30 Days of Thanks: "Andrew Evan & Rebecca Leigh"

Friday November 29th: Day 29

"Andrew Evan & Rebecca Leigh"

I am so so thankful every day for my little monkeys! I am so blessed that God chose me to be these kiddos mommy. They have taught me more about life and about myself in the short time that they have been here in my life than anyone else. I strive everyday to be a better person and grow because of these two.  I am so proud of them and I just want them to be proud of me one day. I am thankful to have the opportunity to love these kiddos and have the job of raising them. I am so very blessed.

30 Days of Thanks: My David Andrew

Thursday: November 28th: Day 28

"My David Andrew"

I can't quite describe just how thankful I am for my David. I love my husband beyond words. He is such a pain in my butt sometimes and he drives me INSANE---but he is the most perfect person for me to spend my days with.  He makes me feel like nobody else can. The effect he has on me is crazy. Today, I had a rough afternoon with Drew and I felt quite horrible on the 30min. drive from my in laws home to my parents. In that time, I chatted on the phone (while the kids both slept in the car) with my hubby. He reassured me of my ability to properly handle Andrew and parent him. He reassured me of his confidence in me as a mother and made me feel so much better with just his words. I love him for all the "usual" husband things (i.e his ability to support our family so I can stay home and focus on the kids and household, him being a great daddy, etc.) but there's so much more as to why I love him. We have grown up together and I adore him so much. I just look at him sometimes and think of how lucky I am.  We have been through some horrible times together and he has honestly been so perfect in those moments. We have grown so much closer after those horrible experiences as well.  We have shared some amazingly happy times together. He has my whole entire heart. He is my David Andrew and I am SO THANKFUL FOR THAT!

30 Days of Thanks: "Thanksgiving Family Dinner"

Wednesday, November 27th-Day 27
"Thanksgiving family Dinner"

I love love love Thanksgiving. It is by far my most favorite holiday.  I love what the holiday represents.  I love the tradition. I love the yummy food...I just LOVE this day. Well, I also REALLY love my husband and understand that he can't make both a successful hunt AND a Thursday dinner. He is typically gone EVERY Thanksgiving, because come Friday, it's opening day for his elk hunt.  I support his passion for hunting (more than I think he will understand). I also, however, really want to continue a traditional Thanksgiving familiy dinner each year. Thats why today, I made Thanksgiving Dinner. The four of us sat at the table together (no TV, no kindle, no distractions) we sat together shared some convo, giggles and kisses at the table.  We enjoyed wine, beer and sparkling cider alongside a roasted chicken (Not turkey fans), stuffing, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, warm roles and gravy.  We ended the afternoon with hot cocoa on the couch and pumpkin pie for dessert.   I am very Thankful for these three amazing people.

30 Days of Thanks: "Community"

Tuesday, November 26th: Day 26
"Community"

Today, I am thankful for "Community" every sense of the word. Being part of "good" and showing support for others, and showing gratitude....all parts of the community.  Today, I had a photoshoot with a friends son and as we were sitting on a bench chatting, I looked down and saw a little plaque. A beautiful little memorial for an old high school friend/coworker who was killed in the line of duty. That tiny moment of my day made me stop, take a deep breath and remember George. I told her son (13years old) all about the officer and how he lost his life. That he was a daddy with two little boys and that I knew him.  We went on with our photoshoot and I left, and went on with my errands and everyday life.  I am thankful on this afternoon, I felt a sense of community when looking at that memorial.

30 Days of Thanks: "Tata & Nana"

Monday, November 25th- Day 25

"Tata & Nana" 

Today is my Father-in-law Martin's Birthday. (AKA Tata) Today I am very thankful for my inlaws.  David and I are very blessed that we are close to both sets of parents. Because of that, my children have two sets of grandparents who are very involved in their everyday lives.  I really appreciate the fact that my children are so loved by their grandparents.  David's parents would do anything for their son, and he is very blessed for that. I am thankful for the fact that he, I believe is such a good father because of the examples that his parents have set.  

30 Days of Thanks: "Sunday=Family Time"

Sunday, November 24th: Day 24

"Sunday=Family Time" 

I am thankful that I have the ability to make Sundays about just the family.  Even if it's only for that one hour that we are all sitting together at church, at that moment, it is just about family time.  

30 Days of Thanks: "Time Alone"

Saturday, November 23rd: Day 23

"Time Alone" 

Today, I am thankful for those little moments where I am all alone. Don't get me wrong, I love my family and friends, but sometimes it is so rare to get any time alone. Today I enjoyed lunch by myself and was able to run errands and get some holiday shopping taken care of all by myself.

30 Days of Thanks: "Wine and a good talk"

Friday November 22nd: Day 22

"Wine and a Good Talk" 

Today I am thankful for moments with good friends and family. Moments like this evening. I enjoyed some good wine and nice conversation.

30 Days of Thanks: "Hands On"

Thursday Nov. 21st: Day 21

"Hands On" 

Today I am thankful for the ability to be "hands on". I was raised by a lady who was very crafty and artistic. I remember seeing  cute things and my  mom always saying, "Oh we could make that, even better". I got a job at Craft Mart when I was 16 and really began making my own stuff.  I even made David's boutonniere for prom :)

I am thankful to have a very hands on husband. My husband can fix literally anything....and if he doesn't know how to do something, you better believe he will somehow figure it out. He has total pride in doing things himself.  Yardwork, he's Mr. fix-it around the house....and DIY project on my honey-do list, he tackles without hesitation. He loves to hunt and takes pride in bringing meat home for the family each Fall.

I am thankful for being hands on :)  

30 Days of Thanks: Baby Dom

Nov. 20-Day 20

"Baby Dom"

I am very thankful for the newest baby in our family. Our nephew Dominic came into our lives at just the right time. We have had so much happen and have been on this horrible roller coaster of emotions since last summer.  I enjoy having the chance to get a baby fix every once in a while in seeing that sweet face.  It really hurts my heart to know that we will not be bringing home another baby ever again. This year has actually has been very VERY hard on me. But when I get to see his beautiful, sweet face, it melts my heart. He has the most AMAZING smile and can't get over his sweet nature.  I enjoy seeing his changes as he is getting so big and I am looking forward to seeing him grow and continuing to be in his life.