Usually the days leading up to Christmas are a time of stress and laying awake at night making countless lists in my head of all that still needs to be done. But as I finally sit down and take a deep breath after a long and busy day, I’m not as exhausted as you’d think I’d be. Instead, I’m happy… content… peaceful. I know I have more reasons to be happy than I can count. But, just for tonight… here are a few of my top reasons.

#1) I spent the night with my Flagstaff family tonight. Their daughter is a senior and has a huge math final tomorrow so I went out to deliver their Christmas goodies, eat some free dinner, and tutor Erica. I seriously love this family because they love life and being a part of their family feels so natural. Kim, the mom, is like a big sister to me and is always there if I need a hug or a listening ear; Paul, the dad, is so out of control that you can’t help but laugh at him and egg him on. Tonight, he was pretending to be pissed that his tamales had olives in them. Mine for some reason had none and when I pointed this small fact out he informed me he’d puke on me and make me clean it up if he found another olive in his tamale. Absurd, I know… but you have to just be there to experience this house of love and chaos. Click To Continue Reading…