Family traditions are the stuff that childhood memories are made of – family game night, Sunday dinner, evening walks. The list goes on.

Holiday traditions are no different.

Whether you bake cookies as a family, decorate the Christmas tree together or host a fun dollar store gift exchange like we do, there’s no denying that holiday traditions hold a special place in the hearts of families everywhere.

Holiday traditions are more than just, well…traditions. They bring loved ones closer together and shift the focus from receiving presents to being present and in the moment with each other during a most special time of year. Holiday traditions stir up memories of days past and are the cornerstone of family life. They have the power to slow time down for just a moment, even during the busiest morning of the year. Christmas morning.

Serving up a big batch of rainbow pancakes on Christmas morning is an absolute joy and one of my favorite holiday traditions. I can’t help but smile when my children settle in for breakfast and devour these super cute pancakes.

Coffee cup in hand, my heart swells with joy. Being together, being present, laughing and enjoying each other’s company over a batch of rainbow pancakes is what it’s all about for me.

Although my family and I enjoy good ol’ Christmas morning quality time over a batch of rainbow pancakes, I’m always looking for unique activities or traditions to add to our family holidays…

Tell me, what are some of your favorite holiday traditions?

Have I mentioned that there’s a $200 Target gift card up for grabs? Simply leave a comment and tell International Delight what your favorite holiday tradition is for a chance to win a $200 Target gift card from BlogFrog! 

Add some cheer to your coffee or baking this season with International Delight’s holiday flavors. Enjoy the taste of Peppermint Mocha, Pumpkin Pie Spice,  White Chocolate Raspberry, Vanilla Spiced Rum or Gingerbread Latte and stir up a moment of sweet inspiration.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of International Delight.  The opinions expressed by me do not necessarily reflect the view of the International Delight Brand. 

My breast lump ultrasound results are finally in!

(Well, they were in last week but my doctor was on vacation and refused to allow her staff to give them to me over the phone. So she waited until she returned to the office today to tell her staff that it was finally okay to call me and provide me with a little bit of relief. How nice of her. I am looking for a new doctor ASAP!)

My breast lump is a non-cancerous fibroadenoma tumor. It measures 6x6x4cm. I’ll have to go in for a repeat ultrasound in 6 months to ensure that the tumor hasn’t changed or grown in size, but I’m insisting on a biopsy immediately to confirm that the cells within the tumor are not atypical.

I’ve had run-ins with atypical cells before.

I’m so relieved to hear that the tumor is non-cancerous, but I think it’s important to follow up with a biopsy.

I also think that it’s important take charge of your breast health. Perform regular breast self-exams and schedule that mammogram you’ve been putting off today! You owe it to yourself and to your family. It’s quick, painless and it’ll provide you with a world of relief. Trust me.

Thank you all so much for your prayers, virtual hugs, tweets, Facebook messages, comments here on my blog, text messages, cards and chocolate (I’m looking at you, Becca!). Your kindness and support mean the world to me.

I’ll keep you all posted on my biopsy and my repeat ultrasound as they unfold.

But for now, I’m breathing a sigh of relief…

The last four days have been a bit of a roller coaster; moments of joy and happiness with feelings of worry and uncertainty thrown into the mix as well.

I’ve yet to receive a definitive answer as to whether or not the lump in my breast is cancerous. The results of my recent ultrasound have been sitting on my doctor’s desk since last week Friday. Unfortunately, she is out of town and no one will provide me with the results until she returns to the office on Wednesday.

I’m worried, upset and maybe even a little bit angry, but I really don’t want to be. I want to be patient, calm and still.

Like the beauties I found during a recent photo walk through the woods near my home. There’s something incredibly beautiful about their determination and resilience. Covered in frost, they refuse to give up. They’re determined to stand proud, to persevere come hell, high water or frost.

My breast lump journey isn’t over just yet. The waiting continues. But I’m determined to stand strong, persevere and be still come hell, high water or frost.

Thank you once again for the virtual hugs, prayers and words of kindness and encouragement. Your tweets, emails, comments and Facebook messages mean the world to me. Really.

Update: My results are in and I’m breathing a sigh of relief…for now. If you’d like to learn more, you can read about it here.

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Thank you so much for stopping by and linking up here at Live and Love Out Loud. I’m doing my best to visit as many of your blogs as possible. Please forgive me if don’t make it around to your place this week. As always, if you’re looking for even more folks to link up with, I’d love for you to visit a few of my friends…

My camera broke on Christmas Eve.

My ultrasound results still haven’t come in.

I’m worried, upset and stressed out.

But I’m blessed beyond measure.

I have a roof over my head, clothes on my back and food in my belly. I also have a husband and four children who are happy, healthy and fill my life with joy.

I hope you’re blessed beyond measure as well.

Merry Christmas to you and yours. May your days be filled with peace, love, joy and laughter.

My breast lump journey continues…

I’m anxious. I’m scared. My patience is wearing thin.

I’ve grown weary of waiting.

• 17 days have passed since I discovered the new lump in my breast.
• 8 days have passed since my diagnostic mammogram.
• 4 days have passed since I received some disappointing news.
• 3 days have passed since I underwent an ultrasound. (In case you’re wondering, it was quick and painless.)

I’m doing my best to be patient and positive, but the truth is I’m worried.

I’ve been struggling with that lately – my worries and fears. I’m strong, determined and resilient, but I’m only human.

I worry. I cry. I obsess over the notation that the ultrasound technician made while measuring my lump.

And I wait.

Wait, wait, wait.

I’m anxious. I’m scared. My patience is wearing thin.

I’ve grown weary of waiting.

Please tell me that I’m not alone in my worries and fears. How have you worked through the worry and fear of waiting on diagnostic results in the past?