Winter

It is officially here.

Winter is screaming our names from all directions this evening as the whistling wind is breezing a cold chill through our apartment as we watch our naked trees dance with its blows. The heat is cranked tonight, baby girl is warm in her crib decked out in footie jammies and covered with warm blankies, and Jake and I just finished watching the football game..both in slippers & covered with our down comforter. Mother nature spit her first flurries of snow this afternoon, and I walked through the parking lot at work with chattering lips and a bright red nose.

It is currently 30 degrees outside, quite the dramatic temperature drop from the mid 40 -50's of last week. It came quick this year, the blistering winter cold. Can't say I was quite prepared for it, guess its time to break out my least favorite device of the season: the ice scraper.

I'm kind of at a loss of words tonight, not too much to talk about. Besides the fact that I came home with over whelming love for Abby this evening for some reason. Of course I always love her, but tonight I just couldn't get enough of her. Bedtime was depressing for once & I can't wait to be home with her all day long tomorrow. Lots of love to come.

Goodnight for now.

Happy Birthday to My Man!

Four years ago today Jake and I were celebrating his 18th birthday. Our first time as a couple celebrating his big day. We didn't do too much, I'm sure we went to dinner but I can't remember for the life of me what I got for him. We had only been together about 6 months then, and I never would had guessed that 4 years later I'd still be with him, celebrating his 22nd with his little girl on my hip. So crazy how life works its self out.

We didn't do too much today either. For some reason, two years in a row now..his work/school night has fallen on his birthday. Which mean he leaves for work at 4am and gets home around 8pm. Makes for a long day, especially on his birthday. Lucky for him, his instructor this year shares the same birthday as him..and he got to come home a couple hours early :D

I already gave him his big present last weekend, a new hunting tree stand. I gave it to him early for the big trip he was supposed to be going on that weekend. So tonight we had freshly made brownies awaiting him and some cute cards from Abby and I, along with a little LED flashlight key chain thing. A little gadget I picked up and figured he would love, and I was correct! We got Texas Roadhouse carry-out for dinner (his favorite) and cuddled up on the couch after Abby was in bed and watched a movie. He picked The Expendables, total guy movie. Wasn't too bad though.

He took off work tomorrow and is pretty much celebrating then. He is going hunting tomorrow morning & evening, later we are having cake at his mom's and then putting Abby to bed there and having a bonfire with some family and friends. I'm excited!

Happy Birthday Jacob Michael! I love you more & more each and every year we spend together. I hope your day was special and that you get that big deer you've been waiting for all season tomorrow! I love you!

Moving.

Our lease at our current apartment will be up in March. March seems far away, but it really is not. Its already right around the corner. December will fly by with Christmas, then we just have to get through January and February, then the first spring month will be hitting us. Meaning that Jake and I have been thinking/talking a lot about living situations lately. Its exciting! We don't want to stay here, so we will definitely be moving some place new. We are very much hoping to buy if we can find something decent in our price range. Ideally, we'd find a cute little house in our hometown and move back down closer to family and friends. Not that we're super far away or anything, but going from walking distance to a 10-15 minute drive seems like a pretty significant distance.

Realistically? We still have no idea where the hell we are headed, lol. Pasadena (our hometown) is so expensive, and anything in our price range for the most part is pretty much crap.

We have talked about moving out of state lots of times. West Virginia or Pennsylvania would be our choices if we were to do so. In either of those states, we could get a cute and nice house with a little bit of land, with a mortgage less than our rent is in Maryland in a two bedroom apartment. The downside is the distance. Neither states are more than an hour away, and are actually closer to Jake's work. But, we would have to put Abby in daycare and I would probably have to find work out that way which I really wouldn't want to do. Moving out of state is probably a no go. Its fun to think about, though.

We would love to move to the eastern shore of Maryland. My Dad's side of the family lives out that way, and it's an absolute adorable beach town. Southern and relaxing. Its cheaper, but I have herd that its close to impossible to find a house in that area, since its SO small and everyone wants to live there. Its also over the bay bridge, which costs a toll to get through. Which I think would be a pain in the ass considering we'd probably have to cross it every day.

