Tonight as I looked up to the sky I saw a shooting star and began to think about what I’d wish for. It’s interesting to think about how ones wishes change over the years. When I was little I would have probably wished for a pony or more toys. As I grew older my wishes changed to have money, be able to speak multiple languages, and to travel. Now that I have children and a family my wishes revolve around them. For my children to never suffer and to live long healthy fulfilling lives. For Steve and I to also live long healthy lives so that we can see our children grow old. And to have enough to take care of them so that they are always happy and can learn the necessary skills so that one day they can provide for their own families.

This holiday season is the first in a while that I’ve been truly giddy. I have butterflies in my stomach thinking about how amazing Christmas will be. Not because there are tons of gifts under the tree for me. That is no longer a priority. But rather because I can’t wait to see Sophia’s face light up. Watching every Christmas movie ever with her has been amazing. Seeing her grow into a little person has been one of the greatest things to happen in my life. This year is the first year that she gets it. As we were driving towards the mall to visit Santa she asked if the reindeer would be there and Mrs. Claus. Her excitement and innocence has been truly heart warming.

Family and friends are what make the holidays for me. I’m so thankful that this year we were able to spread the cheer very far. Small gifts and cards were sent out to everyone we have an address for. I was able to take part in an ornament exchange. And we were able to give a gift to a young boy in need. I love being able to have the means to give. Not because we want anything in return but rather it allows us to show the people we love and care about that while we may be many miles away, we think of them and are thankful to have them in our lives.

I love love. And to be able to spread that feeling to others is one of the most amazing things. So yes, life gets stressful and sometimes I just need a break. But it’s my life. And I wouldn’t trade it with anyone.

This holiday season I hope you get all your wishes. And if you don’t, I hope at least you know that you are loved. If not by anyone else, then by me. I love you.

Man who was rude to me at the post office, I love you for allowing me to recognize that I have time. And that yes I might have twenty packages to mail but at least I know I have at least twenty people in my life that are important to me.

Military wives with all your drama, I love you too for showing me that I don’t need to create drama to have a good exciting life.

Christina Kim, who was once my best friend in college but no longer speaks to me for reasons unknown to me, I love you too. You made some of the toughest times I went through a little easier just by being my friend.

Scotty Maxwell, Alex DB, Chris Berry, and all the other people who bully and talk about me behind my back. I love you too. Without you I might not have come to appreciate the people I do have in my corner. You’ve given me the strength to speak up and be brave. To not be afraid to say “this is who I am and I love me.”

And of course, I love all those amazing people who are good, kind, and support me. I love my neighbors and my family and everyone. Because really with two kids under three, I don’t have time to hate anyone. Hate and anger is what is wrong with the world today. So instead, let make a promise to just love each other. The good people in our lives, and the ones that test our strength.

What do you hope and wish for this holiday season? Who do you love? And what are you going to do to make the world a little bit better for all?