Family + Friends time

All the roommates at our Halloween Party (bathtub, cotton candy, Q tip, Shark Week, and an Aquarium)
This fall has been a very busy, yet exciting time. Things with work have still been very busy, but starting to feel a little more manageable. My weekends have been spent traveling for my cousin's wedding, hosting our annual halloween party, having a great friend from high school visit, and having my sister and my nephew in town. I continue to really thrive being around people.. especially people I love and that know me and love me well. I find myself caring about My family, friends, students, and co-workers so much, but not always knowing how to show that love and care. My heart aches when others are hurting, but it's difficult when you have no control over how they are feeling and that you can't make things better. I find myself coming back to my faith and trying to trust that everything will end up ok, and we are strong enough to go through trials.
I am looking forward to spending 4 days in San Francisco next week with friends Jess & Brit to visit my friend, Susan. Having a break from work is much needed for my sanity, and my brain, and my body. Last weekend, my sister and my nephew came to visit me in Denver. It was so great to spend such quality time with both of them. I realize how hard it is to be a Mom. Wow, my sister is a great mom! We went for walks, went shopping, went out to eat, watched movies, and got to just hang out and chat! I'm so grateful for my sister and my nephew Blake is such a great baby and so fun to have around. I got to see all my family last month for my cousin's wedding. My grandfather turned 80 years old this week! I feel so lucky to have two grandparents still alive and very much part of my life. They are some of the greatest people I have ever known! As well as my aunts, uncles, and cousins. It's always great to see them, and I'm looking forward to Christmas!
Jill & I with the Bride-to-be



All the girl cousins at Bekka's wedding
My nephew and my sister come visit Denver!

Blake getting a bath in Denver



With the little monster after his bath time

Blake and his Mom in front of my house in Denver after a nice walk
Holding my nephew at Bekka's wedding
The holidays are such a special time of year, and I'm so glad I have great friends and family to share them with. It's important to remind myself just how lucky I am because I think when the weather changes or work gets hard.. it's so easy to just feel bad for yourself... but deep down, I know that's silly- and I have lots of people around me that support and encourage me and create such joy in my life!

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