Wednesday Night Dinners

I'm thankful for the Wednesday night dinners we have with our friends.  These friends have a daughter only 2 days younger than Scoot and an almost 3 year old.  The girls all play well together.  The adults get adult time! We eat pizza (or spaghetti) and then there is always dessert! It is wonderful to have a night in the middle of the week to look forward to.  I'm thankful we have set aside time to grow our relationship with these friends.  It is so easy to get busy with life and forget to take the time to work on our relationships, but having this weekly date really helps keep us connected.  I'm thankful that they feel more like family than friends.  I'm thankful that the 3 girls have 2 sets of adults that love them.  I'm thankful that the girls have each other as friends already.  I'm thankful that tonight is Wednesday!

Christmas Cards

I'm thankful that I got my Christmas cards ordered today!  I'm starting to get into the Christmas spirit little by little.  Tomorrow my job is to gather all our Christmas books to start a Christmas book countdown list.  And I'm going to make a list of something Christmas related to do every day through Christmas Eve and pair it with a book to read.  We don't have any decorations up yet, but that will be part of the list.  I'm so excited about continuing/starting traditions with Scoot as she starts understanding the magic of the season!

car title

I'm thankful that we got our car title in the mail today!  That means that we have NO CAR PAYMENTS! :)  Right before Christmas is the perfect time to pay off the car! 

spiritual family

I'm thankful for our church family.  I've been going to the same church since I was about 5.  I was baptised there, went through confirmation there, got married there, and had my Scoot baptized there.  The people, and the preachers, have changed through the years but it is home to me.  I've missed large chunks of time during college and changed services but the family that we have created there is always glad to see us.  I'm thankful that we are surrounded by people who are so much further in their spiritual journey and are wonderful leaders.  I'm equally as thankful for the visitors and those new in their faith who are welcomed in and nurtured by the members.  The Advent and Christmas seasons are among my favorite times to be a part of this church and I'm excited for the weeks to come!

father - daughter bond

I'm thankful for the special bond between my hubby and my sweet girl.  I love watching them together.  I love the way they curl up and read books or sprawl out and build towers.  I love the way he whispers to her every night as he puts her to bed.  He's just loud enough that I can hear little whispers over the monitor, but not loud enough that I can tell what he's saying.  I love that they have that special time together.  I love the way she runs to him when he comes home from work - squealing the whole time.  I love the way she looks at the screen saver on my phone and says "dada." I love the way she snuggles up to him early in the morning when she gets up before we're ready to start the day.  I love the way she listens to him with just one warning.  I love the way she stands in the window and waves every morning until his truck is completely gone from sight.  I love the way she tickles him, steals his hat, and helps with his shoes.  I'm so thankful for all the love I get to experience just from watching these two together!

black friday

I'm thankful for all the deals that we scored during black friday shopping today.  This year, with me not working, we are really focusing on the real reason for the season and trying to get away from the overly commercialized gift giving part.  I've wanted to do this for several years because it just feels silly to scrounge around to come up with something to give someone who already has way too much stuff, but I always felt guilty for some reason.  This year - we have no money - so I don't feel bad at all! 

Even though we came home last night after dinner and did NOT go back out for midnight madness (or earlier since some places opened as early as 3 pm around here!) and we slept until after 7 this morning, we still had plenty of time to go black friday shopping.  And we got some great deals!  That means the small gifts that we are giving to family and friends this year didn't break our thinly stretched bank account. 

I'm thankful we got plenty of sleep last night and still got to be part of the crazy black friday fun!

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving!!
Today I am thankful for all of our extended family.  We had a wonderful time enjoying their company today and eating way too much yummy food!

step back - breathe

I'm thankful that for the most part, even through crazy pregnancy hormones, I can see when I'm being unreasonable or getting angry over nothing.  That doesn't necessarily change my feelings in the moment.  But I can recognize that I need to take a step back, keep my mouth shut, and approach the subject again when I've had time to cool off and think rationally.  Sometimes I can see it but don't care.  I'm thankful for forgiveness in those instances.  Today I am thankful that I kept my instant anger and disappointment to myself, because in the end it wasn't a big deal and not worth getting into an argument over. 

24 weeks of perfection

I'm thankful for a baby that is perfectly healthy and growing quickly.  Baby Roo had a 24 week check up today and everything looks wonderful.  The little one is growing a bit ahead of the curve, but that's not completely unexpected.  My blood pressure and blood sugar are both looking good for now but are being watched carefully.  Our ultrasound tech was really good and even gave us a little 3-D glimpse of Baby Roo's face.  It's a cute one for sure!!  Now if I can get the scanner to work, I'll upload a picture soon! 

