It's the most wonderful time of the year...and I can't believe it's already upon us again!! Can you? It's freezing outside, I can tell you that. The annoying thing is that i know it will only get colder. But I don't really mind it because I happen to like an excuse to wear boots. ;) Anyway, despite the cold, I truly love this time of year. The joy, the spirit, the remembrance, the victory, the mercy and the love. It's all wrapped up and combined in one big beautiful package this time of year!! Like I was commenting to my Mom earlier this week, Christmas is also a WONDERFUL time to share the gospel. It's our chance to show those in the world the TRUE meaning of Christmas!! How exciting is that??

"Somedays we forget
To look around us
Somedays we can't see
The joy that surrounds us
So caught up inside ourselves
We take when we should give..."

I hope everyone had a fabulous Thanksgiving. I know I did. I just sit here thinking of all the things I'm thankful for and so many things come to mind...

Clean crisp air. That goofy little snort William does when he thinks something is hilarious. Emma, wrapping her arms around me and telling me she's so glad I'm her sister. Sitting in my Mom's lap. Those songs that come on Pandora that you can dance to. The foot heater in the car. The SEAT heater in the car. People who make me laugh. Those brave men sacrificing their comfort and lives for our freedom. The ability to laugh at myself. A certain man who's helping me learn so many things. My Dad and how I can always go to him with questions. Big hoodies that I can cuddle up in. Those cute half smiles. My sheep slippers. My family. My friends. Hugs. Jesus Christ, the Lover of my Soul. He didn't have to save me - but He chose to anyway. I am thankful for that most of all.

*deep breath*

So have y'all started shopping yet? Or finished shopping? We went out on Black Friday...it was QUITE an adventure. We went last year at around 1 in the afternoon and discovered that most of the sales ended at noon so this year we decided that we'd go out earlier. As a result, we got up at 4:30 am and were out of the house by five! We got lots of Christmas shopping done and saved a bunch of money. But mostly Mom, Melissa and I just enjoyed spending time together! Who cares about the sore feet and the tired heads - we were having a girls day out and loving it! :)

We also set up the tree yesterday. It looks beaaaautiful.

"Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Make the Yule-tide gay.
From now on our troubles will be miles away."

Have a wonderful Holiday season, y'all!