Filled to the Full

Every so often we find ourselves overwhelmed by gratitude, amazement, humility, joy... and this weekend was no exception. Today still reflects these sentiments as my heart remains filled to the full.

To rest with the knowledge that love abounds and surrounds and enfolds, is to know that being lost isn't an option or a reality. It is love that validates and sets us free to be who we were oh, so beautifully created to be. It is the love that began with a father, who gave a small child, who then sacrificed everything, so that you and I may learn what it means to love, so that we may also love one another.

Christmas this year was beautiful. Even more than the gifts, it was the time spent with family and friends that has reminded me what it means to live in love every day... to give ourselves and our time more than just materials things. And to laugh and be filled with the joy of living in togetherness... this is what life is all about.

Thank you family and friends for reminding me how to love better.

Merry Christmas.

A little bit of craziness

• Life has been crazy busy this past week. At work, we had all our managers and MC's come into town. It was a lot of fun. But it has left me exhausted. Ok Monday, here we go.
• My work Christmas Party was this past Saturday. It was the best ever! We danced the night away... literally. I've never had so much fun with my coworkers before. Good job Northland!
• I love Christmas shopping. LOVE it. But, there's always going to be that one person who you can't seem to find the perfect gift for. Dad - no guarantees that you'll like whatever I end up getting you... because right now I basically have no ideas. Why are you so hard to shop for? Stop being soo practical.
• One of the best parts about the Christmas season is all the parties, dinners and celebrations with friends. I just LOVE it. It's totally a time to connect with the friends and family I love so much. It makes my heart oh so happy.
• And I'll leave you with this... I love the snow. I wish it would snow again soon. Like today. That's what I'm hoping for anyway.

Christmas Recap

This was one of the best christmas' I've ever had. So good! I think you'd feel the same way if...

• Despite the fact that you had to work on Christmas eve, your boss let you out at noon instead of four. Great way to start the festivities!
• You are SO proud of your 10 year old nephew for almost being able to beat you in ping pong... because let's be honest here... you're pretty darn good. So that means he's got to be pretty darn good himself. He's just got to work on his serves and his forehand.
• When laying by the fire, your four year old nephew grabs a pillow and starts cuddling with you - then, he looks up at you with the cutest puppy dog eyes ever and says.... "Auntie Dawn, I love you." Sigh. Doesn't that just make your heart melt?
• Before opening presents, your brother turns on the Sponge Bob Square Pants Christmas special, and yes, the entire family sings along to the song and then watches as Squidward's heart grows three times strong!
• Then after your other brother finishes making the BEST margaritas for everyone (sans nephews) you open presents with your family and watch as everyone's dreams come true... because, well, who wouldn't want Sorry Sliders?
• And when the little ones are taken home to await Santa's gifts in the morning, the rest of us have another margarita over a good ole' game of catch phrase... and Dad even plays!

It doesn't get any better than that friends.

Especially when the only negative experience is when you go for a run on Christmas afternoon after eating a ton of food in the last two days and you feel like you're going to throw everything up for the entire three miles, but you keep going because you're too stubborn to stop.

Ahhh, well, if that's the only bad Christmas happening... well, I'll take it!