'Tis the Season...

...to be "Mary".."well, that's my name". Ahh...Gotta love it. Christmas Vacation - the movie, that is - on TBS and every other cable movie channel at any time of day. It is one of those movies that makes me laugh hysterically, quote lines for two hours straight and feel confident that my family is not high on the dysfunctional chart. I watched it on Saturday night with my dad as we helped my mom wrap presents. It's a beaut, Clark.

...to be chubby. HELLO COOKIES! My waist line is succumbing to the never-ending pile of cookies that seem to procreate during the night on top of my stove. I have them in baggies, in tins, on plates & in tubs. I have gone to THREE cookie bakes in the last week & a half. All fun - don't get me wrong - girlfriends & cookie dough = one heck of a time. HOWEVER, my will power is getting less & less as the days continue. I was finally able to fill baggies for my favorite gals at work and my amazing neighbors. God bless them for taking them out of my hands - literally!

...to be grateful. I have SO MUCH. An AMAZING family. Such wonderful friends. A GREAT job with loyal & kind co-workers. And the most thoughtful and sensitive boyfriend a girl could dream of. This time of year is hard for me...I often reflect on those that aren't alive to share the beautiful holiday with me and it makes me sad. THIS YEAR, I am trying to be THANKFUL...making conscious efforts daily. So, thank YOU. Thank you for your support & love.

...to be at peace. On Christmas Day, it will be one full year since I lost my sweet little man, Spencer. It's been one heck of a year, to say the least. But I made it. For my family & friends that have supported me through the most difficult time in my entire life, I cannot thank you enough. Your kindness will forever be deeply imbedded in my heart with appreciation.

I wish you all a very "Mary", Chubby, Grateful and Peaceful Christmas. Sending love to each of you & your families. See you in the NEW year! I think it's going to be a good one!

I didn't keep my promise...

I'm sorry! :)

However, today, I felt like throwing a few lines down.

I found this pic today - from when John & I were in Belize this summer. How gorgeous is that view? And the man isn't too shabby either!! :)
It's re-dic out. Seriously. I almost fell over from a gust of wind this morning. And if wind can knock ME over, I really feel for all of those mothers that are pushing strollers in Target parking lot as they try to finish their Christmas shopping today. People - STAY INSIDE. Get cozy. Get some hot chocolate & your snuggie. DO IT!

December is FLYING by and that's fine by me. Lots of parties and fun cookie bakes are filling up my planner. That just means that Christmas will be here before we know it. Anyone doing anything super duper fun this year? I'm looking forward to doing the splitsville holiday 24 hour scramble from John's family to my family and back to John's family. It gets hectic but so worth it & lots of fun. His family is great and I couldn't be more blessed with everyone that we are going to be seeing this year.

Hoping December is treating you right. It's already a third gone. Soak it up! Santa's sleigh is probably getting it's final rinse as we speak. YAY!