Thankgiving Break...Here I Come!

Ahhh, Thanksgiving.  The holidays have officially begun! 


My evening class was cancelled and I don't think I could have been more thankful about this!  I finished up my shift at work, went home and decided to turn on "Norah Jones Holiday" station on Pandora and decorate the apartment!  The apartment now sparkles with reds, greens, golds and flickering cinnomon and spice candles!  The only thing it is missing is the smell of sugar cookies - which will come on Wednesday when I bake them for the Butters' side Thanksgiving dinner.  I will, however, bake pumpkin bread tonight to take to work tomorrow.

Everything about this time of year makes me happy.  It's the time of year when all of us, no matter how old, can act like a kid again.  It's the time of year when goodwill comes alive. (Although I wish this would happen all year 'round - why do we have to wait for Christmas time to show kindness to others?)  It's the time of year when, no matter how cold it is outside, our hearts are warm just with the thought of Christmas.  It's the time of year when people grow closer together out of celebration of the life of Jesus.

As I write these things, I am hit with the realization that not all of these things are true for all people - and this makes me sad.  Some people do not have warm, cozy homes.  Some people do not experience the goodwill of others and therefore will not pass it on.  Some people refuse to smile and laugh at the simple things in life; like Christmas lights, cookies, snowmen, snowballs, cocoa and marshmellows.  Some people will not know the feeling of being close to those who love them.  Yet, the most sad thing is that some people will not be celebrating the life of Jesus.

Even through all of the excitement that the holidays bring, I am always and first most thankful for the life of Jesus and the life that He gave for me.

As I close today's blog about Thanksgiving and holiday cheer, I wish everyone warm homes, love and someone to share it with, laughter and smiles, goodwill and JESUS.  And may be you be thankful for all of them.

God Bless!

~~The Butters'~~

November Update

It dawned on me today that Thanksgiving is next week and with the anticipated break comes unanticipated assignment due dates!   My first semester of grad school is almost complete.  Once back from Thanksgiving break, I have one week of classes and then finals!!  I can't believe how fast this entire year has gone.

Luke and I are growing ever more anxious with his anticipated applications to grad school as well.  The idea that we could BOTH be done with school by the end of 2013 is so exciting!  We both have been working so hard for the last 6+ years - and we only have more work ahead of us for at least the next 2 years, yet it will be all worth it in the end.  Knowing that we are working in professional fields that we are passionate about and enjoy is totally worth it.

In the meantime, I have decided what I want to specialize in as an occupational therapist - finally!  I want to specialize in brain and spinal injuries.  It was hard for me to choose because I think I would enjoy all areas of OT.  However, brain and spinal injuries are universal in that it can happen to ANYWAY at ANY age.  I can only imagine it would be a devastating experience and (if it were myself or a loved one) I would want to know that the person caring for me and helping me recover is committed and passionate about recovery.

Today was Luke's first day out on Opening Day.  I'm still waiting for him to get home, which will probably be about another hour or so...but from his phone call it sounds as if he had a good day.  No luck in getting a deer - but there will be more opportunities.

Overall, things are going well and getting VERY busy.  We are both looking forward to Christmas break and some time off from homework!

Luke's help with the sugar cookies....thanks babe!

Luke and I at the holiday parade in Kzoo this past weekend. :D