Good morning.

How do you start your day?
My mornings usually consist of me snoozing until the last possible second, getting ready in sort of an organized panic, throwing some food out for the dogs, grabbing random food items for my lunch, and rushing out the door hoping that I don't forget anything important.

My mornings are a ball of stress. And for what? A few minutes of extra sleep? That's pathetic. Today I tried something a little different...

Interaction.

As I've mentioned many times before, I am really thankful for blogging and how easy it now is to stay connected. And let's face it, blogging is really fun! Even if you don't write blogs, you probably enjoy reading them {And I feel I can safely assume this because you are reading this blog right now...}

I've been amazed with how many people I have met through blogging, usually being connected through a 'friend of a friend's blog page. I just love hearing other people's stories and views on life. This thought made me wonder how many of you ended up on my page that way, through a 'friend of a friend' or even just randomly. Lately I've noticed my little visitor counter at the bottom of my page ticking away and am honestly baffled by how many people care enough to read my blog.

So here's my thought... I would LOVE if everyone who reads my blog would post a comment at the end of this post. Whether I know you or whether you are a 'friend of a friend', it would be really encouraging to me for you to say a quick hello. If you want to, put a link to your blog so I can follow you too! Even if you prefer to remain a Busy Thoughts anonymous reader, just post a simple "Hey I read your blog -Anonymous".
Ok, everybody in? Oh and on a side note, whenever someone leaves a comment from now on, I will always try to write back. That way there will be more interaction and not so much of a one-way conversation on your part. Much more fun :) Anyways, thanks for reading! Hope you'll say hello!

Go spread the good news!

Being that we are a Christian-based company, my work loves taking the opportunity to send out a Christmas card reminding all our clients and vendors of the real reason for the season. Today we sent out the following card that one of our graphic designers created. I think it's awesome!

Blog yearbooks.

I've always wished I was good at keeping a diary. Growing up I tried multiple times a year to start keeping some sort of journal of my life but it never lasted more than a week. I wish so much now that I could have such a detailed look back at my years growing up.

When I started my blog one year ago {almost exactly} I figured that it would be another failed journal attempt. And it definitely did take me a while to keep up with it, but the important part is that I did. I kept writing and the more I did, the more I loved it. Now blogging is just a fun outlet for my thoughts and its hard to even go a day without posting. I found a really cool website the other day that will convert blogs {including photos} into a book...

✔ Check.

My Christmas shopping is complete!
I got on a roll with some online shopping today and wah-lah, I'm done :) I've never done online shopping before but living out here in small town USA it seemed like my best alternative. And wow, I found some really great deals!

I am especially excited about the gifts I got for Jake. He never, EVER says he wants anything so I usually have the hardest time shopping for him. He usually ends up with something practical and not necessarily exciting. Well, not this year! I have hit the jackpot and thought up 2 major things he is going to love. One is wrapped and under the tree {and as you can see, it's gigantic and takes up the entire bottom of the tree} and the other is on its way! I can hardly wait to see him open them.

Saturday To Do List

✔ Christmas shopping

✔ Address Christmas cards

    Clean the house {well....}

Because of my Christmas tasks, I didn't exactly get around to all of those fun household chores {no surprise there really} but that's alright. Jake has to fly all day tomorrow and I will have no excuse not to clean.


As for tonight, I've got a lineup of Christmas movies, starting with The Santa Clause!  
Oh yeah, have I mentioned that I ♥ the Holidays?