Thankful...

Most people posted what they were thankful for at Thanksgiving this year. I, however, was feeling a little down this Thanksgiving, and just couldn't bring myself to do it. In light of all the tragedy that has occurred since Thanksgiving, both to strangers & close friends, I feel quite guilty about not being thankful that day. About not being thankful every day.

So, as I sit here this Christmas eve, waiting for my husband to get off work to start our holiday festivities, I am thankful. Truly thankful.

We have a tree. A real Christmas tree. A tree that my husband, my mom, my dad and I drove to pick out especially for us.

On the tree are many beautiful ornaments. Ornaments that my husband and I picked out last year, on our first married Christmas together. A few special ornaments that have been hand-painted and hand made by close friends and family.

Under the tree, there are gifts. Lots of gifts. Gifts that my husband and I have money to pay for. Gifts that I hope will bring a smile to many faces.

Around the tree, tomorrow morning, will be everyone who means the most to me. Mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, mother-in-law, father-in-law, husband, brother & brother's girlfriend and Sophie.

Today, I am thankful. I will not focus on what I don't yet have or what I want. I will be thankful for these things and more.

Merry Christmas Y'all!

Twelve Twelve Twelve

Let's go with the theme of the day here...

Twelve happenings:

1- I am SO ready for Christmas break. Even though it isn't even a full two weeks this year, it's more than most people get and I am so very thankful for that!

2- This week at work has been crazy.
     Long hours + anxious students + exhausted teachers = CRAZY

3- I am flying off to Buffalo Friday morning bright & early with mom. We are going just long enough to scoop up my grandma & grandpa and bring them back for Christmas. Love it!

4- D and I picked out our Christmas tree last weekend and it is over 10 feet tall! It sure does look good in our house with our super tall ceilings. I love Christmas.

5- Speaking of Christmas, all of my Christmas shopping is complete!

6- I have LOTS of exciting things going on for friends right now. New jobs, babies, pregnancies, graduations, weddings & engagements to name a few. Pretty exciting stuff :)

7- I really hope the world doesn't end on December 21st. My fingers are crossed ;)

8- Brother and his girlfriend are coming home in just about a week and half. Twice in one month's time is a record here lately.

9- We are obsessed (along with the rest of America) with the following TV shows : Duck Dynasty, The Challenge on MTV, and my newest interest: Gold Rush (I still haven't admitted that one to D).

10- The Christmas cards are rolling in nightly and I am loving every second of it.

11- There are a few special things on my Christmas list this year- Hoping Santa gets it all!

12- As always, I am constantly being reminded of the amazing friends and family in my life. So, So, So lucky.

That's it.

A few pictures from our search for the perfect tree...

Dad found the tree he wanted right away!

My handsome hubby measuring some trees

Picture by our tree 

(Excuse the shadow here. We are far from professionals)

Love this guy 

Mom & Dad with their tree