Time is the only thief we can't get justice against.

"There is one pain I often feel, which you will never know. It's caused by the absence of you."

I can never get enough of these family weekends. There's never enough time to be wasted on petty things, so we enjoy every single moment. I am so blessed to have a husband that would drive 10+ hours just to be with us for a few days knowing he would have to make that same drive only 3 days later. The traffic, mileage and exhaustion he endures only demonstrate his love for his family. But we really made the most of those days... saw both sides of our family on Thanksgiving and just savored our time together. I can't believe it was our 5th Thanksgiving together! My neighbor loaned me one of her kids to babysit at our house that night so J and I could black friday shop and have some one on one time together. It was frigid and he took such good care of me. Of course, it would be my favorite shopping day of the year and the only day I really, truly splurge that I'd catch Em and K's stomache flu. At 12:40 there was already a 30 person long line at Target, which opened at 4 a.m. I really wanted that kitchen for Em, so I wasn't about to back down... but I'd be lying if I said I brought my a-game. These people were camped out in layers with snuggies, thermoses, blankets and lawn chairs. No joke. I wore a cami, 2 shirts, a hoodie and some gloves. J left and brought me a blanket, some more gloves and a hat... and proceeded to stand in the cold for an hour and a half while I sat in the car trying not to get sick. Why yes, I have THE best husband in the world. We didn't get home till almost 5 a.m., though it only took us 20 minutes to get in and out of Target with everything on the list plus a few extras. Rock ON!

He even got out of bed with the kids at 9 a.m. and let me sleep till 11-something. Honestly, there's not a single thing I've done in my LIFE to deserve how wonderful he can be. Friday we got our tree (a real one!) but I was still dealing with my flu bug so, thanks to my spectacular hubs, the tree got put up and the lights got put on it. We saved the ornaments for Saturday evening, got some phenomenal family photos and concluded an overall fabulous family weekend.



When I start to feel sad that he has to go back, I remember the families who have to spend these holidays away from their husbands and wives and children who are serving our country. I'm so thankful for those men and women, their families, and for my husband. Our great nation wouldn't be what it is without their sacrifices. It was great to have him home and I'm grateful he was here with us.

Now it's back to the daily grind. I've set some goals for myself this time around... giving up my "instant gratification" complex for a healthy lifestyle that will (hopefully) stick this time. Slow and steady wins the race and all that jazz. Got to face the DMV and get the car tags dealt with and then I've got an appointment at the gym to discuss a membership. Stepping in the right direction, I hope... one step towards taking myself off the back burner. :)

Is it the weekend yet?