Friday, November 23, 2018

The Importance of Family Time...and Shopping! by Katy Lee

Happy Thanksgiving, all. Katy Lee here. Today is Black Friday, and I am gearing up to head out on the town. But this year is a little different than years' past.

This year, I picked up my daughter from college and packed up the family, and we headed north into the mountains of Vermont. I wanted to have a full, long weekend away with just my immediate family together as we haven't all been together since my oldest left for school. Next year, I will have two away in school. My house is shrinking, and the empty nest is happening so fast.

So as I write this, I am sitting slope-slide watching skiers zip by the windows and listening to my children talk and laugh over breakfast. They, too have missed being together and needed this time as much as I did. Each year I realize more and more how I must be thankful for these gifts from God.

And time really is a gift that no store can sell.

It is my hope my children will learn this well too. And I think they are, judging by their excitement to head down to the quint Vermont villages and walk along the glass window displays together. Maybe throw a few snowballs and have a cup of hot chocolate, too. And yesterday, my three competitive swimmers lined up in the pool and showed their sibling rivalry in race after race. All in good jest, of course. Even the hotel's lifeguards got in on the action. It was great fun for all.

My point being, you don't have to spend a lot of money to spend time together. The gift of time is free. What you do need to do is recognize Time as the gift itself. Make the effort to enjoy each other's company. Play some games. And of course, laugh. Laugh as much as possible. That, too, can't be bought.


Enjoy your day, all! I saw a great consignment shop in the village that us girls are excited to find some hidden gems! I hope you find something special this week of Thanksgiving too!



Katy Lee has penned fifteen published novels. She writes suspenseful romances and mysteries that thrill and inspire the reader—from the edge of their seat. A native New Englander, Katy loves to knit warm wooly things. She enjoys traveling the side-roads and exploring the locals’ hideaways. A homeschooling mom of three competitive swimmers, Katy often writes from the stands while cheering them on. Two of her books have received a RITA® and a Daphne du Maurier award nomination. She has won an Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award as well a Selah Award for her book Blindsided.


12 comments:

  1. I love this, Katy. And I agree that one doesn't have to spend money to make precious memories with those you love. Enjoy your time with your family!

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    1. Thank you, Dana! I hope your Thanksgiving weekend is special!

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  2. That's wonderful, Katy. I know the feeling of having the oldest leave for college and there is a hole that cannot be filled. Family time is everything. When we were kids my parents used to take us on ski weekends in Montpelier, Vermont. We learned to ski, spent time in the chalet and had bunk beds at the inn we stayed in. Blessed, sweet memories. Stay warm, Katy.

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    1. It is cold up here! :) But it makes sitting by the fireplace even better!

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  3. Katy, what a great way to spend the holiday. Making those memories together. Precious gems to look back on in the future. I hope you have a wonderful time. Happy shopping.

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    1. Thanks, Mary! The little shops were great. Lots of books and flannel up here in VT! ;)

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  4. No store can sell time. Beautifully said. I too, enjoying taking my family on trips near and far for together time. I rather do that than shop. I'm not a Black Friday person.

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    1. I'm not a Black Friday person either. I wouldn't go near the retail stores ever. But I really enjoyed shopping small in the little villages.

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  5. I'm so glad your family is having a good time together. This is our first Thanksgiving since my husband passed away so the girls and I weren't really sure what to do. My oldest and I ended up driving up to Maine to spend the weekend with my younger daughter who lives here. We rented a house and made a modified meal, but the important thing was being together.
    Enjoy the rest of your stay! We have lots of snow here too!

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    1. Sounds nice, Cate. And so important to be together if it is possible. I know it still had to be hard and ... different. I pray you made some wonderful memories.

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  6. I so want to go to a Vermont in winter. So glad you have this time with your family.

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    1. Thanks, Terri. It is a special place in the winter.

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