2010?

Really?! 2010? Doesn't it just seem like last year we were all freaking out about the Y2K scare? I still remember where I was.. Leah Harman's (Now Pippen) parents house for NYE. When the clock struck midnight, Leah's dad turned off all the lights and we all, for just a second, thought that Y2K was actually real! Haha. Then after that split second we realized the tv was still on so obviously the power wasn't out. We were just freshmen then! Now it's ten years later and Leah is married and living in Maryland. Some of our friends that were there that night have kids! One is pregnant and due in June. Are we really getting old enough for all of that? I turn 25 in January and I just can't seem to believe it. It just seems like yesterday.

Now, 2010 is upon us and as I look back on 2009 I can't help but feel so grateful for all that we've been given this year. We've survived our first year of firsts with marriage. We've moved into a new apartment, and we have made some amazing friends here in Merrillville in our small group. I've started a new job, that I'm really enjoying (now that the holidays are over!). And Mike has found his own niche at his store. Thank you Lord for all that You have given and continue to give. In 2010 we want to give more back to You and Your will.

Have a very happy New Year. Be safe tonight and enjoy!

I survived the holidays!! Merry Christmas to all of you! I hope that you were surrounded by loved ones and remembered that Jesus is the Reason!! It's so easy to forget the true meaning of Christmas with all of the stress and craziness around us.

Speaking of craziness, I made it through the hectic holiday season. From what I hear- we are going to feel like we're on vacation from now on. I'm really looking forward to that. Plus it will give me time to really get to know all aspects of the job and strengthen myself in some of the areas where I'm lacking confidence.

We had a great Christmas. We spent Christmas Eve with the Marshalls. We are so blessed with great families who really support us through everything! We were reminded of that this weekend. Today we spent the morning with my family and the afternoon with the Huber side. I have missed my cousin Andrew, so it was great to have him home from New Orleans! We left reminicing about some funny moments and feeling like there just wasn't enough time. We always seem to leave feeling that way. But I guess that's a sign of a great visit!!

Remember...

As you finish up your Christmas shopping this year (or start if you're a procrastinator like me..) and as you deal with hectic, stressful, and busy retail environments please remember that the people working at those retail stores are just as stressed as you are. Probably more. "Thank You" goes a very long way. And just remember that their job this time of year isn't easy. Dealing with the public never is.

Just a friendly reminder from an exhausted retail associate :)