I tried to convince Jake to look into Middle River, Maryland with me. Its the nicer part of Baltimore County, and that's where my friend Nicole lives. They have a ton of nice town homes that are cheap, and that we could afford to buy. The school systems over that way are horrible, but it would only be a temporary thing until Jake finishes school, which will be long before Abby starts Kindergarten. However, Jake is determined to stay away from the city completely. He is not a city boy at all. Which is understandable, but I don't think its that bad. I wouldn't ever want to raise a family there, but while were young and just starting out..who cares! Plus it is SUPER close to my work and not far from his either. I think I still might have some convincing to do!

& The last place we have seriously considered, is Carroll County. Its about 40 minutes from where we live now, close to Jake's work, and not unbearably far from mine, and not far from family at all. Jake's Dad lives there, and its where Jake grew up. Its nice, its country..and its probably the most realistic option for us as far as I can see (for now). We both have always loved it there, it has great school systems, and is a good place to raise a family. Its at the higher end of our price range, but we can still afford it.

Who the heck knows where we will end up. But, its stressing me out! Its gonna be here before I blink and we have no idea what we are going to do yet. I guess after Christmas is over we need to really start looking.

Right now..it is 3pm and I have lots to get done before 8pm when Jake gets home from school. It is his Birthday and I am SO excited to celebrate it with him! I will be back with a new post about that later I'm sure! Happy Birthday Jake..I love you!

5 Faves

I saw this on Amanda's blog. Thought it seemed interesting, so I wanted in on the fun! :D

1. Food

Chicken Gyros. Freaking amazing. Last week sometime my co-workers and I ordered out from this little place and I have been obsessed ever since. They are delicious! If any of you are ever in good ol' Dundalk, Maryland..make sure you stop by this little carry out shop. It make look like your average pizza joint, but looks are deceiving :)

2. Fashion

The leather jacket that I'm wearing in the photo above. I snatched it at Papaya for $25 and it was one of the greatest investments I've gotten in quite awhile! I feel like it goes with every shirt I own. It instantly dresses up a simple outfit. I am OBSESSED! You will be seeing plenty more of that bad boy in the winter months to come!

3. Beauty

Victoria's Secret bronzer. I went shopping for a new bronzer/blush a few months back, with me loosing my great summer tan and all. I wanted something that still added some color to my face, but matched better with a winter tone. This was perfect! It still adds a little glow on my cheeks, but without making me look orange. I love it. I would highly recommended it to my other pale skinned friends out there!

4. Home

My Christmas decorations. Call me cliche all you'd like. You know me and my holidays, and the fact that it looks like Santa pretty much threw up all over my apartment makes me happier than you could ever imagine. And no, that picture is not from our apartment. *Sigh* Someday I will have a fire place to hang stocking from.

5. Technology

Pandora. This website was introduced to me a couple years back by an old friend, and I always liked it..but never really started using it on a regular basis until recently. My laptop is always open with it playing. This is how it works - You basically make an account, and then make one (or two, or fifty) stations consisting of your favorite artist or song. Say your in a Lady Gaga kind of mood, you'd click "create new station" and type in "Lady Gaga" or "Bad Romance" and it will play all songs similar to her kind of music, and some of her songs too. Its awesome! One of the greatest inventions ever. Thats a snip it of my own Pandora. My stations currently consist of: Shimmer - Fuel radio, Joshua Radin radio, Wheels on the Bus radio, Billy Currington radio, Lady Gaga radio, Taylor Swift radio, Jason Aldean radio, and Matchbox Twenty radio. Matchbox 20 probably being my favorite and most played. Go check it out!!

Kidney Infections & Lazy Days

Well, I ended up in the emergency room last night, what fun! I got diagnosed with a UTI at Right Time Medical Care Monday night, and was told if I spiked a fever within 24 hours than to be seen again. Despite the anti biotic's they prescribed me, I started feeling like crap again at work last night. My co-worked checked my temp, and it was 102! It was already 8pm, and me being the worry wart that I am was convinced that my UTI had gotten into my kidneys and into my blood stream and that I was going to go into septic shock and die. I decided this could NOT wait until morning and that I must leave work and get to the ER as soon as possible. I called my mom in complete sobs on my way there. I felt like I was 10 years old. Come to think of it, I probably shouldn't have even been driving. I was having severe pain in my back, causing me to arch back the whole drive, I could barely talk I was crying so hard, I had a blazing fever, and I had been dizzy for about three hours. Ha, good thing I survived.

