Christmas Crazy

This year I have literally waited till the last minute to do all my Christmas shopping, and let me tell you it was not a good idea. The malls are NUTS right now, every crazy person like me is out, and it just makes for a bad time. Not only did I wait till the last minute, I am also having the worst time brainstorming things to get everyone. Surprisingly enough the only person that I am completely done shopping for is my mom! And let me just tell you that is a major accomplishment. She is literally the hardest person ever to shop for (sorry mom!!!). So while you are laughing at all those crazy people shopping last minute, just remember I am in that crowd!

I was talking the other day with someone I know, and they were talking about planning time this weekend to go to the galleria and watch all the mass chaos. I looked at them and laughed, and said "HA. Good one!" thinking they have got to be kidding. Man was I wrong... They looked at me and said "I am not kidding, every year I do it and I absolutely love it. I am already done with my shopping by then, so all I have to do is watch and laugh!" To me that is still complete torture... I would never want to waste time driving all the way down there, look for a parking spot and then fighting the crowds just to people watch. That is what you call "Christmas Crazy" to me!

The holiday time is so busy around our house! We have my brothers birthday (tomorrow), Christmas, and then my sisters birthday in January (the 12th). This time of year is full of celebration and presents here at The Coleman house. And while it is tons of fun to celebrate for a long period of time, it is also extremely tiring. Come middle of January and I am completely worn out.

I am pretty sure Houston is going "Christmas Crazy" right now with this weather!!! I hate that it is in the 70's and 80's in December. It surely brings down the joy of Christmas. I love nothing more than to be snuggled up in PJS, drinking hot coco and watching a hallmark movie. And though we are still able to do that, it just isn't the same when you are still having to use the air conditioner. I am hoping and praying that by Christmas Day it will be in at least the 50's! But I am not holding my breath!

Tomorrow I have offered to volunteer at an elementary school in Spring with my best friend. We will be making individual ginger bread houses with 25 1st graders!!!!! I am not too sure what I am getting myself into. I hope I make it out alive, and not needing hearing aids. I even took the time tonight to paint my nails red to get into the holiday spirit for this little Christmas party. Nothing better than some red sparkly nails done by yours truly!

I am thinking by the end of January I just might need a vacation! So book me a trip, get someone to take notes for me in school, find someone to watch my little babes, and I will be out of here in no time!!!

Here's to being "Christmas Crazy!"

XOXOXO,

Maggie 

Always Catching Up!

It seems to be that this has become more of a “catch up” blog than anything else. I am finding that time is slipping away from me faster and faster each day. I am always on the go, which leads to no time for blogging. I am sad that I am not able to spend more time blogging, but I at the same time I am thankful that I am able to stay busy and feel perfectly content. Whether I am working, going to school, hanging out with friends and family or just simple sitting down to catch my breath, I am able to find the joy in it all. I love busyness and stillness just about the same, and I feel like I have the best of both worlds when it comes to both of those things.

Last Tuesday I finished my third semester of college. It was a pretty dreadful semester to say the least, and I was more than happy to get it over with. The week prior I spent hours upon hours studying and trying to make sure I was well prepared for each exam. With that though came tiredness. A tiredness that my body had never quite felt before. I was completely worn out. Everyday I reminded myself that Tuesday December 9^th would come faster than I thought, and it did just that.

The last couple days of freedom have been so enjoyable. I feel so refreshed already, and it’s only been a couple days, I can’t even imagine how refreshed I will be at the end of my break. The season is my absolute favorite! I love the joy, love and pure generosity that is spread all around. But there is one thing that often goes unnoticed and it’s that not every person is able to feel that love and generosity like all the others. Some people feel the need to put a mask on to so that no one can see the pain and suffering they are going through. No one should have to feel that they can’t express how they are feeling at any given moment. We are all human and we have have bad days, weeks, months and even years. It’s totally normal and everyone should accept it. We are all dirty, maybe not on the outside where everyone can see, but on the inside. We all have dirt that fills up parts of our heart and life, and that is ok.

Together we can make a difference though, we can show the true reason for the season. It’s not all about the presents and the perfect life. It’s about being humble and expressing our love for our Lord and Savior. This time of year might be busy, but it is never busy enough to not be able to be a kind and generous person. And it is most definitely never too busy for us to not be able to spend time with our Lord and Savior.

So whether you are suffering or full of joy this holiday season, make sure you know that it’s okay to express whatever feelings you are feeling. There is not one single person that lives a perfect life. As always, I encourage any and all of my readers to take that extra minute and pray for others, and compliment a stranger when the time seems right. You might be that one person that truly shows they are loved and do not go unnoticed.

Like I said earlier whether busy or not, I am beyond blessed for the glorious life and time I am given!

XOXOXO,

Maggie