Thankfulness, Joy, and be merry.....

Warning: this post is a little lengthy, but well worth it, and there is a card at the end.....

Yesterday was a bad day? Ever had one of those? I was so grumpy, I didn't even want to be around myself, it was ugly. But thankfully, I woke up this morning in a much better disposition. I think I will be able to handle being around myself today!

I know that we're past Thanksgiving, and quickly approaching Christmas, but I've really been thinking a lot lately about all the things I am thankful for and for all the blessings I have in my life. There have been a few things lately that have happened around me or to people I know, that has caused me to step back and really focus on the things that matter most in my life: my relationships with my family and friends. I am so grateful to be surrounded by people in my life who love me and graciously put up with me.

I don't know if y'all have heard about the terrible tragedy that occurred near where I live, where a man walked into a coffee shop and opened fire on some police who were there, leaving 4 officers dead, and 4 spouses and 9 children without their parents, husbands and wife. Losing a parent at a very young age as a child, my heart just breaks and goes out to these families, especially the children hit so hard by this devastating occurrence.

Another thing that has got me thinking lately is the situation surrounding my friend Kelley, she very recently discovered that she had cancer and underwent a radical surgery on Monday to eradicate it from her body. The reports have come back looking great, and I'm sure it is a huge relief to her and her family to have been able to catch the cancer so quickly. Many prayers were offered on her behalf and I'm know that had a huge bearing on what happened.

So why do I bring all these things up? I know I have kept this blog mostly light and fluffy, but there are certain things that I just felt prompted to share with all of you. Life is precious. You can never predict what life will hand you. Love your family. Tell each person in your life how much they mean to you. Hold your children (if they'll let you), and remember why it is you love them so much, even when they drive you crazy!!! Live each day as if it were your last. Don't leave important things unsaid to the people you care about the most.

Lastly, I just wanted to say how very thankful I am to live in this incredible country. I am so thankful for all of those who have gone before me and risked EVERYTHING to secure my freedom. I have family members and close friends who have or who are currently serving in our military, and for this I am truly grateful. I am thankful for the families who stand by and spend great amounts of time including holidays away from their loved ones, so that I might be allowed to celebrate and worship and enjoy the freedoms I take for granted so much.

I do have a card to share with you today, as well! This is one of the cards I had at card class last night. Again sorry for the yucky photography, hope y'all can see the card! I'm currently working on resolving these issues!!! I had some fun gift tags for everyone to make as well, but I'll post those later!

Thank you for those of you who have made it through this entire post, you deserve a medal!

Amanda