Slowing Down

Call me old-fashioned, but I often wish that we could go back to the days when Sunday was considered a day of rest. Maybe most people still see Sundays as that, but I don't. I think people are often running around, trying to get things done that they can't during the week. I would love to have Sundays where no one worked, stores were closed, life was about going to church and spending time with family.

I don't think too many people would agree with me since we are in a 24/7 kind of society. But a girl can wish, can't she?

Twilight

Just got back from seeing Twilight with Jaime. Loved it! If you are a fan of the books, the movie stays pretty much on track with the book. (As an avid reader, nothing irritates me more than when the movie strays far from the book.) Even though this story is about vampires, I'm just a sucker (ha, ha) for anything with a captivating love story! And what can I say--Edward is a cutie. That Bella is a lucky girl...

Feel better Jaime!

I'm feeling Thankful

I treasure Thanksgiving because it is the one of the few times when the majority of my family can get together. We eat, we give thanks, we laugh, we eat, we pick on each other, we eat... I miss Thanksgiving at my grandma's house, but I am glad my mom has taken over the tradition of having it at her house. Although I miss the old tradition, I am so happy that we are making a new one and that my nephew Cole and neice Ava are able to have this tradition in their lives. I can't wait until Mike and I can introduce the Thanksgiving tradition to our kids.

So today I am especially thankful for..

**my family--as loud and goofy as we are, we have heaps of love for each other!

**Mike--the love of my life.

**Cami--my dog who never is disappointed to see me, and who insists that our bed is really hers.

**My friends--who make me laugh and have been a great source of support.

**My job--even as annoying as it can be sometimes, I am grateful to even have one.

**My home--while it's not our dream home, it's perfect for us right now.

**God--He loves me, walks with me so I won't ever be alone, has great plans for me, teaches me, and who's strength I lean on everyday.

I am blessed without a doubt.

It's Beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Yesterday was the perfect day to do my Christmas decorating. As I was sitting at my desk yesterday morning, the snow started to fly and accumulate pretty quickly. And for some reason, this made me smile! Maybe it was because I was feeling the Christmas spirit or maybe it was because I didn't have to worry about driving to work in the bad weather, but I was lovin' the snow!

I bundled up, scraped the snow off my car, and drove my happy self to Starbucks. I have been hearing some VERY good things about the Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate, and I was craving one badly. Sure enough, it does not dissapoint. It was heaven in a cup. You must try one! Today!

AFter getting home, I dug out all the Christmas decorations and cranked up the Christmas music. Yes, I am one of THOSE people. I love Christmas music--the silly songs to the spiritual ones. Know them and love them all. Here's a picture of the Marshalls Christmas tree....


I also picked up this:


I am finishing reading The Purpose Driven Life, and thought this would be a perfect read for this time of year.

Sleep

Maybe Im the only one who experiences this, but sometimes it's annoying and other times it can be a blessing! THE FACT THAT I CAN'T SLEEP PAST 9:00 A.M.
I worked a 10 hour shift yesterday, and when I got home after 1 in the morning, I wasn't quite ready to sleep. So I turned on Oprah, then got ready for bed, started reading my new Self magazine, and soon was feeling pretty tired. Which brings me to this morning. I pried open one eyelid to glance at my alarm clock, saw that it was 8:30, and tried to go back to sleep. TRIED. But it was too late. My brain was already awake and thinking of the things that I need to get done before I head into work today. My eyes were still so heavy and not ready to fully open, but my brain was laughing at the thought of attempting sleep again.

I don't think I've been able to sleep past 9 am in years. What in the world is this about?

Friends

"I think it's true what they say:
Life really is a journey-
and it's not always easy to know
which maps to trust
or what to pack for the trip.

But whatever the weather,
wherever the road leads,
I think the best possible
traveling advice would be this:
Bring a friend."
--Keely Chace

This was on a card given to me by my friend Cheryl yesterday. Cheryl and my friend Jeanie and I went for a girls day at the spa, then followed it up with an amazing dinner and a movie--The Secret Life of Bees (great movie, bring the tissues!).
These 2 ladies have been there for me when the road was incredibly rocky, and for that, I will always be grateful. Thanks for the wonderful day out, girls!!

Feeling like a kid again

Last night, my mom and I went to see Radio City's Christmas Spectacular. Grand Rapids was the first town to see the performance since they've taken it on the road, and it was really good. A little cheesy, but very good nontheless. I am all for corny when it comes to Christmas. I felt like a little kid again (well, except for the $6.50 cup of wine). The costumes were gorgeous, and the Rockettes were amazing. There is no way I could ever move like that. I only like to pretend I have some dancing skills!

Christmas Lists

I looovvve Christmas. It is by far my favorite holiday with Thanksgiving not too far behind. I love the decorations and I love buying gifts for the loved ones in my life.
I do not, however, love making my own Christmas list. It is like pulling teeth with me.

I talked to my sister-in-law Heather last week or so, and asked her what their family wanted for Christmas. She's not giving me any ideas until I send her my wish list. Uh... this threw me off, and I have been staring at a blank peice of paper for the past 3 days wondering what in the heck to put on there. I just feel bad about making a list of things that I want other people to buy me! I feel like I am being selfish.

