Thankfully Thanksgiving

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But whether we have less or more, 

Always thank we God therefor. 

-Author Unknown

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Happiest of Thanksgivings!

Personal: Just being here.

Today, 70 people were injured in a movie theater shooting. 12 were killed. Today, I have a hard time thinking about bringing you up in a world full of hate and scary things. How will I ever protect you? How will I ever be okay with the rate in which you grow in eagerness to show me how independent you are? Today, I hugged you more than usual...which is pretty hard considering there aren't many hours you're even awake! And today, I kissed you again and again, even when you tried to get away. You have changed me. And softened me. And today, I loved you the same as always, because this love has already taken up all the empty space. I thank God that you are mine; and that today you are here.

9 months and the love of my life are you. 

When we go to the tree nursery these days, you SCREAM at the top of your lungs, "AT! AT! AT!!" when you see daddy's big tractors. You love this little one of your own...and will learn to drive daddy's in no time! ;) 

Eli Armani, I love you. And that's the beginning of our story.

Cold Noses & Joy

This morning was cold...so snowy outside *finally!!* and I snuggled close to J and was thankful. For warmth, for my bed, for someone to snuggle with, and for my tiny family. My God is awesome. Thus is my life!

I peeked across the covers at the dogs in their beds all cozy and thought let's go play in the snow! Even though they were sleeping just a minute ago...both looked at me like I'd just said you get to eat steak tonight! =)

So we bundled up, left J in bed, and went outside. My little pups are always so good at putting things into perspective for me. I watched them play outside for as long as their paws allowed and the little noses could handle.

On the last calendar day of the year, these dogs have given me joy. I wish everyone nothing short of the same...

May you discover new adventures you never thought possible:

May you learn to really hear the quiet and take a moment to let it all in:

May you stare fear in the eye and take it on!

May you shake yourself off when bad things happen:

Take a moment...but pick yourslef up...

And keep moving forward...

Most of all may 2011 bring you health, wealth, LOVE, and most of all JOY!

Sieze today. Sieze tomorrow. Thank God for your life and revel in it!

Happy New Year.

xo

Luke 2:11

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve. It's already here. Came too fast for me. Christmas tree sales are over and I'm starting to feel a weight being lifted. It's time for less stress. True family time, and an excellent next few days!

I hope everyone has an amazing holiday and truly soaks up what Sat is all about: a little baby.

(Luke 2:11)