Things I love...

I love celebrating my husband's birthday and making him feel special. I have made a commitment to never let Thanksgiving overshadow or blend with his birthday. They are separate events and my husband deserves his very own day.

Thanksgiving isn't my favorite holiday, but I love cooking and sharing what I've made with others. I love getting dressed up and donning on some cute boots. I love being surrounded in a warm house with laughter and games. I missed holding babies and running around with my nephews and nieces this year, but I can look forward to the next holiday to get all that in.

I love leaving the Thanksgiving festivities in the cold and screaming because the trees look like people and the flag furiously blowing in the wind sounds like someone is running up behind you.

I love getting an hour of sleep before we bundle up and wait outside at 3am in front of Target just so we can get some good deals. I love being pressed up against my husband while he creates a slanket cocoon around us to protect us from the cold. I love hearing him laugh as we each have an earbud in our ears playing Dane Cook. I love the excitement that passes through everyone like electricity when the doors open. I love standing in line with very cheap movies, tv shows, presents, and a pillow. I love hopping from store to store in our pjs, going home with our loot, eating a quick breakfast and then climbing into bed exhausted, but very happy.

I love pulling out the tree decorations. I love shooing the kitties away while we decorate. I love plugging in the lights and curling up on the couch with hot chocolate and cinnamon rolls.

I love taking family pictures by the tree. I love sitting in my mother-in-law's kitchen eating tamales, shrimp, chips & queso, greek little snacky things and meatballs. I love staring at my sister-in-laws ceiling trying to find pictures of myself. It's a lot like looking at a "Where's Waldo" book!

I love Christmas shopping online for my husband. I love that his Christmas list only consists of four things because he "couldn't think of anything else". I love finding him lots of fun presents...most of which he didn't ask for.

I love that my Christmas party schedule is filling up. I love that I'm planning one for the first time. I love how Christmas is coming up very fast.

Well...I think that's enough "love" for now... :-)