Anyways..I arrived at the hospital and still had a temp and a high heart rate (probably because I had pretty much just had a panic attack in the car) they sent me right back to get blood work and another urine test. Turns out, it actually had been a kidney infection and not a urinary tract. I needed a couple courses of IV anti biotic's and then was able to go back to by mouth medications and got to go home around midnight.

My wonderful Aunt Sandy came and stayed with me the whole time! Apparently my mom was a little worried after talking to me & called her to see if she'd come up and check things out. Thank goodness for her, not only did she make me feel better..but she kept me company & I can't even remember the last time her and I had more than 30 minutes to ourselves to talk. How is 4 hours alone in the emergency room together for catching up, Aunt San!?

Per doctor's orders - I stayed home from work today. Supposedly, I need "a day to relax and let the medicine work". Whatever, I've felt great ever since they gave me the IV medication! However, I'm not going to complain about having an extra day this week to sit home & relax with my little one.

Not only did we relax, we were total bums! She slept in until about 10am and woke up, I gave her a bath because she peed up to her neck (literally) and then we had breakfast. She brought me a bottle shortly after with blankie in hand. Well, its worth a shot I thought. I changed her sheets & laid her down nice and fresh with a warm ba. I laid down in bed, figuring she'd drink the bottle and want to hop back up. 3 hours later..I shot up & rolled over to check the time, 1pm! That little girl had went back to sleep until noon. I was scared at first and rushed into her room thinking that I'd fallen asleep and she'd choked to death on something..but nope! She was sitting up all bright eye'd and bushy tailed, obviously just woken up as well. Needless to say, it was AMAZING to be able to basically sleep in until afternoon time. I literally can not tell you the last time that had happened!

We both rolled into the kitchen & opened the blinds to find that there was about an inch of rain on the ground. No wonder we were so sleepy! I was pretty alarmed when I herd a bang at my door next, and even more so when I looked through our peep hole and found that it had been covered! (still forgot to check why that was) I yelled "Who is it!?" and out comes a familiar voice "Britt!? It's Meme..open up!!!" Apparently word had gotten through the family pretty quickly about my hospital stay last night, and Meme being the Grandmother that she is just had to come check on me to make sure I was alive and well, soup in hand. I opened the door and she rushed in, hood up and covered in rain. "Brittany! I was just here! I was knocking for 15 minutes!!" She had come while we were napping, I guess. She went on to say "Oh I was just so worried! I was sitting in my car and was convinced that you had been passed out from being sick and that Abby was alone and screaming! I was this close to going to the neighbors and making them call 911 so that they could come in and see what was going on!" If you knew my Grandmother, this is OH so typical. I laughed and gave her a hug. Abby waddled over all "Meme? Meme? Meme!?" and she was soon calmed down. She stayed and had lunch with us, and visited with Jake for a little while when he got home from work. We enjoyed having her!

We continued the laziness through out the day. We lounged around the house in our sweat pants and Jake took a nap on the couch while Abby and I played and read books. I swear, anytime I leave this kid to go do something else..and come to check on her, she is on her knees in her room paging through a book. She is the only baby I have ever met that doesn't want to tear them apart. She is gentle and has never ruined a one. Maybe she will be an author!? Or just a book work like her mama.

I attempted to make peanut butter cookies tonight. A recipe that I could perfect at 14, but not 20 apparently. They had no taste to them. They tasted like nothing. I can't figure out what I did wrong or what was missing? Oh well. My first batch of cookies of this season, scraped into the trashcan. First of many, I'm sure!

Bedtime for Abby rolled around and Jake and I curled up on the couch and watched our first holiday film this year - How the Grinch stole Christmas! One of my favorites, for sure.

& With that said, I almost forgot! I put out our Christmas decorations today!! The few that we have, that is. I'd say it looks pretty good for my first year of collections! Jake says we can get our tree next week. SO exciting. Pictures to come very soon, my memory card is currently at Jackie's house.

More Christmas fun, you ask? Abby learned how to say Santa! Only she calls him, Ho-ho :D When Meme stopped by today she brought along "The Night Before Christmas" for Abby. She always used to read it to me as a little girl, it was our favorite book to read together. It was fun to be able to read it to Abby and teach her about Santa Claus! Exciting.

Okay well I am finally headed off to bed. Jake's birthday is tomorrow. Lots of festivities to come.

