Motivation Monday: 24 Days to Christmas

And we meet again. On Monday. 
14 academic days until the next break starts. 
allow the countdown to begin.

I am excited for this week, as on Thursday and Friday the High School  Vocal Department and High School Symphony Orchestra are putting on their Christmas Concert; it is semi last minute, as we still have a good bit of work to do, but somehow it will come together. 

We have a great list of beautiful songs, including 3 pieces from the Messiah by Handle, O Holy Night, and Canticle of Joy (my personal favorite). I cannot wait to hear the symphony open up our concert and play along with us for the first time - It will give me chills.  

With a concert at the end of the week, and rehearsals each day before, this week will present it's struggles - organization is greatly needed. (did someone say time management?) 

Yesterday, I was confirmed. (I will be posting pictures as soon as I upload them onto the computer!) It was a great experience. I had to read my testimony (under 3 minutes - eek!). I will be including that with my "What I wore" Post. 

Motivation for the week: 

What is motivating you this week?

Love, Sydney 

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Thanksgiving: What I Wore

I hope you had a great Thanksgiving! 

Happy Black Friday! 

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. 

I spent the majority of the morning watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, wishing I could live in New York City and make a tradition out of sitting on the streets of NYC - the couch will have to do for now. 

I also spent  part of the morning making Pretzel Carmel Bark - it was super easy to make and was a hit with everyone. 

I had two (very) similar outfits for thanksgiving that were both comfortable, and dressy when needed.

My family had an intimate dinner, just the 5 of us for Thanksgiving. I chose a simple, comfortable outfit for the casual dinner. 

After dinner, we had a "Friendsgiving", where we had an open house with desserts. I chose a simple black skirt and stayed constant with my sweater, boots, and accessories. 

As I mentioned yesterday, I love this time of year and the countless things that I am thankful for. It's been such a fun year and I cannot wait to see what the last month of 2013 brings. 

How did you spend your Thanksgiving? 

Love, Sydney 

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Blessings and Thanks

Happy Thanksgiving! 

As  I wake up this morning, I am watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade with my sister, smelling the warm aromas of food cooking in the kitchen, and am so ready to spend time with family and friends.

Thanksgiving is one of my absolute favorite holidays, after Christmas. It is such a joyful time of year, with Christmas just around the corner, meaning people are really thinking about what they are truly thankful for and blessed to have. 

We go through our days and weeks, never stopping to think about how blessed we truly are ... We live in a country that allows us to freely speak, freely practice our religion, receive a free education, we have the right to vote. (The list could go on and on). When you evaluate your daily life, you realize (or at least I have) that there is something each and every day that you are blessed and thankful to have. There are the generic things, such as family, friends, a home, and food; yet there are other, smaller things, that we take for granted each and every day.

Such as musical instruments and the music we use to play these instruments. 

The books we have to read, and the ability to read. 

The amazing education that we are offered. 

The paper, pencils, and pens. 

The health that we are given. 

Clean water to drink.

Shampoo, Conditioner. 

I could go on for days. 

This past Saturday, I attended and volunteered at The Feeding of the Multitudes, in Downtown Charleston on the East Side. Seeing people's faces light up when they received used clothing was truly humbling. Seeing children's faces glow when I handed them new books to read, getting their faces painted, and jumping in jump castles. 

Seeing how grateful people were for a simple Thanksgiving meal.

It was a humbling experience. 

This year has had its ups and downs, yet I am still thankful for where it has brought me today. 

The year isn't ending; you still have a month to make a difference and show your gratitude and think about how blessed you really are. 

I hope that this Thanksgiving Day, you make a mental or written list of things you are truly thankful for. 

Peace be with you on this beautiful day. 

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is Good.

His love endures forever.

Love, Sydney 

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