2 hour nap

I'm thankful for 2 hour naps that little miss decides can not be taken anywhere but on me!  It's been probably 8 or 9 months since Scoot fell asleep on me and I hadn't realized how much I missed it.  I love to cuddle with that little butterbean!

weekend escape

I'm thankful for the weekend we just spent with my family.  On Friday we packed the car and drove 3 1/2 hours into the mountains to my sister's house.  My parents and uncle met us there and we celebrated Thanksgiving on Saturday.  It was a blessing to be able to spend 2 whole days with family.  Just talking, eating, napping, playing, walking, and enjoying each other's company.  I love this tradition! 

twice a week

I'm thankful that a friend of mine lets me watch her little guy 2 days a week.  Jacob is 4 months older than Scoot and they get along really well.  It is so cute how they play together, dance, chase each other, "read" to each other, and just sit together watching Elmo.  I love that Scoot still gets some toddler interaction even though she's home with me.  I'm thankful that those extra few dollars a week help me feel like I'm contributing to my family. 

help wanted

I'm thankful that I can find things to laugh about in the simple everyday things. 

This morning I went out to the car to get dog food.  Scoot was following me until she was distracted by the newspaper.  She made a bee-line for the paper, picked it up and walked back in the house.  She went straight to the bathroom and laid the newspaper by the toilet. (It's especially funny since no one at this house reads the newspaper in the bathroom!)

When Scoot woke up from her nap she walked right into the bathroom with purpose, picked up the newspaper and took it to the living room.  She took the whole thing apart like she was looking for something specific.  She settled on the "help wanted" section and laid down on the paper looking at it intently for more than 5 minutes.  I told Aaron that she must be tired of spending all day, every day with me but I don't know if she was looking for a job for me or her. 

The whole series of events was hilarious to me!  I'm so glad I get to be a part of her funny little world and that I can see the humor in the every day moments.

Thankful on a hard day

I'm thankful for a gracious God and that tomorrow is full of new beginnings!

beautiful weather

I'm thankful for the beautiful weather we are having right now!  I love that it is warm enough to be outside without coats on.  I love that we are not trapped inside, but can get out and walk and play.  I love that my toes have not been stuffed into socks at all yet.  I love that Scoot loves to play outside.  I love that we can enjoy the beautiful colors of fall while being out IN the colors and leaves.  This beautiful weather is is certainly lifting my mood lately!

Reading

I'm so thankful that Scoot loves to read!  She looks at books throughout the day.  She brings books to Aaron and I all the time to read to her.  She has books stashed in the living room, my bedroom, her room, the car, her diaper bag, and even the bathroom.  She loves books with animals or pictures of babies.  She has just started a new game where she'll bring me a book to read, but sit a few feet away and look at another book while I read, but I KNOW she's paying attention to me because she gets upset if I stop or skip a page.  I hope that her love of books and reading will continue to grow with her.  I love books and I'm thankful that she does to!

family photos

I'm thankful that I have a friend who is a budding photographer, who takes great pictures, and is affordable.  Today we had a mini-session photo shoot with my friend.  We're going to use the pictures for our Christmas cards.  I was so excited about our outfits and the location that Maggie chose.  Scoot wasn't very cooperative in the smile department, but she did get happy for a little while.  I can't wait to see what she got!  I'll post some pictures as soon as she sends them to me!!

The Military

Happy Veterans Day!

I'm thankful for the brave men and women who selflessly spend their time to protect me, my family, and this wonderful country.  I'm thankful for their families who give up time with their loved ones so that I am free to spend time with my family.  I'm thankful for their families who keep things running smoothly at home while they are deployed. 

I'm thankful that I live in an area full of military bases.  I'm thankful that I am reminded of the cost of freedom every time I walk into a store and see a soldier, marine or airman in uniform.  I'm thankful that I often have the pleasure of watching jet practice or listening to jet noise.  It really is a beautiful sound. 

I'm thankful that my husband, while not in the military, plays a pivotal role through his job in the way the military protects our country.  I'm thankful that the military keeps the economy in this area constant without the large fluctuations of other parts of the country. 

God Bless the U.S.A!

Education

I'm thankful for the education I received.

I have fond High School memories.  I had a bunch of great teachers. 

I LOVED college.  At least the last 2 years of it.  I went to a small school where I knew no one for the first two years and then transfered to a Virginia Tech (where I should have gone in the first place).  I'm thankful that we have the time and opportunity to go back several times a year and now Caroline gets to share in the good times!

I am also thankful for my time at Old Dominion University where I got my Master's in Education.  The professors there were amazing and I'm thankful for all they taught me. 

And right now, I'm thankful that my very favorite college football team just went into half time with an 8 point lead.  GO HOKIES!!

Girls Night!

I'm thankful for fun nights out with the girls. 

Tonight I got together with some of the teachers from my school (I'm still allowed to call it that, even though I don't work there right now because I love the school and the people there! {That's for Aaron who says its not "my" school anymore.}) for book club. 

Just try to figure out that crazy train of thought.... I'll give you a second...

Ok, ready to move on?

I'm thankful that Aaron is able to have some father/daughter bonding time while I'm at book club.  I'm thankful that going to book club has got me started reading again.  I'm thankful for the good food that everyone brings to share.  I'm thankful that I get to see these ladies on a regular basis.  I'm thankful that while we do talk about the books we read, we also spend a lot of time just chatting and connecting. 

I haven't been posting pictures with every post like I planned, but sometimes there just isn't a picture.  We didn't take a picture of book club tonight. 

I voted!