Holiday Cards

Holiday greetings are one of my favorite parts of the Christmas season. Actually, I love greetings in general. We were going to send some out for the harvest season, but just never really got around to it. My mom uses them as decorations around her house every year and the idea is adorable! Anyways, I think we are going to use Shutterfly for our holiday cards this season. I had ordered a calendar for Jake for fathers day and I was super pleased with their services and website. Shutterfly has a huge selection of greetings this year, you should check them out! I really like this one: http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/cards-stationery/holiday-love-sketch-christmas-5x7-folded-card?sortType=1&storeNode=93491

But you can check out all of their holiday cards here: http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/cards-stationery/holiday-love-sketch-christmas-5x7-folded-card?sortType=1&storeNode=93491

We will send cards out to all of our closest friends and family and I am SO excited to finally send out our first family Christmas greetings. We are getting photos professionally taken next week, so I think I will add them to the cards and send them sometime in the next two weeks or so! Would any of you like a card from us? Send me your address! I'll be happy to send more :D

Since I'm so high on this greeting card thing, I think we might send out New Years cards as well. You can find Shutterfly's collection here: http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/new-years-cards/new-years-cards

You want to know whats even greater about Shutterfly, besides their awesome collection of Holiday cards this year? Bloggers get 50 free holiday cards this season. Learn more: http://bit.ly/sfly2010

Happy late Thanksgiving & Lots of updates

*I started to write this blog post the day afterThanksgiving, but life has been overwhelming busy since I had to shut the laptop Thanksgiving night to tend to my little girl. Prepare for lots of updates & a super long post!*

Well, its that time of year again. Today..people are running around every where trying to find the biggest sales of the year & stocking up on their Christmas presents. There is a breezy chill going through my apartment, the coffee pot is on, and Jake's bags are packed for his annual hunting trip. There is left over turkey & stuffing in the fridge, and holiday music is humming from every corner shop. Some people are in the holiday spirit, and others plan to linger in their house until spring arrives.

Regardless what your doing today - Happy Holidays! They are officially here and ready to hit us with the hustle and bustle of the winter season. Are you ready? Its getting close...

Thanksgiving was a good day yesterday. Stop one was my Granny's in southern Maryland. It was a small gathering, just my mom and brother, Aunt and her family, and my uncle's father. Regardless, we chowed down on tons of turkey & stuffing..poured gravy our mashed potatoes & clinked our wine glasses before we ate & after prayer. We laughed over funny memories (such as the ones where my Aunt would drive my cousin and I around in her old clunker van through the neighborhoods at her old house with our little hands waving hot dogs out the window, trying to lure in her crazy dog that would always escape) and cried over sad ones. My Granny did her dishes over the sink and smiled to herself listening to our conversations. Men watched football in the living room..its the same ordeal every single year. But, for some reason, it never gets old.

Abby was a joy. She is so busy and just wanted to get into everything. It was okay, we let her. She helped Granny sweep after dinner :p At one point, she had disappeared. I panicked for two seconds until I checked in the playroom, and found her on her knees playing some bowling game with the kids. She is getting so big.

Second stop was Jake's mom's house. We had a second round of yummy food and Abby played with all of her big cousins. She tries to hard to be one of the "big kids"..its so cute. All in all, our Thanksgiving Day was great. Abby had a blast, we had good food, good laughs, and got caught up with Family. Happy very, very late Thanksgiving all! I sure have a lot to be thankful for this year, I hope that you all do as well :)

Black Friday was an interesting day for us, to say the least..and we didn't even go shopping! We met Jake's sisters at the mall that morning around 11am to get Christmas pictures done of the kids. It started off disastrous, but got better. I swear, my little girl is the sweetest, most outgoing, funny, and lovable baby..but, the second you put a ton of attention to her..she will cry and scream for her Mama. I think she gets that from me. I obviously don't cry and scream for my mom, but I very much dislike being the center of attention. I hate getting up in front of class, I hate having all eyes on me..so I totally know how she feels! She pouted her lip out as soon as the photographers started trying to get everyone to smile. It wasn't long before the tears started streaming and she was crying for me. Would I be a mean Mommy to say that the first couple shots of her with her pouty face are absolutely adorable? Regardless, they got some toys to distract her and the rest of the photo shoot when pretty well. I'm happy with the results :)

After that, Abby when home with Dada to take a nap (it had been a late night & a no nap day, the day before..it being Thanksgiving and all) and I headed to work to pick up my check and do some grocery shopping. I scooped up my Brother for some visiting in the process. How is it that I walk into Shoppers planing to get one thing and spend $80? Happens every single freaking time. I have horrible self discipline.

