hustle and bustle.

It's always interesting getting back in the swing of things after a holiday or after a couple days of exciting activity, both have a way of throwing a curve ball at your normal routine. Well, these past few days of mine, I've been playing catch up. I've started ordering Christmas gifts, I've written letters I was behind on writing, I've watched baby girl master the art of waving, I've re-introduced myself to my Christmas playlist, I've begged the Mr. for five more minutes of sleep every single morning, and I've began putting the finishing touches on this little book of mine - Alleluia!

Sometimes we need a break from a break, or a vacation after a vacation, but for many of us, we can't always indulge in such a treat...so, when the alarm clock goes off the next morning {or in our case, when baby girl wakes up}  it's go time once again, back to the hustle and bustle of every day demands.

One of the common characteristics of the Christmas season is how busy we all seem to get...so much to do, so little time, and it always seems to go by way too fast. Well, with December being only one day away, I'm on a mission to try to make it last a little longer, stretch the Season a little more, embrace it now because it's already here, and hold on tight so the real meaning of Christmas isn't lost amidst all the hustle and bustle. I already feel behind, seeing that our Christmas tree isn't even decorated yet {totally jealous of all you, day-after-Thanksgiving tree decorators}, but hopefully our tree will be done soon. Until then, I'm fighting baby girl's little hustle and bustle-self, since she always seems to have something new to do, as she's in the process of discovering any and all uncharted territories worth exploring.

baby girl's, hustle and bustle face.

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thank you, Love.

Thanksgiving gives us an excuse to thank our loved ones and our Maker for all that we are grateful for, even though, when it comes to gratitude, an excuse is never necessary.

When we count all the little things, which are really the biggest things of all, our thank you list is never ending. But, when I think of what I'm most grateful for, there seems to be a common denominator, Love. And I mean...the real deal, the good stuff, the kind not sold in stores.

When it comes to love, we cannot be fooled, because like with anything authentic, luxurious, and desirable, cheap imitations are produced in mass quantities. But when it comes to love, the cheap stuff will never compare in longevity, quality, and sparkle. So, this year, especially, I'm most thankful for my inheritance of a Love that is true, a Love that is real, a Love that is forgiving, a Love that is fruitful, a Love that is sacrificial, a Love that is patient, a Love that is forever, and a Love that is unwavering - and all the incredible people in my life that I share this kind of authentic Love with, because just like one of the world's finest gems, a girl's best friend, a diamond - nothing shines like the real thing.

I pray your Thanksgiving filled your hearts with as much sincere gratitude, as it filled your bellies with yummy deliciousness. And just because Thanksgiving Day is over when the leftovers are through, our gratitude never has to end. So, thank you, Love, you alone are greater than life.

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never enough.

There's never enough candles,
for all our birthday wishes.
But, we mustn't focus on the flames
that our birthday blow misses.

For even if we caught one light,
that's one wish now come true.
We must give thanks for all we have
and appreciate the beauty from our view.

Thanksgiving week reminds us
to be grateful for our lives.
So, start a little early this year,
embrace the season before it arrives.

Start sharing thankful words,
give more than you receive.
For, there's never enough time
to say, "thank you," "I love you," or "I believe."

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