I’m still totally and completely mystified that it’s December. HOW.did.this.happen??

How can it be the end of the year already?

How can it be Christmas in a few short weeks?

Have you finished your Holiday shopping (says me, who has only just started…)

How about your Holiday card? (Says me who has.not.ordered.hers.yet. Agggghhh!)

And how can it be possible that in 3-1/2 months I will be a mother to a 3 year old, 2 year old, and 1 year old???

HOW? I ask you!?!!?? HOW?!

Well, the only thing I can tell you with complete certainty is that time flies, so you better hang on or it will pass you by and you’ll wonder what just happened to your life.  My suggestion to myself and to you, take this month to look back over the year (your brain will most likely be foggy ~ mine is basically shot, so I’m depending on photos). Look at what you’ve done and feel good about the amazing year you have had. Even if there were up and down moments, we all have them. But 3 things to remember:

1. If you fall off your horse, get back on.
2. Everyone should be able to “paddle their own canoe” (as told by Franklin).
3. And your family & friends are the most important people in your life. If you do nothing else make time for them.

I was reminded of this the day after Thanksgiving. My mother-in-law arranged a “Picnic in the Park” day with all the local and visiting family. It was a wonderful way to wrap up the holiday, enjoy the outdoors, and truly be thankful for the family we have. Going into this holiday season, I think that’s the best tip that I can give you. To really enjoy your time. TIME is a gift we can all give to each other, it is the most precious of the gifts. So don’t stress over the perfect gift to purchase, the price tag or the luxury ~ maybe just plan some time together. You will give the gift of memories to hold for a lifetime!

How else could you enjoy “helping” your younger cousin down the slide?

Or playing with your older cousin?

Or shake, rattle and rolling?

Or swinging with your sister?

Or crusin’ with the cousins?

Or teaching your sister to play baseball?

Or your cousin?

Or  your dad by hitting the ball 4 times in a row. He knows for sure you’re his daughter now!

Or all crowd around the picnic table?

And play with your aunt and baby sister?

Or just take a lazy afternoon nap??

Yep family love is good.

We should all be so lucky!

So this Holiday Season, enjoy your Littles, your family, and your friends. They make life worth being here for!

Happy Holidays! XXOO