Take a Deep Breath...

Well, Hello my precious friends! I think I blinked and the past few weeks have just flown by. It seems in all the hustle and bustle of this time of year, the days are over quickly & half of the time, I feel as if I didn't accomplish a single thing! I don't think I've blogged since before Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving was so much fun! I have labeled it as being one of the best Thanksgivings our family has ever had, though I don't think I sat down much...we pulled into Marshall, Arkansas at about 8:00 am, after driving all evening and night. I went to sleep for a few hours and then went with mom to help her get the turkey, ham, and groceries needed for the following day. On Thanksgiving day, I cleaned up her kitchen (I'm sure she's still missing things I strategically 'put away') and the cooking began. I was so grateful to have my niece run any last minute trips to the store (Thank you Dollar General for being open on Thanksgiving Day).

Friday I committed to facing the crowds of Black Friday shopping and enjoyed a full day with my sister and 2 nieces! Saturday was another day of working (well if you call a fun hobby working)! I got to take pictures of my baby niece, Abby, my oldest niece Ali, and my gorgeous sister Megan! And Sunday we headed home. Made the full 13 1/2 hour drive that day! It flew by, but it honestly was the BEST Thanksgiving so far!

Ahhh home....time to relax right? NOPE! Once I returned home, school kicked into overdrive. All the classes have final assignments, tests, etc., all to get ready for our finals (which I should be studying for right now!). We also had Addison's Nutcracker ballet. Rehearsal Thursday evening and performances Saturday and Sunday. She did a wonderful job, and I couldn't be prouder of my little ballerina!

This week has been a little more relaxed, other than preparing for finals. I am taking one today and then have three next week. Addison's 11th birthday is tomorrow!!!! I cannot believe she is turning 11! Oh how the time flies! We also have Zak's company Christmas party on Saturday evening.

I always find myself wishing away my busy-ness - "Oh if I can just get through this one weekend, I can breathe again" but a wise woman informed me (Thanks Heather) that we should be enjoying our days, not wishing them away. Our days should be spent creating memories!!! Not going through motions without a second thought as to what you even did that day! That has been the biggest lesson for me in 2010 - that life is way too short and we are not always guaranteed tomorrow...why is it we take living for granted?

I found this quote, but I tweaked it into a prayer rather than a 'wish'... so I close with this prayer for everyone who reads this!


This is my prayer for you: I pray God comforts you on difficult days and that He smiles down on you when sadness intrudes. I pray He sends rainbows to follow the stormy clouds, laughter to kiss your lips, sunsets to warm your heart, hugs when spirits sag, beauty for your eyes to see, friendships to brighten your being, and I pray He gives you faith so that you can believe, confidence for when you doubt, courage to know yourself, patience to accept the truth, and love to complete your life!