Happy 1st Day of Advent and World AIDS day

Hello all! Just wanted to wish everyone a happy start to the advent countdown. Bethany was so excited to put up the first piece of her advent calendar this morning. She didn't quite understand that she has to do one a day but hopefully after 25 days she'll get the hang of it.
Our Thanksgiving was great and we ate like pigs. Then we got our tree the next day and started decorating. I'm one of these people who likes to get the tree and decor up asap so I can enjoy it before it has to come down. I was disappointed to skip a personal tradition this year... Black Friday. I'm also one of these people who LOVES to get into all the shopping mess the day after Thanksgiving. I get energy from all those people fighting over gifts and scampering from one store to another trying to be one of the first 100 people so they can get a free snow globe at the door! I was grumpy for missing it but then perked up once we went tree hunting!
It was truly a special time decorating this year. It's Bethany's first year that she's really interested in all the Christmas hoopla and she is really into it. She loves all the nativities and arranging the animals in their special places. Poor baby Jesus doesn't get nearly as much attention as the camels, sheep, and donkeys! She decorated her little pink tree in her room and I'm sure it will be knocked over by the end of next week. She can't keep her little hands away from the ornaments! We have so much to be thankful for this season, my heart is full.

Today is also World AIDS day. Being an HIV case-manger and always having a special place in my heart for this cause, I wanted to bring attention to it. Many right here are thriving and living a "normal" life. But all over the world, millions are dying because the lack of medical care and medications. So, say a prayer today for those who are battling this disease and lack the resources to control it.

Pregnancy update: I'm 28 weeks and still doing well. I failed my first glucose test but passed the next one with flying colors (thank goodness)! I did not want to have to deal with a diabetic diet during the holidays. The weeks are starting to fly by now and we have only a few weekends "free" before the baby comes. I have several things that need to get done by then and we need to convert the guest room into babies room! Exciting stuff around here. I'll keep posting the progress!