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My life tends to get busy. I tend to over schedule myself, full of good and fun things mind you, but still FULL (I'm a chronic over achiever...good thing?). It's an ongoing cycle for me...over schedule, handle it well for about a month and then BAM! over load, burn out, not fully enjoying every day and I some how realize that if it wasn't for this little blog to keep record of what we do as a family, this past month would be but a blur to me.

Well I'm at that point. The point where I am in need of some sort of break. Luckily for me this time of year, though busy with family fun and Holiday celebration, slows down a bit with photo sessions, play dates and other things that pull and stretch me too thin.

Yesterday I needed to rejuvenate. Instead of cleaning the house, or doing the dishes, or whatever I needed to do for the two hours my girls were napping, I chose to do things I wanted to do.

While coming down from tucking the girls in for naps the room was dark and I could hear the rain outside. Perfect weather and ambiance for some homemade hot chocolate and french bread (a nostalgic snack that I've had my whole life...although a true French Baguette would've made it perfect, but seeing as how we're not in France or can walk down the street to purchase our baguettes each morning like we did in Tahiti - that was Bret's job - imitation french bread will have to do).

Sipping the hot cocoa and feeling the stream of warmth coat my still-recovering-from-a-cold throat pulled a sigh and an "Mmmmmm" from my lips. H.E.A.V.E.N.

Next, I checked my email. I had way too many little starred emails in my inbox. These stars indicated friends that I needed to respond to. I sat down and wrote emails to old friends. We're talking more than a paragraph people....with proper grammar (I think). Yes, that was quite enjoyable.After emailing friends, I clicked on over and read the comments on my blog - each one making me smile (we all love comments). Then I proceeded to visit my list of blogs, some of which I handn't visited for a while. Blogs are amazing. They uplift, spark imagination and make me want to do more and be more (sometimes not a good thing I suppose). You bloggers are wonderful!After spending as much time as I wanted visiting the blogosphere I opened my friend Mr. Photoshop CS3 and did some editing on a recent wedding I did. I enjoy editing. I love to see how each session is captured differently since my inspirations are pulled from the people in the session. I will admit that sometimes I do get sick of seeing pores and editing out that stray hair in every picture but it's so fulfilling in the end to click through them and see how beautiful people are. Raw shots, capturing simple details and ones taken candidly of the people just interacting are my favorite.And what would a little indulgent break be for me without opening up my nearly full DVR and catching up on a little Gossip Girl? The clothes alone on this show are eye candy for me.

Yes, it was as great little break from the usual for me. I was even more spoiled after dinner when Bret took the girls to the play area in the mall without me and I spent my alone time working on more earrings, baking some double chocolate brownies and mindlessly watching the previously recorded beauty episode Oprah did yesterday (1/25 shows she does might be worth watching :D).

What do you do when you have some "alone time"? Am I the only one out there who goes through this cycle of craziness? How do you rejuvenate after being frazzled?

Yummiest Hot Cocoa EVER!

1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt
6 1/2 cups hot water *start with 5 and then add according to taste desired*
Mini Marshmallows (optional)

Directions
In a large saucepan, combine sweetened condensed milk, cocoa, vanilla and salt; mix well. Over medium heat, slowly stir in water; heat through, stirring occasionally. DO NOT BOIL. Top with marshmallows, if desired. *you can keep it in crock pot all day - great for Christmas*
Tip: Chocolate can be stored in the refrigerator up to 5 days. Mix well and reheat before serving.