After shopping, my brother and I went back to my apartment just to find out from Jake that Abby had refused a nap the whole time I was gone. Lovely. I didn't have time to attempt, we had to go to my aunts for Thanksgiving round two! :)

That was a great time, as it always is. Its impossible not to have a blast with my Aunt, Grandmother, and Mom. Abby finally took a nap in my Aunt's room, which was exciting because I actually got to really enjoy some Thanksgiving food :D On the real Thanksgiving, I was feeding and chasing my toddler :p While Abby was napping & the grown ups were sitting around the table gossiping, some little cousin of mine decided it would be funny to prank call 911. Needless to say, the cops showed up. To sum it up, all the boys got in huge trouble, my uncle's veins were pretty much pulsating out of his neck he was so angry, and the cop gave all six boys a good talking to. I can't help but say..it was pretty exciting, ha ha.

Afternoon turned into evening, and evening turned into night, and night turned into really freaking late. I have no idea why, but every single time I go over my aunt's for a visit it is SO hard to leave! I get to the point where I really want to go, and am ready for bed, and Abby is exhausted..but the thought of going home is so exhausting that I put it off for hours on end. It's ONLY at her house! My mom goes through the same thing with her. I came to the conclusion that her house is so welcoming and she makes us feel so "at home" when we are there that we almost feel like we ARE home. & She has a really freaking awesome electric blanket that makes it impossible to move once you cuddle up with it. That thing should come with a warning sign.

Abby was practically begging me to go to bed. I had already bathed her and jammied her there, and I gave her a warm baba and she was running into the living room and laying her head on all the pillows and closing her eyes for 2 minutes, and then getting back up and playing lol. She was happy, just obviously very, very sleepy. That finally did me in a little after midnight, we finally ventured home.

Saturday was another adventure. FYI to all of you others & to me next year - THE BLACK FRIDAY MADNESS DOES NOT END ON BLACK FRIDAY!! Jackie and I took a trip to the mall with Abby, and it was a zoo. Complete disaster. Lines were forever long and people were assholes. It was crazy! & Didn't help that Abby had a super late night the night before, and was working on no nap again. A couple little meltdowns here and there..but, with some mama loving, some god-mama loving, some snacks, and some juice we were able to manage her. She was doing this high pitched scream..not a cry, just a scream. People were giving me dirty looks. Finally I was like "YES people, this is my daughter, and she is screaming, she is fine, she is just annoyed that she's been in the stroller for over an hour, MIND YOUR BUSINESS!" Grr! But, on a happier note..I got a super cute new leather Jacket for $20 that I am now obsessed with! That was about the only good thing that came out of our little shopping spree.

Jackie and I had plans with our friend Whitney for her birthday that evening, and we made plans with some old friends later that night. Abby was going to spend some time with my Aunt again so that I could go out and relax a bit. But, because she was so sleepy and grumpy..I told my Aunt to give me a couple hours. I took her home in hopes of letting her get a little nap before I dropped her off. I snuggled her, read to her, and laid her down with a warm baba. Did it work? Nope. She finished her ba and was up and at 'em again. It did cheer her up though.

I dropped her off with my Aunt around 6pm. She was in her glory, she loves that house just as much as her Mama does :) I kissed my Aunt and snuck out while Abby was playing with my cousin. She had a good time with her great auntie and her cousins!

Jackie and I were running a smidge behind schedule..so we kind of rushed to her house to get ready. We arrive, and her power is out! The whole block. We spent 20 minutes trying to find her clothes/makeup with a freaking lighter. For the love of god, can her or I ever make plans without having an adventure? I'm starting to seriously doubt it.

that is her younger sister Lexi, who I love almost as much as Jackie and looks just like her :p

We finally got her stuff together & headed back to my place to get ready. We skipped showers and rushed, arrived to Whitney's birthday dinner 15 minutes late but we did it. We looked cute and they waited for us!

We ate at Cheeseburger in Paradise and it was delicious!

After dinner, Christina and Michelle had to head home, but Whitney ventured to the party with me, Jackie, and Nicole!

I was so excited to have her there with us. She has been one of my best friends since junior high, and I don't get to see too much of her these days. I love you, Whit!

