Lacking willpower

I promised myself I would avoid blogging for at least 9 days.  But in my head I was thinking 4 would be good and I'd be proud I accomplished that much.  However, the thing is I have way too much to say.  The sound of my voice irritates me so what do I do?  Write.  Blog.   Whatever.  This post is a result of a couple lovely people that I love (I'm super profound... just so you know).  Anyway I didn't stay away.  Oh well...
First off- my friend Lauren wrote a darling post today and it made me reflect on the way I've despised Arizona lately (ok, despised is a little strong.. I've just been a little...ready for a change, I guess)...
While reading I also thought about how it's doing me no good to feel that way...
This was my typed out comment to her post but I deleted it.  Anyway:
You are so great.  I should appreciate Arizona more... I love it.. I do.. In fact I put it on my list of "states to live" when we'd play MASH during church back in the 90's... however, the other day.. Thanksgiving in fact, I called it a dried up wasteland...so much for being thankful.
And then I felt bad.  Thanks Lauren for reminding me of how lucky I am that all I've ever wanted I have right now.
Secondly, I strolled over to my bloggy friend Amy's blog to find yet another award to me from her. (:  Thanks Amy and to everyone else- Megan, Jamie.. that's all I can recall since I've started keeping track.  I've appreciated them.  I have graciously accepted these awards but made no attempt to give them out myself.  I have a reason- and it's not because I'm hoarding them.  I never really thought of blog awards as anything but a fun game of tag.  But tonight it inspired me to write, interestingly enough...  which is a miracle because lately I've wanted nothing to do with this blog.  Even though it really is just a fun game of tag I appreciate friends who think of me.
I hope I don't make anyone feel left out but I want to give out an award tonight to some friends and blog friends who have been around these parts for a while now...
The award...
And the rules...
10 things that make me happy:(in no particular order)

1. My faith and beliefs
2. dates with my husband
3. everything Brody does
4. sour patch kids at the movies
5. letters in the mail
6. visiting my family in DC- and everywhere, really
7. friendships that last forever
8. shopping (i love me some new clothes)
9. playing the piano or taking pictures
10. helping people who need me

And 10 of you... (in no particular order):

1. Alexa Mae at It's a Love Story
2. Megan from Megan in Wonderland
3. Tiffany from The Haynes Family
4. Anne at The Molino Family
5. Bree from The Clarks
6. Whitney from – Ach, Winnie, and baby Presley
7. Alexandria from Always Alexandria
8. Amy from Ha ha Wait, What?
9. Lauren- Sweet Nothings
10. Jamie from The Tran Clan
11. and one more because I'm awesome... Natalie from Nat-uh- Lee

These girls are wonderful friends/blog friends!  You all are!!
P.S. the treeeee is up!!!  You can all expect lots and lots of pictures soon.  Since I'm obsessed.  Officially.

Hooray it's December!