The other day, I read that there were only 7 Fridays left until Christmas and I felt my pulse quicken. How on Earth is this possible?! But a glance at the calendar confirms it: the busy season is here. Uncle Matt finally gets to meet Oden this weekend and my parents are visiting, too. We have dear friends coming to celebrate Thanksgiving week, which is a mere two weeks away. Oden’s first Christmas will be here with a full house of my family, and it’s John’s birthday. And then it’s a quick slide right into 2017 and my birthday, and suddenly Oden turns one year old… I have to remind myself to take one day, one event, one moment at a time so that this time of year is enjoyable as opposed to stressful. It’s not just the holidays that can feel overwhelming- life itself is challenging in some way, daily. But if you’re always looking ahead at what’s coming, you’re missing what’s HERE. (Remember that, Amber.) Take a peek at the things that have been keeping me smiling recently, one moment at a time!
Bright side: Cholula likes pureed butternut squash.
DO NOT waste your American right to vote tomorrow!
I’ve seen quite a few sunrises since Oden was born.
John’s breakfast sammies are delicious!
I was literally sore for days after this spin class!
We celebrated 4 years of marriage on a Tuesday night that wasn’t our anniversary because we had a sitter!
To be fair, often I would already have been awake for hours…
I still make 85% of Oden’s food. It’s much easier than I thought it would be.
Gorgeous anniversary flowers!
On our actual anniversary, we had a tasty meal, a good bottle of wine, and watched the baby monitor.
Wearing the slippers Grandma made him!
Babies in the bed!
I do my hair so rarely these days that I had to document it!
We are still enjoying a weekly date night together. So important!
It’s soup season!
A good reminder.
My little fox with his little fox.
Mountain trails in the morning with my hiking buddy.
This was the moment we knew it was time to lower the crib mattress.
We “trick-or-treated” across the street to have a glass of wine with the neighbors!
I made John a batch of oatmeal chocolate chunk cookies to take on a hunting trip.
Thankful for our nanny who lets me recharge with Cholula!
He loves food! He eats everything, except beets (just like his dad).
A quiet moment during a nap.
I had dinner with a friend this weekend and this was our view!
I’m in a fight with Daylight Savings Time.
Cheers to Daddy coming home and being off the clock after 5 days!
I made these amazing carnitas for John’s homecoming. So good.
Such a love bug.
One year ago, my brother was in town and the pregnant lady made everyone carve pumpkins or else.
Two years ago, we surveyed the hurricane damage in Mexico.
Three years ago, this crooked-eared beast was excited about big snow!
Four years ago, we were halfway through our honeymoon. That’s John on the right!
Five years ago, we survived Hurricane Rina after being evacuated.
Six years ago, this buffalo fell in love with me and John and I started dating for real.
And today, someone is asking for just one…more…belly rub.
You know. Just the usual bliss.
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the usual bliss 
I have to agreed with you in being in the here and now and not wrapped up in the busyness and at times the craziness. Happy Day – Enjoy 🙂