Calm before the storm....

I've told friends when I've mentioned this blog, that I don't use it to run on about my feelings, but on this rainy Sunday, eve before I go back to work and just on the edge of the next three weeks, I can't help but admit, this time of year always make me feel a little depressed. I'm making a great effort not to get caught up in all the stress this year and to enjoy the memories that make this time of year (and everyday) so special. I've been inspired by the blogs I follow daily, especially Ali Edwards who creates something called a "December Daily" for this time of year. Well, it's too late for me to keep one probably for this year, but if I did, I'd say ours actually starts just before the 1st of December. Here are some photos I might keep in a DD that capture just a moment or two of our busy days during this crazy, wonderful, hectic and beautiful time of year.

Wednesday, November 26th:the day before Thanksgiving, the girls helped me make the traditional pumpkin pie. Also keeping to tradition, the girls never had a bite. Good! More for Scott and I.

Thursday, Thanksgiving Day! McKenna's place was set and she said the blessing for us. No photos available, but guests at our table were my mom and her husband :)


Thursday, we also got to visit with many other loved ones at Aunt Ellen's house. (Skip to here for other family photos. ) Jeremy was able to visit after just returning home from his 3rd tour in Iraq. Here is a photo op with his two sisters. I loved this picture.

Friday, November 28th, meant another tradition - shopping! It was about 4 years ago that Andrea joined our shopping tradition, and this year McKenna did as well. Here she assumes the proper "shopper's walk"!

Friday, McKenna also got to have the all too brief, but oh so important visit with Santa!

Saturday, November 29th, I had to be back at work by 7:00 am, for what I hope doesn't become tradition, to hang a student art show. Just as we were leaving the newspaper photographer asked if there was a student present with their art in this show....what, are you kidding? I just happen to have her right here! Hopefully, her picture will make the paper.

Saturday evening, we made it to EPCOT for a revisited favorite tradition to see and hear the Candlelight Processional, beautiful.

And finally, Sunday, November 30th, we got to put the tree up complete with our traditional Disney's monorail instead of a train!

Photos compliments of McKenna!

Okay, three weeks to go until Christmas break, 6 days until Christmas day after that....it's gonna be busy, and I probably won't get to post much. I'll continue to try to enjoy the moments and not stress about money, cleaning, what has to be wrapped and if my kids are happy. It's like that song says, "you're gonna miss this", so I'm going to do my best to enjoy it before it's gone.

Peace.