Thankful

Sitting here watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in my pajamas, as I have every year since I was little. The house smells like turkey and fresh baked bread. The sun is shining, and all the damp leaves are twinkling on the ground. I am inspired and thinking about how thankful I am for so many things. I thought I should share the things that come to mind first.

• I am thankful for my parents and the home they allow me to share with them. (I'm pretty thankful that Mom is cooking right now too 'cause I'm getting hungry!)
• I am thankful for my jobs, as busy as they keep me. I would also like to note that I am VERY thankful that neither of these jobs are in retail, as i see the commercial advertising the crazy hours that stores are opening today and tomorrow. 
• I am thankful for my new puppy, Stitch, even though she is barking through the entire parade. I miss Olivia everyday, but I am thankful to have adopted a baby girl that needs a family to love her. 
• I am thankful for my friends and all the experiences that I have been blessed to share with them.

One of my favorite floats in the parade

I love Thanksgiving! I know Thanksgiving in our culture marks the beginning of Christmas. I like to stop and actually enjoy Thanksgiving for what it is before moving on to the next holiday. Thanksgiving, to me, is a day to stay home with my family, watch the parade, eat too much delicious food, play games, watch movies, lay in the floor and look at all the Black Friday sale papers, play with the puppy, and take a nap in there somewhere. Also, today is a day to be thankful for my freedom and the blessings that God has given me. I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving wherever you are. Just want you to know that I am thankful to you...for reading my blog. Happy Turkey Day!

Crazy Dreams

Fail. It is Tuesday, and I usually figure out my song of the week on Monday. I have a good excuse though. Really. My good friend, Savannah, left for China on Friday for at least a year. I got an email from her last night, so instead of posting a song at nearly midnight like I usually do, I wrote her back. Provided the situation, I figure this week's song should be inspired by her. 

Savannah's last night in the USA

I am really in awe of Savannah. It was her dream to go to China for a year and teach English. She didn't give up until she made it happen. I don't know that I'm that brave - to pick my life and move to a foreign country where I don't know anyone, leaving my family, friends, and everything I am familiar with behind, not speaking the native language. When Savannah told us (our close group of friends) that she wanted to move to China, we all thought it was just crazy. We couldn't wrap our minds around her dream. I am truly happy for her that she has the opportunity to pursue it, but of course I miss her. (Savannah is writing a blog about her experience in China. Once she gets it set up, I'll link you to it!) I'm still trying to figure out my dreams and how to get there. If Savannah can do it, I can too. Thank God even crazy dreams come true! 

"Crazy Dreams"

Carrie Underwood

Hello you long-shots, you dark horse runners,
Hair brush singers, dash-board drummers,
Hello you wild magnolias, just waiting to bloom.
There's a little bit of all that inside of me and you,
Thank God even crazy dreams come true.

I've stood at the bottom of some walls

I thought I couldn't climb.
I felt like Cinderella at the ball, just running out of time.
So I know how it feels to be afraid, 

and think that it's all gonna slip away
Hold on, Hold on.

Here's to you free souls, you fire-fly chasers.
Tree climbers, porch swingers, air guitar players.
Here's to you fearless dancers,

shaking walls in your bedrooms
There's a lot of wonder left inside of me and you,
Thank God even crazy dreams come true.

Never let a bad day be enough, 

to go and talk you into giving up.
Sometimes everybody feels like you.

I've met some go-getters, some difference makers.
Small town heros, and big chance takers.
I've met some young hearts with something to prove.

Here's to you long-shots, you dark horse runners
Hair brush singers, dash-board drummers
Here's to you wild magnolias, just waiting to bloom.
There's a little bit of all that inside of me and you.

Thank God even crazy dreams come true.

A Summer Wedding

While the island was one highlight of my summer, it has not been the only one. What is summertime without a wedding? I know I am way behind on posting this because the wedding actually happened before I even went to Martha's Vineyard. Anyways, better late than never! 

I had the honor of being a bridesmaid for the first time this summer for my good friends Tara and Jake. It was a beautiful wedding, and I really enjoyed being a part of their special day. Now for some pictures...

Rehearsal dinner with the bride and Maid of Honor

My beautiful bouquet

The first dance as husband and wife

Shannon & me

Me, Tara, & Shannon

Leaving the reception

Just Married