Wrapfest

I feel as though I've wrapped 7,483,290,483,274,032,784,932 gifts today, and somehow I'm still not close to done.  There is Christmas shrapnel covering every flat surface in the baby's room.  I don't know where we're going to store all this stuff next year when there's actually a baby in the baby's room.  And to top off the never ending holiday to-do list, Shannon was put on bed rest to keep her blood pressure down.  Sucks for her and for me both.  I'm handling all these final preparations solo.  Elves don't get paid enough...

Blessings

It's natural this time of year to want to slow down and count all the blessings in our lives, to give thanks for all that is good and right in our worlds.  I thought I knew what all my blessings were.  I try hard to be grateful for the many, many gifts I have, a continue to receive, each day. 

And then I sent out my Christmas cards and a letter to my extended family.  After nearly a decade, I decided it was time to share what's really going on in my life, who Shannon really is to me, and that we're starting our family.  I didn't know how the news would go over, but I definitely never expected the outpouring of love and congratulations and excitement and joy that we have been flooded with this past week.  Even a few colleagues at work, with whom I am *very* hesitant to share personal details, have put two and two together, and come to me to offer love and support.  I never knew I was surrounded by so many amazing, open-hearted people. 

I never knew I had this much to be thankful for.  I am so, so overwhelming blessed.

Today

I am thrilled to wish my father a Happy 80th Birthday!

I am excited to go see my niece's holiday orchestra concert.

I am proud of this. Can't wait to start digging into it with pictures this weekend!

Advent Cone Calendar

Just a quick repost from Oh Dee Doh.  Such a simple, sweet idea, and a fun way to showcase all your favorite holiday papers!