I'm thankful for my right to vote today.  We went as a family this afternoon after Aaron got home from work.  This was Caroline's second time going to the polls with me.  I was going to take an adorable picture of my sweet girl wearing my "I voted" sticker to put up with this post... but my precinct didn't have any stickers!  I guess budget cuts get in the way of everything these days!

sleep

I'm thankful for a smooth time change!  Scoot seems to be right back on schedule and barely even notices that anything has changed.  Just the way it should be! Thank you sweet girl for not getting totally crazy with the time change - your "still-easily-exhausted pregnant" mommy appreciates it!!

turning parents into grandparents

I'm thankful for the way my parents love my daughter.  They are always doting on her.  They brag on her like she is the best, smartest, cutest kid in the universe.  They spoil her rotten.  They are always willing to give us a night out and watch her for the evening.  Watching them as grandparents is one of the joys of being a parent. 

Friends

I'm thankful for my dear friends.  An old friend that I've known since preschool and recently started reconnecting with came into town this weekend.  I'm thankful that they were able to make time in their busy schedule to go to dinner tonight. 

*We were so busy talking, reminiscing, and catching up that we never took a picture of us together.  We're getting together in a few weeks when I go up north so I'll make sure to get one then!!*

Home Sweet Home

I'm thankful for our house.  When we first bought this house, I was only planning on living here for 3 years.  It's a small house and we didn't plan to have kids while we lived here.  It's been almost 6 years and baby #2 is on the way. 

Plans change.  And a house became our home.

We don't have a ton of room, but it forces us to be organized and picky about the things we buy.  It also forces us to spend all of our time in the same space.  I always hated to see families living in houses where everyone was always in separate rooms and never interacting.  That is not an issue for us. 

Scoot and Roo will eventually share a room and I'm kind of excited about it.  I shared a room with my sister for my entire childhood and I think it was an integral part of our relationship.  Baby Roo will bunk with us until we establish a good night time schedule and are confidant that them being together will not keep everyone up all night. 

It's true that..... Our dinning room is gated off and the dogs stay in there while we are gone.  The kitchen only has 2 drawers and 4 cabinets.  There are only 2 closets in the whole house.  We never have enough seating when people visit. My sewing machine sits on the table 99% of the time because there's no where else to store it.  Our living room is full of kids toys & books.  The washer & dryer are in the kitchen.  We only have 1 bathroom. 

But it is also true that... Our home is warm and cozy in the winter and cool and comfortable in the summer.  Our house is safe.  This is all the space that I care to clean.  We still have a ton more stuff than we really NEED.  We can live here within our means even with me not working.  We have an enormous back yard for the pups and babies.  Hubby has a garage for his man toys.  We feel completely at home here!  We have made it our own, and I don't see us leaving for several more years. 

Jabs and Flips

I'm thankful that I have the pleasure of feeling our little Baby Roo rolling around in my belly.  I LOVE the feeling of these little jabs, pokes, kicks, punches, flips and flops.  I love being pregnant in general and this is the main reason.  It is such a blessing to be able to experience the growth of a baby from the most intimate angle.  I'm especially aware of how wonderful it is because of the number of women I know who would LOVE to feel this and haven't been able to yet. 

I treasure each and every time I feel my Baby Roo move. 

Me at 21 weeks with Baby Roo (I haven't scaned any of our ultrasound pictures yet.)

My Sweet Caroline

I'm thankful that I get to be Caroline's mommy!  She makes me laugh every day.  She is a smarty pants and is learning new things every day - things that I had no idea she would learn this early.  She gives the best kisses.  I love when she pats my back and lays her head on my shoulder.  She likes my singing.  She takes my finger and leads me around when I don't know what she wants.  She takes off her shoes when we're outside, but wants to wear them when we're at home. She loves to dance.  She stops and points when ever she sees a dog, on tv or in real life.  She takes care of her baby just like a real little mommy.  She makes me want to be a better person.  She makes me want to give her the world.  She makes me feel like all is right in the world.  I love my sweet Caroline!

let's start with the obvious

I'm thankful for my husband.  He loves me even when I can't figure out why.  He lets me be exactly who I am with no explanation needed.  He is hilarious.  He brings home special treats on the days that have been the hardest, even without me saying a word (thanks for the krispy kreme donuts today babe!).  He works his tushy off to provide everything we need.  He supports my decision to stay home this year to raise our daughter.  He LOVES our daughter more than life itself.  He'd give anything to make her feel loved and safe.  He's passionate about football.  He's loyal to friends and family.  He'd drop everything to help someone who needs it.  He is generous with his time and means.  He has big dreams for the future.  I'm thankful that God made him just for me!

Double Duty November

I'm going to use November as a double duty month.  I'm setting this month aside to make a commitment to remembering the positive things in my life and documenting them.  Every day for the entire month of November I'm going to post something that I am thankful for.  Some days it might be a single sentence.  Other days, I'm sure I'll need an entire essay to share the depth of my thankfulness.  Some days the topic will be deep and thoughtful.  And some days it will be more lighthearted. Every day I'm going TRY to post a picture.

I'm a little intimidated, but I'm also really excited!  I've been thinking about this for a couple of weeks and I think it is just what I need right now in blogging and more importantly in life!

First installment is coming later today!