wrong by John MacArthur.  Start with your favorite authors or books if you're having trouble getting motivated! 

Warm Drinks - Chai tea, coffee, apple cider, hot chocolate. Cute cups can spice up your drink as well.  Our sister Andrea gave us these adorable cups for Christmas, and they have been getting a lot of use.  I think I need to check out the store Anthropologie from the sounds and looks of it.  :)

Bubble Baths - Relax and soak away stress.  Try out Bath and Body Works Aromatherapy bubble baths.  My favorites are Lavender Chamomile and Jasmine Vanilla.  They put me right to sleep!

Game Nights - Try out some new games!  We have been introduced to the games Pit and Acquire this month and boy are they fun.

Fireplaces - Future remodeling project in our house.  They make everything much cozier!

The Packers Winning the NFC!  GO Pack GO!

What are you finding to be the joys of January?