The plan was to go to my old manager's house. He used to throw huge parties back in 2008 when I was single and wild. A few of us talked about it & decided we'd get together for a little reunion. I have to say, it was definitely different and we have all really changed. I couldn't help but feeling like something was missing while I was there, but I'm not sure what it was. Maybe my boyfriend or daughter? None the less, it was a good time. I've missed them all and sometimes, I seriously freaking miss being a waitress at Pizza Hut.

Then

Now

We sat around and played 3 man, just like old times. It got us all tipsy, just like old times. I got to see my old manager Aeryk (pronounced - Eric! Interesting eh) who used to cashier with me on Thursday nights & would always force me to give all my carry out tips to the cooks. I got to see Dan, my old pizza delivery guy friend..who once fit my tiny little self into a pizza carry out bag..and carried me outside in it, against my will. We got to laugh about that and other great times together that night. I got to see Tyrone, my cook friend who I used to absolutely adore! He is so sweet and so funny and I was super excited to laugh and catch up with him! I got to spend some time with Becka who I still freaking love! She was my waitressing buddy and I miss working with her so much!

& Of course I always have tons of fun spending time with Jackie and Nicole. But their friendship has carried on past the Pizza Hut days, thank goodness. Not too sure what I'd do without either of them!

Even though we have all moved on and done different things with our lives, it felt like a little family reunion. I used to party, work, hang out, shop, sleep (not sexually..haha. we just had lots of sleepovers!) and everything else with these people the whole summer of 2008. I still love them all with all of my heart. I wish that I could venture back to 2008 where everything was wild and crazy and care free for just one night...but, that can't happen. We are all grown up now :)

It was a great time. Here are a few more pictures to prove it.

:)

Sunday morning I was up bright and early to go get my little girl. As I have always said, and always will..no matter how much fun I have the night before, nothing quite compares to coming home to this little face.

I felt pretty crappy all morning. I had some serious back pain. I figured I was pretty much running on empty from lack of sleep and having been out drinking the night before, I get crampy and stuff when I don't get enough sleep..I'm weird.

We were pretty lazy. But hey, that's what Sunday's are for right? Jake was gone hunting most of the day, but Abby and I had fun. We snuggled in bed and napped together, read books (her absolute new favorite thing) and took a long and steamy bubble bath together. Once Jake got home we made some spaghetti for dinner and little Abby called it a night around 7pm, a very early night for her.

Around 8 is when my back started to hurt really bad. It had gotten bad around dinner time, but it got to the point of almost being unbearable. I took some Tylenol and called it a night. Woke up again this morning around 4am with a throbbing back and head. Took a bath hoping the heat would help, popped some more Tylenol, and hopped back in bed. Woke up with Abby around 10:30am (thank you my sweet baby girl, for letting Mama sleep in when she didn't feel well!) and continued to feel like crap through out the day. Our power went out for some reason, so Abby and I went to my mom's to take our baths and showers. She gave me some Advil, which helped for a little while. I did a quick run through at the dollar store and Jake and I did some Christmas shopping at Toy r us :)

During shopping the pain started to get ready bad again. This time it was accompanied by a pounding headache. I had been having some urinary symptoms the past few days, so I figured I'd better make an appointment at some sort of urgent care clinic. I get back into the exam room, get my vitals taken. My blood pressure is high, my heart right is high, and my temp is 101.6. Lovely. Apparently I have some sort of an infection. They are treating me for a urinary tract infection, but it could still be a kidney infection with the back pain and fever and all. They started me on two anti biotics and want me to monitor my temperature and symptoms for 24 hours and if nothing is better than I need to be seen again. To get treated for a kidney infection, I guess.

*Sigh* This would happen the night before I have to go back to work after having 4 days off. They gave me a doctors note and advised me to stay home, but I really can't miss anymore work right now..especially with the holidays being so close. I'm just going to show up & tell them whats up, maybe they will send me home. We shall see.

Phew! I totally feel better now. I really love all of you who actually read all of this! When I don't update my blog and I have a lot going on..its like a stress ball on my shoulders. When I finally update, I feel better! Its like breathing in a gush of fresh air when I hit "publish post" :)

Before I go..I'd just like to ask one favor of all of you. A close friend of mine lost her father unexpectedly over the Holiday. Please, take some time and say a little prayer for her. We all have so much to be thankful for. Life is so short and we never know what tomorrow could bring. Go hug and kiss some family members tonight, tell them that you love them.

Goodnight, everyone.