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I ordered our holiday cards this week and have already received an email saying that they have been reviewed and are ready to ship...I couldn't decide which card and photo combo to use this year so I asked the preschooler which she liked best and her response..."I like them both". They are both so completely different so I decided to order some of each. And so, as I'm waiting with baited breath for them to arrive so that I can hold them in my hot little hand...I started thinking...I bet those people that work at those holiday card places like Tiny Prints, Shutterfly, Minted, Pinhole Press, etc. must have the most fun this time of year aside from the hustle and bustle of this probably being their busiest season. Can you just imagine getting to see everyones best photos and designs? I mean, I get so excited to just get one holiday card in the mail...I would be in heaven spying in on everyones life for a moment...living vicariously through them, going skiing with them, to the beach, sailing (cause we all know how much I love that!), camping, ect. Who cares if they are strangers. Every year when we go to the my in-laws house for the holidays, I look forward to perusing the big basket that holds all of their holiday cards they've received. I know very few of the people but still really enjoy looking. Imagine this on a much larger scale and getting paid for it! Maybe I should consider a career change!
p.s. I love this holiday card display idea (pictured above)! I'm always at a loss for how to display holiday cards...this would be perfect! I also have a friend that does a medium size foil (silver) tree and punches holes in the cards, adds pretty ribbon and hangs all the cards on her "card tree"! Love that idea too!
image credit: me oh my
So, a funny thing happened this morning. Today...on the eve of Thanksgiving, when people are beginning to get into that frenzied state of mind, shopping, cooking, general holiday craziness...I was swept off my feet by a stranger's generosity and kindness. I had dropped the preschooler off at school and headed to Starbucks to commence sitting in the holiday line that ensues when they have all their fall/winter coffee flavors and and no one is working. As I sat behind the biggest, shiniest, black Mercedes that I've ever seen, admiring the swankiness of it...the elitism of the Rollins College tag (look it up...it's a good one) the driver slowly pulled forward, forward still...I placed my order for a bacon gouda breakfast sandwich and a grande coffee. Still inching forward the man in the car of my dreams pulled away from the window...now it was my turn to pay and get my items. When I arrived at the window the girl told me..."the man in front of you paid for yours". As I looked up...searching for the shiniest car ever...he drove away. I didn't even have a chance to give him a wave of thanks. I can't really describe to you the feeling of such selflessness. Yes, it was only an 8 dollar purchase but from a complete stranger makes it seem like a million dollar purchase. It gives you hope...hope that more people will be nice, especially during the holidays. I'm thankful for the man and the car and the Rollins tag that paid it forward today...putting a smile on my face and warming my heart more than any coffee could ever do!
Today, I am thankful for my girlfriends who are always there for me...you know who you are! I'm thankful for my 5 very best friends that I've had since college...we talk every single day via email. We laugh together, cry together, and know every detail of each other's life...especially the in-law parts. We have been together since 1993 and never miss a beat. We can go forever without seeing each other (though we prefer not to) but as soon as we're together we pick right up where we last stopped. They have been an unending source of inspiration, support, and devotion. I would do anything for any one of them. They are the best friends a girl could ever have! Hands down!
p.s. kinda like these girls!
image credit: isaboo designs
I can't believe last week got away from me so quickly that I didn't even post my Thankful Thursday post! So, here it is...on Monday...
I am thankful for my family. I am so lucky to have such a wonderful family that loves and supports me no matter what. My sweet girl lights up mine and the husband's life every single day. I'm thankful for my parents and sister and for the husband's parents and his brother and their family who are all so loving. I'm thankful for all of our extended family and the fact that we spend as much time together as possible...laughing, having fun, and catching up. I can't imagine life without them!
image credit: isaboo designs
Just thinking about some things...maybe it's the chilly mornings but for some reason I'm having this craving to crawl in bed with the preschooler in the mornings. Actually, I find myself wanting to sleep with her at night too. Also, every time I pick her up now I'm reminded that she isn't little anymore...soon, I'll no longer be able to grab her up in a moments notice. Granted, there will always be that "super mom strength" for the scary-don't-fall-moments, but I'm talking about just the ease of picking her up for a hug or a kiss or simply because I want to carry her. It makes me sad but at the same time I'm so excited for the little lady she's becoming.
And so, in preparing my thoughts for her bedroom makeover, which was promised when we moved to our new house and also because she's kind of outgrown her toddler bed, I'm faced with a decision of whether or not to get her a twin bed or a full size. The twin bed would be so cute and allow more actual space in her room for toys and for her to play...but, the full size would give her room to stretch her legs, grow, and let her Mama sleep with her! When I asked her what she preferred she of course was thrilled with the idea of me sleeping with her...the Husband, not so much. Or, maybe it's that I'm completely smitten with the bed we've I've picked out for her room (see above). It comes in both twin and full size. I have until Christmas to decide...big or small??
image credit: Land of Nod
November! I can't believe it's already here! Seems we were just getting the sand out of our shoes from the beach and now it's chilly and time to think about the holidays and turkey and hot soup! For the month of November I'm going to replace "Thursday's things" with a new segment..."Thankful Thursdays". I'll highlight things that I'm especially thankful for. It's good to make these lists from time to time to put things in your life in perspective. We get so caught up in our day to day activities and duties that I know I often find myself forgetting what's most important.
And so, today...November 1st...
I am thankful for a washing machine and dryer that are not in a dark, musty basement. (Sometimes, it's the little things). I lived with my laundry in the basement for 10 years. I despised going down there to do it and lugging it up and down the 13 stairs back and forth, back and forth. Now, in our new house it's right in the hallway...down from our bedrooms. It is life changing!
So, here's a little challenge...take a moment to think and write down one thing you are thankful for. You can do it daily or on Thursdays like me. You can share them here in the comments each week or you can keep them to yourself, whatever you wish. But, at the end of November...you'll have a great little list of pick-me-ups that will help you slog through the hectic holiday season and the winter blues. You'll be able to remember at a moments notice the important things...things that make you smile.
image credit: Isaboo Designs
