Worthwhile.

Working with the kids I work with can be very taxing and frustrating. But, it's worthwhile. I realize that it's worth it to drive from work to Walmart at 8:00 pm, and then back to work, to get one of my kids headphones and batteries for a cd player that could possibly help ease some of his anxiety,

even if he still hates me tomorrow...which he probably will.

The Christmas Season

I'm looking forward to hanging out with my fam on Christmas Day and exchanging gifts after we share a taco dinner! Turkey is out for the next few holidays I think, due to the sickness of November 2008. My poor sister and her puking. I don't mind skipping the turkey for awhile, it's never really been my favorite. The stuffing on the other hand, I don't want to leave that out for too long. It's just soo good.

I love Christmas music, especially the Elf Soundtrack and Harry Connick Jr. The other day I was driving home from work and suddenly realized, "Good grief, it's December, I need to break out the Christmas jams!" That's not exactly what I said, but you get the point. I promptly pulled over into a parking lot and dug out my Starbucks Christmas mix...I couldn't find my other standbys in the cd case.

I've yet to buy any gifts and it's December 13 already. This is not abnormal. I'll scurry around next week at Target getting presents.

I was inspired by Mike and I's friend and Young Adult Pastor, Bryan, to be creative about gifts this year and focus on making them relational. His example was giving coffee to a parent and writing a note on it, saying, "Only you and me can drink this coffee together when we sit and talk."

Wiley is currently growling at me. Not out of aggression of course, but probably because he wants me to get out of my bed and play with him...or because he has to go to the bathroom. One of those. The thing is, Mike already took him to the park. He is a stinker - Wiley, not Mike.

I'll leave you with this. Rock on Christmas!

This was fun.

Manda and Victoria meet!

Holding my friend/niece, sporting my morning emo hair.

Michael, sporting the really ugly Christmas sweater he found at Goodwill, now regretting that he didn't buy it.

Bridesmaids, along with the Bride, striking a pose.

Love those Conrads. And now there's another one!

Natalie asked Mike, "Why do you have stamps on your arms?"

Liz bought her first home! I got to see it when Mike and I had our whirlwind visit in IL.

There's much more to report, but lately I've been slacking and my schedule has been jam packed. I'm excited for Sydney's first Christmas and spending more time with my fam.