Start of the Holiday's

I can't believe it is already Thanksgiving, but I am not complaining! I LOVE the Holiday season..all the joy, families, parties, gifts, food, cozy weather, movies- for me the list goes on and on.


Today, for Thanksgiving, I have been challenged to think of 12 nontraditional/cliche things I am thankful for. I had 24hours to think of them. It is so easy for us to simply thing family, friends, and health but how often do we really stop and search for things we are thankful for. I have accepted the challenge and my 12 things are:


1. Yasmeen who has taught me the true meaning of life & what it means to love someone more than yourself.
2. Every bad/hard moment this year that has strengthened my faith or perseverance.
3.The moon& stars and the sunrises&sunsets.
4. The ability to run
5. Sanae Shea, Traci Runge, and Nadia Saadi-Three amazing women who have taught me to be the best me
6.Zumba!
7. All the kids I babysit for, because they have each taught ME something important
8. Peace, freedom, and the protection our military gives us
9. The opportunity to receive a higher education
10. My two cultures that help me out of ignorance
11.
12.


My last two are still to come:) I challenge you to come up with 12 unique things to be thankful for as well.


This morning I am watching the famous and incredible Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. I love watching this each year the magical feeling of it and the way it really kicks off the holiday season. I can't wait to feast with my family tonight...good food and company always makes for a fun night.


Happy Thanksgiving to you all...be safe black Friday shoppers:)


Feasting, Family, Friends...


Dream Big
-xoxo-

A Single Step Can Change a Life

This evening I witnessed one of the most incredible things I have ever seen. Not a great dance on DWTS, not a beautiful Nebraska sunset, not a cheesy YouTube video, but something even GREATER- my niece's first steps by herself. Not only was it my niece's first steps, it was my first time watching an infant take their first steps. It's always in movies and always thought of as being "exciting", "cute", or a "milestone". However, today I learned it is such much more than that. It is exhilarating watching the determination of the child, it is happiness knowing that the child is growing so quickly, it is pride knowing you were the one to help her take her first steps independently. Tonight I witnessed life. I learned what a "moment" truly is. I learned that no matter how small, the littlest things in life might have the biggest rewards.  Of course she is only my niece, however I love her more than I ever imagined. I can only imagine the excitement to come with my own children (not anytime too soon, that is!).

"I will never let you fall, I'll stand up with you forever, I'll be there for you through it all...even if saving you sends me to heaven." - Your Guardian Angel lyrics

Kisses, hugs, and tickles, nothing beats a baby's giggle!

Dream Big
-xoxo-

19 with Big Dreams and Clueless Realities

       This past week I registered for my Spring semester of classes. With all the credit I have taken, I will graduate in 3 more semesters. THREE!!!! I always said I wanted to graduate in 3 to 3 1/2 years but I never imagined how quickly they would roll by. Now I am on my hunt for a GREAT school in a BIG CITY to continue on for my Master's Degree. But all at the same time I have that nagging thought of Is Speech and Language Pathology even for me!?
      Don't you see?! I have these big dreams of finishing school, moving out of the house, and becoming successful. I think KNOW they are possible but are they real? In a year and a half my niece, my love, my precious Bean, my oxygen, my everything, my little bundle that changed my life will ONLY be 2 1/2 years old. Will I be ready to leave her? Is California/New York going to be ALL I've dreamt it to be? Are these the things holding me back...or are they the motivation pushing me on?


       On top of that thought I have my forever, nagging parents, that for some crazy, neurotic reason think I must get married...NOW!! Don't get me wrong...I have my "fairytale wedding" all planned out, I WANT to get married. However I would prefer to do it on my OWN time, with my OWN man!


       Well now that I got that off my chest...there has been some good to life too!
This past weekend I became a Licensed Zumba Instructor. The 9 hour training was NOT what I expected. It was SO much MORE fun! The training was an INCREDIBLE experience...I met so many ladies, loved my instructor, and learned so much. I am excited to start this new adventured. But once again more decisions on where to teach, when to teach, and how often I have time to teach! There is a party coming..I just haven't exactly been invited!


"No one else can ever make your choices for you. Your choices are yours alone. They are as much a part of you as every breath you will take, every moment of your life.” - Dr. Chad H.
I guess I better start making some choices!


Choose Wisely...


Dream Big
-xoxo-