'Tis the REASON.....

I'm going to try not to be too wordy on this one but I have some thoughts...surprising I know! So I ventured to the mall on Saturday, much to my dismay, in an attempt to finish my Christmas shopping. As I approached the exit I was feeling good..listening to my new 'Foo Fighters' CD (the second disc is mostly acoustic and fantastic) feeling relaxed UNTIL I looked further up the ramp and saw the traffic backed all the way up to 390. Luckily I know some back roads so traffic was no longer much of an issue for me. I zipped throught the busied streets to get from store to store, landing myself at the mall. This is where I seemed to run astray. It was at this moment..after buying myself an outfit at Ann Taylor Loft ..don't tell Matt! :) that I started the realize what a mess Christmas has become. Instead of writing a whole friggin' entry about my frustrations, here are some of the reasons I am truly going to thank God for Christmas this year. Cheesey, I know, but I encourage everyone to make a similar list, follow suite...you can even put it in the comment section...to help us remember the REAL reason we go through all this to buy each other "perfect gift"...I think we will see that we all already have the perfect gift. -I am grateful for the little miracle that sleeps in the next room. My life is forever transformed because I have met her. I am grateful for her beautiful soul and all the things she teaches me. -I am grateful for my friends...my dear friends who live far away and those who live close by. Lisa, Dawn, Holly, Nikki...they are the light of my life and I adore each of them wholey. My dear friends at work and those from school...ALL my friends! -I am grateful for the love in my life...no not Dave Matthews...it's Matthew David. Anyone who can live with me deserves the world! -Of course my family! I cherish my brother, my Dad and my Mom. Especially this Christmas with the addition of Ella, I realize the power of a family and the lasting strength that it creates. -My "in-law" family!!!! Not only did I get Matt but I got a generous, funny, loving extended family in them...and the sister I never had!!! :) There are so many other things like the colors the sky creates when the sun sets in the summer, the smell of fresh ocean air, the sound of my daughters belly laugh...etc. BUT I think we have to remember what Christmas is to each of us...for me it's about taking inventory of my blessings and loving each of them completely. It is thanking God for life, love and the spirits of those around me. I have said it before but life is beautiful. ...I think I should have written this 'grateful' speech at Thanksgiving...