Celebrating Tuesday

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JAIME!!! I wish you all of the best today and forever! I hope you have a wonderful birthday, and I miss you. Even though we don't see each other very often, please know you are still one of my dearest friends. I hope with our busy schedules we can get together soon.

_______________________________________________________________

This week at work has been a strange one, and things that normally would have driven me crazy and probably made me cry, haven't!! Not to mention, my good mood is still intact, and I am celebrating that I can overcome whatever life throws my way, even if it is a bad day at work!

Lunch with Laura

So today I had lunch with my good friend Laura, and it was nice to be able to sit and catch up. It seems harder all the time to get together with friends, especially as we grow our families and move to different places. I am so happy for the time we have together, whenever we can get it. I've known Laura since we were 16 years old, and today we took a walk down memory lane, talking about what life was like back when we were just teenagers and how our lives have changed. It's crazy to think how time goes by so fast!

Laura also got me these sweet plates! I love them... it makes me want to start decorating for Christmas already. I'm thinking of having Mike put up the Christmas tree this weekend. What can I say? I'm in the mood for Christmas!

Turning 30

Today I am turning the dreaded 3-OH (sorry about the last post--I think I alluded to the fact my birthday was Saturday, but it wasn't. But thanks for the early birthday wishes! They are much appreciated!).

I thought I would feel worse about it than I do. I've been dreading it for the past 2 years. After much discussion with my friends about not wanting to head into my 30's, I have concluded that it is what it is. I can't change that I am now 30. I can't go back in time and change my life. And I wouldn't want to anyway.

I am blessed in my life. I have a great family, an amazing husband, incredible friends, a roof over my head, an interesting job, and a God that loves me and never leaves me. What do I have to complain about? Nothing.

So what if I have kissed my 20s goodbye? They had their time, and I while I loved my 20s, I have hope that my 30s are going to be even better.

Moving on

Tomorrow was supposed to be my due date.

I was going to have the best 30th birthday gift ever.

And then I miscarried...

I had a moment last night while doing my Bible study. It was a moment of clarity, I guess you could say. I realized that I have been living these past months with one foot firmly planted in the past, and the other foot ready to take on the future. ANd the entire time I have been praying for God to help me. It became clear last night that God has been telling me it's time to move on, but I've been ignoring him. How can things get better if I won't let them? Sometimes I am my own worst enemy. Sometimes I get in my own way.

Well, I'm not going to stand in my own way anymore. I am moving on. Both feet are moving ahead, and I can't look back if I want to be happy.

I'll have another due date.

I'm going to have the best 30th birthday anyway (or did I mean 29, again?).

And then I lived....

Fall Cleaning

One of the blogs that I read is the Hyper Homemaker (see my blog list), and she has issued a Fall Cleaning Challenge, which I have decided to take on. Now, I clean all the time because frankly, my house needs it, especially with a dog running around. However, this cleaning challenge takes cleaning to a whole new level. Today I found myself cleaning things that probably haven't been cleaned since we moved in! Ok, not really, but you get the point. Cleaning is amazingly therapeutic!

The Election Blues

I am not ashamed to admit that I was really bummed last night, and still today, am feeling let down.

But...I believe that God has a plan. He knows what's best for us, even if we don't like it.

I'm choosing to believe God.

Ten on Tuesday

Since I have been a slacker with my blog lately, I thought I would do a Ten on Tuesday to get things rolling!

1.) I've been struggling with the decision to vote all week. I know, I know--it shouldn't even be a struggle. Yet, I have had a case of "my Vote Doesn't Matter Syndrome". I have been a McCain supporter from the get go, but these last days have made me feel like there is no point in voting since I believe that Obama is going to win. Nevertheless, I'll be taking my little self to the polls and will be casting my vote for McCain today.

2.) Ever since I switched management teams at work, my stress level has gone down considerably. I no longer dread going into work, and am actually looking forward to the Holidays! You could say I am in the Christmas spirit!

3.) Our dog Cami has taken over our bed. We never used to let her fall asleep with us. However, she would jump up on the bed in the middle of the night when we were too busy sleeping to kick her off. Now, she makes her way onto the bed before either of us even get into bed!

4.) Mike and I have been talking about getting a new tv for Christmas. We have a 36" now, and although it is still in great working condition, we are thinking about something bigger.

5.) I can't stop cleaning my house. It feels like a never-ending process. I could get the house totally clean, and then 2 days later, it needs to be clean again. Dust is my enemy!

6.) Even though it has been cold off and on here in Michigan, I am still rockin' the open toed heels to work. I don't want to retire them to my closet just yet. I'm not completely ready for the snow.

7.) I am on the hunt for a new book to read. I am finishing the last book in the Twilight series, and need to find something new to entertain me. Any suggestions?

8.) I need to scrapbook soon. I haven't scrapped in so long! Although my last scrap project was a success (I made a mini-book of inspirational quotes, Scripture verses, etc), I think I need to go back to my pics and work on those.

9.) Still haven't made it to the gym. Honestly, I haven't made the time. I always have a million other things I HAVE to do first. I am starting to wonder if I am ever going to go.

10.) Fav song of the week: Katy Perry's "Hot N' Cold." Every time that song comes on, I have to crank it up. People sitting next to me in traffic must love it.