It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas

I couldn’t help it.  I decorated for Christmas this weekend.   The kid in me just couldn’t wait until next Friday.

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I know.  I’m early.  Thanksgiving hasn’t even happened yet.  But, in my defense, it is SO late this year.

So, I decorated.  And it made me happy.

I’m happy.

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All I need now are some gifts for under the tree.  It’s looking a little lonely.

 

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I have to say that my new TV stand looks beautiful with garland and lights on it.  ❤

 

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As I was decorating the tree last night, I came across some old ornaments that my Great Grandma Leora would make for the family.  I can remember sitting with her at the table, gluing and pinning each sequin and bead.   A labor of love.

 

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Finding these ornaments stirred up quite a few memories.   Something about the holidays brings a heavy sense of nostalgia. Growing up, I was blessed to have holidays filled with large family gatherings. I have such warm memories of Celebrations with my moms side, my dad’s side and of course at home with my mom, step-dad Dave and siblings.

Every year I’d see these ornaments tucked away in a box but passed them by for all my Harley ornaments.

Last night, I decided to put them on the tree.

They reminded me that Christmas isn’t about a theme. The holiday season is about family and friends. Its about celebrating the true reason for the season. It’s about reminiscing on Christmases past and celebrating the Christmases present.

It’s about making new memories and new traditions.

Finding these ornaments last night helped remind me of this.

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And, I can smile knowing that even though the holidays don’t look like they used to, they are still just as special.

Cheers to the start of a wonderful holiday season with family, friends and the making of new memories.

Thankful Tuesday

1. Today I am thankful for those who currently serve and those who have served.  Thank You.  

Thank You

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2. Today and everyday I am thankful for my mother.   Today is her Birthday! 

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM!

 

3. I am thankful for Eileen’s Cookies.  Did you know they are a requirement when celebrating something significant?   Monday I was able to meet up with my girl Sara for lunch to celebrate her last week in Corporate America.  She will be staying home with her two beautiful babies, helping care for her teenage stepdaughter and keeping her man in line.   😉

And she is starting up her own Grant Writing Business.  Southwest Iowa folks – if you are in need of a grant researcher/writer, please look her up here.

 

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4.  I am thankful for my almost finished living room! 

Painting, DONE!

Wall decorations, UP!

Furniture, IN PLACE!

Crown molding and trim is all that is left to do, however, that won’t happen until December/January, but I am pleased as punch the way it is for now!

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Panorama View.  See that yellowish blob in the bottom right?

That’s Sasha Dog walking.

Looks more like puke, ya?

Take note: objects in motion do not produce good panoramic photos.

 imageTake Note again:  Sasha looks as though she has three legs.   She doesn’t.  She has 4 last I checked.

 

5. I am thankful for early, snowy, icy mornings and a frantic husband.   Why would this be thankful worthy?  Because even at 2am, my husbands excitement/panic was contagious.  While he and his crew weren’t quite prepared for what mother nature dumped on us early, I can’t be mad at him for his obnoxious alarm clock, banging doors, running up and down the stairs and opening and closing the garage door… not once… but three times on his way out to his businesses.

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Let’s just say 2am and I became fast friends.   A few projects got completed.  And out the door at 4:30am I went to teach at the YMCA.  😉

Yep, still thankful.

 

6. Thankful for my YMCA family.  Three times today I was thankful for them!  

  1. My morning Insanity Crew came out to kick some serious Insanity ass this morning.  They didn’t let the weather hold them back.  Even had a few new ones.   NO EXCUSES!  BOOM!
  2. My YMCA boss, Carrie.  She deals with my random emails.   She served as my therapist today, even.  Pretty sure she doesn’t want in on that business.  Thanks, CARRIE!
  3. My afternoon TurboKick class.  I don’t know where these chicks came from today – but the 7 of you who made it to the early 4:45pm session – you rock!   We seriously had SO much FUN today.  *If you’ve never taken a Turbo class before, I am sorry.  You’re missing out on a good time.

 

And THAT, my friends, is your random Thankful Tuesday.

Thanks for reading! 

Cheers to Year 3!

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Happy Anniversary to the guy who makes my heart the happiest,

the one who gets me to smile the largest,

and the one who allows me to love the deepest.

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Cheers to many more years of love and laughter.

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Links to Our Wedding Recaps:

Our Harley Davidson Wedding Part One

Our Harley Davidson Wedding Part Two

Gonna Party Like It’s My Birthday

Fist Bump

 

Fist Bump, y’all!  

Today’s my Birthday!

 

Clearly, I knew what was up even back then.

 

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Thirty Four

Three Four

I don’t care how you say it or how you write it.  I freaking LOVE the thirties.   Life is good here.

Life.  Is.  Good.

Birthday’s have always been a big deal.   Ya, sure… it might be a little self absorbed, conceited and maybe a little self-loving of me to post about my own Birthday…

But hey!

It’s My Birthday.  I love Birthday’s.

And, if you gave me a crown – I’d probably wear it.

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My life began on August 29th, 1980.

 

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How gorgeous is my mom?  I mean come on!  She just gave birth!

 

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And my dad.

Thanks, mom and dad!   Happy Birthday to you, too!   Today marks a pretty significant day in your lives as well. 🙂

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I always remember my birthday’s being a pretty big display.

 

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And I loved all of it, of course.

 

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I was spoiled rotten.

 

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But, loved by many.

 

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I found quite a few Birthday pics from my childhood and teens and oh my.

The teenage years?  Oy.  The hair.  The clothing.  The glasses.

Ya, I’ll be saving those for a more significant milestone.  Like 40.   Or 50.  Or maybe never.

Until then, I am going to say:

CHEERS to 34!

 

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Can’t wait to see what it has in store.

 

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