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Ordinary moments...

"Time is a flowing river. Happy those who allow themselves to be carried, unresisting, with the current. They float through easy days. They live, unquestioning, in the moment."~Christopher Morley, Where the Blue Begins

Ever since Bailey turned 18, and all this college stuff started, I just sit in shock of where we are in life. I can't stop reflecting on these moments and how much they mean. John said to me a few weeks back, that I amaze him with how nothing really phases me (HA!). I looked at him and laughed. He said he doesn't know how I do it. It made me think. What is it that I do that makes it look as though nothing phases me? The quote above nails it. I go with the flow and live in the moment. I rarely think or plan any further than a few days, or week ahead. I look at each day individually. I also think of each ordinary moment as well...something extraordinary. These last few weeks have been full of magical everyday moments.

We started off our Thanksgiving break with a road trip to Lubbock to visit Texas Tech University.  The drive was so interesting, filled with wind turbines, cotton fields and oil drills. It was flat, with buttes out of nowhere and the bluest skies I've ever seen.


Our new favorite hotel, (not that we travel much) is Embassy Suites, and the one in Lubbock didn't disappoint. It was quite unique!




Lorelei wanted to play "Go Fish" but forgot to bring cards, so she made her own. She beat me twice and John once. We think the cards were rigged.


The breakfast buffet was delicious as always and the best part...I didn't have to make it! Our room was right off the courtyard. 


It was a cool crisp fall day. It truly felt like fall on campus. Leaves were changing colors and falling everywhere.




The architecture and sculptures all over campus were amazing. We all fell in love with Texas Tech!


Thanksgiving was soon after we returned home. My mom, as usual, hosted a beautiful dinner. 



We are always so grateful for her wonderful cooking. 



Thanks Nana and Papa!


Even though I said I wasn't read to embrace the holidays...well, I did! Even Bailey was surprised with how quickly I had up the Christmas decorations. We decided to go ahead again with our 4.5 foot Charlie Brown tree. We considered buying a new and larger tree this year, but I have to admit, there's something about this small one that I just love. 




Our elf Finland promptly arrived on December 1...I loved the look of awe Lorelei had.


For the very first time, we took both girls and Brieley, my niece, to see The Nutcracker. It was beautiful, as are these three girls!


As you can see in the photo (sandals times 3) Sunday, the day we went to see The Nutcracker, was rather warm, so you can imagine the surprise of our whole city when it snowed on Thursday night! I mean real snow...not "Texas" snow, but white fluffy snow that accumulated to nearly 2 inches and even lasted overnight.






It was magical...much like my life feels right now, in these ordinary moments.
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